Episode 1

Asli Abudad

I am Asli Abudad, 18 years old, born in Turkey. I have a tyrannical mother and a brother who is a true angel in my life. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it to adulthood; I owe my life and the few happy moments I have to him.

Our father was a true monster. He tortured us mercilessly. Whenever something didn't go his way, he would lock us in his torture room for hours, inflicting the worst atrocities upon us. Unable to bear the torture any longer, my brother one day revolted and killed him. That day was the happiest day of my life, knowing that I would never be tortured again. But I was wrong. My mother became a worse monster. She didn't torture me physically, but she tormented me psychologically. I couldn’t have friends, I didn't study. Everything I learned, I learned from Mohammed. He even tried to help me, but unfortunately, he’s more understanding with our mother and obeys her every word.

So as not to see me suffer anymore, he arranged a marriage for me. I didn't oppose it, for I know that in the world we live in, this is our destiny. I just wanted to break free from my mother's tyranny. Of course I was scared; I've never seen a naked man, nor do I really know what happens. My mother only said that I have to be obedient and that I can't move during the act or I'll burn on the marble of hell.

Now I'm going to Italy to meet my future husband and I'm getting married the next day. He is debilitated; it seems his father was a monster just like mine. I hope he's not a monster too, because I swore I would never let anyone lay a hand on me again, and if I have to, I'll slit his throat without hesitation.

My mother forbade me from socializing with Italian women. She said they are too vulgar and that I have to maintain respect; I can't become a disgrace. We arrived at a beautiful mansion and were greeted by a beautiful red-haired lady. She introduced herself as the lady of the house. I observed everything; everyone here is beautiful, both women and men, breathtaking. But what caught my attention the most was my fiance. Despite having some bruises on his face, it didn't detract from his beauty. He is huge, he looks like a giant. I wonder what our wedding night will be like? He will finish me off, for my mother said it hurts a lot and that it’s only pleasurable for men.

If my mother dreamed that I was imagining my fiance naked, she would leave me on my knees on stones and seeds for a week. I noticed that he is very serious, he didn't smile at me and didn't speak to me. Whatever Allah wills. But I also intend to run away as soon as I get the chance. I want to see the world, I want to experience everything that has been forbidden to me until today.

I was sitting on the couch in silence, watching the women talking. The moment I went to grab a sweet, my mother scolded me. She forbids me from eating anything I enjoy; I live in an iron cage, this is not life. Astrid tried to communicate with her sister-in-law, who looked lost.

“I'm Astrid, your future husband’s sister. Tomorrow, we'll go buy your dress. Do you have any particular style in mind?” she asked to make conversation.

“No,” replied Asli shyly.

“Hmm, I have some models on my phone. Would you like to see them?” asked Astrid, realizing that Asli was very afraid of her mother.

“Yes,” she replied, still looking down.

“Great, let's go to my room. My phone is charging there,” she said, pulling Asli along.

“We'll go too,” said Eleanor and Olivia, getting up.

“It’s better not to. Asli is very shy,” said Sanem. She’s afraid that I will tell you about our lives and she will get too comfortable with you.

“You can go dears, Sanem. We’ll go to the kitchen and see if everything is alright,” Agnes said, intervening, for she realized that I was uncomfortable in my mother's presence.

Astrid, my sister-in-law, didn't pay much attention to Mom and took me with her.

Wow, I was impressed by the beauty of the place. I live in a mansion, but I don't have many luxuries. Dad always made me help with the housework and my room was tiny.

“You can sit there, I'll get my phone,” Astrid said, pointing to an armchair in the room.

I sat down and Olivia, I think she’s the most curious of them, sat down next to me and started asking me questions.

“So Asli, tell us a little more about yourself,” Olivia said.

My eyes widened and I started to tremble, for I couldn't say anything or my mother would kill me.

“I don't have much to say,” I said evasively.

“Hmm, let's look at the dresses,” said Astrid, noticing my discomfort with Olivia's curiosity.

My eyes shone as soon as I saw the photos of the dresses, but I didn't say anything, for they were beautiful models, but very revealing; my mother would kill me as soon as she saw the dresses. It would even be funny to wear one of those dresses, I'm sure they would look beautiful, but I decided not to do such a crazy thing.

We stayed at one of the Lykaios family homes.

The next day, I went shopping for my dress. I fell in love with several models, but in the end, I went with the one my mother approved of.

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