PROLOGUE
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.
"So this is my new life…" she whispered.
She dragged her luggage toward the gate and approached a security officer.
"Good day, sir. I'm a new student. Could you please direct me to the proprietor's office?"
The man looked at her curiously.
"A new student? What's your name?"
"Aura Johnson," she replied.
He nodded.
"Welcome."
Later, as the bus pulled away from home, Aura looked out the window, holding her mother's letter tightly.
"No matter what happens," she whispered, "I'll find the truth."
DAY 5
Aura arrived at Brookstone College, completely amazed by its beauty and size. She rubbed her eyes twice just to be sure she wasn't dreaming.
"So this is my new school…" she whispered softly.
Dragging her luggage behind her, she walked toward the gate, feeling both excited and nervous. Not knowing where to go, she approached a security officer.
"Good day, sir. I'm a new student. Please, can you show me the proprietor's office?" she asked politely.
"A new student? What's your name?" the officer asked.
"Pardon?" she said, slightly confused.
"I mean, your name," he repeated.
"Oh! My name is Aura Johnson," she replied.
The officer paused and looked at her.
"Johnson? Are you related to the Johnsons here?"
"No, sir. I'm new here. I don't know anyone," she answered.
"Well, never mind. Just focus on your education and try to make good friends," he advised.
"Yes, sir. Thank you," Aura said with a small smile.
"You're welcome. Come, I'll take you to the office."
He helped her with her luggage, and together they walked toward the proprietor's office. On the way, Aura noticed a boy staring at her. His gaze made her uncomfortable, and she wondered if she had seen him before.
"Do you know that boy staring at me?" she asked.
The officer shook his head.
"Probably just curious," he said.
When they reached the office, Aura was warmly welcomed and later shown to her room. After settling in, she headed to class.
"Hello students, this is your new classmate. Please be kind and help her," the teacher announced.
"Yes, sir!" the class responded.
"Introduce yourself," the teacher added.
"My name is Aura Johnson. I'm happy to meet you all," she said.
She took her seat, and soon after, a boy approached her.
"Hi Aura, I'm John Johnson. Nice to meet you," he said, stretching out his hand.
"Nice to meet you too," she replied, shaking his hand.
"So, what's your best subject?" John asked.
"Biology… but I also love theatre arts. I want to become an artist," she said with a smile.
"That's interesting. I'm not really into biology, but my dad is a doctor," John replied.
Not everyone was friendly. Some students began whispering and mocking her.
"She can't even speak properly," one girl said.
"Maybe she was raised like a slave," another added mockingly.
"Stop it!" John shouted angrily. "Leave her alone or I'll report you."
Aura was on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry, Aura. Don't mind them. They're just jealous," John said gently.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"What about we take a walk around the school?" he suggested.
"Okay… I'd like that," she replied.
They both walked away together.
Curtain.
DAY 6
The Johnson family sat together at the dining table.
John was unusually quiet, smiling to himself. His mother noticed.
"John, what's special about that smile? You look very happy today," Mrs. Mandy asked.
"Maybe he's falling in love," someone joked.
"Or maybe he needs to see a doctor before it gets worse," another added.
"Enough!" Mrs. Mandy snapped. "Let him eat in peace."
John stayed silent, but the smile on his face remained.
Chapter: The Truth Revealed
"Who are you to disrespect me like this?" Mandy snapped, her voice sharp and stinging. "Be careful how you talk back to me… or I'll destroy all of you."
The room fell silent.
Then, almost at once, the children spoke.
"What? You're not our mom?" they chorused in shock.
"Yes," she replied coldly, turning away. "You heard me loud and clear."
"I'm not surprised," Maria muttered. "Look at how she treats us. She never cared like a real mother would."
"Maybe we should look for our real mom," Natasha said quietly.
"I don't know…" John whispered. "What if she's dead? Or suffering somewhere? What if she's all alone?"
"I feel like this is a prank," Kelvin said nervously.
"A prank?" they echoed.
"No," Henry shook his head. "This is real. She told us the truth. We weren't ready to hear it… but now we have to face it."
After a long silence, Henry stood up. "Let's talk to Dad. We deserve answers."
Confrontation
Moments later, they stormed into their father's room.
"Dad, how could you do this to us?" John demanded. "You lied to us all these years!"
Their father looked at them, stunned. He knew the truth was finally out.
"When I had nothing," he began slowly, "your real mother stood by me. She helped me build everything I have today. She was strong… and kind."
The children listened, their anger slowly turning into confusion.
"It all started years ago," he continued. "When you were still very young. One day, I traveled for work… and while I was away, something terrible happened."
He paused, his voice shaking.
"When I returned… our house was gone. Burnt to the ground."
Gasps filled the room.
"I was rushed to the hospital. When I recovered, I learned the truth—robbers had attacked the house. They were searching for money. When they found nothing… they set the house on fire."
Tears filled his eyes.
"I searched everywhere for your mother… but I couldn't find her. I didn't know if she was alive or gone."
The children stood frozen.
"I was alone," he continued. "Broken. Then people advised me to rebuild my life. That's when I met Mandy."
The Truth About Mandy
"I told her everything," he said. "She agreed to help me raise you… to act as your mother. I thought I was protecting you from pain."
John clenched his fists. "So you lied to us?"
"Yes," their father admitted. "And I'm sorry."
"I guess," Natasha said bitterly, "you replaced our real mom because Mandy was better?"
"That's not true!" he said quickly. "Your mother was the best person in my life. No one could replace her."
Silence filled the room again.
"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to grow up in pain," he continued softly. "I thought I was doing the right thing."
Forgiveness
The anger in the room slowly faded.
Natasha stepped forward first and hugged him.
"No… you're not wicked," she said gently. "You went through a lot."
"I'm sorry too," Henry added. "We judged you too quickly."
John wiped his tears. "We just wanted the truth."
Their father held them tightly.
"I promise," he said, "I'll never hide anything from you again."
"And we'll always stand by you," Henry said. "No matter what."
They all embraced, tears falling—but this time, not from anger.
From understanding.
Hope
"Do you think…" Natasha said softly, "our mom could still be alive?"
Their father looked at them, hope flickering in his eyes.
"I don't know," he admitted. "But I never stopped believing."
The room was quiet again.
But this time, it wasn't filled with pain.
It was filled with hope.
Curtain
Day 7
At Brooksville College, the bell rang and students made their way into class. Anna walked into the classroom and sat down beside John while the teacher was still explaining.
"John, what's wrong with you? You've been acting strange. Talk to me," Anna said, concerned.
"Don't worry, it's nothing serious—just a little fever and a headache. I'll be fine," John replied.
"All your siblings have been sick lately, but you seem calm… like you already know something. What's going on?" Anna insisted.
"Never mind. Just leave," John said coldly as he walked into class, leaving Anna confused.
"Are you a witch or something?" a girl mocked Anna. "You should leave. Nobody needs you here."
"I'm not a witch. Don't call me that again, or I'll report you," Anna replied, trying to stay calm.
The girl, Joan, raised her hand to slap Anna—but suddenly, her hand stopped mid-air.
"Enough!" Awan said, grabbing Joan's hand. "Don't you ever touch my sister again."
"I didn't know she was your sister," Joan said nervously.
"She's my cousin. We grew up together. Stay away from her," Awan warned.
Anna quietly walked out of the classroom, holding back tears. Awan followed her.
Anna sat alone in the garden, crying. Awan came and sat beside her.
"I'm sorry about what happened. Those girls won't bother you again. I told them you're my cousin, so they'll respect you now," he said gently.
"But I don't even know you… thank you for helping me," Anna replied.
"You're welcome. You're strong… and really beautiful. Don't let them bring you down," Awan said.
"Thank you," she smiled softly.
"I'm Awan Peterson."
"I'm Anna Johnson," she replied.
"Wow, we have a lot of Johnsons here," he joked.
Just then, John walked over.
"What's going on here?" he asked sharply. "Anna, who is this guy?"
"He's my friend," Anna said.
"I don't like it. Stay away from him. He's my friend," John said angrily.
"You don't own me, John," Anna replied firmly. "Awan is my friend, and I won't let you control me."
Awan stood up. "She's right. You don't get to decide for her."
John clenched his fists but walked away angrily.
Day 8
Anna was sitting in the cafeteria when John approached her.
"Hi Anna… how are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine. And you? I hope you're healing from whatever you're going through," she replied.
"I'm getting better… and I'm sorry for how I treated you before," John said sincerely.
"It's okay. I understand. You were going through something," Anna said calmly.
Awan joined them.
"So, Anna… have you found a new friend?" he asked with a smile.
"Yes, I have," she replied.
John frowned. "What about me? Don't I matter anymore?"
"You'll always matter to me," Anna said softly. "But I can have other friends too."
John sighed. "I just don't want to lose you."
"You won't… but you have to trust me," she said.
Later, Anna and Awan walked to class together, laughing and talking.
When they entered, John watched them, feeling jealous.
He stood up and walked toward Awan.
"How dare you take Anna away from me?" John snapped.
Awan stayed calm. "I'm not taking her away. She chose to be my friend."
Anna stepped in. "Enough! I'm not something you fight over. I make my own choices."
The classroom fell silent.
John looked at her… then walked away.
"Do you love me or not?" John asked, moving closer to her.
"Yes, you did, but I can't get rid of him because I have come to love him. He is the most special person to me now," she noted.
"And me… who am I to you? Are you talking to me for fun? Aura, I love you. Try to listen to me. I really can't do without you. Forget about Aven. Just focus on me, then I'll give you the world," he held her hand.
"I can't. He is more special to me than you. He has taken my heart. I have already chosen him. He's all I've got, and no one else can replace him. I don't want anything else. His love can't be bought or forced. So nothing can move me except Aven," she said, taking her hand away.
"Is it about the outing? I can buy anything for you. Just forget about him," John insisted.
"I can't. He understands me better, and in a short period, I have learned a lot from him. He is the best person I've ever spent quality time with," Aura said as she stood up to leave.
"Enough! I won't stand and watch your relationship grow. I'll destroy it because I love you more than he does. He doesn't deserve you," John said angrily as he stood up.
"You know what? I hate you, Anna… and I love you," John concluded.
"You ruined my happiness and brought me suffering. You're heartless and wicked. I promise you'll pay for all the damages," she warned angrily.
"Wow, that's a nice imagination. So, have you heard from your ex-husband? He's probably married to a beautiful damsel like you. I really want to have you right now," he said, moving closer.
"You're so stupid! John is not my ex — he is my husband. If not because of you and your gang who came to attack and burn down our house, I would still be happily married to him. I don't want anything to do with you again. Don't touch me!" she shouted.
"Then you have nowhere to go now," he replied
"At my place, my family house, you'll get to know my family and they'll get to know you as well," Aven suggested.
"Wow, that's nice. I really appreciate it," she smiled.
"I guess you love going out?" he teased.
"Not really. I'm actually looking for someone," she replied calmly.
"Who?" he asked, concerned.
"My dad. I lost him many years ago, and I'm in this city hoping to find him," she said.
"Oh, don't worry. We'll find him together," he assured her.
"Thanks a lot. You're such a caring person," she said.
"Sure, but we need evidence, like his picture, so we can show people and trace him," he added.
"You're amazing," she said, hugging him.
Soon after, they left to search for clues.
"You and your gang can't do anything. I'm going to expose you to the world," she warned.
"Well, everybody already knows I'm a rapist. What else do you want to prove?" he said, pushing her onto the bed.
"Then you're not my real husband. You kidnapped me and my children!" she cried, struggling.
"Well, after this, you can tell people whatever you want," he said.
"I haven't done anything with him. He sees me like a sister. He even fought his own best friend for me," she explained.
Suddenly, someone blocked the way. It was Aven, ready to fight.
"John, you're behind this?" she asked.
"Probably," he replied before running away.
Just then, Aven came from the backyard and rescued her.
"Aura, I'm sorry. Did you sustain any injuries?" he asked.
"No, but please take me away from here," she said in pain.
"You're coming with me. My mom will take care of you," he said.
As he tried to attack her again, Jesse rushed in and stabbed him with a fork. He screamed in pain and fell.
They escaped and packed their things, leaving him behind.
Later…
Aura went to the backyard, expecting to see Aven, but instead she saw John.
"Look who we have here… welcome to the jungle," he said.
Chapter 10
In confusion, she tried to contact him, but remembered Aura didn't have a phone. She decided to write a letter instead.
"My love, what are you doing? I heard you're ready because I'm in the mood," Amos said, approaching her.
"How do you expect me to give you my body when you keep sleeping with other women? I'm not your wife — you're not my husband. You're a beast. I can't imagine being close to you. You don't deserve me. You've caused me so much pain," she said.
Chapter 10
"Can't I walk? Can you carry me?" she requested.
"Sure." He carried her on his back as they left, leaving Ella and her skateboard on the floor.
In the Peterson family home, Aura was seen lying on a bed. After a while, she opened her eyes.
"Hi, Aura. Are you okay?" Evan asked.
"Sure, I'm really okay now, except for some pain that is yet to be healed. And… thank you for saving me, I really appreciate it," she said gratefully.
"No, I didn't do anything. It was my mum who was treating you all along. I think I should call her," he said, trying to go out.
"No! I'll go meet her. At least that will show a sign of appreciation—more than her coming to me," she pleaded.
"But you are not really fit to walk now," he insisted.
"No, I'll try. Please, you can just help me go meet her," she said as she attempted to stand up.
Evan quickly assisted her, and they started going downstairs.
When they got down, Mrs. Elena was surprised at her rapid recovery.
"Evan, why did you bring her here? She's not ready for stress now. She needs to rest," she said.
"Ma'am, I'm sorry. I won't do that again," he replied.
"No, I told him I wanted to come and thank you for all you've done for me. I really appreciate it," Aura said, attempting to kneel.
"No, don't do that. It's a pleasure to treat you. I think I really need to take the position of a mother to you, since your mom isn't around. You are now part of my family, and feel free to talk to anyone if you need anything," Mrs. Elena said with a smile.
"Thank you so much for being so special to me. I really appreciate it," Aura said as tears filled her eyes.
"Don't worry. We'll take good care of you. From today, you are now part of our family," Mr. James Peterson assured.
"So who do we have here? A new sister?" Zyna Peterson asked happily.
"Wow, your family is the best. I wish I had come from this family. Now I'm part of you," Aura said as she hugged them.
"We heard how some students have been treating you, and we'd like you to start going to school from your new home," Mr. James added.
"Sure, I'll be very pleased with that," Aura replied.
"So I'll follow you to school tomorrow, so you can meet the principal and withdraw from the boarding house," Mrs. Elena explained.
"Thank you a lot, ma'am, sir, Zyna, and Evan," Aura said gratefully.
At Brookstone School
Mrs. Elena, Evan, and Aura went to the principal's office.
"Good day, Mrs. Elena. What do we have here? Aura and Evan—the two brilliant students in this school. I must confess, these kids are wonderful," Mr. James Brown said.
"Good day, sir. I'm here to report a case to you," Mrs. Elena said.
"Please go on, I'm listening," he replied.
"Three of your students, popularly known as the 'city girls,' attacked Aura," she explained.
"Oh, the bossy girls?" Evan corrected.
"That should be Ella, Joan, and Angel," Mr. Brown said.
"Yes, they fought with Aura yesterday. She was almost seriously injured. Evan quickly carried her home. She was feeling dizzy and weak, but after treatment, she recovered," Mrs. Elena narrated.
"Oh my… I'm so disappointed. I promise I'll deal with those girls. I'm really sorry," Mr. Brown said.
"But sir, it wasn't only the school bullies. John was the one who sent them to attack me," Aura added.
"Yes, I noticed that. I saw him coming out of the backyard. When I asked him, he told me Aura was heading there. That's how I got there in time to rescue her," Evan explained.
"Well, I'm so sorry about this assault. I promise I'll work within my power to punish the offenders," Mr. Brown said.
"Sure, I trust you," Evan replied.
"Sir, what actually brought me here is about Aura. My family has decided to take her in. We want her to be cared for and feel at home. So I plead with you to remove her from the boarding school so she can start coming from home," Mrs. Elena requested.
"That's a good idea, and I commend your kindness. But I can't remove her from the boarding list—it's not within my power," Mr. Brown said.
"The school sponsor, Mr. Klein Hocker, gave her a scholarship in exchange for a future marriage. That's why she can't leave the school," he explained.
"No! Aura can't get married so soon—not to that man! She's too young!" Mrs. Elena protested angrily.
"Well, you shouldn't let anger take over. The decision wasn't mine," he replied calmly.
"I'm sorry… I just got angry. What can we do now?" she asked.
"You can try calling off the marriage," Mr. Brown suggested.
"We can't. It's already registered in court," he added.
"What? Wasn't she underage?" Evan asked.
"They were aware, but they falsified her age," Mr. Brown explained.
"I had no choice. I was forced to follow orders," Aura said sadly.
"Orders from who?" Evan asked.
"From my foster dad," Aura replied.
"Was he even your real father?" Mrs. Elena asked angrily.
"No… he wasn't my biological father. He was just forced to give me out for marriage," Aura said.