The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 135

“Melvin must be having a lousy year, Yasmine mused aloud as she glanced at the man hooked up to an IV drip. “Otherwise, why would he keep landing himself in the hospital?”

Jocelyn remained silent, her thoughts unreadable.

“Why did you let him in?” Yasmine nodded towards Melvin, who was receiving fluids, and questioned Jocelyn.

Jocelyn’s eyes, filled with concem, never left the feverish man. “Couldn’t bear to turn him away.”

A smirk tugged at Yasmine’s lips ‘Because you still have feelings for him?”

Jocelyn never denied her affection for Melvin.

“Maybe you should give him another chance, Yasmine suggested, vouching for Melvin. “Why put yourself through this misery?”

Jocelyn met Yasmine’s gaze calmly. “And what happens after I give him that chance?”

Yasmine paused, her gaze shifting to the man who was lying on bed. He was such a puzzle – unwilling to commit, yet entangling Jocelyn in his ambiguous advances. Eventually, even the deepest affection could be worn down to nothing

His antics were just a crutch, leveraging Jocelyn’s lingering feelings

Once those feelings faded, Melvin would be no more than a puff of smoke.

“I won’t advise you anymore” Yasmine’s smile was tinged with resignation. “We’re both women. I totally understand you. If you don’t care for him, don’t pity him. If something like this happens again, stay

away or call me

Jocelyn nodded.

Yasmine glanced at the clock. “You should get some rest. It’s late.”

“Alnght”

Yasmine sat by the bed, sighing as she looked at Melvin’s gaunt figure. After a while, he stirred awake and mistook Yasmine for Jocelyn

“You’re up?” Yasmine offered him water, noting the fleeting disappointment in his eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re not happy to see me?”

“Where is she?”

Yasmine checked the time. “Do you have any idea what hour it is?”

Melvin’s lips were dry, his face set in a grimace.

“You can’t keep doing this. Why disturb her? She’s happy now with a boyfriend who cherishes her. Bothering her like this is unethical. And even if she did come back to you, what could you offer her?*

For the first time, Yasmine spoke with earnest gravity. “I’m a woman too. I know what she wants. Three years is more than just time. It’s the youth and effort she’s given. If you can’t promise her a future, let someone else do it. What you’re doing isn’t love. It’s being a pest.”

Melvin clenched his fist, struggling to contain his emotions.

“Hey, your IV’s back-flowing.” Yasmine exclaimed upon noticing blood at the site of Melvin’s infusion, her voice laced with alarm. “Are you sick or something?”

His eyes reddened, a storm of emotions brewing within him.

Seeing him like this, Yasmine’s heart softened. “I never asked you, why don’t you proposed to her if you really love her so much?”

Melvin’s expression suddenly darkened with anger and fear

Yasmine’s brow furrowed. “Is it because of our father…?”

“Shut up!” Melvin’s outburst cut her off.

She had struck a nerve. She never imagined that old wound had become his demon.

“He’s been repenting every day for years. I visited him recently. He wanted me to tell you that he’s sorry. He’s sorry for everything.”

I’m not the one he should apologize to!” Melvin’s anger was palpable.

Yasmine lowered her gaze. “He owes the biggest apology to you. And to our mum”

Tears threatened to spill from Melvins eyes as he felt trapped, as if he were about to explode.

Not eve

every mamane ends in tragedy, Yasmine tried to persuade him again.

about yours? Melvin’s question was a sharp retort. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

tightened at the accusation, Indeed, she hadn’t set the best example as his older sister. What night did she have to coursed tim

on marriage?

“I had an amicable divorce with Zachary Turner. We didn’t become enemies, as you know.” Yasmine chose her words carefully, hoping to Pit his spirits.

A scomful smile played on Melvin’s lips. “Divorce is still divorce.”

“So what? If it’s not working out, it’s okay to split up. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. But it’s still better than being too scared to offer a future like you!” Yasmine’s patience was wearing thin

Melvin’s breath hitched. The mere mention of not being able to promise Jocelyn a future was suffocating

“Let me tell you, you’re the coward. The weakest of them all. You can’t even have the courage to give the woman you love a future. And you dare to act all lovesick? You’re more suited to being alone forever Stop messing with Jocelyn’s life Her happiness has no place with you!”

Fuming, Yasmine stormed out, slammed the door behind her and left

Melvin clenched his fist until it hurt, but he didn’t care.

Jocelyn went about her usual routine. As the term’s end approached, her workload increased.

Harrison occasionally asked her out, and she’d go when she could.

Her parents, however, were constantly urging her to bring Harrison home for dinner, even suggesting she bring him to meet the extended family over the holidays.

Jocelyn felt weary. She hadn’t told her parents about her breakup with Harrison, and he hadn’t told his either. Both figured they’d just let. things take their natural course

“Jocelyn, any plans for winter break? Ursula inquired.

“As usual. The holidays are coming up, so I’ll be getting ready for that, Jocelyn replied before turning the question back on Ursula “What about you, any different plans?”

Ursula laid a document in front of her. “Interested?

“Volunteer teaching? Jocelyn scanned the content. “You’re going?”

“Mmm, I want to do something meaningful,” Ursula mused. “It’s the same old routine every holiday season, and I’ve talked it over with my family. They re behind me on this. While we’re here enjoying the festivities, able to gather with family, think about those kids left behind in rural areas They can’t even see their parents, let alone struggle with their studies. They’re so eager to learn.”

Jocelyn pondered the idea deeply. “Could I take a look at the plan first?”

*Sure,” Ursula replied. “Check it out and see if you’re interested. If you are, we can go together.”

“Sounds good

At dinner that evening, Jocelyn brought up the idea of volunteer teaching with her parents.

“Teaching over the winter break? Daisy frowned. “Everybody else is heading home for Thanksgiving, and here you are, planning to head out. Plus, those places are so poor and remote, and I’m worried you won’t adjust well.”

“What’s there to adjust to? I grew up in the countryside, remember?” Jocelyn had given it serious thought-for one, she genuinely wanted to contribute to society, and on the other hand, she had her own reasons.

She saw this as an opportunity to reflect, to cleanse her spirit. It wasn’t about running away. She just wanted to go someplace where she could let go and not reminded her of him.

“I say let Jocelyn go, Calvin chimed in. “We might not have the means to tackle poverty, but we can do what’s within our power. I saw this news piece about kids in poor areas, the longing in their eyes for education-it’s heart-wrenching. It’s precisely because these places are impoverished and isolated that we should help out

“Go for it,” he continued. “Just make sure to stay safe and take care of yourself. As for visiting relatives during the holidays, I’ll explain it to them. What you’re doing is a true act of kindness, and everyone will understand and support that.”

You make it sound like I’m not supportive,” Daisy piped up, not to be outdone. Jocelyn, if you want to go, then go. If we could’ve gotten whore education thirty years ago, who knows where we’d be today?”

With her parents’ support, Jocelyn felt even more empowered to spread her wings.