Melissa retorted defensively, âHonestly, you werenât any better to Jessie.
At least her fiance was upfront about his intentions before the wedding and she had a chance to break it off.
â
Albert glared at Melissa, his anger palpable.
âYou seem determined to make matters worse.
Arenât you worried Iâll send you packing?â
Melissa replied respectfully, âJessie mentioned that if you took it out on me, sheâd transfer ownership of the villa to me.
â
Albert was incensed.
âSince when did you two become so chummy?â
Melissa remained silent.
After a prolonged silence, she spoke softly.
âMr.
Watson, why not do right by her and yourself? Itâs clear youâre fond of her.
â
Albert didnât directly address Melissaâs suggestion.
Instead, he retrieved a cigarette, lighting it with deliberate slowness.
He smoked more than half of it in silence.
How could he explain this to Melissa? He was almost two decades older than Jessie.
Despite his current appearance of youth and success, he feared he might become a regretful old man in the near future.
Truth be told, Albert had once entertained thoughts of marrying Jessie.
Yet, every time he contemplated her youthful, sleeping visage, he hesitated.
Melissa averted her gaze, murmuring, âMr.
Watson, itâs just your insecurities talking.
Itâs not your age that makes you feel undeserving, but her superiority.
Sheâs got a top-notch background, stunning looks, and an Ivy League education.
Even without a job, she has everything you once lacked, leaving you feeling inferiorâ¦
Albertâs hand holding the cigarette twitched from the heat.
He stared at Melissa intently.
With a wry smile, Melissa continued, âPerhaps I can relate because I come from a similar background just as yours.
â
Having once been his secretary, she was well acquainted with his circle and felt entitled to speak her mind.
In a hushed tone, Melissa added, âYou havenât signed any legal documents yet, Mr.
Watson.
You still have a chance to back out.
You might disappoint her, but if you marry her without love, youâll hurt her even more.
â
Albertâs gaze bore into Melissaâs, his eyes holding depths of emotion.
âIâm not marrying for love.
Itâs a connection through marriage with another family, Melissa,â he articulated each word deliberately.
âYouâre intimately familiar with the Waston Group.
This union could preemptively quell internal discord.
Why shouldnât I pursue it?â
âBut, Mr.
Watson, are you happy?â
The Waston Group, the influence⦠Are those truly your desires?
Do you find yourself longing for that version of yourself on the racetrack when you are alone on your own?â
Albertâs eyes never wavered from Melissaâs.
He regarded this young woman as both a subordinate, a partner in crime, and a family of sorts.
His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night, their intensity now heightened, lending a more ominous aura.