Amelia looked at her husband.
“Is everything all right?”
Karim hesitated.
“Of course,” he replied. “There are just a few things we need to discuss now that we are married.”
She sat across from him.
He explained that his family had certain expectations concerning their private life, public appearances, and the management of their household. He wanted them to agree on how they would handle those matters.
At first, Amelia thought the conversation was perfectly reasonable. Every couple needed to discuss practical questions after marriage.
Then he mentioned her career.
Karim said that his family preferred their private affairs to remain out of public view. He suggested that she postpone opening her design studio and reduce her professional commitments while they adjusted to married life.
Amelia felt the first wave of disappointment.
They had discussed her ambitions before the wedding. Karim had repeatedly encouraged her to pursue them.
“Why are we discussing this now?” she asked. “You knew how important my work was to me.”
