The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 164

The weather was warmer in recent days, and the elderly residents of the old neighborhood were making the most of it. They gathered downstairs, engrossed in a variety of leisure activities. Some played chess, others engaged in card games. A few rallied at tennis, while several groups danced.

Underneath the shade of an old oak tree, a crowd had formed. All of their eyes fixated on a chessboard where an intense game was unfolding..

One of the players, visibly frustrated and unsure how to turn the game around, sighed repeatedly. He cast a glance at the young man sitting calmly across from him, determined not to be beaten again.

He had already lost five times in a row.

“Hey, Calvin, get over here!” someone suddenly yelled out. “Come give Lucas some backup. He’s been getting crushed the whole afternoon.”

Everyone turned their heads toward the voice.

Calvin just returned from the grocery store on his bicycle. Hearing his name, he pulled over and propped his bike against a nearby fence. “What’s up?” he asked.

“Some hotshot kid has shown up and he’s playing chess like a cold-blooded shark, not giving Lucas a moment’s breath. Around here, you and Lucas are pretty evenly matched, but we can’t seem to figure out who’s the top dog. Today’s the day to settle it – beat this young man and you’ll be crowned the chess king of our block.”

Curious, Calvin made his way through the crowd. “Who around here could possibly outplay Lucas?”

When he reached the inner circle and caught sight of the young man facing Lucas, his brow furrowed.

Wasn’t this the boyfriend of Jocelyn, his former boss, Melvin?

Upon noticing Calvin, Melvin stood up as a sign of respect. “Hi.”

“Do you two know each other?” Lucas asked, intrigued.

Calvin’s face was stern. “No.”

Melvin was silent, a hint of discomfort in his pause.

“It doesn’t matter if you know him or not. Come on, Calvin! I need you to get revenge for me.” Lucas stood and pulled Calvin down into his seat. “I’ve never beaten this guy.”

“No respect for your elders,” Calvin remarked dryly, eyeing Melvin,

Lucas countered, “You can’t be too respectful in a game. Sure, we’re playing for fun, but the spirit of competition is important too. If he lets me win, where’s the fun in that? Nowadays, young people are too deferential. They make us old folks feel good, but it waters down our skills as well.”

“Exactly. There are no kin in battle.” someone else agreed.

to get on with it, urged Calvin, “Come on, will you play? If you beat him, I’ll hand

snorted. “Sounds like I need you to hand it over. I used to beat you when I was working. Now that I’m retired, I can

You just beat him and I’ll concede,” Lucas was getting

took a moment to

the type to patronize

office, his presence was something few could stand up to. It’s understandable though, given that he was the boss of a big company. Without a strong

business well?

wondered if Jocelyn could handle being married to such a

with Calvin moving first.

strong, playing swiftly as if without a

was deliberate, always planning several moves ahead.

20 F 29

silence. The onlookers

ten exchanges later, the tide of the game began to show.

couldn’t help but blurt out, with excitement in his voice.

frowned. “A true gentleman never comments during

worried you’ll lose!” Lucas

who was deep in thought and hesitating to move.

Melvin, nor reminders

knight,” Lucas couldn’t contain himself.

shook his head. “If I move the knight, he’ll advance his pawn and it’ll be game over.”

mean a loss?” Lucas

looked at Melvin who was unfazed. “Yes, it’s a

Calvin,” Lucas was hooked

Lucas asked, “Kid, how are you

reset the pieces. “Learned a bit when I was younger.”

been a master,” Lucas mused.

four more

mercy, leaving Calvin thoroughly defeated.

noticed Calvin’s bike at the base of the tree and approached to see Calvin and Melvin deep in their game that the atmosphere shifted. “Calvin, what time do you think it is? Aren’t you

stubborn

said, his heart racing with the prospect of finally checkmating Melvin.

was tense

as he placed his piece, Calvin swiftly moved his “cannon” to Melvin’s “king”. He was exuberant, “I finally won a round!”

win?” Lucas leaned in with an incredulous face and

mere suggestion of “letting win”