The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 144

The anival of Willow in this sleepy little village had Jocelyn convinced the world had gone mad.

Draped in a pristine designer down jacket with flawless makeup, Willow was a stark contrast to the rustic surroundings.

The village chiel was unfamiliar with the faces of celebrities. He had just been informed via telephone that a star was visiting their village. Oblivious to who she was, he felt obliged to welcome her.

He had seen on TV how celebrities would visit rural areas and experience the simple life for a few days. In turn, they would promote local development.

The village chief thought it rather fortuitous that a star had taken an interest in their little village. Word would get out, and the exposure could only be beneficial.

When Willow caught sight of Jocelyn, the surprise was mutual. Willow hadn’t expected to find Jocelyn here, but she quickly pieced together why Melvin might have sought refuge in such backwoods retreat.

“Jocelyn, what a coincidence!” Willow greeted, masking the awkwardness with her tone.

The village head was baffled.

Jocelyn knew this celebrity?

Jocelyn merely nodded slightly, showing no interest in engaging further.

Willow’s gaze shifted between Jocelyn and Harrison, a knowing look in her eyes. “So you two lovebirds finally nested. Congratulations.” Despite being polite by nature, Jocelyn wanted nothing more than to drop all pretenses of civility where Willow was concerned.

Harrison, aware of Jocelyn’s distaste for the woman, chose to ignore her.

Willow’s face stiffened at the snub. She hastily changed the topic, adopting an air of delight as she spread her arms wide, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Ah, the air’s so fresh here. No wonder Melvin ran off to this place.”

The village head was taken aback. Another acquaintance of Mr. Martinez’s?

It seemed like everyone from the city knew each other.

To be precise, ever since Jocelyn and Ursula had arrived, the village had been buzzing with activities.

So, the catalyst was Jocelyn and Ursula?

No, it was primarily Jocelyn.

Willow flashed a smile at Uriah. “Sir, could you show me to Melvin, please?”

Uriah could hardly decline. Guests, especially celebrities, were to be treated with respect for the sake of the village’s future.

As Willow’s assistant scurried behind her carrying her bags, Harrison expressed his concern for Jocelyn. “Can you handle her on your own?”

Jocelyn was unfazed. “As long as there’s no brawl, I can handle everything.”

Seeing Harrison’s worry, Jocelyn patted his shoulder. “Relax, she’s too concerned with her image to make a scene. Plus, Ursula’s here. She’s got my back.”

“I’m not worried about a fight. It’s her and Melvin…” Harrison trailed off, but Jocelyn understood his concern.

The fear was that Willow might cling to Melvin, making things uncomfortable for Jocelyn.

Jocelyn chuckled. “You’re overthinking it. Even if that were the case, it might be a good thing. It’d help me move on faster, right?”

Harrison considered her point and found some logic in it.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Im fine. Jocelyn affirmed. “Don’t worry, even if she does stir up some drama, she’ll have to keep her cool. It’s actually better if she’s here. She can take Melvin off my sight, and I’ll have more peace.”

Harrison really didn’t want to leave her alone, but he had commitments back home he couldn’t break.

“Go on, get going. Jocelyn urged, opening the car door for him. “Stop dawdling.”

With reluctance, Harrison lingered at the car door with his gaze lingering on Jocelyn. Suddenly, he released the door and pulled her into a light embrace.

Jocelyn, almost unsteady from the force of his hug, just smiled. ‘Don’t make it sound so final. It’s not like we won’t see each other again,

? want to take you home, Harmson’s voice was husky, his arms tightening around her. He meant it

Jocelyn patted his back. “I have to stay here for a month. If I left now. I’d disappoint the kids and break my promise.”

Harrison knew it was just a wishful thought to whisk her away.

‘The next time you do a volunteer teaching stint, let me know,” Harrison said with a complaining look, “Don’t let me be the last to find

out

Melvin had come to the village earlier than he did, and that one step behind made Harrison feel like he had missed out on so much.

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Jocelyn softly agreed, understanding his concern.

Reluctantly, Hamison let go of her Looking into her bright eyes, he yeamed to take her away from that other man forever. But could he take her heart as well?

In a fit of pettiness, Harrison secretly hoped something would happen between Melvin and the star to help Jocelyn move on. completely.

“Call me if you need anything,” Harrison reminded Jocelyn before finally saying, “I’m off”

“Okay.”

As he started the car and closed the door, his gaze still remained fixed on her.

Jocelyn stepped back and waved goodbye.

With a deep breath, Harrison fired up the engine. “I’m going now.”

*Safe drive, Jocelyn smiled back. “Let me know when you get home.”

The car pulled away. Jocelyn stood by the roadside, watching until it disappeared from view.

Harrison, glancing at her through the rear-view mirror, felt the urge to return for her growing stronger.

He didn’t want her to be untrustworthy or force her into anything. With resolve, he hit the gas and sped up.

Out of sight was out of mind, he thought

Jocelyn stood there until the car was no longer visible, then turned to walk back.

Ursula came running down. “Why didn’t you have him stay longer? With that woman here, can you really handle it alone?”

“It’s fine. She doesn’t bother me, Jocelyn was unfazed. “I’m going to take a walk up the mountain later.”

“Is that to avoid them or to give them a chance?” Ursula couldn’t stand Willow’s pretense. That woman’s eyes betrayed disdain for the rustic setting, unwilling to sit on a wooden stool yet feigning approachability.

Jocelyn gave a nonchalant shrug, “I just want to embrace the great outdoors.”

Ursula couldn’t quite figure out if Jocelyn had truly gotten over Melvin and his dalliance with that other woman. But Jocelyn seemed genuinely lighter in spirit now.

“You didn’t sleep well last night, right? Why not catch some Z’s and then we can hit the trail after lunch?”

“Sounds like a good idea Jocelyn felt the fatigue weighing on her.

She didn’t bother stopping by Uriah’s place again and headed straight for her own quarters instead.

Curled up in bed and snuggled into the blankets, she closed her eyes. Before long, she drifted off to sleep.

The winter chill made the warmth of the bed all the more inviting.

In a hazy state of half-sleep, she thought she heard someone push open her bedroom’s door.

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Assuming it was Ursula, she didn’t bother to check and simply turned over to resume her slumber.

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Eventually, Jocelyn stirred awake.

She reached out for her phone. At the moment she grasped it, she jolted upright.

“What are you doing in my room?” Jocelyn’s eyes locked onto Melvin, who was seated by her bed. She felt a shock go through her.

Melvin was perched on a chair with his long legs propped up awkwardly. The small piece of furniture could barely contain him. It was an image of discomfort and inappropriateness.

His gaze held a tumult of emotions, swirling as if unsure of the right sentiment to start their conversation.

He had rehearsed several openings on his way in, though their history hardly called for formalities.

It wasn’t until after she had spent the night with another man that he felt the need for a conversation starter, something to ease the

ansion yet address the issue at hand

he gets to share your bed, and I can’t even step into your room?” Melvin’s voice was hoarse.

Jocelyn frowned, his calm delivery of such a charged statement indicated he had mentally prepared for this moment.

She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves and maintaining an even tone, “Why are you here?”