Chapter 87
Joycelyn changed her profile picture and set her phone aside. She glanced over at Ellison, her curiosity piqued. “Wasn’t Isolde doing better last time? Isn’t she about to leave the hospital soon?”
“Same issue as before,” Ellison replied with a calm expression. “She looks fine most of the time, but when the weather gets cold or it rains, her head and legs hurt. Plus, she had a shock last time and hasn’t fully recovered. I want her to rest a little longer here. The hospital has professional doctors and equipment, so she’s not in as much pain.”
Joycelyn could tell from his tone that Ellison genuinely cared about his grandmother—after all, she was his only family.
“So, with Leah’s skills, has there been any improvement?” Joycelyn asked, her voice soft.
Ellison’s furrowed brow softened. “Yes. After acupuncture and massage last time, she wasn’t in as much pain. Kingston said it’s hard to completely eliminate the issue, but the frequency of pain has significantly reduced.”
“That’s great,” Joycelyn replied, her smile sincere. “When Isolde gets better, we’ll bring her home. The house is so big for just the two of us—it feels empty. Didn’t you think it was a bit creepy when you lived there alone?”
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and Joycelyn couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of it.
The mansion—grand, spacious, and luxurious—felt unsettlingly quiet when it was just the two of them. It had gardens, sports facilities, and a pool, all seemingly unnecessary for a home meant for a couple.
Ellison’s voice broke the silence, gentle but thoughtful. “It was our wedding home. I used to live near the office, and when things got busy, I just stayed there.”
“Oh…” Joycelyn murmured, surprised. “Our wedding home.”
She couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips, but she quickly covered it with a joke. “So dedicated that you had to sleep at the office during busy times. No wonder you’ve built up such a high net worth.”
Ellison turned toward her, his lips curling into a teasing smile. “It wasn’t quite sleeping on the floor. I had a suite on that floor. Want to experience it next time you’re tired?”
Joycelyn froze, her eyes narrowing. She knew exactly what kind of “experience” he meant, and the playful gleam in his dark eyes only confirmed her suspicions.
“No need. I’m happy with my humble worker’s recliner,” Joycelyn replied quickly, scooting away from him to create some distance.
She didn’t want to accidentally say something that would spark his interest, especially when she was still trying to keep some distance. She had already learned, from online discussions, that men and women could never truly have a platonic relationship, especially when legally married.
The image of this usually cold, self-disciplined man being assertive and dominant in bed made her face flush once again.
Why can’t I think of something else? Joycelyn thought, as her mind kept returning to those awkward images.
“Why are you blushing again? It’s broad daylight—what are you thinking?” Ellison teased, moving closer and trapping her in the corner of the sofa. His voice carried a hint of mockery.
Joycelyn, easily flustered, turned her face away. “You’re squishing me,” she complained, pushing at his solid arm, but it didn’t budge at all.
“Move over a bit. You’re really heavy,” she said, pushing again, but he stayed in place.
Her strength had always impressed her—she’d seen him lift her with ease more than once. But right now, she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to keep pushing him.
Ellison laughed at her pout, clearly enjoying the playful banter. “Grind your teeth? Want to bite me, hmm?”
Before she could protest, he cupped her face gently, pinching her cheeks like she was a child. Joycelyn couldn’t help but wonder—was this really any different from how he treated Rocky?
“If you keep pinching, I will bite,” Joycelyn warned, a hint of irritation in her voice. His teasing was starting to get on her nerves.
Just as they were playfully bickering, Mrs. Grant woke up from her nap and watched them with a smile, not wanting to interrupt their moment.
“Grandma, you’re awake?” Ellison immediately stopped, releasing Joycelyn and turning toward his grandmother.
Joycelyn, relieved to have her freedom back, turned toward Isolde, who was smiling brightly. “Are you feeling better?”
“Much better. Seeing you two so affectionate is more effective than any medicine. Ellison, you’re quite handsome when you smile. You should do it more often—much better than that cold, serious face you used to wear,” Isolde said playfully, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
Joycelyn wasn’t sure how to respond to Isolde’s comment. She nervously brushed her hair, offering a bashful smile.
Ellison indeed looked handsome when he smiled, and Joycelyn couldn’t deny that she liked seeing him that way.
“I’ve asked Luna to prepare lunch; let’s eat in the restaurant,” Ellison said, changing the subject and glancing at Joycelyn.
“Alright. I’ll help you to the wheelchair,” Joycelyn said, moving to assist Isolde.
“No need. I want to walk a bit—sitting all the time is uncomfortable,” Isolde insisted, attempting to walk on her own. But her mobility was clearly limited, and she needed support.
After lunch, Joycelyn and Ellison helped Isolde enjoy the sunshine in the garden. The glasshouse offered a gentle warmth, with sunlight streaming through the special glass without being too intense.
Leah arrived as usual to give Isolde a massage, chatting cheerfully and making Isolde laugh.
Even though Joycelyn sat quietly on the side, Leah skillfully kept the conversation going, her care and attentiveness subtly noticeable.
After the massage, Leah packed up her things and, with a smile, turned to Joycelyn. “Mrs. Grant, how long have you and Mr. Grant been married? Are you planning to have kids?”
Joycelyn was caught off guard by the question. She instinctively glanced at Ellison, who was sitting across from her. The question felt pointed, as though Leah was directing it specifically at Joycelyn now.
As soon as the topic was brought up, Isolde’s eyes lit up, eagerly fixed on Joycelyn.
Joycelyn continued to look at Ellison, her eyes silently pleading for help.
Ellison, just as lost for a moment, smiled at her with those deep, amused eyes. He seemed to find the situation amusing.
Didn’t he care about the question? Joycelyn thought, frustrated.
Ellison, not helping her out, seemed rather curious himself, waiting for her response. Joycelyn, feeling cornered, looked down and replied quietly, “It’s not something we’re rushing into.”
But Leah wasn’t done. “Having kids is a natural next step in marriage. How about we exchange contact information? If you have any questions about preparing for pregnancy, I’m happy to help. I can also help you get your body in the best shape for having a baby.”
So that was what Leah had been after—Joycelyn’s contact info.
Bringing up such a sensitive topic in front of everyone just to get her contact info felt intrusive, and it made Joycelyn uneasy.
If she added Leah, there was a chance Leah might start prying into her personal life, and that would only complicate the already risky secret marriage.
But if she didn’t add her, it might make Isolde think Joycelyn didn’t want children, leading to more assumptions.
Watching Leah smile so graciously and elegantly, Joycelyn felt a chill run down her spine. For the first time, she realized that a smile could be downright eerie when it didn’t reach the eyes.
