NovelXoxo Chapter 5
Chapter 5
2부 수립 48%
Ellison stood by his grandmother’s hospital bed, concern crucki, his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the Oxygen
mask.
His phone’s vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen–his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He
then sent a one–word response. [Yes]
The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up?
We need to talk.]
His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn’t the worst option.
She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery.
‘If he comes, I’ll marry him,‘ she decided. If not, be it.
As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother’s fragile grasp caugh him.
“You stubborn boy,” Isolde Grant whispered.
“I didn’t mean to worry you, Grandma. I’ve found someone–were getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?” His voice
held rare tenderness.
Hope flickered in Isolde’s tired eyes. “Really?” She struggled to sit up.
Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. “Really, I’m going to get her now. You’ll meet her in the morning.
Rest now
“Promise you’re not lying to me
“Never.
The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite.
After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out
“Mr. Grant, there’s a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn’t be fe for you to drive, the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping
forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave.
“It’s fine.” Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lo
His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel driving toward its destiny.
Fierce wind battered Joycelyn’s small frame beneath the bus shelter, She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real
protection.
Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain haguered the roof like buckshot while trees
thrashed in the gale.
Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car
approached through the pouring rain..
The Maybach pulled up smoothly, Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm’s fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his
12:52 Mon, Feb 10
Chapter 5
frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him–lost, hurt like an abandoned kitten in the storm.
“Get in,” he said simply, taking her suitcase,
48%
His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks I thought you weren’t coming,” she whispered, swollen eyes
meeting his.
Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the
endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze.
Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. “Inside. Now”
She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip.
The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her
against his chest.
His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain.
“Are you hurt?” she asked, voice tight with worry.
“It’s nothing.” Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety.
Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from
chaos.
“You must be injured. Let me look at your arm, she insisted, remembering the metallic crash.
“Home first,” he said curtly without much explanation.
The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage.
“Here we are.” He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm
“Mr. Grant?” Her voice came congested from the cold. “Shouldn’t we discuss terms?” She stood by the car door, her reddened
watching him with uncertainty,
eyes
“Change
e your clothes first.” He carried her suitcase
e and strode toward the elevator.
She followed like a shadow, head down–worlds away from last right’s bold drunk girl.
He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach.
She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him
waiting for her.
“State your terms,” he said, authority rolling off him, “Or we do is my way?
Sniffling, she spoke directly. “Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six
months to a year. Separate bedrooms.”
Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, “You... you said you’d take responsibility.”
They both knew she had no leverage.
wwProfile
12:52 Mon, Feb 10 u
Chapter 5
“First three points accepted. We’ll discuss divorce later. He tilted her chin up. “Explain the separate rooms.”
Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, “I want my own space, in case you in case... Her pale face flamed
crimson as words failed.
His subtle smile and rain–slicked hair radiated raw magnetism.
“In case I want you, I come to your room?” His deep voice held dangerous promise. “Is that what you’re trying to say?”