With a faint smile, Albert insisted, âLet me give you a lift, Miss Green.
â
He said it all polite-like, as if theyâd never crossed paths before.
Jessie knew refusing might make her seem uptight, but she declined anyway.
âThatâs very kind of you, Mr.
Waston, but Iâll grab a cab!â
With Jeslyn in his arms, Albert stood at the entrance, the Light casting a handsome glow over him.
There were a few wrinkles around his eyes, but otherwise, he Looked as youthful as ever.
He fixed his gaze on Jessie and asked out of the blue, âYou still holding onto that grudge after all these years?â
Melissaâs heart skipped a beat at his words.
Jessie, annoyed, shot back, âDonât flatter yourself, Mr.
Waston!â
Albert held her gaze for a moment.
But then he stepped aside to let her pass.
Albert remained still until Jessie had walked a few steps away.
The little girl, snug against his shoulder, gripped him tightly.
Her expression was serene, though Jeslyn was secretly thrilled.
Melissa turned towards Marcus and inquired, âThat was intentional, wasnât it?â
Marcus, stroking his chin, chuckled.
âHonestly, even after all these years, Jessie remains the same.
She used to be easily swayed by Albert, and now someone else has pinpointed her vulnerability! The kid really does adore her.
â
Hearing Marcusâ words, Melissa sighed and made her way to the yard.
A black Rolls-Royce pulled up in the parking area.
The driver opened the back door, allowing Albert t
o settle Jeslyn into her seat.
Once seated, the girl looked at Jessie and requested, âSit with me, Jessie.
â
Jessie declined gently.
âThank you.
But you go ahead first.
â
Albert shot her a look before climbing into the car.
Jessie followed suit and found a seat for herself.
It wasnât until she was inside that she noticed their proximity.
Albert was seated right beside her.
The carâs confined space allowed her to catch his scent.
Mixed in the air were the faint smells of cigarette smoke and his refreshing aftershave.
That was the scent to which she had once been addicted!
Just like old times.
Jessie recalled how, during their time together, sheâd nuzzle his neck like a puppy, causing him to itch.
His response was often to ki*s her, a playful form of âpunishment.
â
Those memories stirred emotions in Jessie, and her eyes began to water.