Amara slipped back into the reunion hall, her heart hammering wildly, her new car key sat in her palm was real, solid, impossibly hers, people were still talking, bragging, laughing, but now she listened with new ears.
The system chimed again.
Reward Received: 4-bedroom duplex in Lekki Phase 2
Reward Received: Private online fashion brand
Reward Received: ₦5,000,000 cash gift from "Daddy"
More and more rewards poured in as her former classmates continued to show off without restraint, each time Amara tried to keep her expression normal, but inside, she felt like her life was being rewritten word by word, then someone noticed her.
"Wait—Amara? Amara Eze?"
It was Chisom, the class gossip.
"The girl that used to trek to school? Ah-ah! You're looking good oh!"
Amara smiled softly. "Thank you."
Chisom blinked, confused.
"You're glowing differently. What's happening?"
Before Amara could answer, another voice joined in.
"Amara? Our quiet girl?"
It was Farida, the queen of bragging herself—the girl who once mocked Amara for wearing patched shoes, Farida swept her long Brazilian hair dramatically.
"You won't believe it—my boyfriend just bought me a car and paid for my vacation in Dubai!"
DING.
Reward Received: Car + Fully Paid Dubai Vacation
Amara nearly laughed, she covered it with a cough Farida's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What's funny?"
"Nothing," Amara said quickly.
But the system wasn't done yet.
Reward Received: Apartment in Dubai
Amara cleared her throat, this was getting wild.
Elsewhere in the Room… Leo Watched Her, he noticed the small smiles, the quiet confidence, the way people kept approaching her, asking questions. Leo had known Amara in school only as the quiet girl with downcast eyes, but tonight? She looked… different , Golden. He walked toward her slowly.
"Hey," he said gently. "Do you want to sit? You look like you need a break."
Amara swallowed the boy she once avoided was now approaching her.
"Sure," she whispered.
As they sat, she felt the warmth of his presence he studied her face.
"You look beautiful tonight."
Her heart did a backflip, he was talking to her, but before she could respond, someone shouted across the hall:
"Leo! Tell Amara about your new mansion in Banana Island!"
Leo groaned. "I told you not to—"
DING.
Reward Received: Banana Island Mansion
Amara almost fainted making Leo looked at her oddly.
"Are you okay?"
No she was not okay because she now owned more than everyone in that hall combined, but she smiled shyly.
"Yes… I'm fine."
For the first time, Leo smiled back—warm, soft, real, and Amara's heart whispered:
Maybe… just maybe… something magical was beginning.
⸻