The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 123

Jocelyn declined Yasmine's invitation to go out for lunch, but Yasmine was insistent.

"If you're not coming, then I'll join you for a meal at your cafeteria," Yasmine made it clear she wanted to have a meal with her.

Wary of drawing attention and questions from others, Jocelyn finally gave in reluctantly.

It had to be said, Melvin and Yasmine really were siblings. Their talent for wearing others down was the same.

Yasmine casually draped her arm around Jocelyn's, "Let me help."

"No need, I'm fine," Jocelyn felt weird about it. She wasn't that close to Yasmine.

She tried to withdraw her hand, but Yasmine wouldn't let her, "I don't have many friends here, and when Preston told me about you, I just knew we could be friends. So please, don't reject me, okay?"

Her sincerity was overwhelming, making it seem like a fault to refuse her.

Jocelyn could only offer an awkward smile and go along with it.

Considering Jocelyn's leg injury hadn't fully healed, even though the restaurant they were planning to eat at wasn't far, Yasmine still decided to drive.

The car belonged to Melvin, a sleek silver Porsche.

Jocelyn's feelings were mixed as she sat in it.

In just a few minutes, they arrived at the restaurant. It wasn't large but was clean and well-reviewed. Jocelyn had been here before with colleagues.

Yasmine helped her into the restaurant and chose a spot near the entrance to sit down.

At this point, Jocelyn started to warm up to Yasmine a bit. Yasmine didn't scorn the small diner despite wearing designer clothes, sitting on an old wooden bench and even pouring herself a cup of water.

She wasn't like Melvin.

Melvin was the type to avoid small diners, always favoring upscale restaurants. He would look down on street food vendors as if they were unworthy of his patronage.

The restaurant owner recognized Jocelyn and, noticing the bandage on her chin, offered to make her dish with less oil and spice.

Jocelyn let Yasmine choose the dishes, but Yasmine said she was okay with any dishes and insisted that Jocelyn decide for her.

So Jocelyn ordered two combos with soup.

Yasmine didn't mention Melvin at all but was very interested in Preston's studies, which made Jocelyn relax more.

When the food arrived, Yasmine proved to be unpretentious, enjoying the simple home-cooked style dishes immensely.

"It's been years since I've had a meal like this," Yasmine mused. "This kind of food has the flavor of life."

Jocelyn chuckled, "Then I guess I've been living amid that flavor all along."

Yasmine smiled, "You know, there's something to be said for the simple and ordinary."

"True. As a kid, happiness seemed so simple. And now, it's simplicity that brings happiness."

"I'm trying to simplify my life as well. Trying to get a feel for the real world."

Jocelyn always felt that Yasmine, like their conversations, held many secrets. Divorced, with a child, her life was anything but simple. After all, if Melvin was wealthy, Yasmine was no different.

The troubles of ordinary folks could often be solved with money.

The worries of the wealthy were beyond the imagination of ordinary people like her.

Jocelyn had no interest in prying into others' secrets. She simply believed, "Living the life you want makes it less tiring. And a less tiring life is comparatively happier."

"That makes sense."

After the meal, Jocelyn paid, and Yasmine quipped with a smile, "I owe you one. I'll treat you next time."

"There's no need for formalities," Jocelyn wasn't keen on mingling too much with people connected to Melvin.

Yet, Yasmine's words hinted at something that did catch Jocelyn's attention: perhaps nothing substantial had ever happened between Melvin and Willow.

Maybe they were just in that ambiguous space between friends and lovers.

"Thanks for the heads-up, Yasmine. But we're all adults here, and we have our own ways of interacting, no need for public service announcements," Willow said, slipping her sunglasses back on. "I've got places to be." She strode off to her car.

As Willow drove away, Yasmine glared at the departing vehicle with disdain. "What a piece of work," she muttered under her breath.

Jocelyn felt she shouldn't even be there overhearing their exchange. Now she felt awkward.

"Aren't you curious about why I can't stand her?" Yasmine broke the silence as they headed back to the campus.

Jocelyn was indeed curious, but she felt it was better not to pry. She shook her head. "You know the old saying, 'The less you know about secrets, the better.'"

"You're an interesting one," Yasmine chuckled. "It's not like you'd be 'swimming with the fishes' for knowing."

Jocelyn smiled back. She gazed out the car window. Her curiosity about Melvin's past and secrets piqued, but she no longer felt entitled to delve into them.

What could change by knowing more?

She didn't want any more drama.

It wasn't just about actions. It was about mindset too.

She hoped to truly move on and give things with Harrison a real try.

Seeing that Jocelyn genuinely didn't want to know, Yasmine dropped the subject and pulled up to the school entrance. As Jocelyn was getting out, Yasmine asked, "Jocelyn, is it okay if I call you that?"

Surprised at her question, Jocelyn nodded.

"I don't know if you're truly over Melvin, but I can tell you, he's not over you. He's never been good with words. If you really don't want to give him another chance, I can understand." Yasmine spoke sincerely, "But he's my brother. And as his sister, I truly hope he can be with the person he loves. So I'm asking you to think it over again, to consider whether this is how you want your relationship to end."