Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Ignoring Joycelyn’s pleading glances about the marriage license lison settled into his chair with the air of an honored guest.

“Get well soon, Grandma. We need you for the wedding ceremony,” he announced casually.

A jolt of panic shot through Joycelyn. “Wedding ceremony? That hadn’t been part of their deal.

Reading her alarm, he added smoothly. “Nothing elaborate–justan intimate family gathering at home.”

Relief softened Joycelyn’s features. A small ceremony seemed manageable.

“Finally, something to live for!” Isolde’s face glowed with newfound energy as she beamed at Joycelyn.

“Indeed–you’ll need your strength to spoil those great–grandchildren!” Luna joked.

Joycelyn’s head snapped toward Ellison, but he merely offered that infuriatingly calm smile.

Outside the hospital room, Joycelyn’s face buried beneath her mask. Though she’d refused the priceless bracelet, her new grandmother–in–law had pressed a wooden box of modest gifts upon her.

Ellison carried the box, watching with amusement as his wife practically fled down the corridor.

“This is a private facility,” he remarked, matching her pace effortlessly. “Complete discretion guaranteed”

“I know,” she mumbled. This was clearly a premium medical facility–she could tell from the upscale environment.

“Then why the cat burglar routine?” He cracked open the box, letting the diamond light dance briefly. “These were Grandma’s 18th birthday gifts. She must see something special in you.”

“We can’t accept these!” She halted abruptly. “They’re far too valiable.”

“That emerald bracelet was my

grandfather’s engagement gift, le mentioned casually. “Or did you prefer that instead

“No! They’re both too much.” Her whisper held real panic. On her entry–level salary, such luxuries belonged in another

universe.

husband but balk at a few trinkets?”

gazes locked, sending heat rushing to her cheeks.

elevator’s here.” She darted

box with one eyebrow raised his handsome features wearing

waiting for the valet, she gathered her courage, asking, “Are we heading to the

to avoid any gossip. Between her

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Chapter 10

junior assistant trailing her imposing less.

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still slightly swollen from yesterday’s crying, combined with her gentle, refined manner to create an even more striking contrast with his

usually commute?”

bad weather, she

lips curved. Did you have a

brightened her

my car today. Tomorrow you’ll choose one from my garage

mask, her shock was evident. His cheapest vehicle cost millions–she’d be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving a luxury car would become a

million–dollar cars,”

between this tumidity and that night’s boldness almost made him laugh. Walking closer, he tilted her chin up. “You weren’t this shy when exploring my abs that night,

whole body burned with embarrassment, her eyes flickering with protest. “Public

him untouched. Public opinion

not a fugitive,” he sighed. “Though I worry you’d faint if

dropped. Tm

but she’d be forever marked. People would dig into every detail of her life, dissect

trust him to protect her if problems

her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with her family left her desperate, she’d

valet brought their car around and opened the door for

a cab!” She turned

settled her into the passenger seat with the wooden box, which she clutched carefully,

asked as he

works fine,”

far from my place. His tone held fond exasperation Ther

Feb 10 O

Chapter 10