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

locked, sending heat rushing to her

here.” She darted forward.

with one eyebrow raised his handsome

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

the office… maybe I should take a separate taxi. Best to avoid any

Exclusive Profila

Feb 10

Chapter 10

junior assistant trailing her imposing

2.48%2

her gentle, refined manner to create an even more striking contrast

you usually commute?” he

bad weather, she

Did you have a

brightened

choose

millions–she’d be tabloid fodder!

Mr. Grant. But I can’t handle million–dollar cars,” she

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

embarrassment, her eyes flickering with protest. “Public place!

dreaded being caught. His status already drew enough attention–any scandal would destroy her life while leaving him untouched. Public opinion terrified her,

“Though I worry

Her gaze dropped. Tm

bet he couldn’t possibly understand her position. If they ever separated, his life would go on unchanged, but she’d be forever marked. People would dig into every detail of her life, dissect her past, and she’d never

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

consumed her. She 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 rushed to him

their car around and

a cab!” She turned

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

you?” he asked

works fine,” she

tone held fond exasperation

Mon, Feb 10

Chapter 10