Albert paused in his writing.

He looked up at her and, for the first time, spoke openly about their past. “Jessie, you weren't like this before. When we met in the past, if you were upset, you'd cry, curse, or even slap me. But now you're so composed. It's unfamiliar to me. You're behaving differently. Are you seriously considering your relationship with that doctor?"

After Albert spoke his piece, Jessie gave a slight smile.

She murmured gently, "Mr. Waston, there's no need to dwell on the past."

She continued, "People change and stuff's different now.”

After saying that, she seemed lost in thought.

Albert sat at the desk, gazing at her quietly.

Her face, illuminated by the Light, seemed serene and not as radiant as before. Maybe age had caught up with her or she was in a different place now. When she looked at him, he couldn't detect any affection or bashfulness in her gaze.

Suddenly, Albert couldn't bear it any longer.

This hurt more than finding out she had a new boyfriend. It seemed she'd moved on from him. Right then, he was probably just another old man with money in her eyes.

How could he compete with that young, robust doctor named Axell?

Albert fetched a pack of smokes from the drawer. He hardly ever smoked these days, with Jeslyn to care for, but now he craved one.

Jessie got up, saying, “I'll go check on the kid.”

Albert didn't object. With a lit cigarette between his fingers, he watched her disappear in the haze of smoke.

He seized a chance to be alone with her on purpose.

Truth be told, he wanted to ask about her and Axell. But when she stood before him, he couldn't bring himself to.

This was their moment, just the two of them. Why bring up another guy?

Albert lingered in the study, smoking away.

At eight o'clock, Elsie knocked and entered.

He looked up, asking, "Did she go?"