Jocelyn had convinced herself that Melvin had finally come to his senses.
So, when Yasmine came here looking for Melvin, Jocelyn was quite at ease, thinking that even if they could never be lovers, they could still remain friends.
Yasmine had expected Melvin to look all lost and forlorn, but as they were leaving, Melvin paused, turned back, and flashed Jocelyn a wicked smile. “Your words are sweet, Jocelyn. They make sense. But…” He jabbed at his chest, “Unless you rip my heart out of me, I’m not letting you play house with that other guy. So, forget about getting over me.”
Jocelyn’s newly found peace crumbled instantly.
Melvin’s smile vanished as he headed out.
Yasmine was shaken by Melvin's words and his expression. She quickly turned to Jocelyn who was stunned and said, “Get some rest, and don’t mind his nonsense,” before helping her shut the door.
Inside the elevator, Yasmine was about to curse Melvin for being a jerk when she saw a tear slide down from the corner of his eye.
She frowned, remembering the last time he had called her, choked with emotion, but this was the first time she had seen him cry.
The harsh words she had intended to say never came out. Instead, she took a deep breath and patted her shoulder. “Need a shoulder to cry on?”
Melvin lifted his head proudly, too stubborn to show weakness.
Yasmine chuckled, “Why do you even bother? You had her and didn't cherish those moments. Now that she’s made up her mind to leave you, you suddenly realize what you’ve lost, huh?”
“No,” Melvin denied, his voice firm, though his heart said otherwise.
Yasmine watched the elevator numbers change, her expression growing serious.
“Men are too confident sometimes,” she mused. “Always thinking women will never walk away. But when a woman decides to cut ties, she really can leave everything behind.”
Melvin turned away, his eyes cold. He looked at his hand, where a fading bite mark was a bitter reminder of what he had lost.
She was really gone.
…
Jocelyn spent a month on edge, waiting for Melvin’s retaliation that never came. Her days started to look normal again.
But every time she saw Preston in class, her thoughts would uncontrollably drift to Melvin.
Her relationship with Harrison was progressing smoothly. He’d call or video chat daily, wish her goodnight, ask what she had for dinner, and remind her to wear extra layers when it was cold. Harrison was a caring and tender man, and being with him felt effortless and warm.
Yet, Jocelyn felt crowded inside.
In the silent hours of the night, her mind would spin out of control. Memories clung to her, pulling at the threads of her composure.
She had changed her bedding and even her bed, but some images weren’t tied to objects—they were ingrained in her mind.
Without clearing her thoughts, no change made a difference.
The school had begun renovations, but Melvin hadn’t shown up.
The internet was buzzing with news about Willow, but none of it related to her first love.
All the previous online information about Willow’s first love had vanished, along with the likes on the engagement news and the advertisement suggesting a romance between Willow and the jewelry brand owner.
It was as if the whole affair between Willow and the jeweler had been a dream that had disappeared upon waking.
Cornered at the airport by the media, Willow was asked about her love life, which was really just prying into her relationship with the jeweler.
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled brightly at the camera. “I’ll share any good news with everyone as soon as it happens.”
“Why haven’t we seen any photos of you two together?”
“He’s not fond of public appearances.”
“Does he dislike your profession?”
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