The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 139

Ursula sidestepped with an apology, "Excuse me."

Melvin gave her room to pass, though his gaze lingered on Jocelyn instead.

Seeing Jocelyn passed by without a word, her indifference was clear.

When they climbed the stone steps, Melvin turned back, "Jocelyn?"

She paused, took a deep breath and turned around with composure, "Yes?"

"Got any plans for tomorrow? I'm new around here. Mind showing me around?" Melvin asked in a soft voice, almost pleading.

Jocelyn considered for a moment before replying, "I'm busy tomorrow. Anyone in the village can be a better guide."

Melvin accepted the rejection with a simple "Alright."

"That’s great." Jocelyn nodded and continued on her way.

Back at their place, Ursula couldn't help but give her a thumbs-up, "Well done."

Jocelyn just smiled, "Just being honest."

"Why do you think he's really here to invest the village?" Ursula mused as she took off her jacket. "Other than fate bringing you two together, I can't think of any other reason. But they say there’s no such thing as coincidence. It's all orchestrated."

Ursula eyed Jocelyn, "If he really came for you, and he's willing to invest in this village for you, wouldn't that impress you?"

Changing into her slippers and filling her kettle with water, Jocelyn replied, "It's not for me. He's a businessman. Profit comes first. Besides, given our breakup, why would he do anything for me? It’s just unreasonable."

"But there's no profit in sight," Ursula argued. "He would have to pour in a lot of money before seeing any payback. I'm not being pessimistic, but this village is tough. With no young folks around, just the elderly and kids, what can they really do?"

Ursula wasn't optimistic about the village's future.

Jocelyn shared her sentiments but still clung to hope, "Don't overthink it. As long as someone wants to revitalize the countryside, change will come."

"I hope so."

Jocelyn lay in bed and couldn't help thinking about Melvin and his conversation with the village officials. She believed that Melvin genuinely wanted to help.

Both she and Ursula were curious—was Melvin's arrival a coincidence, or was it because of her?

Turning sideways to stop the flow of thoughts, she realized that she had never truly understood Melvin.

The countryside was serene at night, everything asleep under the starry sky.

...

The next day before dawn, the village rooster started to crow, waking everyone up.

Jocelyn and Ursula followed a simple routine here. Go to bed by nine and get up at six.

Their neighbor, May, would bring breakfast to them—a bowl of oatmeal with toast, sometimes pancakes or boiled eggs.

As the year-end festive time approached, the villagers weren't so busy. They'd gather around the communal fire pit, warming their hands and chatting away.

Lately, the talk of the village was the handsome outsider who looked better than any movie star. The ladies' eyes sparkled whenever Melvin was mentioned. A handsome and wealthy man with a kind heart was the dream match for everyone.

At noon, Jocelyn and Ursula were roped into the village gossip. The village secretary's wife, Yvonne, said with a knowing smile, "Jocelyn, that Mr. Martinez knows you, doesn't he?"

Jocelyn was startled, nearly dropped the nuts in her hand.

She laughed it off, "No, we're not acquainted."

Their sharp eyes didn't miss much.

"It doesn't matter. You’re acquainted now. I heard that he's still single. Jocelyn, why don’t you give it a shot?" Yvonne's suggestion set off a chorus of laughter.

Jocelyn's smile turned awkward.