Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Jocelyn was annoyed with herself for her lack of resolve, and annoyed at him for knowing her too well.
He was so sure she was head over heels for him that he thought she just couldn’t say no to him.-
Not wanting to let him have her wrapped around his finger, she turned her head away and blurted out, “I have al boyfriend.”
Melvin snorted, ‘The real estate quy?”
“That’s his profession. Don’t look down on it ”
“I’ve never looked down on any profession. It’s him as a person that I don’t respect..”
Melvin pulled out his phone and played an audio clip.
“Mr. Martinez, if you hand over those properties and let me dealing with them, I’ll break up with Jocelyn.”
“But you’re supposed to be getting married, right?”
That was arranged by our parents; I had no choice.”
You don’t like her?
“I’m still young, so I’ve got to prioritize my career. Plus, weddings cost a fortune, right? Besides, I can tell you two are a better fit, so consider this an early blessing.
Melvin put down the phone, “Boyfriend? He sure doesn’t treat you like one.”
Jocelyn was steaming inside but had nowhere to vent. She couldn’t blame Declan for making that choice; if she saw him getting cozy with another girl, she’d opt for a breakup too.
Grown-ups know how to take advantage of the relationships they can.
And Declan using the breakup to negotiate with Melvin was just him betting that Melvin was still into her.
“Your marriage dreams just crashed and burned before they even took off.” Melvin wrapped his arms around her waist and nibbled on her earlobe, “Isn’t it better to just live in the moment?”
His breathing got heavy, his hand wandering under her clothes, lips finding her collarbone.
Jocelyn’s mind was crystal clear, she tilted her neck back, “I’m not playing this game with you anymore.
The kisses on her chest paused.
Melvin looked up, her eyes were like a stagnant pool, devoid of any desire.
“Are you serious? Melvin’s voice was raspy with lust.
“Yes. Jocelyn pulled at her clothes that he had tugged open, saying flatly. This is going nowhere in the end.”
Melvin squinted. You want to completely end things with me?”
“Yes.” Jocelyn’s voice was firm as her heart shattering inside.
She knew all too well that he just wasn’t tired of her yet.
Their relationship was nothing more than physical, no strings attached.
Melvin stormed out, slamming the door with a bang that could shake the heavens.
Jocelyn straightened her clothes, wiped her face, and steeled her heart for a clean break, otherwise, she’d be stuck on him for life.
After finishing two morning classes and returning to the office, the teacher let slip that a student might be transfering to her class
Middle schoolers are in their rebellious phase, and Jocelynis class was the toughest in the school She natt bear
teaching long before she was handed this challenge, and it had brought her to tears more than once.
Maybe it was because she was such a tearjerker, or because she was so genuine and could crack jokes and get personal with each student, becoming friends with them, that these kids started treating her like a sister, willing to
listen to her.
Now with another one shoved into her class, it looked like she was in for another round of chaos.
Before she even had a sip of water, the principal’s call came through to Jocelyn.
After hanging up, the teacher warned her, “I heard the student is from a well-off family but a handful. His uncle dealt with the paperwork, and he seemed like a tough cookie. Even the principal was bowing and scraping in front of him.”
Jocelyn frowned and made her way to the principal’s office, knocking on the door.
“Come in.”
Jocelyn stepped in, “Principal, you wanted to see me?”
Jocelyn, let me introduce you to Mr. Martinez.” The principal said cheerfully, his face radiating kindness.
Jocelyn followed his gesture and saw Melvin sitting there, arrogant and aloof.
Seeing him was unexpected, but she kept her composure.
She hadn’t seen him since he left her place about half a month ago. She thought she’d never see him again.
A boy who looked a bit like him sat next to him, with the same defiant look in his eyes.
This is Mr. Martinez’s nephew, Preston Turner.” The principal said, “Preston has been studying abroad until now, but starting this sermester, he’ll be joining Class One.”
Jocelyn had no say in this matter, the kid was already here, and this was just a heads-up.
She just hadn’t expected Melvin to have such a grown nephew. She didn’t want any more to do with Melvin, but with the kid in her class and Melvin as the guardian, they might have to meet.
A headache was forming.
“Jocelyn, I’m Preston’s guardian here in the country, so if there’s anything concerning him, you can contact me directly.” Melvin’s tone was cold, as if they were strangers.
Jocelyn treated him like a stranger too, responding with a simple “Hmm.”
Seeing the situation, the principal quickly said, “Let’s exchange contact information then. That way, you can get in touch right away if needed.”
Jocelyn was about to feign ignorance when she heard Melvin say, “Jocelyn shouldn’t have deleted my number.”
His gaze was aggressive and carried ill intentions..
The principal looked at Jocelyn in confusion.
Preston also gave Jocelyn a couple of extra glances.
The former was curious about Jocelyn’s acquaintance with Melvin.
The latter was surprised that his uncle’s phone number would be given to a woman other than family.
Jocelyn led Preston out of the principal’s office, her mood sour..
“What’s your relationship with my uncle?” Preston was sharp.
“Nothing.”
Preston gave her a knowing look, “Denying it so fast means it’s deep”
Jocelyn furrowed her brows, about to argue some more, but Preston swaggered ahead with his backpack, if you’re thinking of becoming my aunt, I’d say give it up. My uncle’s a bachelor for life”
Jocelyn felt a twinge in her chest; this kid came to twist the knife, huh?
“I have a boyfriend Jocelyn lied, not wanting to embarrass herself.
Preston turned and sized her up, then suddenly laughed, “Guess I thought too much. You’re not even his type.”
Jocelyn passed by him without showing any reaction, “What would a little brat like you know about types?”
I know plenty. My uncle likes them clean and pure, like little white flowers.
Jocelyn felt a sting in her heart, a bit hurt.
The first time she met Melvin, he had the nerve to say she looked too enchanting, like a fairy or something, and it was just impossible to picture her as a teacher.
He was like, “Can a teacher with that kind of look really teach and nurture properly?”
Jocelyn knew right off the bat that she was being judged.
Doubting her teaching abilities, and now he was sending his nephew to her class? Wasn’t he afraid she won’t be a good influence?
After Jocelyn settled Preston in, she headed back to her office.
Jocelyn Melvin stood at the office door, his posture lazy, his lips coolly pronouncing her name for the first time.
She thought he had left.
Putting on a front, she asked, Can I help you with something?”
Melvin got all serious, “Preston’s got a bit of an attitude and a temper, so please bear with him.
“People say the nephew takes after his uncle.” Jocelyn noticed his expression change and went on, “He’s my student now, and I’ll teach him well. Of course, you, as the guardian, should set a good example at home, too. A teacher’s role is just to support After all, leading by example is key.”
Melvin’s charming eyes narrowed slightly, “I’m just reminding you not to call me for every little thing. Some teachers, you know, they like to pick on students as an excuse to get close to the parents
Jocelyn was so annoyed that she felt tight in the chest.
She took out her phone in front of Melvin, found his number, and with a firm press, blocked and deleted it.