With the start-up capital, Benice opened a small boutique in order to start sewing. She registered her shop as “BEN-EUNY Fashion House.” "I need to ask madam Rose to show me the market where I can purchase fabrics in bundles and cheaper.” Said Benice.She bought a bundle of cloth from a far Commercial town of the same State.  She began to cut and sew boxers, throw-pillows, duvets, travelling bags and took her own measurements.  She displayed them in front of her shop.  One evening, Benice sat quietly in her boutique after closing hours; reflecting, as she used the shop as a residential apartment. The street outside had grown silent, and the faint glow of the streetlights reflected through the glass window of ‘BEN-EUNY Fashion House;’ "More than eight long years had passed since the night I collapsed in the rain,"  “My life has changed drastically and positively since then;”“What started as a desperate search for survival had gradually turned into a journey of determination and resilience.” Benice thinking through. She leaned back in her chair, exhausted but satisfied. Customers now traveled from different parts of Oaks City to buy her designs.  Within a week or two, people purchased her designs and ordered more to sell to their customers from the hinterlands. The demands became more than the supply.  “I’m contemplating employing a helping hand." “But will I be able to pay monthly wages?"She asked herself.  Nobody knew about Benice’s background for all those years of apprenticeship.  The boutique attracted customers daily, admiring the elegant dresses displayed on mannequins. Benice has become known for her unique designs—simple yet graceful, bold yet classy. One quiet evening, after closing the shop, Benice sat alone reviewing fabrics when her eyes fell on a small wooden box inside her drawer. She slowly opened it. Inside lay a velvet pouch she had kept upsafely for many years. She slowly opened it. The diamond earrings sparkled under the boutique lights. For a long time she simply stared at them. “These earrings again,” she murmured softly. “They had been with me since the darkest night of my life.” “The night I was abandoned by my family.”  “The night a stranger unknowingly helped me survive.” she continued with her reflection.She remembered opening the envelope days after Mama Amah rescued her. At first she thought the velvet pouch was just decoration. But when she discovered the diamonds, she was shocked. The following morning, she visited one of the most respected Jewelry merchants in Oaks City. The shop was quiet and elegant. An elderly Jeweler sat behind a glass counter examining a necklace. “Good afternoon sir,” Benice greeted politely. The old man looked up. “Yes, young lady. How can I help you?” Benice carefully placed the earrings on the table. “I would like to know how much these are worth.”The Jeweler picked them up slowly. At first his expression remained neutral. But after examining them closely under a magnifying lens, his eyebrows rose in surprise. “Where did you get these?”Benice felt uncomfortable. “They were given to me… many years ago.”The man leaned back in his chair. “These diamonds are extremely rare.” Benices heart began to race. “Rare?”“Yes. In fact, I have only seen stones of this quality a few times in my entire career.”He paused thoughtfully. “Whoever owns these must belong to a very powerful family.”Benice felt confused. “A powerful family?”The Jeweler nodded slowly. “These are not ordinary earrings.”He gently placed them back on the table. The Jeweler lifted the earrings carefully under the bright lamp. “Young woman,” he said slowly, adjusting his glasses, “do you know what you have brought here?” Benice shook her head nervously. “No sir. They were given to me years ago.”The old man stared at the diamonds again. “These are not ordinary earrings. Whoever owns them belongs to a very powerful family.”Benices heart began to beat faster. “My advice is simple.”“What is that?” Benice asked. ”Keep them!”She looked surprised. “Why?”“Because something tells me they will bring you into the spotlight one day.”“Are they really that expensive?”The Jeweler leaned back in his chair. “Expensive? My dear, these could change someones life.”“I should sell them,” she whispered. “My business needed expansion. More machines. Better fabrics. More staff.”“Perhaps the earrings could help me take the next steps” she muttered to herself.  Benice smiled politely, but as she left the shop, her mind was full of questions. “Who had really given me those earrings?” “And why did they feel connected to something bigger than I could imagine or understand?” The questions were only beginning. Benice felt confused. Benice smiled politely, but as she left the shop, her mind was full of questions. “Who had really given me these gifts?

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.  "My mind is on my fashion and design work and how to make life better for myself, my daughter Eunice and Mama Amah.” Muttered Benice. “My goal is to save some money, rent a nice apartment in this city, and bring my daughter and Mama Amah out of the slums," she strongly said to herself.  "I will continue to delay this marriage proposal until I get myself settled" she continued.  Later, within some months, Benice got a contract with a school to sew uniforms for three thousand, five hundred school pupils. “This business contract occupied my entire time. I hardly picked phone calls from people but occasionally, I responded to Adrian politely with the excuses of the new contract." Reported Benice. This brought Adrian closer the more, seeing a lady who was very hardworking, who should be a partner in his family's business.  "I Adrian inherited a family business of importing all sorts of fabrics from abroad. There are business associates, distributors and employed staff who sold in large quantities and rolls to fashion Designers like Benice.'' He muttered to himself. " I was able to finish the contract within a few weeks because I am in partnership with madam Rose and her staff;I am now ready to bring my daughter Eunice and Mama Amah, whom I took as my own mother,”She muttered to herself.  "I have put everything in order, paid for a one-bedroom apartment, and provided all necessary furniture." She noded to herself.“I would now go and bring them out from that ghetto to my new apartment in town.” Benice said with assurance.  “Before going, I would like to purchase some gift items in order to compensate those women who acted as alternative mid-wives the night I nearly passed on.”]“One good turn deserves another," she said.  " Knock! knock!! knock!!!. Who is this?" " It's me Benice." " I cannot recognise again! "AAh!" Mama Amah shouted,  "Come-ooo! See my daughter oooo!!! Neighbours and those two women rushed to her joyfully. "You women saved my daughter and my life about nine years ago. I don't know how else to reward you but just take these tokens of my appreciation."  She handed those gifts over to them. They thanked her immensely and left rejoicing. “Mama Amah", Benice spoke when they sat alone.  "There’s something l would like us to discuss. Please don't reject or argue about it!”  "I am all ears, go ahead my daughter!” Mama Amah nodded.  "Do you know that you are indeed a mother to me?" “I would like you to be my mother henceforth, because I don't think I should think of anyone else as a mother than you,"  “You took care of us even in poverty and in this hut;" “You need to come along with us to the city! I have got a nice apartment for all of us." assured Benice.  "Awww!! my daughter, this is a difficult proposal to me because this my little hut has become part and parcel of my life forever until I pass on;" "Don't trouble yourself for me, I have done what a mother should do to any child" Mama Amah began to cry.  "You narrated how you lost your only daughter, do you know if it's how destiny wants to compensate you by adopting us as as grandma and daugther?”  Benice asked. “No, go alone, don't persuade me and don't remind me of my past!" Mama Amah crying bitterly. Benice continued her persuasion until she called some neighbours to help. “Please my mothers, come and help plead with me!" "Plead on what? Asked one of those women who helped her that night.  "I am begging Mama Amah to follow us to the city.''Benice explained her proposals to them. " Mama Amah this could be your last chance to recover all that you lost." Explained one of her friends. They persuaded her until she was convinced.  "Mama, I bought a new dress for your change because you are going to the city," said Benice smiling.  Oh! My daughter, that's very kind of you, so I have a replacement now over my Late daughter Rita who could by now take care of me and even in my old age?" Mama Amah asked herself with joy, then thanked Benice.  They left the slums that same day for good and never turned back, though Mama Amah’s heart was still knit to her little hut.  As soon as she entered the metropolitan city with a beautiful apartment well furnished; she forgot her little hut and her past struggles. “Mhhhh⁷h this is home indeed." Rejoiced Mama Amah with Eunice jumping up and down.  Mama Amah slept off in a big Dunlop she never had throughout her life. She woke up very late and apologized.  She narrated, "I have never slept more than four hours in a day in that hut due to noise pollution and stench from gutters which were breeding mosquitoes.”

The night did not welcome Benice. Azeroh in the Oaks city area made her disappear totally. She walked until her legs trembled, clutching the envelope beneath her nylon dress as though it were her last shield against the world.  The rain had reduced to a cold drizzle, but her body shook—not just from the weather, but from fear. Everywhere she turned, the slums looked the same: shadows, locked doors, faces too tired or too hardened to care. By forty minutes to midnight, her strength failed. A sharp pain tore through her lower back, spreading into her belly like fire. No… not now, she whispered, bending forward as another contraction seized her. She staggered off the main road, went inside an abandoned wooden stall behind an old market.  The smell of damp wood filled her nose. One hut leaned risky to the side, its door hanging loose a disaster indeed.. Benice pushed it open. Darkness filled the inside, pierced only by moonlight shining through holes in the roof. The floor was bare earth—no bed, no chair, nothing. Another pain hit her, stronger this time. She cried out, gripping the wooden wall as her knees shook. She was seriously having contraction. Her vein was panic-stricken. “I can't do this alone, she sobbed, tears streaming freely now. Please… God…”In another response violent contractions filled her body. Outside, footsteps approached. Frightened with terror running through her mind, she tried to scream, but only a weakened voice came out of her mouth. A woman's voice came rushing. “Why are you there?”A tall, lean woman went inside the hut, followed by two others; petty street vendors who had taken shelter nearby.  Their eyes widened when they saw Benice on the floor, soaked, shaking, and seen with pregnancy. She's about to give birth, one of them muttered. They hesitated because, to extend a helping hand in this type of case is risky. They began to disappear one by one. The rainfall has stopped but caused pools of water along the untarred roads and streets making it difficult for both the pedestrians and for vehicular movements. The moonlight, looking like a big white ball, rose slowly above the crowded roof tops of the Azeroh slums;  Rising smoke from cooking firewood rose slowly into the air while women prepared for the following days activities. Stepping out of her small wooden hut with an empty bucket, was a woman in her late fifties. Mama Amah was her name. She has lived in this slum for many years. Life had not been kind to her as her only daughter passed on at the age of eighteen. Later she lost her husband through prolonged sickness. However, she has learned resilience in life. As she walked towards the communal well, something caught her attention. A girl; lying inside planks/shacks, soaked with rain and a dirty pool of water, unconscious.  Mama Amah dropped her bucket. “Hei!!! Hei!!! Let every woman come out ooo!” She rushed towards Benice, holding her.  “Young lady please, it shall be well, don't be afraid, you will soon have your baby.”Lips turning Weakly, Benice's lips let out a cry. “My baby…”“Oh my God… this is just a young girl in this condition with nobody accompanying her.” Mama Amah complained. Immediately two nearby women rushed to the scene, Mama Amah lifted Benice gently.   “Help me carry her inside my hut,” she pleaded urgently. The women nodded. Within minutes, Benice lay on a thin mat inside Mama Amah's small hut. It was almost after midnight.   The two women untied their outer clothes to help prevent the baby from falling on the bare floor.  Her breathing was heavy. Suddenly she screamed. “Ahhhh!”One of the women gasped. “The baby is coming, just push!” Mama Amah quickly rolled up her dress.  “Boil water!”Another woman ran outside. “Bring any clothes from that bag!”Someone else rushed to fetch an old razor blade. Benice cried out again, gripping Mama Amahs arm tightly. “I'm scared!”“Don't be scared, my daughter!”Mama Amah was robbing her waist gently. “Don't be afraid, my daughter. God will help you”  continued Mama Amah. Benice started crying with tears streaming down her face. “My parents threw me out…” “Do not talk now,” Mama Amah pleaded  softly. “Save your strength!”The pain grew stronger because of contractions  Minutes passed like seconds. Then finally— A tiny-loud cry filled the tiny room. “A beautiful baby girl. The women cheered.”“It's a girl!”Mama Amah wrapped the newborn in a clean cloth and placed her gently on Bernice's arms. Benice stared at the tiny beautiful face. Her heart melted instantly. “My baby…” The child opened her eyes slightly. At that moment, Benice forgot the pain and shame. She forgot the rejection. She also forgot the storm that almost destroyed her life the previous night.  All she felt was love. “What will you name her?” Mama Amah asked. Benice thought quietly. ''Eunice''. replied Benice.

Pointing toward the door, her mother commanded  " Out! Pack your things.”Letting a loud cry, Benice froze. “Have mercy! Mum… please! …”“Out! I said pack your things!" In a space of ten minutes, a school bag with a small travel bag was thrown at her. Her school bag contained some books and inside the travel bag were a few dresses. With nothing more to accompany two living beings.  Nothing like money. The parents' minds and reactions were higher than the offence itself.  Nothing like communication tools with her. Seeing just rejection and hatred; Benice was dragging her feet thinking of where to go or perhaps, her parents might change their minds.  While moving outside, thunder roared violently.  Mr. Ayundi shouted Driver Mr. Mikel, the family driver, rushed in. “Sir.” “Take her away from this house!  Drop her far into the big express road going anywhere!”In disbelief, Benice stared at her father with hatred.  “Ahhhh!!! Are you sure you are my Daddy? please… where do you think I can go? I have nowhere to go…”“I don't care if you are dead. His voice was cold as stone. “Before spreading your legs, you should have thought about that.” With a broken heart, tears blurred her vision as the driver quickly took her bags. “Young lady, come and enter the car!” Mr. Mikel said quietly. Walking slowly toward the door, each step felt like she was to be sacrificed as it seemed that was the end of her life. To her mind the heavy gates of the mansion were closed behind her forever. Forty-five minutes later, the black car stopped beside a lonely highway bus stop. Its as if the rain poured heavily without stopping.  With a big sad sigh, the driver didn't want to come out of the car;  He ordered Benice.  “Go behind and pick your loads!. She wanted to pounce on him but filled with disgust, she muttered  “I don't blame you”“I am sorry, young woman.” said the driver. Using a shawl, Benice hugged herself against the cold. “Thank you” she sarcastically whispered with weakness. Mikel the driver drove off, not looking back. Being alone she contemplated moving forward to avoid harassment from people. Many vehicles, private and commercial ones speeding fast, passing her and splashing water on the road and on her nylon dress made her feel self-pity.  The rain fell heavily on Bernice's shoulders as she walked along the dark road. Cold water soaked her clothes and ran down her face, mixing with the tears she could no longer hide. Every step felt heavier than the last. Behind her, the gates of the Ayundi mansion had closed forever. Being completely alone, trekking far with no direction on that lonely road, she moved towards a suburb that looked like slums.  Benice sat on the cold wooden bench of the next bus stop, shivering. Having the womb contracting in pains, a tiny life was moving. Gripped with fear, she cried out  “God… what will happen to me?” At that moment, a long convoy of luxury cars slowed down on the highway. The first car stopped at the command of their supposed leader. Inside sat one that looked like a noble youth but a complete stranger to Benice. He was one of the youngest billionaires in the country. Comfortably leaning at the back  leather seat;  Today was his birthday and would have hosted a great party in one of the best hotels in the city; he had chosen something different. “Please distribute those envelopes randomly to people we meet tonight,” he ordered Marcus his Personal Assistant (PA),  “All right sir.” his PA Marcus, nodded in agreement. Stepping out of the car carrying some envelopes filled with money, the first person he saw in that lonely bus stop seemed to him as a shadow but that was Benice wriggling in pain but pretending as if nothing was happening. Moving forward to a young girl sitting alone in the rain, he noticed her clothes were soaked, her face looked lost. Walked nearer towards her. “Excuse me.” Benice looked up slowly. Marcus handed her an envelope. “My boss asked me to give this to someone who needs help tonight.”Benice stared at it. “I… I don't understand.” “Its just a birthday gift.” She hesitated. Then she accepted it with trembling hands. “Thank you…thank you sir.” Marcus smiled kindly before returning to the car. The convoy drove away within seconds. Benice became afraid sitting alone in the rain. Holding the envelope tightly, she kept moving fast. The heavy downpour has stopped abruptly.  She opened the envelope. Inside was money. Enough to survive for weeks. Something else was inside unnoticed. Inside the envelope with money laid a pair of rare diamond earrings. But Benice did not know what that meant yet. Finally being overcome with exhaustion, she weakly walked into the dark streets of one of the slums at the outskirts called Azeroh. Barely hoping to be alive. Her vision blurred.

Later, Benice received an invitation to display her designs at a major fashion exhibition in Oaks City. Benice received an unexpected phone call. “Good afternoon. Is this a BEN-EUNY Fashion House?” a female voice asked. “Yes, this is Benice.” She responded.“My name is Loretta. I am calling from the Oaks City Fashion Association.”Benice sat up straight. “We are hosting our annual fashion exhibition in two months’ time.”“That sounds great,” Benice replied politely. “We would like you to show-case your designs.” For a moment she was speechless. It was the biggest opportunity she had ever received. “I would be honored,” she finally said. The night of the exhibition arrived quickly. The event took place in one of the most luxurious hotels in Oaks City. Famous designers, wealthy businessmen, and celebrities filled the grand hall. Bright lights illuminated the runway. Benice wore one of her finest creations that night—a graceful navy-blue gown. And for the first time in years, she decided to wear the diamond earrings. As she stood near her display stand greeting guests, someone across the hall noticed her. A tall man dressed in an expensive black suit. His name was Adrian Cole. One of the most influential businessmen in the country. He had attended the event as a special guest. Adrian watched Benice carefully. Something about her caught his attention immediately. Her quiet confidence. Her elegance. Her calm strength. “Marcus,” he said to the man standing beside him; his personal assistant.  “Yes sir.” “Who is that young elegant lady?”/Marcus followed his gaze. “I believe she is one of the new designers presenting tonight.”Adrian nodded slowly. “Interesting.” Later that evening Adrian walked toward her stand. “These designs are remarkable,” he said. Benice turned and found herself face to face with him. For a moment she felt slightly nervous. “Thank you,” she responded politely. “I’m Adrian Cole.” “Do I know who you are?” ,she asked  with a soft smile. “My name is Benice.” Both eyes met. Adrian studied her designs carefully. “You have a unique sense of style.”“I learned from a very good teacher,” she replied. They continued talking for several minutes. Neither of them realized that destiny had already connected them years earlier. But Marcus noticed something. “The diamond earrings.”His eyes widened slightly. “They looked familiar.”“Very familiar.”But he remained silent. Destiny was slowly unfolding. Adrian began visiting Benice's boutique frequently. Sometimes he came to order clothes. Other times he simply came to talk. Their conversations grew longer each time. Benice felt comfortable around him. Adrian admired her strength and independence. One evening he spoke openly. “Benice,” he said gently, “there is something I need to tell you.”She looked up from the fabric she was arranging. “Yes?”“I admire you very much.”She laughed softly. “You admire my clothes?” “No,” Adrian replied. “I admire you.” His words surprised her. “I built my life from nothing,” she said. “That takes courage.” Adrian explained. Benice looked away. “My past is not something I am proud of.”Adrian stepped closer. “Your past does not define you.”He paused before speaking again. “I would like to spend the rest of my life with you.” Benice stared at him in shock. “Meaning what?” Benice asked doubting what she heard. “Marriage” responded Adrian. “From a billionaire?” Thinking within herself. But there's something Adrian saw in Benice that others didn't see. “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent, hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” (Ella Wheeler Wilcox). The great Michael Angelo saw a piece of marble thrown away by the owner! Immediately, Michael Angelo shouted “it's important and valuable to me. Theres an angel imprisoned on it and I must set it free."  Ah! He saw what others did not see! He saw BEAUTY in that MARBLE! No wonder he became the greatest painter in history. "We are told never to cross a bridge until we come to it, but this world is owned by men who have crossed bridges in their imaginations far ahead of the crowd.”Before now, Adrian has perched himself to Benice, introduced his noble birth and the type of family business which he inherited.  “A billionaire asking for my hand in marriage?” asked Benice in disbelief. “For me, it felt unreal because, if he got to know my history, he wouldn't open his mouth again.” Benice soliloquised. But Adrian was serious.  Oswald Sanders wrote " Eyes that look are common - Eyes that see are rare.” But the biggest surprise was still coming. "I would like to take you to my family," Adrian proposed.  "No, that's too early, we need to know each other very well before introducing me to your parents

Benice went in search of a shop. she found five empty rows of shops in ten streets from madam Rose’s street.  Benice asked for the owner. A man was trying to kick-start a car in front of the empty shops.   “Sir, could you please help me see the owner of these empty shops written 'SHOPS FOR RENT" "Yes, what can I do for you, young lady?" The man who supposedly was the Landlord asked.  "My name is Benice, I am a fashion Designer. I would like to rent one of these shops.” “Ok, how much do you have and where is your husband? A man must sign a surety for you?”Benice's heart cut again and again. After a long silence, she responded I don't have a father nor a husband except my grandma in the village." "I don't rent my houses and shops to singles especially to women in general without bringing their husbands to sign a surety."  Blasted the arrogant man.  "Ok, bring a male relative, I think I have tried my best for you or what else should I ask?" he asked with pride.  Benice started sobbing. She decided to go back to madam Rose to report her predicament. Madam Rose asked, " do you know the Landlord’s name?”"I didn't collect the man’s name nor the  the street name and house number.” Responded Benice. “Go back, collect the street name, the house number and the details of the landlord.” ordered madam Rose. Benice asked other tenants who provided the following details. “Landlord’s name - Mr. Affinoa,”“Street name - Abadi," "House number - No. 6".  Madam Rose called her lawyer friend Ms. Ladi (Esq).  Ms. Ladi reported the man to the Landlords’ Association in the city’s municipal Council. “Mr. Affinoa has breached the law on gender discrimination which is against the United Nations’ Committee on the Eradication of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)." Explained Ms. Ladi Mr. Affinoa was summoned by the Magistrate court of the municipal Council to defend himself.  “Mr. Affinoa, a case was brought here before the court of competent jurisdiction against you on gender discrimination, was it true or false?”“I don't understand what gender discrimination means," responded Mr. Affinoa.  The customary court’s magistrate continued; ,,,”You know that ignorance of the law is not an excuse Mr. Landlord?"  " I am sorry! apologised Mr. Affinoa to the Magistrate”  "You are guilty and you must pay some charges against gender discrimination". “Clerk"  " Sir" responded the court Clerk. "Bring receipt and let him pay the stipulated charges into the Government coffers."  Ordered the Magistrate.  “You are also mandated to release one of the shops at No. 6. Abadi Street, on Benices payments terms and conditions!” commanded the Magistrate.  Benice only paid on a monthly basis as the surety was signed by madam Rose, shattering the glass ceiling. This episode served as a deterrent to other Shylock LandLords in this city" Ms. Ladi commented.Benice Secured the Shop Through Courage and the LawNews of Benice’s sudden success soon spread like wildfire among the women in the market. For months, the row of shops had remained locked and abandoned because the landlord was notorious for his cruelty, impossible demands, and outrageous rent fees.Many traders feared him.Some whispered that he deliberately refused to rent the shops to women unless they brought a male surety—usually a husband, brother, or wealthy sponsor. To many struggling widows and single mothers, it was a wall too high to climb.That afternoon, as Benice arranged  the dresses neatly in front of her newly secured shop, a middle-aged woman from the opposite stall crossed over, curiosity written all over her face.“Benice, please tell me,” the woman said in a hushed but eager tone, “how did you manage to secure a shop under that landlord?”Benice looked up and smiled faintly.“Why are you asking? Do you want one too?” she asked.The woman quickly shook her head.“No, not exactly,” she replied. “I only wanted to know how you succeeded where everyone else failed. Those shops have stayed empty for months because they are too expensive, and that landlord is too arrogant and wicked. Everyone says no woman can get a shop from him without bringing a man as surety.”Benice paused for a moment, remembering the humiliation she had suffered the first day she approached the landlord.He had looked at her from head to toe with disdain.“Come back with a responsible man who can stand for you,” he had said mockingly. “Women like you disappear when it’s time to pay rent.”But fate had turned in her favor.“Well,” Benice began calmly, “I did not fight him alone. Madam Rose stood by me, and a female lawyer took up the matter. They helped me understand that what the landlord was doing was unlawful.”The woman’s eyes widened5.“A female lawyer?” she asked in disbelief. “And you mean women went to report the matter to the authorities without their husbands or sons following them?”Benice nodded, pride shining in her eyes.“Yes,” she said firmly. “We took the matter to the Magistrate. That's the end

This part of metropolitan Oaks City was beautiful to behold with overwhelming sights. The name is called Zerado.  Many people here were busy minding their own businesses. On the streets were passersby, not asking a lonely girl questions. There are buildings everywhere unlike her parents' quarters. Every street seemed to resemble the other.  Benice trekked for hours searching for work. “What would I do if I don't get something to do today?” She asked herself.  Most people she wanted to stop in order to ask some questions ignored her. Others insulted her because she had no experience in the type of job they wanted from her. “Go away!”“We are not hiring.”She stopped near a small fashion shop, she was exhausted with no food except the little snacks Mama Amah wrapped in a little cellophane. She later saw a signboard hung outside. !!!APPRENTICE AND A HOUSE HELP NEEDED!!! Taking a deep breath, she entered. Inside, stood a middle-aged woman measuring fabrics.  “What do you want?” the woman asked. Benice swallowed nervously. “I saw the advert on the little signboard outside.”The woman looked at her carefully. “Do you know anything about sewing?”“No ma… but I learn fast.” The woman studied her face. “What is your name?”“Benice.”“I am Madam Rose. She folded her arms.” “I cannot pay any salary.” Benice's heart sank. “But you can stay in my house, eat, and learn the trade.” Benice's eyes widened. “Really?” Madam Rose nodded. “If you work hard.”Benice bowed quickly. “Thank you, thanks madam!” And that was how her new life began. The days were long. Sometimes she worked until midnight. But she learned everything. -Cutting, Stitching, Designing,  Combining fabrics etc. Her talent surprised everyone. Madam Rose wanted to know more about Benice. “Come! Sit down here! Where did you say you came from?” “Azeroh” responded Benice. "In that ghetto with much population and old top-roofing zincs on huts?"   Benice's heart pounding with shame. The day I went in search of a house help, I nearly threw up because of the type of stench oozing from the gutters in front and back of every compound." Madam Rose continued.  Benice chuckled under this statement. She remembered her heritage but kept silent.  "I need to know your family and where you are coming from so that nobody would question me if anything happens to you" continued madam Rose. Benice was breathing fast.  "How can I take her to Mama Amah's hut in the slums? If she finds out about my baby, she might reject me and throw me out." Benice soliloquised.  Weeks, months and years passed without madam Rose asking about her family. After several years, Madam Rose smiled proudly one afternoon. “You are free.”Benice looked confused. “To open your own shop.”Benice's eyes filled with tears. For the first time in years, hope returned. “But how am I going to start?"  “I don't have money to rent a shop.” Benice complained.  "Ma, Could you please, allow me to stay some weeks or months using your space to sew or I sew for you and get paid?"  "You are supposed to be given start-up kits with some money for serving your boss for the period of seven years.” Madam Rose announced to her.  Benice couldn't understand. She gaped at madam Rose in surprise.  Madam Rose continued.  “The custom here is that, after learning a trade or skills, your master/mistress is supposed to give you a start-up capital with kits or settle you with some money enough to start your own, so that you can stand on your feet."  Benice was confused, not able to comprehend what she heard.  "You mean that I would receive something in addition to what you did for me?". She asked. "You fed me, you gave me accommodation and you taught me fashion and design free of charge and now l am to receive a start-up capital with kits?” “Oh!! It's nothing. I am fortunate to have someone like you who made life easier for me all these years.” Said madam Ros ise.  “I, madam Rose noticed your ability and had been right about your talent.”“You are gifted with your hands,” madam Rose had once commended her proudly.  Benice received start-up capital from her mistress. "It's true that I am set free from my mistress, but I'm confused on where to begin life" Benice's brain is thinking fast.

Tears rolled down Benice’s face again. Because deep inside, she knew the truth. “Please I am hungry". Benice demanded.  Immediately, one of the women rushed to her house. She brought a plate of porridge yam.  Benice ate voraciously like a hungry lion and slept off.  She woke up early in the morning when Mama Amah had already boiled some water for a sit-bath with salt in order to avoid infections.  "Aww thanks very much mama! Oh! It's nothing, that's much that women could do for one another in distressed situations.” Replied Mama Amah. After some days of exhausting the money in the envelope, Mama Amah could barely feed Benice and her child.  Life had just become much harder for them.  Weeks turned into months, each day dragging by with the same heavy silence that hung over Mama Amah's small hut. Nothing came easy. The tiny room, built with weak mud walls and covered by an old rusted zinc roof, had become both a shelter and a prison. When rain fell, droplets leaked through the holes in the roof and landed in small bowls arranged carefully around the room. When the sun came out, the hut became unbearably hot, making the baby restless and uncomfortable. Life in Mama Amah's hut was far from easy. There were days when there was no food at all except water. Little Eunice survived mostly on breast milk, but even that was becoming a problem. Benice's body was weak from hunger, and because she barely ate enough, the milk no longer flowed in the quantity her baby needed. Each time Eunice cried from hunger, Benice's heart shattered into pieces. She would hold the little girl close to her chest, tears sliding silently down her cheeks. I'm sorry, my baby,she would whisper over and over. I'm trying. The little money Mama Amah made from selling charcoal, roasted corn, matches, and a few household items on the old wooden table outside the hut was all they had. It was hardly enough for one or two poor meals a day. Yet the old woman never complained. Instead, she shared everything. Sometimes she gave Benice the larger portion and pretended she was not hungry. Benice noticed, but said nothing. The guilt was already too much. Determined not to remain helpless, Benice began carrying Eunice everywhere in search of work, despite how tender and fragile the baby still was. Every morning, she tied Eunice securely to her back with an old wrapper and stepped into the dusty roadside streets. She sold biscuits. She sold sweets. She sold roasted groundnuts. She called out to passersby under the harsh sun, praying each sale would bring enough money to buy food for the night. Some days were good. Most days were not. At night, exhausted and emotionally drained, she would lie beside Eunice and gently rock her to sleep. Sometimes she sang softly. Sometimes she simply stared at the old zinc roof above her, watching shadows dance in the darkness. Her thoughts were always the same. Mhhhhh, God… how will I raise this child? One night, after Eunice had finally fallen asleep, Mama Amah came to sit beside her on the thin mat. The old womans face looked unusually serious. We cannot continue this way, my daughter. Benice let out a tired sigh. Mhhhhh… I know. What do you advise me to do, Mama? Mama Amah held her gaze for a long moment before speaking. If you can listen to me, you must find work in the main city. The words hit Benice like a stone. She turned immediately to look at her baby, sleeping peacefully, one tiny hand curled beneath her cheek. Tears filled her eyes. How can I take my baby along?she asked in a broken whisper. Mama Amah gently reached for her hand. I will take care of Eunice. Benice looked at her in confusion. But you have already done too much for me. A sad smile touched Mama Amahs lips. You resemble my late daughter Rita,she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Every time I look at you, I see her. She passed on some years ago. The confession broke something inside Benice. Her lips trembled. With tears running down her cheeks, she shook her head. I cannot leave you and my baby. We must go together. Mama Amah sighed and cupped Benices face like a mother comforting her child. Where is the money to rent a house in the city? You have to go first, settle yourself, and then come back for us. She paused, then added gently, You are not abandoning us. You are fighting for Eunice's future. Those words stayed in Bernice's heart long after Mama Amah lay down to sleep. That night, sleep refused to come. She lay awake listening to Eunice's breathing. Her chest felt tight, as if invisible hands were tearing her heart apart. The decision felt impossible. But deep inside, she knew Mama Amah was right. There was one thing stronger than fear—hope.  "There's one thing stronger than all armies of the world, and that is an idea.

BLURB: At seventeen years of age, Benice Ayundi lived in a luxurious mansion behind the tall gates of their compound in the State of Oaks in the country of Brakada. One stormy night, her whole world came collapsing when her billionaire parents discovered that she was almost eight months pregnant by one of the seniors who had finished in the same school waiting for University entrance. He used to coach her in Mathematics. The boy denied paternity and refused to take responsibility. Benice was cast out of the mansion by the furious parents during stormy rain with nothing. They asked the family driver to drop her at the outskirts of the city. She only had a small bag of clothes and was abandoned at a lonely bus stop. In that confused situation, in a condition of despair that tried to swallow her up, destiny came to rescue. A mysterious billionaire celebrating his birthday sent his Personal Assistant to distribute envelopes of money to strangers in need. One of those envelopes reached Benice's trembling hands. Inside was enough money to survive for some days and weeks. However, hidden inside the envelope was something far more valuable: a pair of rare diamond earrings. After some years of enduring poverty, heartbreak and sacrifice, Benice rose from the ghetto to become a trailblazer and talented Fashion Designer. At one of the nation's fashion Fair event, fortune brought her face-to-face with Adrian Cole, a powerful billionaire whose life became strangely connected with hers. Moreover, hidden secrets in the past refused to be erased and hidden for ever. Benices daughter was a curious type who began to search for the truth about her birth. Long-forgotten circumstances began to emerge. This linked powerful families. Ashamed due to betrayals and a single act of kindness on a rainy night brought these memories to a spotlight. Does this truth destroy this happiness Benice has built? Or will it reveal a destiny greater than she ever imagined?

(Story continues from chapter 4). Before sunrise, Eunice stirred and began to cry softly. Benice quickly picked her up. The little girl's tiny fingers curled around her mothers blouse. That simple touch nearly broke her resolve. Holding her close, Benice kissed her cheeks again and again. I will come back for you,she whispered through tears. I promise. As dawn slowly brightened the sky, Mama Amah rose and came to stand beside them. She placed a gentle kiss on Bernice's forehead and began to pray. My daughter, as you leave this hut today, you will not return empty. Your road will be smooth. You will not encounter any trouble that will set you back in life again. Go and conquer the world, my daughter. Go! Go! Go! Benice could no longer hold back her tears. She nodded weakly. Mama Amah moved to the doorway and stood there firmly. Go before you change your mind. With trembling hands, Benice kissed Eunice one last time. Then again. And again. Each kiss felt like tearing away a piece of her soul. Slowly… painfully… she turned and walked away. Every step felt heavier than the last. The slum path was narrow and dusty, but Benice barely saw it through her tears. Her heart remained behind in that little hut. It was indeed the most painful decision of her life. She left with nothing except the little transport money Mama Amah had managed to gather for her, a few snacks wrapped carefully in a cellophane bag, and a bottle of water. No suitcase. No certainty. No guarantee of tomorrow. Only pain. Only hope. And a promise to return for her daughter.

At Seventeen years of age, Benice Ayundi lived in a luxurious mansion behind the tall gates of their compound in the State of Oaks in the country of Brakada. One stormy night, her whole world came collapsing when her billionaire parents discovered that she was almost eight months pregnant by one of the seniors who had finished in the same school waiting for University entrance. He used to coach her in Mathematics. The boy denied paternity and refused to take responsibility. Benice was cast out of the mansion by the furious parents during stormy rain with nothing. They asked the family driver to drop her at the outskirts of the city. She only had a small bag of clothes and was abandoned at a lonely bus stop. In that confused situation, in a condition of despair that tried to swallow her up, destiny came to rescue. A mysterious billionaire celebrating his birthday sent his Personal Assistant to distribute envelopes of money to strangers in need. One of those envelopes reached Benice's trembling hands. Inside was enough money to survive for some days and weeks. However, hidden inside the envelope was something far more valuable: a pair of rare diamond earrings. After some years of enduring poverty, heartbreak and sacrifice, Benice rose from the ghetto to become a trailblazer and talented Fashion Designer. At one of the nation's fashion Fair event, fortune brought her face-to-face with Adrian Cole, a powerful billionaire whose life became strangely connected with hers. Moreover, hidden secrets in the past refused to be erased and hidden for ever. Benices daughter was a curious type who began to search for the truth about her birth. Long-forgotten circumstances began to emerge. This linked powerful families. Ashamed due to betrayals and a single act of kindness on a rainy night brought these memories to a spotlight. Does this truth destroy this happiness Benice has built? Or will it reveal a destiny greater than she ever imagine?