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.

balk at a few trinkets?” His eyes

gazes locked, sending heat rushing to

She darted forward.

followed her inside, carrying the box with one eyebrow raised his handsome features

gathered her courage, asking, “Are we heading to the office now?” He responded with a

a separate taxi. Best to avoid any gossip. Between her

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Chapter 10

exactly like some junior assistant trailing her imposing less.

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expressive eyes, still slightly swollen from yesterday’s crying, combined with her gentle, refined manner to create an even more striking

you usually commute?” he

scooter. Bus in bad weather,

lips curved. Did you have a driver’s

Curiosity brightened her

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

evident. His cheapest vehicle cost millions–she’d be tabloid fodder! A few–thousand- a–month employee driving a luxury car would become a

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

her formality. The contrast between this tumidity and that night’s boldness almost made him laugh. Walking closer, he tilted her chin up. “You weren’t this shy when exploring my abs that

flooded her face. Her whole body burned with embarrassment, her eyes

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

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

dropped. Tm nobody. You’re elite. Different

on unchanged, but she’d be forever marked. People would

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

had no idea what had possessed her that drunken night. And then, after that blow–up with her family left her desperate, she’d impulsively

around and opened the door for Ellison.

She turned to f

passenger seat with the wooden box, which she clutched carefully, terrified of damaging the precious diamonds

you?” he asked as he slid behind the wheel.

works fine,” she replied timidly.

tone

Mon, Feb 10 O

Chapter 10