The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

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

home a total disaster.”

you hadn’t kept secrets.” Daisy said, her chest tight with worry as she put down her utensils.

to let her mother

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

wasn’t necessary, so he entered

glancing back at her parents in the living

his sleeves and began to chop vegetables alongside

had never seen him cook before. He was deft with the knife and sliced the vegetables even better than she did.

him work.

on your mind?” Melvin

“You cook?”

“Yep.”

haven’t I seen you do it before?”

by others is where the joy’s

inexplicable surge of happiness at his

him and asked, “How many more secrets are

be known.” Melvin said softly. “And those that

his words. He had never

snapping her back

weren’t meant to be shared

wondered if his previous commitment-phobic statements were the result of some hidden

pain.

further. As he said, there was pain,

changing, though, and maybe all he needed was a little more time. She believed that he would eventually open up to

dishes and

and Daisy’s expressions remained as stern as

half through

moment.” he said apologetically and

caught the name “Dr. Layla.”

eyeing Melvin’s silhouette on the balcony. She turned to Jocelyn and asked, “Is someone in his family sick?”

head. “I don’t

frowned. “You mean to say you don’t even know if there’s an illness in his

Chapter 165

eating, afraid to delve into his family

caught Daisy’s eye and shook his

to