The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 203

If she had been just a few years younger, she could have joined him in his games.

Wasn't that how it was just a few years back?

All that mattered then was being with the one she liked, even if it meant sneaking around in the shadows.

But people change with age, and their desires grow. Maybe by the time people hit their forties or fifties, those desires will seem less important.

And right now, Jocelyn was at her most rational age.

The grip on her was slowly loosening.

Melvin released Jocelyn, his reddened eyes fixed on her. He let out a short, bitter laugh, staggering backward. "I thought you were all in, heart and soul. Turns out it was just me overthinking."

Sensing the disappointment in his tone, Jocelyn felt a momentary urge to defend herself.

But as the words reached her throat, she decided to remain silent.

It didn't matter what he thought, as long as he stopped clinging to her.

She wanted to live her life rather than spending her days haunted by memories of him.

Jocelyn took a deep breath and offered a shallow smile, full of composed surrender. "Yeah, you're right. It's not like I was ever that deep into you."

Melvin's breathing quickened. His gaze was locked on Jocelyn, his lips pressed tight, as if holding back a storm of emotion.

"I need to get back to my cousin," Jocelyn said, feeling there was nothing left to discuss.

As she turned away, her heart weighed heavy.

Without looking back, she walked away quickly.

She didn't see the single tear glistening in the corner of Melvin's eye, didn't see him clutch at his chest and slowly crouch down, nor did she hear his voice crack as he called out, "Don't go."

Jocelyn returned to the hospital and peeked into Quinta's room. To her surprise, Quinta was awake.

"You're back," Quinta said, sitting up.

"Did I wake you?" Jocelyn's voice was gentle as she stepped inside.

Quinta shook her head. "Have slept too much during the day, now my sleep is fitful."

Jocelyn poured her a glass of water.

Quinta took it, looking at her intently. "How did it go?"

"With what?"

"Your talk with him?" Quinta sipped water, her tone laced with curiosity.

Jocelyn shook her head. "There was nothing much to talk about."

Quinta frowned. "I can feel that there's still love between you two. It shouldn't have ended this way."

"Yeah, it shouldn't have," Jocelyn agreed, lowering her head and staring at her fingers.

She too wished for a better ending.

"You still care about him," Quinta stated firmly.

Jocelyn denied, "No."

"Then you wouldn't be crying."

Jocelyn fell silent.

Quinta could tell she had been crying. Perhaps she had composed herself before coming in, but the eyes never lie.

With a sigh, Quinta said, "They say true love finds a way, but what happened with you two? It's hard to find someone you love. Stop hurting yourself, and him."

"Yeah," Jocelyn murmured.

Quinta looked at her helplessly. "Look at my two marriages, both ended unhappily. But if I meet someone I love in the future, I'll still seize the chance. Jocelyn, don't overthink it. Love is love, don't burden yourself with too much thought. He had his reasons for leaving, and if you forgive him now, he'll keep your kindness in heart."

"Do you think I should act as if nothing had happened?" Jocelyn asked.

Quinta considered seriously. "To pretend nothing happened is impossible. You could use his guilt to keep him on a tight leash."

Jocelyn laughed and shook her head. "Quinta, you're oversimplifying it. A guy like him isn't easily manipulated. And I don't want his guilt. It's useless to me."

Quinta was tired.

"Think about it. Love is rare. When a man bares his soul to you, it means he loves you deeply. Maybe he keeps secrets because those are his darkest parts, the ones he fears showing to someone he adores. Perhaps he's afraid you'll reject him."

Quinta looked at her. "Jocelyn, it's not easy to find true love. Look at me, I accepted Damian's past marriage, his son and his family, because I loved him. If it weren't for what happened recently, I think I could have made do. It's all about what the heart can't let go."

With a sigh, she added, "You and Melvin are still young. There's no hurdle you can't overcome. Don't live to regret it."

After Quinta fell asleep, Jocelyn sat outside in the hallway, pondering Quinta’s words. A strong feeling was stirring within her.

She stood up and left the hospital. Then she dialed the number she hadn't called in ages.

The phone rang several times before it was finally picked up.

"Hello..." The voice was hoarse and weary.

Jocelyn took a deep breath. "Where are you staying?"

Melvin gave her the hotel name and room number.

"Wait for me."

After hanging up, Jocelyn hailed a cab to the hotel.

She found his room number and stood hesitantly at the door, hand raised then lowered. Finally, she knocked with resolve.