Please.. Mama, don't do this to me.
Amina's voice trembled as she clutched her mother's wrapper, her fingers shaking.
Her mother avoided her eyes.
It's already decided, she said quietly. You should be grateful. Do you know how many families would pray for this opportunity?"
Opportunity?Amina's voice broke. "To marry a man old enough to be my father? A man people are afraid to even mention his name?"
Her father slammed his hand on the table.
Enough! he barked. "You will not question this family's decision.
Amina flinched.
I'm only fifteen she whispered.
And you will save this family, her father replied coldly. That man he is powerful. Wealthy. He has chosen you. Do you think we can refuse him?"
Amina stepped back slowly, her heart pounding.
So I'm just a trade she asked, tears filling her eyes. "Something to exchange for money and protection?"
Silence.
That silence answered everything.
Later that night…
Amina sat on the edge of her small bed, hugging her knees.
Her younger brother peeked through the door.
"Are you really going away?" he asked softly.
She forced a smile.
Yes.
Will you come back
Amina didn't answer immediately.
I don't know.
The next day.
A convoy of black cars stopped in front of their house.
Villagers gathered, whispering.
"He came himself…"
They say he owns half the city
No one crosses him and survives
Amina's hands trembled as she stepped outside.
Then she saw him.
Tall. Calm. Dressed in black. His presence alone made the air feel heavy.
The mafia boss.
He looked at her like she was… nothing more than an object.
Is this her? he asked.
Her father nodded quickly. Yes, sir.
The man stepped closer.
Amina held her breath.
He tilted her chin up with one finger, studying her face.
She'll do, he said.
Something inside her broke.
"I'm not something you can just choose!" Amina suddenly snapped, her fear turning into anger. I'm a human being
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Her father's face went pale.
"Apologize!" he whispered harshly.
But the man… didn't look angry.
Instead, he smirked slightly.
"Interesting," he said. "You have spirit."
Amina glared at him.
"I hate you."
The crowd froze.
Her father nearly collapsed.
But the mafia boss only turned away.
"Hate me all you want," he said calmly. "You belong to me now."
As she was led into the car, Amina looked back at her home.
Her mother was crying.
Her father looked relieved.
And in that moment, she made a silent promise.
I may be trapped… but I will not break.