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 of all

her off. “I’m your man new–your lifelong parmer. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can’t count on her anymore.”

dear,” Iris

have frozen

shake.

acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her

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

no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the

un came out.

hammered the streets as Joycelyn

plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes

a crouch, hands clasped over her

huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task.

burned from all the crying as she checked her phone–x battery. They say God never closes a door without opening a window, she thought bitterly. “But my life’s just one slammed