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.

your husband but balk at a few trinkets?” His

heat rushing

elevator’s here.” She darted forward.

the box with one eyebrow raised his handsome features wearing their usual cool

courage, asking, “Are we heading to the office now?” He responded with a simple

office… maybe I should take a separate taxi. Best to avoid any gossip.

Exclusive Profila

Feb 10

Chapter 10

assistant trailing her imposing

2.48%2

eyes, still slightly swollen from yesterday’s crying, combined with her gentle, refined manner

you usually commute?” he asked.

scooter. Bus in bad weather, she answered

curved. Did you

Curiosity brightened

choose

shock was evident. His cheapest vehicle cost millions–she’d be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving

But I can’t handle million–dollar cars,” she

and that night’s boldness almost made him laugh. Walking closer,

face. Her whole body burned with embarrassment, her eyes flickering with protest. “Public place! Keep your

enough attention–any scandal would destroy her life while leaving him untouched. Public opinion terrified her, especially given his status as the object of countless socialites affections.

he sighed. “Though I worry you’d

but…” Her gaze dropped. Tm nobody. You’re elite. Different

couldn’t possibly understand her position. If they ever separated, his life would go on unchanged, but she’d be forever marked. People would dig into every detail of her life, dissect her past, and she’d never know

any emotional foundation between them, she couldn’t trust him to protect

time she thought about it, worry consumed her. She had no idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with

their car around and opened the door

She

something suitable.” Before she could protest, he’d settled her into the passenger seat with the

you?” he asked as he

scooter works fine,” she

my place. His tone held fond exasperation Ther scooter’s too slow.”

Mon, Feb 10

Chapter 10