SWNOVELS Chapter 268
Melvin was never one for lovey-dovey stuff.
Jocelyn knew that much about him.
The guy could be hit by Cupid's arrow and still, he wouldn't dream of selling his company.
Back at school, everyone was congratulating Jocelyn on her recent nuptials. She accepted their well-wishes with a smile, planning to treat them to dinner that evening.
In the midst of a meeting, Jocelyn pulled Ursula aside, "So, what's the scoop? Are you pregnant? You left me on read when I texted you, totally whetting my curiosity."
Ursula nodded.
"For real?" Jocelyn beamed, "Congrats!"
But Ursula didn't seem thrilled at all.
Jocelyn sensed something was off, "What's wrong? Not excited about becoming a mom?"
Ursula cast her a deep look, "Let's just get to the meeting."
Jocelyn couldn't shake the feeling that Ursula was out of sorts.
After the meeting, Jocelyn tried to catch up with Ursula for a chat, but she had already left.
In the afternoon, Jocelyn reconfirmed the dinner plans with everyone, including Melvin.
When she saw Ursula approaching from the direction of the school building, she hurried over, "Ursula, join us for dinner tonight, will you?"
"Sure," Ursula didn't decline.
Jocelyn's heart settled a bit, relieved at her acceptance.
After work, those with cars gave lifts to those without, heading to the restaurant Jocelyn had booked - the same private dining room Yasmine had taken them to last Christmas, with two big round tables, perfec for a big gathering.
Melvin was already there. Standing at the door, he welcomed Jocelyn's colleagues one by one.
They all knew him - he was the benefactor who'd donated a building to their school - but nobody had pegged him as Jocelyn's husband.
Someone cracked a joke, "Jocelyn, are you gonna quit your job and play the happy Mrs. Martinez?"
Teaching was a tough and thankless job. With Melvin's conditions, she already had all she needed for a life of leisure, so why stick with the grind? Jocelyn just laughed, "I'm most at peace as just Jocelyn."
The room erupted with laughter.
"Mr. Martinez doesn't mind?"
Melvin, handsome and approachable, stood beside Jocelyn. He looked nothing like the untouchable tycoon he was.
He wrapped an arm around Jocelyn's waist and said, "Which is why I'd appreciate it if the school board stopped asking her to teach the final-year students." Laughter filled the room again.
Dinner was served, and Jocelyn and Melvin went around, toasting everyone.
They had planned not to drink, but the mood was too good to decline. Even Melvin indulged a little.
Jocelyn kept an eye on Ursula, noticing her pouring wine into her glass, and quickly intervened.
"What do you think you're doing? Drink soda instead."
Ursula saw Jocelyn's concern and switched back to a soft drink.
Still, Jocelyn noticed something was amiss with Ursula.
After the meal, those who wanted to have fun stayed, while the others went home shortly.
When Jocelyn saw Ursula leave, she followed.
"Ursula," Jocelyn called out.
Ursula turned back, "I'm going to the restroom."
"I'll come with you."
Ursula didn't object.
Exiting the restroom, Ursula didn't return to the dining room.
She stood on the restaurant's deserted terrace, lost in thought.
"What's really going on? You've been off all evening," Jocelyn said, draping her coat over Ursula to ward off the chill of the spring night.
Ursula fixed Jocelyn with a look and then offered a sad smile.
Jocelyn felt uneasy, "Why are you staring at me like that?"
Ursula took a deep breath, leaning against the railing, "The other day, I asked him if he wanted kids. He looked so surprised. He asked if that meant I was pregnant. I said no, just curious. Wanted to know if kids were in the picture or not." Ursula turned to Jocelyn, "Guess what he said."
Jocelyn had a sinking feeling, knowing the answer wasn't something Ursula wanted to hear.
With a bitter smile, Ursula said, "He told me he didn't want kids, not yet."
Jocelyn was at a loss for words.
Seeing Ursula's pained expression, she felt a pang in her heart.
"Maybe he just doesn't like surprises. You're newlyweds. Perhaps he wants more time for just the two of you," Jocelyn tried to comfort her.
Ursula shook her head, "No, he's never even thought about having kids with me."
"That's not possible."
"Because he doesn't love me," Ursula sighed, looking into the distance, "How could he want to have kids with someone he doesn't love?" "Ursula..." Jocelyn's heart ached for her.
Ursula's hand rested on her abdomen, her eyes glistening, "Yet, here it is."
Jocelyn's gaze fell to Ursula's belly.
"What should I do now?" Ursula asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"Tell him. It's his child too. He can't possibly not care," Jocelyn urged, afraid Ursula was spiraling into despair, "He has the duty to know. Maybe the baby wasn't in his plans, but it could still be a blessing." Tears rimmed Ursula's eyes as she looked at Jocelyn, "A blessing, you think?"
"Of course!" Jocelyn held her hand tightly, "No matter what, this child is meant to be. You didn't conceive alone; he's part of this too. So, stop overthinking and just talk to him."
Ursula's eyes lacked any joy as she gazed back at Jocelyn, her eyes now moist.
"I don't want to overthink, but I can't help it. What if he does want the baby?"
"How could he not?" Jocelyn was getting frantic, unable to comprehend Ursula's fears.
Ursula's voice was hoarse, "He doesn't love me."
"You two weren't exactly a whirlwind romance, you dated for two whole years before deciding to tie the knot. Marriage isn't child's play. It's got to be about love if you're choosing to spend your lives together. It's a decision you make once you've thought long and hard," Jocelyn said, her hands resting gently on Ursula's shoulders, her voice tinged with earnest concern. "Besides, if he
doesn't love you, then who does he
love?"
Ursula looked at her, a dazed expression on her face. "He loves you, Jocelyn. Always." she said softly.
Jocelyn froze, her mind buzzing with confusion.
"You know he does, Jocelyn." A wave of helplessness seemed to wash over Ursula. "All this time, his heart has always belonged to you."
Jocelyn felt a knot of irritation in her stomach, her tone serious. "Ursula, there's nothing between Harrison and me."
"I know. It's just his one-sided
affection for you, and it's never
changed," Ursula said, locking eyes
with her. During the two years you were away, he was with me, but 'd catch him standing alone on the balcony, lost in thought, checking his
phone now and then. I knewing his
he was
looking at your photos."
Jocelyn's brow furrowed deeply.
"And after you came back," Ursula continued with a hint of self-derision, "I never told him that Euston wasn't your child, nor did I mention that you were still single. When he found out you were marrying Melvin, do you have any idea with what kind of look he took me in? If I'd told him back then that you were unattached, he would have come running back to you in a heartbeat."