Jessie wanted to deny it, but the truth was evident in her trembling form.
Albert didnât press the issue.
He guided her to the sofa before retrieving a first-aid kit.
Seated, he allowed her to assist him to treat his wound.
A strange calmness settled between them, as if past grievances had evaporated and the years of separation were but a fleeting illusion.
Jessie murmured softly, âStop concerning yourself with Axell.
Itâs not worth your trouble.
â
Albert fixed his gaze on her and inquired, âDo you feel sorry for him?â
Jessie lowered her gaze and shook her head.
âNo, itâs not pity.
Itâs simply unnecessary.
Thatâs all in the past.
â
Having said that, she meticulously tended to his wound.
In reality, it was quite severe.
She hadnât anticipated that Albert, at his age, would act so impulsively.
Albert persisted in his inquiries.
He gazed at her intently and queried, âHeâs inconsequential, so you deem it unnecessary, right?
Jessie, am I still of significance to you? Have you harbored resentment toward me all these years?â
Jessie shook her head gently.
He cradled the back of her head, leaned in, and tenderly ki*sed her.
Jessie was taken aback, her lips slightly parted, allowing Albert to ki*s her passionately and eagerly, as if he wanted to consume her entirely with his fervent actions.
Jessie resisted, feeling apprehensive.
She pushed against his shoulders forcefully, pleading and calling out his name, âAlbert⦠Albertâ¦â
Albert hesitated briefly.
He held her face, his heart racing.
He confided in her that he hadnât been intimate with anyone in years and that he struggled to restrain himself, and as he spoke, he started unbuttoning her blouse.
When she was naked, he lost all of his self-control.
He couldnât even wait to reach the bed, eager to lavish her with attention.
He claimed her once more in this manner.
They remained silent and motionless for a while afterwards, simply embracing each other tightly.
The surroundings were hushed, with only the sound of their racing heartbeats and the occasional chirp of birds outside.
Every subtle noise seemed to be heightened.
Jessie lay against his shoulder, feeling utterly drained.