SWNOVELS Chapter 182
Melvin was the king of spontaneity. Men in his circle were always seeking novel thrills.
Jocelyn blushed at the thought. But within that embarrassment, there was a subtle flutter of anticipation.
After all, most people crave excitement.
Otherwise, why would some folks sneak into secluded copses, or why would others find pleasure in the risky business of a tryst on horseback? It was risky to be caught, but it also provided a kind of exhilarating pleasure.
Yet Jocelyn couldn't quite get over her own reservations. She thought making love in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in his downtown loft was daring enough, which was safely away from prying eyes. But this place, it felt like an arrow notched and drawn. Despite Jocelyn's strong resistance, Melvin reluctantly lowered his bow.
That tight, uncomfortable sensation made it hard for him to restrain himself. He grabbed Jocelyn's hand and pressed it against his raging desire, his voice husky with a hint of complaint, "You're killing me here!" Jocelyn tried to withdraw her hand, but he held it firmly.
"You still want to head back?" Jocelyn wasn't about to indulge his madness any longer.
"Give me a moment," Melvin said, gripping her hand and taking deep breaths.
Jocelyn was beyond understanding him and glanced down at her hand, "You sure this is going to help you cool down?"
Suddenly, Melvin released her hand, bolted out of the car, and yanked her into the elevator. They never felt an elevator move so sluggishly before.
As soon as they burst through the door of his apartment, Melvin was all over her. He pressed her against the wall, kissing her lips and shedding their clothes in a frenzy.
Once left the garage, Jocelyn no longer suppressed her desires. They explored every corner of his house with wild emotions.
In bed.
Jocelyn lay on Melvin's chest with their fingers intertwined. Their heartbeats and breaths were in sync.
"I've got an idea," she whispered.
"Yeah?" Melvin's voice was lazy and saturated with satisfaction, irresistibly sexy.
Jocelyn bit her lip slightly, "I want to steal my birth certificate from my parents' so that we can register our marriage secretly." Melvin shifted to look at her, "What did you say?"
"I want to marry you." Jocelyn's gaze lifted, still glossy with the remnants of passion, "To become your lawful wife."
Melvin's Adam's apple bobbed as his heart rate picked up.
She pressed a hand against his chest, her post-passion cheeks a delicate shade of pink. Her lips curved into a smile, "Your heart's racing. Excited about the idea too?"
Melvin pulled her down beside him and wrapped his arms around her, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. We'll ask for forgiveness rather than permission. My mom will come around eventually." Jocelyn was all loved up, eager to make things official with him.
"You're an adult. And you shouldn't do this," Melvin said, sounding like he was cautioning a child about to make mischief, "Daisy has her reservations about our marriage for a reason. If we go ahead without resolving her concerns, it'll only deepen her misunderstanding of me."
Hearing this, Jocelyn realized he was right.
She had been too impulsive.
"Sorry," Jocelyn said, caressing his chin, "I didn't think it through."
All she had thought about was that he was finally willing to marry her, and she wanted to secure that as soon as possible.
For some reason, she just really wanted to be with him in a way that they wouldn't easily part.
"I know." Melvin held her tightly. His eyes were deep and unfathomable.
"Haste makes waste. There's no rush."
"Okay."
Jocelyn resolved that she would convince her mother to accept Melvin.
That night, Jocelyn slept soundly.
But Melvin rose in the middle of the night and took a pill. He stood before the panoramic windows looking out over the nocturnal cityscape in silence.
Quinta and Damian drove up together, heading straight to the hospital Melvin had recommended to consult with the expert.
The issue was undoubtedly with Quinta, which Doctor Wesley confirmed.
She could undergo IVF with surgery, and the chances of pregnancy were there, though no one could guarantee a first-time success. "You guys are working so hard. It's bound to work out," Jocelyn cheered them on.
Melvin told Damian, "The success rates for IVF are quite high nowadays, but the procedure can be taxing for the woman. It's a real trial." "Damian, if you decide to go through with it, you need to take extra good care of Quinta," Daisy added, taking Melvin's cue. Damian nodded.
"Quinta, what do you think?" Jocelyn knew that going through IVF required courage, both physically and financially.
"No matter how hard it is, I'll try," Quinta smiled at them, "I want a child of my own."
Jocelyn understood Quinta's desire.
Most women yearn for the chance to become mothers. It's instinctual.
Especially for Quinta, who came from that kind of family. She needed to prove herself.
Since Quinta had decided to stay for the procedure, she wouldn't be returning home just yet.
She was a music teacher and summer break was near, so she decided to take a leave of absence and stay in the city.
Daisy suggested she live with them, but Quinta didn't want to impose and planned to rent a place short-term.
"I have an apartment that's currently unoccupied. You could stay there," Melvin offered at the right moment.
Quinta was hesitant, "But I couldn't impose like that."
"There's no imposition. It's close to the hospital, and it's fully furnished. All you'd need to get are some personal items and bedding."
"Then you should take it," Jocelyn urged Quinta, "It's not like he bought it for you. It's just sitting empty anyway."
Quinta smiled at Melvin, "Then I'll at least pay rent."
"You're making it sound like we're strangers," Melvin said, taking Jocelyn's hand. "You're practically Jocelyn's family, no need for formalities."
"Well, I'll gratefully accept your kindness then," Quinta replied with a smile, her eyes twinkling with gratitude towards Jocelyn. "I guess I'm just basking in your glow."
Jocelyn smiled, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Melvin.
Daisy couldn't help but steal another glance at him.
Back at home, Daisy recounted what she saw earlier in the hospital to Calvin.
"He means well," Calvin remarked.
"It's not that I think he's no good," Daisy replied, "It's just that his family doesn't seem to know how things are done around here."
Because there was still no word from them.
"If his family never comes around to meet us, does that mean you'll never let Jocelyn get married?" Calvin tried to reason with his wife. "The kids want to start their own life together, and we should be supportive. Sometimes, those formalities aren't that important."
Daisy frowned. "What are you trying to say?"
"I mean, if you don't support them, you're putting pressure on them both. Haven't you been eager to see Jocelyn married? Now she finally has someone she wants to be with, and they've been together for years. What's there to be unhappy about?"
Calvin continued, "And Melvin is a good guy. Let's not even talk about whether he's got money or not. Despite his wealth, he's down-to-earth. He's patient with both of us. When I was sick in the hospital, he was running around, taking care of everything. You weren't there once, and it was him who changed the bedpan for me. If he's not sincere, why would he do that?"