The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 125

Their eyes met briefly – just a few heartbeats of a moment – before Jocelyn quickly averted her gaze and spun on her heel to leave.

She was scared to face Melvin.

Truth be told, he was the one who should feel sorry. But the mere sight of him made her insides churn with unease. She couldn't just brush it off and play it cool.

Jocelyn hurried back to the private party room, deliberately choosing the seat in the farthest corner as if to hide, as though she feared Melvin might come looking for her.

But then she scoffed at herself for being paranoid. How would Melvin know which private room she was in?

She shook her head at her own ridiculous thoughts. Maybe she was being a bit too self-involved.

She relaxed as the party around her surged with energy. A server pushed the door open, bearing a large platter of assorted snacks and a cooler full of beer and cocktails for the ladies.

The party-goers looked curiously at the birthday girl. "Did you order an extra grub?"

"I didn't," Hannah replied, equally puzzled.

The server clarified, "These are from Mr. Martinez. Also, he's taken care of your tab for the evening."

Everyone instantly knew who it was. They all knew there was only one Mr. Martinez in their circle.

The crowd started buzzing about how much clout Hannah had, for Melvin to not only send a feast their way but also pick up the tab. The guy was generous.

Ursula nudged Jocelyn playfully, “Hey, you think this is all for you?”

Jocelyn forced a smile, though she wasn’t sure how convincing it looked. “No way. It’s not my birthday. And even if it were, he's the last person who should be picking up my tab.”

“What’s his reason, then?” Ursula probed. “Do rich guys just have too much money and not enough ways to spend it?”

Jocelyn didn’t have an answer. But it dawned on her that Melvin knew she was here.

She had assumed that Melvin had moved on from her life and that she could continue her relationship with Harrison without interference.

Yet, seeing Melvin again unsettled her, as if all her carefully laid plans could come undone at any moment.

Feeling uneasy, she grabbed her jacket, said a quick goodbye to Hannah and her colleagues, and made an early exit.

Ursula offered to accompany her. And Jocelyn agreed, not wanting to risk an awkward encounter with Melvin.

As they exited the karaoke bar, Jocelyn spotted Melvin leaning against his car, a cigarette in hand, surrounded by a graveyard of stubs. He must have been waiting for a while.

“He's not waiting for you, is he?” Ursula asked, her concern palpable.

Jocelyn took a deep breath and steered them both to walk past him.

“He’s coming over,” Ursula whispered, keeping an eye on Melvin.

Jocelyn quickened her pace.

Ursula tugged at her. “Why run? He can’t do anything to you. The more you bolt, the more he’ll think he’s got you wrapped around his finger, that you can’t shake him off.”

Ursula’s grip halted Jocelyn in her tracks.

The truth was, Jocelyn couldn’t face Melvin. Her heart raced uncontrollably at the sight of him. Other than staying far away, she didn’t know how to confront him head-on.

“Don’t be scared,” Ursula encouraged. “You don’t owe him money, or your life. He can’t do anything to you. Remember, he’s a jerk who wanted to have his cake and eat it. You dumped him because he did you wrong. You’ve done nothing to feel guilty about, so there’s no reason to flee.”

Jocelyn knew all this, but emotions weren’t swayed by logic. Otherwise, why would anyone be love-blinded? Why would people knowingly walk into mistakes?

The world might run on clarity and understanding, but the maze of romantic feelings defies such order.

Jocelyn was adamant.

A good ex should be like a ghost in your past, out of sight and out of mind.

“You’re not solving the problem,” Ursula said, visibly anxious about her friend's evasion. “The more you do this, the less likely you’ll get over him. Unless one of you leaves the town, if he’s determined, you’re bound to cross paths.”

Melvin had approached them and stood in front. He nodded slightly at Ursula before his gaze settled on Jocelyn. “Avoiding me?”