Chapter 125

Their eyes met briefly – just a few heartbeats of a moment – before Jocelyn quickly averted her gaze and spun on her heel to leave.

She was scared to face Melvin.

Truth be told, he was the one who should feel sorry. But the mere sight of him made her insides churn with unease. She couldn’t just brush it off and play it cool.

Jocelyn hurried back to the private party room, deliberately choosing the seat in the farthest corner as if to hide, as though she feared Melvin might come looking for her.

But then she scoffed at herself for being paranoid. How would Melvin know which private room she was in?

She shook her head at her own ridiculous thoughts. Maybe she was being a bit too self-involved.

She relaxed as the party around her surged with energy. A server pushed the door open, bearing a large platter of assorted snacks and a cooler full of beer and cocktails for the ladies.

The party-goers looked cunously at the birthday girl. “Did you order an extra grub?”

“I didn’t,” Hannah replied, equally puzzled.

The server clarified. These are from Mr. Martinez. Also, he’s taken care of your tab for the evening

Everyone instantly knew who it was. They all knew there was only one Mr. Martinez in their circle.

The crowd started buzzing about how much clout Hannah had, for Melvin to not only send a feast their way but also pick up the tab The guy was generous

Ursula nudged Jocelyn playfully, “Hey, you think this is all for you?”

Jocelyn forced a smile, though she wasn’t sure how convincing it looked. “No way. It’s not my birthday. And even if it were, he’s the last person who should be picking up my tab.”

“What’s his reason, then? Ursula probed. “Do rich guys just have too much money and not enough ways to spend it?”

Jocelyn didn’t have an answer. But it dawned on her that Melvin knew she was here.

She had assumed that Melvin had moved on from her life and that she could continue her relationship with Harrison without interference

Yet, seeing Melvin again unsettled her, as if all her carefully laid plans could come undone at any moment.

grabbed her jacket, said a quick goodbye to Hannah and

to accompany her And Jocelyn agreed, not wanting to risk an awkward encounter

exited the karaoke bar, Jocelyn spotted Melvin leaning against his car, a cigarette in hand, surrounded by a

for you, is he?” Ursula asked, her

steered them both to walk past him.

coming over,” Ursula whispered, keeping an

quickened her

tugged at her. “Why run? He can’t do anything to you The more you bolt, the more he’ll think he’s got you wrapped around his finger, that you can’t shake

halted Jocelyn

heart raced uncontrollably at the sight of him. Other than staying far away, she didn’t know how to

your life. He can’t do anything to you. Remember, he’s a jerk who wanted to have his cake and eat it. You dumped him because he did you wrong.

all this, but emotions weren’t swayed by logic. Otherwise, why would anyone

on clarity and understanding, but the maze of

Jocelyn was adamant

good ex should be like a ghost in your

her friend’s evasion. “The more you do

apter

you leaves the town, if he’s determined, you’re bound to

front. He nodded slightly at Ursula before his

know, you shouldn’t

with her,” Melvin said, addressing Ursula.

warned, “She has a

eyes darkened, but he stayed silent.

said, “I’ll be right over there,” indicating she’d be watching

2 2

Melvin for the first time in ages, Jocelyn felt her anxiety spike.

stepped away, even breathing seemed a struggle

why I’m here?” Melvin asked,

looked away, trying to

to come, really”

Jocelyn remained silent

a hint of flippancy. “I think we should continue

narrowed as she finally met

have a boyfriend.”

unimpressed

“Is that your excuse for not taking

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