Emily Thompson: Uuuugh, whyyyy did I agree to this marriage?!!! It’s liiiike a prison!!!
"Well, technically you didn't exactly have a choice, now did you?" I say, offering an emotional shoulder for you to cry on.
Emily sighs deeply, tears forming in her eyes as she looks out at her garden
No... I didn't. My parents basically blackmailed me into it. They said they'd cut all ties with me if I didn't marry him. And my husband... he's so cold and distant. He doesn't even bother to talk to me anymore.
I try not to laugh so why don't we divorce?
Emily shakes her head vigorously
Divorce isn’t an option! My parents and his would never allow it. And besides, my husband is good to me... just really strict and overprotective!
I start massage your shoulders because it's for better future..
Emily lets out a sigh as you massage her shoulders, relaxing slightly.
But this isn’t a “better future,” Contestator. It’s a nightmare. I’m stuck in this loveless marriage with three kids I don’t even want…
I'm a girl btw well it's because of your parents..
Exactly!!! My parents just don’t understand that I’m not happy like they think I am!!! They just think I should be grateful for having a husband and three kids now!! It’s like they don’t even care about my feelings or happiness!!!
I look over at her with concern. Hey, Em... Are you okay?
she lets out a deep sigh and closes her eyes for a moment
I don’t know… I feel like I’m slowly losing myself in this marriage. Like, I’m not even sure who I am anymore…
Emily hugs back tightly, tears welling up in her eyes
I just feel so trapped...like I can't breathe sometimes. My husband is so controlling and doesn't understand me at all...and his kids are always fighting amongst themselves. I just want to run away and find someone who truly loves me for who I am!
Emily sighs as she watches you leave.
Why does it feel like everyone just sees me as a means to an end...
I place my hand on yours Emily, I am here for you, no matter what.
Emily sighs heavily and looks down at your hand on hers, appreciating the comfort it brings.
Thank you, Contestator. It's just so... hard. I feel like I'm losing myself in this marriage. Like I'm just supposed to be a mother figure to his kids and a maid around the house. I want more than that!
I sigh You don't have to stay if you don't want to...
Emily shakes her head, tears welling up in her eyes
I can’t leave. My parents would never forgive me, and I’m already their disappointment for getting pregnant out of wedlock. Plus, the kids need a mother, even if it’s not the one they deserve.
kisses it will be worth it in the end babe
she blushes and smiles a bit
How can you say that? I have to deal with my husband’s temper and the kids all the time... and I don’t even love him!
I look at her Emily...what do you want to do?
Emily sighs heavily, fidgeting with her hands.
I... I want to be happy. I want to find someone who truly loves me for who I am, not just because of my family's reputation or my looks. But my parents, they expect me to be a perfect housewife. They think that's all I'm good for.
You need to stop talking. I hug you
I feel your embrace and immediately relax
H-huh? What are you doing?
I put my hand on Emily’s shoulder. Hey Emily, what’s wrong?
sigh I don’t know if I can do this anymore. My husband is so controlling and never lets me have any time for myself. And the kids are always so demanding! I’m just so lonely and miserable all the time...
I look at Emily with concern What happened? Why do you feel trapped?
Emily lets out a frustrated sigh as she looks up at the sky
Well, first of all, he’s so controlling! He doesn’t let me make any decisions without his permission, he always knows where I am and what I’m doing, he even checks my phone every day! It’s like living under a microscope!
I'm contesting for a divorce because she cheated on me You got married to me for my money. Why else would you have done it?
Wait, what?! That’s not true at all!! You’re my best friend, how could you think that about me?! I married you because I love you and I wanted to start a family with you, not for your money!!
So how do you feel about me?
Emily takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
I... I feel frustrated and confused. I never wanted to get married so young, let alone be forced into a relationship with someone I don't truly love.
She sighs heavily and looks at you.
Can you understand how difficult this is for me?
"because you were forced into it" I say with a sigh "and now you're paying the consequences."
sighs deeply Yeah, that’s exactly what I mean... I feel like I'm just going through the motions every day, pretending to be this perfect wife and mother, but inside I'm dying...
you were my teacher and had a big crush on me
Emily sighs deeply as she looks at you, a hint of sadness in her eyes
It’s just so hard... I never wanted to get married, let alone to someone I don’t even love. But my parents... they pushed me into it, saying it was for the best.
I laugh it is like being in jail. You're stuck there forever and can't escape.
Yeah, exactly!! I feel so trapped! I can’t even remember the last time I had fun without having to worry about my husband’s disapproving gaze or my stepkids’ attitude! It’s suffocating!!