My favourite aunty used my school fees to open a boutique for her husband's side chick

Two years ago, during my final year, my mother's younger sister , my favourite aunty , called me and said "Chiamaka, don't worry about your tuition, I will sort it out." I was so happy. My mother had been stressing about the money for months. I even posted on my finsta about how God sent helpers.

Fast forward to the end of the semester. My HOD said my fees hadn't been paid. I called Aunty. She said "the bank network wahala" and that she'd resend it. I believed her. Because she was my favourite. She used to buy me ice cream when I was small.

Then during a family gathering in Enugu, my cousin whispered to me: "Did you know Aunty used your school fees to open a boutique for Uncle's girlfriend?" I almost choked on my zobo. The girlfriend , the side chick , had a shop now. With my final year tuition.

I sat there looking at Aunty laughing and serving people jollof rice. My mother was there too. I could have exposed her. I could have caused a scene. But I just sat there and smiled. Because if I opened my mouth, the whole family would fight. And my mother would be embarrassed.

E pain me die. I had to call my father's brother to pay the fees that week. Since that day, I don't trust family promises. I hustle for my own money. And I don't eat at Aunty's house anymore.