With that in mind, Jessie goofed around.

She spent the evening playing and dining with Jeslyn. Albert brought their dinner upstairs, saying little. But Jessie couldn't help but wonder where the staff had disappeared to.

After setting down the meal, Albert retreated to his study.

Jessie lingered with Jeslyn until nine o' clock, thinking it was time to depart.

Just as she was about to bid Jeslyn goodnight, The night sky was lit up by lightning and thunder echoing in the distance.

Then came the deluge, catching everyone off guard. Jessie, fearful of thunder, barely had time to react before Jeslyn leaped into her arms.

Jeslyn clung to Jessie tightly.

"Don't go, please? I'm scared."

Jessie soothed Jeslyn. "I'll call Elsie to stay with you, or you can sleep with your dad tonight."

Jeslyn shook her head.

She held onto Jessie like a barnacle. After a while, Jessie felt Jeslyn trembling. She lowered her head to find Jeslyn looking up at her. "Sometimes when Dad's away on trips, the thunder scares me. Can you be my mom? I want a mom. Then maybe I won't be scared of thunder anymore."

Jessie was taken aback.

Jeslyn had mentioned wanting Jessie to be her mom before but Jessie had brushed it off as childish talk.

Now, it was clear Jeslyn was serious.

She had chosen a woman both she and her dad liked to be her mom.

But how could that be Jessie?

It just didn't add up.

Jessie regretted coming here.

With resolve, she gently pushed Jeslyn away. "I'll ask your dad to come stay with you."

Jeslyn recoiled, her face showing hurt and disbelief.