The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 196

Yasmine hit a rough patch at Jocelyn's – despite giving it her all, things just didn't pan out.

Back at Melvin's place, she looked at the gaunt figure slumped on the couch. Seeing him like this, her heart ached.

He was her brother, after all.

Melvin turned at the sound of her entering.

His eyes were hollow with disappointment at seeing her alone.

"She didn't come," he rasped, his voice so hoarse one might think he'd cried himself raw.

Yasmine's heart went out to him. "Yeah," she said softly.

"She used to care me so much," Melvin murmured, gazing out the window with a voice so faint Yasmine felt the urge to cry for him.

She walked over and gently patted his shoulder. "Don't push yourself too hard. Health comes first. As long as she's not married, there's still a chance for you."

"No chance left," Melvin breathed deeply, resignation heavy in his voice. "She won't give me another one."

Yasmine's heart twisted with sorrow. "Then you've got to start taking care of yourself. Torturing yourself won't win her sympathy. If there's no chance, you've got to love yourself."

Melvin closed his eyes slowly, moisture gathering at the corners.

After a while, he whispered, "Sis, I'm hungry."

Yasmine's face lit up at his words, a spark of joy breaking through. "Alright, just you wait. I'll whip something up in no time."

Once Yasmine was off to the kitchen, Melvin took out his phone. His screen wallpaper was a picture from the night with Jocelyn – both of them together. It was all he had left to cling to.

...

Quinta, knowing that Jocelyn and Melvin weren't together anymore, moved out of Melvin's place and rented her own apartment. She was now focusing all her energy on her child, hoping for success on the first try.

"Maybe I should switch doctors," Quinta fretted, not wanting to owe Melvin any favors.

"Don't bother switching," Jocelyn consoled her.

"But you and Melvin..." Quinta's concern was evident.

Jocelyn offered a weak smile. "We're over, but your health matters the most. Besides, the process has already started. We're paying them anyway, so there's no need to worry about that."

"I just don't want to be indebted."

"Just focus on your treatment and leave the rest for me to deal with," Jocelyn assured her. "Worst case, it's a debt I won't be paying back."

Quinta sighed heavily, looking at Jocelyn. "Why things got to be this way?"

Things in the world often don't make sense, Jocelyn thought. "Don't worry about me. What matters now is that you follow the doctor's suggestions and succeed on the first try."

"That's what I want too. My mom prays every day for it to work," Quinta confessed, feeling the weight of expectation. "If it works out, great. If not, I'm afraid his parents will never let me live it down."

Jocelyn held her hand gently. "Don't worry about them. You need to relax and not overthink. Everything will be fine."

"Okay," Quinta nodded, "I know."

That afternoon, Jocelyn accompanied Quinta to the hospital for her check-up.

Leaving the hospital with the reports, they passed by a red sports car. A sharp-looking woman in a suit stepped out, her hair in a sleek bun and sporting designer shades. She was carrying the latest designer handbag.

Adjusting her glasses, the woman gave Jocelyn a lingering glance as she passed by.

"That woman was staring at you," Quinta noticed the woman's gaze.

By the time Jocelyn looked back, the woman had already entered the hospital.

Jocelyn didn't think much of it.

Quinta left for the train station to return to the town, while Jocelyn met up with Ursula.

One of their colleagues was celebrating birthday and had invited them to join.

After picking up a gift, they headed to the restaurant – an elegant bistro with vintage charm.

Arriving at the private dining room upstairs, they found the environment incredibly comfortable.

They were a bit late, and the others were already engaged in a lively game of cards.