“I wanted to be a teacher,” she told him one evening as they sat by the small window watching the sunset.
“I loved learning. I loved the idea of helping children discover the world. My parents died when I was young.
Car accident. After that, I lived with my uncle’s family. They never wanted me there.
They saw me as a burden, but they kept me because it was their duty.
Daniel listened without interrupting. When I got into university, I thought I had finally found my way out.
I worked so hard. I got scholarships. I did everything right. But then my uncle decided I should marry this merchant, a man three times my age with two other wives.
He said it was for the good of the family. The merchant had offered a large bride price.
What did you say? I refused. I said I wanted to finish my degree first.
That I was not ready for marriage. My uncle was furious. He said I was disrespecting him and the family.
That I thought I was too good for them. That I needed to be taught humility.
So, he arranged for you to marry a homeless man. Zara nodded, tears filling her eyes.
