The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 155

The air was heavy around Melvin as he stood brooding in the corner of the diner. His dark mood was twofold. First, the sight of Harrison and Jocelyn, hand in hand, made it clear they were bounded, leaving no room for doubt. Second, Harrison's words rang in his ears, suggesting he was going to marry Willow? Melvin's gaze shot towards her, cold as ice, making her fidget uncomfortably.

"Let's get out of here." Jocelyn said, eager to leave the suffocating atmosphere. She tugged at Harrison's hand, and he willingly followed.

Exiting the diner, the couple left a trail of awkward silence that enveloped the room, with every eye turning toward Melvin.

Willow, hesitating, approached Melvin and pretended to be calm. "What brings you here? I just bumped into Jocelyn and her boyfriend. They seem to be very in love and inseparable. I bet they'll get married soon."

Melvin's eyes were like deep wells of danger, cold and silent. Willow's heart raced at his gaze—not with excitement, but with fear. She knew he was no longer the simple, trusting boy he once was; this Melvin commanded a certain wariness.

"Your future's at stake. Don't mess it up over a whim." he said coldly before walking away.

Willow, her heart tight, hurried after him. "Melvin, what do you mean?"

"You’re human, and you understand perfectly well." He reached his car and opened the door.

She clung to the door and panic set in. "What did she tell you?"

"What do you think she said?" Melvin shot back, his eyes like daggers. "I'm warning you, stop the games. If you don't want the endorsement deal, I'll find someone else."

"I didn't do anything! And I won’t give away the deal even if I don’t get paid." Willow protested, her voice shaking even as she denied wanting to drop the endorsement.

Melvin narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her.

Swallowing hard, she continued, "Melvin, I came back to help you. I want to stand by you. I was your most trusted, remember?"

"Forget the past," he said, staring at her fingers on the door. "Don't overestimate your importance."

With that, he slammed the door shut, indifferent to the possibility of hurting her hand.

As the car drove away, Willow's heart shattered. She watched him leave and gritted her teeth with tears in her eyes.

Ulla emerged and stood behind Willow. "Do you love him that much?"

"Yes."

"Then go for it." Ulla urged. "Men can't resist a woman who offers herself. They're slaves to their desires. Sleep with him, better yet, record it. Leak it online, stir the media, put pressure on him. He'll surrender for his company's sake."

Willow frowned. "That could backfire."

"Then make sure it doesn't." Ulla advised. "Love requires pursuit and a bit of cunning. Sometimes you must be ruthless to get what you want. Don’t you want to make any change? It is your chance now. She's with that man and Mr. Martinez is single. Though not completely ethical, it always works when you take advantage of his lonely time."

Though the idea of scheming against Melvin had crossed Willow's mind, she feared the consequences. She couldn’t be sure she would get what she wanted in the end. If otherwise, there would be absolutely no more chance for her and Melvin. She needs a thorough plan and quite amount of courage to succeed.

"What if it works out?" Ulla fanned the flames of her indecision. "Even if he gets angry, what does it matter? Just pray you get pregnant. Then he can't escape. You'll have his child, he’ll be yours, and everything will be worth it."

Willow felt swayed.

She took a deep breath and mused, "What if I succeed?"

"Exactly." Ulla encouraged. "If you fail, you’re still the same movie star and nothing changes. If you succeed, you become Mrs. Martinez, and you get both himself and his fortune. How good would that be!"

Willow took another deep breath. She considered Ulla’s words and found them agreeable.

...

Harrison took Jocelyn to his place, grilling simple steaks and opening a bottle of wine — a cozy evening in.

"Maybe we should skip the wine." Jocelyn suggested, noting the late hour.

"Afraid of what might happen?" Harrison teased with a smile.