Unfair Expectations

Collin was sure that Charlotte would say yes when the time came. She had no reason to say no. Both of them knew they had to get married for the benefit of their families and, since they were comfortable with each other, she wasn't likely to find a better offer.

"Like making you host this party when you would rather spend the whole time hiding in the piano room," she mused, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Exactly like that," he agreed. "Do your parents have unfair expectations for you too?"

Charlotte let out a dry laugh. "Do they ever. I'm more of a slave to my family's whims than I am my own person."

That was perhaps the heaviest thing she had ever said to him. Even her posture looked defeated. It was strange seeing her like that because that wasn't how she usually acted at all. He felt shackled by his father's expectations but he wouldn't phrase it so harshly.