My parents sold me to a rich man due to poverty, but what occurred on our wedding night surprised everyone.
In 1966, in Harmony Creek, Tennessee, Matilda Hayes, a 20-year-old girl, lived under strict control by her father, Walter Hayes, a proud farm laborer. She was isolated from the world, limited to household chores and forbidden from socializing.
During a drought that year, the family faced hardships as Walter lost his job, leading to a near-empty pantry and hunger among the children. Arthur Shaw, a wealthy and solitary man from town, proposed to marry Matilda for $2,000, which her family desperately needed to survive.
Reluctantly, Matilda married Arthur, who revealed on their wedding night that he couldn't be intimate or father children due to a physical condition. He offered her freedom and companionship instead, allowing her to have her own space and access to everything in the house.
Over time, Matilda found solace and freedom in Arthur's home, learning about farming and decision-making. Despite the unconventional arrangement, a bond of trust and companionship grew between them. Matilda's happiness increased as she found purpose in caring for Arthur and later in adopting children with him.
Their home became filled with love and laughter, defying societal expectations. Matilda's story of being sold into marriage transformed into a tale of choosing her own path and finding a different kind of love and family.
