She shoved him away forcefully and rubbed her earlobe, which had turned red from her touch.
Thankfully, the darkness in the car concealed it well.
Albert simply leaned back and watched her, unflinching.
Jessie eased her hand down.
After a moment, Jessie said icily, âIs this your idea of giving a lady a ride, Mr.
Waston? Youâve just lost your wife.
Even if youâre feeling lonely, this rush is unseemly.
â
Albert didnât say anything back.
He just kept looking at her, as though he was trying to see her more clearly even though it was dark.
She found his gaze unbearable, not to mention his unclear attitude.
She asked bluntly, âAlbert, whatâs this supposed to mean? Do you really think Iâm dumb? You were the one who left me to marry someone else.
Now your child is all grown up.
What, now that your wife is gone, you feel lonely? If youâre feeling too much, why donât you cool off with some ice? Youâre a dad, for goodnessâ sake.
And naming the child Jeslyn? Who are you trying to fool? Doesnât it bother your wife?â
Jessie let it all out in one breath and didnât want to talk any further.
She turned her head away.
To Albert, she seemed just as she always had, acting a bit spoiled.
But he could tell she had changed.
Back then, she wouldnât really be mad at him.
But now, her anger was real, and it had been overshadowed by disgust, probably with a trace of hatred lingering.
He never detailed the troubles in his marriage,
offering a gentle remark instead.
âYou were once naive, but youâve matured now.
Jessie, I truly donât want to cause any trouble here.
â
As he spoke, he massaged his forehead, admitting, âI shouldnât have done that earlier.
â
Jessie remained silent, her lips pressed together firmly.
Slumped in his chair, Albert covered his eyes with his arm and let out a heavy sigh.
âItâs been a few years.
Canât you find it in your heart to forgive me?â
At his words, Jessie tensed up suddenly.
She later realized she couldnât recall how the driver knew where she lived.
Stepping out of the car, her legs were so shaky she nearly stumbled.
Albert, got out after her and closed the car door behind him, concerned that little Jeslyn inside might feel the chill.
Observing the not exactly lavish apartment building, he inquired, âThis is your place?â
Gone were Jessieâs days of pride.
Having grown accustomed to her familyâs downfall, she simply nodded.
âYes, itâs pretty convenient living here.
â
Albert lit a cigarette.