In the dim light, Albert noticed her teary eyes.

He brushed her tears gently. "You cried? Ending things hit you hard, did it?"

Pushing him off, she snapped, “Look, it's none of your business!"

She hastily adjusted her clothes, the air filled with their rapid breaths. Jessie felt mortified. Gathering her thoughts, she reasoned, “Albert, don't waste your time any longer. With a billion, you can have anyone. There's really no need to chase after me."

Albert scowled. "You want me to move on?"

Jessie glanced down, smiling faintly. "I wanted you to stay back then, but you still married another woman. Albert... Please, just let go.

We're worlds apart now."

Worlds apart?

Albert's tone softened. "I tried letting go! I let you date someone else. And then?"

Jessie lifted her gaze towards the light upstairs.

“Then I'll keep searching until I find my perfect match. There are plenty of men out there, Albert. I'll find mine."

Fists clenched, teeth gritted, Albert growled, “Jessie!”

She turned to him, offering a gentle smile.

“Does it hurt? My past pain dwarfs yours, Albert."

With a last glance, she ascended the stairs slowly, disappearing from his sight.

Albert slouched against the wall.

He lit a cigarette, frustrated. He knew winning her back wouldn't be easy, but her icy demeanor stung, considering how he'd hurt her before.

Jessie returned home.

Lettie sat on the couch and asked calmly upon seeing her daughter, “Seen Albert? Is he still bothering you?"

Jessie swapped her shoes thoughtfully. After a pause, she admitted, “He wants me back, but I said no."