My life’s project – Part 1.

Daniel. Daniel, tell me this is a lie. Amaka, what are you doing here? Answer me first. Tell me this isn’t your wedding. Please don’t do this here. Don’t do what? We’ll talk later. Just leave later. You’re getting married later. K, you told me your mother was sick. You said you traveled because of Momcy.

 So, what is all this? Mom, please tell him. Please tell Danielle to stop this. Who are you calling momsy? Momsy, it’s me, Amaka. I know your name. I asked who are you calling Momsy? Momsy, I paid for your hospital treatment. I stayed with you in the hospital. You said I was already your daughter.

Did anybody force you? Then tell me why. Tell me what I did. Nothing. You didn’t do anything. Then why? Life just changed. What does that even mean? Look around you. Look at this place. Look at these people. Then look at yourself. Daniel, what are you trying to say? We’ve outgrown each other.

No. After everything I gave up for you, you and I don’t belong in the same circle anymore. Security. Madam, please come with us. If somebody had told me 8 years ago that Daniel would one day push me out of his own wedding, I would have cursed them because Daniel was not just my boyfriend.

 Daniel was my life’s project 8 years earlier. Daniel had nothing. Not nothing like people say when they want pity. I mean nothing. Oh, my money. Please. I thought I still had enough. Give me till tomorrow morning. Tomorrow? Oh, now tomorrow I go use pay my own rent. I stay around here. I go give you my phone number. I promise. I beg. No. Give me promise.

 Give me my money. If you know say you don’t get money, why print CV? How much is it? 1,500. Oh yeah, your feet go. Maybe it was pity. Maybe it was kindness. Maybe it was the biggest mistake of my life. Excuse me. Yes. Thank you. Honestly, thank you. You’re welcome. No, you don’t understand. This isn’t just paper.

 I’ve been carrying this CV for almost 3 weeks. Every office I enter asks for another copy. Every time I leave because I can’t even afford to print it. You’ll get something. Don’t lose hope. Hope is the only thing I haven’t lost. I’ll pay you back. Pay me back with which money? You’re laughing at me. Just a little. Can I ask you something? Depends.

Do I look that hopeless? You want the truth? Yeah. You look tired. Not hopeless, just tired. I’m 28. Sometimes I feel like life has already left me behind. Who told you that? Nobody. Life has a way of telling you without talking. No, life hasn’t left you behind. You’re still standing. That means something.

Thank you. What’s your name? Amaka. Beautiful name. Thank you. Where are my manners? I’m Daniel. Nice to meet you, Daniel. You know, one day when I finally get a good job, I’m going to look for you. Why? Because I don’t like owing people. So all this is because of 1,500 naira. No, it’s about dignity. A man’s dignity.

Some people don’t make you trust them with sweet words. They make you trust them because they carry themselves with quiet dignity. That was the Daniel I met. And that was the Daniel I fell in love with. Can I have your number? My number? No pressure. Oo. If you say no, I’ll understand.

 I just I’d like to pay my debt. Give me the CV. The CV? Yes. Now you have no excuse. When you become a big man, don’t pretend you don’t know me. Sometimes God brings people into your life. Other times, life does. Daniel didn’t leave my mind after that day. Not because I was in love, because I kept wondering if he ever found a job.

Daniel, good afternoon. What are you doing here? I came to pay my debts. See, serious man. These are no one person at all. 1,500 naira complete. You came all the way here because of this. I told you I would. Keep it. You need it more than I do. No.

 If you don’t collect it, I’ll feel like I lied to you. There are promises people make with their mouths. Then there are promises they make with their character. That day, Daniel earned my respect. I also bought something. Last time I invited you for a drink with an empty pocket. Today, my pocket is still not full, but at least I can afford this.

Young man, you’re trying. Will you join me after work? Go Jar. We’ll survive without you for 1 hour. No worry. We go cover for you. Let me hear what today. This one I can actually pay for. I’m impressed. You found a job. Temporary. Not the one I want, but it’s a start. See, I told you not to give up.

Do you know something? Hm. What is it? The day I met you, I had already decided I was done. Done? What do you mean? I was tired. I was angry. I didn’t know how much long I could keep fighting. Some mornings I used to wake up wondering what I was even fighting for. Then I met you. You didn’t even know me.

But you treated me like I mattered. You reminded me I was still worth something. Don’t give me that kind of credit. I only paid for your printing. No. Anybody could have paid. Not everybody would have stopped. Not everybody would have cared. You saw a stranger and treated him like a human being. I’ll never forget that.

 Can I ask you another question? Another one? You asked plenty questions though. I know. I promise this is the last one. Okay, ask. Will you allow me to be your friend? I’m not very good at this friendship application thing. You know, you’re a very unusual person. Is that a good thing or should I be worried? We’ll start with friendship.

You’ve been waiting long? Not really. I just got here. Who asked you to carry it? Leave me. Make I feel useful. Mama, make I help you. You do that a lot, don’t you? If I fit help, why not? You’ll get soaked. Better me than you. Come closer.

 Unless you want both of us to catch cold. Can I tell you something? H I’ve never met anybody like you. You don’t know plenty people. Maybe, but I know kindness when I see it. Most people help you once so they can remind you forever. You helped me then acted like nothing happened. You’re still talking about 1,500 naira.

No, it wasn’t. To me, it was hope. Sur you’re not entering. Mine is the next bus. Okay, don’t stay too long. I won’t enter now. Looking back now, I should have asked myself one question. Why would a man who had almost nothing still make sure I got home safely? Because that’s how Daniel was. He made loving him very easy.

Mr. Future, you have started again. So, have they made you managing director today? Daniel, what’s wrong? Can I see you this evening? Is everything okay? I’ll explain when I see you, please. Okay, I’ll close early. Thank you. I’ll be waiting. Don’t worry. I’m coming.

That phone call changed the direction of both our lives. I just didn’t know it yet. I think that evening was the first time love quietly asked me for a sacrifice. I just didn’t know it was only the beginning. You’ve been here long. Not really. Daniel, talk to me. What’s wrong? University admission.

Daniel, sit down. Everybody is looking. Let them look. You got admitted. I knew it. I told you. I knew this day would come. Why are you looking like that? Read the second page. This is a lot of money. I know. I’ve gone everywhere today. Nobody is willing to lend me money. My uncle said he has his own children.

 My mother’s contribution isn’t even close. The payment closes next week. If I miss it, I’ll lose the admission. Anyway, forget I even mentioned it. We’ll eat first. At least I got admitted. That’s something to thank God for. If I ever become anything in this life, I’ll never forget the people who stood beside me. Nobody tells you that sometimes life doesn’t ask you to choose between good and bad.

 Sometimes it asks you to choose between your own dream and the dream of the person you love. Hello. Why do you sound like that? I do. All right. Don’t lie to me. What happened? Daniel got admission. That’s good news. Now, why are you sounding like somebody died? Amaka, how much? It’s a lot. Don’t tell me you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking. Amaka, answer me.

He’ll lose it if nobody helps him. And what about your own school? I can wait. No. You’ve been saying I can wait for almost 2 years. When is it going to be your turn? My turn will come because Daniel won’t forget. He knows everything I’ve done for him. He’ll never let me down.

 I pray you’re right. Because if you’re wrong, I don’t know how you’ll recover from it. That night, I thought I was investing in our future. I didn’t know I was quietly walking away from my own. Looking back now, I don’t think the sacrifice broke me. I think it was how happy I was to make it. Amaka, we don’t have to do this today.

You’ll miss the deadline. I’ll find another way. Daniel, face your future. Leave the worrying to me. I don’t deserve you. Then spend the rest of your life proving me right. Come on. If we stand here any longer, they’ll close that office before we reach the counter. acceptance fee. Payment confirmed. Next person.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If you keep thanking me like this, people will think I paid your whole school fees. Even if you did, it still wouldn’t be enough to repay you. Just graduate first. Leave all this grammar. Come on, Mr. Undergraduate. Let’s leave before you start thanking me again. Wait.

What is it? Daniel, what are you doing? I don’t have money for a ring. I don’t even have a house. I don’t have anything a woman deserves. But I have my word and that’s the only thing nobody can take from me. Marry me. Not today, not tomorrow, but the day I become the man you’ve always believed I could be.

Will you wait for me? Yes, I’ll wait. I promise you the first big thing I’ll ever do after I succeed is marry you. Sometimes the people who hurt you the most are the same people who once looked into your eyes and made promises that sounded impossible to break. The key principles of microeconomics involve understanding supply and demand.

Students, you remembered me today. I remembered you yesterday, too. You were the one that didn’t pick. Ah, I’m sorry. That customer almost finished me yesterday. It’s all right now. Your husband, auntie, face your customer. I beg. What happened? Nothing. These people won’t let me rest.

Listen, don’t make any plans this Saturday. Why? It’s my mother’s birthday. She said if I come without you, she won’t forgive me. She specifically said if you don’t bring my wife, don’t bother coming. Mama said that word for word. She refused to change it. Every time mama called me my wife, another part of me relaxed.

 I thought I had already found my family. And see my children, my wife, you finally come. Happy birthday, mama. As long as you’re here, today is complete. Mama, so I’m invisible now. Shift first. Now this girl I want see Daniel if you lose this girl now you lose you not go see another one like her now true loser god forbid bride price now the only thing remaining funny isn’t it the same people who welcome me like family would one day pretend they had never known me but on that day I didn’t see betrayal I only saw love if I had known that memories

could one day become evidence I would have paid more attention to every promise Every prayer, every blessing they spoke over my life. Ah, leave those plates. You’re a guest. Mama, how can I be watching you work on your birthday? You’re not a visitor here. You’re my daughter. Come, leave all these things. Let’s go and sit down.

Mama Daniel, just fix the wedding day. If it were left to me, I’d carry her to my son’s house today. to their blush. Maybe that’s why the betrayal hurt so much. They didn’t just welcome me. They made me believe I belonged. Amaka, what happened? Why are you washing pots? Because they won’t wash themselves.

No, go inside. I’ll do this. Since when did you start washing pots? Since I met one stubborn woman who likes doing everything herself. Give me people will laugh at you. You let them laugh. Daniel, you’ve started following women up and down. Now my wife, who else I go follow? That’s my son. Hold your wife well.

 Good women are not easy to find. That’s true. I know. Sometimes the memories that comfort you today become the same memories that destroy you tomorrow. Amaka. Mama, what’s this? Bush meat. You liked it. Take it home. You should keep it. Mama, you’ve already given us so much today.

 Will you collect it or should I be angry? Thank you, mama. Ah, stand up. May God bless the day you entered my son’s life. May he never allow anybody to separate both of you. Amen. May you eat the fruit of your labor and may another woman never take your place. Amen. Very soon, I’ll come and eat my grandchildren’s food.

Mama, we’ll be going now. All right, my children, go safely. Thank you for everything today. I really enjoyed myself. You’re always welcome here. Don’t wait for another birthday before you come. Good night, both of you. God with you. You almost made mama cry tonight. No, she almost made me cry.

She really loves you. I know. I’m lucky. If someone had shown me that night, the woman who would one day look me in the face and ask, “Who are you calling mama?” I would have said, “That’s impossible.” Madame Taylor. Who is Madame Taylor? I haven’t even entered school yet. You will.

 You’ve talked about that school so much. I already see you there. What happened? Nothing. I was just imagining the day I’ll finally wear my own student ID. That day is coming. I promise. You’ll own a fashion house one day. Not one of those small roadside shops. A real one. People will book appointments before they even see you.

You’ve started dreaming again. Planning. When we’re married, your shop will be downstairs. My office will be upstairs. Me? You’ll be the one disturbing me. Funny enough, every dream Daniel painted always had me inside it. Maybe that’s why I never imagined he could one day build a future without me.

Just a moment, please. Amaka, this is taking forever. Sorry. I’ll be right there. Hello, Daniel. Guess what? What happened? I came first in my department this semester. Ask Daniel. Really? Yes. I checked it three times. I still couldn’t believe it. Good news. Very good news. I’m proud of you.

 Do you hear me? I’m so proud of you. I couldn’t have done it without you. Sometimes one sentence is enough to make every sacrifice feel worthwhile. Those six words kept me going for a long time. Amaka. Yes, ma. my office. You’ve been with me for 3 years. You’re hardwork. Customers ask for you by name. Thank you, ma. A friend of mine owns a fashion academy in Abuja.

 They’re giving one full scholarship this year. Accommodation, training, everything. I recommended you. Me? Yes, you. You’re too talented to remain an apprentice forever. Thank you, ma. Thank you so much. Classes begin next month. Thank you, ma. Thank you so much. Classes begin next month. If you accept it, you’ll have to relocate to Abuja for 1 year.

Ma, everything is really free. Tuition, accommodation, training materials, everything. The only condition is you must resume next month. No postponement. If you don’t resume, they’ll give it to someone else. Thank you, ma. Can I think about it? Think about it? Just for one night. Don’t think too long.

 Opportunities don’t wait for anybody. Hello. Where are you? Just closing from work. Good. Come to our place. Momsy has been asking of you since morning. Momsy again. She said if you don’t come today, she’ll report both of us to God. There are some invitations that look ordinary. Until years later, you realize they changed everything.

My wife, you’ve remembered us today. Good evening, mama. Uh-uh. How many times will I tell you, stop kneeling every minute. Come here, Mama. Daniel, this girl loves your family. You finally come, Amaka. You finally come. Your mother refused to let me escape. as if you wanted to escape.

 If I don’t see you for two days, this house is somehow not complete. Mama, it’s okay. I’ve eaten plenty. You’re too slim. Who will help me fatten you if not me? Mama, leave my wife alone. She won’t finish all this food. Keep quiet there. Daniel, when are you people doing the wedding? Very soon. By God’s grace.

 Once he finishes school, we’ll start preparations. If you had asked me that night whether I trusted Daniel’s family, I wouldn’t even have thought before answering. I trusted them with my whole life. What’s that? It’s a scholarship letter. Amaka, this is big. Thank you. I told you this girl is destined for greatness.

This is the kind of news people celebrate. We’re proud of you. So, when are you traveling? So, when are you traveling? I haven’t decided yet. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. Pray first, then do what gives you peace. The hardest decisions are not the ones you make in anger.

 They’re the ones you make out of love. Because love has a way of making sacrifice feel like the right thing to do. Amaka, are you awake? Come in. So, it’s true. Tell me you’re not thinking of throwing this away. Amaka, look at me. This is the opportunity you’ve been praying for. You cried for this. You worked for this.

 You deserve this. I know. Then what’s the problem? If I leave for Abuja, Daniel will still have almost 3 years in school, long distance, no family around him, no support. He needs me. No, he wants you. There’s a difference. You don’t understand. No, you don’t want to understand.

 This didn’t come because of Daniel. It came because of you. Because of your hard work. Because God finally opened the door. Don’t close it with your own hands. He’s my future, Chin. If I build him today, tomorrow we’ll both enjoy it. Amaka, listen to yourself. When did your own future stop mattering? Looking back now, Chin wasn’t fighting Daniel.

 She was fighting the version of me that believed loving someone meant disappearing little by little. If you reject this opportunity, don’t do it because you’re afraid. Don’t do it because people expect it. Do it only if you’re willing to live with it for the rest of your life. I just hope one day nobody makes you regret choosing them over yourself.

Good morning. You’re here to submit your acceptance? No, I’m here to decline it. Are you sure? This scholarship is very competitive. Yes. Please give it to someone else. That morning, I walked away from my dream believing I was walking toward ours. I had no idea I was the only one carrying that dream.

People think sacrifice happens once. It doesn’t. Once you become the person everybody depends on, sacrifice starts knocking like an uninvited visitor. And every time you open the door. Hello, Mr. Final Year. Daniel, talk to me. What’s happened? Mama collapsed this morning. What? The doctor says she needs to be admitted immediately.

 I’m at the hospital now. Which hospital? I’ll come. No, finish your work first. Daniel, which hospital? How is mama? What did the doctor say? If we don’t pay, they won’t continue the treatment. I’m in my final year. Project clearance, hospital bills. I don’t even know which one to face first.

We’ll find a way. How? Tell me how. We’ve borrowed everywhere. My uncles have switched off their phones. Nobody is picking my calls anymore. I wish someone had stopped me that day. I wish someone had told me you don’t have to carry every burden. But when you love someone, you stop asking, “Should I?” You only ask how? Amaka, why are your father’s land papers outside? I’m selling it.

Your what? Mama Daniel needs surgery. Daniel is in his final year. If I don’t help now, everything he suffered for will be wasted. Tell me you’re joking. Please tell me you’re joking. Amaka, that land is the only thing your father left you. The only thing. You’re selling your inheritance for a man you’re not even married to.

He’s not just a man. He’s my future husband. Every time. Every time is Daniel. Daniel. Daniel. What about you? When will it be Amaka’s turn? When Daniel succeeds, we’ll both succeed. I pray to God this man never forgets everything you’ve done. because if he does, I don’t think he’ll survive it. My father used to say, “Land doesn’t run away.

  Don’t sell it unless life leaves you with no other choice.” That day, I convinced myself I had no other choice. Amaka, why are you holding your father’s papers? I’m selling the land, Papa. Selling it? Your father’s land? Your father protected this land with everything he had. He used to say, “This one is for my daughter.

” I know. Papa, is somebody forcing you? No, I’m doing it because I want to I’ve looked around. I’m satisfied. Madame, is there any problem? The day I sold that land, I didn’t feel like I had made money. I felt like I had buried my father. a second time.

  Have you made the payment? Please use this for Mrs. Ok’s treatment. Amaka, where did you get this kind of money? Payment confirmed. Treatment can continue. We’ll prepare her for surgery. Talk to me. Where did this money come from? Your mother is going to be okay. That’s all that matters. Mr.

 Daniel, let’s discuss the procedure. Go be with your mom. Doctor, the operation was successful. She’s stable. My daughter, God sent you to this family. Don’t talk, mama. just get well. That blessing meant everything to me then. I just didn’t know blessings spoken by people can be forgotten by those same people.

Amaka, you sent money again. You have lectures. You can’t trek everywhere. Have you finished the project? Yes, I’m just trying to sort out the printing. Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it. Amaka. Hello, Amaka. Have you finished your clearance? Not yet.

 I’m still trying to raise the money. Check your account in 5 minutes. Go and finish your clearance. You won’t even let me argue, will you? Amaka, you came? Of course I came. Today is your project defense. How will I miss it? What’s inside? Open it. You bought these. Go and change. Today’s pictures will remain forever.

 You can’t wear those old shoes. Amaka, you’ve done too much. Today isn’t for counting what I’ve done. Today is for celebrating you. Go. You’ll soon be a graduate. I’ll make you proud. ENGINEER DANIEL, YOU DON’T FINISH. ENGINEER DANIEL, YOU BANNED. Now this fine girl they sponsor you. Oh god.

 Now this fine girl they sponsor you. Sponsor. No. This woman is my answered prayer. You’re lucky, Daniel. Don’t ever lose her. Never. Never in this life. It’s funny. The promises that break us are usually the ones we believed the most. Just a few more months. I know. Once I get a job, the first thing I’ll do is come to your family house.

 I’ll pay your bride price properly. No more waiting. No more for postponing. You’ve been saying that for years. Then let me say it again. I give you my word. This year you’ll become my wife. I don’t need an oath. I believe you. Two people walking toward what we both believed was the same future. not knowing only one of us would arrive there.

Come here. Are you not part of this family again? Madam, everybody should face the camera. Smile. Success doesn’t always change people overnight. Sometimes it changes the people around them first. By the time you notice the person you love has changed, everybody else noticed long before you did. Graduates, you’ll soon frame that certificate.

 I still feel like I’m dreaming. Sometimes I keep expecting somebody to wake me up. Nobody is waking you up. Enjoy it. Amaka, come here. This certificate belongs to both of us. If you didn’t stand by me, today wouldn’t happen. Stop. People are looking. Let them look. They deserve to know who fought this battle with me.

Your first salary. I’m collecting it. First salary. I’m giving you the whole ATM card. Don’t promise what you’ll run away from later on. Me? Run from you. Impossible. If someone had paused that moment and asked me whether I trusted Daniel with my life, I would have answered without thinking. Yes. Graduate must chop well.

Mama, since brother graduated, you’ve forgotten the rest of us. Go and graduate first, then I’ll spoil you too. My wife, come and collect more meat. Mama, you’ve been feeding me since. I have good news. One of my lecturers recommended me for an interview, a big company in Lagos next week. I told you God is finally answering us.

See, your suffering has not been in vain. Mama, let’s wait until he gets the job first. He will get it. I know. My God. That interview looked like the answer to every prayer we had prayed. None of us knew it would also open the door to the people who would eventually come between us. When I get this job, I want us to stop counting years. No more one day.

 We’ll start planning our wedding immediately. You’d better keep your word. I will. You’ll see. Pinky promise. We’re no longer children. I know, but I want you to remember this moment. Years from now, I’ll remind you. Deal. Neither of us noticed that life was about to move much faster than either of us expected.

The day Daniel got that job, everybody celebrated. We all believed our waiting was finally over. Nobody knew it was the beginning of another chapter. Hello, graduates. Hello, Daniel. Amaka, I got it. Got what? The job. I got the job. Jesus. Daniel, you’re serious. He got the job. He got it. God don’t answer prayer.

 Who got the job? Tell him. Congratulations. Daniel, I’m so proud of you. Do you hear me? I’m so proud of you. We did it, Amaka. We actually did it. Yes, we did. Congratulations, Mr. Aggression. Don, no excuse this time. See, as you’re smiling, leave me. If I smile any wider, my face will tear. Good evening.

 What do you have today? Bring two plates of rice, chicken, and two bottles of malt. Chickens to manage your money. Madam, I’m employed now. Allow me to behave like somebody that has salary. Okay, Mr. Salary earner. What’s this? Open it, Daniel. Exactly 1,500 naira. The first debt I ever owed you. The cyber cafe.

 I know you collected it that day, but I promised myself the day life changed, I’d return it properly. You’re still remembering that money? I’ll never forget where everything started. If I ever forget that day, I’ll be forgetting myself. Keep it. Frame it. Fair enough. One day, our children will hear this story.

Children already. You really have plans. I’ve always had plans. It’s just that for the first time, I finally have hope they’ll happen. Hope is a beautiful thing. It makes ordinary dinners feel like celebrations. It makes small promises sound like forever. And sometimes it keeps you from seeing the storm already gathering in the distance.

Success has a way of introducing you to people who never knew your yesterday. Thank you, Lord. They only meet today’s version of you and sometimes they make you ashamed of the people who carried you through yesterday. Good morning. You must be Mr. Daniel O’kee. Yes. Good morning. Welcome to the team. Please have a seat.

HR will be with you shortly. Thank you everyone. This is Daniel O’kee, our newest team member. Thank you everyone. Hi, I’m Benita. Daniel, nice to meet you. Likewise. If you get lost around here, just ask me. Trust me, I already feel lost. Hello. Hello, Mr. Executive. Executive K.

 I’ve only been here for 4 hours. So, how’s your first day? Different. Very different. But I’ll get used to it. Different. Very different. But I’ll get used to it. I knew you would. You’re not the type that gives up easily. Don’t forget to eat. You know, once you’re working, you’ll forget food. You know me too well.

 See why I can’t do without you. Who else will remind me? Somebody has to look after you. I’ve got to go. Meeting. I’ll call you after work. All right. Have a good day. You too, girlfriend. My fiance. Lucky woman. Pray for me always. The first day nothing changed. The second day nothing changed.

 Even after the first month Daniel was still Daniel. That’s why I never saw what was coming. Oga, who cooks this? My fiancé. Oh, she’s trying. Oh, hold. I intend to cake. What’s the celebration? First salary. Huh? Congratulations. Nobody warned me that success comes with new voices, new friends, new advice, new temptations.

 And if you’re not careful, those new voices slowly become louder than the people who believed in you first. Don’t skip lunch today. Yes, ma. I’m serious. So, I know. Have a good day. You too. Long day. H backto back meetings. Go and shower. Food is ready. What would I do without you? You’ll survive. Just not very well.

See this woman? You don’t even pity me. Go and shower first before your food gets cold. Yes, ma. Daniel, Bonita, what’s up? A few of us are going out after work just to celebrate closing a big deal. You should come. Thanks, but I’ll pass. Straight home again. Always. One day your fiance will release you.

She doesn’t need to. I’d rather be with her. Okay, next time then. Maybe. Have a good weekend. Oga, you’re a disciplined man. I’m just trying not to lose what matters. Keep arm like that. Don’t let office carry your head. I won’t. See you people on Monday. Bye. If the story ended there, maybe we’d still be together.

 But life has a way of testing the promises people make when everything is easy. Mr. Faithful, where did that one come from? So, did you finally follow your office people? No, I’m already on my way. Hope you’ve not eaten. I was waiting for you. Hello. You actually left. I told you I would. Your fianceé must be very special.

She is very special. Hold on to her. Good people are hard to find. I know. You’re on ready. One minute, boss. They say when one person rises, the whole family rises. Maybe that’s true. But nobody talks about what happens when people begin deciding who deserves to rise with you.

 Congratulations everyone, especially you, Daniel. The Chief Okafo project exceeded every target we set. Effective immediately, you’re now a senior project executive. Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you. Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you. I know you won’t. Mama Daniel, congratulations. So, thank you for what? Your son is everywhere on Facebook.

 People are saying he has been promoted. I heard I heard he’s now earning serious money. God has really lifted your family. God has been faithful. Mama, your season has come. Oh, now your look for a wife that matches his level. He’s already engaged. Engagement no be marriage. Mama, don’t misunderstand us. We’re only saying your son is no longer where he used to be.

 He’s now moving with important people. His wife should fit into that life, too. Just think about it. A mother must think about tomorrow. You look beautiful. You’re saying it because you love me? No, I’m saying it because it’s true. Let’s not keep your people waiting. Ready? As ready as I’ll ever be. Success has a language, a way people dress, a way they speak, a way they carry themselves.

 Daniel had spent years trying to enter that world. That night, for the first time, I entered it, too. I had attended birthdays, family meetings, village celebrations, but this was my first corporate event. Relax. You’ll be fine. I’m trying. That’s enough. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? Tonight isn’t only about celebrating promotions.

 It’s also about celebrating the people who stood behind every success in this room. I’d like every Good evening everyone. This is my wife, Adai. She’s a medical doctor. He’s an architect. And this is my fiance. She’s a lawyer. Next, Daniel. Good evening, everyone. This is Amaka, my fiance.

 The woman who stood beside me long before I got this job. Amaka, tell us a little about yourself. Good evening everyone. My name is Amaka. I work in a salon in Ceriller and I’m saving towards opening my own fashion business someday. Thank you. Wonderful. Next couple. I didn’t embarrass myself, did I? No, you were great. Thank you.

That’s Daniel’s fianceé. Yes. Seems like she’s been with him from the beginning. She’s pretty. Very pretty. She is. I just expected someone from our circle. That that was the first time the very first time someone made Daniel look at me through a different pair of eyes. He didn’t say anything that night.

 Neither did I. But sometimes a single sentence can begin a change that takes years to complete. Nobody changes in one night. First you hear something, then you ignore it, then you hear it again. And before you know it, you’ve started hearing it in your own voice. Your colleagues were nice, especially that Bonita. She’s very friendly.

Yeah, she is. I was so nervous. asked me to introduce myself. My heart nearly came out. You did well. Thank God. I thought maybe I talked too much. No, you were fine. That was the first lie Daniel told me. Not with his mouth, with his silence. Thank you, madam.

 Promotion comes with small small responsibility. So, this is how promotion changes people. I beg. Allow me enjoy my promotion small. We’ll see how long this gentleman behavior lasts. Daniel, morning. Morning, sir. You did well on Saturday. Your fianceé seems like a very decent woman. She is. Just don’t stop growing. This level is different.

 Your life will keep changing. The people around you must grow with you, too. They’re wrong. Daniel, do you have a minute? Of course, sir. The CEO would like to see you. The CEO? Yes. He specifically requested you. Did he say what it’s about? No, but if the CEO asks for you personally, that’s usually a good sign. Thank you, sir. I’ll head there now.

Relax. Just be yourself. I wish life Daniel. Finally. Good morning, sir. Thank you for seeing me. Sit down. You’re not in trouble. Thank you, sir. Do you know why you’re here? No, sir. Good, because I wanted this conversation to be honest. I’ve read every report you’ve submitted. I’ve spoken to your supervisors.

 Do you know what everybody keeps saying? That you’re dependable. That you’re honest, that you work like this company belongs to you. Thank you, sir. My daughter speaks highly of you, too. She’s been very helpful since I joined the company. I appreciate that. She says you’re one of the few people here she genuinely respects. I’m honored to hear that, sir.

Bonita is my only child. No sons, no one to inherit everything I’ve built. I have a proposal for you. I want you to think carefully before answering. Not today, not tomorrow. Think about it, pray about it, then come back to me. If life were to bring you and my daughter together, I would have no reason to look outside my own family for a successor.

Everything I’ve built would remain in safe hands. Don’t answer now. Go home. Think. Sir, I No, not today. Go. We’ll talk another time. Daniel, life rarely gives a man two chances to change his family’s future. Think carefully. When Daniel stepped into that office, he was a man planning his wedding. When he stepped out, he was carrying a decision that would destroy two lives.

Guy, you’ve been looking like somebody that saw a ghost. I’m all right. Daniel, we’ve worked together for almost a year. I know when you’re lying. What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this table. You have my word. The CEO, he called me into his office. He told me something I wasn’t expecting. He wants me to become the next person to lead the company. But there’s something else.

The CEO wants me to marry his daughter. He says it’s the future of the company, the family, everything. I have a maka. I know. She paid my acceptance fee. She sold her father’s land when my mom was sick. Everything I am today, that woman suffered for it. She didn’t just stand beside me. She helped me become this person.

 Nobody is saying Amaka is a bad person. Then how do I even think about this? Daniel, can I be honest with you? Yeah. You’re looking at this with your heart. The CEO is looking at it with his future. You keep talking about sacrifice. I understand. But sacrifice doesn’t mean you should throw away your entire destiny. She’s not just somebody I dated.

She’s my family. Then take care of her. What do you mean? Set her up. Buy her a house. Open a business for her. Give her enough money that she’ll never suffer again. You think money can replace what she’s done for me? No. Money can’t replace love. But love won’t replace this opportunity either. If I do this, I’ll destroy her.

Eat. You’re going to need strength for the decision ahead. If I do this, I’ll destroy her. If you don’t, you may spend the rest of your life wondering what could have been. Only you can choose which regret you can live with. Life rarely gives a man two chances to change his family’s future.

 If you go looking for permission to Daniel, you didn’t tell me you were coming. Good evening, Momy. What happened? What happened? Did they sack you? No, Momsy. It’s worse than that. Please go and help your sister in the kitchen. Now tell me what happened. No, Momy, it’s worse than that. Momy, the CEO, he made me an offer.

He wants me to marry his daughter. In return, I become the person who takes over the company. He said he wants me to be part of the family. The company, the inheritance, everything he built. Momy, this is everything I spent my whole life praying for. But it came with a price. Does a Maka know? No.

Daniel, answer one question. If this man wasn’t rich, would you even be thinking about it? Amaka is a good girl. a very good girl. But goodness and destiny are not always the same thing. When you had nothing, Amaka stood beside you. Nobody can deny that. Not even me. But look where God has brought you now.

This kind of opportunity doesn’t come twice. If you close this door, don’t expect it to open again. Momsy, how do I do this to her after everything? She sold her father’s land for us. She gave up her own dreams because of me. I know. Then how do I look into her eyes and destroy her? Listen to me.

 You can spend the rest of your life trying to repay a marker. You will never finish. Some debts cannot be paid. Then what do I do? Help her. Set up a business for her. Make sure she never suffers. But don’t throw away the future standing in front of you. Don’t look at me like that. I’m your mother. I’m your mother.

 My prayer has always been that you will go farther than I ever dreamed. If God has opened a bigger door, I’m afraid to tell you to close it. That evening, Daniel didn’t leave with peace. He left with permission. And sometimes permission is all a guilty heart needs to make the worst decision of its life. Guilt has a strange way of changing people.

 It doesn’t always make you confess. Sometimes it makes you disappear because avoiding the truth feels easier than speaking it. Hello, stranger. How was work? Busy as usual. You? Same. Busy. Busy as usual. You same. Busy. You’ve become a big man now. We’re the ones begging for your attention. Don’t say that.

 You know it’s not like that. Don’t say that. You know it’s not like that. Don’t forget. Saturday we’re going to see my mother. Good. This time, no excuses. My mother has already bought drinks. She wants to meet your people. Saturday. Yeah, I remember. Good. This time, no excuses. Daniel, I’ll call you later.

 There’s something I need to finish. That was the first time Daniel ended our conversation because he couldn’t bear to continue it. Not because he didn’t love me, because he still did. Did Daniel call? Yes. He’s just busy with work. Hard work doesn’t last forever. Tell him not to worry. Whenever he’s ready, our door is open. That’s good.

 Hard work doesn’t last forever. Tell him not to worry. Whenever he’s ready, our door is open. He will come. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Love doesn’t always die with a fight. Sometimes it dies inside postponed conversations. Next week I’m busy. Let’s do it later. Until one day there is no later left.

Mr. Daniel, the chairman would like to see you. All right. Sit down, Daniel. You’ve had enough time. Have you thought about what we discussed? Every day, sir. Good. Because decisions like this shouldn’t be rushed. A decision made under pressure can affect the rest of your life. Tell me something.

 Is there someone in your life? Yes, sir. I thought as much. Do you love her with everything I have? With everything I have? Then this is harder than I thought. I’m not forcing you. If your answer is no, you’ll still have your job. You’ll still have my respect. But if your answer is yes, but if your answer is yes, I’ll treat you like my own son.

Everything I’ve built, I’ll begin preparing you to inherit it. Take one more week. After that, I need your final answer. Yes, sir. Hello. Guess what? What? Mama refused to eat the meat yesterday. She said you’ll keep it until her future son-in-law comes to visit. She said, “Tell Daniel I’m still waiting for him.

Tell mama I’m coming soon. I’ll tell her. And this time, no excuses. Mr. Daniel, the chairman is waiting. Have you made your decision? Yes, sir. If Bonita is willing, I’m willing, too. This isn’t the face of a man who’s just received good news because someone good is going to get hurt. Then make sure you don’t destroy her dignity. I’ll try. Don’t try.

 Do the right thing, whatever that looks like. Don’t try. Do the right thing, whatever that looks like. Daniel, have you told her? Not yet. Don’t let another person tell her. She deserves to hear it from you. Yes, sir. Daniel, everything okay? Can we talk? Of course. Did your dad tell you about the conversation he had with me? Yes.

He asked for my permission before he ever spoke to you. I told him whatever decision you make should be yours. Not his, not mine. Yours. I’ve made my decision. I I said yes. And the woman you told me about. And the woman you told me about, the one who stood by you before all this. You know, I thought saying yes would make you happy, but looking at you now, it feels like it broke you.

Hello, my husband. Hi. You sound tired. Are you okay? Amaka, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. Amaka, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. What happened? Are you all right? Nothing serious. I just I miss you. Daniel, nothing serious. I just I miss you. I miss you, too.

Then come and see me tomorrow. It’s been almost 2 weeks. I’ll come. I promise. Good. I’ve missed you, too. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Tomorrow became another lie. When Daniel comes next, we’ll fix a date. Mama, let’s hear from him first. After all these years, what else is there to hear? Mama, we were both planning a wedding.

 The difference was Daniel knew which wedding would happen. I didn’t. You should answer. Every ignored call became another wound. I just didn’t know I was already bleeding. Women know. Maybe not the whole truth, but they know when love begins to sound different. I couldn’t explain it. I just knew something was slipping away from me.

Una, don’t quarrel. No, he’s just busy. H busy men still press phone. Busy men still press phone. You know Daniel, he’s not like that. I defended Daniel even when nobody asked me to because that’s what people in love do. They protect each other even in each other’s absence. Finally, Mr. Missing Person.

 Sorry, work has been a lot. Sorry, work has been a lot. It’s okay. I know you’re busy. Then, let me see you tonight, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. I can’t. I’ve got another dinner meeting. It’s okay. We’ll see another day. I’m sorry. Just don’t forget me completely. You finally came. Good evening, mama.

You’ve not told her, have you? Daniel. Daniel, every day you wait, you’re making it worse. I know. I try. Every time I hear her voice, I can’t do it. Daniel, the truth doesn’t become easier because you delay it. If only he had told me that day, maybe my heart would still have broken. But at least it wouldn’t have broken in front of an entire village.

 The truth didn’t come from Daniel. It didn’t come from Momsy. It didn’t come from any member of his family. The truth came from the one person who couldn’t bear to watch me become a laughingstock. Madam, where have you been? Amaka, where are you? I’m at work. What’s wrong? No, he’s probably with his people. You know how Daniel is.

 When family is involved, he gets busy. Chiner, are you there? Amaka, leave that salon now. Chiner, you’re scaring me. What happened? I’ve been calling you since yesterday. Your phone wasn’t going through. Just tell me what happened. Amaka, Daniel is getting married today. Stop it. That’s not funny. No, he told me he was traveling for a family meeting.

Amaka, I wish I was joking. It’s a wedding. He’s the groom.