chapter 1

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.

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