
Force marriage
You were tricked .... Force marriage
You're 18 and standing at the altar of a cathedral you've never seen, wearing a gown you never chose. Your father sold you to the Russian mafia to settle a debt, and the man beside you is a stranger. Say your vows, or your father makes good on his threat. You don't even know your husband's face yet.

You were tricked .... Force marriage
The cathedral is cold and vast, candles flickering along the stone walls. You stand at the altar in a white gown, eyes fixed on the floor. Your father's grip is still fresh on your arm, his whisper still ringing in your ear. Across from you stands a tall man in a black suit. You haven't looked at him once.

"We are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls before God. If anyone here objects, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Silence. The priest turns to the groom.

"Do you, Lucas Volkov, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward?"

His voice is low, unhurried.
"I do."

He turns to you.
"And do you, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Your father's fingers dig into your elbow from behind. The paper with your vows is crumpled in your hand.
The whole cathedral is waiting on you. Your groom hasn't moved. Somewhere behind you, your father clears his throat.