Marcus smirked. “He's got a better grip on his situation than you think! Being married, he knows what's off-limits. If he really cared for Jessie, he wouldn't even lay a finger on her."

Melissa eyed him for a moment. "You seem to know Mr. Waston pretty well?"

Marcus countered slowly, “Feeling a bit jealous, are we?"

Meanwhile, Albert was holding Jessie's face, still feeling the heat from their scuffle.

He caressed her cheek, his voice gravelly.

“Don't say that about yourself!"

Jessie chuckled against the wall, and then cocked her head.

Albert. Everyone in Duefron knows that. You don't want me!"

He stared at her, and then blurted out, "Do you want me to get a divorce?"

Jessie was taken aback.

Disbelief flashed across her face, as if she'd just heard the unthinkable.

After a moment, she chuckled. "Come on, Albert, quit joking!"

She'd attended his wedding and he didn't bat an eye. He just handed her some tissues and carried on with the festivities. The night she cried her heart out, he was off enjoying his honeymoon.

But now, after just six months, he was asking if she wanted him to divorce.

What was he getting at?

Had he gotten bored of his new missus, used her up, and now figured his old flame was more fun in bed?

Jessie laughed, tears rolling down her cheeks. She shoved him away hard, stumbling forward, not caring which empty private room she found herself in.

In the room, she spotted some booze and poured herself a hefty glass.

"Jessie!"

Albert's voice rang out, pained.