Chapter 165

Jocelyn hightailed it out of class and hailed a cab straight home as soon as the class ended. Her mind racing with worry that Melvin might be getting picked on.

When she got home, she found Melvin and her dad engrossed in a game of chess. The atmosphere was surprisingly congenial. Her mom was bustling around the kitchen,

Jocelyn was a bit confused.

Catching Melvin’s eye, he cocked an eyebrow at her, a smug glint in his gaze,

Jocelyn frowned and made her way to the kitchen.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, she felt her mother’s glare sharp as a knife,

She started helping with the vegetables as a dutiful daughter but couldn’t help asking, “Mom, what’s going on?” “What’s going on? You’re the one who’s been so keen on him coming over, aren’t you?” Daisy snapped back without hiding her irritation.

Jocelyn swore she just wanted her parents to accept Melvin, but she never expected them to invite him over for dinner so soon.

“That clever man of yours,” Daisy continued with sarcasm, “charmed his way into our neighborhood chess club, played a few games with the old dudes, including that Lucas Johnson. Your father happened to walk by after getting groceries so they called him over. Lucas lost the chess game but became fond of Melvin and invited him over for dinner. Melvin is such a businessman, huh? They don’t say much, but they sure know how to wrap people around their fingers.”

Jocelyn pursed her lips. “It’s not like you guys have to entertain him.”

“Entertain him? Watch him go have dinner at someone else’s house?” Daisy glared. “The Johnsons have been trying to find a match for their thirty-something-year-old daughter. Now here’s Melvin, strutting into that perfect opportunity.”

“You didn’t even like him. If he fancies Luna Johnson, wouldn’t that suit you just fine?” Jocelyn teased.

Daisy put down her spatula and reached out as if to tap Jocelyn’s forehead, but Jocelyn dodged.

“Let me tell you, don’t get too smug. We invite him for dinner not because we like him; it’s because we don’t want the Johnsons to have the upper hand. And you better be smart about this. Don’t do anything you shouldn’t.” Daisy hinted, urging Jocelyn not to cause a scandal.

“I’m well aware of our boundaries.” Jocelyn assured her.

“What were you thinking, really? Consider this: who’d make a better husband, Melvin or Harrison? Harrison’s such a catch, and you just let him slip through your fingers.” Daisy lamented, still holding a torch for the one that got away.

Jocelyn focused on the vegetables. “Harrison’s great, but we’re just friends. Compatibility is about the right time and place.”

“Stop with the nonsense.” Daisy huffed and was clearly frustrated. “And don’t spend his money before you’re married, or his family might accuse us of being gold diggers.”

‘Got it.”

Throughout the three years with Melvin, apart from the polite gifts, Jocelyn hadn’t really spent his money. Daisy rubbed her chest and shot Jocelyn another stern look. “You really know how to give me a heart attack, don’t you?

Things will work out. I’m not out to upset you.” Jocelyn soothed her. “Don’t stress yourself out; I haven’t

Chapter 165

a total

kept secrets.” Daisy said, her chest tight with worry

door to let her mother

Daisy left, Melvin offered to take over, “I’ll help her out.”

wasn’t necessary, so he entered the kitchen and closed

doing here?” Jocelyn asked, glancing back at her parents in the

to chop vegetables alongside her. “Just

seen him cook before. He was deft with the

him work.

on your mind?” Melvin asked, noticing

“You cook?”

“Yep.”

seen you do it before?”

others is where the joy’s at.”

of happiness at his

a few glances at him and asked,

definition are not meant to be known.” Melvin said softly. “And those

He had never

burnt scent wafted from the pot, snapping her back to the task

secrets weren’t meant to be shared carelessly.

she pondered, she wondered if his previous commitment-phobic statements

pain.

further. As he said, there was pain, and pain shall not be

all he needed was a little more time. She believed that he would eventually open up to her

four dishes and

the soup, while Calvin and Daisy’s expressions remained as stern as before, much like

half through the

apologetically

name “Dr. Layla.”

silhouette on the balcony. She turned to Jocelyn and

head. “I don’t

mean to say you don’t even know

Chapter 165

down and continued eating, afraid to delve into his

shook his head, signaling her to drop it.

returned to the

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