Chapter 47
“Of course, I think you look great in anything,” Joycelyn said, her voice sincere, her words almost melodic.
Ellison’s usually cold, handsome face softened slightly as he stared at the shirt in his hands. Seeing his gaze linger on the fabric, Joycelyn stepped closer and gently suggested, “I’ll wash it for you. If you like it, try it on; if not, just keep it.”
She carefully removed the pink shirt from its packaging and held it up in front of him. “It looks nice! You always wear black and white, but switching it up a little gives you a youthful vibe,” she added, her clear eyes sparkling with admiration.
The pink was somewhat feminine, but it fit Ellison’s tall, masculine frame, adding a touch of warmth to his usual cool demeanor. He looked like a handsome high school heartthrob.
Seeing her bright smile, Ellison’s expression softened even more. “Really looks good?” he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of doubt.
“Yeah!” Joycelyn replied, her eyes twinkling as she blinked at him.
“Alright, I’ll let you wash it,” Ellison said, handing her both shirts. He crumpled the packaging into a ball and tossed it in a bag before turning to head back to his room.
A gentleman.
She felt her face heat up, her heart racing slightly at the kindness in his gesture. Quickly, she took the shirts to the laundry, unsure if he would actually wear them. After washing and drying them, she ironed them and hung them in his closet.
Joycelyn watched him with admiration as he moved, seemingly effortlessly poised yet full of detail, like a carefully composed painting. In the midst of his black-and-white business wardrobe, the two pastel shirts stood out brightly in the corner, offering a refreshing, lively contrast.
After tidying up, Joycelyn returned to her room, feeling comfortable in the quiet, private space.
The night passed in peace, both of them content in their own worlds, each enjoying the safety and serenity of their own space.
The next morning, Joycelyn woke up late after not sleeping well. As she came downstairs with her bag, she saw a dazzling sight in the dining room.
“Good morning… you really wore it,” Joycelyn said, her voice sweeter than usual, her eyes wide with surprise as she saw Ellison in the pink shirt.
The sight caught her off guard, and her eyes shone with delight.
Ellison’s expression remained cool and indifferent. “Since it’s a birthday gift, I thought I’d give it a try.”
“Do you like it?” Joycelyn asked as she walked over, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
On the surface, she forced a smile, but inside, her emotions were running wild. Ellison had actually put on the pink shirt she bought for him. It felt as though her heartfelt gesture had been received with tenderness, and she couldn’t be happier.
Ellison set his coffee down and asked, his deep eyes fixed on hers, “Do you like it?”
Caught off guard, Joycelyn’s smile faltered for a moment. Her long lashes fluttered, and as she looked at his striking face, she instinctively bit her lower lip.
“Hmm?” Ellison’s eyes never left hers, his gaze unwavering, as if waiting for her response.
Feeling her heart race, Joycelyn quickly answered, “Yes, I like it. It looks good on you.”
Her eyes, once sparkling with joy, now had a shy glimmer.
Ellison chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving her.
Flustered by his laughter, Joycelyn felt her face flush slightly. Realizing she had been caught off guard, she quickly added, “Well, I meant… what girl wouldn’t like such a handsome guy?”
When people feel awkward, they tend to busy themselves. Without missing a beat, Joycelyn poured herself a glass of water and drank it quickly to avoid the embarrassment.
“You’re thirsty. Guess you really do like it,” Ellison said with a teasing tone, taking a sip of his coffee, his voice carrying a hint of playful mockery.
Joycelyn almost spit out the last sip of water. “No, I meant I like the shirt!” she quickly corrected.
“Isn’t the shirt the one you bought for me?” Ellison said calmly, not in a rush.
Joycelyn’s heart raced with the anxiety of being misunderstood. “Yes, but…”
“But what? It’s not shameful to like me,” Ellison teased.
Joycelyn’s face turned even redder, and her sparkling eyes dimmed with embarrassment. She gave up on trying to explain.
“It’s your birthday. You’re the boss today. You can say whatever you want,” Joycelyn said with a pout.
Ellison smiled inwardly, enjoying how easily she had fallen into his teasing trap.
