The thing about white lies, is that they darken more than the real ones actually. They start out trying not to hurt someone, but that's all they do. Hurt. I tried to protect him; but I didn't' know how. So I lied. It was only because he was my bestfriend. Because I love him. This secret you ask? Well, my parents died. And I have gastric cancer. How I managed to hide that for so long? No clue. I was willing to do anything to cover it up. When I realized how wrong it was, it was too late. More lies, losses, and love.

Once a girl turns fifteen, her name gets put into a raffle. Once a guy turns 18, his name is also entered. The town match-maker chooses a boy and a girl and then on January 1 of each year, the new couple meets. The brides are forced to live in their new 'master's' house for twelve months. If by that time they aren't pregnant or have given birth, they are shunned from the community and some of the girls are killed. Of course, it isn't the husbands fault. Living in a sexist community where women are treated like chattel is disgusting, but more so for 14 year old feminist Jessica Lee. In a society where men rule and woman follow behind, how will Jessica survive holding her tongue through marriage and what is supposed to follow?

She cant remember why. And she doesn't know how, but somehow Mikayla has been a slave to her step-mother for the past 5 years. You'd think at age 18, she'd be able to break the cruse, but luck hasn't always been of her side. ❤