Setting aside the mosquito repellent, Jessie impatiently declared, “I have a boyfriend. But even if I didn't, I couldn't be your mother.

Ask your father to find someone else for that role.”

Feeling at a loss, Jessie lamented, "Elsie claims that if you don't agree to be my mother, my dad will likely remain single forever.

Have you considered it? There are plenty of beautiful women vying to be my dad's girlfriend, some even intentionally getting close to him."

This brought to mind Albert's romantic affairs in the past.

Jessie felt discontented.

Jeslyn persisted. “Are you upset?”

How could Jessie confess? She scoffed. "Stop mentioning your father in my presence."

Jeslyn, insightful as ever, countered, "If you don't want me to talk about him, it means you care about him. You're jealous." Her words nearly sparked a confrontation between Jessie and Jeslyn.

Jeslyn leaned back on the sofa, her hand on her belly. “I'm hungry.

Could you make me something to eat?"

"No." Jessie wouldn't spoil Jeslyn.

After a brief wait and confirming Jessie's reluctance to prepare anything for her, Jeslyn retrieved a small bag of chips from her bag.

She tore it open and nibbled on them quietly, resembling a chipmunk as she watched cartoons.

Bathed in the soft yellow light, Jeslyn's complexion appeared smooth and delicate, yet she was still on the slim side.

It was evident she hadn't been raised properly.

Jessie stared at Jeslyn for a moment before Jeslyn glanced back and asked softly, "Could you get me a blanket? My dad might not be able to come for me."

Suddenly, Jessie felt a lump in her throat.

She could sense the fragility of Jeslyn's heart behind her facade of not caring. At the same time, Jessie started to resent Albert.

Being Jeslyn's father, why hadn't he taken better care of her?