Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 4

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“Joycelyn, please.” Iris’s soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. “Phines wants what’s best for you–a stable future.” Her swollen. eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker,

Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. “That hundred–thousand–dollar engagement gift–why not sell off your own precious daughter stead?”

“God. I wouldn’t marry that troll.” Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “You should grab the offer while you’re young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you’ll be damaged goods.” Cold fury settled in Joycelyn’s chest as she met her mother’s eyes “Mom, is that really what you think too?”

Her mother’s averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear–Joycelyn had no real place in this family.

“Octavia.” Iris’s weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter.

“Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!” Phineas’s voice thundered through the room.

Joycelyn’s voice cracked with disappointment. “What was the point

A married daughter

your father, dear,” Iris

dead‘ Joycelyn’s words could have frozen

out of my house, you ungrateful shake. Let’s

as she watched her mother’s passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase

off guard. “And don’t bother coming back!” he shouted at

backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the

un came out.

hammered the streets as Joycelyn

mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame.

sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head.

against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even

burned from all the crying as she checked her phone–x battery. They say God never closes a door without opening a window, she