Pushing open the bedroom door, the pungent smell of alcohol hit her immediately. With a concerned frown, she asked, “Exactly how much did she drink?’


    The maid, embarrassed, offered no answer.


    Jessie was sprawled across the bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albert''s name amidst her sobs and angry outbursts.


    Shemented his absence and expressed her reluctance to marry another.


    Upon watching this, Melissa''s heart went out to Jessie.


    She fetched a towel and gently began to wipe Jessie''s face as she sat beside her. Slowlying to, Jessie saw Melissa and burst into tears.


    “What took you so long?” “Why did you drink so much, huh? You know it''s bad for you,” Melissa softly chided.


    Jessie''s response was filled with despair. “I don''t care! Nobody does.” Tears brimming, Jessie turned to lie on her back, a raw vulnerability in her voice. “My fiance, he''s seemingly perfect in every way. Yet, he envisions our marriage as an open rtionship. Do you understand what that means, Melissa?” A bitter smile crossed her face as she went on, “In in terms, our marriage is nothing but a facade. We''re allowed to be with others.


    Only he will be the father of our children. Beyond that, he''s indifferent.


    Can you believe it? Talk about being ‘progressive” Tears kept streaming down Jessie''s face as shemented, “How is he any different from Albert? Melissa... Tell me, why is it so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me? Why do men always treat me so harshly?” Attempting to steer Jessie away from her painful ruminations, the servant interjected, but


    Melissa gently suggested, “Elsie, would you mind preparing some soup for Miss Green?” With a moment''s hesitation, Elsie nodded and left them alone.


    Turning her attention back to Jessie, Melissa tenderly ced a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie''s heart still lingered with Albert, not her fiance.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    The continued presence of Elsie and the retention of the vi were telltale signs of her unresolved feelings.


    Perhaps, Jessie hoped for onest encounter with Albert before she tied the knot.


    With a soft, soothing tone, Melissa offeredfort. “Everyone faces their trials, some early in life, otherster on... Putting aside your situation with Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man, Jessie’ “Honestly, I don''t know anymore,” Jessie confessed, her voice breaking as tears gathered in her eyes.


    “These past years, I''ve just been drifting, feeling so utterly useless. I don''t know what I''m supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn''t help but see a parallel between Jessie and Minnie, the innocent puppy, both seemingly lost.


    She responded with a gentle reassurance, “You''re selling yourself short, Jessie. You''re young, vibrant, and full of potential”