The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 31

After lunch, Jocelyn called Preston outside the office.

Preston mentioned his back was acting up a bit, nothing too serious, but his uncle insisted he stay home and rest.

“I told him I had finals coming up and had to study My uncle said that I didn’t do well anyway and that it would be a waste of time to study. That kinda talk rubbed me the wrong way I told him I’m shooting for top five in our grade; he just laughed it off. So, I suggested maybe you could swing by the next couple of days to help me study.”

After spilling his guts, Preston cautiously added, “Jocelyn, could you please, come and help me review for a couple of days?”

Jocelyn thought about Preston’s pledge to get into the top five and, being a teacher, she couldn’t exactly squash his drive. Plus, his mishap was kinda on her, so she couldn’t just wash her hands of it.

“Sure, but…”

“Don’t worry, my uncle hit the road for a trip two hours ago. No clue when he’s back, but he won’t be for at least a day or two. Preston knew what was bugging her

That put Jocelyn a little more at ease, “Send me the address, and I’ll come over after my classes.”

“Don’t you know my uncle’s place?” Preston was surprised.

Jocelyn chuckled, “Nope.”

She knew nothing about Melvin, except for his jewelry business.

Most people bring their sweetheart home; instead, here’s this big-shot company boss, glued to her tiny spot, refusing to budge

She figured maybe Melvin just wanted to avoid any messy strings if things didn’t work out.

Jocelyn felt like Melvin was always on guard, never really betting on them to last.

Now, it didn’t matter. She was kinda hung up on it, but figured she’d get over it eventually.

After her afternoon classes, she grabbed a cab to the address Preston gave her-downtown’s prime real estate, a waterfront pad with a price tag out of most people’s league.

At the entrance, the security guard even stopped her, but once he heard she was heading to Melvin’s, his tune changed, all smiles saying, “Mr. Martinez left word. I’ll take you there.” And with that, he escorted her to the elevator and swiped his card for her.

Riding up, watching the numbers flicker, she felt the gap between her and Melvin all over again.

Her folks were in an old complex, her in a one-bed flat. The combined value of these two properties was not even equivalent to the value of the bathroom in Melvin’s place.

The elevator dinged open on the 23rd floor right into a swanky double-door entrance.

Preston was waiting, with a pair of lady’s slippers set out.

“These are for you. They are brand new,” he greeted her.

First time at Melvin’s, Jocelyn was a little nervous.

Slippers on, she stepped across the threshold and took a deep breath.

The living room was spacious, with eight massive glass doors leading to a huge balcony. From inside, you could see clearly across with zero obstructions, spotless.

The evening breeze wasn’t too hot.

Inside, the decor screamed Melvin-black, white, and gray tones with green plants as the only pops of color.

Preston led her out onto the balcony “Come check out the view.”

And what a view it was.

It almost like she could scoop up the river below. Across, the city’s famous spots lit up, boats twinkling on the water,

stunning.

A sight most yearn for but only a few call their everyday.

Jocelyn never had lofty dreams, even less now.

For her, this was nothing but a rare indulgence, not something to wake up to.

“Let’s get to revising,” she pulled herself away from the view, laying out some materials.

Preston frowned at the pile, “That much?”

“I brought other subjects too, not just English. Go through them, ask if you’re stuck,” Jocelyn glanced at the time, “I’m out by eight. Make sure you keep at it, and don’t make your big talk a joke.”

Preston bristled, “Just you wait, I’ll make it.”

Jocelyn gave a light laugh. “Sure.”

The evening was cooler, the riverside breeze even softer.

Darkness fell later these days; at eight, there was still a glimmer in the sky. But the city’s lights made it a never-sleeping hub, and right in the middle, the hustle was palpable.

“Time’s up. I gotta jet,” Jocelyn started packing up.

Preston just nodded. As she stood, he suddenly piped up. “Jocelyn, could you help me out with this problem?”

Jocelyn put her bag down and tackled a problem with him.

After he got it, she hadn’t even straightened up when he hit her with another question.

Back and forth, Jocelyn sensed something was off. He’d been quiet for two hours before, now he’s all questions.

Then, the sound of a key turning.

Jocelyn turned to see Melvin stepping inside.

The moment she saw him, she took a sharp breath. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

She got it now. Preston was stalling.

“Uncle, weren’t you on a trip? How come you’re back?” Preston asked loudly.

Jocelyn eyed Preston; he didn’t seem to be faking.

Melvin, taking off his shoes and toting a bag, tossed it on the dining table while loosening his tie. “Change of plans.”

“Oh.*

Now Jocelyn really couldn’t stay. She grabbed her bag again and said to Preston, “Study hard. We’ve covered this stuff in class. If you’re still stuck, ask me the day after tomorrow at school.”

“You’re not coming here tomorrow? Preston caught the hint in her voice.

“No, There’s an exam tomorrow, and I’ll have to grade papers in the evening. Jocelyn had agreed to meet Preston because Melvin was out of town, but now that he’s back, it wouldn’t be cool for her to show up again.

Preston glanced at Melvin, raised his eyebrows at him as if to say, “Your turn to speak.”

Melvin just turned around to wash his hands, pretending not to catch Preston’s meaningful look.

Jocelyn felt the awkwardness in the air and reminded Preston, “Take care. I’m off.”

Jocelyn, stay for dinner at least.” Preston followed her to the door, noticing the bag on the table filled with food, trying to make her stay.

im good. Enjoy your dinner” Jocelyn had already changed her shoes and was stepping out the door.

She pressed the elevator button, stepped in, smiled at Preston, and the elevator doors slowly closed.

Preston, fuming, tumed to Melvin and demanded, “What’s your deal, man? Why so prickly? If you like her, just spill it. I’m really baffled by you.”

“Preston!” Melvin called out coldly, “Watch your tone.”

“Heh.” Preston rolled his eyes. “Aside from your pretty decent face, I can’t see what Jocelyn would see in you. But hey, maybe it’s for the best. Now she won’t have to deal with you anymore”

Melvin’s face darkened a bit, and Preston couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated.

Swallowing hard, he said, “I think Jocelyn’s a great person. If you can’t let her go, then man up and win her back. Otherwise, you’ll be kicking yourself if she ends up with someone else.”

“If you don’t make it into the top five in the finals, I’m sending you back to your dad,” Melvin said, sitting across from him, utterly unfazed.

Preston instantly lost his cocky attitude. “Can’t you show some decency?”

“You were the one who broke the rules first.”

Preston huffed and ripped open the takeout bag, pulling out the containers. The first one had a chicken leg in it, and he just grabbed it and started chowing down.