Jessie shuddered.

Ignoring him, she continued towards the elevator, jabbing the down button.

Albert quickened his pace.

He caught up just as the elevator doors slid open, revealing an empty car. Jessie stepped in, moving to close the doors, but Albert's hand intercepted, holding them ajar. She averted her gaze, focusing on the ascending numbers.

In a hushed tone, Albert murmured, "Marcus isn't being truthful."

Jessie was momentarily stunned before grasping his implication.

She retorted, "That's none of my concern! It's something your wife should handle."

Albert met her icy demeanor with a solemn tone. "Let's not dwell on that. Melissa mentioned your plans to sell the hotel and go abroad.

Where to and for how long?"

Tears welled in Jessie's eyes.

In the past, she would've engaged in a heated argument with him, but now, with each letdown, she found herself drained of the energy to be angry. Albert was now someone else's spouse, and Jessie refused to let him sway her emotions any Longer.

After a beat of silence, she calmly responded, “Probably two or three years."

She kept her destination to herself.

Albert caught her drift. She wanted no ties with him, so she remained tight-lipped.

With a bitter smile, he remarked, "Don't fret. I won't pester you.

Marcus is spot on. I'm a married man. It wouldn't be right to bother you."

Jessie offered no response, but she lifted her head slightly.

As their conversation wound down, the elevator chimed its arrival.

Just as Jessie prepared to depart, Albert halted her, saying, "Jessie!"

Turning slowly, she inquired, "Is there anything else, Mr. Waston?"