SWNOVELS Chapter 248
Yasmine and Zachary were always at odds, never seeing eye to eye.
It was one of those situations where everyone understood the unspoken tension, but neither was willing to bend to the other's plans or suggestions.
Zachary knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with Yasmine. His presence only seemed to irritate her, so without even bothering to grab breakfast, he called a ride and left. Yasmine couldn't care less; their relationship had been strained for a while.
After moping around the house for a couple of days, she dialed up Melvin to see when he'd be heading back.
Melvin said he'd be back in another two days. Castiel and Hermia were doing better and could handle the long-haul flight.
With that timeframe in mind, Yasmine set to work sorting things out for that girl named Briseis.
When Yasmine met Briseis, she was taken aback despite being prepared.
Briseis was striking, with her oval face and large, timid eyes, perhaps a result of long-term abuse, which left her frail and malnourished.
She had a slight limp in her right leg, but it wasn't too noticeable when she walked slowly.
Yasmine was a woman, too, and at that moment, any resentment she'd held towards Enoch's request melted away.
She found herself admiring Briseis, who had somehow managed to survive such harsh conditions. Her courage and resilience were remarkable.
Yasmine arranged a spacious apartment for Briseis and hired a reliable nanny. She also organized a car and driver for her, and left her with a bank card flush with a seven-figure amount to ensure her comfort and well-being.
After settling everything, she and Melvin headed back to Yanova City.
Before leaving, she didn't bother to inform Zachary.
Instead, she texted Soren, letting him know she was returning to Yanova City.
...
Jocelyn knew Melvin was back in town and took Euston to the airport to meet him.
During the wait, Jocelyn was a bundle of excitement and nerves, repeatedly telling Euston, "Sweetheart, your mom and dad will be here any minute."
Euston was too preoccupied with the bustling people around him to understand who they were waiting for.
But as soon as the four stepped into view, Jocelyn's eyes welled up with tears and she waved frantically.
Melvin, spotting Jocelyn, ran straight to her, scooping her into his embrace along with the child.
"You're finally home," Jocelyn said, her voice trembling with relief.
She had been terrified that something might happen to Melvin. His daily messages were the only thing that kept her calm.
Melvin held her tightly, savoring her scent, not wanting to let go or speak just yet.
"Euston," Hermia cried, her voice choked with emotion as she saw her son.
Jocelyn, touched by Hermia's reaction, urged Melvin, "Let go for a moment. Let Euston see his parents."
Reluctantly, Melvin loosened his grip and stood by Jocelyn's side.
"Euston, my son," Castiel, a grown man, was also in tears.
Jocelyn was moved, thinking to herself that no parent could be indifferent to their own flesh and blood. Circumstances must have been dire for them to have left their child behind. "Euston, that's your daddy, and this is your mommy," Jocelyn said gently, prompting the child, "Do you want to go to your mommy for a hug?"
Hermia, full of hope, reached out to Euston, "Come to Mommy, my love."
Euston glanced at the outstretched hands, his big round eyes darting around before he turned and clung to Jocelyn, calling out, "Mama."
Euston's reaction left Jocelyn feeling awkward, while Hermia's tears flowed uncontrollably.
Castiel saw this and quickly hugged Hermia, "Don't be sad. Euston is just getting to know people. Once you get familiar with him, he'll know you're his mom."
Hermia couldn't hold back and burst into tears, leaning into Castiel's embrace.
Jocelyn looked a bit awkwardly at Melvin, and Melvin shook his head, indicating that he didn't sympathize much with Hermia.
"Let's go back," Yasmine said. "Don't just stand here."
"Yeah." Melvin took the child in one hand, tightly holding Jocelyn's hand with the other. They walked ahead, looking like a family of three.
As for Castiel and Hermia... Yasmine shook her head, following Melvin and the others.
At that moment, the child seemed to have some understanding. Once in the car, he only wanted Jocelyn to hold him, calling her "mom." Every time he called, Hermia couldn't help but shed tears. With no choice, Jocelyn sat in the backseat.
Melvin took the passenger seat, Jocelyn sat in the back with Euston, Hermia sat next to her, Castiel on the other side, and Yasmine drove.
Hermia's longing gaze at Euston was both heartbreaking and distressing.
Jocelyn, feeling somewhat guilty, tried to reassure her, "Kids this age can be a bit clingy. Just give it some time, play with him, and he'll come around."
Hermia nodded through her tears.
Castiel was equally helpless; Euston wouldn't even consider going to him.
"Jocelyn, you've done so much for us," Castiel expressed his appreciation, acknowledging how well she cared for Euston.
Jocelyn shook her head modestly, "It's been an honor to look after him for parents who trust me as you do."
Castiel offered her a grateful smile.
"Yasmine, let's head to my folks' place first. They've prepared a meal, waiting for us to join them."
"Alright."
As they pulled up to Calvin's place, Melvin got out first to help Jocelyn with Euston.
Calvin, spotting them from the balcony, hurried down to greet them at the door.
Once inside, Castiel and Hermia were touched by the sight of toys and a play mat, evidence of the care Jocelyn's family had shown Euston.
"I think I need a shower," Melvin said as he glanced at the clock, realizing there was still some time before dinner.
"Go right ahead. There's plenty of time before we eat. Anyone who wants can freshen up," Daisy cheerfully invited them, "Make yourselves at home, no need to be formal here." "Thank you so much," Castiel said, standing up and offering a polite bow.
Calvin helped him up, "None of that now, you're a friend of Jocelyn's, which makes you family."
Castiel was visibly touched by the gesture.
Melvin called out for Jocelyn who handed the baby over to Yasmine.
Strangely enough, the baby seemed content in Yasmine's arms, not crying or fussing at all.
This scene, once again, seemed to stir a pang of envy in Hermia.
Melvin took Jocelyn by the hand and led her to her bedroom, casually shutting the door behind them.
He wrapped his arms around Jocelyn and kissed her with an urgency that conveyed all the excitement and longing of their separation.
His kiss was fierce, overwhelming Jocelyn to the point where she felt almost breathless.
Nibbling on her lips and chin, he then moved down to her neck, her chest... He wanted to keep going, but Jocelyn, panting heavily, struggled to regain her composure. "They uh... they're waiting for me... for us..." Jocelyn managed to say, her voice unintentionally sultry.
She wanted to stop, but she couldn't seem to control herself.
As Melvin continued to kiss her, she inhaled sharply, feeling a twinge of pain.
After a moment, Melvin finally released her, breathing heavily, his eyes red with desire, "I've missed you..."
His husky voice effortlessly captured Jocelyn's heart, and with a flushed face, she whispered back, "Yeah, I've missed you too."