Feeling vulnerable, Melissa couldnât resist giving in to her emotions.
âMarcus, the children are still in the car.
â
Marcus held her hand for a moment before releasing it.
The black Rolls-Royce glided quietly through the night, enveloping Melissa in a sense of safety and comfort.
Leaning back in her seat, Melissa gazed out the window at the dark night, her thoughts drifting to Jessie, likely reveling in the holiday festivities as well.
Meanwhile, at the Waston Mansion, Lights illuminated the scene.
The spacious kitchen was brightly lit, bustling with activity as Jessie and Jeslyn worked diligently.
Jeslyn had taken on the task of baking a cake for Christmas, intending to decorate it with a castle featuring Albert.
Jessie had been occupied for quite a while, but she finally completed baking the cake base.
As she grappled with the cream piping, Jessie found herself in a dilemma.
While she managed to shape the castles with relative ease, figuring out how to extrude Albertâs Likeness from cream posed a challenge.
Observing Jessieâs struggle, Jeslyn leaned in, resting her chin on her hand and offering encouragement.
âJust shape him the way you see him in your mind and eyes,â she urged.
âIâve noticed how you often stare at him.
Isnât my dad handsome?â
Jessie felt the urge to sew Jeslynâs mouth shut.
While she wasnât familiar with Albertâs late wife, it was clear to Jessie that Jeslyn had been greatly influenced by Albertâs upbringing.
Regardless of their biological connection, Jeslyn seemed to have inherited Albertâs temperament entirely.
Sensing Jessieâs discomfort, Jeslyn stretched and suggested, âIâll go outside to build a snowman.
Take your time.
Once itâs ready, letâs enjoy it together.
â
Speechless, Jessie watched as Jeslyn hurried away.
With a determined expression, she proceeded to carefully craft the cake.
Yet her gaze kept drifting to the window.
Outside, the snow was getting heavier and heavier.
Jessie realized she might be stranded for the night, but she wasnât overly concerned.
Albert had been traveling frequently over the past six months, often leaving her in charge of Jeslynâs care.
Staying overnight at the mansion had become routine.
The thought brought a blush to Jessieâs cheeks.
As the sound of a car approached from outside, Jessie paid it little mind, assuming it was the villaâs driver returning from a shopping trip with Elsie.
Given the ongoing snowfall, they had probably gone out to gather supplies.
With her focus on the challenging task of cake-making, Jessie kept her head lowered.
Footsteps approached from behind her.
She thought it was Jeslyn, so she spoke softly.
âItâs cold out there, right?â
No one answered.
The footsteps drew nearer until a pair of strong arms enveloped Jessieâs waist, emanating a familiar male scent mingled with the chill of winter.
Albert?