Melissa fetched a damp towel from the bathroom and gently wiped Jessieâs forehead as she lay there.
Suddenly, Jessie clutched Melissaâs hand.
Jessie blinked, her flushed face wearing a tipsy expression.
She murmured, âWhat brings you here? Iâm about to get married.
I donât need your pity.
Albert, itâs over.
From now on, our paths wonât cross again.
â
Melissa felt a mix of pity and frustration.
After trying to soothe Jessie, Melissa attempted to move her to the bedroom, hoping sheâd calm down
in her sleep.
Yet, Jessie became agitated, clinging to the table, clamoring for more drinks.
Just as Melissa was at a loss, Jessieâs phone began to ring.
It was Albert calling.
Struggling and failing to grasp her phone, Jessie implored, âMelissa, thatâs Albert on the line.
Answer the phone for me.
I want to know if heâs begging, ready to grovel for a second chance if heâs having second thoughts about me marrying someone else⦠But his ego wonât let him.
Ask on my behalf.
â
Tears streamed down Jessieâs face as she pleaded.
Melissaâs heart sank a bit, too.
She gently tapped Jessie on the back before picking up the call, saying, âHello, Mr.
Waston.
â
Albert paused, checking his phone to confirm heâd dialed Jessie.
âs BunnyBookery
Melissa cut straight to the point, her voice soft, saying, âJessieâs here with me, quite drunk and a bit over the top.
â
There was a quiet moment on the other end of the line.
Then Albert responded, his voice rough, âIâll be there in thirty minutes.
Please look after her until then.
And Melissa, my apologies for the inconvenience.
â
He was well aware of Jessieâs fiery spirit.
He knew Jessieâs thoughts, yet he recognized he wasnât the one for her.
Melissa was taken aback, not having expected Albert to be in town.
After a momentâs hesitation, she acknowledged, âAlright.
And by the way, Happy New Year, Mr.
Waston!â Melissa then ended the call.
On his end, Albert set down his phone.
He stood in front of the villa he gave Jessie.
His trip to Duefron was spontaneous.
He just wanted to check on Jessie and see if she was alright.
If he did get to meet her, heâd hand her the present.
In that scenario, they could part ways amicably.
But it was clear Jessie hadnât moved on despite her tough facade earlier.
Resting against his car, Albert lit a cigarette, and then got into his vehicle with a heavy heart, pondering over Jessieâs future happiness.
She deserved a loving and kind partner, something he felt he couldnât provide.