The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 199

Daisy snapped, slamming her fork down and standing up to point an accusing finger at Calvin. "You're just spoiling her rotten! I'd like to know what you plan to do for her when you're an old man!" With a huff, she stormed off to the bedroom and slammed the door.

"Mom!" Jocelyn called out after her.

Calvin waved his hand dismissively, a frown creasing his brow. "Leave her alone. Let's just eat."

"Dad, I'm sorry," Jocelyn said, her voice heavy with guilt. "I didn't mean to cause you and Mom any worry."

"Forget about it. If you want to get married, do it. If you don't, then don't," Calvin said as he served her some mashed potatoes, adopting a more comforting tone. "Look, sweetie, make sure whatever choices you make are what you want. Settling for less is never the answer."

Jocelyn felt a rush of gratitude for her father's understanding.

"Jocelyn, be honest," Calvin said, looking her in the eye. "Are you still hung up on Melvin?"

Jocelyn's fork paused in mid-air as she stared at her plate, prodding it idly. "I'll get over him," she murmured.

"Ah, relationships of modern days are beyond me," Calvin sighed. "Back in the day, if two people clicked, that was it—they were together for life. Your mom and I didn't exactly marry for love. But the moment I met her, I knew I was in it for the long haul. Sure, we've had our share of fights and disappointments, even moments when we thought about calling it quits, but we pulled through. Life's full of too much to take in, too much that doesn't go your way. Just follow your heart. So long as you live without regrets, that's what counts. Anyway, it's your life. No matter what decisions you make, your mom and I will support you."

He continued, "Just remember one thing—never settle for less, and never live with regrets."

"Thanks, Dad," Jocelyn said, touched by his genuine words.

Life for Jocelyn continued without much change.

She went to work every day, lived her life well and got on harmoniously with the new teachers and new students. Everything felt effortlessly comfortable.

Harrison had stopped bothering her as frequently. After all, they'd agreed to be just friends. Friendships also needed their boundaries.

She wondered how he'd explained it to his parents because they too had stopped calling and texting her.

In the midst of her peaceful days, there was a piece of good news: Quinta's IVF had been a success, making her the family's treasure. She was being pampered like a delicate flower at home.

Her husband, Damian, started coming home more often, and Quinta’s parents-in-laws were treating her with newfound respect.

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this precious little life.

"We really should thank Melvin," Quinta told Jocelyn over the phone. "If he hadn't spoken up for me, the doctors might not have taken my case so seriously."

Pregnant at last, she felt indebted to Melvin.

Jocelyn reassured her, "It’s doctors’ duty to do so. You don't want to make it sound like they're not professional."

"You know that's not what I mean. Doctors have to spread their attention among so many patients. They can't just focus on one person. This isn't a favor you owe—it's me and my husband who are indebted. I just wanted to let you know that once things settle down, we're planning to invite Melvin over for dinner to thank him in person. I'm just giving you a heads up, so you won't feel awkward when the time comes." Quinta had made up her mind and was simply informing Jocelyn in advance.

Jocelyn knew she couldn't dictate this matter, nor did she have the right to stop Quinta from repaying a favor.

"If you've both decided, what can I say? It's your business, and I won't get involved."

"You don't need to. Just give me Melvin's number and I'll contact him in a few days."

Jocelyn pursed her lips, hesitating. "I don't have his number."

"Come on, I know you. You've memorized his number in heart. You don't even need to keep it on your phone." Quinta chided. "Don't push yourself too hard to forget. The harder you try, the deeper you'll remember. Keeping his contact information and still staying unaffected—that's when you'll truly have moved on."

Feeling cornered, Jocelyn had to admit that Quinta was right.

Some things might disappear on the surface but were still deeply rooted in her heart.

She sent Melvin's number to Quinta.

Those digits were like the heartbeats on a monitor, each one sending her emotions into a tumultuous spike.

...

After work, Jocelyn joined Ursula for a shopping spree followed by a casual dinner. When Ursula excused herself to visit the restroom, Jocelyn waited outside, leaning against the wall and browsing her phone. Suddenly, a shadow approached.

Looking up, surprise flickered in her eyes.

"Jocelyn," said Layla, who was calling out to her.

Jocelyn arched an eyebrow. "You are...?"

"I'm Layla, Melvin's therapist," Layla introduced herself with ease.

Jocelyn tensed slightly but nodded politely. She hoped Ursula would return quickly.

Layla sized her up, "I've seen you a couple of times before. You really are quite beautiful."

Being complimented on her looks by another woman felt like high praise indeed.