The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 202

He had indeed lost weight.

He seemed even thinner than the last time she'd seen him.

"Oh," she muttered before lifting her cup of coffee and taking a sip.

"I thought I'd die during my time abroad," Melvin said with a casualness that belied the gravity of such a statement.

Jocelyn's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't take the bait. She knew agreeing to have lunch with him had been a mistake.

If it hadn't been for Quinta, she wouldn't have sat across from him at this table.

The awkwardness was almost suffocating.

Melvin watched her squirm and knew she was uncomfortable.

It was the same person sitting there, yet her demeanor towards him had totally shifted.

He had longed to openly be in her presence, to force a situation where she couldn't refuse to see him.

The call last night from Quinta's doctor had been his golden ticket. It was unethical to think in this way, but he was grateful for the chance.

Knowing she was back in town to visit Quinta, he had driven over without a second thought.

Layla had advised him not to meet Jocelyn again, yet he understood the paradox all too well. The less they saw each other, the more he yearned to be near her.

It was like nicotine addiction—without that one drag, restlessness would take over, leaving him on edge.

Melvin cracked a smile. "Thankfully I'm still alive."

Jocelyn was at a loss for words.

She didn't know what he had gone through those months, why he hadn't even called once.

But really, what was the point in rehashing it all? It wouldn't change the outcome.

"Jocelyn," Melvin called her name, a simple invocation that drew her gaze to him.

"Do you really not want me anymore?" His eyes never left her.

Jocelyn's heartbeat accelerated to an alarming pace, almost making her feel breathless.

Thankfully, the waitress arrived in time to bring their food, giving Jocelyn a reprieve.

The table filled with dishes, but her appetite had vanished.

Melvin hadn't touched his food either, waiting on her response.

"Let's eat," Jocelyn said, picking up her fork to dodge the question.

She ate hurriedly, as if she was really hungry. Only she knew it was a feigned starvation to avoid conversation.

Melvin began to eat as well, but at a pace so slow it seemed deliberate—as if by doing so, he could extend their time together.

After a few bites, Jocelyn put down her fork. But Melvin appeared to have just begun, savoring each bite.

It was customary to wait for your guest to finish before settling the bill.

Melvin had ordered four hearty dishes. After Jocelyn's few bites, much still remained.

He ate with the intention to clear the plates.

Jocelyn couldn't help but check the time, every second with him was torture.

Melvin pretended not to notice her eagerness to leave, acting as if he was relishing a feast of delicacies.

Eventually, they were the last table left.

No wine was drunk, yet the meal had stretched over three hours.

Jocelyn had sat through those three hours without a bite.

When the last morsel was finally picked up, she let out a silent sigh of relief.

Jocelyn signaled for the cheque, only to learn that Melvin had already paid.

Had he settled the bill during his trip to the restroom?

"This meal was on behalf of my cousin," Jocelyn fished out her wallet, "I'll have to reimburse her. How much do I owe you?"

"Do we really need to split it that clearly?" Melvin's disappointment was palpable.

"It should be as it must be," she insisted.

"When she's feeling better, she can treat me," Melvin replied, "I ate most of it, so it's only right that I pay."

Jocelyn dropped the subject at that.

She gathered her things. "Are you heading back or?"

"I'm staying here tonight," Melvin revealed.

"Then get some rest," Jocelyn said without lingering a moment longer, quickly walking out of the restaurant.