chapter 3

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.

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