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

sending heat rushing

here.” She darted

inside, carrying the box with one eyebrow raised his

courage, asking, “Are

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

Exclusive Profila

Mon, Feb 10

Chapter 10

exactly like some junior assistant trailing her imposing

2.48%2

from yesterday’s crying, combined with her gentle, refined manner to create an even

do you usually commute?” he

in bad weather, she answered

curved. Did you have a driver’s

brightened her

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

through her mask, her shock was evident. His cheapest vehicle cost millions–she’d be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving a luxury car

can’t handle million–dollar cars,” she protested, shaking

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

embarrassment, her eyes

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

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

know, but…” Her gaze dropped. Tm nobody.

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

any emotional foundation between them, she couldn’t trust him

She had no idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with her family left

their car around and

a cab!” She turned to

her into the passenger seat with the wooden box, which she

of car interests you?” he asked as he

fine,”

tone held fond exasperation Ther

Feb 10

Chapter 10