Ruined By My Father's Boss Free Preview

Jocelyn Winslet slumped against Melvin Martinez's chest, feeling utterly zapped. She listened to his strong heartbeat and basked in the residual warmth he left inside her, her emotions surging. It took quite a while for her to simmer down.

Post-romp, he was puffing on a cigarette, blowing smoke rings, looking like he was in seventh heaven.

"I'm twenty-six this year." Jocelyn's hand rested on his chest, her voice coquettish and soft, "My folks are on my back about getting hitched."

Ashes fluttered on the duvet.

She felt his heartbeat skip.

Melvin casually flicked the ashes off the duvet and asked nonchalantly, "Got anyone in mind for that walk down the aisle?"

"Mhm."

"Do you dig him?"

"He says he's up for giving me a home."

Melvin took a drag and then stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray.

"Well, that's nice. I'll clear out in a bit." He gently pushed her away, threw off the covers, got out of bed, and headed to the bathroom.

Hearing the sound of water, Jocelyn felt a pang in her heart. She threw off the covers, stepped out of bed barefoot, and opened the bathroom door. Inside, steam clouded the air, and his lean, toned physique— broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs-brought joy to her otherwise dull life.

Melvin turned around, facing her through the mist. He turned off the water and asked, "What's up? Looking for another round?"

It had been three years. There were many moments of honesty between Jocelyn and Melvin, but each time she still felt a hint of shyness.

However, her shyness didn't mean she was afraid.

She moved toward him, her hands caressing his chest, slowly drifting lower until he let out a muffled groan. She kissed the water on his chest, mist in her eyes, her lips parted slightly, "You really won't marry me?"

Melvin looked up, eyes closed, with a look of bliss on his face, "We had a deal from the start."

"But can you bear to let me go?" Jocelyn knew just how to touch his sensitive spots, making him almost desperate to give his all to her.

Melvin swallowed hard, his throat dry, and Jocelyn bit down on his Adam's apple.

His eyes snapped open, his large hands gripping her waist, lifting her. And his voice husky, "Then don't get married."

"I can't afford to wait." Jocelyn looked up, the mist and the light above her head swirling in her vision.

"Then go get married."

His voice was gravelly and thinking of her being intimate with another man drove him into a frenzy. He wished he could just end her. That way, she'd never marry anyone.

Jocelyn used all her tricks, hoping to make Melvin yearn for her, even if he lied about wanting to marry her, but he left decisively.

She ran her hand over the pillow he had slept on, thinking back to three years ago.

Three years earlier, he had been drunk on the street, and she had taken advantage of the situation, bringing him home.

That night, fueled by alcohol, they were passionately entwined.

When he sobered up, he said they were a good match, and if she was up for it, they could keep it casual until she wanted to marry. Then she'd just tell him, and he'd bounce. True to his word, he did just that.

...

Jocelyn and Declan had their first meal alone together, and at first, there was a bit of awkwardness.

Declan was polished, chatty, and easy to talk to, making her feel like she was catching up with an old friend.

Suddenly, Declan said, "Does that guy know you? He's been staring at us."

Confused, Jocelyn turned around and locked eyes with Melvin, her heart skipping a beat.

What a coincidence that he was here too.

He had left so decisively before; he couldn't possibly be stalking her, right?

That suspicion was quickly dismissed when a sultry woman sashayed over to him, and as soon as she sat down, Melvin's gaze never strayed back to Jocelyn. Just like that, he had found a new bedmate.

He had quite the appetite. Aside from her menstrual cycle, he needs it every night.

She felt choked up but regained her composure and flashed Declan a smile, "Don't know him."

After dinner, Declan dropped Jocelyn off.

When she exited the restaurant, Melvin and that woman were still there. Jocelyn inadvertently saw the woman's foot flirtatiously entwining Melvin's leg under the table.

Just as she entered the elevator at home, her mother, Daisy, called to check in.

Jocelyn was aware of her parents' thoughts; at twenty-six and unmarried, she was far away and it didn't matter to her, but her parents had to face the neighbors' scrutiny.

While her peers were on their second kids, she didn't even have a prospect, practically drowning in their gossip.

She candidly shared her feelings about Declan while stepping out of the elevator, "He seems nice. Probably a match for marriage..."

Suddenly, she smelled a familiar scent of tobacco. Looking up, she saw Melvin leaning against her door, his coat draped over his wrist, legs crossed, with a cigarette between his thin lips, his cold gaze enveloping her through the smoke.

Why was he here?

Shouldn't he be rolling in the sheets with his new flame?

Jocelyn hung up the call and fished for her keys, walking past him expressionlessly.

Melvin's fingers, holding the cigarette, parted slightly, enveloping Jocelyn in smoke as she approached.

She was used to it.

She unlocked the door.

Turning back, she met Melvin's inscrutable gaze. His eyes were so seductive that they made her blush.

She liked, no, she loved Melvin.

She thought Melvin loved her too. Otherwise, why would he be so earnest every night?

They had been together for three years.

He was good to her, giving her everything she wanted, except marriage.

Last year, she attended a friend's wedding and told him how romantic and happy it was.

But he said, "Only fools get married."

That moment, she felt like she was thrown into an icy pool, chilled to the bone.

That should have been her clue. Melvin didn't love her.

He only loved the feeling of being with her.

That's how people are, always thinking they're the exception. That's why they keep hitting the wall.

This time, she turned back.

"You forgot something, Melvin?"

She remembered clearing out all his things. These past few days, she had even fantasized about finding something of his.

"The ones I bought that night, there should be half a box left." Melvin extinguished his cigarette, tossing it into a nearby trash bin. Jocelyn immediately got what he meant.

That night, in the heat of the moment, they had run out of protection.

Previously, they used a brand that only had six per box, which they would finish in less than two days. Later, he bought them by the tens.

That night, in a rush, they bought a box downstairs and used half.

Talk about being flush with cash, he was coming back to claim what was left unused.

Popping over here to pick something up would take so long. He could've just bought it and been done with it.

Jocelyn pulled out the stuff for him.

Melvin pocketed it right away and explained, "I didn't really want to come get it, you know, sizes vary, and it might not fit. Plus, if your new flame catches a glimpse, he might feel a bit inferior." Jocelyn's ears started burning.

Who asked him to explain?

"Melvin, you better take it easy too, gotta practice some self-control, or you'll be running on empty," Jocelyn shot back without mincing words.

Melvin squinted his eyes, "Even if you had three more years, you wouldn't drain me."

A wave of bitterness swept over Jocelyn's heart. If she kept this up for three more years, she'd waste half her life.

By that time, she'd really be the talk of the town.

"Get moving. Don't keep her waiting," Jocelyn said, pushing the door to close it.

Melvin held the door, and Jocelyn looked at him.

Melvin's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, "Are you seriously thinking of tying the knot?"

"Yeah."

The two stood off for a moment, and Melvin was the first to let go, "If you get hitched, make sure to send me an invite."

"We'll see," Jocelyn replied.

She couldn't be enemies with someone she had loved, but she couldn't just be friends, either.

And there was no way she'd invite him to her wedding.

She was afraid she wouldn't be able to stop herself from getting cold feet.

Melvin's lips curved up slightly, "After everything we've been through, you won't even let me witness your love story?"

Melvin's nonchalant remark about their past affair made Jocelyn realize how laughable her last three years had been.

Indeed, it's the one who falls deeper that ends up more embarrassed.

"I fear you might whisk me away at my own wedding," Jocelyn cheekily admitted, a bit shameless indeed.

As expected, Melvin chuckled.

He grabbed the doorknob, "Sweet dreams."

He shut the door behind him, and there Jocelyn was, leaning against it, chuckling at herself sarcastically before the tears came streaming down without warning.

Over the weekend, Daisy called Jocelyn over for a family meal.

As soon as she got home, she heard voices.

Declan was there, having a coffee with her dad, all chummy and the vibe was great.

Thinking back to her three years with Melvin, he never once mentioned meeting her parents. Clearly, he never really saw a future with her.

She went to the kitchen to help her mom and saw a feast being prepared, which made her curious. "Your dad kept his job, and he even got promoted to head of security," Daisy was beaming.

Jocelyn asked, "Wasn't he about to get the axe?"

She had been asking around at work for some cushy job for him.

Daisy was all smiles, "A new boss came in at your dad's company, not only did he not fire your dad, but he also promoted him to team leader. Talk about a stroke of luck."

"Honey, whip up a few more dishes," her dad, Calvin Winslet, hurried in, "The new boss just called me, asking which local restaurant was good. I shot my mouth off, invited him over for dinner out of politeness. And would you believe it, he agreed just like that."

Daisy was speechless.

Jocelyn thought to herself, this boss sure doesn't stand on ceremony.

Melvin arrived empty-handed, and Calvin had to greet him with all the enthusiasm he could muster.

Jocelyn never imagined that the new boss at her father's company would be him.

When their eyes met, Melvin raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes darting to Declan who was helping in the kitchen, giving Jocelyn an amused look that unsettled her. Jocelyn panicked and hurried into the kitchen.

Coincidence?

She wasn't buying it.

But what was his deal, showing up all of a sudden?

In the past, during holidays, she had asked if he wanted to join her family to make things lively.

He was so indifferent, "Don't even think about getting me to meet your parents."

"Stop daydreaming, bring out the fruit," Daisy urged her, whispering, "This boss of your dad, just shows up out of the blue."

Jocelyn begrudgingly carried out the sliced watermelon.

In the living room, Calvin's stiffness and Melvin's ease were a stark contrast.

It was weirdly awkward in their own home.

The dinner was served, and watching her parents being so polite and accommodating to Melvin made Jocelyn even more uneasy.

Melvin suddenly turned to Declan, "What do you do for work, Declan?"

Declan felt like he'd seen this guy somewhere before but couldn't place him.

Facing the alpha male aura, Declan felt a bit of pressure.

Man to man, Declan didn't want to be overshadowed by another guy in front of the woman he liked.

"I'm a real estate agent."

"Oh. A house seller." Melvin added, "I've got two properties downtown that have been sitting empty. Agents keep calling, asking if I'm selling. Since I know someone in the business, I won't bother with strangers."

Jocelyn was suffocating with his high and mighty attitude.

Declan quickly said, "Then send me the address, I'll check out the properties this afternoon and list them online for you."

"Good."

After the meal, Jocelyn couldn't wait for Melvin to leave; seeing her parents tiptoeing around him and doling out compliments made her stomach churn.

But Melvin didn't leave; instead, Declan got a call.

"Sorry, I've got a client to see, gotta run." Declan excused himself politely, eager to leave.

Before, Declan could have chatted with Melvin, but his leaving made the atmosphere even more awkward.

And Melvin, oblivious to the Winslets' distaste, just sat there.

He wouldn't leave, and nobody else could really move.

"Mom, Dad, I've got a seminar this afternoon, I should go. You guys should take a break," Jocelyn said, not wanting her parents to keep up the charade with Melvin. "I'll take off too," Melvin stood up, buttoning his suit, "Jocelyn, I'll walk you out."

Jocelyn refused, "No need."

"It's no trouble," Melvin then looked straight at Calvin. "Thanks for having me today. If you need anything work-related, come to me," Melvin added.

Calvin was taken aback, quickly responding with a "Sure."

"Let's go," Melvin turned, shooting Jocelyn a glance.

Jocelyn got the hint; he was leveraging her dad's job to manipulate her.

Reluctantly, she followed him out.

In the elevator, they were less than a meter apart, yet it felt like miles between them.

Once the closest of people, now they didn't even want to share the same air.

In the car, Melvin smoked and steered with one hand, his demeanor nonchalant, radiating a cold and haughty air.

"That guy is not right for you," Melvin's voice was magnetic, quite pleasant to the ear.

Jocelyn looked out the window, refusing to respond.

Melvin glanced at her sideways," So eager to marry that you don't even choose carefully?"

Jocelyn was restless but still ignored him.

"Heh," Melvin scoffed, "Moved on so quickly. You are pretty bold."

That comment lit a fire in Jocelyn. She glared at him, "What do you want, anyway? What does it matter to you if I find someone to marry? Me moving on is certainly better than some freeloader." The nerve of him to say that.

Melvin slammed on the brakes, pulled over, and looked at her, "Freeloader?"

Jocelyn instantly regretted it. She shouldn't have lost her cool and engaged with him.

"What have I ever taken from you without giving back? What's so great about marriage? You think being tied down for life is so great?" Melvin's tone grew heavier.

He snorted, "You think that guy can give you the marriage you want?"

"It's none of your business. We're done, stop bothering me."

"Pfft." Melvin gripped the steering wheel tight. "Get out!"

Jocelyn didn't hesitate, unbuckled her seat belt, got out, and slammed the door behind her.

The moment the door slammed shut, the car zoomed off with a roar, nearly scaring the daylights out of her.

"And you, baiting her in, then ditching her when you're bored? Classic move," a friend poured Melvin a drink, trying to console him.

"That's terrible advice. Women can want anything, but as soon as they start talking marriage, you're in deep water. Next thing you know, they're crying, making scenes, threatening to do something drastic. If it's time to split, just split," another buddy disagreed.

"And end up like him, drowning his sorrows for a week straight?"

"Come on, Melvin, you're clearly heartbroken, man."

"He's got the feels."

Melvin shot a cold glance their way, one of them instantly clammed up, standing up quickly, "Oh, I forgot to call my sweetheart back. Let me step out for a sec."

Soon after, he came back, all worked up, "Melvin, I saw Jocelyn. She's out drinking with a bunch of people."

Melvin's cigarette twitched at the corner of his mouth, his eyes darkening.

Declan had sold Melvin's house and made a tidy commission. He was buzzing so much that he treated his colleagues to a meal and karaoke, inviting her along. Jocelyn didn't want to rain on his parade, and the fact that he was keen to introduce her to his friends and colleagues made her feel valued.

When she was with Melvin, she felt like a mistress who had to stay in the shadows.

Listening to the group chat away, she still couldn't blend in. So she used the excuse of going to the restroom and once out, she didn't feel like returning to the private room.

Leaning against the hallway wall, she fiddled with her phone, not paying any mind to someone approaching.

It wasn't until the person had been standing beside her for quite a while that she finally looked up.

It was Melvin!

Melvin leaned against the wall, tilting his head to look at her.

Heart tightened. She beat a hasty retreat.

But her wrist was caught, and with a yank, she felt a weight on her shoulder and suddenly she was plastered against the cold wall.

"What are you trying to do? Let go of me!" Jocelyn hissed at him, struggling to break free.

Melvin was strong, pinning her down so she couldn't move.

"Don't move!" His husky voice, thick with the scent of alcohol, was hot and moist against her neck.

Jocelyn turned her head and panted, "What the hell do you want?"

"I am fucking miss you."

Jocelyn froze.

Her hands fell to her sides and her heart fluttered. She took a deep breath to calm the storm of emotions his words had stirred up. Her eyes warmed with tears, "We broke up." Those words made the man leaning on her shoulder tense up.

Jocelyn kept her cool. She loved him, but they were over. This wasn't right. It wasn't supposed to happen.

Melvin turned his head, his lips brushing against her cheek, not speaking, just trailing kisses down her neck.

His hand slid to her waist; now his intention was clear.

Jocelyn closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and with a shaky voice, said, "You come back to flirt when you can't offer me a future. Want me to always be your little secret?" The kissing stopped, then there was a sudden pain at her collarbone - he was actually biting her!

"Melvin!" Jocelyn's eyes reddened with fury as she yelled.

Melvin gently licked the spot he had bitten, "Having me in your heart while dating other guys, you're such a player."

Jocelyn, seething with anger, shoved him away with all her might and landed a resounding slap across his face.

Breathless, she glared at him, "You're shameless!"

Melvin touched his cheek with his tongue, his eyes revealing a dangerous glint.

He grabbed her shoulders and kissed her lips wildly, gnawing and biting without mercy.

Jocelyn felt fear while she was unable to push him away, and humiliation washed over her as tears spilled from her eyes.

Tasting the salt of her tears, Melvin touched her face, and found it was damp.

He calmed down, breathing heavily. Staring at the tear-streaked woman, his chest tight with agitation and irritation, "Do we have to get married? Can't we be together without it?" Jocelyn feigned calmness and asked, "Are you just in it for fun?"

Dating without the intention of marriage was pretty much just messing around.

Because it was all about satisfying his desires without taking responsibility.

"What's so great about marriage? Are you that desperate to marry him?" Melvin's voice was low and husky, like a lion provoked, issuing a warning growl.

Jocelyn took deep breaths and said clearly, "Yes, I do want to marry him. So, don't bother me again."

Melvin gripped her shoulders as if trying to crush them, "Have you slept with him?"

"That's none of your business," Jocelyn didn't want to waste words with him; she just wanted to get away.

As she tried to leave, he pressed her against the wall again, lifted her chin, and looked into her eyes, his Adam's apple moving as his lips brushed against her ear, "I can't get used to anyone else. Can you really get used to him?"

Jocelyn was vulnerable to his seduction.

Her whole body tingled; nerves strung tight.

She turned her head, suppressing that strange feeling. When she thought of the woman who had called him that day, she felt a blockage in her heart.

"There was a time to adjust when I was with you at first, too."

Melvin applied a bit more pressure, leaving a red mark on her fair chin.

Seeing her defiant face, Melvin wanted to make her beg for mercy.

He bent down and kissed her lips fiercely, sucking hard.

Jocelyn, in pain, pushed him, hit him, pinched the flesh around his waist, but it was futile.

After a long while, Melvin let her go, saw the anger in her sparkling eyes, and tenderly wiped her swollen red lips with his fingertips. His deep eyes glanced sideways with a sinister smile playing on his lips, "You really are heartless, moving on from the old love to the new."

Jocelyn sensed something off in his smirk. Following his gaze, she saw Declan standing there.

At that moment, Jocelyn was mortified.

Melvin was a jerk, flaunting himself in front of Declan. He bit her earlobe again, breathing hot air, "Do you think he'll still want to marry you?" Jocelyn, furious and embarrassed, pushed him with all her might, but he let go first. Like a proud peacock, he turned and left triumphantly. Jocelyn trembled all over. When she looked back in Declan's direction, he was gone.

"Asshole!" Jocelyn cried out, cursing Melvin.

...

Declan's breakup was expected by Jocelyn.

Even without romantic feelings, no man could witness such a scene and act like nothing happened.

Declan said they could still be friends.

But Jocelyn thought it was just politeness.

After the breakup, Jocelyn wasn't sad at all; it was Daisy who was sighing.

After working, Jocelyn walked back to her apartment.

At the building's entrance, she saw Melvin's car.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she walked past without looking.

In the elevator, she pressed the button but then saw Melvin heading her way.

She tried to keep him out, but with his long arms and legs, he wedged his foot in the closing door.

Jocelyn stood as far from him as possible.

Melvin leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, eyes full of deep emotion.

Jocelyn knew he had seductive eyes but a cold heart.

After exiting the elevator, Melvin still followed her.

"What exactly do you want?" Jocelyn snapped.

Melvin's thin lips parted, his voice rich and seductive, "Jocelyn."

Jocelyn raised her eyebrows; he rarely called her by her name. Even on the phone, it was straight to business.

"You asked what I want, right? I want Jocelyn." Melvin's face made such a crass statement hard to dislike.

Jocelyn blushed, biting her lip, at a loss for words against his crude talk.

She was a teacher; she couldn't swear or speak such filth.

"Open the door, I've got something for you," Melvin urged her.

"What can't you give here?"

Melvin raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you want it here?"

His mischievous grin made even the most serious words sound lewd.

Jocelyn knew that once she let him through the door, he probably wouldn't be leaving tonight.

She's such a pushover; the moment he gets close, she just can't seem to harden her heart and turn him away.

The door had barely opened when Melvin grabbed her hand, pinned her against the wall, and without a word, locked his lips onto hers.

It was almost like he was punishing her, his hands gripping her waist, squeezing now and then as if he was hovering between snapping and sparing her.

Jocelyn couldn't resist his kiss, just like she couldn't resist him as a person.

Even though she knew he would never marry her, she still got lost in the heady chaos of passion he stirred in her.

After a while, Melvin let her go.

He looked at her with a teasing sparkle in his eyes, his fingers gently tracing her plump, flushed lips, "See, you just can't quit me. Why bother marrying anyone else?"

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 a boyfriend."

Melvin snorted, "The real estate guy?"

"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 transferring to her class.

Middle schoolers are in their rebellious phase, and Jocelyn's class was the toughest in the school. She hadn't been 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 semester, 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.

Melvin's expression darkened. He was no longer as arrogant as he was a second ago.

Jocelyn let out a sigh of relief, took a deep breath, and flashed her trademark smile, "Anything else I can help with you?"

Melvin's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips parted slightly, "Nice one."

Jocelyn managed to tick off Melvin.

Suddenly, she realized that Melvin seemed to get easily ruffled by her, which she hadn't noticed before.

Maybe she hadn't been so 'rebellious' before.

Jocelyn had kept an eye on Preston; after all, he was her ex's nephew, so it was natural to pay a bit more attention.

She noticed that Preston didn't have his heart in studying; he'd just crash and sleep as soon as class started. He wasn't chummy with classmates, and when they reached out to him, he'd snub them with his nose in the air.

Just like his uncle, full of himself.

Jocelyn planned to have a serious chat with him in a couple of days.

On Friday, after school, while Jocelyn was still in her office, a teacher came running, "Jocelyn, that new student in your class got into a fight off campus."

Preston had dislocated someone's jaw and left him black and blue all over.

After sending the injured student to the hospital, Jocelyn told Preston to call Melvin. Preston did call, but no answer.

Annoyed, Jocelyn dialed the number that didn't need saving in her phone. Because she had already committed this number to her heart.

Amid a noisy background, Jocelyn frowned, "Mr. Martinez..."

"Who is this?" came a deep, magnetic voice laced with a hint of unfamiliarity.

Hearing the noise on the other end, Jocelyn simply hung up.

She advanced the medical expenses, explained things to the injured student's parents, then took Preston to look for Melvin.

Pushing open the doors to the private room, they were met with a haze of smoke, a scene of decadent indulgence that was not for innocent eyes.

Jocelyn had Preston wait outside, not wanting him to see anything that might scar a kid.

Everyone paused to stare at Jocelyn as she entered, with only the sound system still playing music.

After a quick scan of the room, she spotted Melvin in a dark corner.

His smoking intensified the glow of the fire, his sharp features appearing even more striking in the dim light.

Flicking ash, he ordered the lights on. His piercing, almond-shaped eyes assessed the room, "Who called for her?"

Everyone looked at each other, clueless. The bolder ones thought of stepping in but were quickly held back and whispered a warning, "That's Melvin's woman. Don't mess around." Hearing this, they promptly sat down.

Jocelyn was unfazed by Melvin's attitude, and walked up to him, "Preston sent someone to the hospital with his fists. Don't you think you should, as a guardian, go check it out?" Melvin gave her a cold look, "How much money do they want?"

Jocelyn was frustrated. As a teacher, she couldn't stand parents who acted like they owned the world.

"It's not about the money right now; it's about after Preston sending someone to the hospital, shouldn't you, as a guardian, go and see the student, maybe apologize to the parents?" Jocelyn tried to keep her cool, not wanting to be seen as a teacher lacking patience.

Melvin tilted his head towards a flashy-dressed guy, "Zephyr, get them out."

Then the onlookers were shooed away, and the music shut off.

Melvin took a lazy drag, leaned back into the sofa, and looked at her sideways, "If it's something that could've been said over the phone, why come find me?"

"What?"

If it wasn't for the noise on his end, if she could've been heard clearly, would she have come?

Jocelyn had never seen such a brazen attitude from him. She could barely hold back her anger, "You're Preston's guardian. He's been fighting at school and sending someone to the hospital. Shouldn't you go check it out?"

"It's not something that has to be done right now. You came running over in such a hurry; are you sure it wasn't just to see me?" Melvin flicked off his ash elegantly.

Jocelyn felt like she was talking to a brick wall; coming to him was a mistake, a waste of time.

Just as she stepped out, Melvin followed her with his jacket, glanced at Preston with a bruised face, "Sending someone to the hospital isn't something to be proud of. If you're really skilled, you wouldn't have people coming after you."

Jocelyn heard it loud and clear as she walked ahead. She never imagined he'd say something like that.

Back when they were together, these issues had never come up, because they never got to the point of discussing something as serious as educating a child.

But now she knew, his way of 'teaching' was frightening.

Preston followed Melvin like a puppy trailing a big dog, and Jocelyn was like the dog owner on a walk.

"Where are you going?" Melvin asked Jocelyn, who was still heading forward as he reached his car. Jocelyn simply replied, "I'm hailing a cab."

"Don't see my car?"

Jocelyn glanced over, continued walking, and gestured for a taxi..

Melvin couldn't help but laugh.

Preston looked on with a knowing look, told Melvin, "Better sweet-talk her, or she'll make life tough for me."

Melvin shot him a look, then approached Jocelyn, grabbing her hand and tugging. "Let go!"

Jocelyn tried to shake free, but he held on tight.

Melvin's eyes were determined, "Come with me."

"Mr. Martinez, if you keep this up, I'm going to call the cops."

"Heh, calling the cops over a little tug? Why didn't you call them when I had you pinned down on the bed?" Melvin's insinuation was far from innocent. Jocelyn took a deep breath, her heart ached.

She wasn't usually at a loss for words, but in front of him, she felt mute.

Without letting go, Melvin pulled her to the car.

Jocelyn glared at him, refusing to get in.

Melvin slightly raised an eyebrow, leaning close to whisper in her ear, "Jocelyn, you don't want to get kissed in front of your student, do you?" Jocelyn's face blazed hotly, glaring at him fiercely.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Preston sitting in the car like he was watching a soap opera, and she resented Melvin's tactless blabbering even more.

Fearing he might do something drastic, Jocelyn reluctantly got into the passenger seat.

"Seat belt." Melvin said coolly, his assertive tone clear.

Under his watch, Jocelyn fastened her seat belt reluctantly.

Melvin slammed the car door, and then they were on their way.

On the road, Melvin asked Preston why he fought.

Preston touched his split lip with a defiant smirk, "Because I'm handsome"

Jocelyn frowned.

Melvin, driving with one hand, lit a cigarette with the other, "Don't trouble Jocelyn."

Jocelyn pursed her lips, her pretty face not exactly touched by the sentiment.

"You've always told me not to start trouble, but to stand my ground if someone provokes me. If someone slaps me, I need to hit back harder." Preston's rebellious streak was giving Jocelyn a headache. Melvin glanced in the rear-view mirror, "I also told you, don't throw hands if you can't handle the heat, and if you do, clean up your mess. Don't make others wipe your ass."

Preston deflated on the spot.

"Is this how you teach a child?" Jocelyn was incredulous

Melvin shot her a look, "You got a problem with that?"

Jocelyn was now truly realizing that the three years she'd spent with him were a waste, except for his bedroom skills, she didn't know the guy at all.

At the hospital, the injured student's parents naturally wanted some answers.

Jocelyn stepped in to mediate, asking how it all started.

The injured student, with a face like he'd gone ten rounds, told his story with shifty eyes.

Preston, on the other hand, was cocky as ever.

"You're sent to school to learn, not to get into petty jealousies," the other parent pinched his son's arm, "You're a disgrace. Let's go home!"

Melvin, hands in his pockets, eyed Preston, "Not bad; already got girls falling for you on your first day."

"That's right. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree; I can't let you down," Preston was slightly smug.

Melvin reached out and knocked on Preston's head, "Tone it down."

Preston rubbed his head and glanced at Jocelyn.

Jocelyn said sternly, "Write a reflection paper and hand it to me at school on Monday."

With that, she walked away first.

Preston nudged Melvin, "Uncle, whether I can keep my nose clean at school is up to you now."

"What's that got to do with me?" Melvin stared at the disappearing figure at the hospital entrance.

"If you're not good to her, she'll take it out on me," Preston patted Melvin's shoulder, "For my sake, do me a solid and treat her right." Melvin's brows furrowed.

"Go after her, man," Preston pushed him, "I'll cab it home. You don't have to come back tonight, good luck."

Preston ran off just as Melvin raised his hand to him, looking back to cheer him on, "You got this."

Melvin wanted to strangle the little brat.

What's there to 'got this' about?

She was just an ex he didn't want anymore.

...

Jocelyn got home and cooked up some instant noodles.

Just as she sat down, the doorbell rang.

Through the peephole, she saw Melvin's arrogant face staring back.

Jocelyn took a deep breath and decided not to open the door.

But her phone rang; it was him. She hung up, and he called again.

"What do you want?" Jocelyn answered, not sounding too pleased.

Melvin's deep voice came through, scratchy and oddly compelling, "Open the door."