The Unwilling CEO's Love Game

The funeral for Brighton was simple. A brief ceremony was held, followed by cremation—a contrast to the pomp and circumstance one might have expected.

The grave site had been purchased in advance, ensuring a final resting place amid the rolling hills overlooking the sea.

As the mourners gathered to extend their condolences, they all consoled Yasmine and Melvin to find peace in this time of sorrow.

Jocelyn, having married into the Martinez family, played the gracious hostess, seeing to the needs of the guests as they departed. Though she kept her distance from Melvin, allowing him to stand beside Yasmine, her heart ached in their shared grief.

Daisy, ever the empathetic soul, sighed heavily, "I can't believe it. Your wedding hadn't even been made, and now your father-in-law has passed."

Jocelyn didn't interrupt the Martinez siblings. Instead, she stood in a distance, clutching her mother's hand tightly. The weight of loss was heavy upon her.

"Even if he were still alive, our wedding wouldn't have seen his father's presence," she murmured.

"What kind of grudge must that be?" Daisy couldn't comprehend.

Jocelyn replied softly, "Some things aren't meant to be shared with strangers. Some feelings can't be understood by others. I hope his father's passing will allow him to finally let go of the past." Seeing Jocelyn's stoic demeanor, Daisy refrained from further lament.

Family feuds are rarely so deep, she thought. If it was, it's never over something trivial.

"You need to talk to him," Daisy insisted.

"I will," Jocelyn agreed.

At the graveside, the siblings stood in silence. With her sunglasses on, Yasmine finally broke the quiet, "He apologized."

"Mom didn't hear it," Melvin replied sharply.

Yasmine sniffed, "He spent decades living with regret."

"Mom had gone. It didn't matter anymore."

"And you? Can't you let it go now that he's gone?" Yasmine turned to face Melvin.

"What difference does it make whether I let it go or not?" Melvin's voice was flat.

"His dying wish was for your forgiveness." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"And if I don't forgive? Then what?"

"Melvin! Do you really plan on living the rest of your life burdened by this vanished hatred?" Yasmine's voice was urgent.

Melvin took a deep breath. "That's my business."

Yasmine's brows knitted together, "Who are you not forgiving?"

Silence fell again.

"Now you have your own family, he's gone. Why hold onto the past? Besides, what can you do now? No one can feel your hatred anymore. He knows nothing."

"It's my business," Melvin repeated, turning on his heel and walking away.

Yasmine watched his retreating figure, her heart heavy with unspoken sorrow.

On the drive back, Melvin remained silent all the way.

After dropping Calvin and Daisy home, he muttered, "Daisy, Calvin, I think I'm going to lie down for a bit."

Calvin and Daisy exchanged a knowing look, hastily reassuring him, "Go ahead, this is your home. Do whatever you want to."

"Thanks," Melvin said, pushing open the door to Jocelyn's room and disappearing inside.

Jocelyn and Yasmine entered the house, each carrying their own somber thoughts.

Yasmine was still worried about Melvin's well-being. She urged Jocelyn, "Now that Melvin seems to listen to you, try to talk to him when you can. I'm afraid that with my father gone, all his years of resentment will suddenly have nowhere to go, and he won't be able to cope."

Jocelyn understood Yasmine's concern. Some people live their lives just to prove something. Perhaps Melvin's hatred for his father was what had been driving him all along. Now that it was gone, she worried about how he would fare.

After Yasmine left, Jocelyn quietly entered the bedroom. She saw Melvin lying on the bed, seemingly asleep. She slipped off her shoes and jacket, climbed onto the bed next to him, and nestled into his arms, seeking the comfort of his embrace.

During the days following the old man's passing, Melvin had seemed detached, but Jocelyn had caught him standing solemnly before the coffin. Hate or love, whatever it was, it had touched him deeply. Thinking Melvin was asleep, she was surprised when he suddenly held her tighter.

"You awake?" she murmured, her hand on his chest as she looked up at him.

He didn't speak, just shifted to pull her even closer.

Jocelyn, slightly surprised, tightened her embrace. She stroke his hair softly, patting him gently, as one would comfort a child.

They lay together in silence, and after some time, Jocelyn felt a warm tear seep into her chest. Her heart clenched, and she held him even closer.

The man he had hated for these years was dead now. His convictions seemed to crumble along with that fact.

Holding him tightly, Jocelyn's eyes began to moisten, too.

Finally, she heard his breathing even out. He was asleep. She breathed a sigh of relief. A good cry, a deep sleep it's a cathartic release and it was good for him.

They slept into the evening. Calvin and Daisy didn't disturb them. Everyone knew Melvin needed rest.

When Jocelyn awoke, she found Melvin gazing at her. He had been in her arms, but now, she was nestled in his.

"Feeling better?" she asked, reaching to touch his face.

"Yeah," he replied, holding her hand gently. "Thank you."

"For what?" she smiled.

"For being here with me."

"Goof, I'm your wife. If I'm not here for you, who will be?"

"Only you." Melvin's embrace tightened, and he kissed her forehead.

Jocelyn snuggled in closer, "It's dark out. Hungry?"

"A bit."

"Let's go eat," she suggested, patting his side. "Mom and Dad must be worried."

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Melvin knew that those closest to him were concerned, but at that moment, he felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that the woman he loved was there with him.

They both emerged from the bedroom, yawning and stretching.

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Calvin and Daisy were in the living room, the volume of the TV turned down low Hearing them stirring, they turned and caught sight couple Daisy quickly stood up, her voice warm and welcoming, "You're upt Have a seat, I'll just reheat the dinner and we'll be ready to eat."

In no time, Daisy had the meal laid out on the table, and the family gathered around.

"Thank you so much," Melvin said, looking at his parents-in-law with genuine gratitude in his eyes.

Calvin and Daisy were briefly taken aback, then responded with smiles, "What's there to thank for? We're family. It's all going to be alright."

Daisy served Melvin, urging him, "Eat up, you've lost weight."

He nodded in agreement.

This meal was the longest and most heartfelt they'd had since Brighton's passing.

After dinner, Melvin insisted on clearing the table and offered to wash the dishes, but Daisy wouldn't let him.

Once everything was tidied up, Daisy suggested, "You two should head home now."

It was understood that they wouldn't stay over. After all, young people weren't used to living with the older generation.

"We'll take off now, then," Melvin said, holding Jocelyn's hand as they bid their goodbyes.

"Sure. If you're coming for dinner, give me a call in advance so I can get everything prepared," Daisy said as she walked them to the door.

"Sure."

They descended the stairs, and Calvin watched from the balcony as their car slowly drove away. He let out a heavy sigh, "Melvin's just putting on a brave face." Daisy's voice was also laced with empathy, "That's natural."

"Now he's an orphan, and Jocelyn's with him. Heaven knows if that's good fortune or not," Calvin shook his head and turned to go back inside.