CHAPTER 5: Hope In Ashes

The week of the scholarship exam came sooner than I had anticipated. One minute I was quietly reviewing formulas studying under candlelight and softly cheering myself on and the next the countdown had ended.

The mood in the household had entirely transformed.

Lila was rarely present. She vanished every day, sometimes just for a weekend, other times for an entire week. She’d return with bags, new shoes, different hairstyles, new phones… and then disappear once more.

Dad started feeling uneasy.

Whenever Lila came back he attempted to get her to sit and have a conversation.

“Lila, where do you usually go to?" he questioned her one night. "You’re seventeen. You can’t simply disappear like this.”

Lila scarcely threw him a look. "Dad quit pestering me. I’m an adult.”

“You’re merely a child " he persisted. "This way of living isn’t secure.”

Mom on the other hand dismissed him with a simple wave of her hand. She had just completed painting her nails and didn’t raise her eyes.

“Stop bothering our daughter " she replied firmly. "She’ll be eighteen soon. Allow her to live her life and make her choices. She has one life to live.”

Dad complained, yet, as always Mom’s decision was conclusive.

I observed their dispute quietly from a corner of the living room holding my textbooks tightly against my chest. Whatever Lila was up to one fact stood out, she had gotten worse.

But honestly?

I have no interest at all.

Since she was barely around. I had experienced some tranquility at home. No insults hurled at me constantly, no words, no harsh chuckles resonating from behind shut doors. There was peace.

Mom and Dad grew busier by the day, they hardly seemed aware if I was there or not. Which suited me fine. The less focus on me, the better.

Maya assisted me in submitting the scholarship application. She completed the forms using my information, uploaded all required documents, and even used a passport photographer’s laptop to finish the process.

The evening before the exam, I hardly got any rest. I remained awake gazing at the ceiling, my stomach twisting with anxiety. This scholarship had the power to transform everything. It might unlock the prison confining me within that house.

“Please " I murmured into the gloom. "Grant this as my passage away.”

⸻

On the exam morning, Mom and Dad were not at home. They had gone early to attend a meeting, they didn’t even think to check if I was okay less inquire about where I was heading.

Perfect.

Shortly after 7 AM Maya crept in through my window like a cat burglar.

“Girl!" she hissed-exclaimed. "Today is THE DAY we’ve been anticipating!" She began bouncing around my room. "You’re going to crush this, I just feel it!”

She took hold of my hands. Twirled me around so quickly I nearly toppled over.

“Maya hold on! You’ll snap my neck " I chuckled.

She took out her phone, booked an Uber, and pulled me outside.

⸻

The examination took place in a hall within a renowned educational institution. Upon entering I was nearly speechless. The air carried scents of books, gleaming floors, and high-end fragrance. Pupils from across the city occupied the area wearing casual attire, Nike shoes, luxury backpacks, and hairstyles that seemed styled by professionals.

I instantly sensed I didn't belong.

My spirits dropped. Are these the individuals I’m up against?

Maya murmured, "Hey. Don’t feel down. You’re wiser than many of them. Just relax.”

I nodded, though my stiffened shoulders revealed my tension.

As the invigilator summoned my group into the hall, I murmured a prayer, gripped my pencil firmly, and entered the room.

The exam was brutal.

The biology questions were extensive and complex. Chemistry equations tangled up my thoughts. The math section almost brought me to tears. The logical reasoning segment seemed to be teasing me.

However, I never surrendered.

I inhaled deeply. I reviewed the questions again. I challenged my mind intensely than ever before.

When the allotted time ended I let my pencil fall and murmured, "God, please.”

Exiting the hall my legs shook. I wasn’t confident that I performed well. It seemed as though my whole future depended on a thread.

Outside a girl approached me. She had black hair, large round glasses, and a timid smile.

“Hi," she greeted with a wave. "I’m Yasmine. May I know your name?”

“I’m Zara " I responded.

Her grin grew broader. "You’re truly stunning. I adore your hair. Not to sound odd…. You seem like someone who fits perfectly in Columbia.”

I chuckled. "Thanks. The test was challenging however.”

“Ohhh it truly was " she moaned theatrically. "I nearly passed out at question forty-two. I believe they intend for us to endure pain.”

We both chuckled.

Then she moved in nearer. "I was told the Sterlings are backing this scholarship.”

My attention sharpened. "The Sterlings? The wealthiest family in New York?”

"Indeed! I heard their eldest son has returned to the nation. He is the one handling the scholarship particularly."

“That’s… unbelievable. I wasn’t aware they supported initiatives like this.”

“Sure. If we both receive the scholarship let’s become friends " Yasmine said, waving farewell. "I love your energy!”

As she turned to leave Maya moved beside me, her eyes squinting.

“Who is that?" she inquired with a pout.

“A girl I encountered during the test " I said, trying not to laugh. ". Maya, quit staring like a spiteful wife.”

She tossed her hair. "I’m not envious. I simply dislike others sharing your space.”

I started laughing. Maya was unmanageable.

Afterward, we made our way home completely worn out yet optimistic.

⸻

The results were set to be announced in two weeks.

I was unable to stay calm. I wandered around, bounced my legs, bit my nails, anything to ease the tension. As soon as Mom and Dad exited the house I rushed over to Maya’s home.

“Maya look at this!" I nearly shouted.

She powered on her laptop and accessed the scholarship website. Together we bent over the display, our hearts pounding.

The email showed up.

SUBJECT: Columbia University Scholarship Result

Maya pressed it.

My breathing ceased.

Her eyes grew larger. Her jaw fell slack.

“ZARA…" she shrieked, clutching my arm. "YOU MADE IT!!! YOU PASSED!!! YOU RECEIVED THE HIGHEST SCORE!!!”

“What??”

“Check it out, scholarship! COMPLETE!!! They’re allowing you to enroll in the Neurosurgery Track —-Med program, at Columbia University!”

I felt my spirit depart from my body.

Me?

The unwanted child?

The housemaid?

I yelled. Maya yelled. We leapt, embraced, tumbled on the rug, yelled more, and wept.

I snatched her laptop. Dashed out the door.

I felt compelled, desperately, to share this with Mom and Dad. Perhaps… perhaps they’d feel proud. Maybe this could make a difference.

However, once I arrived home my hope was crushed.

The front door was wide open.

I entered bewilderment gripping my chest.

At that moment I became immobilized.

A collection of men occupied the living room. Relentlessly assaulting my parents. My father lay on the floor, mouth bleeding. My mother knelt nearby weeping, pleading.

Lila… could not be located anywhere.

My heart ceased beating.

“W-whats going on?" I murmured.

Then my gaze settled on him.

A man is positioned in the living room. A man different, from anyone I had ever encountered.

He stood tall. Imposing. Dominant. His presence occupied the room. His suit appeared to be worth more than our home. His jaw was defined, his hair black, his aura menacing.

And his eyes…

Cold grey.

Sharp.

Familiar.

He fixed those eyes on me.

My stomach sank. My mouth became parched. I sensed my legs might collapse.

“Zara, come over here " he said.

His tone… steady authoritative. As if he rarely had to reiterate his words.

Terror rooted me to the ground.

How did he know my name?

“Don't make me repeat myself ”

His voice grew lethal.

I approached him gradually shaking, my hands clammy, my pulse irregular.

He examined me deliberately and meticulously. I felt vulnerable. Insignificant. Helpless.

Then he faced my father, who was crying on the ground.

“To settle your debt " the man stated, tone. Definitive,

“She must marry me.”