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 a few trinkets?” His

heat rushing to her

here.” She darted

one eyebrow raised his handsome features wearing their usual cool expression.

valet, she gathered her courage, asking, “Are we heading to the office

to avoid any gossip. Between her mask and denture

Exclusive Profila

Feb

Chapter 10

assistant trailing her

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her gentle, refined manner to create an even more striking contrast with his commanding presence.

you usually commute?”

in bad

you

brightened her eyes.

today. Tomorrow you’ll choose one from my

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

Mr. Grant. But I can’t handle million–dollar cars,” she protested, shaking her head vigorously

between this tumidity and that night’s boldness almost made him laugh. Walking closer, he tilted her chin up. “You

Her whole body burned with embarrassment, her eyes flickering with

already 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

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

Her gaze dropped. Tm nobody. You’re elite.

go on unchanged, but she’d be forever marked. People would dig into every detail of her life, dissect

foundation between them, she couldn’t trust him to

about it, worry consumed her. She had no idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And

car around and

cab!” She turned to f

you something 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

he asked

works fine,”

tone held fond exasperation Ther scooter’s too

Feb

Chapter 10