Chapter 37
“It’s nothing.” Joycelyn shook her head quickly, suppressing the smile that had started to form on her face. She forced a neutral expression as she casually inspected the new furniture in the living room.
Aside from the artwork on the walls, everything had been completely replaced. The speed and efficiency with which it was done—thanks to the power of money—was truly impressive.
The air was filled with an awkward tension that neither of them could quite explain.
Joycelyn glanced at Ellison, who was standing by the kitchen counter, drinking water. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke up. “Uh, it’s getting late. How about we grab breakfast at the office?”
“Okay.” Ellison finished his water, responding in a low, steady tone.
Joycelyn, feeling nervous, didn’t dare say anything more.
They walked in silence to the elevator, heading toward the garage to get their cars.
Ellison walked ahead while Joycelyn followed behind like a little shadow, her gaze fixed on his tailored pants and polished shoes.
When the elevator doors opened, Joycelyn saw him step inside and immediately followed.
Ellison stood tall and composed in the corner of the elevator, casually pressing the button for their floor. Just as the doors were about to close, he extended his hand toward her, offering a ring.
“What?” Joycelyn froze for a second, her dark eyes blinking in confusion. She took a closer look and realized it was indeed a ring. She looked up at him, utterly surprised.
“Put it on. That way, no one will try to set you up with anyone,” Ellison said coolly, his face unreadable, his tone as calm and commanding as always.
“What?” Joycelyn was flustered. She raised her hand but hesitated. “But… it’s a ring. If I wear it, won’t people start gossiping? Everyone knows I’m single. Suddenly wearing a wedding ring at the office…”
“If you don’t want to wear it, fine,” Ellison interrupted, his voice still steady. “I’ll announce it tomorrow, so no one gets the wrong idea and bothers you.”
Joycelyn immediately reached out, grabbing his wrist and taking the ring from him. “Alright, I’ll wear it. But you don’t have to announce anything.”
The ring was a simple platinum band with a small circle of diamonds—understated and not too expensive. It wasn’t flashy, just a plain wedding band. No fancy ring box, either. Joycelyn carefully slipped it onto her ring finger.
“Did you pick this out? It’s nice,” she said, admiring the ring as she turned her hand to get a better look.
“If you like it.” Ellison gave a brief glance at her, his tone neutral.
They stepped out of the elevator, and Joycelyn got into her car while Ellison got into his black Rolls-Royce.
They left the garage one after the other, with Ellison trailing behind her car at a leisurely pace.
When it came time to park, Joycelyn deliberately waited a bit longer. There was an empty charging spot next to the garage, and it was the perfect place to park. She easily slid her car into the spot.
After parking, she didn’t immediately get out of the car. She waited until Ellison had locked his car and gone inside the building before she stepped out, careful not to make her little tactic too obvious.
She clocked in and then headed to the employee cafeteria for breakfast. Fortunately, the events of the previous day seemed to have blown over—no one was gossiping or whispering as she walked through the office.
But after everyone settled in for work, Joycelyn’s calm morning was suddenly interrupted by Selene’s loud exclamation.
“Joycelyn! You’re wearing a ring! A new Cartier one! I saw it online the other day—it’s worth over 20 thousand dollars!” Selene grabbed Joycelyn’s hand, running her fingers over her smooth skin like a lovesick fan.
Joycelyn shuddered, feeling a little creeped out by her intensity. But what really left Joycelyn stunned was that this simple-looking ring, which didn’t even seem to contain gold, cost 20 thousand dollars.
“20 thousand dollars? No way, this is such a simple ring. It must’ve only cost several hundred dollars,” Joycelyn said, still in disbelief.
“Don’t play coy! It’s a brand-new release—counterfeits haven’t even had time to catch up yet. Come on, spill it, which handsome guy won you over?” Selene teased, lifting Joycelyn’s chin with a mischievous grin.
Joycelyn had already prepared a response, but the mention of the price caught her off guard.
“Well… it’s just that… a friend I’ve known for years turned into my boyfriend.” Joycelyn explained, her usually composed face flushing slightly. She’d known Ellison for about two years, ever since she started working at the company.
“Whoa! Do you have a picture? Let me see!” Selene was practically bouncing with excitement.
Joycelyn, a little embarrassed, quickly withdrew her hand and covered the ring with her right hand. “We’ve only just started dating, so there aren’t any pictures yet.”
“Is he better-looking than Mr. Downs?” Selene grinned, raising her eyebrows.
Joycelyn nodded with a smile. “I think he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”
Ellison’s looks and presence were breathtaking. He was the kind of man who could make someone as traditionally reserved as her act on impulse—if she were drunk, she might just throw caution to the wind.
“Wow, wow, you’re finally in a relationship! When you get a chance, bring him out so we can meet him. Let’s all have a meal together and check him out,” Selene said, grabbing Joycelyn’s hand again and gently running her fingers over the ring.
“Maybe when we have time. He’s really busy,” Joycelyn laughed, letting Selene play with her hand.
“Such a beautiful ring. Your boyfriend must be doing well for himself, too. This is a couple’s ring, right? I heard they cost over 40 thousand dollars. He bought a matching pair for both of you as soon as he snagged you…”
“Couple’s ring?” Joycelyn froze, her eyes wide, thinking. Two rings that cost more than my entire yearly salary?
“Yep! Let me show you,” Selene pulled up some info on the ring.
Joycelyn gasped when she saw the price, thinking, Of course, only a rich guy would buy such an expensive ‘prop ring’ just to keep up appearances.
“Wow, it’s really pricey,” Joycelyn murmured. It was the kind of luxury item she never would’ve dared dream of before. “Enjoy your first love.”
Selene finished admiring the ring and flashed a sly grin.
“I’m so jealous of your boyfriend! He’s got such a beautiful, fair-skinned, slim-waisted, long-legged girlfriend. If it were me, I’d happily pick up the tab for you!” Selene laughed loudly.
“Keep your voice down!” Joycelyn couldn’t handle Selene’s shameless teasing anymore. She pushed her lightly. “We’re at work! Hurry up and get to it, or I’ll tell Aurelia you’re slacking and have your pay docked.”
“We’re just chatting! Wait, are you two just getting started? Did you kiss yet?” Selene grinned, her tone turning more mischievous.
Joycelyn’s face turned bright red as she lowered her head, pretending to be busy.
“Aw, so shy! You definitely kissed already, huh? Was it one of those deep kisses, with tongue?” Selene teased, giving a mischievous grin.
Joycelyn, embarrassed and annoyed, quickly covered Selene’s mouth. “Please, stop! I’m begging you.”
“Aw, you’re so shy, Joycelyn. How does your boyfriend handle it? You’re so bashful!” Selene laughed, dodging the playful punch Joycelyn aimed at her and quickly running off.
“Hey, Joycelyn, we’re having a team-building dinner tonight. Bring your boyfriend along. Let’s see if he’s good enough for you. We’ll give him the once-over,” Selene said with a laugh, a knowing smirk on her face.
“Good enough,” she added, with a wink.
