Chapter 1
Chapter One — Two Halves of One Heart
Amara and Nia had been best friends since they were six.
They lived on the same street, attended the same primary school, and did almost everything together. If Amara had a birthday, Nia was there. If Nia was afraid, Amara was the first person she called.
Their parents often laughed and said, “Those two are like sisters.”
They believed it too.
On the day they entered high school, they stood outside the school gate holding hands.
“Whatever happens,” Nia said, “we stay friends.”
“Forever,” Amara replied.
Neither of them knew how important that promise would become.
High school changed them. They became more serious about their studies, and both discovered that they were extremely talented.
Then, in their final year, the school announced a competition.
The winner would receive a scholarship and a place in a prestigious university. It was more than a trophy. For many students, it could completely change their future.
Amara and Nia both entered.
At first, they promised to support each other.
But as the competition grew closer, something changed.
They stopped cheering for each other.
They started competing against each other.
And their friendship slowly became a battlefield.
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