He didn't want anyone else but Jessie.

He'd already married someone else and let Jessie down. He didn't want to put her through that despair again.

But Lettie didn't buy any of it. She knew Albert's reputation as a player. But that wasn't what ticked her off the most. She was mad that her daughter had put her trust in such a guy.

Albert was ready to take off.

He couldn't barge into Jessie's room, and Lettie wouldn't allow it anyway.

Jessie brought Jeslyn out. The little one had just woken up, resting her head on Albert's shoulder, looking all pitiful.

In a hushed tone, Albert said, “I'm taking you home, sweetie."

Jeslyn gazed at Jessie, silent, like a sad little kitten.

Ignoring it as best she could, Jessie went to open the door.

As Albert passed by her, she whispered, "Don't come back here."

Albert halted, looking at her. Jeslyn's lips quivered, but she didn't say a word. She just buried her face in Albert's neck, staring at Jessie.

"Just go," Jessie muttered softly.

Jessie turned her head away, avoiding Jeslyn's gaze.

As Albert walked off, Jeslyn kept her eyes fixed on Jessie until they vanished into the dark corridor.

Suddenly, Jessie felt lightheaded, her heart throbbing.

She gripped her chest, bewildered. Why did she feel sorry for Jeslyn?

She was supposed to resent her.

Lettie shut the door, giving Jessie a stern look. “They're gone. You have to stop seeing them! No matter what Albert says or does to win you over, you can't see him again."

“I know, Mom," Jessie responded quietly.

Lettie let out a sigh of relief. “Good! I was afraid you'd soften up again. Axell's a great guy. I won't rest easy until you marry him."