NovelAppChapter 129
Calvin and Daisy’s fondness for Harrison was palpable. In their eyes, Harrison had already become their future son-in-law, and
an excellent one at that.
How many men would change jobs just because their partner asked, or move cities to be with the one they love? It showed a
deep level of care and commitment to their daughter
To welcome Harrison. Calvin and Daisy had prepared a feast and made sure none of the dishes were spicy, catering to
Harrison’s sensitive stomach.
“Jocelyn, you’ve got to treat Harrison well,” Daisy urged her daughter. “He’s come all this way to be with you, to adapt to your
way of life. Guys like him are rare these days. Don’t take him for granted, take good care of him”
The saying goes that a mother-in-law finds her son-in law more endearing over time.
Daisy, not yet a mother-in-law, already treated him as if he were her own son.
Hamson, not wanting Jocelyn to struggle for a response, chimed in with a laugh, “Daisy, I’m a grown man. I don’t need anyone to
take care of me.”
“Even grown men need a little looking after, Daisy responded. And don’t you spoil Jocelyn too much. Her dad has pampered her
since she was a lot. I’m afraid she might walk all over you.”
“Mom!” Jocelyn was at a loss for words. “Where are you going with this?”
“I just mean that since you two are in love and planning a life together, neither of you should spoil the other too much or take
things too far In a relationship, it’s all about mutual understanding and tolerance. And don’t be afraid of a little argument here and
there. A good tiff shows you’re really living life together. It would be abnormal if you never fought at all
As Daisy went on and on. Jocelyn apologetically glanced at Harmson.
But Harrison was thoroughly engaged, nodding along and even agreeing with Daisy’s points.
In an unspoken understanding, neither Harrison nor Jocelyn revealed to the old couple that they had already broken up. It was to
keep their parents’ minds at ease and to avoid the pressure of mamage
After dinner, Harrison joined Calvin for a game of chess..
“Not bad at chess, Calvin nodded in approval. “Would be even better if you didn’t let me win.”
Harrison chuckled, I’m not letting you win, Calvin. I just can’t beat you”
unpredictable and inconsiderate player I’ve ever played against has to be Preston, a student in Jocelyn’s class That lad plays
chess like a wild thing”
At the mention of Preston’s name, Jocelyn’s expression shifted
Now, Preston’s name had the same effect as Melvin’s-it always brought up connections.
She was just relieved that Preston would soon be out of her sight
Hearing the name “Preston, Harrison’s thoughts drifted to Melvin. He remembered Jocelyn mentioning that name the day before
it must be someone related to Melvin Understanding Jocelyn’s feelings now, he had no particular thoughts about anyone
connected to Melvin. “Children have the most sincere intentions. They take everything seriously!
“That’s why as we grow older, we seem to lose the simplicity of our youth As kids, we’re seen as disobedient, but as adults, we
realize that childish rebellion is nothing compared to the complexity of being true to oneself, Calvin mused
“Because adults think more and have more complex emotions. Sometimes you have to be hypocritical, it’s a way to survive
Harrison added.
“You’re right. Harrison. Children long to grow up, but once they do, they wish they could return to the simplicity of their younger
days.” Calvin took a look at Jocelyn. Jocelyn is the only child Daisy and I have, and we always concern and worry about her the
most Jocelyn frowned slightly, Dad, why are you talking about me again?”
“Calvin, your really don’t need to worry about Jocelyn. She’s outstanding and knows where she’s headed in life. Rest assured,
she’ll do
Calvin bearned at that, “With you looking out for her. I’m definitely at ease
Movision just smiled
window and felt to wa
alicing thenugh the neighborhood, Jocelyn glanced back at the two figures still watching frosty the
Chapter 129
They’re really concerned about you, Jocelyn.”
“They’re just worried I’ll never get married, Jocelyn laughed, half-joking. “I don’t know how I’ve become this old maid’ in their
eyes.”
Hamson empathized, “It’s not just their concern. It’s society’s pressure. I’m 35 and still single. Although my neighbors don’t
gossip to my family’s face, I can tell they talk behind our backs, saying something must be wrong with me”
“Some issues don’t show on the surface, do they?” Harrison joked.
Jocelyn got his point and shook her head in resignation. “Society expects so much As teens, If we’re seen with a boy, we’re
labeled troublemakers. As adults without a partner, we’re either too picky or have some defect Living up to expectations is tough”
Harrison looked at her as if she’d seen through life’s charade. “You’re younger than me. There’s no need for you to be so
pessimistic”
“It’s not pessimism. It just feels like there are invisible hands pushing us forward, Jocelyn said dispassionately. “If I could, I’d live
a natural life. Whether marrying and having kids or not, it wouldn’t matter Whatever happens, happens. Many say be yourself,
but so far, I’ve struggled to do so It’s hard to go against the current alone.”
Harrison didn’t expect such depth to her thoughts. “Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why did you two break up?” Harrison genuinely wasn’t one for gossip. He was just curious. If it’s too personal, you don’t have to
answer.
Jocelyn drew in a deep breath, tugging at the corners of her lips, “It’s exactly because of the reasons we just discussed.”
“How long were you two together?”.
“Over three years.”
“He didnt propose to you?”
A bitter smile crossed Jocelyn’s face as she shook her head.
It was a wait without an end in sight. Even if she couldn’t let go, she wasn’t about to keep playing the fool. To linger any longer
would only sink her deeper.
Hamson nodded, “It’s not just the pressure to settle down from your parents, is it? It’s the lack of a future together that’s eating at
you.”
“Yeah. Jocelyn didn’t deny it, “All I needed was a sign of commitment.”
“But it’s clear he can’t let you go. Harrison sighed, “He must really love you.”
Jocelyn let out a laugh. “Love? Shouldn’t love come with some sort of conclusion?”
“Maybe there’s a reason – something he can’t help.
“Everyone who knows about us says that. But if it’s true love, why wouldn’t he share his troubles with me? Shouldn’t two people
planning a life together be open and honest to each other? You’ve probably noticed, after all these years, my parents don’t even
know I was with him.”
Jocelyn looked up at the sky, pulling her coat tighter around her. Her gaze was a bit hollow, “Actually I also know little about him.
He never told and I never asked ”
She suddenly turned to Harrison and offered a weak smile, “Pathetic, isn’t it?”
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