The Unwilling CEO's Love Game
Chapter 96

After returning to the hotel room, Jocelyn's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

Harrison's sudden confession had caught her off guard.

She had to admit, Harrison was a catch by any standard - charming, from a good family, and his parents were welcoming. He was the picture-perfect partner. But something was missing - the spark. She did not feel that intense connection with Harrison.

There was a fondness at best, but it fell short of love.

After a shower, she flopped onto the bed, and her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Harrison on Facebook.

A photo popped up: a night sky sprinkled with stars.

Jocelyn sat up and replied. [It's beautiful.]

Harrison was typing again and soon responded. [It's been ages since I've stargazed. Tonight, I looked up, and there they were.]

Jocelyn took it as a casual musing.

He sent another message: [Maybe it's because of you that my night sky is so beautiful.]

Jocelyn froze, staring at the screen.

Harrison's tenderness and romance were something Melvin never offered. Melvin only craved her physically; he never shared pictures of the stars or spoke such poetic words.

In comparison, her connection with Melvin seemed purely physical, without emotional resonance.

Yet, she fell for his "uncultured" ways.

Jocelyn did not know how to respond to Harrison's messages.

Lying in bed, she thought of her past with Melvin, the good and the bad. But none of that mattered now; he was back with Willow, and they might even get married.

It was not that he did not want to marry; he just did not want her.

Then, Jocelyn thought of Harrison.

In just a few months, be it him or his family, they had made her feel valued, allowing her to stand tall and proud.

Truth be told, he was a great guy, worthy of her time.

To move on from an old romance, one needed a new one to fill the void.

She felt she needed it.

Jocelyn did not reply to Harrison. Instead, she browsed the jewelry brand's official fan page. Looking at the comments below, her resolve strengthened.

The next day.

Harrison called her, waiting outside the hotel.

Jocelyn got dressed and headed downstairs.

He stood by his car, casually dressed in a white crew-neck sweater and black jeans. His attire was as clean-cut as his vibe.

"Morning," Jocelyn greeted first.

Harrison smiled at her. "Did you sleep well last night?"

She nodded. "And you?"

"Not so much." His gaze was filled with her.

Jocelyn avoided his eyes, knowing what he implied.

"Let's go grab some breakfast."

After driving for a while, Harrison parked by a cozy alley bustling with life, a slice of the everyday.

He led her to a diner, where the owner greeted him with a beaming smile, "Harrison! What brings you here today? Is this your girlfriend?"

Harrison chuckled. "She's a friend."

"First time I've seen you with a lady. Thought you were off the market," The owner joked.

"I wish I were, but no such luck yet," Harrison hinted.

The owner, quick-witted, turned to Jocelyn. "Miss, Harrison's a good man. If you like him, better hold on tight."

Embarrassed, Jocelyn looked to Harrison.

He played it cool. "Don't tease her. Even if she wanted to say yes, your words might make her too shy now."

The owner laughed it off. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. What are you having today?"

Harrison asked Jocelyn what she fancied.

She recognized soy milk and doughnuts, so she ordered them.

Harrison got the same, and they enjoyed their meal with a complimentary sweet pancake, courtesy of the owner.

"Do you come here often?" she asked.

"Yeah, four or five times a week," Harrison replied. "Is it to your liking?"

"Yes, it's nice."

Eating her breakfast and watching the world go by, Jocelyn felt a sense of peace.

Harrison did not bring up last night's conversation over breakfast.

He drove her around the city, showing her the sights.

Jocelyn sent photos to her parents. Meanwhile, Harrison sneakily snapped pictures of her. "Would you mind taking a picture of us?" Jocelyn mustered the courage to ask a passerby. Surprised, Harrison's heart swelled as Jocelyn walked towards him.

They stood together. Although there were no intimate gestures, a shared photo was a step closer.

After thanking the stranger, Jocelyn peeked at the photo. It was perfect, capturing her shyness and his joy.

"It looks nice," Harrison said, pleased.

Jocelyn blushed a little.

"Send me a copy?" He requested.

"Sure." After all, it was a picture of them both. She had no reason to keep it to herself.

Jocelyn shared it, and Harrison treasured it.

Maybe that photo was a start as the unspoken attraction between them grew.

Harrison carried her bag, took photos for her, and she did not decline. He opened her water bottle, and she thanked him, taking it naturally.

The day was unfolding, and maybe, just maybe, so was something more.

As they approached the steep incline, Harrison naturally reached out his hand to her. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his, letting him help pull her up. Once he had her hand, Harrison had no intention of letting go.

Hand in hand, neither of them acknowledged the silent exchange of emotions flowing between them.

They stood atop the ancient ramparts, gazing over the sprawling landscapes of their homeland, their spirits soaring.

"Jocelyn," Harrison suddenly called her name, a tone of earnestness in his voice.

Her heart skipped a beat at the sound.

Harrison was not looking at her; they both stared into the distance, standing between the sky and the earth, basking in the tranquility of the vast expanse. "You know, they say that if you climb this place with someone who sets your heart at ease, your wishes will come true," He said with an air of seriousness. Finally, Jocelyn turned to look at him.

Still, Harrison did not meet her gaze as he said, "I hope that saying is true."

The implication hung in the air, clear as day. The person who set his heart at ease was her.

Jocelyn pressed her lips together and took a deep breath. "Do you know about my past?"

"It doesn't matter," Harrison replied. "Who doesn't have a past? I'm not interested in what's behind us, only in what lies ahead."

Jocelyn bit her lip gently, leaning against the stone wall. "I'm afraid it wouldn't be fair to you."

Finally, Harrison looked at her. "Do you want to start a new relationship?"

She met his gaze, momentarily lost for words.

"If you do, I'm offering," He said. "To be honest, I was hoping for your previous relationship to end long ago."

Surprise flickered in Jocelyn's eyes.

"Actually, I've been thinking about making our little act a reality. After all, we seem to be a better match," Harrison confessed with a chuckle. "Does that make me devious?" Jocelyn shook her head. It was not deviousness, just a touch of bittersweet intention.