The wedding ceremony took place in a grand palace, where glittering chandeliers and golden walls contrasted sharply with the silent despair of the young bride. Anna, dressed in a snow-white gown, smiled mechanically at the guests, her heart weighed down by sorrow and hopelessness that no amount of luxury could soothe.

Beside her stood Ivan Sergeyevich, a tall man with aristocratic posture and cold gray eyes. His flawless suit and precise movements revealed a man accustomed to possession and control.

Anna’s parents beamed with pride. In their eyes, everything was perfect: their daughter had secured a comfortable future. Her true feelings were irrelevant.

The banquet hall echoed with laughter and cheerful toasts. Yet Anna moved through the festivities as if in a dream. She was merely an ornament at a lavish celebration, sold for the promise of a stable life.

When the last guests finally left, Anna found herself alone with Ivan. In the heavy silence of the grand estate, he led her to their shared bedroom, a massive space warmed only by a quiet, crackling fireplace.

Ivan settled into an armchair by the hearth and gazed at her intently.

— I have a request for you, he said calmly.

Anna froze. Her heart pounded. She braced herself for what she feared was coming.

But Ivan’s next words shocked her:

— Take off your wedding dress.
— Not for the reason you might think, he added quickly.

Anna frowned in confusion.

— I want you to burn it, Ivan said softly.

She stood motionless, stunned.

— That dress symbolizes a forced bargain. It does not represent happiness, love, or freedom. Tonight, I am giving you your freedom back. Destroy that past and start a new chapter of your life.

He handed her a small box of matches.

— It’s your choice now. You are free.

Still in shock, Anna took the matches. For the first time in what felt like forever, a flicker of hope ignited inside her.

She watched the flames consume the precious gown. Barefoot on the cold stone floor, she stared at the fire, letting it burn away everything that had held her prisoner.

At dawn, she woke alone. Ivan was gone.

On the bedside table lay a letter.

«This house is now yours. A bank account in your name holds enough money for you to start a new life. You are free. Live by your own rules.»

Anna clutched the letter tightly. Tears streamed down her face, but this time they were not tears of pain — they were tears of freedom.

For the first time in her life, her future was truly her own.
Her real life was just beginning.