chapter 2

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.

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