Her slap stung his cheek.
He didnât react, just tossed aside the cigarette butt and closed the door with one hand.
Then he drew her close again, caressing her and ki*sing her with intensity.
Finally releasing her, he gently touched her flushed lips, murmuring huskily, âIâve wanted to do that for ages.
â
Jessieâs nerves settled at last.
She landed three slaps on his cheek, expecting him to be irked.
But he chuckled softly, pulling her close.
âSo, youâre done with him?â
Feeling embarrassed, she nodded.
Sheâd ended things with Axell.
Did Albert see it as an opportunity?
Turning away, she muttered, âLet me go!â
In the dim light, Albert noticed her teary eyes.
He brushed her tears gently.
âYou cried? Ending things hit you hard, did it?â
Pushing him off, she snapped, âLook, itâs none of your business!â
She hastily adjusted her clothes, the air filled with their rapid breaths.
Jessie felt mortified.
Gathering her thoughts, she reasoned, âAlbert, donât waste your time any longer.
With a billion, you can have anyone.
Thereâs really no need to chase after me.
â
Albert scowled.
âYou want me to move on?â
Jessie glanced down, smiling faintly.
âI wanted you to stay back then, but you still married another woman.
Albert⦠Please, just let go.
Weâre worlds apart now.
â
Worlds apart?
Albertâs tone softened.
âI tried letting go! I let you date someone else.
And then?â
Jessie lifted her gaze towards the light upstairs.
âThen Iâll keep searching until I find my perfect match.
There are plenty of men out there, Albert.
Iâll find mine.
â
Fists clenched, teeth gritted, Albert growled, âJessie!â
She turned to him, offering a gentle smile.
âDoes it hurt? My past pain dwarfs yours, Albert.
â
With a last glance, she ascended the stairs slowly, disappearing from his sight.
Albert slouched against the wall.