It was Axell.

Reluctant to answer, yet she was besieged by Axell's persistent calls.

Eventually, yielding to the incessant ringing, Jessie picked up, her tone icy as she declared, “We're done! Stop bothering me!"

Axell's voice carried an unusual edge, lacking its typical composure.

He sounded somewhat intoxicated.

Axell sneered. “You slept with him, didn't you? Jessie... Were you cheating on me while we were together? Do you think I'm a fucking fool?"

A jarring sound of breaking glass echoed through the phone.

A stark indicator of Axell's instability.

Jessie felt a sense of relief for having severed ties in time. She hadn't realized the depth of Axell's impulsive and dark nature, given his usual facade of stability.

She waited for Axell to regain composure before continuing, “Axell, I was committed to our relationship. I never betrayed you. We're now over, so my personal life is no longer your concern. Stop calling me!"

Axell's breathing grew labored.

After a brief silence, he uttered slowly, "You slept with him today!"

Jessie admitted, "Yes."

There was a long silence on the other end. Suddenly, Axell disconnected the call.

The call left Jessie feeling dreadful. She was in such a foul mood that she couldn't even bring herself to enjoy her meal.

She checked the train schedule and her weekend class schedule.

She resolved to go to Tashkao the following morning and spend some time with the new baby, hoping it would make her feel better.

Jessie left without informing anyone.

Two days passed without a call from Albert. She found it strange, but she refrained from contacting him as well. After all, she had distanced herself from him.

Lettie also observed this and inquired, “Hasn't he reached out to you?"