Meanwhile, Melissa made her escape down the stairs, Marcus’ Laughter echoing behind her as she hurried away.

At dinner, Jessie's demeanor shifted between moods, at times acting petulantly while Shawn's wife attentively served her.

Jessie eventually found herself feeling out of place amidst the cozy dynamics of Marcus and Melissa, along with Shawn and Janet. She was struck by a pang of loneliness, pondering on a life that could have been with someone who loved and cherished her, imagining children of their own.

As Janet offered her more food, Jessie snapped out of her reverie, managing a smile despite the tears brimming in her eyes.

Retreating to her room post-dinner, Jessie lay on her bed, engulfed in silence, haunted by memories of Albert.

The thought of how swiftly she was expected to move on from their three-year relationship, which held moments as significant as her first intimate experience, seemed impossible.

Her phone's abrupt ring jolted her from her thoughts, displaying a reminder she had set a year prior- to congratulate Albert on a year without smoking.

The reminder starkly highlighted the distance that now lay between them.

Albert had moved on, leaving Jessie clinging to the remnants of what used to be her whole world. In her heart, Jessie knew she had been the one unable to let go, even as Albert had clearly moved forward, likely now sharing his life with someone new.

This realization deepened Jessie's self-reproach.

Amidst her reflection, she stumbled upon a single photo of Albert, the last piece of him she held onto.

As she looked at it, her emotions overflowed, and she wept.

Yet, life's demands didn't pause for heartbreak. Shortly, her mother would arrive at Melissa's, seeking Jessie, pulling her back from the depths of her past and into the ongoing flow of life.

The evening had unfolded quietly, with Marcus and Melissa returning home early to enjoy a serene weekend. Yvonne was engrossed in her piano lesson under Melissa's watchful eye, while Marcus and Matthew shared a joyous time in the yard with the puppy.

The tranquility was shattered by the abrupt stop of a black limousine at their gate, heralding the arrival of Mrs. Green.

Mrs. Green's entrance was swift and her demeanor, grave and troubled.

No sooner had she laid eyes on Jessie than she delivered a slap that resonated with years of unspoken reprimands, marking the first time she had ever struck her daughter in such a manner.

Jessie, stunned and hurt, covered her face as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Mrs. Green's voice, heavy with disappointment and anger, filled the room. "Shame on you! How could you bring such distress upon our family? Your father has been driven to his limits cleaning up after your mess, landing him in the operating room as we speak!" She continued, her voice laden with sorrow, "The whispers and stares, branding you reckless and naive, all because you chased after a lost cause to Heron, only to humiliate yourself further at his wedding."

"Jessie!" Mrs. Green's exasperation was palpable. “How could you do this to us? Do you not care at all?"