3 Live for yourself

"I don't know why this is happening to me. No matter how much I try, it all backfires. The more I try, the more he loathes me. I'm tired of this relationship." Lily's voice cracked. Her tears had stopped flowing but she was still wracked with sobs.

Tulip sighed. "Why don't you leave him? Demand a divorce."

"If only things were that simple. If I do that my parents and grandfather will practically disown me. The merger between our families would break." Lily said.

"Living your life the way your parents and grandfather want you to is making you suffer, Lily. No one will ever respect you until you respect yourself. They will find every possible way to hurt you. Stop living your life how others want you to, live it on your own terms. What are you afraid of? If your parents love you they will understand." Tulip advised.

"I don't know... I tried to talk to my mother but she refused to listen." Lily said, remembering the time she called her mother about her worries but all she got as a response was to try harder.

"If what's holding you back is a lack of financial resources, I could help you become independent. What is it that you want to do in your life?" Tulip asked, referring to a career goal.

Lily paused to think, she had to think about this a lot. Eventually she recalled the happiness she felt whenever she cooked and realised what she wanted.

"I want to be a chef."

"Chef... I see. As far I know you don't have a culinary degree, so working in a hotel is not an option." Tulip thought out loud, trying to figure out how to help Lily. Suddenly an idea clicked.

"I know a person who is going to host a cooking competition. It's a reality show where 10 contestants compete and the winner of the show will be offered the chance to work with Mr. Lee, the michelin star chef." Tulip announced, she thought this was a good opportunity for Lily.

"Really?" Lily knew who Mr. Lee was. He was one of the most famous internationally acclaimed chefs, with a working experience of 30 years in the industry.

Lily looked at Tulip "Why are you helping me? You don't know me and I don't know you either." she questioned.

Tulip sighed "God, even helping people is a crime these days. I see myself in you Lily, you remind me of my past. Does that clear your doubts? Anyway, I'm getting late. My son is waiting for me. Here's my contact, take your time to think about my offer and give me a call." With that Tulip left the club.

Lily held the business card that Tulip had handed her and placed it safely in her clutch. She got ready to leave the club as well.

"It's time to face your husband again Lily." She tried to bolster her courage and left the club.

Will these two women realize that they had become indispensable to each other in this lifetime?

Only time could tell.