The Demon I Run From

DUTY VS DESIRE

The day I received the letter from Paris, flashed before my eyes, like a big screen showing my sins on the judgement day. I had applied for the art contest on a whim, before Devin and I got married. I had almost forgotten about it, thinking it was just another rejection waiting to happen. But there it was, in black and white, I had won.

I was ecstatic, and couldn't wait to share the news with Devin. He was beaming with pride, and we celebrated late into the night. Devin's one of the good men I'd met, he celebrated all my successes with me and that made me love him more.

* * * *

I sat in Vivian's opulent living room, Devin by my side, as she handed me a cup of tea. We'd gone to visit and also to share the good news with my mother-in-law.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Lena," Vivian said, her voice dripping with disapproval. "You're a married woman now. You can't just run off to Paris for a job."

"I understand your concerns, Vivian," I said, trying to placate her. "But this is an incredible opportunity for me. I'll be able to showcase my skills and....."

"Skills?" Vivian interrupted, her eyebrow raised. "You mean, selling your body to the art world? I won't have it, Lena. Our family's reputation is at stake." Vivian stated with an air of finality.

"That's not fair, Vivian," I protested. "This job has nothing to do with that."

"Mother, come on," Devin said, placing a hand on my arm. "Lena's right. This is a great opportunity for her."

"Stay out of this, Devin," Vivian snapped. "You're not thinking about the family's well being. Lena, if you take this job, it will look like we're allowing our daughter-in-law to...to p********e herself."

I felt a surge of anger at her words. "That's not true, Vivian. And even if it was, it's my decision to make, not yours."

"I won't have it, Lena," Vivian repeated, her voice firm. "You'll stay here and fulfill your duties as a wife."

I looked at Devin, hoping he'd support me, but he just shrugged. "Maybe mother's right, Lena. We should think about what's best for the family."

"I can't believe you're not supporting me on this, Devin," I said, feeling a sting of disappointment.

"Hey, I am supporting you," Devin replied, his voice defensive. "I just think we should consider all the options before making a decision."

"Consider all the options?" I repeated, incredulous. "You mean, consider how this will affect your mother's social standing?"

"That's not fair, Lena," Devin said, his face reddening.

"Fair?" I laughed, a bitter taste in my mouth. "Your mother's been manipulating us from the start. She doesn't care about me or my happiness. All she cares about is her precious family reputation."

Vivian's eyes narrowed. "How dare you, Lena. I'm only trying to protect this family's interests. It's been a year you got married to my son and you're yet to produce an heir." Vivian yelled

"Protect the family's interests? Produce an heir? Oh pplleease......"I shot back. "You mean, protect your own interests. Well, I've had enough of this conversation."

I stood up, my heart racing with anger and frustration. "I'm taking the job, Vivian. And there's nothing you can do to stop me."

Vivian's face turned white with rage. "You'll regret this, Lena. Mark my words." She threatened.

I turned to Devin, expecting him to stand up for me, but he just looked away, his eyes avoiding mine.

I walked out of Vivian's house, feeling a sense of liberation wash over me. I knew I had made the right decision, no matter how difficult it would be.

But as I drove home, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I knew leaving Devin for Paris and also without a child was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking.

* * * *

When I got home, I started packing my bags, my mind racing with thoughts of the future. I was finally taking control of my life, and it felt amazing.

But as I was packing, Devin walked in, his face somber.

"Lena, we need to talk," he said, his voice low.

"What's there to talk about, Devin?" I asked, my heart heavy with emotion.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he said, his eyes narrowing. "You're really going to do this, aren't you? You're going to leave me and my family for some job in Paris."he asked.

I sighed, feeling a pang of sadness. "Devin, I've already told you. This has nothing to do with you or your family. This is about me, and my happiness."

Devin shook his head. "You're making a huge mistake, Lena. You're practically being selfish right now, you need to calm down and let's figure this out ." Devin said.

I looked at him, feeling a sense of regret. "I'm sorry, Devin. But I have to do this." I said.