Copyright © 2025 by Alade Julius Ayodeji All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: Beloved Publishing House ISBN: [Insert ISBN] Printed in Nigeria Disclaimer This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Cover design by: Divinus Digital Academy Edited by: Divinus Digital Academy First Edition Dedication This book is dedicated to Divinus Digital Academy and her amazing students. Preface Every story has a beginning, yet not every beginning foretells the greatness that lies ahead. From Grass to Grace is a tale inspired by the resilience, struggles, and triumphs that define the Nigerian spirit. It is a journey through dusty village paths, bustling city streets, and the quiet chambers of the human heart where dreams are born, tested, and fulfilled. This novel is not just about one man’s rise from obscurity to influence; it is about the many untold stories of young men and women who dare to hope in the face of hardship. In the protagonist’s trials and victories, readers may find echoes of their own experiences: the yearning for a better life, the sting of betrayal, the weight of responsibility, and the joy of giving back to one’s roots. While fiction, the narrative draws deeply from realities that many Nigerians and Africans at large can relate to, migration from rural communities to cities, the hustle to survive and thrive, the scars of disappointment, and the enduring belief that perseverance can turn dreams into legacies. As you turn these pages, you will encounter characters who are as flawed as they are inspiring. Their choices, mistakes, and triumphs remind us that the journey from dust to destiny is rarely straight, but always worth the walk. It is my hope that this book does more than entertain. May it stir courage in those at the brink of surrender, humility in those who have attained success, and compassion in those who hold the power to change lives. Welcome to the journey, From Grass to Grace. Alade Julius Ayodeji