She made to leave, but before she could, Albert swiftly exited the car, gently clasped her arm, and guided her back inside. Anticipating her protest, he spoke in a hushed, gravelly tone. "You wouldn't want the neighbors witnessing a public altercation with a man, would you?"

Leaning back against the seat, Jessie watched as Albert secured her seatbelt.

After a moment of silent contemplation, she spoke softly, "Albert, the truth is, we can't even be friends."

She refused to foster any false hope of a potential reconciliation between them.

Releasing her seat belt, she got out of the car. As the door shut, she caught his strained whisper, "Jessie, just one more chance for me, please."