The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 167

The lights in the operating room were on, and hearts outside were held aloft in worry.

Suddenly, the door swung open. A nurse emerged, clutching a critical condition notice for the family to sign.

Daisy was nearly faint with anxiety, but it was Jocelyn who steadied her hand enough to scribble the signature. Undergoing emergency surgery for a heart attack was risky business, so signing the critical condition notice was to be expected.

Thankfully, Calvin’s surgery was a success; he was awake when they wheeled him out.

They only caught a glimpse of him before he was whisked away to the ICU, beyond their reach.

The doctor handed Jocelyn a list of essentials to buy.

Melvin took the list from her. “Stay with Daisy. I’ll go get these.”

Watching him hustle, Jocelyn felt a sense of relief washing over her.

By the time everything was ready, dawn had broken.

“Are you sure this won’t affect your work?” Jocelyn couldn’t help but worry.

Melvin glanced at the time. “Zephyr should be on his way to the airport by now. It’s fine.”

Daisy had already questioned Jocelyn. She was aware that Melvin was supposed to be on a business trip, but he’d put everything on hold for the old man.

It was impossible not to be moved by such a gesture.

Especially in moments of vulnerability, when someone lends a hand, it’s hard not to soften.

“Daisy, there’s nothing more we can do here for now. Why don’t you head back and get some rest? You can come back and see him during visiting hours this afternoon.” Melvin insisted, concerned about Daisy after the long night.

Jocelyn agreed, “Mom, let Melvin take you home. I’ll stay here and come to pick you up later.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Daisy said. Her eyes glued to the ICU door, and the worry never leaving her gaze.

“Mom, you need to rest.” Jocelyn firmly stated. “Staying here won’t help. Go gets some sleep and come back refreshed. Dad will only be in there for three or four days before moving to a regular room. That’s when you’ll be busy taking care of him. I’ll hold down the fort here, so don’t worry.”

Finally, Daisy conceded with Jocelyn’s persistent coaxing.

“I’ll take Daisy home.” Melvin said, eyeing Jocelyn with concern for her reddened, sleep-deprived eyes. “I’ll come back later to keep you company.”

“Okay.”

Jocelyn remained on guard outside as Melvin escorted Daisy away.

The first couple of days were fraught with unstable factors. Whether the stent would adapt or be rejected, they

were all still under observation.

Jocelyn was praying silently for everything to move in the right direction.

After dropping Daisy off, Melvin brought back breakfast for Jocelyn. They ate together outside the ICU.

“Thanks for this.” Jocelyn said. She lacked appetite, but she had to eat to keep her strength up.

Melvin wiped a crumb from her lip. “I’m your man. It’s what I should do.”

A smile flickered across Jocelyn’s face. “Sorry for the hassle.”

Don’t talk like that.” Melvin said with a hint of seriousness. “While we’re on the subject, I need to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?”

“Why didn’t you tell me right away?” Melvin’s stare was fixed on her. “If I hadn’t found out, would you have kept it to yourself?”

Jocelyn paused, then explained, “It was late, and I thought I could handle it.”

“If you were on your own, you might not tell anyone. But I’m your boyfriend, shouldn’t I share some of the responsibility?” Melvin felt she was wrong not to inform him.

Jocelyn took a deep breath, “Okay, I didn’t think it through.”

Melvin huffed lightly, “Learn from your mistakes, I forgive you.”

Jocelyn asked, “But how did you know my dad was in the hospital?”

“Yara has a friend who came down with acute gastroenteritis. She brought that friend to the hospital and saw you buying stools. She wanted to check on you, but she couldn’t leave her friend, so she called me.”

Jocelyn was surprised by the turn of events.

“Enough of that. Calvin will be fine.” Melvin reassured her and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

Jocelyn, whose nerves had been taut all night, finally relaxed completely and leaned against Melvin. She recalled the moment she had received the call from her mother. She still felt a surge of panic from that.

“I’m tired.” she whispered. Her voice was weary.

Melvin leaned against the wall. His arms circled her waist. “Lean on me and rest.”

As her mind grew heavy, Jocelyn soon fell asleep in his embrace.

Melvin held her without moving an inch.

About an hour later, someone from the ICU called out for “Calvin Winslet’s family,” which startled Jocelyn

awake.

“What’s happened?” she asked frantically.

“The patient is doing well, and we can allow a family member to visit for half an hour at two o’clock this afternoon. You should rest now and come back later. But I suggest you stay close by, just in case we need to

call.”

“Okay,” Jocelyn agreed. “I’m not going back.”

The nurse returned.

Melvin took Jocelyn’s hand and led her towards the elevator.

Jocelyn frowned. “Where are you taking me?”

“To a nearby hotel to rest.” Melvin replied, knowing she’d be anxious if they went too far. “There’s a modest place next door. Not the best condition, but it’ll do. There’s no place to rest in the hospital, and you can’t keep going like this.”

“But…”

“No buts. It’s only a few steps away even if the hospital calls. Trust me, I’ll keep an eye out.” Melvin was determined to get her some rest-food and sleep were non-negotiable.

Jocelyn reluctantly entered the hotel with Melvin.

After checking into a room, he sat her down on the bed and pressed her down gently. “Get some sleep.”

Jocelyn didn’t want to sleep, but, exhausted from the emotional strain, she couldn’t resist and drifted off as her head hit the pillow and with Melvin by her side.

Melvin watched the girl sleep and sighed with relief.

He covered her with a blanket and then quietly slid out of bed.

Jocelyn was afraid she might miss a call, so she had cranked up the volume on her cell phone. Suddenly, the screen lit up in the dark room. Before a single note of her ringtone could escape, Melvin’s hand dashed to silence it and pressed the volume all the way down. He saw the caller ID, and his first instinct was to disconnect the call.

He cast a look at the sleeping figure on the bed. She remained undisturbed.

Clutching the phone, he tiptoed out and gently closed the door behind him before answering.

“Hello.”

His voice was a low, frosty surprise to the caller.

“Is Jocelyn there?” Harrison’s voice was steady. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“She’s asleep.” Melvin replied flatly. “How can I help you?”

Harrison wasn’t in the mood for small talk with Melvin and answered, “Nothing.”

“Then do me a favor and don’t call her for no reason. Even if there’s an issue, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call her.” Melvin’s voice was icy. “After all, she’s my woman.”

His words were not just a declaration, but a warning shot across Harrison’s bow, a clear reminder to keep his distance.

Harrison was in his car and ready for the drive to the university. He removed his glasses upon hearing Melvin’s claim.

He massaged his temples, and his normally gentle eyes now flashed a predatory fierceness reserved for a worthy rival.

With a single hand polishing his lenses, his lips curled into a slight smirk, “You and Jocelyn aren’t legally married yet, are you? I believe that still gives me the right to pursue her.”