Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 344 What exactly is going on ? Jerome , explain yourself ! Richards voice thundered with fury , his face twisted in utter disappointment as he stared at his son .

Jerome , taken aback by his fathers shout , snapped to attention , his handsome face stiffening with a solemn expresion .

Dad , I … he stammered .

The rest of the family , woken up by the ruckus , rushed to the door , eager to see what was happening .

As they reached the doorway , the scene inside left them all frozen in shock .

They quickly turned away , not daring to get involved .

Joycelyn , who had been on the third floor , descended when she saw the others troubled expressions .

She whispered .

approaching Sebastian , Sebastian , what happened ? Sebastian , his face pale and taken aback , finally managed to mutter , Jerome and Bellina … theyre in bed together .

What ?! Joycelyns soft white face stiffened in disbelief .

She thought she must have misheard .

Impossible , right ? I didnt think Jerome was that drunk last night , Joycelyn muttered , recalling the dinner at the Schultz family the night before .

The atmosphere had been lively , even Ellison had had a few drinks , but nothing had suggested this level of chaos .

She had always seen Jerome being especially affectionate with Bellina , but it had always been the innocent love of a big brother for his younger sister .

This … it didnt add up .

Lets get the kids dressed first , Lily suggested , trying to calm Richard down as she moved to close the door .

Richard , clearly furious , slammed the door and stormed downstairs .

Jerome , get down here and explain yourself ! Inside the room , Jerome struggled to recall the events of last night .

Everything felt like a dream .

The images were blurry , and what had seemed like a moment of passion now left him with a sinking feeling in his stomach .

Bellina was curled up in bed , crying inconsolably .

To Jerome , even though Bellina wasnt his biological sister , the years of seeing her grow up by his side had created an undeniable sibling bond .

Belle , Im sorry , Jerome said , sitting up with a hand on his throbbing temples , deeply apologizing .

Bellina cried even harder .

She looked at him through tear streaked eyes , wiping her face dramatically , purposely letting the blanket slip , revealing faint red marks on her fair skin .

Jeromes gaze flicked to the marks , and he immediately looked away , horrified .

He swallowed hard , his voice hoarse .

He didnt know how to continue .

Jerome , what should we do ? Im not a pure girl anymore .

No one will marry me now , Bellina sobbed louder , falling deeper into despair .

First , get dressed .

Ill take responsibility for this , Jerome said , pulling the scattered clothes off the floor and handing them to Bellina .

Bellina grabbed them but , the next second , threw herself into Jeromes arms .

Jerome , Im scared … she pretended to sob , her soft body pressing against him , rubbing against him intentionally .

Jerome , who had been holding onto some semblance of control , now found himself completely lost .

1/3 14:31 Wed , 19 60 % +45 Chapter 344 Get dressed first , he said , struggling to maintain his composure .

He gently pushed her off, handing her the clothes and immediately turning away to give her some privacy .

Bellina , still crying , slowly dressed herself .

Jerome rushed to the bathroom , splashing cold water on his face to regain some sense of clarity .

Ten minutes later , they came downstairs .

The entire living room was filled with tense faces .

The atmosphere felt as if a storm was about to break .

Joycelyn , who had been a bit late coming down , had gone to the restaurant to get some food since she was a little hungry .

By chance , Shirley was also there having breakfast .

Joycelyn took her freshly squeezed juice and sat down next to her .

Shirley , what happened last night ? After dinner , everyone had been chatting and strolling around the Schultz family estate , admiring the moon , discussing where to go next.

By 9 PM , Joycelyn had been too tired and went to bed with Ellison , completely unaware of what had transpired after .

Last night , everyone was chatting .

Jerome and the others had a few more drinks and then went upstairs .

No one knew what exactly happened , Shirley explained .

Jeff said the homes security cameras werent on , so we dont know what happened after that .

Joycelyn , holding her juice , stared blankly at the family portrait on the wall of the restaurant , lost in thought .

Soon , Jerome and Bellina came downstairs .

As soon as Jerome stepped into the living room , Richard , unable to contain his fury , hurled a cup of water at him .

You bastard ! Richard yelled , his voice full of rage .

The force of the yell made Bellina , standing beside Jerome , drop to her knees in shock .

Dad , dont blame Jerome .

Its my fault .

Ive had sleepwalking episodes since I was young and would always go to find Jerome .

He got drunk last night , and none of this was intentional , Bellina pleaded , rushing to Jeromes defense .

Jerome remained expressionless , falling to his knees in front of Richard .

This is my fault .

Ill take responsibility for Belle .

I will marry her .

His voice was firm , and his words hung heavily in the room .

Lily , hearing this , immediately intervened .

She pulled Richard back from taking further action .

Richard , the situation is already done .

Lets think of a solution .

Theyve grown up together ; theyre practically childhood sweethearts .

This could be a good thing .

Richard remained stoic , grunting angrily , not speaking .

Timothy , after pressing his aching temples , said , Given the circumstances , lets handle the marriage quietly .

Lily , hearing this , smiled awkwardly .

Timothy , its your brother getting married .

How can we handle this quietly ? Joycelyn is your real sister , but Jerome is also your real brother .

Belle has always called you brother , hasnt she ? Your real brother slept with the adopted sister .

Someone might think the Schultz family was raising a wife for the son ! Timothys voice was cold , causing Lilys face to blanch .

The proper rituals should still be followed .

Even though Belle grew up with the Schultz family , if shes marrying in , we need to think of the dowry and wedding gifts .

We cant let it be worse than what Joycelyn received , right ? Theyre both our children , Lily said , trying to smooth things over with a soft tone .

Everyone , who had thought the matter was over , now grew silent , the mood growing tense and complicated .

Whats with all the drama ? Its family marrying family , why complicate things? Zack sneered .

2/3 Ved , 19 Mar Chapter 344 自 Exactly .

If it wasnt for the Schultz family adopting her , she mightve been starving and neglected in some orphanage .

After all these years of being treated like a princess , the nurturing is worth more than the dowry .

As for extra funds , we brothers will make sure theyre provided , Sebastian added , his tone sharp and indifferent .

Though I was adopted , Ive been here all these years , taking care of dad .

Why are you treating me like Im a beggar ? Then what do you want ? Timothys voice dropped low , his gaze turning icy as he questioned .

Bellina , who had been crying , immediately stopped as she heard the harshness in Timothys tone .

Her attitude shifted, and with a defiant look at Lily , she raised her chin and demanded , The same dowry and wedding gifts that Joycelyn received .

I want it too .