From Duty To Desire

Chapter 4

As they leaned back in their chairs, seated and happy, Ethan's phone rang. He pushed his chair back and stood up,his napkin falling to the floor.

"Excuse me,guys. I need to take this call",he said,his eyes apologetic.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and walked over to the living room, answering the call as he moved away from the dinner table." Hey, what's up?"he said,his voice fading into the distance as he walked further away.

As Ethan left, Gregory turned to Brittany,his expression serious."Hey, Brittany, can I talk to you for a minute?I want to share something with you".

Brittany nodded, her curiosity piqued."Sure, what's up? You're not going to give me some kind of sales pitch,are you?",she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Gregory chuckled."No,no sales pitch. I just want to offer some advice,as a friend. I know things have been tough between you and Ethan. I know you two didn't exactly choose each other, and that can be tough ".

"It's not easy, Gregory. We're just so different. And the way we were forced into this marriage..... It's just not ideal"Brittany sighed,her shoulders sagging.

Gregory nodded empathetically"I get it,I really do. But sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected places. Just try to keep an open mind, okay? And don't be afraid to talk to me ".

Brittany nodded,a small smile on her face."Thanks, Gregory.You're a good friend".

"Now, let's enjoy the rest of the evening and forget about all this heavy stuff for a while", Gregory grinned, his eyes crinkling.

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

For about a week after that, Ethan and Brittany maintained their distance. Ethan went to work while Brittany stayed at home in the company of Amanda. One day, Brittany walked into the living room where Ethan was sitting on the couch,sipping a glass of Scotch.

"Ethan, we need to talk", she said, her voice steady.

He looked up at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it, Brittany?"

She took a deep breath before launching into her speech. "I'm resuming at my office tomorrow. I just thought I should inform you".

"You're quitting your job, Brittany. You should focus on being a good wife and hostess".

Brittany's eyes widened in shock. "What?, You can't be serious. My career is important to me and I won't give it up because you think I should". she said "And besides, we never discussed me quitting my job before we got married. You're just springing this on me now".

"Well, maybe we didn't discuss it, but it's just assumed that a wife will support her husband and his career. And my career is more important than yours, let's be real",Ethan sneered.

" More important? How dare you? My career is just as important as yours ", Brittany's voice rose." What's wrong with me working?"

" Nothing's wrong with it, per se. But you need to prioritize our marriage and our future family. Your job is just a distraction from that ". Ethan argued.

" A distraction?, My job is my passion, my identity. I expect you to respect my choices and support my career. But I guess that's too much to ask from you "." You're being unreasonable, Brittany. You should....... "

Brittany interrupted him rudely"I'm resuming work tomorrow, with or without your support ", and she went back to her room.

As she entered her room, she flopped down on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Just as she was starting to drift off to sleep, her phone buzzed on her nightstand. She groggily reached over to silence it, but then saw Dora's name flashing on the screen.

" Hey, girl", Dora's cheerful voice came through the line," How are you?"

"Hey, Dora", Brittany replied, her voice dull and flat.

"Brittany, what's wrong?, You sound really down".Dora asked, her tone turning concerned.

Brittany told her all what had transpired between her and Ethan that day.

"That's strange. What are you going to do now?"

"I'm coming to work tomorrow. Work is my priority right now and I can't let personal issues get in the way" Brittany said.

"Okay, well, I'm here for you, no matter what",Dora took a deep breath before delivering the news"Brittany, I need to tell you something. Brandon came to see me this morning and handed in her resignation".

Brittany's eyes widened in shock. "What? When did this happen?"

Just a little while ago ",Dora replied" She said she's been thinking about it for a while, and she feels like it's time for her to move on".

Brandon is a highly skilled and dedicated staff member who has been working with Brittany for a few years. She's a quiet and introspective person who is always professional and courteous. Brandon is also incredibly loyal and has always been there for Brittany, offering support and guidance whenever she needs it.

Brittany values Brandon's opinion and trusts her implicitly. She has come to rely on her expertise and insight, and she has become an indispensable member of her team. Brittany also appreciates Brandon's kind and compassionable nature, and the two have developed a strong bond over the years. She considers her a close friend and confidant, and her resignation has left her feeling lost and bereft.

"I know how much Brandon meant to you, Brittany. But sometimes, people need to move on to find their own path". Dora's voice was filled with empathy.

Brittany sighed, feeling a sense of loss." I know, Dora. It's just hard to accept. We've worked together for so long, and she's been such a big part of our team. I keep thinking this is all just a bad dream, and she'll walk back in the door any minute, laughing and smiling like always".

Dora's tone was gentle. "I wish that were true, Brittany. But sometimes, goodbyes are a part of life. We have to cherish the memories and experiences we shared with Brandon and use them to inspire us as we move forward".

Brittany nodded, trying to hold back tears. "You're right, Dora. I just need some time to process this. It feels like a part of me is missing".

"Take all the time you need. We'll get through this together", Dora said before she ended the call