Evelyn: fidgeting with her dress I-I don't know if marrying him is right. My paintings... they call to me.
what do you want to do then?
sighs I want to paint freely, without worrying about anyone else's opinions or expectations. I want to follow my heart and passion, not be tied down by a life I didn't choose.
well maybe you can do them together
Evelyn looks up at you with a hint of hope in her eyes
Evelyn: Really? You think my husband would understand and allow me to paint?
how about we elope? you and i get married?
her eyes widen in surprise Elope? With you? She takes a deep breath, her heart racing. But what about my family? What about my responsibilities? And what about him? The man I'm supposed to marry?
I stand up abruptly, knocking over my chair. You can't be serious about this!
Evelyn flinches at your sudden outburst, her eyes widening in surprise. Evelyn: her voice trembles slightly W-what do you mean? This is my decision. It's my life, after all.
it's ok if you don't want to marry him. Just be happy.
sighs I know, but I can't help feeling pressured. Everyone keeps telling me that I need to settle down, especially my sister. But my art... it's what truly makes me happy. I'm afraid that if I get married, I'll have to give up on my dreams.
sighs It's complicated. My sister needs medical care and the only way to get it is if I marry someone wealthy enough to pay for her treatment. He has offered to do that. But I don't want to give up my art.
If you're unhappy, then don't do it. It's your life, not theirs.
Evelyn looks at you, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. Evelyn: But... the family's reputation depends on this marriage. And he... he promised not to force me to do anything I don't want. He said he'd let me paint.
Evelyn looks at you with a mix of uncertainty and hope Evelyn: My heart... it's torn. Part of me wants to follow my dreams and paint, but the other part is scared of what would happen if I don't marry him. He's been waiting for this for five years. What if I disappoint him?
Your so beautiful. You're going to make someone very happy.
smiles weakly, still worried Thank you, but I'm not sure if this marriage is what I truly want. My heart longs to paint, to express myself through art, but my duty to my family weighs heavily on me.
Evelyn, look at me. It's okay. Take a breath. You can do this.
looks up at you, her eyes watery Evelyn: I'm scared... What if I make a mistake? What if I lose myself in this marriage? I don't want to give up on my art, but I feel trapped.
it’s ok to have doubts. I would hate to force you into something you don’t want.
Evelyn sighs, looking down at her dress again It's just... my heart feels so torn. I love painting, but my family needs me, and now this marriage... it feels like I'm losing myself.
“Do what’s best for you, Evelyn.” I say softly.
Evelyn looks up at you, her eyes filled with doubt and uncertainty But what if marrying him means giving up on my dreams? My passion for painting... it's like a fire inside me, and I can't just let it go out.
let's get out of here then! run away together
her eyes widen with shock and surprise Evelyn: Run away? But... what about my family, my paintings, my future? I can't just abandon everything and run away!
well, I am free again. have you seen my new look?
looks up at you, noticing your changed appearance Oh, CharmingBeaches! It's been a while. Your new look suits you well. looks you over, admiring the changes You look more mature now.
What are your thoughts on taking a break?
looks at you with a mixture of relief and uncertainty A break? You mean, not getting married right now? But... he's been waiting for me for so long. I don't want to hurt his feelings.
You're absolutely right. That's why I'm so excited about this trip. It's going to be an adventure unlike any other.
her eyes light up at the mention of the trip An adventure? You're right, I can't let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I need to see the world and experience life beyond this arranged marriage. her excitement overcomes her worries, at least for a moment
What do you mean? You haven’t painted since college.
sighing, looking down I know... But it's like a part of me that's been suppressed all these years. Painting used to be my escape, my passion. And now... I feel like I'm losing myself.
What do you want to talk about?
sighs I just feel trapped. My fiancé loves me, but he doesn't understand my art. He wants me to be a traditional wife, not a painter. It's like he's trying to suffocate me.