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 rtionship.”
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 dy any longer.
Jocelyn knew hisst 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.
Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
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, pping 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
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 gued with nightmares and dreamed of Melvin going after Harrison, stabbing him, with
blood sttering 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 preupied 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 identally scratched it open,” Jocelyn said, cing the
pasta on the table, “Didn’t add any chili
Daisy looked puzzled. After all, there were no bugs in their roomst 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-inw, Calvin said earnestly, “You
should cherish her.”
Jocelyn stared at her te 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,forting 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 st 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.