Decisions

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Mei Xing's parents, as well as her brother and his wife, were seated in the elegant living room when she walked in.

They seemed to be having a pleasant discussion, but as soon as her mother drew attention to her presence, there was a little shift in the atmosphere.

"I see you have finally come to your senses, Mei Xing."

The other three in the room looked up. There was a moment of shared silence, the air charged with unspoken questions.

Mei Xing met her mother's gaze, searching for understanding, but the rigid set of her mother's eyes spoke volumes about the unending weight of expectations- one she hoped to put a stop to.

"Mei Xing," her father's voice carried a stern authority, "to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

Mei Xing steadied herself, the gravity of her words lingering in the air. However...

"She must have reconsidered her childishness in the guise of a divorce. Is that not right, Mei Xing?" Mrs Luo cut in with her assumption.

Mei Xing heaved a sigh. "Actually, mother. I've come to talk about my unchanged decision. My divorce with Feng Houyi still stands. And as we speak, it's being processed."

The room stilled, the air thickening with tension. Mei Xing's mother exchanged a fleeting glance with her father, a silent communication that spoke of concern and disapproval.

Her father's expression hardened. "Divorce? Mei Xing, do you realize the implications of such a decision? Our family's honour is at stake here."

Mei Xing felt the weight of tradition pressing down on her, but she refused to let it continue dictating the course of her life.

"I understand, but I cannot continue in a marriage that suffocates my spirit. Feng Houyi and I have grown apart over the two years. Despite all my efforts to make it work, it didn't. The marriage just isn't meant to be. So, it is time for me to move forward."

Her father's eyes softened a bit with empathy, but her mother's response was swift and unyielding.

"You will not tarnish our family's name with such actions. Marriage is a commitment, Mei Xing, and you must honour it. And. You. Will." Mrs Luo declared.

The battle lines were drawn within the confines of that elegant living room. Mei Xing, standing firm, sought to convey the depth of her decision.

"Mother, you have been going on and on about my duty to this family, our image and what is expected of me. And I have lived my life fulfilling all of those things. Look. I respect our family's traditions, but I simply cannot sacrifice whatever little happiness I have left for the sake of appearances. Appearances that only I, have strived to save," Mei Xing expressed.

"You–"

"Feng Houyi doesn't care about our image of that of our marriage, and you know it. So, I am simply stepping out of the spotlight of a housewife whose husband is always seen in different bars or clubhouses. I just want you to support my decisions."

Her mother's face darkened, the lines etched deeper with frustration. "There is nothing to support. You will not bring shame upon us. Divorce is not an option."

"Listen, Mei Xing. Your elder siblings all got married the same way you got into your marriage with Feng Houyi. And they both found happiness. Your brother, Jun, is even expecting a child," Mr Luo spoke, hinting that Luo Jun's wife will bear a child.

Mei Xing began to feel helpless, but her starvation for freedom from the shakes she had been bound by was too great to tamper down.

"Father, not every person who finds themselves in a shared situation with others, gets to experience the same outcome. One man's food can be another man's doom. You always say this to me," she mentioned.

"But nobody says you can't make the best out of your situation, which it is not. Your marriage with Feng Houyi will be better if you have patience and work harder in fostering love in your relationship," Mei Xing's mother was still adamant.

Mei Xing let out an exasperated sigh. "I love this family and I've done a good job showing it all my life. But I also deserve a chance at a life that aligns with my aspirations. I won't allow myself to be confined by expectations that will stifle my personality."

"So what are you saying?" Her mother questioned.

Mei Xing turned fully to face the woman she had none to call her mother. "I am saying that if none of you..." Her eyes fell on her brother, Luo Jun. "... will support me, then I think to are better off respecting my decision as it is what I desire."

The room echoed with deafening silence. Mei Xing's decision hung in the air, a crucial moment that would reshape the course of her life and test the strength of family bonds.

After a short while of no words from any of them, Mei Xing heaved, squared her shoulders and held her chin high.

"Since there's nothing else to say, I will take my leave," she turned and took bold steps that enhanced the distance from the living room.

Halting in her steps, Mei Xing turned slightly, her gaze landing on her brother and his wife.

"Oh and congratulations on your bundle of joy, Jun."

With that said, the four of them were left to sit in silence accompanied by the clicking of her shoes on the tiled floor. Each of them contemplated Mei Xing's words.

~Outside the Luo mansion~

Mei Xing took a deep breath, a mix of relief and uncertainty in the air. The decision to forge her own path had been made, yet the journey ahead remained unclear.

As she walked down the cobblestone path, a call of her name put a pause on her track. She turned to see her mother at the door. Her gaze was stone cold hinting at the dread her next choice of words would bring.

"If you walk out that gate with your decision... don't you dare come back. I have no place for a child that's willing to bring shame to the family."