On International Women’s Day we celebrate progress – but also reflect on how far we still have to go.

Cleo’s story, set in New York City, feels strikingly modern: a young artist, chasing freedom, creativity, and independence. And yet, when her visa is about to expire and money runs out, marriage becomes her safest option. Security. Stability. A future.

For centuries, women’s survival depended on choosing the “right” man. Cleo’s impulsive wedding may look romantic, but underneath it lies a very old question: How free are women, really, if love is still tied to financial safety and legal status?

Raw, funny, and painfully honest, this novel explores power, dependence, addiction, ambition, and the quiet compromises women still make. It’s a reminder that equality isn’t just about opportunity – it’s about having the freedom to choose without fear.

A powerful, conversation-starting read for International Women’s Day – and beyond.