Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 4

4.48%证

“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

opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. “I’m your man new–your lifelong parmer. A married daughter is like water under the

to your father, dear,”

words could have frozen hell

he roared. “Get out of my house, you ungrateful shake. Let’s see how long you last

acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. “Don’t worry, I’m going

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

glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got

un came out.

hammered the streets

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

sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father’s de.

The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible

battery. They say God never closes a door without