Chapter 139

Ursula sidestepped with an apology, “Excuse me.”

Melvin gave her room to pass, though his gaze lingered on Jocelyn instead.

Seeing Jocelyn passed by without a word, her indifference was clear.

When they climbed the stone steps, Melvin tumed back, “Jocelyn?”

She paused, took a deep breath and turned around with composure, “Yes?”

“Got any plans for tomorrow? I’m new around here Mind showing me around?” Melvin asked in a soft voice, almost pleading.

Jocelyn considered for a moment before replying, “I’m busy tomorrow. Anyone in the village can be a better quide.”

Melvin accepted the rejection with a simple “Alright”

“That’s great. Jocelyn nodded and continued on her way.

Back at their place, Ursula couldn’t help but give her a thumbs-up, “Well done.”

Jocelyn just smiled, “Just being honest”

“Why do you think he’s really here to invest the village? Ursula mused as she took off her jacket. “Other than fate bringing you two together, I can’t think of any other reason. But they say there’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s all orchestrated.”

Ursula eyed Jocelyn. “If he really came for you, and he’s willing to invest in this village for you, wouldn’t that impress you?”

Changing into her slippers and filling her kettle with water, Jocelyn replied, “It’s not for me. He’s a businessman. Profit comes first. Besides, given our breakup, why would he do anything for me? It’s just unreasonable.”

“But there’s no profit in sight.” Ursula argued. “He would have to pour in a lot of money before seeing any payback. I’m not being pessimistic, but this village is tough. With no young folks around, just the elderly and kids, what can they really do?”

Ursula wasn’t optimistic about the village’s future.

Jocelyn shared her sentiments but still clung to hope, “Don’t overthink it. As long as someone wants to revitalize the countryside, change will come.”

“I hope so

thinking about Melvin and his conversation with the village officials. She believed that

curious-was Melvin’s arrival a coincidence,

she realized that she had never truly

at night, everything asleep under the starry sky.

dawn, the village rooster started

simple routine here. Go to bed

them-a bowl of oatmeal with toast, sometimes pancakes or boiled eggs.

year-end festive time approached, the villagers weren’t so busy. They’d gather around the communal fire pit,

village was the handsome outsider who looked better than any movie star. The ladies’ eyes sparkled whenever Melvin was mentioned. A handsome and wealthy man with a kind heart

village gossip. The village secretary’s wife, Yvonne, said with a

nearly dropped the nuts in her hand.

“No,

sharp eyes didn’t miss much.

that he’s still single. Jocelyn, why don’t

smile tumed

have a chance

he’s not looking your way. Last night at dinner. I noticed him

Chapter 139

The true

grew increasingly uncomfortable.

was sitting right next to Jocelyn How can you be sure he wasn’t looking at me?” Ursula joined

shook her head, “I trust my eyes.

But she couldn’t

keep chatting I’m going for a walk Jocelyn stuffed her pockets with nuts and hurried away

almost followed but then sat back

Jocelyn out last night and she’d declined, Ursula reasoned it might be

Jocelyn hadn’t let go of her feelings for Melvin Her refusal was just

unspoken affection for each other, fate would surely

Jocelyn saw Unah and Melvin descending the opposite hill and

spotted her and called

Jocelyn could only smile and wait for

keep

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255