From Duty To Desire

Chapter 5

Ethan, on the other hand, went out to his garden and dialed his mother's number, his fingers moving quickly over the phone's keypad as he waited anxiously for her to answer. He paced back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts of Brittany and their argument.

As soon as his mother answered, Ethan launched into a passionate recounting of the fight, sharing every detail and seeking her guidance and support. His mother listened attentively, offering words of comfort and wisdom as Ethan poured out his heart.

"I just don't understand why she won't listen to me, Mom", Ethan exclaimed, his frustration evident in his voice. "I feel like she's not even trying to understand my perspective".

Ethan's mother, Grace, a warm and nurturing person in her late 40s,has a kind face, a gentle smile, and a calming presence. Her warm brown eyes and soft grey hair radiate a sense of comfort and understanding. She has a listening ear and a compassionate heart, always ready to offer support and guidance to those around her. As a devoted mother to Ethan, she has been deeply involved in his life, often sacrificing her own needs and desires to ensure his happiness and well-being.

Grace's relationship with her husband, Ryder, is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, they appear to be a loving and devoted couple, having shared about three decades of marriage. However, beneath the surface, there are underlying tensions and power dynamics at play. Ryder, a strong-willed and controlling person, often imposes his will on Grace and Ethan without regard for their feelings or needs. He has a dominant personality, always needing to be in charge and dictate the terms of their relationships. However, in private moments, Grace has confided in Ethan about her frustrations and fears, seeking his support and understanding.

"Well, Ethan, let me tell you something. Women are not like they used to be. They have their own goals and aspirations, and they won't be held back by traditional gender roles. You need to understand and respect that ", Grace told him.

" But mother, what about our marriage and family?, don't they come first? ".

" Of course, they do. But you need to find a way to balance your needs with Brittany's needs. You can't just dictate what she should do. You need to let Brittany pursue her career, if that's what she wants ", Grace said and continued," If she's staying home against her will, she'll be resentful and unhappy, and that's not good for anyone ".

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The next morning, Brittany got out of bed and began getting ready for the day. She walked into her closet, which was filled with a vast array of designer clothes and shoes. She scanned the racks, looking for the perfect outfit to make a statement.

She chose a black pencil dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her tiny waist and flattering her legs. The dress was sleek and sophisticated, and it made her feel confident and professional.

She paired the dress with a pair of stiletto heels that added a few inches to her height, making her feel even more powerful and formidable. She wore a simple yet elegant necklace with a small pendant that sparkled in the light, and a pair of stud earrings that complemented her outfit perfectly.

As she looked in the mirror, Brittany felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had worked hard to get to where she was, and she was determined to make a success of her career. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm and focus wash over her.

She walked out of the room and into the kitchen, where Amanda was waiting with a cup of coffee and a smile.

"Good morning, Brittany!. You look amazing today", she said, eyeing her outfit appreciatively.

Brittany smiled and thanked her, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Amanda for her support and encouragement. She took a sip of her coffee and headed out the door, feeling ready to take on the day. As she reached for the handle, two large men stepped out of the shadows, their faces stern and unyielding.

"Ma'am we need to accompany you to work", one of them said, his voice firm but polite. He was a towering figure with piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was buzzed short, revealing a prominent scar above his left eyebrow. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and bulging biceps.

The second was slightly shorter but no less intimidating. His dark skin seemed to absorb the light around him, and his piercing brown eyes seemed to bore into Brittany's soul. His shaved head gleamed in the morning light, and his thick neck seemed to strain against the collar of his suit.

"What? No, I don't need any accompaniment. I can go to work on my own, thank you very much", Brittany's eyes widened in surprise and frustration.

"I'm afraid it's not optional, ma'am. Mr Ethan's orders. He's concerned for your safety", the first bodyguard said stepping forward.

Brittany's face darkened with anger,. "Ethan's orders?, Is he trying to control my every move now? I can't even go to work without him breathing down my neck?"

The second bodyguard eyes seemed to flicker with sympathy while the expression on the other one remained neutral. "We're just doing our job, ma'am. Please cooperate",he said.

"This is ridiculous", Brittany spat out, her voice dripping with resentment. "I'm a grown woman, capable of taking care of myself. I don't need two babysitters following me around everywhere I go".

The second bodyguard seemed to soften slightly "We understand your frustration, ma'am. But our orders are clear. We're to ensure your safety at all costs".

Brittany's anger boiled over, her voice rising in protest.

"My safety? You're the ones who are making me feel unsafe! I won't accept this. You're going to follow me everywhere I go? Watch me like hawks? It's suffocating!"

Her words were laced with venom, her eyes blazing with fury. The two bodyguards stood firm, unmoving as Brittany's anger raged on.