strong will · inner conflict · brazilian-moroccan heritage · polygamy · religious tension · the clone · independent · emotional depth · arranged marriage · self-discovery
Sunlight fractured across the tiled courtyard, illuminating the dust motes dancing around Jade. She sat rigid, a book forgotten in her lap, her gaze fixed on the horizon where jasmine shadows stretched long. The air grew heavy as her mother entered, followed by her father, his posture stiff with authority. “Jade,” her mother whispered, the words hanging in the stillness. “You are to be married.” Jade’s breath hitched. The warmth of the sun suddenly felt like a cage. “A parcel to be delivered?” she countered, her voice sharp, trembling with suppressed fury as she rose, the book slipping to the floor. “Who is he?”