The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 185

Before heading out, she shot a text to Melvin, letting him know she was already downstairs, catching a ride.

Melvin didn't respond.

After getting on the bus, she called Melvin; the call went through, but no one picked up.

Jocelyn figured he might be driving and couldn't answer the phone.

When she arrived at the registry office, it was only 8:30 AM, and the staff hadn't started their day yet.

She stood in line, a young couple in front of her holding hands tight, lost in each other's eyes, speaking with tender smiles.

Another couple arrived shortly after.

Jocelyn thought, only those getting hitched would turn up so early.

Suddenly, she realized she was standing alone, a pang of disappointment hitting her.

But it didn’t matter because he would be here soon.

Just as Jocelyn was about to call Melvin again, her phone rang. It was Daisy.

She answered, "Mom... Yeah, I'm here already. He hasn't shown up, probably stuck in traffic. No worries, I'll call him again. Alright, bye for now."

After hanging up, she dialed Melvin's number once more.

"The number you have dialed is switched off, please try again later..."

Her pupils shrank at the message, disbelief creeping in.

She quickly checked the phone screen, fearing she dialed the wrong number.

She knew his number by heart, could dial it with her eyes closed. There was no way she was wrong.

Maybe his phone died? That's why it's switched off?

He wouldn't just not show up.

Jocelyn took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Don't panic, don't fall apart.

She reassured herself that he would be here, even though every second of waiting felt like an eternity.

However, all her joy drained away when his phone went off.

She tried again, still unavailable.

It was nearing 9 AM, the staff were inside already.

Outside, a line had formed, all the beaming soon-to-be-weds.

Jocelyn stood aside, conspicuously alone.

Some might even mistake her for someone there to file for divorce, given her anxious demeanor.

The doors to the registry opened, and the clerk started handing out numbers. Couples entered hand in hand and took their seats, waiting.

The clerk glanced outside, noticed Jocelyn standing alone, her expression grim, and mistakenly assumed she was someone there to untie the knot.

"Miss, is your partner running late?" the clerk asked gently. "If he doesn't show, that means he's not ready to let go. You can still move forward with your life."

Jocelyn was embarrassed; she wanted to say she was here to get married.

But how could she say that?

If someone doesn't show for a divorce, it implies they're not ready to part ways. But if they don't show for a marriage registration, does it mean they don't want to get married?

So, did he not want to marry her?

She recalled his reaction the day before, when she had presented the birth certificate, not a trace of happiness.

She had laughed, suggesting a playful plan to snatch the register, but he was worried it would worsen his parents' impression of him.

Now, thinking back, it wasn't his parents' impression he was worried about. He just wasn't ready to marry.

So, he had lied to her.

Clarity struck Jocelyn.

Yes, he had been leading her along.

Looking at the ring on her finger, gleaming in the morning sun, so bright and beautiful.

He had slid it on her finger himself, a token of assurance.

Not anymore.

Like a con artist luring a child with toys or sweets, letting their guard down, then leading them astray.