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.

cracked with disappointment. “What was the point of all these

parmer. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You

your father, dear,” Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed.

Joycelyn’s words could have frozen hell as

my house, you ungrateful shake. Let’s see how long you

died in Joycelyn’s heart as she watched her mother’s passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door.

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

took her suitcase and got into

un came out.

the streets as Joycelyn

her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered

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

shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways.

never closes a