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 eyes sparked

heat rushing to her

She darted forward.

her inside, carrying the box with one eyebrow raised

asking, “Are we heading to

maybe I should take a separate taxi. Best to avoid any gossip. Between her mask and denture

Exclusive Profila

Mon, Feb

Chapter 10

assistant trailing her

2.48%2

with her gentle, refined manner to create an even more striking contrast

you usually

in bad weather, she answered

Did you have

brightened

today. Tomorrow you’ll choose one from my garage “he said.

millions–she’d be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving a luxury

can’t handle million–dollar cars,”

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

embarrassment, her eyes flickering with protest. “Public

caught. His status already drew enough attention–any scandal would destroy her life while leaving him untouched. Public opinion terrified her, especially

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

gaze dropped. Tm nobody. You’re elite. Different worlds”

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

them, she couldn’t trust him to protect her if problems

idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with her family left her desperate, she’d impulsively rushed to him for marriage.

their car around and opened the

cab!” She turned

he’d settled her into the passenger seat with the wooden box, which she clutched carefully, terrified of damaging the

car interests you?” he asked as he slid behind the

scooter works fine,” she replied

tone

Feb 10

Chapter 10