Lost in thought, Jessie allowed Melissa to usher Helen into the suite, while she busied herself preparing tea.
After tidying herself up, Jessie observed Melissa pouring tea for Helen.
A pang of realization struck her.
Melissa embodied the ideal daughter-in-law Helen would admire, while Jessie felt she had only played the role of a shrew, constantly bickering with Albert.
In the aftermath of their breakup, Jessie found clarity.
She resolved to approach this encounter with grace.
Jessie offered a sincere apology to Helen, her remorse evident in her earnest demeanor.
Helen beckoned Jessie closer, prompting a lump to form in her throat.
Her fair complexion flushed with emotion, Jessieâs voice quivered as she asked, âDonât you blame me?â
Helen shook her head gently, a pang of sympathy evident in her eyes.
Jessieâs youthfulness and three-year relationship with Albert weighed heavily on her mind.
Jessie hailed from a respectable family background, yet she was willing to compromise.
Even Helen couldnât help but feel that it wasnât fair.
Seated beside Helen, Jessie was taken aback when Helen removed a jade bracelet from her wrist, offering it to her.
The bracelet, valued at millions, held sentimental significance far beyond its monetary worth.
But despite any reservations, Helen remained adamant about giving it to Jessie.
Helen explained, âThis bracelet has adorned my wrist for many years, maintaining its flawless beauty throughout.
Jessie, may your future be as perfect as this bracelet.
â
Overwhelmed with emotion, Jessie couldnât contain her tears.
Helen enveloped her in a comforting embrace, whispering, âIâm sorry.
Iâm really sorry.
Itâs Albertâs fault.
â
Jessie wept for an extended period, and Helen remained patient and tender throughout her emotional release.
Meanwhile, Melissa observed the tender exchange, her thoughts drifting to Marcus and Matthew.
Later that night, Albert stood on the villaâs second-floor balcony, clad in a crisp white shirt and black suit pants, silently puffing on a cigarette.
Despite his handsome appearance, there was a distinct absence of joy reflected in his demeanor.
As he smoked, his thoughts lingered on Jessie.
Earlier that evening, Melissaâs text informed him of their return to Duefron, with no mention of Jessie.
Yet, he couldnât shake the notion that Jessie must have shed tears for a long time.
Then, a pair of delicate arms enveloped Albertâs waist, drawing him from his reverie.
Daisy, his new wife, rested her head against his back, her voice soft as she asked, âDo you miss her?â
Albert offered a reassuring pat to her hand, his voice strained as he replied, âNo.
â
When men lied, smart women had a sense of propriety.
Daisy, perceptive as ever, detected the falsehood in his words.
She gently extinguished his cigarette.
âGo to take a shower.
Itâs getting late.
â