The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 188

At noon, a call came from the real estate agent. The apartment Jocelyn had her eye on was still for rent, and it was brand spanking new. The furniture and appliances had never been used; she wouldn't need to buy a thing, just bring her personal items.

Jocelyn managed to squeeze in a visit between her commitments. After a bit of haggling over the price, she managed to knock off $50 a month and decided to put down a triple deposit with one month's rent upfront.

Conveniently, the apartment was not too far from the school where Jocelyn worked, albeit in the opposite direction from her current flat.

She hired a cleaning service to spruce up the place. That afternoon, she switched her cell number, and by evening, after work, she moved in with just a few changes of clothes.

Sleeping in a new environment, she found herself wide awake in the middle of the night.

Thankfully, her busy schedule often left her so exhausted that sleep was inevitable, and gradually, she adjusted to her new home.

Calvin and Daisy had been worried sick about her, fearing the worst. But Jocelyn kept them in the loop, easing their minds.

Time flew, and before she knew it, May had come and gone, and Jocelyn's life started to regain its rhythm.

A smile returned to her face, though she had lost a good ten pounds. Already slim at 98 pounds, she now tipped the scales at a mere 80-something, looking even more waif-like.

Unaware of her personal troubles, some of her colleagues assumed Jocelyn's weight loss was due to the stress of managing a graduation class.

But Ursula knew better.

Jocelyn had only mentioned it once, asking Ursula never to bring up Melvin in her presence again.

At that moment, Ursula didn't pry, but she could tell that any possibility between the two was likely gone forever.

During the high-stakes standardized tests, Jocelyn served as a proctor at a neighboring school.

Riding with her colleagues, they all lamented the uncertainty of their year's work. The students weren't the only ones feeling the pressure; as teachers, they felt responsible for their students' success, and their professional pride hung in the balance.

Teachers also engaged in friendly competition among themselves, but the outcome was beyond their manipulation; it all depended on the students’ performance.

After three days, Jocelyn returned to her class and couldn't help but ask how the students felt they had done.

They were all confident, claiming they had performed up to their abilities.

"Preston's been acing every test," blurted out Preston's desk mate, a hint of pride in his voice. "He says he's set to top the entrance exams this year."

Jocelyn hadn’t heard Preston's name in a while. Not too long ago, before changing her phone number and Facebook account, he used to send her messages. However, she had intentionally pushed all thoughts of that man and anything related to him out of her mind, including Preston.

She deftly changed the subject without a word.

After the tests were over, regardless of the outcomes, it would be the last time they sat in her class. She reminded them to work hard in high school, emphasizing that these years would significantly shape their lives.

Although entering a prestigious college wasn't the sole route to success, it held significant importance in today's society as a crucial stepping stone.

But Jocelyn had faith in her students; she knew they weren't the type to just coast through life. They were destined for great colleges.

The students' parents were waiting outside the school. Jocelyn said her goodbyes without much fuss.

The students left first, and Jocelyn lingered, glancing around the empty classroom, reflecting on another group of graduates she'd seen off.

After a staff meeting and lunch, the teachers began to depart.

Ursula asked Jocelyn about her plans for the summer break.

Jocelyn didn't have any. She had considered volunteering, but that was Melvin's project, and she wasn't ready to face anything associated with him.

"Maybe I'll travel abroad," Jocelyn mused. She needed a change of scenery.

Now that the immediate pressures were off her shoulders, she feared staying put might lead to trouble. A trip would be a breath of fresh air, providing an opportunity to reflect on her emotions and prepare for the next term.

As they walked together, Ursula waited until they were alone before asking, "Are you really okay?"

Jocelyn paused, then smiled. "I'm fine."

“Everyone has noticed your recent condition. While some might assume it’s due to work-related stress, which is quite common, I can sense that there’s more to it. Have you and Melvin had a fight?” Ursula scrutinized her facial expression.

Jocelyn's heart clenched at the mention of his name, her heart squeezing, but she maintained her composure. "It's over between us," she admitted, preferring to clear the air than have Ursula keep bringing him up.