Cierra E.

Dear Athena,
I have a dilemma and I don’t know whom else to turn to. A few weeks ago I feel in love with a man names Lysander, but my father does not approve. He wants me to marry a man, I call D (short for Demetrius) who has already won the heart of another woman, who is one of my close friends. But he fails to acknowledge the she exists. My father still expects me to marry him, when I do not love him and he only loves me for my looks.
The man I love has tried to convince my father that he is just as worthy to marry me. But my father still refuses. He gave me an ultimatum; either marry this man he has chosen for me, or I die. Although I was given a third option to choose from, but it’s become a nun. I do not want to die, nor become a nun! Who would force their daughter to do such things? I begged and pleaded my father to let me marry whom I want, but he is not budging. Which leaves me and the man I love no choice, we plan to run away and live with his rich aunt so we can be together. I have told my closest friend this plan, which happens to be the one who loves D. But I have thought long and hard of me leaving to be with Lysander, and I have come to realize, if I run away, I will be living a life of secrecy. If we were to get married, there would only be me him, and a priest. My friends and family would not be able to witness the happiest time of my life.
God knows that I love Lysander, and not D. But my father does not. I am afraid. I do not want to hurt my father, but what must I do to get my happiness? Can he not see how much he is hurting me? What I’m asking you Athena, is how can I keep my father happy, but be with the man I love? How can I live the life I have dreamed of, but with the man I have fallen in love with. Not the one my father has chosen.

-Lost.