A wave of sadness washed over Jessie.

She gently clasped Jeslyn's hand. Glancing up, Jessie spotted a figure at the doorway of the girl's room. Dressed in white with dark hair, he cut a striking figure in the dim Light.

It was Albert.

His eyes held an inscrutable depth, their meaning lost on Jessie.

She couldn't even gauge how long he'd been observing them from there.

In that moment, a bolt of lightning sliced through the night sky, illuminating their faces with clarity. They could see each other's expressions distinctly.

Albert perceived the conflict in Jessie's eyes, while Jessie observed the longing in his gaze. His desires seemed as boundless as the storm and the darkness of the night.

After a moment of hesitation, Albert walked toward Jessie.

Without speaking to Jessie, Albert gently touched Jeslyn's arm.

Jeslyn whispered, "Daddy!"

Albert smiled and glanced at Jessie before moving to the window to securely shut it. He turned back and whispered, "Jeslyn's bed is too small for both of you. You can sleep in the guest room."

Before Jessie could respond, Jeslyn protested, "I don't want to sleep in the guest room. I want to sleep in your big bed. I'll sleep with Miss Green."

Jeslyn also suggested a sleeping arrangement for Albert, saying, “Dad, you can sleep in my bed."

How could Jessie agree to this?

How could Albert allow Jessie to get away? He regarded her with a tender smile and purposefully inquired, “Miss Green, what are your thoughts?"

He approached Jessie again and whispered in a voice only she could hear, "My bed is large and comfortable. It's very inviting."

It was clear that he was trying to seduce her.

In that moment, she couldn't help but reminisce about the past. She recalled the sensation of her body sinking into the plush bed, perspiration beading on her skin as their fingers intertwined. She had surrendered herself to his powerful embrace time and time again.

She tried to push those thoughts away, but they raced through her mind like a runaway horse.

She turned her face away, wanting to decline, but Jeslyn took her hand and gave it a gentle shake.