Chapter 81
After Joycelyn confessed her feelings, tears began to fall uncontrollably.
At first, Ellison worried she was still in shock, his heart aching for her. But when he saw her lips quiver and heard her cry, his heart relaxed slightly.
“Why are you crying if you like me?” he asked, squatting beside the bathtub and gently pinching Joycelyn’s face, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Seeing his warm, handsome smile only made Joycelyn cry harder. “I don’t know… I just want to cry,” she whispered.
It was her first confession, and especially to someone like Ellison, she felt guilty, shy, and awkward. So, she covered her face with her hands, trying to hide.
“I want some time alone. Can you leave for a while?” Joycelyn mumbled, feeling some regret after confessing. She wasn’t sure how to face Ellison now. She had agreed to the idea of marriage to please her family, but now, confessing like this seemed to break that promise.
Ellison’s voice was calm, his tone gentle when he replied, “It’s fine. I’ll help you wash, and it’ll be quick.”
There was no teasing in his voice—only genuine care.
Joycelyn sniffed, her voice soft but a little playful as she refused, “No, I can wash by myself. I’m fine. You can go outside.”
“Alright, I’ll wait outside for you. Call me if you need anything.” Ellison looked at Joycelyn, noticing her awkward posture. His smile faded slightly, replaced by gentle helplessness.
Joycelyn nodded, not taking her hands off her face. Ellison left the bathroom, closing the door behind him, and decided to wait until she finished before having a proper conversation.
After a while, Joycelyn removed her hands, revealing a tear-streaked face. She glanced toward the door.
“Why does everything have to be so awkward?” she muttered to herself, biting her lower lip.
She stood up from the bathtub, undressed, and stepped under the shower.
Some areas of her body were bruised, but she took her time washing, letting the water soothe her.
Outside, Ellison knocked on the door after about ten minutes, ensuring everything was alright. Only then did he sit down in the makeup chair, waiting.
About half an hour later, Joycelyn opened the door and saw Ellison sitting there, still in his suit. She realized he had been waiting outside all this time.
“Why didn’t you take a shower?” Joycelyn asked, now dressed in her sleepwear, looking no different than usual.
“I was worried you might need help. I couldn’t relax until I was sure you were alright,” Ellison said, standing up and handing her his phone. “I’ve already taken care of those two scumbags. They won’t be causing you any more trouble. Also, I looked into Octavia. Here, listen to the recording.”
Joycelyn’s clear eyes scanned the screen of the phone.
William’s report was there, confirming that Cedric and Tristan were incapacitated and currently under police investigation.
Reading it, Joycelyn swallowed hard. In such a short time, Ellison had cleaned everything up without a trace. His methods were ruthless and meticulous.
She stared at the photo on the phone, her face suddenly cold and distant.
“They got what they deserved,” she said quietly, not feeling the slightest hint of mercy for them, no matter how brutal their end.
“You should listen to Octavia’s interrogation,” Ellison suggested, playing the recording.
The interrogation had taken place in a car, with bodyguards in both the driver and passenger seats, creating a very tense atmosphere.
Octavia was pale with fear, answering every question but careful not to say much. She only claimed that Joycelyn had sent her to the hospital for medical bills.
When asked how Cedric had her house keys, she explained that her cousin lived nearby and that they had keys for convenience.
Her answers were calm and cooperative, without a hint of guilt, making her seem less like a conspirator.
At the end of the interrogation, she nervously asked, “Are you… loan sharks coming to collect?”
The entire thing lasted only three minutes, and Joycelyn listened intently.
“Do you think she’s telling the truth?” Ellison asked, his calm eyes studying her delicate face.
“Did Cedric and Tristan say whose idea this was?” Joycelyn asked, not daring to look into Ellison’s eyes. Instead, she took off the towel wrapped around her wet hair and started drying it.
“No, they only said it was to get revenge on you,” Ellison hesitated but didn’t mention the word “coveting.” He couldn’t bring himself to imagine how someone like her—beautiful and seemingly innocent—could have endured life in such a family for so many years.
“I clearly heard them say it was for the money,” Joycelyn stopped drying her hair, frowning as she thought about it more seriously.
Ellison stood perfectly still, his eyes deep and focused on her, his voice low and soothing as he called her name. “Joycelyn.”
“Hmm?” Joycelyn looked up, their eyes meeting. For a brief moment, it felt like electricity passed between them, and she quickly averted her gaze, her heart racing.
Just a glance from him had completely thrown her off balance.
“I’m fine now. They didn’t really hurt me, just a few hits. You can go shower and get some rest,” she said, lowering her head and continuing to dry her long hair.
“Mm, I’ll investigate everything thoroughly. I’ve arranged for your mother’s doctor to take care of her, don’t worry,” Ellison reassured her, already having contacted the doctor about her mother’s recovery.
“Okay. I won’t be in contact with her again,” Joycelyn replied with a firm tone, making a quiet promise to herself.
This whole experience had truly frightened her. She knew now that getting involved with such people and situations would only lead to disaster.
Ellison didn’t say anything more. He knew that asking any more questions or offering more words would only worsen her emotional state.
“I haven’t had dinner. Should I have someone bring food, or would you like me to cook pasta for us? It’ll be ready when you’re done with your shower.”
Joycelyn gently dried her hair, now looking calm and composed again. “I’ll cook pasta,” she said, holding the towel in her hand. Her usual strength had returned to her eyes.
Ellison watched her for a few seconds, nodding with a smile. “Alright, simple food is fine. After dinner, stay with me, okay?”
Joycelyn bit her lip, feeling a little shy as she nodded. “Okay.”
Before Ellison could say anything else, Joycelyn quickly placed the towel on the chair and dashed out of the room. “I’ll go make pasta.”
With that, she hurried out, leaving Ellison smiling wryly at her flustered back.
It seemed that for the first time in his life, the girl who had confessed to him had become so shy.
And now, he didn’t know exactly how to cheer her up.
