On his end, Albert set down his phone.

He stood in front of the villa he gave Jessie. His trip to Duefron was spontaneous. He just wanted to check on Jessie and see if she was alright. If he did get to meet her, he'd hand her the present.

In that scenario, they could part ways amicably.

But it was clear Jessie hadn't moved on despite her tough facade earlier.

Resting against his car, Albert lit a cigarette, and then got into his vehicle with a heavy heart, pondering over Jessie's future happiness. She deserved a loving and kind partner, something he felt he couldn't provide.

Thirty minutes later, Albert reached Melissa's place.

Melissa greeted him at the door and stepped aside, "Mr. Waston..."

Albert understood what she was getting at.

He strolled over to the sofa and took a seat beside Jessie. Tenderly, he placed his hand on her forehead.

Stirring, Jessie slowly opened her eyes.

She gazed at Albert before croaking out, "What brings you here?

Weren't you busy battling for your family's wealth? Didn't you tell me to find someone else to marry? Albert, I've followed your advice.

So why aren't you letting me go? And why do you still haunt my dreams?"

Albert swallowed.

He said gently, “I'll take you home. You need to rest properly.”

But Jessie wasn't ready to leave just yet.

Slowly regaining her composure, she rested her head against the sofa, her eyes reflecting a deep melancholy. "You're taking me back? To that villa? Albert, my feelings for this new person may not be deep, but I won't dishonor our agreement. I'm set to be engaged to him, with marriage planned for the end of the year, barring any unforeseen events. I thought you didn't care for me anymore. So why visit Duefron now, of all time? Why reach out to me? Did you want to see me struggle? Was this all to torment me? Albert, you're such a bastard!"

Her anger unleashed. She hit him with a force fueled by a mix of emotions.

Albert absorbed her blows without complaint. Reaching into his coat pocket, he presented her with a gift box and said, "I just wanted to see you, Jessie. Happy New Year."

Jessie looked at the gift, overwhelmed.