Jessie wept once more.

Albert cradled her gently, his touch soft and reassuring, as if comforting a frightened child. He whispered soothing words, coaxing her until she stirred. She had no urge to scold or strike him again.

As he prepared breakfast, he extended an invitation, and she accepted without hesitation.

The dining room felt different from three years ago, lacking Elsie's presence. When Albert asked about Elsie, Jessie replied, "Elsie's with Melissa now. She's enjoying her work and getting along with everyone."

Albert served her a bowl of clam chowder.

It was her favorite dish.

"It's fresh. Give it a try."

Gazing at the clam chowder, Jessie reminisced. There were moments of happiness they had shared, especially in the beginning when he showered her with affection. He used to take her to a famous restaurant in Jamdur for authentic clam chowder, her favorite. Upon returning to Duefron, he had learned to make it himself.

Despite his flirtatious tendencies, he had always been devoted to her.

With a lowered head, Jessie ate in silence.

In a soft tone, Albert said, "I visited Jamdur last month. Being alone doesn't sit well with me, Jessie... I've come to realize there's no point in dwelling on the past. What's done is done."

She understood the weight of his words.

His marriage remained an immutable reality.

With a faint smile, she replied, "Mr. Watson, don't fret. I won't disrupt your family. From now on, if our paths cross, I'll steer clear. You mustn't approach me either, or I can't be held accountable."

Albert's brow furrowed as he reached for a cigarette, though he refrained from lighting it.

"You don't have to distance yourself from me, Jessie. I can take care of you."

Prodding at her potato, she retorted, "Don't bother. I can manage just fine on my own!"

Albert didn't press the matter further.

Fiddling with the cigarette, Albert waited until she finished her meal. Then, he placed a set of keys to the villa and a check of five hundred million dollars on the table. Gently, he reached out and brushed her head, murmuring, “Consider these my wedding gifts to you.

You're still young. Find a good man and move on."