But there was nothing he could do except watch helplessly as Jessie surrendered herself to Axell's embrace.

Wasn't this what Albert had done to her in the past?

He had forced Jessie to witness his marriage to another woman, to endure the consummation of that union, and to witness him slipping a wedding ring onto another woman's finger. He had cast Jessie out of his life, telling her it was over. Now, he regretted it deeply.

Though he typically remained aloof and indifferent, Albert's eyes burned with emotion at this very moment. He couldn't bear to witness Jessie with another man any longer, so he pressed down on the accelerator.

As Albert's car sped past them, the ground churned beneath its wheels, the splashing of water and mud merging into one.

Axell ceased kissing Jessie, and the atmosphere in the car turned somber.

Their heavy breaths filled the silence, tinged with an underlying sadness and awkwardness.

Leaning against the back of her seat, Jessie spoke softly, "I've been over him for a long time."

Axell's demeanor softened, a hint of embarrassment coloring his expression.

After a long pause, he admitted, "I didn't kiss you because I saw him."

Jessie chose not to expose Axell's lie.

She held a favorable opinion of him overall. He seemed like a suitable partner for marriage. However, Albert remained a barrier between them. If Axell couldn't reconcile with that reality, their relationship would inevitably face challenges, no matter how hard they tried to ignore it.

After a moment of contemplation, she suggested, "Let's take a moment to calm down, Axell. Consider whether this relationship is worth continuing. Call me when you decide, okay?"

Axell's heart constricted at her words.

He turned to look into Jessie's eyes, where he detected a lingering sadness. It was a poignant sadness, one that drew men in, tempting them to claim it for themselves.

Without thinking, he reached out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“What are you talking about? How could we even think about breaking up over this? It's late now. Let me drive you home," he replied, his voice filled with reassurance.

Jessie gazed back at him tenderly. After a moment of silence, she posed a crucial question, “So you won't bring this up again?"

Axell shook his head firmly. "No, I won't. I promise."

Their reconciliation came at a time when Albert was not in the best of moods. Any man would feel a pang of jealousy. Even if Albert had prepared himself and even if Jessie and Axell truly fell in love, Albert couldn't argue with Jessie. Albert was in no place to judge Jessie.