For years, Emma bent over backwards to please Jacob, sacrificing her own dreams and desires in the hope of earning his approval… until one day something snapped.nnEmma had married Jacob right out of college, heady with the romance of their whirlwind courtship. He was ambitious, confident, and always seemed to know what he wanted. At first, his certainty felt like a rock she could cling to. But as the years went by, it felt more like a weight she was expected to carry.nnJacobβs career took off quickly, and he often reminded Emma of how fortunate she was to be with someone so successful. Meanwhile, he subtly discouraged her from pursuing her own career in art, suggesting she focus on making their home “perfect” and being available to support his every need.nn”You have such a talent for keeping things organized,” Jacob would say, his voice dripping with condescension whenever she mentioned her desire to paint again. “Besides, who will take care of everything if you’re busy with trivial pursuits?”nnThere were dinners where he barely acknowledged her presence, social gatherings where he would make jokes at her expense, always veiled as “just teasing.” She learned to laugh along, though it gnawed at her.nnOne evening, after yet another argument about how his career required sacrifices they both had to make, Emma found herself staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were tired, her smile was forced, and she realized she hardly recognized the person looking back at her.nnThe turning point came during a family dinner, when Jacob, in front of their friends, declared, “Emma’s always great at throwing these little parties, she doesn’t have to worry about a demanding job getting in the way.” The dismissive tone felt like a punch in the gut.nnEmma felt something snap inside her. She excused herself and went to the kitchen, the sound of laughter fading behind her. As she stood, gripping the edge of the counter, Jacob followed her, ostensibly to check on the food.nn”What’s wrong?” he asked, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her.nn”You know what’s wrong, Jacob,” Emma replied, her voice calm, yet firm. “You make it sound like I’m just your event planner. You belittle my dreams, my contributions. It’s never enough, is it?”nnJacob frowned, “I thought you were happy taking care of these things.”nn”Happy? Jacob, you never asked what actually makes me happy,” she said, tears of frustration pricking her eyes. “I want to paint, to create. I want to be more than just your shadow.”nnSilence hung between them, heavy and charged. Jacob opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, unsure what to say. The realization hit himβhe had been taking her for granted.nnEmma took a deep breath, feeling the weight lift slightly. “I need to find myself again, Jacob. I can’t keep living like this.”nnIn the days that followed, Emma enrolled in art classes and found part-time work at a gallery. Jacob, shaken by her determination, began to reflect on his behavior. He started attending counseling sessions and gradually learned to appreciate Emma as an equal partner.nnAs Emma embraced her passion, their relationship shifted. Her stand had forced them to face uncomfortable truths, and while the road ahead was uncertain, they were finally on it together.
