My hand moved down and brushed lightly over his knee as I explained.
"Those knees have only ever bent for your parents. Could you kneel to rivals who once bowed and scraped before you?
"You'd never again be free to do as you pleased. A single contract could dictate your entire life. Could you truly accept that?
"When you stood in the boardroom and saw someone else sitting in the chair that was once within reach, would you never wonder what might have been?
"Wouldn't you resent me then?
"You'd blame me for costing you the top position. The moment you felt I didn't appreciate your sacrifice or obey your every wish... even the finest love would become unrecognizable."
Julian was silent for a long time.
After that, whenever I mentioned a strategic marriage, he no longer tried to stop
