"Then start again," he said simply. "Write. Design. Do whatever you want with it. If you want a brand, say the word. If you want a studio up here, say the word."
She stared at him. "Just like that?"
"Yes," he said. "Just like that."
"But you said I shouldn't leave the estate…"
"You don't have to," he cut in. "You can build everything inside these walls first. If you ever want to step out, you'll do it with me. Not alone."
There it was again—the thin line between control and care, so fine she almost tripped over it.
She chewed her lip. "What if I want to travel alone?" she asked stubbornly.
He didn't smile. "Then you don't want to stay with me. At least not like this."
The words landed heavier than she thought they would. She looked away, arms crossing. "You act like I'm some… fragile toy you need to lock in a box."
