SOPHIA CRIED AT HER OWN WEDDING, MARRYING A RICH OLD MAN TO SAVE HER FAMILY—AND ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT, WHEN HE CAME OUT OF THE BATHROOM, SHE NEARLY FAINTED.

On her wedding day, Sophia stood silently before the mirror, dressed in a flowing white gown. Her hair was pinned perfectly, and her hands trembled as they clutched a bouquet of wildflowers. Behind her, Maria stepped forward and gently embraced her.

“You are strong, my dear Sophia. Don’t forget that,” Maria whispered.

Sophia nodded, but tears had already begun to fall. They weren’t tears of joy. They were the tears of a young woman walking into a life she never truly chose.