Thirty minutes later, Albert reached Melissaâs place.
Melissa greeted him at the door and stepped aside, âMr.
Wastonâ¦â
Albert understood what she was getting at.
He strolled over to the sofa and took a seat beside Jessie.
Tenderly, he placed his hand on her forehead.
Stirring, Jessie slowly opened her eyes.
She gazed at Albert before croaking out, âWhat brings you here?
Werenât you busy battling for your familyâs wealth? Didnât you tell me to find someone else to marry? Albert, Iâve followed your advice.
So why arenât you letting me go? And why do you still haunt my dreams?â
Albert swallowed.
He said gently, âIâll take you home.
You need to rest properly.
â
But Jessie wasnât ready to leave just yet.
Slowly regaining her composure, she rested her head against the sofa, her eyes reflecting a deep melancholy.
âYouâre taking me back? To that villa? Albert, my feelings for this new person may not be deep, but I wonât dishonor our agreement.
Iâm set to be engaged to him, with marriage planned for the end of the year, barring any unforeseen events.
I thought you didnât care for me anymore.
So why visit Duefron now, of all time? Why reach out to me? Did you want to see me struggle? Was this all to torment me? Albert, youâre such a bastard!â
Her anger unleashed.
She hit him with a force fueled by a mix of emotions.
Albert absorbed her blows without complaint.
Reaching into his coat pocket, he presented her with a gift box and said, âI just wanted to see you, Jessie.
Happy New Year.
â
Jessie looked at the gift, overwhelmed.
She shed tears, but silently.
She just held the gift in her arms.
After three years with Albert, how could she not feel sad?
Melissa stepped aside to give them privacy.
She stood on her bedroomâs tiny balcony, peering out.
As midnight approached, the night sky Lit up with fireworks, and the air was filled with the sound of celebrations, a stark contrast to Melissaâs solitude.
It was very lively.
While people were exchanging New Yearâs wishes, Melissa was alone.
And with her only family, Matthew, at the Fowler family place.
Melissa pondered over dealing with work to distract herself from the emptiness.