Pushing open the bedroom door, the pungent smell of alcohol hit her immediately.
With a concerned frown, she asked, âExactly how much did she drink?â
The maid, embarrassed, offered no answer.
Jessie was sprawled across the bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albertâs name amidst her sobs and angry outbursts.
She lamented his absence and expressed her reluctance to marry another.
Upon watching this, Melissaâs heart went out to Jessie.
She fetched a towel and gently began to wipe Jessieâs face as she sat beside her.
Slowly coming to, Jessie saw Melissa and burst into tears.
âWhat took you so long?â
âWhy did you drink so much, huh? You know itâs bad for you,â Melissa softly chided.
Jessieâs response was filled with despair.
âI donât care! Nobody does.
â
Tears brimming, Jessie turned to lie on her back, a raw vulnerability in her voice.
âMy fiance, heâs seemingly perfect in every way.
Yet, he envisions our marriage as an open relationship.
Do you understand what that means, Melissa?â
A bitter smile crossed her face as she went on, âIn plain terms, our marriage is nothing but a facade.
Weâre allowed to be with others.
Only he will be the father of our children.
Beyond that, heâs indifferent.
Can you believe it? Talk about being âprogressiveâ!â
Tears kept streaming down Jessieâs face as she lamented, âHow is he any different from Albert? Melissa⦠Tell me, why is it so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me? Why do men always treat me so harshly?â
Attempting to steer Jessie away from her painful ruminations, the servant interjected, but
Melissa gently suggested, âElsie, would
you mind preparing some soup for Miss Green?â
With a momentâs hesitation, Elsie nodded and left them alone.
Turning her attention back to Jessie, Melissa tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend.
It was clear to Melissa that Jessieâs heart still lingered with Albert, not her fiance.
The continued presence of Elsie and the retention of the villa were telltale signs of her unresolved feelings.
Perhaps, Jessie hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she tied the knot.
With a soft, soothing tone, Melissa offered comfort.
âEveryone faces their trials, some early in life, others later on⦠Putting aside your situation with Mr.
Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man, Jessieâ
âHonestly, I donât know anymore,â
Jessie confessed, her voice breaking as tears gathered in her eyes.
âThese past years, Iâve just been drifting, feeling so utterly useless.
I donât know what Iâm supposed to do with my life, Melissa.
â
In that moment, Melissa couldnât help but see a parallel between Jessie and Minnie, the innocent puppy, both seemingly lost.
She responded with a gentle reassurance, âYouâre selling yourself short, Jessie.
Youâre young, vibrant, and full of potential.
â