Isabella froze at his words. The price he mentioned echoed in her mind. With that much money, she could finally cover her collage and hostel fees. For a moment, temptation weighed heavy on her chest. She shook her hard, forcing the thought away, and hurried down the street, her footsteps brisk and unsteady. Still, as she walked, her thoughts kept circling back her family, their needs, and how this money could have changed their lives.

  When she reached her hostel, breathless and drained, Isabella collapsed onto her bed and buried her face in the pillows. The questions wouldn't stop. Money. Tuition. Rent. Family. She thought until exhaustion finally dragged her under, her stomach empty, her forehead lined with the wrinkles of worry even in sleep.

  That night, her dreams painted a cruel picture. She saw herself living in wealth with her family, laughing freely, eating meals without fear of tomorrow, giving them everything they had ever wished for. She dreamed of helping other women too - lifting them from the same shadows she lived in, offering shelter to the helpless, to children, to anyone broken and lost.

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  The next morning, Isabella couldn't wake up on time. Her dream had dragged her deeper into sleep, and by the time her eyes fluttered open, panic shot through her chest.

  "Oh no... I'm late for my lectures!" she gasped, scrambling out of bed. She grabbed her books, purse, and room key, then rushed out without brushing her hair or even touching her toothbrush. Her shoes barely slipped on as she flew down the hostel stairs, heart racing.

  By the time she reached the classroom, she was panting and drenched in sweat. Heads turned toward her as she slid into the room. Miss Lila's eyes narrowed.

  "Miss Isabella, this isn't the time to show up. Next time, be on time."

  She murmured an apology and sank into her seat, cheeks burning. Her friend leaned toward her.

  "Why so late today?" she whispered.

  Isabella forced a smile. "Just slept too late." She didn't want to explain the weight of last night, or the thoughts that had kept her awake.

  As the lecture went on, the classroom was silent except for the teacher's (Miss Lila) voice. In that silence, Isabella's stomach betrayed her, growling so loudly she winced. She pressed her hands against it, but the hunger clawed at her she hadn't eaten dinner last night, nor breakfast this morning.

  TO BE CONTINUED...