As Alberts car sped past them, the ground churned beneath its wheels, the sshing of water and mud merging into one.


    Axell ceased kising Jessie, and the atmosphere in the car turned somber.


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    Their heavy breaths filled the silence, tinged with an underlying sadness and awkwardness.


    Leaning against the back of her seat, Jessie spoke softly, Ive been over him for a long time.


    Axells demeanor softened, a hint of embarrassment coloring his expression.


    booksbybunny s booksbybunny After along pause, he admitted, I didnt kis you because I saw him.


    Jessie chose not to expose Axells lie.


    She held a favorable opinion of him overall. He seemed like a suitable partner for marriage. However, Albert remained a barrier between them. If Axell couldnt reconcile with that reality, their rtionship would inevitably face challenges, no matter how hard they tried to ignore it.


    After a moment of contemtion, she suggested, Lets take a moment to calm down, Axel. Consider whether this rtionship is worth continuing. Call me when you decide, okay? Axells heart constricted at her words.


    He turned to look into Jessies eyes, where he detected a lingering sadness. It was a poignant sadness, one that drew men in, tempting them to im it for themselves.


    Without thinking, he reached out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.


    What are you talking about? How could we even think about breaking up over this? Itste now. Let me drive you home, he replied, his voice filled with reassurance.


    Jessie gazed back at him tenderly. After a moment of silence, she posed a crucial question, So you wont bring this up again? Axell shook his head firmly. No, I wont. I promise.


    Their reconciliation came at a time when Albert was not in the best of moods. Any man would feel a pang of jealousy. Even if Albert had prepared himself and even if Jessie and Axell truly fell in love, Albert couldnt argue with Jessie. Albert was in no ce to judge Jessie.


    However, in terms of fairness, it posed a significant test for a man.


    Upon his return to the vi, Albert was surprised to find Helen there aswell.


    Helen had chosen to remain in Duefron all these years, unwilling to relocate to Heron. Perhaps she still harbored resentment toward Alberts father, the man who had deceived her.


    Despite her advancing age, Helen maintained an air of elegance as she yfully interacted with Jeslyn.


    Helen was a woman of intelligence. She knew that Albert and Daisy had a strained rtionship, and she was aware that Jeslyn was not


    Alberts biological daughter.


    Yet, out of a desire for her son to have a semnce of a real family, Helen chose to overlook these discrepancies.


    Mom! Albert greeted her warmly.


    Albert removed his coat and handed it to the servant before entering the hall. Jeslyn rushed over and wrapped her arms around his leg, calling out Daddy. Helen noticed the faint smell of smoke clinging to Albert and remarked, You smell like smoke. Arent you worried itll affect the child?