SWNOVELS Chapter 176
Jocelyn had already left for work.
Melvin stood on the balcony and took a drag from his cigarette.
He had made promises, promises that needed to be kept.
A knock at the door pulled him away from his thoughts. He strode over to answer it.
Yara handed him a small bag, "This is from Dr. Layla, your medicine."
Melvin took it.
"Are you heading to the office today?"
He pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "Got some things to handle, won't make it."
"Alright then, I'll be off."
"Sure."
After swallowing two pills from the bag, Melvin grabbed the rest and headed out, tossing them into his car's locker.
He made a stop at the grocery store, filled his cart to the brim, and then drove to Jocelyn's parents' place.
As Daisy was about to step out for some shopping, she was startled to see Melvin standing at her doorstep with bags of groceries. "Why didn't you ring the bell? You scared the daylights out of me." "I was about to, Daisy." Melvin grinned, "Brought some stuff over, planning on cooking dinner here tonight."
Daisy frowned, puzzled by his behavior.
But she couldn't turn away someone laden with groceries, so she let him inside.
Melvin greeted Calvin, who was lounging in the living room with the TV remote. After setting down the bags, Melvin inquired about Calvin's health over the past few days.
"Much better, though still not quite right," Calvin admitted, visibly thinner after his illness.
"The doctor said it's normal at first, and it'll improve with time." Melvin replied.
Calvin nodded, "I know. Got a follow-up appointment tomorrow."
"I'll drive you," Melvin offered.
"No need, it's a short walk from here." Calvin didn't want to impose, "You've got your own business to manage, don't worry about me."
"It's no trouble at all," Melvin insisted. "I'll go with you."
Unable to argue, Calvin relented, "We'll see tomorrow."
"Daisy, why don't you come keep Calvin company? Leave dinner to me tonight." Melvin rolled up his sleeves and made his way to the kitchen.
Watching him head into the kitchen, Daisy asked Calvin in a hushed tone, "What's he up to?"
"No idea," Calvin shrugged, "Let him be."
Daisy settled next to Calvin, trying to ignore Melvin's existence, yet her gaze kept wandering to the kitchen, "Looks like a silver spoon kid. But he can cook, huh?"
"Doesn't matter where he's from. Everyone's gotta eat," Calvin replied, unconcerned. "He seems aloof, but his heart's kind."
"It's not about his heart, I just worry about Jocelyn marrying into his family to be mistreated."
Daisy had no real issue with Melvin, but she always believed in well-matched marriages. She feared that Melvin's wealth and business acumen might make Jocelyn, a mere teacher, seem undervalued by the affluent.
"Jocelyn loves him, and he loves her. That's the key. If they're thinking marriage, they'll need to consider these issues themselves."
Calvin's stance was clear, "His family's attitude towards Jocelyn will depend on Melvin's treatment of her. As long as he doesn't let her down, nobody will make her feel inferior."
"That's easy to say, but him..." Daisy still harbored doubts about Melvin.
"Don't overthink it," Calvin comforted her. "Jocelyn chose him, and we should support her. If she ever feels wronged, we'll step in."
With a heavy sigh, Daisy accepted.
Before she knew the depth of Jocelyn and Melvin's relationship, she had compared Melvin with Harrison once. She always felt Melvin wasn't right for her daughter.
Melvin sent Jocelyn a message, asking her to come home for dinner after work.
He even sent a video to show her that he was cooking at her parents' house.
Jocelyn was surprised when she saw the video.
What was he up to?
She hurried home after work.
Entering the house, she was greeted by the aroma of a delicious meal.
"Mom, Dad," Jocelyn greeted her parents, who sat on the living room sofa like queen and king. Then she turned to see Melvin donning her mother's apron, masterfully handling the kitchen like a chef. She was astounded.
Stepping into the kitchen, Jocelyn couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up, "Impressive."
Flattered, Melvin's chin lifted in pride.
"You can actually cook? Did the sun rise from the west today?" Jocelyn teased, inching closer with curiosity.
Melvin hummed, "Didn't my cookery prove enough last time? No need to show off unless the occasion calls for it."
"And what's the occasion today?" she asked, intrigued.
"You'll see soon enough," he replied with a hint of mystery.
"Always with the secrets," Jocelyn pouted, though her heart fluttered with joy.
She might not have tasted his cooking before, but the fact that he was here busy in her parents' kitchen, must have meant something special.
Her heart swelled with happiness as she watched him cooking.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Melvin caught her admiring gaze.
"You look handsome," she confessed. "A man who works hard is attractive, but a man who cooks is even more so."
Melvin squinted playfully, "Feels like a trap."
Jocelyn patted his shoulder, "You'll be taking care of my meals from now on."
Melvin knew there was a catch in her words.
"No problem," he chuckled, leaning in to whisper, "but there's a price to pay for my cooking."
Jocelyn was well aware of his intentions and scoffed, "You've had your share of my cooking before, haven't you?"
Melvin raised his eyebrows in mock surprise and gazed at her.
Her cheeks turned flushed under his stare, and she glared back.
"Why glare at me? It wasn't my idea," he teased, leaning closer. His voice was sultry, "Jocelyn, you're a bit naughty, aren't you?"
Jocelyn clenched her teeth and sneakily pinched Melvin's waist.
Melvin chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the gesture.
The pair lingered in the kitchen, and Daisy glanced back at them briefly before quickly refocusing her attention.
Calvin said with a smile, "Look at them, how happy they are."
Daisy sighed. Though she still had some doubts, she knew there wasn't much she could do.
As long as her daughter was happy, that was what mattered.
Melvin had prepared an entire spread of dishes, keeping them light and healthy for Calvin's sake, yet without compromising on flavor.
These were simple home-cooked meals, but they were still a feast for the senses.
Melvin brought out a small bottle of wine, pouring some for himself. Then he served freshly squeezed juice for Calvin, Daisy and Jocelyn.
Standing up with his glass raised, he toasted, "Calvin, Daisy, I'd like to propose a toast to you."
Jocelyn was puzzled by his actions. What was he up to today?
After sipping his wine, he poured another glass and said, "Jocelyn and I have known each other for four years, and we've been together for nearly as long. I'm sorry for keeping it from you for so long." With that, he downed another glass.
Pouring yet another, he continued, "I want to ask Jocelyn to marry me."
At this revelation, Calvin and Daisy exchanged bewildered glances, completely taken aback by his announcement.
Jocelyn was also stunned.
Although they had discussed marriage, Melvin's sudden frankness to her parents was unexpected.