It was past midnight when Albert got back to Heron.
Since he hadnât given Daisy a heads-up, she was taken aback by his sudden return.
When he walked in, she exclaimed, âAlbert? I didnât expect you back so soon!â
Throwing her arms around him, Daisy was met with Albertâs indifferent response.
âI need a bath,â he said flatly, patting her on the shoulder.
With a gentle ki*s on his chin, Daisy offered, âIâll run the bath for you.
â
Albert accepted without protest.
As he reached the bedside, he shrugged off his coat and collapsed onto the bed.
Exhausted from the recent days, he drifted into slumber the moment his head hit the pillow.
In his half-asleep state, he felt a tickle on his face, as if a puppy were licking him.
Caught between dreams and reality, he reached out to stroke the womanâs hair lovingly, murmuring, âQuit it, Jessie.
Let me rest! Iâm beat!â
Startled awake at his own words, he found himself staring into Daisyâs astonished eyes.
In that instant, the facade of their harmonious marriage crumbled.
Pretending not to notice her expression, Albert mumbled an apology and turned away, though he felt no remorse.
Daisy had sought solace in someone elseâs arms mere weeks into their marriage.
Albert knew everything.
Out of respect for this marriage, Albert still apologized now for saying another womanâs name in their bed.
Daisy was even more taken aback.
Albert had called her Jessie and had been arousedâ¦
It wasnât him rejecting her; he simply didnât want her!
Perched on the edge of the bed, Daisy gazed at Albert, who had retreated into his cold demeanor.
Softly, she asked, âWhy wonât you touch me? Is it because of her?â
Albert had no desire to discuss Jessie any further.
Albert had kept his distance from Jessie since tying the knot.
He especially didnât want Daisy bad-mouthing Jessie because of their history.
Rising to his feet, he quipped, âCome on! Iâm not the one stepping out on our marriage.
â
Daisy was floored by his retort, remembering the night sheâd been wasted and fooled around with a young guy.
They hadnât gone all the way but theyâd cuddled, ki*sed, and fooled around for ages.
As Albert headed for the bathroom, Daisy grabbed his hand.
âAlbert, are you rejecting me for that shameless woman? Whatâs so great about her? Sheâs just a home-wrecker, chasing after married men!â
His patience snapped and he slapped her.