Peering into the rearview mirror, she noticed her makeup had smeared, and her eyes appeared slightly puffy, giving her a disheveled look.

Staring back at her reflection, she reminded herself with determination to maintain her distance from Albert.

Fearing her mother might notice something was amiss, Jessie opted not to go home to change. Instead, she stopped by a nearby store, picked out a new outfit, and transformed her appearance. It was then that she received a call from Axell, whose voice carried a laid-back and casual tone.

“What should I do, Jessie? I'm finding myself addicted to dating you!" he quipped.

Jessie, phone in hand, gazed out at the bustling traffic and inquired softly, "Are you free tonight?"