Chapter 88
When Leah noticed Joycelyn hadn’t responded to her earlier question, her smile faltered slightly, and she quickly tried to save face. “I just wanted to be friends, and I may have overstepped,” she said, her tone light but offering an easy way out. “I didn’t mean to put Mrs. Grant on the
Her words, though an attempt to smooth things over, only made Joycelyn feel more uncomfortable. Still, she appreciated the escape Leah offered.
With a soft smile, Joycelyn replied, “Leah, you’re overthinking it. I’m just slow to warm up, and most of my time goes to being with Ellison. I’m not sure I’d have time to chat even if we exchanged contact info. Besides, taking care of Isolde is more important. Our matters can wait.”
She didn’t want to outright ignore the topic, fearing Isolde might think she wasn’t interested in having children, so she cleverly used her focus on Ellison and his grandmother as an excuse to dodge the question.
After all, no elder wanted to see their younger relatives unhappy or without children.
Her calm, measured response, delivered without the need for flashy labels or brands, radiated an understated elegance. She handled the situation with grace, sidestepping Leah’s question without causing offense.
Leah’s smile faded slightly as she realized that Joycelyn had skillfully sidestepped her attempt.
“Isolde, I really envy you,” Leah said with a sweet, almost overly flattering tone. “You have such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law. Now I understand why Mr. Grant keeps you hidden like a treasure and doesn’t tell others about you.”
Joycelyn immediately picked up on the subtle implication: their marriage, kept so private, almost made it seem like something to be hidden, like an affair.
But she wasn’t upset. Her expression remained neutral as she shrugged sheepishly, her eyes softening as she glanced at Ellison. “My husband is so good to me, and Isolde is so kind to me, too. I really feel like the happiest person in the world.”
She had just declared her love for Ellison openly, using a term of endearment, in front of everyone.
Ellison’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze tender and filled with affection. It was evident in his eyes, and it made Joycelyn’s heart flutter. She couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed under his intense gaze. Quickly, she moved to sit beside Isolde, gently linking arms with her.
“Isolde, with such amazing doctors around, you’ll get better soon,” Joycelyn said softly. “Once you’re well, I’ll not only be with him, but also spend time with you every day.”
Her gentle, heartfelt words seemed to have the desired effect, and Isolde’s mood brightened immediately.
“Good, good!” Isolde said, reaching out to touch Joycelyn’s pale cheek with a loving smile. “I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law. I treasure you more and more.”
Leah, who had been tidying up the medical kit, didn’t stop smiling, but her expression became more careful.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to enjoy your time together. I need to report to my brother about today’s progress,” Leah said warmly, making her way to the door.
Before she left, she shot Ellison a lingering glance. It wasn’t lost on Joycelyn, and the smile Leah wore now seemed sly, subtle—different from the one she had shown earlier.
As soon as Leah was out the door, her smile morphed into something more calculating, her intentions unclear.
A little later…
“Dr. Mason really knows what he’s doing,” Isolde commented, her voice full of satisfaction. “Just a little pressure from him, and I already feel so much better.”
It was clear to Joycelyn that Leah was quite skilled. She smiled at Isolde, concerned.
“Is that so? Isolde, does the weather affect you like this? Do you always have pain when the seasons change?” Joycelyn asked with genuine concern.
“Yeah, it’s an old issue,” Isolde replied, offering a knowing smile. “But with Leah here, I don’t worry too much anymore.”
“That’s good. You’ll get better for sure, Isolde. When do you think you’ll be ready to go home? That way, Ellison and I can care for you and not worry about you being alone,” Joycelyn said, her voice full of sincerity. She truly hoped Isolde would recover quickly. She had such a warm, loving presence that it was impossible not to want her around.
“I’m in no rush. It’s nice here—the environment is good, plenty of people. I wouldn’t want to interrupt you two lovebirds,” Isolde said with a knowing smile, raising an eyebrow at them.
Joycelyn laughed, feeling the warmth in her chest. “Really, you’re the best at caring for others,” Ellison said softly, his voice full of appreciation.
Joycelyn shot him a playful look. She knew that now, after their conversation about children, he had intentionally placed her in the spotlight again. Earlier, he had been quiet, letting her handle the subject. But now, he was teasing her once more.
“But I’d really like Isolde to go home soon,” Joycelyn said, trying to make her point. “It’s so quiet at our place—just the two of us. I want the house to feel more lively, full of family.”
Isolde coughed lightly before offering a suggestion. “Well, you two should try harder. Maybe have a baby, then the house will be full of life. But I’ve heard that when parents are happy, children are happy and smart, too. You’re just married, so I’m not rushing you to have kids, just saying it in passing.”
The comment caught Joycelyn off guard, and she quickly realized she had just shot herself in the foot.
Ellison raised an eyebrow, his gaze playful and lazy as he leaned back on the couch. His eyes sparkled with something mischievous. Joycelyn could feel her face flushing with embarrassment.
“You’re right,” he said, his voice low, teasing. “I’ll try, but your granddaughter-in-law is so thin. I’ll need to take better care of her.”
Isolde’s eyes brightened at his words, clearly pleased with the teasing banter.
Joycelyn’s face turned even redder. “Oh, you’re awful!” she exclaimed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection.
Seeing Joycelyn blush, both Ellison and Isolde chuckled softly. But they didn’t press the issue any further, not wanting to embarrass her too much.
Later that afternoon, on their way back from the hospital, Joycelyn was quietly settled in the passenger seat when Ellison turned to her, a playful look on his face.
“Mrs. Grant, when are we planning on having a baby?” he asked, his tone teasing and light.
Joycelyn’s eyes widened. “Have a baby? Are you serious?” she responded, shocked that he had actually said it out loud. The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
Ellison’s expression darkened slightly, but his eyes softened, full of reproach. “Well, why don’t you talk to yourself about it, Mr. Grant?” Joycelyn retorted, her tone still a little surprised at his directness.
