The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 146

Leaning against the rough bark was uncomfortable, but Jocelyn didn’t resist. She remained composed, “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“If I said I want to marry you, would you come back?” Melvin’s voice was choked as if he was swallowing stones, which made it hard for him to speak smoothly.

Jocelyn’s mind exploded like a firework. She thought she must have misheard. She stared at Melvin in disbelief.

Melvin’s chest was heaving with rapid breaths. His complexion turned an unnatural shade of pale.

Jocelyn had to admit, his words stirred her unsteady heart. NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

Suddenly, a fine layer of sweat broke out on Melvin’s forehead. His lips were paled. He clutched his chest with his knees buckling. He Jeaned against the tree for support. His breathing was short and labored.

Sensing something was wrong, Jocelyn reached out to steady his shoulder, “What’s wrong?”

Melvin felt a crushing pressure in his chest and an urge to vomit.

“Melvin?”

His face was pallid, and his breaths were erratic.

When Melvin looked up, his eyes were red-rimmed. Trying to fight against the discomfort, he hoarsely asked again, “Marry me, will you?” After he spoke, he suddenly pushed her away and doubled over to retch.

Jocelyn was startled and concerned. Not bothering to think about the reasons, she rushed to pat his back, “Do you feel ill? Did you catch a cold or eat something bad?”

He hadn’t eaten anything that morning, so he vomited nothing.

After a while, he calmed down a bit.

Propping himself up on his knees and bending over, he gasped for air.

“Feeling any better?” Jocelyn was frightened.

Melvin was dizzy. After a moment, he slowly looked up. Seeing her worried face, he felt a bit more settled, “Let’s head down the hill.”

Jocelyn quickly agreed, “Can you make it down?”

“Help me.” Melvin extended his hand.

She took his hand and walked ahead, then paused, “Maybe we should rest a bit more.”

“Alright

With nowhere to sit, they leaned against the tree.

Melvin propped up his legs, tilted his chin up and closed his eyes. His complexion had returned slightly, but he still looked pale.

Jocelyn’s thoughts raced back to his proposal, felt like there was a deer bouncing around in her heart.

For years, he had never said anything like this.

She was touched and surprised, feeling like after a long wait, she finally got what she had longed for.

But his reaction left her puzzled.

After a long while, Melvin opened his eyes and saw confusion in her gaze. He stood up and said, “Let’s go.”

Jocelyn was lost in her thoughts. She hadn’t noticed him awake.

“Feeling better?“

“Yeah.”

She led the way again and reached her hand to help him.

Melvin took a glance at it and placed his hand in hers, letting her hold it gently.

Climbing a hill is easy, while coming down is hard.

Jocelyn walked carefully, while Melvin held her hand back to make sure she was cautious.

They descended in silence, neither of them bringing up the proposal again.

At the foot of the hit, Willow was waiting in an upset look, especially upon seeing their joined hands.

“Melvin, Willow called out.

Melvin let go of Jocelyn’s hand and said, “I’m going to rest for a bit

Jocelyn nodded.

He looked unwell and indeed needed some rest.

“Melvin’ Willow tried to follow.

Jocelyn couldn’t help but say, “He’s not feeling well. Don’t disturb him.”

That infuriated Willow, who turned on Jocelyn, “What are you playing at? Clinging to one man in the morning, and now you’re all over Melvin. Should I call you fickle or shameless?*

Jocelyn, understanding Willow’s feelings, replied, “It’s nothing to do with you.”

“Sure, you’re quite something. And you’re a teacher? Willow scoffed, “With your scandalous personal life, I wonder how you manage to teach.”

Jocelyn thought of the past incident with Ulla and their scheme against her, “Planning to trick me again?”

“Scared?” Willow sneered, “Don’t you have any shame?”

“What should I be afraid of? Jocelyn smiled faintly, “But I advise you to stop the behind-the-scenes manipulations. Sometimes, too much scheming can expose your own characters. Remember, your innocent facade might crack, revealing your true, malevolent nature.” Willow’s face turned sour. She hissed, “Do you think Melvin coming after you means he wants to be with you? You’re just a plaything he’s not done with yet. Don’t think that you have any hold over him.”

*Thanks for reminding. Melvin chased me, and you’re chasing Melvin,” Jocelyn said with a sarcastic smile, “Who’s really the shameless one?”

Willow’s eyes bulged with rage.

Jocelyn didn’t want to waste her time. She had simply responded because Willow had provoked her.

She left Willow standing there and went to the village clinic to get some cold medicine for Melvin. She also asked for a cup of water from a neighbor and got a bowl of porridge, intending to take it to Melvin.

Melvin had chosen to stay in the rest area of the village committee building, where it was quiet.

The door was unlocked, and Jocelyn walked in.

Melvin lay on a small wooden bed, looking cramped. Seeing him still furrowing his brow in his sleep, her heart sank.

She set everything down and touched his forehead. It wasn’t hot.

Melvin’s eyes flickered open because of that touch.

Caught off guard by his gaze, Jocelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away, “I brought you some porridge and got you some cold medicine from the doctor.”

She couldn’t keep up the facade in front of him.

Perhaps she used to be able to face him with composure, to ignore him even. But now everything was different after he had proposed

to her.

The moment he uttered those words, she felt as if her true self had been exposed.

Loving someone can sometimes be blind, humble, and utterly without boundaries.

Jocelyn carried the pomidge to the bedside and handed it to him.

Melvin had already sat up, leaning against the headboard. His gaze was fixed on her. “You’re taking care of me?” he rasped.

His voice was hoarse, carrying an unintended sensuality that was utterly captivating.

Jocelyn pursed her lips, feeling slightly uneasy under his gaze. “Just eat,” she urged.

Melvin caught the fleeting look in her eyes, the hint of pink in her ears. He took the bowl from her hands without another word.

The porridge was gone before long. Jocelyn reached out to take the empty bowl: “Make sure you take your medicine later,” she said and was about to leave.

Melvin didn’t call out to stop her.

As she reached the doorway, a tightness gripped Jocelyn’s heart. Unable to resist, she tumed back.

Melvin’s eyes remained on her, as if he had been anticipating her glance.

With must look back. Jocelyn realized it wasn’t she who had a hold on Melvin-it was Melvin who had a firm grip on her

Those words you said on the hiking trail.. were you serious? Jocelyn asked, feeling a flash of embarrassment like a woman afraid of remaining unwed, clutching at dreams to make them reality.

Melvin’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t respond to Jocelyn immediately.

in that brief hesitation, Jocelyn felt her heart being torn apart. She stood her ground, not ready to leave just yet, still looking at him.

As she felt herself sinking deeper into an abyss, on the brink of suffocation, Melvin’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and his lips parted: