The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 83

Melvin heard Jocelyn's phone chirp with the low-battery warning. Rarely did he act attentively before, he plugged it in for her.

A Facebook notification popped up on the screen.

Melvin seldom pried into her personal apps. Aside from that one time he'd deleted Harrison's Facebook, this was the second time he'd touched her phone.

But this message mentioned Willow.

[Just be patient. Willow has always been a bit of a mess. With a little more patience, she'll crumble and her reputation will be in tatters.]

Jocelyn's eyes narrowed at the sight of her phone in Melvin's hand.

"Are you checking through my phone?"

"You're planning revenge on Willow?" Melvin's gaze turned sharp as he caught sight of the previous photos.

Jocelyn strode over, snatched the phone from his grip and saw the message from Ulla.

Combined with the previous context, it was clear as day she was out to get Willow.

She did have once harbored such thoughts.

But then she figured Melvin's indifference towards Willow was already the best revenge of all.

"The one who truly wants to take down Willow isn't me," Jocelyn protested, not wanting to be falsely accused. "I did think about it, since Willow struck at me first. But I’ve given up now."

"These messages are updated lately. And you said it's not you?" Melvin squinted, skepticism in his voice. "When did you start resorting to such low-level tactics?"

Jocelyn paused, a mix of shock and hurt on her face. "You don't believe me?"

"Am I blind? Can't I see the messages on your phone?" Melvin's chilly stare bore into her. "Is ruining Willow's reputation so important to you? When have you ever taken my words to heart? Does it really need to be this elaborate?"

Each question struck Jocelyn like a hammer blow.

She thought she was the one who should be asking the questions.

It was like the lead runner in a race suddenly tripped by someone from behind, both tumbling to the ground. Yet before the fallen could ask why, the other was already accusing her of being in the way.

"Yeah, I never trusted you," Jocelyn admitted, too tired to explain herself to someone who already convinced of her guilt.

Seeing her acquiescence, Melvin's disappointment was palpable. "I'm really surprised. I didn't expect you to be so petty. A little jealousy can be charming, but what you're doing now was just …"

"Disgusting?" Jocelyn finished the sentence for him.

Melvin's frown deepened.

Sinking further into despair, Jocelyn felt as though she was drowning, suffocating with the inability to breathe.

"Yeah, I find your ambiguous relationship with Willow repulsive, and I hate the way how she clings to you. So, I wanted to dig up dirt on her, see her beloved image crumble. Ideally, it could make you detest her, to cut her out of your life for good."

Jocelyn's tone was even, speaking as if stating a simple fact.

Melvin's gaze grew darker.

For the first time in over three years, Jocelyn saw disgust in his eyes.

Suddenly, it felt like all those years they spent together had been a waste.

"Is there anything else you want to say?" Jocelyn's voice was light.

Melvin, now sitting on her bed, was caught in an awkward limbo, not sure whether to stay or go.

"Regardless, these past years with you were mostly good. I wish you all the best moving forward." Jocelyn knew their relationship really ended this time.

She was done clinging to a man who had never fully committed to her.

Even a stray dog you care for over three years would grow loyalty and affection.

Melvin wasn't a dog. Certainly he was devoid of such feelings.

"I'll go to my mom's place. You can take your time with your things to leave," Jocelyn offered him an out.