I feared love always had a hidden cost.

My parents feared poverty and loss of control.

Gianna feared we would begin married life without stability.

Everyone thought they were protecting someone.

Protection without communication becomes control surprisingly easily.

That became the lesson of our marriage.

EPILOGUE — NO HIDDEN PRICE

On our wedding night, I believed Owen’s envelope contained the thing that would prove my parents right.

I had given up wealth.

Status.