After dining at Castiel's place, Jocelyn headed back to her parents' home.
As Castiel offered to drive her, Jocelyn asked, “What if they ask who you are?”
“Their son-in-law, obviously.” Castiel teased her. “Why don’t we bring Euston along? They’ve been nagging about marriage, and here we are, hitched with a kid. Perfect.”
Jocelyn rolled her eyes. “Stop talking nonsense.”
“Alright, alright, we’ll leave Euston. Let’s get you home.” Castiel opened the car door, urging her, “Chop-chop.”
She shot him a look. “No wonder Euston’s mom ditched you. With that attitude, I would’ve too.”
Standing by the car, Castiel fixed his gaze on her. “Hey, don’t bring up my sad memories, okay?”
“I’m just stating the truth.”
“Fine,” Castiel grumbled, “next time that jerk shows up, we’ll see if I help you out.”
Jocelyn glared at him. “Enough, Castiel.”
“You started it.”
“I don’t need a ride.” Jocelyn had her temper too.
Seeing her serious, Castiel quickly intercepted her. “Okay, okay, my bad. Let’s go, it’s late. I need to get back to Euston after this.”
“I can take a cab.” Jocelyn wasn’t playing games. She knew Euston needed his father.
“How are you going to hail a cab here?” Castiel opened the passenger door and nudged her in. “Don’t waste time.”
Dropping Jocelyn off at the old complex, Castiel didn’t come out of the car.
“This place isn’t the best for our parents. Maybe we should look for a new spot?” he suggested earnestly.
Unbuckling her seat belt, Jocelyn corrected him, “My parents.”
“I don’t mind taking care of two more seniors. Why do you have to be so precise?” This was what Castiel disliked most about her - her insistence on clarity.
Jocelyn eyed him. “Don’t get too involved.”
“I can afford it. Taking care of your parents is no big deal.” Castiel was always flashy with his wealth.
“Bye.” Jocelyn stepped out.
Castiel hurried to retrieve her suitcase. “Let me walk you up.”
“No need. Thanks.” She took the suitcase. “Hurry back. Stop dawdling.”
“You sure you can handle this yourself?” He stared at her heavy suitcase.
Jocelyn waved him off. “Enough chatter.”
She entered the building with her suitcase in tow.
The lights flickered on at her arrival and she heard the car engine fade away, a sign he was gone. Shaking her head in resignation, the lights went dark again.
As she prepared to clap for the lights, footsteps sounded behind her. Turning, there stood Melvin, dressed in a white sweater under a wool coat. His hands were buried in the pockets, eyes slanted with a glint.
Jocelyn swallowed hard, surprised by his ambush.
"What brings you here, Melvin?"
He casually mentioned, “Your husband doesn’t seem to care much, leaving you with such a heavy suitcase. He didn’t even check on your parents.”
Jocelyn understood his sarcasm but didn’t want to provoke him. “What do you want?”
“I came to see how the heartless woman I can’t forget is doing.” Melvin was dead serious.
Jocelyn held her breath.
“You feeling better?” She avoided confrontation.
“Whether I am or not is none of your business.” His gaze was piercing. “How old’s the kid?”
“One,” she said, feeling constrained.
Melvin considered this. “So the minute I left the country, you got pregnant with another man.”
“That’s one way to put it.” Jocelyn embraced the absurdity.
Melvin’s jaw twitched, “Impressive.”
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