Chapter 69
Chapter 69
They were at a standoff.
A cigarette was finished, its butt hit the ground, sparks flying briefly before being snuffed out under his foot.
“There’s nothing left to say, let go,” he said, reaching for the car door.
Jocelyn didn’t want to release her grip, fearing that once she did, he’d go after Harrison to settle scores.
They were at a tug-of-war, neither of them backing down, not physically at least. But wasn’t this struggle over the car door also their mental tug-of-war?
“Harrison is Innocent. Jocelyn stressed again.
Melvin looked at her intently, “Your word doesn’t cut it.”
Jocelyn took a deep breath, “I’ll make it clear tomorrow to my parents that we’re faking a relationship.”
Melvin stayed silent.
Jocelyn bit back her frustration, I won’t break up with you.”
A flicker of amusement crossed Melvin’s face, “Quite the sacrifice you’re making for that guy”
“No.” Jocelyn clenched her teeth, “I like you, so I can’t bear to let you go; I don’t want us to part ways.”
Melvin chuckled
He pursed his lips, watching Jocelyn as if she were driven to desperate measures, a hint of mockery in his eyes, “Do you realize how fierce you look right now? If you had a knife in your hand, you’d probably stab me right here,” he said, pointing to his chest.
Jocelyn did indeed wish she could just off him, but it was only a fleeting thought.
“I’m going on a business trip. I hope you’ve sorted things out by the time I get back. If not, I’ll deal with it when I return,” Melvin said, checking the time. He couldn’t delay any longer.
Jocelyn knew his last words were both a warning and a threat, but the only thing that gave her a bit of relief was that he was leaving
“Let go, Melvin insisted, looking at her hand still clinging to the car door.
Jocelyn pulled her hand away, and Melvin retracted his foot, closing the car door.
Just as Jocelyn was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Melvin rolled down the car window, rested his elbow on the frame, and
motioned her over with a hook of his finger.
Jocelyn sank her heart once again and walked over.
“Come closer, Melvin frowned.
Jocelyn stepped forward again, nearly pressing against the car.
Melvin reached out, cupped the back of her head, and pulled her into a forceful kiss.
If time weren’t an issue, he would never be satisfied with just a deep kiss.
When he let her go, his breath was ragged, lust apparent in his eyes. His fingers gently traced her swollen, red lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Without warning, he went in for another attack, biting her neck sharply.
Jocelyn winced in pain, slapping his shoulder.
Melvin didn’t let go, soothing the bitten spot with gentle licks and kisses after the bite, incredibly tender and intimate.
Jocelyn could feel his reluctance to part. She really couldn’t figure him out.
What did he actually want?
He presented himself as magnanimous. But in reality, he had a narrow mind.
He had made it clear he wouldn’t marry her, and never said he loved her, but somehow he seemed unable to let her go.
Jocelyn was startled by his reluctance to let her go.
How could he not bear to part with her?
Melvin released her, pleased with the mark he had left. His fingers grazed it gently.
the astonishment in her eyes, he softened considerably, “Go home and get some rest. I’m off
Chapter 89
This time, he rolled up the window decisively and stepped on the gas. The car’s engine roared through the quiet neighborhood.
Watching the taillights disappear around the corner, Jocelyn slumped to the ground, her tears finally flowing.
Jocelyn was plagued with nightmares and dreamed of Melvin going after Harrison, stabbing him, with blood splattering all over
her.
In her dream, Melvin was like a bloodthirsty demon, lips smeared with blood, raising the knife towards her, challenging if she
dared to run.
Jocelyn woke up terrified.
It was just after 5 a.m., still dark outside.
She had no interest in her phone, her mind preoccupied with how to handle the situation.
Just yesterday, she had agreed with Harrison but now she was reconsidering. The worst part was that both sets of parents had met and liked each other.
Even if dating could lead to breakups, it shouldn’t have turned upside down overnight.
Melvin’s words had given her a headache.
In the morning. Jocelyn prepared breakfast. Daisy, surprised to see the table set, asked, “Why are you up so early today? What happened to your neck? noticing the band-aid on Jocelyn’s neck
“I couldn’t sleep, got bitten by a bug, and accidentally scratched it open,” Jocelyn said, placing the pasta on the table, “Didn’t add any chili
Daisy looked puzzled. After all, there were no bugs in their room last night.
Calvin, noticing his daughter’s low spirits, asked, “What did Harrison and his mom say when you dropped them off yesterday?”
“Nothing, Jocelyn replied, annoyed at the memory.
“His mother is very tolerant and easy to get along with. She said that after you two get married, they won’t live with you. It’s rare to find such an understanding mother-in-law, Calvin said earnestly, “You should cherish her.”
Jocelyn stared at her plate of pasta, which felt like swallowing needles.
“Dad, Mom, I’ve only known Harrison for a few days. Even if there’s a spark, it’s only superficial. How did we get to talking about marriage? Jocelyn put down her chopsticks, “Don’t get too chummy with them. Who knows when we might call it quits?”
“Just put in some effort, Daisy urged, “You know it’s just the beginning, so why not think positively? Harrison is a good man, treat him right
Jocelyn seemed to be tortured in the hell.
“You don’t need to overthink it. Love is unpredictable. As long as you’re sincere and look to the future, love will follow,” Calvin tried to relieve her pressure, comforting her. “We as parents only wish for you to find a good man to marry into and have a warm and happy home. A loving marriage is all that matters.
Daisy nodded in agreement. The key is your attitude.”
Jocelyn was at a loss for words. She had dug her own grave.
She had no idea how long Melvin would be away. If she could get through tonight’s dinner, there shouldn’t be much trouble afterward.
In the afternoon, Melvin called her on purpose.
She was holed up in the bedroom, trembling hands as she looked at that string of phone numbers.
She always felt like that guy was watching her from somewhere out of sight.
She answered the call.
“What’s up?
“Getting ready to grab some food.”
Did you spill the beans?”
tocelyn pulled the phone away a bit, took a deep breath, then brought it back, Ill talk about it over dinner.
elvin sounded much softer, “I’ll be back in a couple of days”
Oh? Not thrilled?
Jocelyn couldn’t muster up any excitement, she really just walked right into Melvin’s trap. That sweet deal in her imagination was a blast But then she was trapped and found it hard to get out.
She faked a smile, and kept her voice breezy. “How could I not be? I’m stoked. I’ve got a dinner in a bit, gotta hang up.”
“Sure.
After the call, Jocelyn took several deep breaths to get a grip, then got her outfit together before heading out.
She saw the love bite Melvin had left on her neck in the mirror, still crystal clear.
The man was doing it on purpose, troubling her life.
After dabbing on some powder, she checked herself out from all angles and finally tied up some hair in a bun, leaving the rest cascading over her chest. Then she popped on a pair of bold sunflower earrings at the right size and height for dual coverage.
Waiting right at the hotel entrance for them, Harrison had booked a private room. Their earnest treatment towards the Winslet family was pretty rare.
Elise let them order. Both families sitting together seemed to set up a marriage arrangement.
Jocelyn was on pins and needles. It wasn’t until they mentioned the flight tomorrow at 8 in the morning that she breathed a sigh
of relief.