Forbidden Passion

A Heart in Chains

Julia sat in her little bedroom, her head whirling from the talk with her father. She felt as though she was suffocating and the walls appeared to shut in around her. She could wed William Harrison how? Though the idea was unpleasant, there seemed to be no other way out.

She kept hearing her father say. "I apologies, Julia." I put effort at it. But only this will help us to survive. Though the cost was too great, she understood he was desperate. She couldn't believe she was being asked to give up her happiness, her future, for a man who considered her as nothing more than a tool to an end.

Julia first responded with amazement and resentment. Her emotions a flurry of uncertainty and betrayal, she moved the room. Her father had always been her guardian and road map through the challenges of life. Now he was asking her to give her all for his mistakes.

Tears running down her face, she asked, "How can he do this to me?" "How can he want me to wed a man like William?"

She shivered down her spine at William's harsh, merciless eyes. She understood he was a strong man, a merciless businessman who stopped at nothing to obtain what he desired. And just now he wanted her.

Julia dropped her face in her hands as she slumped onto the bed. She felt caught, as though she had no way out of the dream her life had evolved. But her resentment started to give way to a reluctant acceptance as the hours passed. She had always been solid, tough. Over her life, she had encountered many difficulties and tragedies. Maybe this was only yet another challenge to go over.

She considered her father, with his sense of guilt and regret. She loved him very much despite his shortcomings. Having been with her when her mother passed away, he had tried his best to raise her among his own difficulties. She refused to let him bear the effects of his debt alone. She could not stand to see him go through any more than he has experienced.

Julia decided with a heart full of sorrow. She would wed William Harrison, for her father rather than for herself. To save him from catastrophe, she would give her own happiness up-front. She prayed that somehow she would find the fortitude to bear it; it was a decision taken out of love and despair.

Julia was standing outside the massive Harrison estate the following day. She inhaled deeply, arming herself for what lied ahead. She could not get rid of the anxiety that descended over her as she strolled up the driveway.

William met her in his great study; he was as frightening as usual. His eyes narrows slightly as he turned from his desk to greet her.

"Julia," he murmured, his voice remote and calm. "I assume you have decided upon something."

Julia nodded, trying to match his look. "I did. I am going to wed you.

Though it was weak, William's mouth opened to a tiny smile at the corners. "good." We will straight forward the agreement right away.

Julia listened silently as William set the parameters of their marriage; her heart was weighed with resignation. Extensive in nature, the prenuptial agreement guaranteed Julia would have no claim to William's riches and that all of his assets would remain his. He obviously saw their union as a commercial transaction, nothing more.

William remarked, his voice devoid of opportunity for debate, "You'll accompany me to social functions, manage the household, and fulfill your duties as my wife."

Julia nodded, numbing her mind. She felt like a puppet, her strings being tugged by a man who gave her no thought at all. She would see it though, having made her decision.

Julia wrote her name with a quivering hand as the transaction was finalised. Every penstroke seemed like a nail in the tomb of her aspirations. She was sacrificing her future for the mistakes of her father, giving up all she had ever desired.

William studied her intently, his eyes calculating. Julia, you have chosen the correct choice. It will help both of us this way.

Although it felt fake, Julia forced a smile. " I hope so."

Julia sensed finality settle over her as she departed the estate. Her life would never be the same and she had no idea what the future held. She was convinced, though, that she would find a way to withstand whatsoever.