CHAPTER 1

Anita Baker, a 24-year-old lady, just graduated from university. She's the first daughter of her parents and has five younger sisters. Her father is a banker, while her mother is a trader.

Anita has a fair complexion and is beautifully shaped, with sexy curvy hips, standing at 6 feet tall. Among all her sisters, she is the only one with a white complexion; the rest have darker skin tones, with some having a fair brown complexion.

Anita resembles her mother, though she is considered more beautiful. Occasionally, her father accuses her mother of cheating on him and doubts that he is truly her father, simply because she is so fair-skinned. However, her mother has always kept quiet about it and reassures Anita that she is really his child.

Her father has even threatened to run a paternity DNA test on her, unable to understand why she looks so different from her sisters.

Anita's immediately younger sister, Flora, a 22-year-old dark-skinned beauty, also dislikes her, even though Anita is two years older. About four of her sisters hate her, except for her youngest sister, Glory, who genuinely loves her.

They say blood is thicker than water, but in Anita's case, it seems water is thicker than blood.

Her father, Mr. Joshua Baker, doesn’t stop sending her to school. Instead, he continually accuses his wife of cheating and producing another man's child, yet he still supports Anita's education in business administration at university.

Anita is overjoyed as she takes her final exams, and when the results come out, she receives them with flying colors.

Due to her father's constant accusations toward her calm mother, Mrs. Tonia Baker, Anita has refused all romantic relationships with the boys who ask her out. Instead, she only goes out on dates with them and ultimately rejects their love proposals.

Anita's best friend at university, Temisa Patrick, has advised her to give love a chance, but Anita refuses. "My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating on him, and yet he still goes back to her, getting her pregnant to have the six of us. Mother says he loves her, but his daily insults don’t demonstrate that love," she said, shaking her head as she spoke to Temisa during their second year at university.

Many handsome and successful guys are interested in Anita, but she feels they only want to use her. She worries that once they take her virginity, they will dump her or accuse her of cheating, just as her father does to her mother, threatening to send them both into depression.

Anita sits in a private room with Temisa, preparing for their final convocation.

"Anita, I'm so happy! Finally, we will be parting from this school. I can't explain how much I've missed home!" Temisa exclaims.

"Me too," Anita replies faintly, knowing this isn’t entirely true, as she dreads returning home and facing her father’s constant insults toward her mother. Her three younger sisters, Flora, Esther, and Favour, will likely torment her, calling her an outcast due to their jealousy of her looks—something that feels entirely unfair to her.

Anita shakes her head in sadness, and Temisa notices. "What is it, girlfriend? You don’t seem happy, especially since you’re graduating as one of the best students in our university!" Temisa asks as she rises from her seat, gazing into the mirror, before approaching Anita on the couch.

Anita shakes her head and looks away from Temisa without responding.

"What’s the problem, dear?" Temisa asks again as she crouches in front of her. Deep down, she knows the reason for Anita’s unhappiness, as Anita has shared her feelings about men with her before.

"Don’t worry! When I get home, I can talk to my mother and let you come live with us, even if it’s just for your internship, until you find a better job to support yourself."

"Thank you," Anita smiles faintly, and Temisa replies, "You’re welcome! You know you’re like a sister to me, so you don’t have to worry or cry. Graduating with a first class is no small feat, and you should be happy! Today is your special day. Come sit here, and let me apply some makeup on your face."

Temisa pulls Anita to her feet, and Anita smiles faintly as she walks over to sit in front of the mirror.

"You know I don’t like makeup," Anita protests as she watches Temisa open one of her makeup kits and begin preparing her brushes.

"I know, but today is your lucky day! You should look fabulous while collecting your awards as the best graduating student, so no excuses. Just do this for me, okay? It’ll surely lift your spirits."

"Okay," Anita replies, staring at her reflection in the mirror while Temisa begins applying brown powder to her face.

Temisa starts with Anita's eyelashes, then switches to her cheeks and nose, applying the beautiful makeup. When she finishes, Anita is stunned by her reflection in the mirror.

Anita has never worn makeup before, and now staring at her new look, she becomes speechless, finally understanding why Temisa has so many admirers.

Temisa is a billionaire’s daughter because her father works for the Benson Group of Companies, one of the wealthiest families in their country.

Anita has read about the Benson family and wishes to work for them. That’s one reason she studied hard and read day and night to graduate as one of the best students at her university. 

Anita has considered asking Temisa if she could speak to her father about applying for a position within the Benson Group. However, she fears it might seem like she is trying to gain an unfair advantage or that others might perceive her as a gold digger, hoping to use her body to gain favors. Therefore, she decides not to ask Temisa for help again.

"All done now. Don’t you see how gorgeous you look in the mirror? Oh my God! I’m the best makeup artist on campus!" Temisa fans herself, while Anita smiles.

"Don’t over-hype yourself because of me. Sure, you did well, but I still don’t like makeup," Anita admits.

"Tar! Shut up! I’m hoping a handsome guy will notice you today and ask you out," Temisa giggles. Guys seem to be all that Temisa cares about; she switches boyfriends as frequently as one might change clothes.

Temisa can be quite ruthless regarding relationships and doesn’t care what other women think. 

While she claims to be a virgin, it’s hard to believe, given how often she’s seen with different guys at the beach, restaurants, and clubs, always taking pictures with them. Anita senses that Temisa is not being truthful, especially since she has also told Temisa she is a virgin.

Anita finds it difficult to accept that Temisa could truly be a virgin. In her mind, a virgin is typically reserved and keeps to herself, so she's not easily used by men. But Temisa dresses provocatively, wearing shorts, crop tops, and other alluring outfits. 

Although they are both curvy and attractive, Anita never feels jealous of Temisa for her darker complexion. They are in the same department and studied the same courses, which has forged their close friendship. However, Anita is academically more gifted, while Temisa is more of the party girl.

"Let’s head out now! I’m sure most of our families have already arrived," Temisa says as she quickly packs her remaining items and makeup kits into her bag, zipping it up.

They rented the room they’ve been sharing, staying there most of the time, even though the school is on holiday.

Now that it's their final year, Anita gathers all her bags and boxes, ready to go home after the award ceremony.

They step out to witness the final university event, where Anita Baker is called to receive her first-class award and recognition for her academic excellence.

Temisa beams with pride, clapping for her friend, who walks up from her spot among the crowd of friends and family to accept her award.