From Duty To Desire

Chapter 8

" Brittany, Welcome.Mr Ethan is in his room. He just got home from work". Amanda replied.

Brittany stormed past Amanda. "I need to see him"

Amanda stood up, her eyes concerned.

"Brittany, maybe you should calm down and eat something first. You must be starving".

But Brittany refused, her eyes fixed on the door to Ethan's room." I don't want food",she said, her voice cold." I want answers ".

She marched over to the door and knocked loudly, her fist clenched at her sides. " Ethan's face appeared, his eyes wary.

" What's wrong,Brittany?".he asked.

"You know exactly what's wrong ! Why did you assign bodyguards to follow me without my consent? ". Brittany asked furiously." How dare you! "

" How dare I? You're the one who is being unreasonable, Brittany. I'm just trying to keep you safe ".

" Safe? You call this safe? ", Brittany was outraged" Having two goons tailing me everywhere I go?. You think I'm some kind of possession to be guarded and controlled? ".

" There are many ladies who would be grateful for this kind of attention and care....... ".

" I'm not one of those ladies, Ethan! "Brittany spat " I won't be treated like some fragile, helpless creature who can't take care of herself ! I'm a strong, independent woman and I won't be reduced to some kind of pampered pet ! ".

" That's enough, Brittany ! You're being dramatic and ungrateful. I'm trying to protect you from harm". Ethan said raising his voice.

" Protect me from what? Your own ego? Your need to control everything and everyone around you? ", Brittany shouted" No, Ethan, I will not be controlled, I will not be owned , and I will not be treated like some kind of prized possession! I am my own person, with my own thoughts, my own feelings, and my own rights! And I will not be silenced or surpressed by your condescending, paternalistic behavior!".

Ethan's face was red with anger" You know what, Brittany?, I really hate you right now. I hate that I tried to protect you. You're just a stubborn, ungrateful, selfish......! ".

" Go on, say it!say what you really mean! ".

"Fine! I regret ever trying to help you. I regret caring about your safety. From now on, you're on your own. I'll stop the bodyguards immediately. Whatever happens to you is none of my business!. You can rot for all I care! ", Ethan said, his voice venomous, his words spewing out like poison. Brittany's face was set in a determined expression, her voice cold and detached.

" Fine by me! I don't need your help anyway. I never asked for it. And I certainly don't need your control issues".

" Great! I'm glad we understand each other. You're free to do whatever you want, and I'm free from the burden of trying to protect you! You're just a waste of time and energy anyway ", Ethan said and slammed the door behind him.

Brittany walked into her room still fuming from her argument with Ethan, but as she sat down on the bed, she couldn't help but think about their conversation. She remembered the hurtful words they had exchanged, the anger and frustration they had both felt. But as she thought about it more, she realized that their argument is not just about the bodyguards or her independence. It was something deeper.

She flopped down on her bed, sinking into the softness of her pillows. She didn't need a book to escape into- she was too angry to focus on words right now. All she wanted to do was scream and shout. She felt like she was going to burst, like her emotions were going to overflow and overwhelm her.

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The next day,Ethan woke up alone in his bed, as he usually did. He stretched and yawned, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. He headed to the shower, the warm water washing away any lingering sleepiness. He scrubbed himself clean, his mind replaying the argument with Brittany.

He smiled to himself as he got dressed, feeling a sense of determination wash over him. He wasn't the type to regret, and he certainly wasn't going to start now. He was going to show Brittany that he wasn't a pushover, that he was a man of principle and worth. He straightened his shoulders, feeling a surge of confidence.

************

Brittany woke up that day, her head pounding and her mind foggy. She slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes. She looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. She got out of bed and began her morning routine, starting with a quick shower to wake herself up. She towel-dried her hair and slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans and a bright yellow sundress, paring it with a pair of white sneakers. She applied a light layer of makeup and swiped her hair into a messy bun, feeling a sense of refreshment and renewal. Just as she picked up her bag, her phone buzzed signaling a text message. She pulled it out, wondering who it was."Hey Brittany, you left without informing me yesterday. I hope everything is okay and you're doing well. Anyway, I hope you'll come to work today and we can catch up. We have a lot to talk about. Please let me know if you're coming in. Love you, dear".

Brittany's eyes widened as she read the message, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, love and a hint of defensiveness. She knew she had hurt Dora by leaving without saying goodbye, but she had been in a rush and hadn't thought it through. She felt bad for worrying her friend and knew she needed to make it right.

She took a deep breath and typed out a response, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.

"Hey, Dora, I'm so sorry for leaving without saying goodbye yesterday, I was in a rush and wasn't thinking. I love you too and I'll make it up to you, I promise. Yes, I'll be at work today and we can talk more then. See you soon!".