The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 19

Chatting with Willow wasn't exactly a blast, and even though Jocelyn managed to claw back a tiny win in the end, it hammered home just how flimsy and fragile a relationship without a label could be.

To add insult to injury, Willow had the nerve to say, "The only reason you're in his bed is because I was out of the picture. Now that I'm back; do you really think you stand a chance?"

Others didn't understand how Jocelyn had managed to make Melvin hers, but she held the most clarity on the matter; she simply seized an opportunity when he was at his most vulnerable.

After school, Jocelyn noticed a bunch of kids with rainbow hairdos hanging around the school. They seemed to pop up out of nowhere.

Middle school's when the rebel phase hits hard, and lots of kids start making some big life choices around that time.

Teaching middle schoolers kinda gave Jocelyn the jitters – the stress of teaching them knowledge was nothing compared to shaping their young minds.

At that age, kids are like sponges, soaking up everything from home, school, and society.

The security guards would keep an eye outside the school gates, making sure none of the local youths led the school kids astray.

Walking down the path lined with trees boasting thick trunks and lush leaves, Jocelyn caught a few of those punks hiding behind the trees, puffing on cigarettes, dropping dirty jokes, and sneaking peeks at her.

Jocelyn usually kept it casual with her school looks – often just tees and jeans, with the occasional dress.

Naturally pretty and with that scholarly charm, she radiated a gentle and moving beauty.

The punks tried to rattle her with their catcalls, but Jocelyn didn't bite, not even a nibble.

As she neared her apartment, the soft sound of footsteps behind her set her heart racing.

Without daring to look back, she quickened her pace.

The footsteps picked up too, and with just about a hundred meters to go, she broke into a run, and so did her shadow.

Reaching the building's entrance, Jocelyn blurted out to the doorman, "Someone's chasing me!"

The doorman, armed with a stun baton, rushed out and casually remarked to Jocelyn who was panting, "Isn't that your boyfriend?"

Dumbstruck, Jocelyn spun around to see Melvin in sportswear, holding a bottle of water, his puppy-dog eyes locked on her.

He strolled over, twisted off the cap, and handed her the water. "What were you running from? A ghost?"

Jocelyn glanced behind him, took the water and asked, "Were you the one following me?"

"Who else?" Melvin snapped.

Jocelyn then took a sip of water to catch her breath. She handed the bottle back and headed inside. "You could've called out. How was I supposed to know who was chasing me?"

Melvin took a swig and followed, "I was about to call you when you bolted like you saw a ghost."

Inside the elevator, Jocelyn leaned on Melvin, worn out from the sprint.

He didn't push her away and just let her lean on him.

"Did Willow come looking for you?"

Her eyes dimmed, "How did you know?"

"What did she say to you?"

"She said she wants you."

As the elevator doors opened, Jocelyn straightened up and walked out.

At the door to the apartment, she paused before unlocking it and turned to ask, "Was you all that heartache because of her back then?"

Melvin frowned slightly, "I've got an appointment in a bit."

Jocelyn's heart sank. Silently, she unlocked the door.