Jessie was furious.
Munching on crisps, she snapped, âWhatâs that supposed to mean, Melissa? You throw your attitude around with me but turn into a lamb around Marcus, acting all innocent and sweet.
â
Melissa set down a plate of mutton.
After tasting it, Jessie admitted, âThis is delicious.
â
Melissa replied with a modest smile, âI donât play the innocent or sweet role around Marcus.
Letâs not bring him up again.
Iâll focus on cooking.
Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes.
â
Jessie nodded happily.
In half an hour, Melissa prepared several delightful dishes.
She then brought out a bottle of wine, suggesting, âItâs chilly.
How about a little wine?â
Jessie was taken aback and said, âThat bottleâs worth a fortune, isnât it? Melissa, arenât you being a bit extravagant?â
Caressing the wine bottle, Melissa smiled and said, âItâs from Mr.
Wastonâs preferred winery.
They gave me as a gift.
â
Seeing Melissa in a new Light, Jessie said, âYouâre using Albert as your ATM, arenât you?â
Melissa didnât keep it from Jessie and said, âSticking around Mr.
Waston did have its perks.
â
âOpportunist,â Jessie commented, pouring herself a glass of wine and downing half in a single gulp.
Melissa intervened, âThatâs not how youâre supposed to enjoy it.
â
But Jessie was undeterred.
âDoesnât matter.
Iâm crashing here tonight.
Weâre both in the same boat of loneliness.
Stop the act, Melissa.
Youâre just pretending.
You were much more endearing back then, chasing after Marcus with nothing but courage in your pocket.
You might not have been his choice, but you had guts.
Now, that charm seems lost.
â
Melissa remained unfazed, her face a mask of tranquility.
Recalling old times, she also poured herself a glass of wine and had a sip.
She aimed to enjoy the wine without overindulging.
On the other hand, Jessie was intent on not leaving Melissaâs side.
She drowned her sorrows in alcohol, becoming thoroughly drunk before midnight struck.
Slumped over the table, she started muttering Albertâs name.
Observing Jessieâs intoxicated state, Melissa couldnât help but shake her head.
It was clear that Jessie still had feelings for Albert.