The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 187

Jocelyn sobbed uncontrollably in her office.

She had thought she could hold it together, but her mother's phone call had shattered her composure.

How could her heart not ache?

She had been over the moon at the prospect of becoming his bride, but he had chickened out at the last minute without so much as a call or explanation.

What hurt the most was that he had promised so earnestly. If he had just been upfront with her the night before, it wouldn't have come to this.

Her dignity had been trampled on without mercy.

After a period of crying that seemed to stretch on indefinitely, her legs went numb. She took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and stood up, nearly toppling over. If it hadn't been for her grip on the chair, she would have hit the floor again.

Jocelyn sat up, trying to compose herself. She couldn't let this negativity linger.

It was like being left at the altar.

So what if she was left at the altar? It's not like it was the end of her life.

She rested her head on the desk, then heard a noise at the door.

Fearful that another teacher was still around, she quickly dried her eyes and pretended to pack up her things calmly.

Looking up, she saw Harrison standing in the doorway, his eyes behind his glasses betraying a hint of concern.

Jocelyn was too surprised to hide, wondering why he was there.

"Aren't you on your way out?" Harrison asked, pretending not to notice her earlier breakdown. "I was passing by, checked with the security guard, and since he mentioned not seeing you leave, I thought I'd come and see how you’re doing."

At this point, Jocelyn couldn't concern herself with whether his presence was coincidental or intentional.

Since he was here already, she couldn’t put on any pretense.

As Jocelyn packed up, Harrison moved to take her things.

"No need," she said, not passing him her bag. "I can manage."

He heard the heaviness in her voice but said nothing.

Leading the way, Jocelyn walked ahead with Harrison following.

Exiting the school gates, his car was parked at the curb.

"Let me give you a ride," Harrison called to her.

"No trouble," Jocelyn glanced at him. "It's not too far from here to my place."

"Then I'll walk with you."

Jocelyn could tell he was worried. If she refused his company, he'd probably follow her anyway.

Without a word, she acquiesced.

The walk wasn't long, but it felt like an eternity to Jocelyn.

Suddenly, she wobbled on weak legs.

Harrison caught her swiftly, concern in his voice, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Jocelyn croaked, her voice hoarse.

Her feigned strength made Harrison wince inwardly.

"Can you tell me what's bothering you?" Harrison suspected it had something to do with Melvin; otherwise, she wouldn't be like this.

After Jocelyn had reconciled with Melvin, it was clear that her complexion had improved significantly, with a layer of joy evident in her expression. Furthermore, since Melvin had expressed his intention to marry her, she should have been even happier.

What could have happened to result in her current state?

Jocelyn tried to smile, "It's nothing."

"Is it him?" Harrison ventured cautiously.

Her smile twitched, tears threatening again.

Harrison didn't understand Melvin's logic—why win her back only to cause her such pain?

"Okay, I won't pry," Harrison backed off. "It's fine to feel upset, but try not to dwell on it for too long. No matter what happens, there's always a solution. It will eventually pass."

Jocelyn tried to smile through her tears.

"Yeah, I know," she choked out.

Harrison felt for her but there was little he could do, except be there for her.

"Get some rest when you're home. No hurdle is too high, remember to keep your chin up." They reached her apartment building, and he reassured her one more time.

Jocelyn nodded, "Thanks."

"We're friends; you don't have to thank me," Harrison smiled gently. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."