Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 14 Chapter 14 47 % 2 Well , well , Phineas scoffed .

Turning down a man with a house and six figure engagement gift for this pretty boy ? Youve lost your mind , Joycelyn .

Despite Ellisons commanding presence , Phineas had convinced himself he faced just another nobody .

His fear morphed into contempt .

Watch out , Joycelyn .

Men like him always turn abusive , Octavia chimed in , twisting the knife .

Ellisons arctic stare pierced Octavias facade , making her stumble back .

Ellison wiped his hand fastidiously after touching Cedric , then stroked Joycelyns hair with surprising gentleness .

Its okay .

Im here now .

Where does it hurt ? Joycelyn pressed against him like a lifeline , voice cracking .

Just bruises .

But they took my phone and purse .

Return them .

Ellison addressed the group before him , his tone brooking no argument .

Cedric practically threw the items at them .

Listen here , boy , Phineass bluster had dimmed but hadnt died Marriage to her comes with a steep price tag engagement gift plus raising expenses , totaling 240 thousand doars .

Got that kind of cash ? Fine , Ill sell everything I own .

Ellison passed Joycelyn her purse with theatrical gravity .

The Mercers eyes gleamed with greed while Joycelyn clutched Ellisons shirt , silently begging him to stop .

Though thats an interesting demand , Ellison said smoothly , since my wifes birth father passed away years ago .

If anyone deserves such a generous sum , it would be him not the stepfather whos trying to sell her off Their faces darkened as his mockery registered .

Only Joycelyn relaxed , recognizing his game .

Ellison seated Joycelyn carefully before taking his own chair , legs crossed elegantly as he surveyed the wolves in their den Youre married ? Iriss shock colored her voice , When ? Yesterday , Joycelyn replied calmly .

How could you be so reckless ? Iriss face paled .

Werent you desperate to many me off ? Joycelyns wire turned to glass Better my choice than being sold like caule All they ever did was manipulate her with guilt , forcing her to endure , give in , and suffer in silence , Looking back now , she could see how her blind devotion to filial duty had been nothing but foolish self sacrifice .

The marriage bombshell left the Mercers reeling .

Marriage is sacred ! Octavia recovered first .

He raised you , even if youre not his own blood .

Getting married without negotiating marriage gift how desperate are you ? Her fury stemined from watching her golden payday evaporate , No house ? No car ? Lyras words dripped venom , Get divorced you cant pay up we wont be cheated ! But she soon 12:54 Mon , Feb 10 Chapter 14 faltered under Ellisons measured gaze , looking away like a coward .

9.47 % 2 True , I own nothing .

Ellison said smoothly .

Luckily , my wife atrepts me .

I bought her a car whats your contribution ? His words detonated like a bomb .

The Mercers exploded in outrage while Iris stared in disbelief at having such an unreasonable son in law .

Her face darkened considerably .

Joycelyn , how could you- Iris began .

Mom , this is who he is , Joycelyn cut her off smoothly .

He may not have money , but he treats me well , so dont worry .

She added with subtle bite , Besides , isnt this what everyone wanted ? Me married off ? Theyre all just here for money anyway , she thought strategically .

Better to let Ellison fight fire with fire .

Never seen a man so damn shameless about living off a woman Phineas spat .

Oh , you cant judge .

Joycelyn cut in .

At least he bought me something .

When have you ever given my mother a gift ? Ellison adjusted Joycelyns disheveled hair , fully embracing his kept man role while the Mercers sputtered , outmaneuvered on every front .

Fine , I wont take it but pay the marriage gift to your mother , one hundred seventy thousand dollars .

And we wont give anything back in return , Phineas conceded .

Too late .

Im married .

Try selling your own daughter to yesterdays prospect .

Perfect match .

Joycelyn stood , tugging Ellisons hand .

Were done here .

Lets go Ellison rose with innate grace , his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy apartment .

Youd really abandon your mother ? Iris stumbled forward , shoved by her husband .

You made your choice , Mom .

Enjoy your new family Joycelyn marched out without looking back .

We know where you work , Joycelyn ! Phineas shouted as he followed them out .

Pay up , or well make trouble ! Ellisons death glare froze him mid step .

Try it .

Joycelyn pulled Ellison quickly into the elevator , leaving the apament behind After they left , the Mercers faces turned ugly with thwarted greed .

Well make a scene at her office tomorrow , Phineas raged , pounding the sofa .

If she wont pay up , Ill make her life hell .

My Jucks running hot right now I need that capital to win back my losses ! My credit cards are maxed out too , Octavia added anxiously .

I was counting on her money to tide me ever They couldnt let their cash cow escape .

Even if Joycelyn was breaking free , they had to squeeze one last big payment out of her .

Iris sat silently at the edge of the group , not daring to breathe a word In the elevator , Joycelyn sagged like a survivor escaping hell .

Why didnt you tell me you came back here ? Ellison asked .

If he hadnt seen her messages today , and if hed been a moment later … he shuddered to think what these vultures might have done to her.

12:54 Mon , Feb 10 Chapter 14 I didnt want to burden you .

Her gaze fixed on the floor Her treating him like an outsider sparked his anger .

He yanked you trust ? I was afraid … Tears splashed onto polished tile as she trailed of Chapter 14 I didnt want to burden you .

Her gaze fixed on the floor .

BK47 % Her treating him like an outsider sparked his anger .

He yanked his tie loose , frustration evident .

If not me , who else would you trust ? I was afraid … Tears splashed onto polished tile as she trailed off I was afraid my family would disgust you .

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