I stood before the mirror, the wedding gown enveloping me like a second skin. It was a true work of art, the chapel train cascading behind me, and the platinum embroidery shimmering in the light. It should have felt like a fairy tale, yet it only felt like a cage.

A knock on the door jolted me from my reverie. I straightened my posture, forcing a neutral expression as Mother, Sandra, and Rahila entered the room.

“Wow, Rosy, you look absolutely breathtaking,” Sandra exclaimed, ...