“Thanks, but no thanks!"

Jessie replied coolly, “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Watson. But I can manage on my own... If that's all, I need to get back to my father. Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

Her indifferent tone got under Albert's skin.

He reached out and pulled her into a hug.

As he touched her face, Jessie winced in pain. Albert felt a pang of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you have to treat me like a stranger?"

Jessie lifted her head and offered a faint smile.

Then she fired back, "What else should I do, Mr. Watson? Should I accept your help and then sleep with you as payment? Or maybe I should become your secret lover... Albert, is that what you want?"

With tears welling up, Jessie continued, "No matter how tough it gets, I'll never ask for your help!"

Jessie, after saying that, seemed lost in her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Albert felt even worse.

But he didn't release Jessie, nor did he spill the beans about Daisy.

He figured his marriage choice was in the past, for better or worse.

And he didn't regret it, even if his wife had cheated on him.

Albert pulled out a tube of ointment, popped the lid with one hand, and dabbed some gently on Jessie's face, careful not to hurt her again.

With Jessie locked in his embrace, she had no choice but to stay put.

She felt awkward, turning her face away. She didn't want to talk to him but eventually couldn't help blurting out, “Why are you here?

Just to mock me?"

Albert stayed silent, tending to her with the ointment.

The sight brought back memories of their past. Jessie acted all experienced but Albert discovered only later she was still a virgin.

She had been shy and had cried out in pain during their first time together.