Chapter 84
This was the first time Jocelyn heard the past story of Willow and Melvin. Though Willow didn’t go into
detail about the family crisis Melvin had faced, Jocelyn could tell it was because of this that he’d always
indulged Willow.
Teenage friends tuming into lovers, who could rece that?
At least Jocelyn didn’t think she had the strength to make ast stand. Being the unloved one in a
rtionship was a guaranteed path to a shattered heart.
“Why are you still watching this?” Urs came over and saw the video still ying on Jocelyn’s screen.
Turn it off.”
Urs was the only person aside from Preston at school who knew the whole messy story between
Jocelyn and Melvin, though she didn’t know all the details. She knew their rtionship was over.
It was obvious a new yer Willow, had entered the game, one with a strong hand, and Jocelyn didn’t
stand a chance.
Jocelyn closed the video and took a deep breath. I’m fine. It’s just for entertainment, right? It’s out there
for people to see.”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t contribute to the video’s view counts, Urs said. Though she didn’t know
much about Willow, she disliked her hypocritical look.
Jocelyn forced a smile. “Got any ns tonight? Fancy grabbing a bite this afternoon?”
“No ss tonight Urs nced at the clock. “I’m off after this one, so see youter
“Okay.
Later that afternoon, Jocelyn and Urs walked out of school together, just in time to overhear the
principal on a call discussing something about the school.
Once they were outside the school gates, Urs whispered, “The school’s expanding. They’re nning
to build another teaching block on the west side. But there’s a funding gap, and the principal has been
running around trying to fill it.”
“Doesn’t the school board allocate funds for that sort of thing?”
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Urs shook her head with a sigh. “Far from enough to build a new block. Plus, another local high
school is also expanding. Money isn’t that easy toe by.”
Jocelyn didn’t quite grasp the intricacies, but it soundedplicated.
“Both the government and school officials are trying to figure out who can cough up the cash, Urs
continued cautiously. There are plenty of sessful business people in town, but getting them to do
charity work with no return is a tall order.”
Jocelyn replied. “As long as it’s for the future of our country, there will always be someone willing to
take on the hardest tasks.”
“That’s true, but who knows when it’ll be our school’s turn.” Urs changed the subject of talks, and
they drove off towards the bustling
city center
They enjoyed a hearty meal of hotpot and then strolled aimlessly along the streets.
By chance, Jocelyn caught sight of a familiar figure in a nearby boutique.
It was U
Ever since her breakup with Melvin, U had deleted her on Facebook.
Jocelyn had intended to tell U to stop contacting her, only to find out she’d been blocked first.
“Hey, isn’t that Willow?” Urs also noticed the boutique.
Jocelyn looked back and saw Willow holding up a dress against U, while U chatted with her,
seemingly giving her opinion on the dress
They seemed close.
A flood of memones rushed through Jocelyn’s mind – from U’s onlinement to her reaching out to
U, then to U following Willow. Everything seemed like a deliberate setup, waiting for her to walk
right into it
She wondered how long had Willow been nning this trap, but she had definitely fallen into it
“What’s wrong?” Urs noticed Jocelyn’s daze and gently patted her shoulder. “You okay?”
Jocelyn looked again at the pair.
Willow, sunsses on and fully guarded, stepped out of the boutique with U. The chauffeured car at
the curb had its door open.
As they were about to get in Willow suddenly stopped and looked in Jocelyn’s direction
Pocelyn couldn’t see her eyes, but she could feel her mocking gaze.
Hapter
Willow paused, prompting U to look over as well.
Upon seeing Jocelyn, U acted as if she didn’t know her, shifting her gaze away without a hint of
embarrassment.
If it was just a suspicion before that they were in cahoots, now it was confirmed then.
It was all a trap.
A trap set just for her.
L’s onlinement would only be dug up by someone looking for it, and she was that person.
Jocelyn had to admit, Willow had tricked her like a fiddle.
Shed managed to provoke all of Jocelyn’s jealousy, and made her seem scheming to Melvin.
On her way home, Jocelyn reflected on her own actions.
The more she thought about it, the more she was impressed by Willow’s cunning. It was like the tale of
the fisherman patiently waiting for the fish, and she had taken the bait.
If only she hadn’t been so determined to expose Willow, she wouldn’t have yed right into her hands.
Jocelynughed ruefully. She truly had no one to me but herself
Willow shared thetest on the story of her first love.
She returned home after graduation. The boy had be a sessful young entrepreneur. Although
he initially ignored her, he eventually gave her the most important endorsement deal for hispany. It
was a special treatment, just for her. She knew he had never forgotten her
Despite the misunderstandings that arose, luckily they both held on to their feelings, which remained
unchanged.
Willow said, “I’m grateful that he’s still the boy I fell for. And to him, I’m still his most important partner.”
Jocelyn felt a mix of emotions reading this
No matter her three-year rtionship with Melvin, the old saying held true: what’s not meant to be
yours will never be.
Thements below the video were filled with amateur detectives specting about who the young
entrepreneur could be
[The jewelrypany owner, obviously.]
As soon as thatment was posted, a chorus of agreement followed.
Jocelyn stopped scrolling.
She realized she couldn’t keep canng about their lives. Doing so was no different from being a voyeur.
She didn’t want to be someone she herself despised.
Seeing Preston every day at school, she treated him just like any other student, without showing extra
concern or avoiding him.
The calendar had flipped to the Fourth of July, and the school was abuzz with activities to celebrate the
holiday.
Jocelyn, as the head teacher, was run ragged. When the holiday finally concluded, she copsed onto
her desk, exhausted.
“Jocelyn”
Startled, Jocelyn snapped her head up to see Principal Fletcher stepping into the office. She quickly
adjusted her blouse and stood, “Mr. Fletcher, what brings you here?”
“You’ve been working hardtely, haven’t you?” Fletcher inquired with a tone of concern.
“It’s been okay.” Jocelyn forced a smile. Is there something you need?”
“Actually, there is. You know the vacant lot to the west we’ve been nning for a new school building?
I’ve been tied up with that project. But, as luck would have it, an entrepreneur reached out, expressing
interest in a chat. I thought it’d be prudent to bring along a few colleagues who’ve made significant
contributions to the school, to discuss our teaching capabilities. So, I wanted to ask if you’re avable?”
Jocelyn hadn’t expected this.
Her first reaction was, “Does this mean socializing with drinks?”
“No, no, not at all. It’s not just you. The school’s offics will be there as well. I’ve spoken to the
supervisors of other grades, and they’re all on board. Principal Fletcher rified earnestly. “We can’t
have any impropriety in our ranks.”
Jocelyn chuckled, a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, I guess I jumped the gun there.”
Your concem is normal and valid. Rest assured, it’s purely a professional meeting, to give them a better
picture of our school. Besides some officials from the Department of Education will be present as well
“Of course.” Jocelyn wouldn’t dream of declining