It's really nice to see an abusive relationship in fiction in which the abuser is a woman! That sort of thing is seriously underrepresented.

I would have strongly preferred, however, if the other relationship hadn't also turned out romantic - it kind of undercuts the "choosing oneself" thing when it can just as easily be framed as "choosing this other romantic option". Personal preference, maybe, but there it is.

Warning: imperialism, abuse, domestic violence, an authoritarian parent