Chapter 63：I wasn't given a choice in this marriage.

Jim? Isn't it interesting that you refer to the cook by his first name but your husband is reduced to a formal name? She reached the bottom of the steps and loudly sighed. What are you getting at? I think you're being too friendly with the help.

Oh, be serious, Brad. I'm on a first-name basis with everyone in this house. Everyone but your husband. What is your fascination with Mr. Monroe? I know you're his friend, but this is bordering on obsessive behavior. Why is it wrong for me to want my sister to be married to someone who can be a good husband to her?

It's not, she consented. There is nothing wrong with that. But there is something wrong with you controlling me. Brad, in case you weren't aware of it, slavery was abolished from this country. Do you think I'm treating you like a slave? I wasn't given a choice in this marriage. I was just told to do it. Isn't that what a slave is? Someone who doesn't have the freedom to decide her destiny?

Is this about Harrison? No. It has nothing to do with Harrison. Why do people assume I still want him? Then it's about Jim? Were they back to that? You are making me dizzy. All you do is go around and around in circles.

I wouldn't have to go in circles if you would answer my questions. I have answered them. You just haven't been paying attention.

You'll go through with this annulment just so you can be ‗free' from the chains I've forced upon you. The way you make it sound, it's as if women have a horrible time. I don't think women are granted enough rights.

As if not marrying is the worst thing that can happen to a woman. And that's another thing that's not fair. If a woman wants to work, she should have that right. She shouldn't have to be confined to a marriage she opposed because her father and brother forced her into it. If she wants to work instead, that should be her right.

You act like we did the worst thing anyone could do to you. Not only did you take away my right to choose my course in life, but you also made that snide comment at dinner last Friday. My private life is none of your business. Nothing I do in the privacy of my home is any of your business. I will thank you very much to focus on your own life for a change. At that moment, Leo opened the front door.

They turned to look at him. His eyes grew wide. Did I come at the wrong time? She looked at her brother, waiting for him to say something. Do you know that she's been eating Jim's pizzas while you're at work? Brad finally asked him.

Oh, the nerve! She found a closed umbrella by the hat rack and started hitting her brother with it. Get out of here! Jessica, you're being childish. Brad quickly grabbed the umbrella from her and tried to pull it out of her hands.

You have no right to come into my house and badger me. I didn't do anything wrong, yet you're treating me like a criminal. She struggled for control of the umbrella. She nearly tripped on her dress to maintain her hold on it. I'm beginning to think to be an only child was a good thing, Leo commented.