Her Stepmother Forced Her to Eat from the Dog’s Bowl, But One Day the Tables Turned

Amina’s once peaceful life had already begun to unravel the moment her father, Ayuba, brought Miriam into their home. At first, she was hopeful. Miriam had seemed so kind, so charming, as though she would be the mother figure Amina had always longed for after the death of her beloved mother. But soon, Amina began to notice the cracks in the façade. Miriam’s smile was as cold as the winter winds that swept through their village, and the warmth Amina had hoped to find in her new stepmother quickly faded into something far darker.

As the days passed, Amina realized that Miriam wasn’t just a new face in the household—she was a force, a suffocating presence that was slowly taking over every corner of her life. Miriam insisted that Amina wake up before the sun, demanding that she fetch water from the farthest well, scrub the floors until they shone, and wash the dishes, all while the rest of the family—Miriam included—slept soundly. Amina was expected to take on every chore imaginable, and no matter how hard she worked, it was never enough.

Ayuba, her father, was oblivious to the cruelty that unfolded every day. He trusted Miriam, believing her harshness was simply the way of discipline. Miriam had convinced him that Amina was lazy and unruly, needing a firm hand to learn how to be a proper woman and help run the home. He never suspected that his daughter, the girl he had once doted on, was silently suffering under the weight of his new wife’s commands.

Miriam’s words were sharp and cutting, each insult a wound that slowly but surely chipped away at Amina’s spirit. "You’ll never amount to anything if you keep being this lazy," she would sneer as Amina struggled with the tasks Miriam had piled on her. "I’m not here to raise someone who is weak and useless." Amina could only nod, stifling her tears, knowing better than to speak up. Any protest would only earn her further punishment, and she had already learned how quickly Miriam could turn the smallest infraction into something far more painful.

But it wasn’t just the words that left scars. Miriam’s actions were far worse. One afternoon, after Amina had spent the day cleaning the house, Miriam decided it was time for a lesson. The family was gathered around the table for dinner, and Amina, as usual, was not invited to join them. She had grown used to sitting on the edge of the room, watching them eat, her stomach growling with hunger, yet always denied the luxury of sitting with her family.

Miriam, in a fit of cruelty, ordered Amina to kneel on the dirt floor next to the dog’s bowl, the same bowl that their large, mangy dog ate from every day. "If you’re not going to act like part of this family," Miriam hissed, "then you will eat like the dog you are."

Amina’s heart shattered as she looked up at her father, silently pleading with her eyes. But Ayuba, oblivious to the humiliation unfolding right before him, sat at the table with his head down, focused on his meal, unaware of the terrible injustice his daughter was enduring. She had never felt so small, so invisible. With trembling hands, Amina lowered her head, trying to hide the hot tears that streamed down her face as she took a bite from the filthy bowl, the food tasting like ash in her mouth. Her stomach churned, and her heart ached, but she swallowed the shame.

She wanted to scream, to cry out, but something deep inside her kept her silent. She was alone in this. No one would help her, and if she spoke out, it would only make things worse. So, she remained silent, the tears slipping down her cheeks as she ate from the dog’s bowl, the stench of the meal mixing with the deep despair in her heart.

Her mind raced with thoughts of escape, of freedom, of a life where she didn’t have to crawl on her knees to gain the smallest measure of respect. But for now, all she could do was endure.

The following days became a blur of endless chores, insults, and the growing realization that her father’s love for her was slowly being replaced with blind devotion to Miriam. Amina felt like a ghost in her own home—present, but invisible, her pain unnoticed. She had become nothing more than a servant, a shadow in the house that had once been filled with laughter and love.

And yet, in the quiet moments when Miriam was away or when Amina worked alone in the garden, she would dream. Amina dreamed of a life where she was valued, where her efforts were acknowledged, where she wasn’t forced to kneel at the feet of a cruel stepmother and eat from the dog’s bowl. In those fleeting moments, she found solace, a small hope that one day, she would rise above this life of suffering.

But for now, she could only endure. For now, she was trapped in the silent betrayal of a home that was supposed to protect her, but instead had become a prison.

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SHE HAD A ONE NIGHT STAND WITH A BILLIONAIRE THEN THIS HAPPENED ……

Episode 2

And then she saw two bold pink lines. Positive.
Joy froze.
Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment she thought she might pass out. She was pregnant. She pressed a hand to her stomach trying to make sense of it.
A life was growing inside her. Lawrence Johnson's child.
Tears welled in her eyes.
What was she going to do? For the next few days, Joy couldn't sleep. Her mind kept racing with one question. Should she tell him? She didn't even have his phone number.
The only way to reach him was through his company, Johnson Group. After struggling with the decision, she finally gathered the courage to go to his office.
The Johnson Group building in Leosville was a towering glass structure that seemed to touch the sky.
Inside, everything was sleek and polished, filled with expensive suits and the sound of heels clicking on marble floors. Joy felt small. She approached the front desk, her hands clenched into fists.
I need to see Mr. Lawrence Johnson, she said trying to keep her voice steady. The receptionist, a tall woman with a tight bun and an even tighter expression, gave her a disbelieving look.
Do you have an appointment? Joy hesitated.
No, but it's important. Please, I just need a few minutes. The receptionist sighed loudly, tapping on her keyboard.
Mr. Johnson doesn't meet people without an appointment. If you'd like to book one, the earliest available date is three months from now. Joy's heart sank.
Three months? By then, she would already be showing.
There's no way to see him sooner? She asked, desperate. The woman gave her a sharp look.
Ma'am, Mr. Johnson is not someone you can just walk in and see. If you don't have an appointment, I suggest you leave. Joy stared at her, feeling a lump form in her throat.
So this was how it was. She had been nothing to him that night, and now she couldn't even get five minutes of his time. She turned away slowly, feeling defeated.
But as she reached the door, another thought hit her.
Even if she did manage to tell Lawrence, what would he think? That she was trying to trap him. That she wanted his money.

Joy's stomach twisted. She had already seen what he thought of women like her. He left her money on the nightstand like she was a prostitute.
He would never believe she wasn't trying to use this pregnancy against him. And honestly, she didn't want anything from him. She didn't need his money.
She didn't need his name. She would raise this baby on her own. Taking a deep breath, Joy walked out of Johnson Group, her decision made.
She would never reach out to him again. He would never know about this child. She would be both mother and father.
She didn't need him. She never had. And so, Joy disappeared from Lawrence's world, taking their child with her.

After much thought joy had to resign from her work inorder to take care of herself and her unborn son .
It was a really tough moment for her as she didn’t have any single money to even feed .
At a time she considered committing an Abortion but her conscience wouldn’t let her

The only person she could confined in was her old mother who accepted her whole heartedly and tried to ease the burden from her shoulders .
Her mother despite her old age still took extreme care of her daughter and her unborn child .

Joy and her mother would normally sit outside under the mango tree every evening to gist and talk about past events of the day but one day joy decided to bring up the idea of aborting the child
her mother looked at her sternly ,Joy ,joy joy how many times did I call you
Don’t make the mistake of terminating the blessing that God had sent you
After saying this she stood up and went into her room to sleep leaving joy thinking to herself .

She finally concluded within her not to terminate the child as it could be what God has destined .

One day as joy was sweeping the front yard of their hut ,she started to feel a sharp pain at her abdomen region , she screamed in pain as her mother rushed out
Her mother quickly called some men to help her and they rushed joy to the nearest hospital

Push !! Push !!, The doctors voice was heard from the labour room
Her mother just sat in the waiting room praying silently to herself

30 minutes later the doctor came out with a wide smile on his face
He looked at joy’s mother and said happily
Congratulations mama ,your daughter has just given birth to a bouncing baby boy
Joy’s mother had tears of joy running down her cheeks as she rushed in to see her daughter smiling at her while holding her son
She couldn’t hold back her tears as she hugged her daughter graciously
Mama ,Joy called out ,meet Noah your grandson who is going to wipe both your tears and mine away .

FIVE YEARS LATER
The streets of Leosville bustled with life, filled with the sound of honking cars, people bargaining in open-air markets, and the distant hum of construction sites. The city had grown, just as Noah had.
At just five years old, Noah Daniels was a ball of energy.
His bright eyes shone with curiosity and his laughter was contagious. He was the reason Joy Daniels kept pushing forward every single day.
She had worked hard over the years, climbing her way up in the interior design industry.

Though she didn't have her own company yet, she had made a name for herself.
Clients admired her work, and she was proud that she had built a stable life for Noah without anyone's help.
She didn't need Lawrence Johnson. She had erased him from her life. But fate had other plans.

It was a warm afternoon, and Joy had promised Noah a trip to Royal Crest Mall, one of the most luxurious shopping centres in Leosville. The mall was owned by none other than Johnson Group. But Joy didn't think much of that.
She had long stopped worrying about Lawrence crossing paths with her. He probably wouldn't even remember her, so what were the chances? Noah ran ahead excitedly, tugging on Joy's hand as they passed through the mall's food court.
Mommy, can I have ice cream? he asked, his big brown eyes filled with hope.
Joy smiled. Okay, okay. Just one scoop.

She led him to a small ice cream stand, waiting as the vendors scooped vanilla into a cup. Noah grinned, happily digging in as they continued walking.
It was supposed to be just another normal day.

Until she heard a voice. A voice that made her entire body freeze.
Across the mall, standing in front of a row of luxury stores, Lawrence Johnson stood with a men in suits.

He was doing his routine property inspection, something he rarely had time for, but today he had decided to visit the mall personally with his management staff.
As he listened to his assistant discuss sales figures, his gaze casually swept across the food court. And then he saw the child.
A small boy. Dark curly hair. A sharp jawline.
A face that looked almost exactly like his own. Lawrence stopped breathing.
The resemblance was too strong to ignore.
His heart pounded as he watched the boy take a bite of his ice cream, laughing as his mother wiped a smudge off his cheek. And then, his eyes shifted to the woman holding the boy's hand. Something flickered in his mind, a vague sense of familiarity, but he couldn't place her.

Where had he seen her before? Who was she?
And why did her son look exactly like him? Before he knew what he was doing, Lawrence started
walking toward them. Joy was laughing at something Noah had said when she felt a presence behind her.
A dark, powerful presence.
She turned, and her heart dropped.

TBC….

Please let’s endeavour to react

100 METAPHORS AND ANALOGIES
METAPHOR:
Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, in order to suggest a resemblance. It compares two unlike things directly without using "like" or "as".
1. Time is a thief.
2. Her voice is music to my ears.
3. He has a heart of stone.
4. The classroom was a zoo.
5. Life is a rollercoaster.
6. She’s a shining star.
7. His mind is a steel trap.
8. The world is a stage.
9. He’s a walking encyclopedia.
10. Her eyes were sparkling diamonds.
Her eyes are bright and captivating.
11. The thunder was a lion’s roar.
The thunder is loud and powerful, like a lion's roar.
12. His words were a double-edged sword.
His words could have both positive and negative effects.
13. She has a green thumb.
She is skilled at gardening.
14. The city is a jungle.
The city is wild and chaotic.
15. He’s a night owl.
He stays up late and is active at night.
16. Her smile is sunshine.
Her smile brings warmth and happiness.
17. The stars were diamonds in the sky.
The stars are bright and sparkling, like diamonds.
18. His temper was a volcano.
His anger could erupt suddenly and violently.
19. She’s a butterfly.
She is graceful and delicate.
20. The wind was a howling wolf.
The wind made loud, eerie noises, like a wolf's howl.
21. He’s a couch potato.
He is lazy and inactive.
22. Her mind is a maze.
Her thoughts are complex and intricate.
23. The lake was a mirror.
The lake's surface was calm and reflective.
24. He’s a rock.
He is dependable and strong.
25. Her laughter is a melody.
Her laughter is pleasant and musical.
26. The snow is a white blanket.
The snow covers the ground completely, like a blanket.
27. He’s a snake.
He is deceitful and untrustworthy.
28. Her hair is a golden river.
Her hair flows smoothly and has a golden hue.
29. The moon was a ghostly galleon.
The moon is compared to a large, mysterious ship.
30. His eyes were piercing lasers.
His gaze was intense and penetrating.
31. The fog is a thick curtain.
The fog is dense and obscures vision, like a curtain.
32. She’s a diamond in the rough.
She has potential but needs refinement.
33. His voice is velvet.
His voice is smooth and soft.
34. The car was a rocket.
The car is extremely fast.
35. Her eyes were pools of sorrow.
Her eyes reflect deep sadness.
36. The clouds were cotton balls.
The clouds are fluffy and white.
37. He’s a lion in battle.
He is brave and fierce during conflicts.
38. Her skin is porcelain.
Her skin is smooth and pale.
39. The night is a black veil.
The night covers everything in darkness.
40. He’s a ticking time bomb.
He is likely to explode in anger soon.
41. Her words were daggers.
Her words were hurtful and sharp.
42. The river was a snake.
The river winds and twists like a snake.
43. He’s a shining beacon.
He provides guidance and hope.
44. Her heart is an open book.
She is transparent and honest.
45. The storm was a raging bull.
The storm was wild and uncontrollable.
46. He’s a pillar of strength.
He is a reliable source of support.
47. Her mind is a sponge.
She absorbs information quickly and easily.
48. The computer is a brain.
It processes and stores data like a human brain.
49. His life is a train wreck.
His life is chaotic and full of problems.
50. The sun was a fiery eye.
The sun is hot and watchful like a blazing eye.
ANALOGY:
An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. It shows how two different things are similar in a particular aspect, often using relationships or functions to explain.
51. As a sword is to a warrior, a pen is to a writer.
Just as a sword is a warrior's tool, a pen is a writer's.
52. Bird is to nest as bee is to hive.
Birds live in nests; bees live in hives.
53. Hand is to glove as foot is to sock.
A glove covers the hand; a sock covers the foot.
54. Fire is to heat as ice is to cold.
Fire produces heat; ice produces cold.
55. Fish is to water as bird is to air.
Fish live in water; birds live in the air.
56. Wheel is to car as leg is to human.
Wheels help cars move; legs help humans walk.
57. Eye is to see as ear is to hear.
Eyes are for seeing; ears are for hearing.
58. Pupil is to school as patient is to hospital.
Pupils are taught in schools; patients are treated in hospitals.
59. Battery is to flashlight as fuel is to car.
Batteries power flashlights; fuel powers cars.
60. Seed is to tree as egg is to bird.
Seeds grow into trees; eggs grow into birds.
61. Chalk is to board as pen is to paper.
Chalk writes on boards; pens write on paper.
62. Cat is to kitten as dog is to puppy.
A kitten is a baby cat; a puppy is a baby dog.
63. Night is to moon as day is to sun.
The moon appears at night; the sun appears in the day.
64. Brain is to body as CPU is to computer.
The brain controls the body; the CPU controls the computer.
65. Painter is to brush as writer is to pen.
A brush is a painter's tool; a pen is a writer's tool.
66. Leaf is to tree as petal is to flower.
Leaves are parts of trees; petals are parts of flowers.
67. Fingers are to hand as toes are to foot.
Fingers are part of the hand; toes are part of the foot.
68. Knife is to cut as shovel is to dig.
A knife cuts; a shovel digs.
69. Smile is to happiness as frown is to sadness.
A smile shows happiness; a frown shows sadness.
70. Nose is to smell as tongue is to taste.
The nose is used for smelling; the tongue for tasting.
71. Roof is to house as lid is to pot.
A roof covers a house; a lid covers a pot.
72. Scissors are to cutting as broom is to sweeping.
Scissors cut; brooms sweep.
73. Doctor is to patient as teacher is to student.
Doctors care for patients; teachers educate students.
74. Bee is to hive as ant is to colony.
Bees live in hives; ants in colonies.
75. Chef is to kitchen as pilot is to cockpit.
A chef works in the kitchen; a pilot in the cockpit.
76. River is to water as mountain is to rock.
A river is made of water; a mountain is made of rock.
77. Lock is to key as password is to computer.
A key unlocks a lock; a password unlocks a computer.
78. Compass is to direction as thermometer is to temperature.
A compass gives direction; a thermometer measures temperature.
79. Clouds are to rain as smoke is to fire.
Clouds often bring rain; smoke indicates fire.
80. Book is to knowledge as gym is to fitness.
Books build knowledge; gyms build fitness.
81. Milk is to cow as wool is to sheep.
Milk comes from cows; wool comes from sheep.
82. Shoe is to foot as glove is to hand.
Shoes protect feet; gloves protect hands.
83. Airplane is to sky as ship is to sea.
Airplanes travel in the sky; ships in the sea.
84. Hunger is to food as thirst is to water.
Hunger is satisfied by food; thirst by water.
85. Pencil is to write as brush is to paint.
A pencil writes; a brush paints.
86. Chain is to link as rope is to strand.
A chain is made of links; a rope is made of strands.
87. Sun is to solar as moon is to lunar.
Sun relates to solar; moon relates to lunar.
88. Roots are to tree as foundation is to building.
Roots support trees; foundations support buildings.
89. Author is to book as composer is to music.
An author writes books; a composer creates music.
90. Ant is to hardworking as fox is to cunning.
Ants are known for hard work; foxes for cleverness.
91. Mother is to nurture as soldier is to protect.
Mothers nurture; soldiers protect.
92. Snow is to cold as fire is to hot.
Snow is cold; fire is hot.
93. Question is to answer as problem is to solution.
Questions need answers; problems need solutions.
94. Storm is to chaos as breeze is to calm.
Storms are chaotic; breezes are calming.
95. Skeleton is to body as frame is to house.
A skeleton supports the body; a frame supports the house.
96. Flashlight is to dark as umbrella is to rain.
A flashlight helps in darkness; an umbrella in rain.
97. Seed is to harvest as effort is to success.
Seeds lead to harvest; effort leads to success.
98. Book is to reading as piano is to playing.
Books are read; pianos are played.
99. Artist is to creativity as scientist is to logic.
Artists rely on creativity; scientists on logic.
100. Fuel is to engine as food is to body.
Fuel powers an engine; food fuels the body.

Why Does Home Feel Safer?

Why does home feel safer—than the noise beyond the door,
Than the hurried steps of strangers on a world that wants more?
Why does silence in these walls feel softer than a song,
And the quiet hug of evening say, “Here is where you belong”?

Is it the way the light bends through familiar glass,
Or the memories in corners time can’t seem to pass?
Is it the scent of comfort cooking slow on the stove,
Or the echo of voices that still speak love in low tones?

Out there, the world rushes—loud, sharp, unknown,
But here, my heart finds a place it calls its own.
No masks to wear, no weight to hide,
Just peace like a blanket, and warmth inside.

Home feels safer—because it knows my scars,
It doesn’t ask me to shine like the stars.
It welcomes my weariness, my laughter, my fears,
And holds me with hands invisible, yet near.

So when the world gets heavy, and I don’t know where to roam,
I return to the quiet answer I’ve always known:
Home feels safer—not because it’s perfect or wide—
But because love lives here, and I don’t have to hide.

- Giftie

THE DANGEROUS & COSTLY MISTAKES THAT THE MAJORITY OF GEN Zs' ARE MAKING
TODAY

Let’s be honest — Gen Z is bold, intelligent, creative, and filled with untapped potential. But greatness requires wisdom, discipline, and intentional living. If these mistakes go unchecked, they can sabotage futures before they even begin.

Let’s dive in.

1. LIVING FOR THE INTERNET, NOT FOR IMPACT;

Mistake: Chasing trends instead of transformation.

Wisdom:
In a digital age, it’s tempting to measure worth by likes, followers, and viral moments. But the internet has a short memory. What it remembers are those who made a difference, not those who made noise. Purpose outlives popularity. Build a life that leaves footprints, not just impressions.

Key Thought:
Legacy matters more than likes.

2. MOCKING THE PROCESS, BUT DESIRING THE RESULT;

Mistake: Entitlement without effort.

Wisdom:
You can’t harvest where you haven’t sown. Many want a millionaire lifestyle without embracing a laborer’s discipline. Mocking the hustle while coveting the reward is a self-inflicted curse. Every result you admire was born in hidden, hard places. Embrace the grind — it’s the gate to greatness.

Key Thought:
Desire must be matched by discipline.

3. REPLACING HARD WORK WITH AESTHETICS;

Mistake: Valuing appearance over substance.

Wisdom:
Looking wealthy is not being wealthy. Flaunting lifestyles you haven’t earned is deception to self and others. Clothes, cars, and curated feeds can’t cover empty bank accounts and shallow legacies. Invest your time in developing skills, building assets, and adding value. Substance sustains — aesthetics fade.

Key Thought:
Image fades, value endures.

4. PRIORITIZING FUN OVER FOUNDATION;

Mistake: Sacrificing tomorrow for temporary thrills.

Wisdom:
Youth is a gift, but what you do with it is your offering to the future. Fun has its place, but when pleasure takes priority over preparation, destruction is near. Lay a solid foundation now — in character, skills, relationships, and spiritual depth. Fun without foresight is fatal.

Key Thought:
Your future is the harvest of today’s habits.

5. THINKING YOU STILL HAVE TIME;

Mistake: Delaying destiny.

Wisdom:
Time waits for no one. While you hesitate, someone else your age is already leading, building, and shaping history. Starting early is an advantage, not a burden. Greatness isn’t scheduled for the future — it begins the moment you decide to grow. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time.’ It doesn’t exist.

Key Thought:
The earlier you start, the stronger you finish.

6. TALKING MORE THAN DOING;

Mistake: Replacing execution with inspiration.

Wisdom:
Inspiration is everywhere, but action is rare. The gap between your dreams and your reality is called discipline. Stop being a motivational addict and start being a transformational leader. Speak less, do more. Let your results be louder than your quotes.

Key Thought:
Execution outperforms excitement.

7. RUNNING FROM CORRECTION;

Mistake: Canceling accountability.

Wisdom:
Correction is not rejection; it’s protection. Those who tell you uncomfortable truths are your true allies. Surrounding yourself with only those who applaud you is the fastest road to destruction. Value mentors, accept rebuke, and welcome growth conversations. Pride resists correction — wisdom craves it.

Key Thought:
Correction today saves catastrophe tomorrow.

8. CONFUSING ATTENTION FOR AFFECTION;

Mistake: Seeking applause over authentic connection.

Wisdom:
The culture rewards clout-chasing, but attention is shallow currency. Don’t dress, speak, or live for applause while starving for meaning. Real affection is built on character, trust, and value — not viral trends. Pursue depth over display. Attention fades fast; authentic relationships last.

Key Thought:
Be known for who you are, not just what you show.

9. BELIEVING YOU’RE TOO YOUNG TO FALL;

Mistake: Assuming immunity because of early success.

Wisdom:
Success without humility is a ticking time bomb. No one is untouchable. Pride blinds, and it always precedes a fall. Stay teachable, stay grounded. Let your head bow as your platform rises. Arrogance disqualifies faster than ignorance.

Key Thought:
Success unmanaged is a silent threat.

10. SLEEPING ON YOUR GIFTS;

Mistake: Letting fear bury potential.

Wisdom:
Talent unused is purpose wasted. The world doesn’t need another copy, it needs the original you. Stop hiding behind fear, perfectionism, or excuses. Wake up your gifts. Refuse to be buried with your greatness still locked inside you.

Key Thought:
Unused potential is a tragedy.

FINAL CHARGE TO GEN Z;

You are the future, but only if you survive the present. Refuse to let laziness, entitlement, pride, or fear sabotage your destiny. The world is watching — but more importantly, your generation is counting on you.

Rise with wisdom. Build with intention. Lead with humility.

Your future isn’t promised, it’s prepared. Start now.

Stargt Egbo News

18-year-old Peller becomes the fastest African streamer to reach 10 million followers on T!kTok!

In less than 2 years, T!kTok has made him a billionaire, helped him find a girlfriend, built him a house, and bought him three cars.

Congratulations, Peller!

POOR GIRL WAS FIXING HER MAKEUP IN A CAR WINDOW UNAWARE SOMEONE WAS WATCHING

Mara stood by the roadside, squinting into the tinted window of a sleek black car. Her reflection stared back, smudged and tired. She dabbed on cheap lipstick and patted her cracked powder compact, trying to look presentable before catching the bus home. She had just finished cleaning offices downtown—her part-time job barely paid enough to survive, but she managed.
#stargt

She didn’t care whose car it was. It was just a mirror to her. But what she didn’t know was that someone was inside.

Liam sat silently in the back seat, watching her with curious eyes. A billionaire known for his ruthless business deals and cold demeanor, he wasn’t easily impressed. But there was something about this girl. The way she pouted at her reflection, the determined strokes of her lipstick, the innocence in her eyes. She had no idea someone was watching… and that someone was him.

As she adjusted her scarf and stepped back, Mara caught a strange movement in the glass. Her heart skipped. She leaned closer—and froze. A man was inside, staring right at her.

“Oh my God…” she gasped, stumbling back. “I’m so sorry!”

She turned quickly to leave, mortified. But then she heard a deep, calm voice behind her.

“Hey, you. What’s your name?”

Mara paused. No rich man had ever spoken to her like that before—without mockery or pity. She clutched her worn-out handbag, unsure what to do.

“…Mara,” she replied, voice barely above a whisper.

Liam stepped out of the car, tall and commanding. His eyes studied her like she was a puzzle.

“Do you always use strangers’ cars as mirrors?” he asked, the hint of a smirk on his lips.

Her face flushed, but she lifted her chin. “Only when I can’t afford a real one.”

That confidence… unexpected, unpolished. It made Liam smile for the first time in days.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek business card, handing it to her.

“You’re bold. I like that. Come work for me.”

Mara blinked at the card, stunned. Was this a prank?

“W-Work? As what?”

“My personal assistant.”

She stared at him, speechless. Was he serious? What did a billionaire want with a girl who cleaned floors for a living?

But Liam was already leaning against his car like he had all the time in the world.

That night, Mara didn’t sleep. The card sat on her small table, almost glowing. Her entire world had shifted with a single sentence.

The next morning, she called the number.

Liam’s assistant answered instantly. “Mr. Liam asked me to expect your call. Can you come to the office today?”

Her heart pounded.

She walked into Liam’s company—towering glass walls, sharp-dressed workers, luxury dripping from every corner. And there she was, in her only clean dress, shoes that had seen better days.

When she entered his office, Liam didn’t look surprised.

“I want you as my personal assistant,” he repeated, calmly.

“I-I don’t have any qualifications,” she stammered.

“I’m not hiring a degree,” he said, leaning forward. “I’m hiring honesty. Loyalty. Boldness. Things you showed me without even trying.”

Mara swallowed hard.

“Unless…” Liam added with a teasing smile, “you’d prefer to keep fixing makeup on random car windows forever?”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. All she knew was—her life was about to change.

And it all began with a little makeup and the wrong window.

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To be continued…

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THINGS THAT COULD BE HARMING YOUR ONLINE BRAND OR BUSINESS

Sometimes it’s not village people. It’s you.

Here are a few things you might be doing that are quietly damaging your online brand.

1. Being too humble online

Sis, if they don’t know what you carry, how will they pay you?

Stop hiding your brilliance in the name of humility. To be known, you must blow your own trumpet.

2. Inconsistency.

One day you’re on fire, next day you vanish.
People can’t trust what they can’t predict.

Unless sickness or something very serious kept you away, please show up.

3. Copy and paste content.

If your posts look and sound like everyone else, why should anyone remember you?

4. No clear message

If I come to your wall now, will I know who you serve, what you do, and why I should follow you?

The first 5 posts on your wall should tell me what you do.

5. No call-to-action

Are you posting for posting sake or with intent?

If you’re not giving people a next step, they’ll scroll and go. Tell them what next to do. Is it to sign up for stuff or comment or share?

6. Poor visuals

Nobody is saying you must have an iPhone.

But at least, use clear pictures and clean graphics.

If your photos look like it was taken with a POS camera , people will scroll past.

7. Talking to everybody

Your brand is not for “everybody.”

Find your target audience and speak to them.

8. Emotional posting without wisdom

Oversharing every struggle without a lesson or direction makes people uncomfortable.

Heal before you speak or at least share the scars, not the fresh wounds.

I’ve seen a lady who keeps posting about how she owes people, and yet she’s building a brand. How can we trust a chronic debtor?

9. Zero storytelling

People don’t connect to information. They connect to humans.

Tell your story, it’s your superpower.

10. You’re not selling

You’re only dropping motivational quotes and expecting credit alerts.

Sis, post your offer. Share your product. Let people know how to pay you.

If any of these hit you deep, it’s time to shift.

Inside my 31 day coaching and training Empowered Lady Bootcamp, I teach women how to build powerful, profitable, and purpose-driven brands that command attention and 7 figures.

50 LIES NIGERIAN WOMEN TELL MEN

1. "I’m fine." – When she’s actually upset and wants you to figure out why.

2. "I’ve never been with anyone like you." – She says this every time, and you think you’re special.

3. "I don’t need money, I’m okay." – Until the next shopping spree.

4. "I’m not interested in your friend." – But she’s been flirting with him on social media.

5. "I love surprises." – She only loves them if they’re the right kind of surprises.

6. "I don’t know how to cook." – Until you see her preparing a full course meal for her friends.

7. "It’s not a big deal." – When it’s actually a huge deal, and she’s really mad.

8. "I don’t want anything for my birthday." – But she’s secretly expecting an expensive gift.

9. "I’m not like the others." – A line she uses to make herself seem different, but... really?

10. "I’m busy." – She’s actually busy chatting with her friends or browsing Instagram.

11. "I’m not hungry." – Until you start eating, then she suddenly wants your food.

12. "I don’t mind if you’re friends with your ex." – But she’s side-eyeing you every time you talk about her.

13. "I’m not jealous." – But she’s checking your phone every five minutes.

14. "I’m not a materialistic person." – She’s just waiting for the designer bag.

15. "I’ll be ready in 5 minutes." – Which turns into an hour.

16. "I love your friends." – But deep down, she can’t stand them.

17. "I don’t care what you do for a living." – But she’s judging your career based on your earnings.

18. "I’ve never lied to you." – Even though she’s been caught in a few fibs.

19. "You’re the only one I’m talking to." – But you’ve seen the countless other guys texting her.

20. "I’m not materialistic." – But she only dates guys with the latest cars and phones.

21. "I can pay for it myself." – Until the bill arrives, and she expects you to cover it.

22. "I don’t need help with anything." – But she’s waiting for you to volunteer.

23. "I’m just being friendly." – When she’s actually flirting with every guy in sight.

24. "I’m not ready for a relationship." – But she’s already planning your wedding in her mind.

25. "I don’t like drama." – But she creates it every chance she gets.

26. "I’ve been single for so long." – While she’s had a string of ex-boyfriends.

27. "I’m not checking up on you." – But she knows exactly where you were last night.

28. "I’ll come to your place anytime." – But there’s always a “good reason” why she can’t make it.

29. "I don’t want to rush into anything." – But she’s secretly pushing for commitment.

30. "I’m not looking for anything serious." – But she’s planning your life together.

31. "You’re perfect just the way you are." – But she’s constantly suggesting you change your style or habits.

32. "I’ve never been married." – Even though there’s a divorcee label she’s hiding.

33. "I’m not interested in your money." – But she’s always asking for gifts and financial support.

34. "I don’t mind if you’re busy." – But she’s getting upset that you’re not prioritizing her.

35. "I’m cool with your friends." – But she’s criticizing them behind their backs.

36. "It’s okay, I’m not offended." – When she’s actually deeply hurt by something you did or said.

37. "I’ve never been in a toxic relationship." – But her past relationships were a mess.

38. "I love simple dates." – Until you suggest a low-budget one, then she’s unimpressed.

39. "I can’t do anything for you right now." – When she’s fully capable but just doesn’t want to.

40. "I’m not interested in your hobbies." – But she’s asking you a thousand questions about them.

41. "I like it when you’re quiet." – But she won’t stop talking.

42. "I don’t mind sharing you with other people." – But you can tell she’s possessive.

43. "I’m happy for you." – But she’s secretly jealous.

44. "I’m not keeping track of your mistakes." – But she’s quick to bring them up every chance she gets.

45. "I’m not the jealous type." – But she checks your social media obsessively.

46. "I’ll forgive you, it’s okay." – But she holds grudges for months.

47. "I just want peace." – But she knows how to stir things up just to get attention.

48. "I can live without you." – But she keeps calling and texting, hoping for reassurance.

49. "I don’t like surprises." – Until you show up with flowers and she melts.

50. "I’ve never done anything like this before." – Yet she’s been through this routine multiple times.

America is one of the high ranking countries when it comes to homelessness...........
People sleeping in the streets and in their cars is something you hardly find in Africa

TOP 100 RULES OF CONCORD (Subject-Verb Agreement) with Examples
1–10: Basic Subject-Verb Agreement
Singular subjects take singular verbs.
➤ The dog barks at strangers.

Plural subjects take plural verbs.
➤ The dogs bark at strangers.

Two singular nouns joined by “and” take a plural verb.
➤ John and Mary are here.

Two singular nouns referring to the same person take a singular verb.
➤ My friend and mentor is coming.

When “each” or “every” precedes two nouns joined by “and,” use a singular verb.
➤ Each boy and girl has a book.

Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody” take singular verbs.
➤ Everyone wants success.

Plural indefinite pronouns like “many,” “few,” “both” take plural verbs.
➤ Many were invited.

Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
➤ The team is winning. / The team are arguing among themselves.

A compound subject with “or”/“nor” agrees with the nearest subject.
➤ Neither the teacher nor the students have arrived.
➤ Neither the students nor the teacher has arrived.

Titles of books, movies, etc., take singular verbs.
➤ “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a great movie.

11–30: Special Cases & Exceptions
Words like “mathematics,” “news,” “economics” take singular verbs.
➤ Mathematics is difficult.

But “statistics” can be plural if referring to data.
➤ The statistics are misleading.

Units of measurement or money are singular if seen as a whole.
➤ Five hundred dollars is a lot of money.

When subjects are introduced with “there” or “here,” the verb agrees with the real subject.
➤ There is a book on the table.
➤ There are many books on the table.

Nouns with plural form but singular meaning take singular verbs.
➤ The news is good.

A singular subject followed by phrases like “as well as,” “together with,” etc., takes a singular verb.
➤ The teacher, as well as the students, was present.

“One of” always takes a singular verb.
➤ One of the boys is missing.

“A number of” takes a plural verb; “The number of” takes a singular verb.
➤ A number of students are absent.
➤ The number of students is increasing.

Gerunds used as subjects take singular verbs.
➤ Swimming is fun.

Uncountable nouns take singular verbs.
➤ Water is essential.

31–50: Agreement with Modifiers & Complex Subjects
Subjects with “many a” take singular verbs.
➤ Many a student has passed the exam.

Subjects starting with “what,” “who,” or “which” follow standard agreement.
➤ What is needed is support.
➤ Who knows the answer?

“Each of,” “neither of,” “either of” takes a singular verb.
➤ Each of the players was tired.

“All of,” “some of” take plural verbs if the noun is countable.
➤ All of the cookies are gone.

“None” can be singular or plural depending on context.
➤ None of the cake is left.
➤ None of the books are missing.

Subject before the verb still rules the agreement.
➤ Behind the house sits a cat.

When collective nouns act as a unit, use singular.
➤ The jury has given its verdict.

When individuals in a collective are emphasized, use plural.
➤ The jury are arguing among themselves.

Singular subjects joined by “along with,” “as well as” don’t change the verb.
➤ The CEO, along with his team, is attending.

“There is” vs. “There are” depends on the subject after it.
➤ There is a car outside. / There are cars outside.

Only in China… KFC is now using self-driving cars to deliver food — no drivers, no delivery people, just robots on wheels!

These little autonomous vehicles roll through the city, stop at set locations, and let customers grab their pre-ordered meals through a touchscreen or an app. Fast food just went full sci-fi.

Imagine walking outside and your lunch pulls up like, “Hey, I brought the chicken.”

Technology is wild — and apparently also very hungry.