The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

If she had been just a few years younger, she could have joined him in his games.

Wasn't that how it was just a few years back?

All that mattered then was being with the one she liked, even if it meant sneaking around in the shadows.

But people change with age, and their desires grow. Maybe by the tpeople hit their forties or fifties, those desires will seem

less important.

And right now, Jocelyn was at her most rational age.

The grip on her was slowly loosening.

Melvin released Jocelyn, his reddened eyes fixed on her. He let out a short, bitter laugh, staggering backward. "I thought you were

all in, heart and soul. Turns out it was justoverthinking."

Sensing the disappointment in his tone, Jocelyn felt a momentary urge to defend herself.

But as the words reached her throat, she decided to remain silent.

It didn't matter what he thought, as long as he stopped clinging to her.

She wanted to live her life rather than spending her days haunted by memories of him.

Jocelyn took a deep breath and offered a shallow smile, full of composed surrender. "Yeah, you're right. It's not like | was ever that

deep into you."

Melvin's breathing quickened. His gaze was locked on Jocelyn, his lips pressed tight, as if holding back a storm of emotion.

"I need to get back to my cousin," Jocelyn said, feeling there was nothing left to discuss.

As she turned away, her heart weighed heavy.

Without looking back, she walked away quickly.

She didn't see the single tear glistening in the corner of Melvin's eye, didn't see him clutch at his chest and slowly crouch down,

nor did she hear his voice crack as he called out, "Don't go."

Jocelyn returned to the hospital and peeked into Quinta's room. To her surprise, Quinta was awake.

"You're back," Quinta said, sitting up.

"Did | wake you?" Jocelyn's voice was gentle as she stepped inside.

Quinta shook her head. "Have slept too much during the day, now my sleep is fitful."

Jocelyn poured her a glass of water.

Quinta took it, looking at her intently. "How did it go?"

"With what?"

"Your talk with him?" Quinta sipped water, her tone laced with curiosity.

Jocelyn shook her head. "There was nothing much to talk about."

Quinta frowned. "I can feel that there's still love between you two. It shouldn't have ended this way."

"Yeah, it shouldn't have," Jocelyn agreed, lowering her head and staring at her fingers.

She too wished for a better ending.

"You still care about him," Quinta stated firmly.

Jocelyn denied, "No."

"Then you wouldn't be crying."

Jocelyn fell silent.

Quinta could tell she had been crying. Perhaps she had composed herself before coming in, but the eyes never lie.

With a sigh, Quinta said, "They say true love finds a way, but what happened with you two? It's hard to find someone you love.

Stop hurting yourself, and him."

"Yeah," Jocelyn murmured.

Quinta looked at her helplessly. "Look at my two marriages, both ended unhappily. But if | meet someone | love in the future, I'll still

seize the chance. Jocelyn, don't overthink it. Love is love, don't burden yourself with too much thought. He had his reasons for

leaving, and if you forgive him now, he'll keep your kindness in heart."

"Do you think | should act as if nothing had happened?" Jocelyn asked.

Quinta considered seriously. "To pretend nothing happened is impossible. You could use his guilt to keep him on a tight leash."

Jocelyn laughed and shook her head. "Quinta, you're oversimplifying it. A guy like him isn't easily manipulated. And | don't want his

guilt. It's useless to me."

Quinta was tired.

"Think about it. Love is rare. When a man bares his soul to you, it means he loves you deeply. Maybe he keeps secrets because

those are his darkest parts, the ones he fears showing to someone he adores. Perhaps he's afraid you'll reject him."

Quinta looked at her. "Jocelyn, it's not easy to find true love. Look at me, | accepted Damian's past marriage, his son and his family,

because | loved him. If it weren't for what happened recently, | think | could have made do. It's all about what the heart can't let

go."

With a sigh, she added, "You and Melvin are still young. There's no hurdle you can't overcome. Don't live to regret it."

After Quinta fell asleep, Jocelyn sat outside in the hallway, pondering Quinta’s words. A strong feeling was stirring within her.

She stood up and left the hospital. Then she dialed the number she hadn't called in ages.

The phone rang several times before it was finally picked up.

"Hello..." The voice was hoarse and weary.

Jocelyn took a deep breath. "Where are you staying?"

Melvin gave her the hotel nand room number.

"Wait for me."

After hanging up, Jocelyn hailed a cab to the hotel.

She found his room number and stood hesitantly at the door, hand raised then lowered. Finally, she knocked with resolve.

As she waited, she was flooded with regret about her impulsiveness.

She counted to five in her head, promising to leave if he didn't answer.

Three.

Two.

The door opened.

Jocelyn looked up, but it wasn't Melvin who greeted her.

Surprised to see Layla, especially since Melvin had answered her call just fifteen minutes earlier, Jocelyn paused.

Layla raised an eyebrow at the unexpected visitor, then stepped out and gently closed the door to a crack. "Jocelyn, what brings

you here?"

"I called him," Jocelyn said, determined to get an answer rather than just storming off.

"Oh. Melvin's asleep now," Layla whispered, as if to avoid waking him up.

Jocelyn fought the frustration rising in her chest. But she tried to remain calm. "I need to talk to him."

"Can we maybe do this tomorrow?" Layla hesitated. "He's had trouble falling asleep. If | wake him now..."

Jocelyn pursed her lips, locking eyes with Layla. "Is he just a patient to you?"

"What else?" Layla offered a wry smile. "He's my patient. He trusts me. That's why | can't disturb his sleep."

Trust her.

Right, why would he confide his deepest secrets to her if he didn't trust her?

Even though patients are supposed to share their symptoms with doctors, there's supposed to be a professional distance.

But clearly, that line had been blurred between Layla and Melvin.

Melvin cto this town, and she followed, ending up sharing a room with him.

Jocelyn didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the current situation made her feel like a fool.

How could she have been so stupid as to listen to Quinta and think about giving them another chance?

That was ridiculous.

Jocelyn nodded. "Yeah. Sorry to bother you."

"No worries." Layla seemed unbothered. "Oh, | forgot to mention. I've recommended that Melvin and | go to Angel City for his

treatment. We probably won't be back for a while."

Jocelyn felt her heart skip a beat, something inside her tugging violently. She feigned indifference. "That's good. It's important to

follow the doctor's suggestions and find the best treatment plan for his well-being."

"Exactly," Layla agreed. "His mental health issues are pretty severe. If he let it drag on, it could break him."

Jocelyn was at a loss for words. She shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah."

Layla looked at her. "There's something I've been wondering whether | should tell you. Since we're leaving, | guess it's better to be

clear."

"Go ahead."

"Melvin's illness was actually driven by you."

Jocelyn's breath tightened.

Layla offered a light smile. "I'm not accusing you. It's better to recognize a problem early. It's natural you want to marry him. But

sadly, he's not able."

Jocelyn felt as though her heart was being sliced open. The pain was so intense that it left her numb.

"I see." Jocelyn pinched the palm of her hand and smiled coolly at Layla. "I wish you both a safe journey."

"Thank you." Layla's smile was warm as she gestured towards the door behind her. "I should get back inside."

"Sure."

As Layla entered the room and waved goodbye before closing the door, Jocelyn felt her heart tear apart.

She left the hotel full of regret. Why hadn't she held back from such folly?

Was there anyone more stupid than her?

She didn't remember how she got back to the hospital, but she spent the night in the hallway.

The next morning, it was Aunt Mae who woke her up.

"What's wrong with your eyes?" Aunt Mae was concerned. "Did you not sleep well?"

"It's okay." Jocelyn wiped her eyes. She had given in to tears the night before. "Let's go see Quinta."

Aunt Mae was still worried. "Why not go hand get ssleep? | can handle things here."

"I'm fine." Jocelyn took Aunt Mae's hand as they entered the room.

Aunt Mae had prepared porridge for both Quinta and Jocelyn.

Quinta watched Jocelyn, who kept her head down, sipping the porridge in silence.

The doctor's rounds confirmed Quinta could be discharged to recuperate at home.

After finishing her porridge, Jocelyn busied herself with the discharge papers for Quinta.

Back home, Quinta’s parents went grocery shopping, while Quinta was lying in bed, beckoned Jocelyn to join her.

Jocelyn kicked off her shoes and jacket and climbed into bed.

"Talk to me, what happened last night?" Quinta knew Jocelyn was hiding something.

Jocelyn closed her eyes. "| went to see him."

Quinta frowned upon hearing this. "Didn't it go well?"

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