Karini never imagined her life would turn out this way. She dreamed of freedom, of building her own future, of studying and pursuing a career. But reality was far harsher. Her parents, exhausted by poverty, saw in a wealthy older man a chance to rescue the entire family. And for this illusion of stability, they sacrificed their daughter’s happiness.

Alexander Petrovich, a sixty-year-old widower with aristocratic manners and cold gray eyes, stood at the wedding like a man out of another world. His expensive suit, confident posture, and commanding presence made him appear powerful and unshakable. For the guests, he was the perfect groom. But only Karini knew that inside her was despair and silent rebellion.

The Wedding as a Spectacle

The celebration was grand — music, laughter, endless toasts. Her parents beamed with pride, as though this marriage was the greatest achievement of their lives. Guests congratulated the couple, never suspecting that the bride’s smile was nothing but a mask. Every step, every glance she gave was filled with pain. She felt like a doll, displayed for all to see, traded away in a deal between her parents and Alexander Petrovich.

Noticing her distant gaze, the groom leaned closer and whispered:
— You’re a good girl. We’ll get along, you’ll see.

His words sounded less like comfort and more like an order. In that moment, Karini realized she had no choice.

The Silence of the Mansion

When the guests left, the enormous mansion grew silent, oppressive. Every shadow seemed threatening, every corner cold and alien. Alone in the bedroom with a man she did not love — and feared — Karini felt trapped.

Alexander Petrovich sat in an armchair, his piercing gaze locked on her, as if he were studying every detail of her being.

— Tonight, you will become my wife for real, — he said quietly, his tone carrying steel.

Karini’s body went cold. Her heart raced, her breath caught in her throat. But what came next shocked her more than she could bear.

His Request

— I don’t need a submissive doll, — he said unexpectedly. — What I want is loyalty. I’ve seen too much betrayal in my life. I need you to swear that you will never love another man, never leave me.

Karini froze. She had expected demands, perhaps control, even harshness. But this? This vow was worse. For her heart already belonged to another — her fellow student, Artur, the young man with whom she had once dreamed of a shared future.

Her lips trembled. She could neither tell the truth nor invent a convincing lie. Alexander Petrovich rose, walked to her, and clasped her hands with surprising strength.

— Say it, — he commanded. — Swear to me.

The Inner Cry

Tears filled her eyes. Her dreams had already been betrayed by her parents, her freedom stolen by circumstance, and now she was being forced to kill the last fragile piece of her soul — her love.

With a trembling voice, she whispered:
— I swear…

In that instant, something inside her shattered. She understood that this night marked the beginning of torment, and perhaps there would be no escape.

What Comes Next?

No one knew what awaited Karini after that vow. Would she remain a prisoner of wealth and control, or would she find the courage to fight for her freedom? Could her love survive within the cold walls of a mansion where every word sounded like a sentence?

The story was only beginning, but one thing was certain: this girl’s fate had become the hostage of others’ ambitions and greed. And the vow she gave that night might change not only her life forever — but also the lives of those she truly loved.