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Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtChapter 139
Ursula sidestepped with an apology, “Excuse me.”
Melvin gave her room to pass, though his gaze lingered on Jocelyn instead.
Seeing Jocelyn passed by without a word, her indifference was clear.
When they climbed the stone steps, Melvin tumed back, “Jocelyn?”
She paused, took a deep breath and turned around with composure, “Yes?”
“Got any plans for tomorrow? I’m new around here Mind showing me around?” Melvin asked in a soft voice, almost pleading.
Jocelyn considered for a moment before replying, “I’m busy tomorrow. Anyone in the village can be a better quide.”
Melvin accepted the rejection with a simple “Alright”
“That’s great. Jocelyn nodded and continued on her way.
Back at their place, Ursula couldn’t help but give her a thumbs-up, “Well done.”
Jocelyn just smiled, “Just being honest”
“Why do you think he’s really here to invest the village? Ursula mused as she took off her jacket. “Other than fate bringing you
two together, I can’t think of any other reason. But they say there’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s all orchestrated.”
Ursula eyed Jocelyn. “If he really came for you, and he’s willing to invest in this village for you, wouldn’t that impress you?”
Changing into her slippers and filling her kettle with water, Jocelyn replied, “It’s not for me. He’s a businessman. Profit comes
first. Besides, given our breakup, why would he do anything for me? It’s just unreasonable.”
“But there’s no profit in sight.” Ursula argued. “He would have to pour in a lot of money before seeing any payback. I’m not being
pessimistic, but this village is tough. With no young folks around, just the elderly and kids, what can they really do?”
Ursula wasn’t optimistic about the village’s future.
Jocelyn shared her sentiments but still clung to hope, “Don’t overthink it. As long as someone wants to revitalize the countryside,
change will come.”
“I hope so
Jocelyn lay in bed and couldn’t help thinking about Melvin and his conversation with the village officials. She believed that Melvin
genuinely wanted to help.
Turning sideways to stop the flow of thoughts, she realized that she had never truly understood Melvin.
The countryside was serene at night, everything asleep under the starry sky.
The next day before dawn, the village rooster started to crow, waking everyone up.
Jocelyn and Ursula followed a simple routine here. Go to bed by nine and get up at six
Their neighbor, May, would bring breakfast to them-a bowl of oatmeal with toast, sometimes pancakes or boiled eggs.
As the year-end festive time approached, the villagers weren’t so busy. They’d gather around the communal fire pit, warming
their hands and chatting away
Lately, the talk of the village was the handsome outsider who looked better than any movie star. The ladies’ eyes sparkled
whenever Melvin was mentioned. A handsome and wealthy man with a kind heart was the dream match for everyone
At noon, Jocelyn and Ursula were roped into the village gossip. The village secretary’s wife, Yvonne, said with a knowing smile,
Jocelyn, that Mr. Martinez knows you, doesn’t he?”
Jocelyn was startled, nearly dropped the nuts in her hand.
She laughed it off, “No, we’re not acquainted.”
Their sharp eyes didn’t miss much.
“It doesn’t matter. You’re acquainted now I heard that he’s still single. Jocelyn, why don’t you give it a shot?’ Yvonne’s suggestion
set off a chorus of laughter.
Jocelyn’s smile tumed awkward.
raula paced in. “Yvonne, why not suggest I have a chance with him? Don’t I look pretty enough?”
Yvonne laughed. Ursula, you’re gorgeous, but he’s not looking your way. Last night at dinner. I noticed him alancina
Chapter 139
The true
Jocelyn grew increasingly uncomfortable.
“i was sitting right next to Jocelyn How can you be sure he wasn’t looking at me?” Ursula joined in the banter.
Wohne spitted out a seed shell and shook her head, “I trust my eyes. They don’t lie.”
Jocelyn had to admit, the villagers were really perceptive. But she couldn’t sit there any longer, afraid her feelings might show.
“Y’all keep chatting I’m going for a walk Jocelyn stuffed her pockets with nuts and hurried away
Ursula almost followed but then sat back down.
along.
Ursula knew Jocelyn hadn’t let go of her feelings for Melvin Her refusal was just for show
For two people with unspoken affection for each other, fate would surely intervene
By the village pond, Jocelyn saw Unah and Melvin descending the opposite hill and heading her way
“Jocelyn!” Unah spotted her and called out
Caught off guard, Jocelyn could only smile and wait for them to approach.
“I’ve got some urgent business at the village office. Could you keep Mr. Martinez company for me?” Uriah was genuinely in a
rush
Jocelyn glanced at Melvin, noticing his coat dotted with bits of straw and his shoes caked in mud.Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
He was indeed here on serious business
She nodded, “Sure”
Thank you,” Unah said before hurrying off
Holding nuts in her hand, Jocelyn felt awkward to eat them alone, so she offered some to Melvin, “Want some?”
Melvin smiled, taking a few nuts from her palm, You seem to be quite at ease here.”
“Absolutely Jocelyn’s voice had lost its edge of tension now.
Melvin was shelling the nuts but not eating them. He casually asked, “Why come all the way out here?”
“Just an act of kindness Jocelyn was leading the way on a narrow path. On one side lay the pond and cropland, and on the other
were a few plum trees
If not careful, one could easily tumble into the pond.
Behind her, Melvin chuckled softly, “I thought you were out here to clear your mind”
“What’s got me so troubled that I need to clear my mind?”
“Does your professor even know you’re out in a place like this? Isn’t he worried? Melvin cracked another nut with an air of
nonchalance Jocelyn frowned and came to a stop.
Melvin, not noticing in time, bumped into her
Jocelyn’s footing on the uneven ground gave way with the collision, and her body tilted perilously toward the pond
Her hands flailed, trying to reach for a tree branch to grasp
Melvin caught her in one swift move, pulling her into his arms and circling her waist tightly with his other hand.
Both of their hearts were pounding heavily because of the accident, a wave of relief washing over them as they were finally able
to stand still.
Once she regained her composure, Jocelyn pushed him away and glanced down to see a scattering of nut shells on the ground.
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