The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 149

After all, it was her second time around the block.

To walk away and start over would mean a third attempt at matrimonial bliss.

A second marriage already takes guts, and the thought of facing the social pressure that comes with another divorce was daunting.

Young people might not think much of it, but for parents, the weight of such matters is no small burden.

Jocelyn thought Quinta had a pretty carefree take on life. If things weren’t working out, there was no shame in calling it quits. But the general consensus was to make do, to try and stick it out, and to promote reconciliation over separation.

Jocelyn didn’t press the issue, just said, "Do whatever feels right for you."

Quinta nodded.

As they got into the car, Jocelyn recalled something Quinta had said before - whether you're married or single, you'll regret anyway.

It's kind of addictive, really. When you're single you long for partnership. And once hitched, you pine for solitude. In truth, if two people are happy together, that's all that matters. If not, parting ways isn't the end of the world.

If a relationship is solid, it doesn't need the crutch of marriage. If it's not, marriage would just be a shackle for both parties.

It seemed that she was no longer that keen on marriage.

In the car, Daisy whispered to Jocelyn, "Your aunt told me Quinta and Damian are on the rocks again."

Jocelyn stayed silent with her head bowed.

"What is all this toil for?" Daisy shook her head, "Your uncle’s all about keeping up appearances. He's been teaching his whole life, working hard to see Quinta succeed professionally. But now her marriage..."

"Everyone's got their own destiny," Calvin chimed in, with not much else to say.

"Mom, tell Auntie to relax. Quinta's an adult. She knows how to manage her own marriage. What's meant to be will be, and there's no use forcing things," Jocelyn said.

"You're right," Calvin agreed. "Everything's in fate's hands."

Daisy interjected, "We raise our kids hoping they'll find their happy lives. A good marriage is like a second birth for a woman. When our time comes, we want to leave this world knowing they're settled."

"Mom, marriage shouldn't be the yardstick for a woman's happiness. As long as she's happy and has no regrets, that's what counts. You two just enjoy your lives. Don’t impose yourselves so many worries and pressure."

Daisy frowned, "But we raise our children with the hope that they'll build a happy family themselves. It's an instinct."

"I understand. But if it's not there, why force it?" Jocelyn didn't want to argue. But the unspoken pressure from her parents was palpable. "People make their choices, pick their paths. If they've chosen to be together, they should work on it. Do you think Quinta's blameless in her marriage? They say it takes two to tango. Damian's hardly home, still entangled with his ex. Isn't it because Quinta hasn't given him a child?"

Jocelyn felt a tightness in her chest, "Mom, shouldn't a husband who loves his wife spend more time comforting her when she's struggling with infertility, rather than neglecting her and keeping ties with his ex? Isn't that disrespectful and unfair to Quinta? Quinta has tried long to have kids, but Damian wasn't cooperative at all. What could she do? He was aware of her health issues before they married, and now he acts like she's the one at fault. Who's really the problem here?"

Jocelyn couldn't hold back her anger anymore.

Daisy's expression darkened.

Calvin quickly intervened, "Alright, let's stop arguing."

Daisy glared at Jocelyn and turned away, giving her the cold shoulder.