Aura and her junior brother grew up in a home where their hopes for the future were clouded by hardship. Poverty cast a shadow over their lives, slowly damaging their family's reputation and limiting their opportunities. She often witnessed failure within her family, especially when it came to financial stability.

While growing up in this difficult environment, Aura began to adjust her mindset. She became determined to rise above her circumstances, to become great, and to break free from the stronghold of poverty.

"I'm going to work harder," she often told herself.

Despite attending a public school that did not provide the best education, Aura had no choice but to continue due to her family's financial struggles. She remained focused and dedicated, spending more time on her studies.

Her hard work eventually paid off when she earned a scholarship to one of the biggest and most prestigious private schools in town.

However, the scholarship came with a condition.

It was granted by a wealthy and influential man who demanded something in return—a deal involving her family. Though Aura was strongly against it, her parents insisted she accept because they needed financial support.

Desperate, Aura pleaded with her mother to convince her father to reject the offer, but her efforts failed. She was too afraid to approach her father directly.

Her father, Mr. Amos Imade, was known for his bad influence—his involvement in smoking and drug addiction. He often spent money meant for the family on illegal substances and never listened to advice.

With no choice left, Aura was forced to accept the scholarship under those troubling conditions.

CHAPTER ONE

Day One

Aura woke up feeling dizzy and shaken. Tears streamed down her face as she cried and prayed at the same time. Her mother, who had been awakened by the noise, rushed to her side.

"Aura, why are you awake at this hour? What's wrong?" she asked.

"I can't explain it… I had a dream. I pray it never comes true," Aura replied.

"What happened? Were you hurt in the dream?"

"No… you were. Dad killed you in my dream. I tried to stop him, but he overpowered me. I don't understand what's happening… I hope it never becomes reality."

"God forbid," her mother said, comforting her. "It will never happen. I promise I'll always be with you."

They embraced, and Aura whispered back, "Same here, Mom. I love you."

Later, her mother encouraged her to go back to sleep. Though restless at first, Aura eventually drifted off again.

Day Two

The next morning, Aura prepared for school alongside her brother, Jesse. On their way, a group of men suddenly approached them, blocking their path.

"Please leave me alone!" Aura screamed in fear.

"You're both going to pay for what your father did to us," one of them threatened.

One of the men attempted to assault her, but Jesse quickly acted. He grabbed a stone and struck the attacker, knocking him down. He threw another stone at a second man, and soon the remaining attackers fled.

Jesse helped Aura up, and they both ran home.

When they arrived, their mother wasn't around, but their father was. After hearing what happened, he dismissed their fears and ordered Jesse to go to school.

Jesse hesitated. "But Dad, what about Aura? She should come with me."

"She's not going anywhere. Go to school now," his father replied coldly.

Reluctantly, Jesse left.

At Home

"Aura, go inside and get my jacket," her father said.

"Okay, Dad."

As she entered the room, her father followed her and shut the door behind him.

"Dad, I don't see the jacket. Maybe it's outside," she suggested nervously.

"No, darling… forget about the jacket. Just come here," he said, moving closer.

"Dad, what are you trying to do?"

"Relax… no one will know."

Terrified, Aura resisted as he tried to assault her. In a moment of desperation, she bit him hard, causing him to fall back in pain. Taking the opportunity, she rushed out, grabbed her belongings, and fled the house in search of her mother.

On the Road

While running, she passed a car shop where a man noticed her.

"Hello, young lady. Where are you going?" he asked.

"Good day, sir. I'm looking for my mom," she replied.

"Is she missing?"

"No, she just stepped out. She should be back by sunset."

"What's your name?"

"I'm Aura Imade."

"Wow, that's a lovely name. How about I give you a ride?"

"No, thank you. I'm okay," she said politely.

"Don't say that… I'm not a bad person," he insisted.

Aura hesitated, unsure whether to trust him.

"Look, be calm and quiet. I'm still getting to know you," he said.

"Well, that's actually good of you, but everyone in the village already knows me, so you could ask anyone," she replied calmly.

"What if I give you a scholarship to one of the biggest prestigious colleges in town?" he asked.

"Oh my God! Sir, I will be very proud. That's my dream. Please, if you can help me, I will accept it as one of my biggest blessings in life," she pleaded.

"Come into the car, we are going to your home," he said.

Before he could finish, she was already in the car. Mr. Kola was surprised at her excitement.

At home, everyone got seated, even those who had been standing as the jubilation of the day continued.

"So Mr. Amos, that's my little gift to her. And for you, I'm going to make you in charge of my farm. You will be the head worker, and your pay will be big."

"Wow! I'm glad about this update, but I know this kindness is not free. So what is the payback for your kindness?" Amos asked.

"Marriage, of course," he replied.

"Just because you saw me and my two kids in a poor state of life and brought us here, does that mean you are trying to buy my daughter?" Amos said angrily.

"That's your own view. You can accept or reject it as you like. The fact is she is still my daughter, and I have played more of a fatherly role in her life than her biological father could," he affirmed.

"That's strange, right? But her biological father wouldn't force himself on his daughter the way you did," Amos fired back.

"I wasn't trying to force her. I was just playing with her as a father does," he replied.

"Don't worry, that's not an issue. Once you accept your terms, I'll assure you she will become your future wife," Mr. Amos said.

"Thanks for understanding me. I'm really grateful. I'll be going now. We will meet tomorrow for the deal," Mr. Kola said as he shook hands and left.

A few minutes later, his wife came in angrily.

"So you want to sell my daughter for marriage all because of your selfish interest?" she questioned.

"But she's my daughter. I have the right to decide for her future," he said.

"Don't be too selfish to forget that she has her own thoughts and feelings," she replied bitterly.

"What about the money?" Amos curiously asked.

"I'll give you tomorrow after we sign the deal. You'll also get your employment," Mr. Kola assured.

"Dad! Are you serious right now? You want to sell me into marriage because of money?" she shouted, disappointed.

She stormed out in tears, and her mother followed her, also crying.

"What? She's not interested? But I really love her and will take care of her. Once we get married in the next few years, please try to convince her. I'll increase your pay," Mr. Kola pleaded.

"Private parts, I'm disappointed in you. You don't deserve to be called a father," his wife said angrily.

"You're lying! All these accusations are false. I can't think of raping my daughter," he shouted.

"Shut up! I can't believe you're forcing yourself on her. Stay away from my daughter, or else I'll expose you. You are a rapist," she warned.

"For Jesse, he's going to grow up to be more like me," Mr. Kola said with a smile as he walked away.

"My kids can never be like you. You're nothing but an empty barrier and a fool," she said as she walked away to console Aura.

Minutes later, Aura was seen in the balcony with tears in her eyes. Jesse stood beside her, trying to comfort her.

"How can I be happy and consider this a success story?" she cried.

"What success story is it?" she asked bitterly.

"It's the fact that you've gotten a scholarship. At least you'll get more exposure, become more social, and most importantly, be well educated. This is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. Please fight to become the medical doctor you've always wanted to be," Jesse said, with tears in his eyes.

"So after all this scholarship, I should end up with an old man?" she asked.

"You can reject him first. Obviously, you have a choice. This scholarship is your way out. You don't have to marry him," Jesse encouraged.

"I prefer to be without a husband than to have a careless and useless man like you. Look at what you're doing all because of money," she said angrily.

"You should be ashamed of yourself," she added.

"And now you're acting like a saint? You've forgotten where you came from. They called me your father, but I was just acting like one," he said coldly.

Day 3

Mr. Clean Kocher stood in the Community Federal Court alongside Aura and her immediate family. He was seen signing a document—the marriage register. After he signed, it was passed to Aura, who hesitated but eventually signed under pressure from her father.

Not long after, the court declared the marriage solemnized.

Aura stood up abruptly and walked out, her mother and Jesse following closely behind. Her father remained behind, collecting the bride price. Moments later, he left with Clean Kocher, who dropped him off at his house before driving away.

Mr. Amos walked into his sitting room, smiling as he counted his bundle of money.

"Better you know the truth now," Aura said bitterly. "At least I'm happy now. You weren't my father—because you don't deserve that title."

She turned to her mother.

"And you, Mom… I trusted you. I told you everything—every little secret. But what did I get in return? Disappointment. You always told me never to hide anything, yet you are the most secretive person I know."

Mrs. Spiral walked closer, tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, my darling," she said softly. "I only wanted a better life for you… at least someone you could call a father. I never meant to hurt you."

Aura shook her head, her voice breaking.

"I thought he was my father… but he tried to violate me. How can I call such a man my dad?"

She turned toward Amos, who was still smiling faintly.

"You can never be my father."

Mr. Amos laughed dryly.

"I never wanted you as my daughter," he said coldly. "I have many biological children out there. If your mother hadn't gotten pregnant, you would have been just another mistake."

He tossed some money toward her.

"Take it. Use it for school. But don't forget—after four years, go back to him."

He picked up his briefcase and walked away, still counting his money.

Aura turned to her mother, tears streaming down her face.

"Mom… you deserve to be called our mother. Despite everything, you raised us. I'm sorry for disrespecting you earlier."

She hugged her tightly. Jesse joined in, wrapping his arms around them both.

Curtain.

Day 4

Mrs. Spiral helped Aura pack her belongings. Jesse assisted in carrying the luggage outside while Aura finished dressing.

When she entered the sitting room, she met Mr. Amos sipping his drink.

"Dad…" she began quietly.

"Don't call me that," he snapped. "Call me 'sir.' I already have children calling me father. You joining them doesn't change anything."

Aura clenched her fists.

"You are the real bastard here," she fired back. "You're the reason this family is broken."

She stormed out to join Jesse.

Outside, as they prepared to leave, Mrs. Spiral called out:

"Aura Johnson!"

Aura paused.

"Johnson?" she asked.

"Yes," her mother replied. "Your real father. As you go to school, try to find him. I heard he lives in that city. Give him this letter and picture… and tell him who you are."

She gently held Aura's hands.

"And from now on, use 'Johnson' as your surname."

Aura nodded slowly.

"Yes, Mom… I'll miss you."

Day 5

Aura arrived at Brookstone College. She paused at the entrance, overwhelmed by its beauty and size.