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

locked, sending heat rushing

elevator’s here.” She darted forward.

eyebrow raised his handsome

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

take a separate taxi. Best to

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Feb

Chapter 10

exactly like some junior assistant trailing her

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

do you usually commute?” he asked.

Bus in bad weather, she

curved. Did you have a

brightened her eyes.

today. Tomorrow you’ll choose one from my garage

be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving a luxury car would become a walking

handle million–dollar cars,”

brow 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

her

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

wife, Joycelyn, not a fugitive,” he sighed. “Though

gaze dropped. Tm nobody.

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

couldn’t trust him to protect her if problems arose.

possessed her that drunken night.

brought their car around and opened

cab!” She

suitable.” Before she could protest, he’d settled her into the passenger seat with the wooden box, which she clutched carefully, terrified of damaging the precious diamonds

of car interests you?” he asked

scooter works fine,” she replied

my place. His tone held fond exasperation

Feb 10

Chapter 10