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.

but balk at a few trinkets?” His eyes sparked with

locked, sending heat

She darted forward.

one eyebrow raised his handsome

gathered her courage, asking, “Are we

maybe I should take a separate taxi. Best to avoid

Exclusive Profila

Mon, Feb 10 0

Chapter 10

exactly like some junior assistant trailing

2.48%2

yesterday’s crying, combined with her gentle, refined manner to

you usually commute?” he asked.

Bus in bad weather,

curved. Did you have a

brightened

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

her mask, her shock was evident. His cheapest vehicle cost millions–she’d be tabloid fodder!

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

furrowed at her formality. The contrast 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

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

attention–any scandal would destroy her life while leaving him untouched. Public opinion terrified her, especially given his status as

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

dropped. Tm nobody.

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

trust him to protect her if problems

idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with

valet brought their car around and

She turned to

protest, he’d settled her into the passenger

car interests you?” he asked

scooter works fine,” she replied

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

Mon, Feb

Chapter 10