Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 345

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As soon as Bellina spoke, Timothy nearly burst out laughing. Even the Spencer family brothers chuckled.

“Belle, I’ve given you everything I can. Stop expecting more,” Jerome spoke gently, trying to calm the situation.

But Bellina wasn’t having it. She straightened up, no longer slumped on the floor. Her delicate face was filled with defiance. “Jerome, am I not part of the Schultz family? This is my home too, the family that raised me. Don’t you see, if we get married, it’s a double blessing?”

?

“And, if you hadn’t messed up last night, I wouldn’t have lost my innocence. I’m not asking for a fortune, I just want what Joycelyn got. The Schultz family isn’t poor, after all.”

Her tone was self–righteous, and she displayed no hint of guilt or shame. It was only when she mentioned the last her voice shifted, tinged with grievance.

Jerome wanted to reason with her, but clearly, the situation had spiraled beyond his control. Guilt weighed heavily on his chest, leaving him speechless.

Hearing all this, the others finally reached a conclusion. Bellina was trying to take advantage of the situation.

“Did you really sleepwalk last night, or was this all part of your plan to get a hefty dowry and bridal gift?” Joycelyn walked into the room, holding her breakfast, and took a seat beside Timothy. She placed her bowl gently on the side table, her gaze focused intently on Bellina, showing no sympathy.

Bellina’s face flushed with anger. “How is this my fault? Jerome was drunk. I’m innocent!”

“Everyone was here last night. If you’d called out, they would’ve stopped it, but you both slept through until morning,” Joycelyn smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“I was sleepwalking! I didn’t know anything until I woke up this morning!” Bellina continued to defend herself.

She glanced at Joycelyn, noticing the clear, steady gaze that seemed to see straight through her. Her heart skipped a beat. Lowering her head, she sobbed quietly, “You’re all bullying me. If you won’t give me what I want, I’ll just die. I won’t marry at ‘all!”

She tried to make her way to the kitchen to grab a knife.

Jerome quickly stood up and grabbed her.

Lily, equally distressed, rushed to calm Richard. “Richard, please, think about it. We raised her. She’s always been strong- willed, like Joycelyn. You knew that when you adopted her. We should figure this out without pushing her further.”

“Lily, we’re not forcing anything. This is about what needs to be done. Jerome wants to get married, and it’s a joyful

occasion.”

what will they think of Jerome’s character?” Richard’s voice was low and strained, his concern

softly, contrasting Lily’s frantic tone. “Then what

he caught the sharp edge in Joycelyn’s voice, lashing out at someone.

enigmatic eyes flicked over, cold and assessing.

of his presence was suffocating, a quiet dominance that sent a chill down the

shrinking back, her neck tensing as if she could

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Chapter 345

forcing a steadier tone. “He said if marriage is what’s needed, then so be it. We’ll have the

didn’t take the bait.

whole situation didn’t sit right.

she really here for Jerome? Or for the sky–high bride price and dowry?

the money–but giving it away so easily left a bad taste in Joycelyn’s mouth.

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snapped back. “This is the Schultz family’s business. You’re married now. you

interrupted sharply, his voice cold. “We’ll get them married, and as for the dowry and bridal gift, we’ll set

you speak as though it’s something shameful, Lily muttered, trying to restrain herself.

really so disgraceful?” Richard slammed

the situation, and decided it was better to focus on the outcome than continue to argue. Bellina, realizing the matter was decided, stopped protesting. “Jerome, when

still emotionless, nodded.

days, then,” someone finally

as if he were merely going

that, the decision was

a storm cloud hanging over the dining room.

garden, as if needing fresh air to clear the tension clinging to their skin.

idly stirred the plain porridge in her bowl, her

her brows knit together. Without a word, he slid the fruit

from this morning,” Joycelyn muttered, utterly

an adopted daughter–someone she never had to concern herself with.

if he’s willing, that’s his choice. He’s the one

didn’t you?” Joycelyn asked,

Bellina used a classic tactic to lock him in. She’s been living with the Schultz family for twenty years; she knows your father and brothers better than anyone,” Ellison said, handing