The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 155 The air was heavy around Melvin as he stood brooding in the corner of the diner. His dark mood was twofold.

First, the sight of Harrison and Jocelyn, hand in hand, made it clear they were bounded, leaving no room for doubt Second, Harrison's words rang in his ears, suggesting he was going to marry Willow? Melvin’s gaze shot towards her, cold as ice, making her fidget uncomfortably.

“Let's get out of here Jocelyn said, eager to leave the suffocating atmosphere. She tugged at Harrison's hand, and he willingly followed.

Exiting the diner, the couple left a trail of awkward silence that enveloped the room, with every eye turning toward Melvin.

Willow, hesitating, approached Melvin and pretended to be calm. “What brings you here? I just bumped into Jocelyn and her boyfriend. They seem to be very in love and inseparable. | bet they'll get married soon.” Melvin’s eyes were like deep wells of danger, cold and silent. Willow's heart raced at his gaze-not with excitement, but with fear. She knew he was no longer the simple, trusting boy he once was; this Melvin commanded a certain wariness “Your future's at stake. Don’t mess it up over a whim.” he said coldly before walking away.

Willow, her heart tight, hurried after him. “Melvin, what do you mean?” “You're human, and you understand perfectly well.” He reached his car and opened the door.

She clung to the door and panic set in. “What did she tell you?” “What do you think she said?” Melvin shot back, his eyes like daggers. “I'm warning you, stop the games. If you don’t want the endorsement deal. I'll find someone else.” “I didn’t do anything! And | won't give away the deal even if | don’t get paid.” Willow protested, her voice shaking even as she denied wanting to drop the endorsement.

Melvin narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her.

Swallowing hard, she continued, “Melvin, | cback to help you. | want to stand by you. | was your most trusted, remember?” “Forget the past,” he said, staring at her fingers on the door. “Don’t overestimate your importance.” With that, he slammed the door shut, indifferent to the possibility of hurting her hand.

As the car drove away, Willow's heart shattered. She watched him leave and gritted her teeth with tears in her eyes Ulla emerged and stood behind Willow. “Do you love him that much?” “Yes,” “Then go for it. Ulla urged “Men can’t resist a woman who offers herself. They're slaves to their desires Sleep with him, better yet, record it. Leak it online, stir the media, put pressure on him. He'll surrender for his company’s sake.” Willow frowned. “That could backfire.” “Then make sure it doesn’t. Ulla advised. “Love requires pursuit and a bit of cunning Sometimes you must be ruthless to get what you want. Don’t you want to make any change? It is your chance now. She’s with that man.

and Mr. Martinez is single. Though not completely ethical, it always works when you take advantage of his lonely time.

Though the idea of scheming against Melvin had crossed Willow's mind, she feared the consequences. She couldn't be sure she would get what she wanted in the end. If otherwise, there would be absolutely no more chance for her and Melvin. She needs a thorough plan and quite amount of courage to succeed.

“What if it works out?” Ulla fanned the flames of her indecision. “Even if he gets angry, what does it matter? Just pray you get pregnant. Then he can’t escape. You'll have his child, he'll be yours, and everything will be worth it.” Willow felt swayed.

She took a deep breath and mused, “What if | succeed?” “Exactly. Ulla encouraged. “If you fail, you're still the smovie star and nothing changes. If you succeed, you becMrs. Martinez, and you get both himself and his fortune. How good would that be!” Willow took another deep breath. She considered Ulla’s words and found them agreeable.

Harrison took Jocelyn to his place, grilling simple steaks and opening a bottle of wine a cozy evening in.

“Maybe we should skip the wine.” Jocelyn suggested, noting the late hour.

“Afraid of what might happen? Harrison teased with a smile.

She chuckled. “I still have to get home.

“A little wine is good for a lady.” he poured just a bit. “It won't get you drunk. Just sets the mood.” Jocelyn relented while she trusted Harrison. After all, she wouldn't get drunk with a few sips of wine. They enjoyed steaks and wine, and their conversation flowed more freely than in any restaurant.

“You okay?” Harrison asked suddenly.

“About what?” She looked puzzled.

About what that actress said.” Oh, that. It didn’t bother me. What she said or what happened between her and Melvin, those were not my concern anymore “I think Melvin doesn’t love her at all. Maybe she’s just deluded.” Harrison watched Jocelyn’s face. “Would you say yes, if, hypothetically, Melvin proposed to you?” Jocelyn paused, then continued cutting her steak. “There are no ‘ifs.” Changing tack, Harrison ventured, “What if | proposed to you?” Jocelyn nearly dropped her cutlery, staring at Harrison in shock and surprise, speechless at the thought. Harrison caught a glimpse of her startled expression and couldn't help but chuckle “Scared you, huh? Jocelyn quickly took a sip of her red wine and tried to steady her nerves. “You really shouldn't joke like that “You know I'm not much for jokes Harrison said, his tone shifting back to seriousness. | stand by every word | say Jocelyn’s breath hitched. Her emotions swirled uncontrollably.

She was at a loss for words and even contemplated making a swift exit.

“There's no pressure, Jocelyn. If the day comes when you're ready to marry, just letknow. If you can put up with me, I'm yours.” Harrison said with a casualness that belied the weight of his words.

Jocelyn looked at him with a mix of emotions.

Harrison adjusted his glasses with a gentle push. His gaze sincere. | mean it. Whenever you're ready. I'm here.

But no pressure, okay? If you're not into it, we can keep things as they are... friends to hang out, | guess.

He raised his glass with a smile, gesturing for a toast Jocelyn hesitantly lifted her glass to meet his. “Yeah.” As dinner cto an end, Jocelyn prepared to leave.

Having had a few drinks, Harrison didn’t insist on walking her out, afraid of what he might do under the influence a convenient excuse to keep his feelings in check.

He called her a cab, noted the license plate, and watched her sit down. “Callwhen you get home.” “Will do.” As the car drove away, Jocelyn saw him still standing there.

Even a heart of steel might be moved by Harrison's display of affection.

Jocelyn had to admit, his words had stirred something within her, but she wouldn't hastily commit to anything just to soothe a fleeting pang of heartache.

She couldn’t trample on someone's genuine feelings, not when they deserved respect.

She owed it to herself, and to him, to be responsible.