The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 82

"Go and see him off," Calvin said with a glance at Jocelyn.

After pondering for a moment, Jocelyn stood up and made her way to the stairs. However, halfway down, she stopped.

"I’ll stop here. You go on," Jocelyn said, her voice betraying her reluctance to encounter Melvin. She couldn't imagine what she would say to him. It was like meeting an ex after a breakup. There was no way to stay cool and composed.

Preston seemed confused. "Why? Don't you miss him? It's been ages since you two saw each other."

"Just go," Jocelyn replied. It’s impossible to share her inner turmoil with Preston, who was practically still a kid.

Seeing how adamant she was, Preston didn't press further and went downstairs alone.

Leaning against the wall, Jocelyn listened and waited.

After a long while, she heard a car pull away. As the tension in her heart eased, a sense of emptiness washed over her.

She went back home to prepare for the upcoming exams. Her workload wasn't going to ease up anytime soon. It was only after she sat down for a while that she grabbed her bag and hailed a cab back to her own apartment.

...

As soon as the elevator doors opened, a familiar scent of cigarette smoke hit her nostrils.

She looked up and locked eyes with those deep, soulful eyes that she knew all too well.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Melvin crushed his cigarette in the stand-up ashtray in the hallway and approached her, wrapping his arms gently around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder. He seemed to let go of all his strength, seeking comfort in her presence.

Jocelyn wasn't sure how to respond to his embrace, so she just let him hold her.

After a while, she felt the weight on her shoulder grow heavier, followed by the steady sound of his breathing.

Was he asleep?

How exhausted must he be?

Unable to stand still too long, Jocelyn softly called his name, "Melvin?" There was no response, so she tapped his shoulder.

He murmured something, his voice low and hoarse, betraying his fatigue.

"Don't sleep here, go home to bed," Jocelyn urged, helping him stand.

As he opened his eyes, he leaned against the wall, and only at this close distance did she see how weary he looked. Dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot scleras, and a stubbly chin.

Frowning, Jocelyn eventually opened the door.

Melvin went straight to the couch and collapsed, appearing utterly spent.

Jocelyn asked if he wanted a shower, but he was already asleep again.

What could have worn him out so much? He looked like the tired heroes from the old stories, drained by some enchantress.

She let him be and went to the kitchen to cook some porridge for him, anticipating that he might want something warm when he woke up.

The porridge was ready, but Melvin was still sleeping. Jocelyn worked on her computer in the living room, leaving him to rest on the couch.

By the time she finished preparing the exam items, it was midnight. Stretching, she looked up to find Melvin watching her.

Startled, she asked, "Hungry?"

"A bit," he replied.

Jocelyn got up, her legs numb. She leaned on the table for support as she made her way to the kitchen and served him a bowl of porridge.

Melvin sat up and gulped it down.

"Want more?"

"No, that's enough."

Not pressing further, Jocelyn cleaned up the bowl and put away her laptop and papers. The awkward silence hung heavy, and she bit her lip, "You... not heading back?"

Melvin raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her question.

The air turned even more awkward.

Touching her nose and forcing a smile, Jocelyn added, "I've got a bit more work. You can rest if you need to."