Chapter 154
She lingered at the foot of the apartment building and sat on a bench rather than immediately
ascending the
stairs.
Pulling out her cell, she scrolled through Twitter and a tweet from the vige assistant, Uriah caught her
eye It was good news: their vige was getting a road upgrade. The construction team had already
scoped out the area and charted out the new route with the goal of having driveways essible within
six months.
The town’s development n also had an Intriguing proposal – nting apple trees.
Every fall, they’d harvest the apples and arrange for buyers toe directly to purchase the fruits, so
that the locals wouldn’t have to sell by themselves.
More importantly, apany proposed to build a processing nt nearby. It promised to provide jobs
for many in the area.
Though it was just a n, it represented a beacon of hope for everyone.
At that moment, Jocelyn felt a surge of respect for Melvin, the man making it happen.
Regardless of his reasons or motivations, his actions spoke volumes, and she couldn’t help but give a
thumbs-up to his post before heading upstairs.
The day before the school year kicked off, Harrison invited Jocelyn to dinner.
He had been back in Yanova City for a while but had been too swamped to meet up until now.
After picking her up, he suggested, “How about we invite your parents along?”
Checking the time, Jocelyn replied, “They’ve probably had dinner by now.””
“Just ask.”
“Alright.”
She called her mom, Daisy, who confirmed they’d already eaten and, knowing Harrison was the one
who’d invited Jocelyn out, reminded her daughter to enjoy hispany.
Her parents genuinely liked Harrison, so much that they wished he’d marry her right away.
“They’re really setting us up for some alone time, huh?” Harrison joked, unsurprised.
Jocelyn sighed with a mix of frustration and amusement. “They really like you.”
“If I didn’t have to consider your feelings, I’d definitely be part of your family by now.” Harrison quipped.
Jocelyn chuckled, “What, nning on being the son-inw who moves in?”
“I don’t mind.” Harrison said carelessly. “My parents are anxious too. They’d probably pay someone to
take me off their hands,”
“The universal plight of parents.” Jocelyn mused. “Seems like there are plenty of folks not rushing to
marry. It’s as if staying single is some kind of crime.”
“Well, you know how it is. Life’s all about settling down and carrying on the family name.” Harrison
understood, “But honestly, I do like the idea of having a family. A wife, a kid, a cozy little trio it all
sounds pretty blissful.”
—
Jocelyn sensed his genuine longing for marriage and imagined he’d be a terrific husband and father.
His future wife would be happy with him.
Just hearing you talk about it sounds lovely.” she admitted.
“Too bad nobody’s creating that happiness with me.” Harrisonmented with a hint of sadness.
Jocelyn knew what he meant but simply responded, “Don’t worry, you’ll find the right person.”
Harrison offered a wistful smile, “Hopefully.”
They arrived at an upscale bistro and were shown to their reserved table. It was a rare asion – their
first dinner out this year
As they settled in and ordered, Willow and U were guided to a nearby table. Jocelyn’s mood soured
as she saw them
U had carved out her niche in the entertainment circle, with her sweet looks and a touch of boldness
that made her quite likable.
Now that they were seated together, the reason for their friendship became clear their simr vibes
were undeniable.
U, unperturbed by guilt, greeted Jocelyn with bold familiarity.
“Jocelyn, out with your boyfriend, I see.” Willow interjected with a pointed look at Harrison. “You two
should consider a sequel. I bet lots would love the story of lovers reunited.”
Jocelyn’s distaste for Willow was as intense as finding a fly in her soup, which ruined her appetite
completely. “Sorry, miss, but we don’t appreciate interruptions.” Harrison said, diplomatically showing
her the door. Willow, usually unustomed to such rebuffs, was irked but kept herposure. “Sir,
you better keep an eye on your girlfriend. After all, she and my boyfriend have some unresolved
issues.”
Jocelyn felt her chest tighten with indignation.
How could Willow be so shameless?
“Shouldn’t you be keeping tabs on your own boyfriend?” Harrison shot back sharply. “Or wait, he’s not
really your boyfriend, is he? You like to im status, but does he even acknowledge it?”
His sarcasm hit a nerve. Willow’sposure slipped and her anger revealed.
Melvin had never dered his affection to her, much less confirmed her as his girlfriend. Willow
sometimes imed the title when out and about, and unless Melvin was present, she rarely corrected
misunderstandings. But she dared not when he was there.
Her and Melvin’s true rtionship was a sensitive topic, known only to those privy to the inside story.
“My rtionship with Melvin is none of your business, and not being his girlfriend doesn’t change a
thing. He chose to be with me, in the end.” Willow retorted, refusing to concede. “Jocelyn, since you’ve
found someone new, please keep your distance from Melvin. You’re a educator, you should understand
what ethics are ”
Jocelyn fought the urge to ssh the contents of her ss across Willow’s brazen face.
“Only a woman with no self-worth would confront her man’s ex with threats. It just shows how much
less you. are than me” Jocelyn snapped, no longer willing to y nice. “You talk to me about ethics –
do you even have any?”
Willow shattered at those words. Taking a deep breath and feigning ease, she said, “Less than you?
Please! We both know I hold a special ce in Melvin’s heart that you could never fill. Besides, you
were the past, while I am the present.”
Willow seemed to have finally found her moment to strike back at Jocelyn, her smirk as proud as a
peacock in full bloom.
Jocelyn and Harrison shared a look of mutual disgust. It was clear that some people just couldn’t grasp
the concept of grace or decency.
Harrison stood up, taking Jocelyn by the hand, and grabbed her coat and purse. “Even fancy
restaurants get
flies, it’s disgusting. Let’s go home for the meal.”
Jocelyn had no desire to share the same air with Willow any longer and allowed Harrison to lead her
away.
Just as they reached the entrance, Melvin walked in by some twist of fate.
His gaze instantly fell on their intertwined hands, the unmistakable sign of two lovers.
All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.
His heart clenched tight.
“Mr. Martinez, you’re just in time to take care of your girlfriend. She’s been buzzing around like a fly
everywhere, which has really killed the appetite.” Harrison said, deliberately putting Willow in an
awkward spot. “By the way, ‘I heard from yourdy here that you two might be tying the knot soon.
Make sure to invite Jocelyn and me. We all know each other, and we’d love to be guests at your
wedding, to witness your happiness and give everyone peace of mind.”
Jocelyn didn’t really buy Willow’s story, but the fact that Willow dared to say such things meant that
Melvin had given her some kind of promise.
Otherwise, how could Willow be so bold?
Truth be told, she felt inferior to Willow.
At least, Willow could be openly with Melvin. Despite how unreliable the tabloids were, they managed
to give off the illusion to many that Willow and Melvin were the real couple.