In a softer tone, he offered an explanation. "I wasn't scheduled to return until later, but seeing the snowfall, I decided to come back early to keep you both company."

Jessie's response came as a whisper. "Just keep Jeslyn company and spare me."

Albert remained silent, simply gazing at Jessie in the soft glow of the kitchen, He couldn't get enough of her presence.

To avoid causing her any discomfort, he had exercised considerable restraint over the past six months. Apart from that one time months ago, he refrained from engaging in any sexual activity with her. He made a conscious effort to maintain his decency, and gradually, she began to let down her guard.

Sometimes, when he was preoccupied with work, Jessie would even take Jeslyn to her place for a few days.

Surprisingly, Jeslyn took a liking to Jessie's irritable mother.

Meanwhile, Albert turned around and washed his hands slowly.

After driving for four hours without having dinner, Albert rummaged through the fridge for some food ingredients and prepared a simple sandwich for himself. He wasn't particularly fussy about the meal's preparation.

Jessie couldn't resist commenting, "Dinner from tonight's still in the dining room."

Albert walked up behind her, leaned in, and planted a kiss on her lips. "I want to stay here with you, but I need to go upstairs to shower and change. Otherwise, I'll catch a cold tomorrow."

Typically, he refrained from making any advances toward her.

But tonight, he seemed unusually brazen. He didn't leave until he stole a kiss from her.

Jessie felt herself on the brink of surrendering to him.

She covered her face, questioning whether she had truly fallen for him. Was she beginning to crave the pleasures Albert gave her? Jessie reminded herself to maintain her composure.

Just as she blushed, Jeslyn dashed back inside.

Jeslyn, shivering from the cold, embraced Jessie from behind.

Carelessly, she remarked, “You're so warm."

Jessie found herself being hugged by both of them in turns, feeling somewhat helpless. She headed to the bathroom to fetch a clean towel to wipe Jeslyn's hands and face. Then, Jessie poured Jeslyn a glass of warm water and watched her drink it before returning to finish the cake.

As they were preparing to enjoy the cake, Albert descended the stairs, dressed casually in dark pants, a dark shirt layered beneath a matching thin sweater. He wore indoor slippers, reclining leisurely on the sofa with a financial evening newspaper in hand.

Meanwhile, Jessie proceeded to cut the cake, and Jeslyn eagerly grabbed a small slice, scurrying upstairs to her miniature castle.

She adamantly refused any adult company, declaring it her secret hideaway.

She often entertained unusual thoughts, but Albert never interfered with her thoughts.

Seeing Jeslyn going upstairs, Albert turned to Jessie and spoke softly. "Could you give me a slice of cake? I'd like to have a taste too."

Surprised, Jessie remarked, "I thought you weren't fond of sweets.”

"I've developed a craving for them lately. It's good to change things up now and then," he replied.

Reluctantly, Jessie sliced a small portion of cake for him, placing it on a plate and bringing it over.

However, as she approached, her thin arm was grabbed, and before she knew it, Albert had pressed her onto the sofa. She could feel the heat radiating from his body above her.

His body radiated heat and strength, exuding undeniable masculine power.

The cake lay in ruins on the carpet, having fallen unnoticed.

Jessie turned her face away, remarking, "I'm here to give your daughter lessons, not to clean the carpet."

Albert, with one hand on her waist, tenderly caressed her beautiful nose with the other, unable to resist pressing his nose against hers in a playful gesture. After being preoccupied for over half a month, he realized it had been quite some time since he last saw her, and he yearned to spend more time with her.

Kissing her lips, he murmured in a vague tone, "I'll clean it up later."

Jessie's heart raced as she realized his intentions.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, she gasped, “Jeslyn could come down at any moment. Elsie went to buy groceries with the driver, and they might return..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Albert silenced her with a passionate kiss, his warm palm sliding under her sweater to caress her trembling body.