The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 50

Out of courtesy, Jocelyn gave Melvin a ring half an hour after the whole hot search circus blew up.

He actually picked up, surprisingly.

“Hey, what’s up with Willow?” she asked, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. “Saw it on Twitter.”

Melvin’s voice was flat, “Nothing serious, just a little on-set mishap.”

Jocelyn was skeptical, but she wasn’t about to dig for the dirt without good reason or interest Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“Alright, take good care of her then.”

“She’s got assistants,” he said, meaning he wasn’t planning on playing nursemaid.

Chomping on her skewer, Jocelyn went on, “Yeah, she’s got assistants and an agent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look after her too.”

“Are you throwing shade?”

“Not at all.” Jocelyn put the phone on speaker, grabbed a skewer with her left hand, a drink with her right, and took a sip. “Isn’t it just stating the obvious? Otherwise, why would you dash over to see her in such a hurry?”

When there was no response, she thought he’d hung up. Glancing at the phone screen, the call was still on.

“She’s the face of our jewelry line, and with new products launching next quarter, it’d be a big loss for the company if something happened to her. Melvin actually bothered to explain.

Jocelyn wondered why Melvin was so strange today.

“Oh,” she said, sounding totally nonchalant.

“Where are you?”

“At my home, duh.”

“You went back?”

“What else? Jocelyn said. “Who knew if you were coming home tonight? Better to crash at my own place.

Suddenly, Melvin hung up.

Staring at her phone, Jocelyn was like, “Okay, that was random.”

Before hitting the sack, Jocelyn scrolled through Twitter again – loads about Willow.

One marketing account claimed Willow was about to join the cast and was rehearsing with another actor at the director’s, who got too into it and clocked her with an ashtray for real.

Another story claimed Willow wasn’t rehearsing at all, but was caught in a late-night rendezvous with a director by his wife, leading to a catfight that left her injured.

Jocelyn was stunned by this. With a backer like Melvin, why would Willow even do such a thing?

After all, she was dying to be Melvin’s girl.

With all the drama now, if it was the former, no big deal, but if it was the latter, how could she face Melvin?

Jocelyn still thought showbiz was a mess, where the truth was elusive, and people just swallowed whatever was served. Good news might not spread well, but bad news definitely got worse as it went.

But Melvin said Willow was their brand ambassador. If bad press came out, the company, out of old loyalty, would surely clear her name. So, nothing worth gawking at, really.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before a bunch of accounts started spinning the narrative that Willow was overly dedicated tasting on a realistic performance to convey true emotion, hence the injury

comments section was filled with praise for the newbie’s dedication. “If she doesn’t make it big it’s an injustice!

Jocelyn read through the uniform comments, totally unfazed.

Whatever the real deal was, the online consensus was now singing Willow’s praises.

This incident was cementing her image as an inspiring goddess.

Toward the bottom, Jocelyn spotted a comment claiming Willow got smacked for flirting with the director and getting caught by his wife. That comment got shredded.

Online news, true or false, who really knew aside from those involved?

Jocelyn set her phone aside, closed her eyes, and figured Willow’s injury meant Melvin would stick by her.

Turning on her side, she sighed.

This must be what first love felt like. Why else would Melvin drop everything for Willow time and again?

Often it’s the unfulfilled romances that linger the most.

Even if they parted on good terms, the slightest thing about the other person could still tug at your heartstrings

At the hospital.

Willow had eight stitches on her forehead and looked totally deflated.

Melvin sat far off, glued to his phone, clearly antsy.

He was about to leave when Willow, tears streaming, grabbed his hand and made him stay.

With red, puffy eyes, she looked at Melvin, Will this leave a scar?”

“Don’t you trust the doctor?” Melvin glanced at her, “Stick to the diet, avoid what you must. Modern cosmetic medicine is advanced. What’s a little scar to you?”

Willow sniffled, hands clasped tightly. “Do you believe me?”

“Believe you about what?”

“I was just discussing the script with the director. I’m new, and I’m joining the cast next month, so I was nervous. I wanted to talk about the character, but his wife barged in and started hitting me, accusing me of seducing her husband, Willow felt wronged, “But I didn’t.”

Seeing her teary, swollen eyes and the lips she bit to hold back her grief, Melvin suddenly remembered her before all this, strong and optimistic. He had never seen her cry back then.

“You don’t need my belief right now, you need his wife’s. Besides, you don’t have to explain to me. Melvin checked the time again two in the morning.

–

That woman was playing it so cool, not calling, not even texting to check in.

She wasn’t like this before. Did she really not care him anymore?

This thought furrowed Melvin’s brow.

“I don’t care how others see me; I only care about what you think. If you believe me, I’m not afraid of anything, even if it’s raining knives,” Willow reiterated her feelings.

Melvin gave her a cold look, “I have a girlfriend. Is it appropriate for you to say this to me now?”

The pain in Willow’s head was nothing compared to the ache in her heart.

Tears streamed down her face, her lips quivered, and after a long while, she trembled, “Girlfriend? Are you admitting she’s your girlfriend?”

Is there a problem?”

Willow swallowed hard, in disbelief. “Aren’t you the guy who’s always denied she’s your girlfriend?”

“Senously? Do i have to shout it from the rooftops that she’s my girl to make it official?” Melvin was running out of

Chapte

patience He stood up. “It’s getting late. You should get some rest.”

“Melvin Willow called out to him urgently.

Melver looked at her with a frown. “What now?”

“Can you stay with me? I’m scared.” Willow was all vulnerable and cautious, a side of her that was rarely seen. She

was just a little lady, one who usually hid behind a facade of toughness.

Melvin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Willow looked at him, with tears misting her eyes. “Please, stay with me.”