Before Albert could interject, Jessie beamed and chirped, âIâm Like Uncle Albertâs little sidekick.
Heâs a real jokester.
He-â
âJessie!â
Albertâs tone was firm.
âYou better head back to Duefron.
â
Jessieâs defiance was clear in her expression as she lifted her chin.
âAnd who says you can boss me around?â
She tossed a small gift box from her purse, landing it right at Albertâs feet.
He recognized it instantly as the New Yearâs gift heâd given her.
Now she was returning it.
He still remembered saying, âHappy New Year, Jessie.
â
But now, she was using it to mark the end between them.
Albert stared at the box on the ground, choosing not to pick it up.
The wedding crowd was buzzing with whispers and glances.
Even the brideâs expression turned pale, but Albert didnât console her.
Instead, he focused on Jessie.
But Jessie avoided his gaze.
She turned away, her lips quivering.
Speaking to Melissa, she said, âWhy should I settle? Melissa, three years⦠And in the end, he married someone else.
You know what, Melissa? I actually wish it was you he married.
â
Melissa gently embraced Jessie.
Jessie sobbed and chuckled.
âIf he fires you after today, Iâll hand over that villa to you.
Itâs worth at least a cool hundred million.
â
But the humor faded for Jessie.
She refused to pity Albert.
He owed her.
If he didnât love her, why did he keep coming back? Why did he give her false hope only to leave her behind?
Before Jessie departed, Albert did something reckless.
He grabbed her arm and motioned to his right-hand man, saying, âYou, come along.
â
The wedding descended into chaos.
Albert whisked Jessie away to a presidential suite.
Before Melissa could react, the door slammed shut in her face.
Melissa wrinkled her nose.
Inside, Albert pushed Jessie aside.
He loosened his expensive suit jacket and paced back and forth.
Finally, he faced her and said, âDo you even know what youâre doing? Running away from your engagement party like this, youâre something else.
Whatâs your plan once youâre back?â
Jessie threw caution to the wind.
She was dressed to the nines, leaning against the sofa with an air of allure.
Catching Albertâs frustrated expression, she quipped, âMr.
Waston, do you ever think about how youâll explain this to Mrs.
Watson Later?â