Chapter 18

Joycelyn wiped away tears, smiled sweetly, and gushed, "I love it! It's everything I could wish for. Thank you, Mr. Grant."

Ellison inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing. He saw her excitement and awe, noting the depth of her voice. "I instructed William to hire a designer. It was rushed, but I'm glad you like it."

"I do, I really do," Joycelyn breathed.

"Have a good rest," Ellison said.

"I will. You too," she replied.

Their cordiality remained that of distant coworkers. After the events of the day, Ellison decided to give her space instead of asking her to accompany him. As soon as Joycelyn closed the door, she embraced her newfound freedom, showering before luxuriating in a bath.

Afterward, she put on her new pajamas and sat on her bed for a long time, a still statue, letting her gaze wander over her closet of new clothes. She laughed and cried simultaneously, relishing the ability to leave her past behind and embrace this new life.

She opened her phone, went through her contacts, and blocked every member of the Mercer family. She ignored the dozen or so messages and missed calls from her mother, except for one, which she replied to: "I won't drag you down anymore. We'll go our separate ways from now on." Her mother replied with a voice message, which Joycelyn immediately blocked and deleted.

Escaped from their clutches, she was determined not to look back. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was almost 9:30. She went downstairs for a glass of water.

At the foot of the stairs, she bumped into Ellison, who held a bouquet of pink roses. They both froze.

Ellison showed no emotion, so Joycelyn continued slowly toward the kitchen, asking, "Aren't you going to bed yet, Mr. Grant?"

"Soon," Ellison replied, ascending the stairs with the bouquet.

As they passed, he placed the roses in her hand. "Here. I know we rushed the marriage license, so I'll make up for it later."

"Is this for me?" Joycelyn asked, surprised, pointing to herself.

"Yeah," Ellison answered softly. His handsome face was as angular as ever.

"Thank you," Joycelyn said gently, holding the bouquet with both hands. She was overjoyed; it was her first bouquet.

Extra Check-In 12:56 Mon, Feb 10

"I'm going to bed," Ellison informed her.

"Of course. Goodnight," Joycelyn replied sweetly, smiling.

Ellison slowly climbed the stairs. Reaching the top, he glanced back. Joycelyn hadn't moved, still admiring the roses. Her fair, porcelain skin and delicate features, especially her warm, bright eyes, suggested she liked flowers.

She carried the flowers to the kitchen, got water, and returned upstairs without setting them down. In her room, she placed them on her nightstand, instantly adding femininity to the cream-colored room.

She couldn't believe her first bouquet was from Ellison. She recalled their encounter and wondered if he'd seemed embarrassed. She'd noticed a flash of surprise, perhaps even awkwardness, behind his usually piercing gaze. This surprised her.

She decided to make him breakfast. After drinking water, she lay down on her large, soft bed, feeling a peace she'd never known.

She slept until 6:30 the next morning, waking well-rested and in good spirits. Maybe I'm not a night owl after all, she thought.

After washing up, she went downstairs to prepare breakfast. Ellison treated her well, and she wanted to show her gratitude by caring for him.

She prepared muffins, pancakes, smoothies, yogurt, and fruit. Finishing, she decided to try the brand-new coffee machine.

At 7:30, Ellison entered through the villa's back door, dressed in athletic wear. He saw Joycelyn grimacing as she sipped coffee.

"Good morning, Mr. Grant. Did you go for a run?" Joycelyn asked, her face scrunched up.

"Yeah. What about you? Why are you up so early?" Ellison asked.

"I went to bed early, so I got up early. I've prepared breakfast. Do you want to eat or get changed first?" Joycelyn said.

"I'm going to shower first," Ellison replied.

"Sure. By the way, I tried making coffee, but it's burnt," Joycelyn pouted.

Ellison glanced at the half-empty bag of coffee beans. She'd clearly tried. "I don't drink coffee except at work," he explained.

"Oh? I thought CEOs needed coffee every morning," Joycelyn quipped, pouring the coffee down the sink.

"Give me more time to practice. I'll make you a good cup soon," she continued.

Ellison laughed. When Joycelyn looked at him, he hid his smile and went upstairs. An effortless ease and harmony filled the air.

Joycelyn enjoyed this atmosphere. She liked feeling relaxed at home. After bringing breakfast to the table, she took pictures before Ellison returned.

After their quiet breakfast, Joycelyn began cleaning, but Ellison stopped her. "Leave it. Someone will clean up later. And if you want breakfast next time, you can get the chef to prepare it."

Joycelyn looked at the empty plates. "Oh. Is it not good?" she asked innocently.

Ellison adjusted his cufflinks. "It was great. It's just a hassle to prepare meals. You don't have to cater to me. Just do what you want. That's what I want for you, as your husband."

Joycelyn was deeply moved. She looked into his calm, yet deeply convinced eyes. All her life felt like trudging through a swamp, but now it was a lush meadow. She felt something bloom in her heart—a sense of validation from being respected and favored.

Joycelyn hummed, embarrassed by her emotion. She hadn't felt loved in over a decade, since her father died.

"I made breakfast of my own volition. Taking care of you is my way of thanking you," Joycelyn confessed.

"Help me with my tie," Ellison said, gesturing to his tie.

"Sure," Joycelyn said, taking the tie. Tying a tie was nothing compared to what they'd already done.

"Lower your head," Joycelyn instructed, standing on tiptoe.

Ellison obediently lowered his head as Joycelyn popped his collar. She felt her breath on his neck, and he swallowed.

"How do you usually tie it?" Joycelyn asked, adjusting the tie. "I've never tied one…"

"You can do it," Ellison said patiently.

Joycelyn remembered an online tutorial and tried to tie it. She looped and pulled, creating a tight knot.

Ellison coughed, the tie strangling him. "We just got our license yesterday, and you're already asserting your dominance," he murmured, trying to loosen the knot. It was a dead knot.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry. I'll undo it," Joycelyn responded nervously. She couldn't undo it.

Exasperated, she moved closer and used her teeth to bite the knot.

Ellison tilted his head, but hadn't anticipated her closeness. Her hair brushed his neck. He swallowed. Joycelyn's proximity was affecting him. He murmured, "Joycelyn…"

Joycelyn mumbled, "I'll undo it soon."

He didn't reply, instead asking, "Why don't we leave for the office a little later today?"