THE ARRANGED BRIDE
"Spare me the rule of family lecture. I've had enough. I didn't want this marriage, and I'm not going to act like I'm all loving for a wife just because it's good for the press."
Mom's mouth pursed, but she would not let herself be cowed. "You mustn't love her, Kellen-no, not to marry her, but you must treat her with respect. Beyond that, you must respect your position. Rest assured, your father and I did not arrange this marriage lightly."
"'Strategic,' I finished for her, scorn coming out in my voice. 'I know. Everything in this family is about strategy. Marry the right girl, make the right connections, and everything will fall into place, right? Well, I'm not playing along.' "
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