Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Jocelyn’s ears perked up, her heart in her throat
Its not that she was nosy about Melvin’s private life, but knowing why he was so dead-set against marriage would’ve
been a small comfort.
“Preston!”
Right as Preston was about to spill the beans, in walked Melvin, face stormy as a thundercloud.
The diner fell silent as the grave with Melvin’s entrance.
A few young gals got all hot and bothered at the sight of him. The guy was too handsome for his own good.
Preston rolled his eyes helplessly and muttered an apologetic “Can’t tell ya today” to Jocelyn.
She nodded, getting the picture
Even if Preston had the guts to spill, she wasn’t sure she had the guts to hear it.
“Flight’s at six, pack your bags. I’ll drop you off at the airport, Melvin commanded, not giving Preston room to argue.
Preston was speechless, mouth agape, ending up with a forced laugh.
A laugh tinged with frustration.
He puffed his cheeks, nodding at Melvin. “Good for you!”
Melvin shot him a frosty look. “Want me to change your flight to three o’clock?”
If Preston didn’t have respect for him as an uncle, he’d have thrown his unfinished drink right in Melvin’s face.
“I’m out,” Preston said, bidding Jocelyn a reluctant goodbye. “See you.”
Jocelyn didn’t want to meddle in their family drama, so she just nodded and said, “Make sure to have fun on your break, but sneak in a bit of reading too.”
“Got it, Preston replied, clearly down in the dumps.
Melvin shooed Preston into the car with a look and didn’t drive off right away, waiting for Jocelyn instead.
There she stood, not moving an inch.
Their eyes met, and finally, Melvin took a few steps towards her.
Every step he took stirred up her heart
After all, this was the man she still loved, and her feelings were not yet severed.
Her heartbeat raced, her breaths uneven, until he stood right before her.
“Now that we’ve broken up, stop snooping around my business, Melvin finally uttered the cold words.
That’s when Jocelyn’s heart settled down for good.
She clenched her fists, feigning indifference. “You flattered yourself. Your affairs mean nothing to me now”
Determined not to crumble in front of him, Jocelyn scoffed coldly and quickly turned to walk away.
The moment she turned, her eyes welled up.
Jocelyn and Ursula went off on a trip.
She felt the need to clear her head, to shake off the emotional clutter.
Hey, don’t you have a boyfriend? Why not go on a trip with him?” Ursula, having settled into her seat on the plane. launched into gossip mode.
“We broke up, Jocelyn revealed.
Ursula glanced at her neck. “Still wearing the necklace, huh?”
Jocelyn touched the necklace. Having seen it in her drawer that morning, she hadn’t planned to wear it, but it felt like some force compelled her to put it on.
She figured, since barely anyone knew the necklace’s backstory, wearing it on the trip wouldn’t hurt.
As long as Willow and Melvin didn’t see it, it was all good.
“It means I’m totally over it.” she said, though her voice betrayed her insecurity.
Ursula, choosing not to burst her bubble, tucked herself under the blanket and sincerely said, “That’s great. This trip is perfect for a potential fling. I’m up for some romance myself
As the plane glided smoothly, Jocelyn gazed at the receding runway, her mood lifting with the sky.
Once in the city, a hotel car came just for them. After checking in, Jocelyn changed into a pink V-neck sleeveless top with loose straight-leg jeans, her hair cascading down her shoulders, looking lively and playful, her figure both sexy and
stunning.
She grabbed a sun hat, put on her sunglasses and a pair of comfy white sneakers before heading out.
Ursula couldn’t help but whistle in admiration, eyes shining. “You look amazing. Never seen you dress like this before”
“Gotta keep up appearances as a teacher at work, Jocelyn shot back, “Haven’t seen you decked out like this either.”
Ursula was wearing a strappy yellow and white polka-dot dress, her chestnut hair in a bun, oversized sunglasses adding to her allure, I’m here for a romantic adventure, so gotta dress the part.” Ursula was a bundle of fun, making the trip a
blast
After a bite in a restaurant, they strolled around nearby.
“Hey, doesn’t that lady look familiar? Ursula took off her glasses, looking at a woman posing among palm trees, with a
crew taking pictures.
Jocelyn recognized her instantly.
It was Willow.
“Willow!” Ursula recognized her too.
Jocelyn looked up, wondering what the universe was up to, bumping into a buzzkill when all she wanted was a breather. “Are you going to say hi? Jocelyn kept her feelings about Willow off her face.
“No, she’s working. When did she get here? Talk about crazy luck,” Ursula whispered, sneaking a photo with her phone.
At that moment, Jocelyn’s mood soured.
All she hoped for was not to run into Willow for the rest of the five-day trip.
But clearly, fate wasn’t on her side.
That afternoon, as Jocelyn and Ursula lounged on the beach, Willow approached with a crowd.
“Sorry, we’d like to shoot some photos here, so could you guys move?” a crew member approached them.
Jocelyn and Ursula were dumbstruck.
Out of all the spots, did they have to pick theirs?
Willow stood behind them, smirking with clear intent.
Everyone waited for Jocelyn to move, but she wasn’t playing that game. “Sorry, but the sunset’s about to start, and I picked this spot for the view.” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
No one expected Jocelyn to stand her ground.
The staff turned back to glance at Willow, who was grinning as her phone buzzed ‘Melvin, you here yet? Oh, I see you Over here!”
Willow waved enthusiastically in the distance.
Hearing that name, Jocelyn’s mental defenses completely collapsed.
She grabbed her hat and stood up, saying to Ursula, “Let’s bounce.”
Ursula was caught off guard by Jocelyn’s sudden move but quickly scurried after her.
Jocelyn put on her sunglasses and walked briskly, completely spacing out in the direction.
She had no intention of bumping into Melvin, but, go figure, she inadvertently chose a path that put them head-to-head.
Melvin was dressed in a white tee with a light blue shirt thrown over it, rocking black shorts and flip- flops, totally nailing
the chill beach vibe.
He looked pretty laid-back and carefree.
Hidden behind her sunglasses, Jocelyn scoped out Melvin, forgetting to watch where she was going, and bam, her foot found a sandpit someone had dug and she stumbled forward in a not-so-graceful nosedive.
Just as her face was about to eat sand, an arm yanked her up, sparing her the sandy smooch.
Jocelyn was mortified, her hat flying off, hair a hot mess, but at least her sunglasses stayed loyal, barely covering her
beet-red cheeks.
“Got eyes but don’t use them? Melvin’s icy voice floated down to her.
She straightened up quickly, fumbled with her sunglasses, cleared her throat, and said with feigned calmness, Thanks.”