Anita Baker recently graduated from university. She's a 24-year-old woman and the eldest daughter of her parents. She 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 curvy hips. All her sisters are dark-skinned; she alone is fair.
Furthermore, Anita resembles her mother but is more beautiful. Her father often accuses her mother of infidelity and doubts he's truly Anita's father because of her fair skin. Her mother has always remained silent about these accusations, telling Anita not to mind her father and assuring her that she is indeed his child.
Anita's father has even threatened to run a DNA test, as he can't understand why she's so fair-skinned unlike her sisters.
Her immediate younger sister, Flora, a 22-year-old dark-skinned beauty, also dislikes her.
Four of her sisters hate her; only her youngest sister, Glory Baker, genuinely loves her.
They say blood is thicker than water, but in Anita's case, water seems thicker than blood.
Despite constantly accusing his wife of infidelity and claiming Anita isn't his child, Mr. Joshua Baker still sent Anita to university to study business administration.
Anita is thrilled to have completed her final exams with flying colors.
Due to her father's constant accusations against her mother, Mrs. Tonia Baker, Anita has refused to accept romantic relationships. She goes on dates but always rejects proposals.
Anita's university best friend, Temisa Patrick, has advised her to give love a chance. But Anita refuses, saying, "My father constantly accuses my mother of cheating, yet he still got her pregnant six times. My mother says he loves her, but his daily insults suggest otherwise."
Anita shook her head sadly as she spoke to Temisa in their shared room during their second year at the private university.
Handsome men pursue her, but Anita believes they only want to use her. She fears that once a man takes her virginity, he'll change and either dump her or accuse her of cheating—just like her father does to her mother.
Anita sits in the private room she shares with Temisa Patrick as they prepare for their final convocation.
"Anita, I'm so happy! Finally, we're leaving this school. I can't explain how much I've missed home," Temisa says.
"Me too," Anita replies faintly, though she knows it isn't entirely true. She dreads returning home to face her father's constant insults and her three sisters—Flora, Esther, and Favor—who torment her, calling her an "outcast" out of jealousy.
Anita shakes her head sadly, and Temisa notices.
"What's wrong, girlfriend? You don't look happy, even though you're graduating as one of the best students today," Temisa asks.
She rises from her seat at the mirror and approaches Anita, who sits alone, shaking her head instead of packing.
"What's the problem, dear?" Temisa asks again, crouching in front of Anita, though she already knows the answer.
"Don't worry, girlfriend. When I get home, I'll ask my mother if you can live with us during your internship, until you find a job," Temisa offers.
"Thank you," Anita replies with a faint smile.
"You're welcome, dear. You're like a sister to me. You should be happy—graduating with first-class honors is no joke. Come, let me apply some makeup to brighten your mood," Temisa says, gently pulling Anita to the mirror.
"You know I don't like makeup," Anita protests as she sits.
"I know, but today is special. You should look your best when collecting your award. No excuses—do this for me. It'll make you smile all day," Temisa insists, opening her makeup kit.
"Okay," Anita agrees, watching her reflection as Temisa begins.
After Temisa finishes, Anita gasps at her transformation. "Wow!"
Having never worn makeup before, Anita is speechless and suddenly understands why Temisa attracts so many boyfriends.
Temisa is a billionaire's daughter whose father works for Benson Group, one of the biggest companies in their state. The Benson family is among the richest in the country. Anita has researched them online and dreams of working there, which motivated her to study hard and graduate with honors.
Though tempted to ask Temisa for her father's help with an application in Benson Group, Anita decides against it, not wanting to appear as someone seeking unearned favors.
"All done! See how beautiful you look? I'm the best makeup artist on campus!" Temisa fans herself dramatically.
Anita smiles. "Don't get too excited. Yes, you did well, but I still don't like makeup."
"Oh, hush! I hope a handsome man notices you today," Temisa giggles. Everything with her revolves around relationships—she changes boyfriends monthly like her underwear.
Despite dating multiple men and being photographed at beaches, restaurants, and clubs, Temisa claims to be a virgin like Anita.
Anita doubts this, especially given Temisa's provocative wardrobe of shorts, crop tops, and other revealing clothes.
Temisa, a dark-skinned beauty with curves like Anita's, isn't jealous of her friend's fair complexion. They bonded as classmates in the same department.
While Anita excels academically, Temisa is the party type.
"Let's go. Our families must have arrived for the ceremony," Temisa says, quickly packing her makeup and zipping her suitcase.
They had rented the room and stayed even during holidays. Now, for their final goodbye, Anita drags her packed boxes outside, ready to return home after the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Anita Baker was called forward and awarded first-class honors for academic excellence.
Temisa beams from the crowd, applauding as her best friend, Anita walks up to receive her awards.
