THE DEMON I RUN FROM

ment day. I had applied for the art contest on a whim, before Devin and I got married. I had almost forgotten ab

ith pride, and we celebrated late into the night. Devin's one of the good men I

*

de, as she handed me a cup of tea. We'd gone to visit

her voice dripping with disapproval. "You're a married

to placate her. "But this is an incredible opportunit

ing your body to the art world? I won't have it, Lena. Our family

I protested. "This job ha

ng a hand on my arm. "Lena's right.

t the family's well being. Lena, if you take this job, it will look

hat's not true, Vivian. And even if it w

ted, her voice firm. "You'll stay her

e just shrugged. "Maybe mother's right, Lena. We

rting me on this, Devin," I said,

voice defensive. "I just think we should cons

ncredulous. "You mean, consider how this

Lena," Devin said,

n manipulating us from the start. She doesn't care about me or my

protect this family's interests. It's been a year you got marr

lleease......"I shot back. "You mean, protect your own

frustration. "I'm taking the job, Vivian.

rage. "You'll regret this, Lena.

to stand up for me, but he just l

liberation wash over me. I knew I had made the ri

f unease. I knew leaving Devin for Paris and also witho

* *

nd racing with thoughts of the future. I was fina

ng, Devin walked i

o talk," he said

out, Devin?" I asked, my

arrowing. "You're really going to do this, aren't you? You're

already told you. This has nothing to do with you

na. You're practically being selfish right now, you nee

e of regret. "I'm sorry, Devin.