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.

at a few trinkets?” His eyes

heat rushing to her

here.” She

with one eyebrow raised his

entrance, while waiting for the valet, she gathered her courage, asking, “Are

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

Exclusive Profila

Feb 10

Chapter 10

like some junior assistant trailing her imposing

2.48%2

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

do you usually commute?” he

Bus in bad weather, she answered honestly.

you have

brightened her eyes.

car today. Tomorrow you’ll choose one from my

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

million–dollar cars,” she protested,

her formality. The contrast between this tumidity and that night’s boldness almost made him laugh. Walking closer, he tilted her

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

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

he sighed. “Though I worry you’d faint if I removed that

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

but she’d be forever marked. People would dig into every detail of her life, dissect her past, and she’d never know privacy again

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

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

car around and opened the

grab a cab!” She

her into the passenger seat with the wooden

he asked as he slid

fine,”

my place. His tone held fond exasperation Ther

Feb 10

Chapter 10