Chapter 159


    Jocelyn cleared her throat, looking at the bustling street around them. “You know, with so many people


    around, you might want to consider keeping up appearances.”


    “I don’t care about appearances,” Melvin countered, his gaze challenging. “When have I ever been less


    than


    human?”


    “I’m not saying you’re not human. It’s just… even the most confident of men feel a bit jittery meeting


    their girlfriend’s parents for the first time.” Jocelyn’s hand rested against his chest. “You’re pretty down-


    to-earth right now. That’s apliment, by the way.”


    Melvin snorted. “Or aint?”


    “Wouldn’t dare.”


    He gently took her chin in his hand. “I’ve forgiven you for cozying up to Harrison, for the photos, for


    meeting his parents, and even for that overnight stay. Can’t you be a little more generous?”


    So that was it. He’d been waiting for the right moment to bring it up all along.


    Jocelyn red at him. “I’ve been with you for more than three years. Can’t you see through my feelings


    for you? Don’t you have trust in me?”


    “Do you trust me, then?” Melvin’s eyes dropped to her lips, which were pursed in frustration. His voice


    turned husky. “Can you take me to your parents?”


    Jocelyn bit her lip. She tried to y it cool, but Melvin was already leaning in close.


    His lips hovered a mere breath away from hers.


    “Yep,” was all she managed in response.


    At that sound, Melvin captured her lips with his own.


    In the midst of the public square, he ignored the stares of passersby and savored her taste.


    Jocelyn’s heart raced as she was utterly aware of his transformation.


    A kiss like this? Unthinkable in the past. Even holding hands had been out of the question.


    While she rejoiced in his change, a question nagged at her.


    Why this sudden shift?


    “What are you thinking about?” Melvin asked, noticing her eyes open.


    “Nothing,” Jocelyn shook her head.


    Melvin pulled her into his embrace and opened the car door. “Let’s head home.”


    As Jocelyn settled into the passenger seat, she watched Melvin buckle her in with care. It felt like him,


    yet not


    him.


    This man must truly have a masochistic streak, she thought. He was finally doing all the things she had


    once. hoped for, but now it seemed out of character.


    Just as Melvin was about to drive, a nanny van blocked their path. The woman who stepped out was


    shaded by sunsses. But it was still recognizable to those who knew her.


    “What are you going to do, Melvin?” Willow’s voice was seething with anger, even behind her dark


    lenses.


    Melvin’s expression soured at the sight of her. “Get out of the way!”


    Willow stepped closer to block his way, and caught sight of Jocelyn in the car.


    “Why is she in your car?” she hissed.


    “None of your business.” Melvin didn’t mince words with those he disliked, regardless of their gender.


    “She’s with that guy, and you’re still…” Willow turned to Melvin. “Were you with herst night?”


    Melvin’s face darkened with fury. He red at Willow. “If you don’t want your career to tank, you’d


    better back off. Don’t push me.”


    “Are you so heartless?” Willow ripped off her sunsses, livid. “She has a boyfriend, and yet you sleep


    with her. Who’s the shameless one now?”


    “Don’t make me expose your notorietypletely,” Melvin warned, his eyes menacing. “You’ve crossed


    the line.” Willow faltered, fear seeping into her defiance. She knew better than to provoke Melvin any


    further. In showbiz, she couldn’t stand without his support.


    Taking a deep breath, she red at Jocelyn in the passenger seat. “Do you really think he’ll marry you?


    Don’t delude yourself. You’re just afortable pair of shoes to him, ones he can’t bear to part with but


    worth nothing.”


    Jocelyn’s brow furrowed.


    Melvin mmed the car door and cut off Jocelyn’s view of Willow.


    As Willow retreated, unnerved by Melvin’s advance, Jocelyn watched silently.


    “I don’t hit women, but that doesn’t mean I don’t beat bitches.” Melvin threatened, “Don’t you push me,


    you know better than me who will be more embarrassed if your nasty tricks are exposed to the public!”


    Willow’s chest squeezed with panic and she was quivering in his enraged gaze.


    He was right. There was no way she could stand up to him.


    Melvin’s threatening gaze was ultimately something Willow couldn’t carry. There was no way for her to


    restrain her fear and terror in front of him.


    Once Melvin was back inside, he floored the gas and sped away.


    Jocelyn saw Willow copse against her van, barely keeping her bnce.


    Turning back to Melvin, she noted his grim expression.


    “What happened?” she asked lightly. “Did she try to force herself on youst night and fail?”


    “Yeah. You got lucky,” Melvin replied, a hint of humor returning to his voice.


    Jocelyn chuckled softly. “Guess I should thank her then.”


    “You should thank me.”


    “For what?”


    “For being consistent with you.”


    Her heart fluttered. She gazed out the window to hide her smile.


    Willow’s words did sting, but Jocelyn cared more about the actions of the man beside her.


    He was trying to change himself, and that was good enough.


    They pulled into her parents’ neighborhood and parked. Melvin didn’t get out immediately. Jocelyn


    unbuckled her seat belt and looked at him curiously. “What’s wrong?”


    “I’m a bit nervous.”


    Sheughed. “You know, you’re my dad’s boss. He’s the one who should be nervous to meet you.”


    Jocelyn’s voice was light. “But brace, yourself. If they give you a hard time for keeping our rtionship


    under wraps for three years, don’t take it personally.”


    “You’ve got to have my back,” Melvin admitted in an anxious tone.


    He was the boss in hispany. But when it came to Jocelyn’s family, he was the one who should be


    obedient


    and submissive.


    “Stern and tough as you, how could you really need my help?” Jocelyn teased as she opened the car


    door and stepped out.


    She nced up and found her parents gazing down from the balcony.


    For a fleeting moment, a knot of anxiety tightened in Jocelyn’s stomach.


    She knew all too well how much her parents adored Harrison. What was worse, she hadn’t yet told


    them that her rtionship with Harrison was a no-go.


    Now, bringing Melvin home was bound to throw them for a loop.


    “I’ve got more exining to do than you,” Jocelyn muttered, without a hint of schadenfreude.


    Melvin’s brow furrowed slightly.


    Meanwhile, Calvin and Daisy caught sight of that familiar car pulling up. They saw their daughter


    Jocelyn stepping out, followed by Melvin. Their minds just stopped cold.


    “Isn’t that supposed to be Harrison? Why is sheing back with Mr. Martinez?” Daisy was baffled.


    Calvin shared her confusion, but the smile he’d seen on his daughter’s face told him that their previous


    suspicions might not hold water.


    Especially when Melvin began hauling out bags upon bags from the trunk, which was the spitting image


    of a son-inwing over to visit – loaded with gifts. They were both stunned.


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    “What on earth is Jocelyn up to?” Daisy’s brows furrowed, her face a mix of concern and disapproval.


    “We’ll find out soon enough,” Calvin said, his face a mask ofposure.