Chapter 18

Chapter 18

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Joycelyn wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled sweetly. “I love it. It’s everything I could wish for. Thank you, Mr. Grant,” she gushed.

Ellison drew in a deep breath and narrowed his eyes. He saw the excitement on her face and how awestruck she was, her voice deep. “I instructed William to hire a designer. It was a bit rushed, but I’m glad that you like it.”

“I do, I really do,” Joycelyn said almost breathlessly.

“Have a good rest,” Ellison said.

“I will. You too,” she replied.

The both of them remained as cordial as distant coworkers.

After what had happened earlier that day, Ellison had decided to give her space instead of requesting that she accompany him. As soon as Joycelyn closed the door behind her, she began to indulge in her solitary freedom, taking a shower before getting into the bath.

When she was finished, she put on her new pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed for a long while. She sat as still statue, letting her eyes rove over the closet of new clothes.

as a

She began to laugh and cry at the same time, relishing the fact that she could leave her past behind and welcome this new lease of life.

She took her phone out and went through her contact list, blocking every single member of the Mercer family. She looked at the dozen or so messages and missed calls left by her mother and ignored them all save for one.

Replying to that message, she said, [I won’t drag you down anymore since I’m an outsider. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways.] Soon after, her mother replied with a voice message. Joycelyn doesn’t hesitate to block her number and delete it.

Now that she had escaped from their clutches, she was determined not to look back.

Glancing at the time, Joycelyn noticed it was almost half past nine. She got up to fetch a glass of water from downstairs.

As she made her way down, she bumped into Ellison at the foot of the stairs. He was holding a bouquet of pink roses. The both of them froze at the sight of each other.

Ellison didn’t reveal any emotion on his face, so Joycelyn continued to make her way slowly to the kitchen, saying, “Aren’t you going to bed yet, Mr. Grant?”

“Soon,” Ellison replied, making his way up while holding the bouquet in one hand.

As they passed each other, he placed the blooming bouquet in her hand. “Here. I know we’d rushed to get the marriage license, so I’ll make up for the rest at a later time.”

“Is this for me?” Joycelyn pointed to herself and asked in surprise

“Yeah, Ellison answered in a low voice. His angular face was as handsome as ever.

received the bouquet with both hands. She was overjoyed to receive flowers for the first time in her

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Chapter 18

going to bed.”

Goodnight,” Joycelyn replied sweetly with a dainty smile on her lips.

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top, he turned his head slightly to look back at Joycelyn. She

eyes, in particular, were warm and bright. It had been safe

kitchen, got herself a glass of water, and headed back upstairs. The whole time, she hadn’t set

the nightstand next to her bed. It

bouquet would be gifted from Ellison. She thought back to the moment they’d bumped into each other and

had noticed a flash of surprise across his face, perhaps even a tinge of awkwardness behind his usually piercing eyes. She was surprised to discover this

to make him breakfast. Then she drank some water before she lay

slept until half past six the next morning, and when she awoke, she was thoroughly well–rested and in good spirits. ‘Maybe I’m not a night owl after all, she

headed downstairs to prepare breakfast Ellison treated her well, and she had no way to thank him except to

pancakes, and smoothies, as well as some yogurt with an assortment of fruit. When she’d finished, she looked at the brand–new, unopened

wear. He entered just in time to see Joycelyn grimacing as she sipped

Grant. Did you go for a run?” Joycelyn asked. Her face was

What about you? Why are you up

got up early. I’ve prepared breakfast already, too. Did you want to eat or get changed first?”

going to take a shower first,” Ellison

the way, I tried making coffee but couldn’t get it right. It’s burnt,” Joycelyn

bag of coffee beans on the counter. It was half empty. She’d obviously

as she stopped worrying and poured all the coffee she’d brewed down

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Chapter 18

she continued, “Give me a bit more time to practice.

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looked over at him, he tried to hide his smile and then made his way upstairs. There was an effortless ease and harmony in

home. After bringing all the breakfast items to the table, Joycelyn took some pictures before Ellison returned

Joycelyn stood up and started cleaning, but Ellison stopped her. “Leave it. Someone will clean up later. And if you want to have breakfast next time,

before them and stopped her movements. “Oh.

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