Jessie wasn't naive. She understood his intentions all too well.

Sure enough, Albert leaned in closer, brushing against her earlobe in what seemed like an accidental touch.

That brief contact felt intense, like a stone causing ripples in a calm lake.

Jessie had enough.

She shoved him away forcefully and rubbed her earlobe, which had turned red from her touch. Thankfully, the darkness in the car concealed it well.

Albert simply leaned back and watched her, unflinching.

Jessie eased her hand down.

After a moment, Jessie said icily, "Is this your idea of giving a lady a ride, Mr. Waston? You've just lost your wife. Even if you're feeling lonely, this rush is unseemly."

Albert didn't say anything back.

He just kept looking at her, as though he was trying to see her more clearly even though it was dark. She found his gaze unbearable, not to mention his unclear attitude.

She asked bluntly, “Albert, what's this supposed to mean? Do you really think I'm dumb? You were the one who left me to marry someone else. Now your child is all grown up. What, now that your wife is gone, you feel lonely? If you're feeling too much, why don't you cool off with some ice? You're a dad, for goodness' sake.

And naming the child Jeslyn? Who are you trying to fool? Doesn't it bother your wife?"

Jessie let it all out in one breath and didn't want to talk any further.

She turned her head away.

To Albert, she seemed just as she always had, acting a bit spoiled.

But he could tell she had changed.

Back then, she wouldn't really be mad at him. But now, her anger was real, and it had been overshadowed by disgust, probably with a trace of hatred lingering. He never detailed the troubles in his marriage, offering a gentle remark instead. “You were once naive, but you've matured now. Jessie, I truly don't want to cause any trouble here.”

As he spoke, he massaged his forehead, admitting, "I shouldn't have done that earlier."

Jessie remained silent, her lips pressed together firmly.

Slumped in his chair, Albert covered his eyes with his arm and let out a heavy sigh. “It's been a few years. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive me?’