Chapter 92
Chapter 92
Jocelyn instinctively turned her head away, walking away immediately.
She took a deep breath, having no idea why he was there, and certainly not thinking of the possibility that he might have come for her.
Fortunately, he didn’t call out to her
Back at her office, Jocelyn finally sat down and gulped down a large glass of water. Her tumultuous thoughts somewhat settled.
In the afternoon, Principa! Fletcher sent out a message in the staff group chat. In celebration of the successful contract signing that day, everyone was invited to dinner. Attached was the time and address.
Ursula was waiting for Jocelyn after school.
“Aren’t you ready yet?”
Jocelyn didn’t want to go. She knew who she would encounter there.
“Almost done”
“Are you afraid of seeing him?” Ursula asked, seeing right through her friend.
Jocelyn’s hand froze in place.
The worry on her face betrayed her inner turmoil.
Ursula placed a reassuring hand on Jocelyn’s shoulder, “Jocelyn, if you’ve let go, then face it head-on. If you don’t, when will you ever truly move on? Letting go isn’t just lip service, it’s about the heart.”
Jocelyn had to admit Ursula’s right.
After gathering herself, Jocelyn hopped into Ursula’s car and headed to the restaurant.
As they arrived, Jocelyn saw a familiar car pull into the spot next to Ursula’s.
Jocelyn instinctively wanted to avoid the man getting out from his car. But Ursula grabbed her to have an accidental face-to-face with
Melvin.
Ursula cheerfully greeted, “Hi, Mr. Martinez.”
Jocelyn bowed her head, wishing she could flee.
Ursula, holding onto her hand, told Melvin, “Thanks for sponsoring the school. You’re such a great businessman.”
Melvin responded coolly, “My pleasure,” barely glancing at Jocelyn before heading into the restaurant.
Once he was gone, Ursula chided Jocelyn, “You can’t keep behaving like this. In such situation, you should be more confident to show you don’t care. Look at him, he’s so at ease.”
Jocelyn took a deep breath, “I can’t.”
He was the man she had loved for so long. Even if she initiated the breakup, it wasn’t possible for her to act as if their relationship never existed or to instantly carve him out of her heart.
Ursula could see her anxiety. “But you’ve broken up.”
Jocelyn felt a dull ache in her chest.
Yes, they had broken up.
If he could let go so easily, why couldn’t she?
As other colleagues arrived, Jocelyn took another deep breath and walked into the restaurant with Ursula.
The restaurant was luxurious, with not just a dining area but also a karaoke room and a game room.
In the small hall, three large round tables were set up. The leaders sat at one and the rest of the staff at the others.
“Sorry, there’s someone more joining us shortly.”
As Zephyr glanced at his phone and stepped out, he soon retumed with Willow in tow
Willow removed her sunglasses upon entering. Her appearance sparked a wave of excitement among the other teachers.
She greeted everyone with polite nods and smiles. When her gaze swept over Jocelyn, there was a slight arch of her eyebrow before she took her seat beside Melvin.
Onde seated, Willow leaned in and whispered something to Melvin, which didn’t take long for others to catch on to the nature of their relationship.
Virgula kept art eye on Jocelyn, who seemed unfazed by their interaction.
“Stay calm. Don’t take it to heart. Let’s just enjoy ourselves,” Ursula whispered, trying to cheer Jocelyn up.
Jocelyn knew how to behave. It was just that knowing and doing were two different things.
When Poncipal Fletcher suggested a toast to Melvin, everyone stood and raised their glasses in his direction.
Melvin, without putting on airs, joined in the toast and then delved into conversation with the school officials.
Willow played the part of an attentive girlfriend, even peeling shrimp for Melvin.
After dinner, the colleagues moved to the karaoke room. And Ursula dragged Jocelyn to join.
As they sang love songs, Jocelyn eventually couldn’t take it and escaped to the restroom.
While washing her hands, the door pushed open again. It was Willow.
Willow: sidled up beside her, pulling out her makeup kit to touch up her look.
“Jocelyn, I’m with Melvin now.”
Jocelyn’s hand stopped for a moment, then she composed herself and replied, “Oh.”
Willow glanced at her, “Him funding your school’s new building isn’t because of you.”
“Why so insecure? Jocelyn crumpled the paper towel, turning to face her with a smile, “We’ve broken up. I’ve no sway over what he does or doesn’t do.”
Willow raised an eyebrow, applying lipstick, “Then keep your distance from now on.”
Jocelyn smiled faintly, “Are you that afraid of him meeting me?”
Tm just wary of you accidentally becoming the other woman, Willow said, catching Jocelyn’s stiffening expression in the mirror and srnirking, “After all, I’m in the public eye. My boyfriend gets attention too. If the paparazzi catch you with him, they might dredge up the past. Then it wouldn’t just be two-timing. It would be… homewrecking.”
Jocelyn’s expression darkened, her mood plummeting as Willow’s spirits soared.
After finishing her makeup, Willow inspected herself in the mirror, satisfied. She turned to Jocelyn and assessed her, “It’s been three years it’s time you gave him back to me. So, let’s consider it returning to the rightful owner, and you have nothing to feel uneasy about.” As Jocelyn passed by, she halted again, cocking her head to look at Jocelyn, “By the way, if you want your dad to have a long run at Melvin’s Enterprises, play it cool with Melvin. If the paparazzi snap a pic and the tabloids start talking trash, your dad’s gonna have a tough time facing the music.
“When he’s out of a job and his reputation’s in the gutter, it’s gonna sting, for sure.” Willow said this with the air of a well-wisher, and then left with a smile.
Jocelyn fumed silently, clenching her fists so tight that she crumpled the paper in her hand and threw it into the bin.
Passing by the karaoke lounge, Jocelyn caught sight of Willow and the others, blending in like she was one of them. Jocelyn’s eyes dimmed. She didn’t bother to return.
She texted Ursula that she was heading out early.
Stepping out of the restaurant, a gust of wind hit her. It felt like it blew away the heaviness in her chest.
Why should she care about Willow’s words?
Ursula was right. She needed to let go. Once she didn’t care anymore, nobody could hurt her.
Jocelyn, you’re leaving so soon?” Zephyr approached her curiously.
Jocelyn had no desire to mingle with anyone close to Melvin. She nodded slightly and left without a word.
*Jocelyn, let me give you a ride” Zephyr called after her
Jocelyn didn’t look back.
Watching her retreating figure, Zephyr tumed to Melvin, who had just come out, “Jocelyn was pretty cold to me. She looked upset too.” Melvin spotted Jocelyn.
She was hailing a taxi by the roadside.
At this hour, the streets were still bustling with people and traffic. Yet there she stood, looking as if she was the only person in the world somewhat forlorn:
Finally, a taxi stopped in front of ner
‘You expect her to be warm-to you? You’re nobody to her,” Melvin headed to his own car.
Zephyr followed him, “You’re leaving too? What about Willow?”
Melvin arched an eyebrow, “Does my show need her to shine?” Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
He had already slid into his car not keen on further conversation.
Zephyr clung to the car window that was about to close, asked curiously, “Aren’t you and Willow back together?”