Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 72

After Joycelyn spoke, she noticed Tenley’s face darken immediately.

She gave a soft smile, as if her previous sharp words had just been a joke.

After all, when someone makes things difficult for her, there’s no need to be too concerned with saving face.

“Joycelyn, what’s that supposed to mean? Who are you disgusted with?” Tenley’s voice immediately rose, full of anger.

“Isn’t that the case?” Lucy chimed in, unafraid of Tenley’s fury.

The tension in the air thickened, and the other guests started to intervene.

“Come on, everyone, we’re all old classmates here, let’s keep things civil. This is the teacher’s birthday party, after all. Both of you beautiful ladies, please cool down.”

“Yes, let’s all sit down and wait for dinner to start.”

Two classmates, known for livening up the atmosphere, quickly stepped in to smooth things over, trying to divert attention away from the conflict.

“Looks like the teacher won’t be coming today, he’s feeling a bit under the weather. My gift’s already been delivered, so I’ll let

you

all enjoy the evening.” Joycelyn placed her gift with the others and, not wanting to linger, made her way towards the door.

Caroline nudged Tenley and gave her a look.

Though Tenley still looked displeased, she responded, “Joycelyn, I was too brash earlier. I truly hope you’re doing well, and I apologize. Let me toast to you with the first drink.”

Tenley, without hesitation, picked up a glass of wine and drank it in one go.

Joycelyn was skeptical. Something about this seemed off.

leave, but Caroline stopped her, smiling as she said, “Oh, it’s just an old class reunion. We’re all doing so well, and I really hope you’re

gently back into her seat.

and sat down, planning to slip

to Joycelyn. You two were desk mates, right?”

into the seat next to Joycelyn.

year they sat together, they barely exchanged a word, other than asking for homework and the occasional

his role in Ruby’s team, Joycelyn wouldn’t have come today.

striking difference: he wore

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Chapter 72

before when she bought a gift for Ellison at

you do now?”

kept

company do you work

Liam replied, shaking his head as he swallowed nervously.

work, likely a person who preferred to

attention back to chatting with Lucy.

boasting and comparisons between the classmates. The women especially

chatting with everyone and seemed

others kept pouring drinks for

up to excuse herself, claiming she needed to

immediately nudged Caroline, signaling for

already sent the

Ellison, she was

wait,” Liam called, hurrying

and turned around,

you. I hope you don’t mind,” Liam said,

not appropriate. I’m married. If my husband knew I was accepting gifts from

you remember when I had a fever before my exams? You bought me some cold medicine. If it weren’t