If only they knew the poor carpenter was actually a handsome billionaire #africanfolktales #tales – Ty

Klei obi sat alone in his big living room the ceiling was high the floors were shiny and his family servants walked around quietly even though he was surrounded by so many fancy things ki felt empty he stared at the marble tiles and thought about his life people saw him as the rich and handsome son of chief obie one of the most powerful men in lagos but on the inside ki felt trapped like he was wearing a mask that he could never take off his best friend emica knocked lightly on the door and then walked in emica was one of the few

People ki trusted he wasn’t there for the money he liked ki for who he was emica looked at k’s sad eyes and said hey my guy what’s wrong you look like someone took your favorite meal away klei sighed emica i’m tired he said his voice low every day people keep asking me for favors or money they don’t even see me as a person i’m just a bank to them last week was my birthday but none of my guests seem to care about me they only wanted to take pictures and brag that they were at a big party emica nodded i know kel’s that party was so

Loud everybody was drinking and dancing but you looked unhappy the whole time have you talked to your dad about how you feel ki shook his head chobe is too busy he thinks i’m fine because i have money and a big house he always says money solves everything but emica i want something real i want to meet people who don’t care about my name or what i own emica walked closer and put a hand on k’s shoulder so what do you want to do ki stood up and looked around the wide room he saw his reflection in a giant mirror he was wearing an expensive shirt

And gold watch i wish i could start over somewhere nobody knows me he said in a soft voice i want to see if i can be normal maybe find friends who like me for me ema’s eyes lit up you know maybe you can you can step away for a while just go off grid ki turned to emica with a sudden spark in his eyes what if i pretend to be someone else he asked the idea sounding both exciting and scary what if i go to surir or someplace not so fancy and live a simple life emica gave a small laugh you live without air conditioning and private cars i never

Thought i’d see the day but he noticed k’s serious face wait you’re not joking are you klei walked over to the window he could see the tall fence around the family home the gardeners trimming flowers and the security guards standing at the gate i’m serious he said i think i can learn some trade something with my hands i took a carpentry class once do you remember it was during that summer holiday in england emica folded his arms you did but you complained about getting sawdust in your hair he teased then he

Became serious but if this is what you want i’ll support you how do you plan to make it work ki turned around and his voice grew stronger i’ll move out quietly i won’t tell my dad if i do he’ll send an army of drivers and guards to watch me i can rent a room in surer under a fake name i’ll say i’m a carpenter just starting out no flashy suits no expensive shoes i’ll do my best to fit in emica still looked unsure but he nodded slowly that might be hard but if anyone can do it you can you’re stubborn like that he paused but be

Careful kels if people find out who you really are it could c big drama drama is something i’m used to klei said a small smile forming at least this time i’ll be in control i have to try i need to know there are good people in this world who don’t only see money just then they heard footsteps in the hallway a maid tapped on the door sir your father wants to see you in the study she said her eyes darted around nervously sensing tension in the air ki exchanged a look with emica he was sure chief obie wanted to discuss business or some family

Matter tell him i’ll be there soon he replied when when the maid left klei swallowed hard you see i can’t even have a moment of peace in my own house emica moved toward the door let’s go or he’ll come looking for you you know how he can be they walked down the long corridor passing huge paintings and large gold-framed family photos in each picture chief obie stood tall and proud klei felt a pang of guilt as he thought about his plan he knew his father had worked hard to build their fort but ki wanted to work for something too

On his own terms when they reached the study chiefobi was on the phone talking loudly he waved them in without stopping his call ki and emica stood there until he was done finally chief obie hung up and fixed a serious look on his son klei chief obie said his voice strong where were you last night i heard you refused to join our family dinner you can’t keep missing these important gatherings ki dipped his head i’m sorry father i didn’t feel well he didn’t add that he felt tired of the endless business talk and constant showy behavior that came

With those dinners chief obie studied him you’re no longer a child you must step up the obi name carries weight you can’t just hide in your room or go out without telling me ki glanced at emica then back at his father i know sir he said quietly it won’t happen again she chief obie nodded satisfied for now he turned to emica with a polite smile emica tell your parents i send my greetings emica gave a small bow yes chief obie the meeting ended there ki followed emica back to his room feeling relieved that his father didn’t keep

Questioning him as soon as he shut the door klei let out a long breath you see this is what i deal with i can’t be honest with him right now he would never let me go through with my plan emica leaned against the wall so you’re going to do it just like that klei opened his closet and pulled out a small suitcase then he grabbed a plain t-shirt and jeans from a drawer he looked at his reflection again noticing the worry lines on his forehead yes he said more to himself than anyone else i’ll leave tomorrow or the day after i’ll pack only

A few things so i don’t draw attention you’re the only one one who knows about this emica walked closer and gently patted k’s shoulder all right bro i’m here for you but please be careful if you need money for anything just say the word and if your dad starts asking me questions i’ll cover for you as best as i can ki gave a small grateful smile thank you emica i appreciate it this is something i need to do alone i just i want to find real peace and maybe even real love i can’t find it in this big house he zipped his suitcase and set it

Beside his bed as dusk fell outside the lights in the mansion flickered on ki turned off his phone his heart pounding with a strange mix of fear and excitement he thought for a moment about what might be waiting for him in surir a place he hardly knew he had no idea if people would accept him or if he could keep up the act but one thing was clear he was ready to try at that moment he felt more alive than ever tomorrow ki whispered to himself patting the suitcase i’ll begin again he shut his bedroom door firmly shutting out the

Noise of servants moving around in that quiet space k’s determination grew stronger he wanted a new life he wanted to meet someone who would care about him not his money and if he had to pretend to be a poor carpenter to find that he was ready he was ready to give it his all early the next morning ki slipped out of his family mansion with just one small bag he made sure no one saw him the gates were still quiet and the guards were half asleep k’s heart pounded as he walked onto the main road passing taxi stopped and he got in he

Felt free and scared at the same time when he reached surer the taxi drove past row of busy shops and houses packed close together people sold food by the roadside and loud music played from nearby speakers this was nothing like the clean and quiet neighborhood where ki grew up he breathed in the thick smell of exhaust fumes mixed with freshly fried acura it was overwhelming but he also felt a strange excitement inside him he paid the taxi driver and got out near a crowded street everything around him buzzed with life he looked at

His phone one more time to check the address emica had given him there was a small one room apartment waiting for him on the corner he spotted the buildings peeling paint and broken fence a man stood outside with a bunch of keys waiting you must be cola the man said giving ki a friendly nod he introduced himself as mr d the caretaker ki forced a smile hoping he seemed like a regular guy yes sir he replied keeping his voice calm thank you for letting me rent this place on short notice mr d shrugged no no problem but the power goes off

Sometimes and the water tap does not always flow make sure you fetch water early ki tried to look unfazed even though he had never handled these issues on his own before he followed mr dada inside the room was small with cracked walls an overhead fan turned slowly making a soft squeaky sound it was so different from his father’s mansion but ki reminded himself this was exactly what he wanted a new start after dropping off his bag he stepped outside to explore the sun was hot and the noise of cars never seemed to stop he saw children running

Around barefoot and people calling out to customers his first goal was to find a place he could use as a carpentry workshop he walked through the busy market area wooden stalls lin the edges of the road selling fruits clothes and household items ki spotted a small empty stall covered with an old roof sheet it stood near a corner where people often passed by he asked around and found the owner of that stall a stout woman who everyone called mama chi-chi you want to rent my stall she asked iing klei with curiosity are you sure we don’t do

Credit here oh klei nodded i have some savings he answered politely i want to start a carpentry shop mama chi-chi laughed a bit we’ll see she said handing him a key pay up each week if you don’t pay i’ll kick you out she wasn’t smiling so klei quickly agreed inside the stall klei realized he had almost no idea how to decorate a workshop he only had a hammer a small saw and some nails he bought from a hardware store nearby but he refused to give up he swept the floor wiped the wooden walls and set his tools neatly in a corner by midday sweat

Poured down his face people passing by stared at him one curious boy toby pointed and said ogga would before running off laughing ki tried not to feel embarrassed instead he told himself that each small step was helping him build a new life later that afternoon his phone buzzed the screen showed a number from his father’s office k’s heart jumped he stepped outside and pressed the phone to his ear a firm voice greeted him miss mr klei your father wants to know your location he says there’s an urgent business matter

Klei swallowed hard sweat prickling his forehead he calmly replied i’m on a self-discovery retreat tell him i’ll call back soon before the secretary could say more he ended the call feeling a knot of worry in his chest he hoped he could keep fooling his father’s people for a while longer as evening came the street lights flickered on ki decided to buy some food from a nearby stall he chose a plate of jellof rice and fried plantin the spicy aroma making his stomach rumble while he ate he thought about his plan he knew he had to improve

His carpentry skills fast or no one would bring him their furniture if people found out he was just a rich man pretending they would laugh at him or worse feel angry at his lies he finished his meal and promised himself he would work harder the next day on his way back he noticed a slim woman passing by the market she carried a heavy bag and her face looked tired but there was a certain glow about her ci slowed his steps curious he didn’t know her name but something about her quiet strength caught his attention she glanced briefly

At him then continued on her way he felt a small flutter in his chest that he couldn’t explain surir was definitely not like his old life in aoi but maybe that was a good thing when he finally returned to his tiny room the lights were off the power had gone out just as mr dada warned ki lit a candle and lay on his thin mattress he listened to the constant sound of cars outside and wondered what tomorrow would bring he thought of the workshop he had set up the strange new neighbors and the woman he saw walking with such determination

His mind spun with possibilities he was far from home but for the first time in a long while he felt like he might be truly living ki woke up the next morning to the loud crowing of a rooster outside his window he sat up on his thin mattress blinking at the weak daylight that peaked through his dusty curtains even though the night had been hot and noisy he felt a strange burst of energy he was still getting used to sur’s hustle but at least now he had a goal make his carpentry work shop successful he washed his face in the little bowl of

Water he fetched last night chain changed into a faded t-shirt and headed out when he reached his small stall he found toby the mischievous boy from the other day already there peering at the tools toby looked up with a grin oga would good morning the boy said bouncing on his heels will you teach me how to hammer nails today ki couldn’t help but smile he had never spent much time around kids but toby’s excitement was contagious sure if you promise not to run off with my rs ki joked patting toby on the shoulder he spent a few minutes

Showing toby how to hold a hammer carefully toby’s eyes gleamed with excitement suddenly a soft voice spoke from behind them excuse me is this the carpenter’s workshop ki turned around and saw the same woman he had noticed in the market her expression was shy but determin she held a broken wooden stool under one arm yes you’re in the right place klei said stepping forward he wiped his slightly sweaty hands on his jeans i’m cola he added using the name he had chosen for his new life how can i help you the woman looked at him with

Tired eyes but gave a polite smile my name is yuanda i have this old stool that keeps wobbling can you fix it ki gently took the stool from her one leg was cracked and the top looked worn out i can try he said glancing at the broken spot i might need to replace the leg or strengthen it with new wood yanda nodded brushing her braided hair away from her face how much will it cost she asked sounding cautious ki studied her expression he didn’t want to scare her off with a high price in truth he wasn’t sure how much to charge back in his old

Life he never had to set prices for anything but now he wanted to be fair well he began slowly it depends on how long it takes me but i promise it won’t be too expensive maybe you can pay me after i’m done and we’ll see how it looks yanda’s face softened a bit thank you she said sounding relieved she introduced herself more fully i live not too far from here with my son fei we don’t have much furniture so i’d be really grateful if you can save this stool klei nodded he could see she was a person who took care of things and did

Her best with limited resources he noticed toby was listening closely auntie yanda oga wood is a new carpenter in this area but he’s good toby chimed in with a wide grin yanda smiled kindly at toby then turned back to ki i’ll come back later in the afternoon to see if it’s ready if that’s okay klei agreed promising to do his best as she left he felt a small flutter in his chest he was drawn to her gentle nature something about her reminded him of the honesty he’d been searching for after yuanda walked away ki got to work he removed

The damaged leg from the stool and measured a piece of wood that matched its size even though he had taken a carpentry class long ago he was a little rusty he carefully cut the new piece checking the edges until they aligned just right then he tested the other legs for balance it took him almost 2 hours to fix the stool properly and sw dripped down his forehead toby wandered off to play leaving ki alone with his thoughts while sanding the edges ki imagined what it would be like if someone fixed things for him the way he was fixing this stool

Could he repair the cracks in his own life by living here quietly and honestly he remembered the worried tone in his father’s secretary’s voice he knew it wouldn’t be long before chief obie tried to track him down still he pushed that thought aside right now he had a new focus surer carpentry and the possibility of meeting good people like yanda around midday yanda returned as promised this time she had a curious look in her eyes she also had a small bag of roasted ground nuts in her hand i’m back she said quietly any luck with

The stool klei stood wiping his hands on a rag yes i think it’s fixed let me show you he placed the stool on a flat area of the workshop and gently pressed each corner the stool stood firm yanda tested it as well sitting carefully it’s not shaking at all she said in a relieved tone thank you so much cola how much do i owe you ki glanced down feeling a bit uncomfortable about taking her money i used some spare wood so let’s just say 500 naira he replied picking a modest sum he hoped wouldn’t worry her yanda nodded opening her small purse to pay

Him then she held out the roasted ground nuts i bought these for you she said softly as a little thank you ki smiled touched by her thoughtfulness he wasn’t used to people giving him things from the kindness of their hearts thanks he said accepting the bag while she was still there yanda hesitated for a moment then she spoke i actually have a small wooden bench at home that’s a bit shaky i’d like you to look at it sometime if you don’t mind of course ki said quick ly his heart feeling light i can come by tomorrow just let me know where you live

Her cheeks seemed to warm just a little it’s down the street number 14 right behind the old shop you’ll see a green door she carefully balanced the stool in her arms thank you again she said and then she left with a small wave when yanda was gone ki noticed toby peeking from behind another stall the boy grinned oga wood you you have a new customer now he said wiggling his eyebrows playfully ki laughed yes i guess i do he said inside though he felt more than just the satisfaction of a new customer he felt the first true

Excitement he’d experienced since leaving his old home later in the afternoon a few people stopped by asking if ki could fix their loose chair legs or broken door hinges he tried not to show how clumsy he still was but each job helped him improve he managed to earn a bit of money which he tucked safely in his pocket it wasn’t much but it felt good like he was standing on his own two feet for the first time in his life by evening the noise of the marketplace began to die down as ki cleaned his work area his mind drifted

Back to yanda he remembered the quiet strength in her voice and the calm way she thanked him he also recalled how her face lit up when she saw the stool standing firmly that moment of pure gratitude touched him deeply making him realize that not all warmth comes from luxury sometimes it comes from caring for one another in small honest ways before locking up he took out his phone and saw a few missed calls from unknown numbers he guessed they might be from his father’s office or perhaps from emica worried about him he decided not

To call back he would handle it later for now he was cola a carpenter who had just fixed his first piece of furn furniture in surer and in doing so felt a glimmer of hope that he might also fix the emptiness inside himself heading back to his little room ki hummed a low tune the street lights flickered and the air was thick with the smell of roasting corn he climbed the cracked steps up to his rented room and settled in for the night as he lay on the mattress he clutched the bag of roasted ground nuts yanda had given him thinking about how

Simple gifts could mean so much tomorrow he would see her again and he wondered if that meeting might lead him closer to the genuine love he had been craving for the first time in years he drifted off to sleep with a light heart ready for whatever surprises surer had in store for him ki woke up early again his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time he remembered the moment yanda smiled at him after he fixed her stool and the way she said thanks with such warmth that simple memory made him eager to face a new day in surer he quickly

Cleaned up ate a small piece of bread and headed out to his carpentry stall when he arrived the market was already alive people were shouting prices for fruits and vegetables and children ran between stalls playing games toby was there again standing at k’s stall with his hands behind his back like he was guarding a treasure ogga w i got here before you today toby called out flashing a big grin ley laughed you’re very serious toby are you my new assistant he teased yes toby exclaimed jumping up and down maybe one day i’ll

Own my own workshop too before ki could reply he heard a gentle voice from behind yanda stood there with a small smile she looked tired but her eyes shone with hope good morning cola she said if you have time can you come look at that bench i told you about klei nodded quickly of course let me just lock up my tools he grabbed a small padlock and secured the stall toby seemed a little sad to see them go don’t worry ki told toby i’ll be back soon and you can watch the stall for me toby’s face lit up and he stood tall pretending to be in charge

Yanda’s home was not far from the market just as sheet said it was a small building with a green door and peeling paint when they went inside ki noticed the simple furnishings a worn out couch a small table and a narrow hallway leading to two other rooms a little boy was in the living room playing quietly with a toy car at first he looked unsure but then yanda called him over fi come say hello yanda said softly motioning the boy forward this is cola the carpenter i told you about fei stood and walked over he appeared shy but curious

Ki knelt down and offered a small smile hi fi nice to meet you fi mumbled a hello and clutched his car close yanda led klei to the old wooden bench one of its legs was loose and there was a crack across the seat klei examined it carefully i’ll need to tighten these screws and maybe add a piece of wood underneath for support he explained yanda watched him closely he caught her studying his hands noticing how he handled the ben with care he could tell she was checking if he really knew what he was doing as ki worked he asked

Gently so how do you manage everything alone it must be a lot of work he didn’t want to pry too much but he was curious about her life yanda hesitated for a moment i just do my best she said in a low voice i have a small job at a boutique and sometimes i help a friend who sells rice and stew fei goes to school nearby but it’s not easy things can get expensive klei nodded focusing on the bench you must be very strong he said quietly i respect that yanda gave a soft smile thank you she replied life can be hard but i keep going for femi’s

Sake just as ki finished tightening the bench leg they heard a sharp knock at the door yanda’s eyes flickered with worry she handed fi a small snack and told him to go into the other room ki sense something was wrong when yanda opened the door a tall broad-shouldered man stood there looking angry and impatient yanda he said in a harsh tone i’ve been waiting for you at the corner you didn’t pick my calls yanda’s voice shook a little teo what do you want she asked stepping outside so fi wouldn’t hear ki stood quietly behind her not

Sure what to do teo pushed the door open wider and looked around his gaze landed on ki and he frowned who’s this he demanded yanda tried to stay calm he’s just a carpenter helping me fix some furniture she said raising her chin that’s all ki looked at teo’s clenched fists and felt a jolt of concern teo seemed like a man who liked control and he clearly didn’t like seeing someone else in yanda’s home teo pointed a finger at ki look here i don’t know you but stay out of my business he growled then he turned back to yanda you owe me

Money yanda i have debts to pay and you can’t keep ignoring me ki froze not wanting to blow his cover he also didn’t want teo to hurt yanda but he had to be careful if he revealed how much he wanted to protect her teo might become suspicious or yanda might start to wonder who ki really was i don’t have any extra money yanda said firmly crossing her arms you know i can barely take care of fei and myself why are you here demanding things teo snorted stepping closer to her because i’m tired of begging he spat you know the trouble

I’m in don’t act like you’re completely innocent we used to be married klei couldn’t keep silent any longer he stood up and cleared his throat excuse me sir he said trying to keep his voice steady is this really the right place to have this argument to rounded on him glaring who are you to speak a broke carpenter don’t test me yanda stepped between them her face pale but determined teo please leave she said i’ll call you if i can find a way to help but i can’t do anything right now teo pointed at her again i’ll be back soon you better be

Ready with something then he stormed out slamming the door behind him so hard that it rattled in its frame yanda stood there for a moment her shoulders sagging ki noticed her eyes shining with tears she was trying to hold back he stepped over gently are you okay he asked softly she shook her head i’m sorry you had to see that she whispered teo is my ex-husband he’s been in debt for years and he always tries to force me to give him money i don’t have it and even if i did i’m not sure i want to help him ki glanced at the door he felt anger

Boiling inside him him but he held it in he shouldn’t treat you like that klei said clenching his jaw but i understand if you don’t want me involved yanda wiped her eyes you’ve been very kind cola but this is my problem to deal with it just hurts me that he demands things when fi and i are barely managing ki moved closer lowering his voice so fi couldn’t hear from the other room i can help if you need it he said i mean i can talk to him or maybe help you figure out some plan he tried not to sound like he had endless resources he was supposed to

Be just a simple carpenter after all yanda gave a small sad smile that’s very sweet but teo can be dangerous i don’t want you getting hurt ki noticed her protectiveness she didn’t want trouble for anyone he admired that but he also felt frustrated that teo could come back anytime all right he whispered just know that you’re not alone i’m here if you need me yanda nodded then forced a little grin thank you let’s finish the bench so i can at least have one less thing to worry about they both moved to the wooden seat ki pressed down on the

Leg he had fixed it held steady though the small crack in the seat still needed patching he worked with care grateful to have something else to focus on besides the tension in the room when the bench felt solid yanda tried sitting on it it’s good she said her voice low but sincere i appreciate your help more than you know at that moment fi peaked out from the hallway eyes round with concern he saw his mother sitting on the bench and slowly came closer is it fixed now he asked timidly glancing around as if worried teo might still be there ki bent

Down to meet f’s eye level yes it’s fixed he said reaching out to pat the bench you can even jump on it if you want carefully of course fi gave a tiny smile and tested it with a short hop grinning when it didn’t wobble yanda put an arm around her son thank you cola she repeated her voice calmer i’m sorry for all the drama klei shook his head no need to apologize i just want you and fi to be safe he glanced at the clock on the wall it was almost noon and he had other customers waiting at his stall i should head back but if you need me

Yanda gave a gentle nod i’ll let you know thank you they walked him to the door and ki stepped out into the warm midday sun his mind whirled with thoughts of teo’s angry face and yanda’s frightened eyes he wanted so badly to protect her but he also had to keep his own secret if he revealed his true identity everything could fall apart but if he didn’t do something teo might keep hurting yanda and femi that made ki heart ae as he made his way back to the market his phone vibrated in his pocket he pulled it out and saw several missed

Calls from an unknown number he guessed it might be his father’s office again or possibly em checking up on him he decided not to call back just yet his mind was still on yanda and the trouble she was facing when he reached his workshop toby was sitting by the corner happily munching on some puff-puff oga wood you’re back toby shouted jumping to his feet a woman came by looking for you she has a broken chair i told her you’d be back soon ki thanked toby and quickly set down his small tool bag even though he had more work to do

He couldn’t shake the image of teo’s angry glare he opened his stall for business trying to focus on the next job but deep in his heart he was already planning he knew yanda deserved peace he didn’t know exactly how to help her yet but he would find a way even if it meant keeping his real identity hidden he silently vowed to protect yanda and femi from teo’s threats and he hoped in time that yanda would come to trust him enough to share more of her life tomorrow ki whispered under his breath rearranging his tools

On a wooden shelf i’ll see what tomorrow brings but i won’t leave yanda to face this on her own with that resolve he forced a smile and turned to greet the next customer who stepped into his little little carpentry stall his heart weighed down by worry yet fired up with a new sense of purpose ki woke the next morning feeling torn between relief and worry on one hand business at his small carpentry stall was growing on the other hand teo’s threat to yanda lingered in his mind he got dressed quickly and hurried outside the sun was already

Beaming down on surer busy streets children laughed as they ran around shop owners called out de s and the smell of fried yim filled the air when ki reached his stall toby was there again hopping from foot to foot ogga w i saved your spot toby said proudly ki smiled patting the boy’s shoulder thank you toby you’re my best helper he opened the stall placed his tools on the old wooden table and checked for any new repair jobs that might have arrived overnight sure enough a broken chair stood in one corner with

A note attached many people trust you now toby said noticing the broken chair they leave their things for you even when you’re not here ki nodded feeling a small surge of pride yes he said i’m happy people are giving me a chance he recalled how just a few days ago everyone looked at him with suspicion now the community was slowly accepting him as their local carpenter while klei sorted out the chair’s wobbly leg toby observed carefully someday i want to be a carpenter too the boy said or maybe a policeman klei chuckled both are good

Choices he replied i just want you to follow your dreams toby but be prepared to work hard toby nodded with bright eyes then dashed off when his friend called him from across the street a few minutes later an older woman approached the stall she wore a colorful wrapper and carried a basket of tomatoes my neighbor says you’re good at fixing tables she said i’m mama bose and i have an old table at home with a broken corner can you repair it ki agreed smiling politely yes ma i can come by this afternoon he said mama bose beamed

Thank you surir needs people like you people who do honest work and treat us well after she left ki felt a small glow of happiness this was very different from his old life he was used to hearing empty praise from people who only cared about his wealth but here every thank you felt genuine it made him want to keep going no matter how hard the work became by midm morning he decided to check on yanda the memory of teo’s anger nagged at him ki locked up his stall for a bit and headed toward her apartment he found yanda outside washing clothes in a

Small bucket while fi stood nearby rinsing a shirt when she saw ki she gave him a soft smile cola she said wiping her forehead how are you i’m all right klei answered gently i just wanted to see if you’re okay after what happened with teo yesterday yanda glanced at femi who was busy ringing out his shirt then gestured for ki to step aside so they could talk privately teo hasn’t come back since then she said in a low voice but i’m worried he doesn’t usually let things go so easily klei reached out and touched her arm lightly i’m sorry you

Have to deal with that he said if he bothers you again please let me know i’ll try to help she tried to smile though her eyes still showed fear thank you it’s nice to have someone on my side just then fi walked up eyeing ki curiously are you coming in uncle cola he asked tugging on k’s hand ki laughed softly at being called uncle maybe later he said but i have some customers waiting for me right now i’ll see you soon all right fei nodded satisfied and went back to his washing on his way back to the market k’s phone

Started vibrating he glanced at the screen and noticed it was emica calling worried it might be something urgent he ducked into a quiet corner and answered emica ki whispered keeping his voice low is everything okay dude i’ve been trying to reach you emica said his tone serious your father’s people keep asking where you are i told them you traveled for business but they’re not satisfied they want you back in aoi k’s chest tightened he knew this day would come i’m not coming back yet he said firmly i’m doing

Something important here please cover for me as best you can emide all right he replied but be careful kels if your dad hires private investigators they might find you in surir and then all of this might blow up ki swallowed hard i’ll keep an eye out he said thanks for helping me emica lowered his voice you’re my best friend so i’ll do what i can but don’t take too long you know how your father can be then he ended the call ki shoved the phone back into his pocket his mind spinning he couldn’t let chief obie find him yet not when he was

Just starting to feel like he could live a normal life he returned to his stall forcing a calm expression in case toby or others noticed his worry around noon mr schola k’s longtime family lawyer called as well klei didn’t answer at first but the calls kept coming so he finally picked up mr schola i can’t talk much ki said listen carefully the lawyer replied your father is close to filing a missing person report he thinks you might have been kidnapped or something i’ve been stalling him but you need to make some moves soon ki clenched his jaw

Tell him i’m safe but i need space if you can say i sent you a message anything to keep him from searching for me mr schola hesitated i’ll do what i can but be careful young master i’m not a master here klei said softly i’m just cola now then he hung up feeling that familiar tug of guilt for lying yet determined to keep his secret a bit longer he tried to shake off his anxiety by focusing on his carpentry he worked on the broken chair carefully sanding the rough edges and hammering in new nails eventually toby returned eager to

Learn more ki showed the boy how to measure the pieces of wood accurately toby leaned in watching every move wow oga w you do this so easily toby said admiration clear in his voice ki forced a small laugh it just takes practice he said handing toby a tape measure keep learning and you’ll become even better than me someday an hour later yanda stopped by the stall her eyes lighting up when she saw klei teaching toby he’s so happy she remarked smiling at the boy it’s good to see him interested in something ki nodded wiping sweat from

His brow toby’s clever he picks things up up fast then he offered yanda a small chair to sit on how are you holding up he asked lowering his voice i’m okay she replied i just wanted to thank you for being there yesterday it means a lot she looked around making sure nobody was listening i know you don’t want trouble but you still stood up for me ki shrugged pretending it was no big deal i couldn’t just stay quiet when teo acted like that he said anyway how can i fix things for you today yanda pulled a small basket from behind her back i

Brought you some food she said gill off rice with fried fish i made it this morning k’s eyes widened that’s so kind of you thank you yanda he felt a warmth spread through his chest he hadn’t had a home-cooked meal like this in a while this looks delicious he added opening the lid slightly to smell the spicy rice yanda looked pleased you’ve been working so hard and i wanted to do something nice just then toby piped up auntie aanda can i taste some too klei and yanda both laughed and yanda handed him a small spoonful of rice toby’s face lit up yum

He cried hopping in place the sweet moment was cut short when an older man from the next stall leaned over cola you have another customer waiting he called pointing to a woman who stood a few feet away ki sighed but gave yanda a grateful look thanks again for the food he said i’ll eat it as soon as i finish here she nodded i’ll leave you to your work take care cola she waved to toby and headed off disappearing into the crowd ki felt a surge of contentment even though the day was scorching hot and he had a growing list of repairs to handle he was

Glad yanda seemed to trust him more now he wanted to keep that trust safe but as the afternoon wore on he began noticing curious stares from a few neighbors one woman murmured to her friend glancing at k’s stall another man walked by slowly as though studying him ki tried to ignore it but the feeling of being watched made his skin prickle later while he was sealing a crack on a wooden shelf a woman who sold vegetables nearby whispered to toby is that man really just a carpenter he sounds too polished i heard he knows big words toby shrugged

Saying he didn’t know anything except that oga wood was the best carpenter around still ki overheard enough to realize rumors were starting to swirl he remembered how teo had insulted him calling him a broke carpenter it was possible teo’s anger made him suspicious or maybe the neighbors simply noticed that ki sometimes slipped up using manners or phrases they weren’t used to hearing in the area whatever the reason ki could tell that people were talking when evening rolled in ki closed up his stall and slowly made his way back to

His one room apartment he felt tired but also uneasy he couldn’t let anyone figure out who he really was especially not teo if teo discovered ki was actually a billionaire’s son he might try to use that information to scare or manipulate yanda even more inside the dim room ki sat on his thin mattress and opened the small container of gelof rice yuanda had given him the rich peppery smell flooded his senses as he ate he let himself smile no one had ever cooked for him like this before in his old life the chef made food for the whole family

But it wasn’t personal this meal tasted different it tasted like care after finishing he sighed and lay back staring at the ceiling he could handle the rumors for now but he knew they wouldn’t go away on on their own he was also aware that teo still posed a threat and that his father’s men might be closing in on him he shut his eyes hoping he could protect yanda and her son while continuing to hide his identity as the night wore on faint sounds of music drifted from the street ki closed his eyes and thought about the day toby’s

Bright smile mama bose’s trust and yanda’s simple act of kindness in many ways this felt more real than any fancy party he’d ever attended in aoi yes the roads were bumpy and the power failed often but he was building something of his own and for the first time in his life his heart felt truly alive before he drifted off to sleep he whispered a promise to himself i’ll handle the rumors i’ll help you wanda and i’ll figure out how to keep my secret safe just a bit longer then he let the hum of sur’s night lull him holding tight to

The hope that tomorrow would bring another small victory even if it also brought new challenges ki woke early just like every other morning in surir he had started to love the bright sunrise and the lively sounds around him even though he felt happy fixing furniture and helping neighbors a small knot of worry grew in his stomach he knew rumors were spreading about him some people whispered that he wasn’t just a poor carpenter he tried to shake off the fear as he headed to his stall toby was there of course holding a small

Room and sweeping the ground ogga would good morning toby shouted smiling widely ki grinned back grateful for the boy’s endless excitement but deep inside he couldn’t stop thinking about what might happen if someone from his old life recognized him shortly after ki opened the stall a man in a neat shirt and slacks appeared stepping out of a sleek black car parked down the road he walked through the market looking around like he was searching for something or someone ki noticed him right away the man looked out of place in the busy

Surer crowd k’s heart pounded could this man be working for chief obie toby eyed the stranger curiously who is that oga w he asked in a whisper ki shook his head i don’t know he said quietly maybe heun’s just lost don’t worry about it but he couldn’t stop his hands from trembling a little a moment later the man locked eyes with klei and started walking toward him k’s stomach flipped to hide his panic he pretended to focus on a broken stool toby stood by looking confused are you cola the man asked his voice smooth but serious ki nodded

Forcing a smile yes that’s me can i help you the man glanced at toby and then back at ki i was told you’re good at fixing things he said his tone flat i have a table leg that needs repair k’s heart slowed down a bit maybe this was just a new customer yes sir i can fix it he replied trying to sound calm feel free to bring it by the man stared at ki for a long moment then turned and walked away ki breathed a sigh of relief but he couldn’t ignore a strange feeling that the man was studying him carefully toby touched kk’s arm he seems scary oga w

Toby said klei patted toby’s shoulder it’s all right toby i’m sure it’s nothing he lied hoping to convince himself too as the day wore on yanda arrived carrying a small bag of items she wanted ki to repair good morning she said smiling as she set the bag down i found these old wooden spoons in my kitchen could you sand them down and make them smooth again ki nodded of course that’s an easy fix then he lowered his voice how are things at home no more trouble from teo yanda looked away her face tense he hasn’t come

Around in a couple of days but i’m still worried she paused then gave ki a brave smile thank you for asking it helps to know someone cares just then a woman selling fruits across the street called out loudly yanda come here please yanda looked concerned as she hurried over ki watched confused was something wrong a moment later the fruit seller shot ki a sharp look and said something that made yanda’s eyes go wide yanda turned slowly to stare at ki he couldn’t hear their exact words but he felt his heart begin

To race finally yanda came back her face pale cola is it true you’re not who you say you are she asked in a shaky voice she said people have been talking saying you might be someone rich maybe hiding from trouble k’s throat went dry he tried to keep his voice steady i i never told you anything that isn’t true about my work i’m a carpenter here i want an honest life yanda blinked trying to make sense of his words but are you from a rich family are you lying about everything else before ki could respond toby pointed

Toward the road oga would look he cried ki turned and saw teo marching toward them angry burning in his eyes yanda gasped grabbing k’s arm i told you to stay away from my business teo shouted jabbing a finger at ki you think i don’t know what’s going on people say you’re loaded with money just pretending to be poor and you’re trying to play hero with my family k’s heart pounded so loudly he could barely think he wanted to deny it to protect his secret but teo was causing a scene in front of everyone the fruit sellers and passing customers

Paused to watch yanda stepped in front of teo even if cola has money that doesn’t change the fact that you keep threatening me she said her voice trembling but firm i’m tired of you showing up just to scare us tao glared at yanda then turned back to ki you want to protect her from me go ahead give her all your billions or whatever you have that won’t change the fact that she’s mine to deal with ki felt a surge of anger he had spent his life avoiding drama but seeing teo talk like this made his blood boil don’t talk about her like

She’s your property klei snapped she left you for a reason teo took a step forward fists clenched the crowd around them held its breath yanda’s hands shook at her sides toby looked ready to dart away but then a loud gasp rippled through the onlookers an older man in neat clothes stepped out from behind the crowd ki recognized him instantly it was one of his father’s personal aids mr adeli k’s mind spun why was he here mr adeli cleared his throat master klei he said in a low voice his eyes darting around the crowd please come with me

Your father is extremely worried he sent me to find you gasps and whispers filled the air as teo’s jaw dropped yanda stared at ki with wide eyes toby clung to k’s shirt looking confused everyone realized the truth at once ki was not simply cola he was from a wealthy family missing for weeks yanda took a shaky step backward so it’s true she whispered tears gathering in her eyes all this time you’ve been lying about who you are k’s chest felt like it would burst he wanted to explain why he had hidden his identity to say he was only searching

For real human connection but words wouldn’t come out the entire market was silent waiting for his response suddenly teo laughed in a harsh mocking way look at that a fake carpenter so you’re a billionaire huh he turned to yanda he’s no better than me just another liar yanda shot teo a glare but the pain in her eyes was clear ki tried to reach for her but she stepped back again tears slipping down her cheeks you let me think you were poor you let me share my struggles all while hiding your life she asked voice trembling why cola or

Whoever you are ki opened his mouth to speak but mr adeli grabbed his arm we need to go now the aid hiss this is not safe for you your father i don’t care about what my father wants ki snapped yanking his arm free he st stared at yanda his heart aching i did it to find the truth to meet real people to yanda shook her head wiping away a tear then why didn’t you trust me with that truth after all we shared cola her voice broke on his name making his heart twist you lie to me every single day before ki could answer teo charged forward

Pointing an accusing finger get out of here rich boy he shouted don’t come near yanda again you’ve done enough damage the crowd began to murmur some people shaking their heads in disapproval others just looked shocked toby’s eyes filled with tears he pulled on k’s shirt oga w you’re leaving ki knelt down and hugged the boy toby i’m so sorry he whispered voice thick with emotion i never meant to hurt any of you at that moment mr adel eek signaled to the driver who started the black car’s engine ki felt everything crumbling

Around him he wanted to stay to fix this but the weight of his lies was crushing him the market crowd parted as he slowly stood up and backed away yanda stood there her eyes full of pain and confusion teo glared at both of them looking smug ki took one last look at yanda longing to tell her he truly cared for her and femi but he saw the betrayal in her eyes and it shattered him then he turned and followed mr adel eek through the stunned onlookers toby’s soft cries echoed behind him mixed with yanda’s quiet sobs teo shouted something cruel

But ki barely heard it over the pounding of his own heart the driver opened the car door and ki slipped inside as the car pulled away he stared out the window the streets of surir blurred with color and life life he might never experience the same way again he had come here searching for real love and real friendships now he was leaving with a broken heart and the painful truth that every lie has a cost in the rearview mirror klei caught a final glimpse of yanda standing near his abandoned carpentry stall her shoulders were

Shaking and the stool he’d once fixed for her lay overturned on the ground toby was at her side tears in his eyes and teo loomed near looking ready to swoop in with more demands the car bed up and then they vanished from sight ki pressed his forehead against the cool glass he felt emptier than ever wondering if he would ever have the chance to make things right or if he had lost yanda forever as he closed his eyes one final thought pounded in his mind what happens now klei stared out the car window barely hearing mr adel’s constant

Chatter about how worried chief obie had been the roads of lego sped by but his mind was stuck in surer he kept seeing yanda’s tearful face toby’s hurt expression and teo’s smug grin each memory felt like a heavy stone in his chest when they reached the massive gates of his family mansion in aoi ki didn’t feel any relief if anything the sight of tall walls and security guards only reminded him of the prison he had once called home chief obie stood at the entrance looking stern the moment ki got out of the car are his father’s voice

Thundered ki what is the meaning of this you disappeared and had everyone worried ki didn’t even flinch he was too drained to argue father i just needed space i was tired of living like a puppet he said softly i found people who saw me as a person not just your son chief obie scow that’s nonsense do you know how much damage this could cause our family’s name you belong here not in some rundown market ki felt anger rise in his chest he thought about yanda’s struggles toby’s dreams and the real friendships he built you don’t

Understand father he said his voice trembling with emotion i did find something out there real connections but i lost it all because i couldn’t be honest chief obie waved a hand dismissing k’s words we will fix this we will tell the media you were away on important family business now go wash up and act like a proper obie ki walked inside like a robot each step feeling heavier the mansion’s shiny floors and grand chandeliers felt cold he kept seeing yanda’s eyes filled with sadness when she learned who he really was he

Couldn’t live with himself if he left things like that that night klei locked himself in his old bedroom ignoring the many calls from curious friends and family he thought about yanda and femi about teo’s threats and about how everyone in surer now saw him as a liar after hours of tossing and turning he made a decision he picked up his phone and dialed mr schola the family lawyer who had always been kind to him mr schola i need your help ki said quietly glancing at the door to make sure no one was eavesdropping i want you to pay off

Teo’s debts i don’t care how much it is but do it in a way that protects yanda she can’t know it comes from me mr schola hesitated master klei this is risky if your father finds out i don’t care ki cut in i won’t let teo keep harassing her please help me do this quietly there was a short pause then mr schola side all right i’ll handle it the next morning ki dressed in simple clothes again he told his father he had errands but chief obie gave him a suspicious look still ki slipped out before more questions came he had to see

Yuanda one last time no matter the cost when he arrived in surer he parked far from the market to avoid drawing attention heart pounding he walked to yanda’s apartment the green door was shut tight and he could hear faint voices inside with shaky hands he knocked fei opened the door halfway he gasped when he saw ki then quickly slammed it k’s heart sank he stood there for a few long seconds unsure if yanda would even let him in finally the door opened again yanda looked at him with red swollen eyes cola she began then

Caught herself i mean klei why are you here he swallowed hard i had to see you he whispered i’m sorry i lied about who i am i only wanted to find someone who cared about me for me not my family name yanda’s gaze flickered with pain do you think your lie didn’t hurt me she asked her voice shaking i opened up to you about my problems i trusted you but you never trusted me enough to tell me your truth ki felt tears burn his eyes i was scared he admitted every woman i’ve met only wanted my money i thought if you

Knew i’d never know if you really cared silence filled the tiny space fi peaked around his mother’s skirt tears in his eyes too you left us he said in a trembling voice ki bent down looking at fi i’m sorry he said i wish i could fix things like i fix furniture but it’s not that simple yanda looked away tears sliding down her cheeks teo is still causing trouble she said at last he’s angry but he stopped demanding money all of a sudden i don’t know why klei gently took her hand i i asked someone to help with his debts he won’t bother you again

I promise yanda’s eyes widened in shock and her voice wavered you did that for me ki nodded his throat tight yes because i he paused fear gripping him then he spoke voice raw because i truly care about you and fi and i’m ready to face any blame for what i did wrong in that moment footsteps sounded behind them ki turned and froze standing at the end of the hallway was teo fists clenched face burning with rage you think you can pay me off and then pretend to be the hero teo roared i’m not leaving until i get more yanda

Gasped femi clung to her and ki stepped forward heart pounding teo lunged fist swinging wildly ki blocked the blow but they both stumbled back yanda screamed fi cried out noise echoed in the cramped hallway just then neighbors came running shouting for teo to stop the tension filled the air like a storm about to break and in that split second ki realized things would never be the same if he survived this fight his secret was out and his feelings were open for everyone to see their world had changed forever but would it bring them closer

Or tear them apart with teo raging and yanda trembling ki braced himself for what came next he refused to walk away again one thing was certain this battle in surer was far from over and nothing would ever be simple again a few days later the whole neighborhood was still talking about what happened that day in yanda’s hallway teo had tried to hurt ki but neighbors rushed in pulling the two men apart someone called the police and teo was taken away yelling he’d never be finished with them ki had a cut on his

Arm but he cared more about the hurt in yanda’s eyes he stayed in surer a bit longer waiting to see if she would talk to him fei kept his distance too unsure if ki was friend or foe ki felt like his heart was splitting in two part of him wanted to run back to his father’s mansion and never face the pain again but another part whispered that he owed yanda the truth over and over until she believed he truly cared late one evening he gathered his courage and knocked on yanda’s door again she opened it slowly only peeking her head out

Her eyes looked tired like she hadn’t slept well fi stood behind her gripping her skirt ki she said her voice low what do you want he swallowed hard i’m leaving tomorrow he began forcing steady words my father needs me back and i can’t keep lying to him but i couldn’t go without seeing you one last time yanda said nothing her fingers trembling on the doorknob fi peered up curiosity flickering in his eyes i know i messed up ki went on his throat tight you have no reason to trust me again but everything i felt here in surer it was

Real you and fi made me see that a simple life can be filled with real love and warmth i wish i could fix the damage i caused a single tear slipped down yanda’s cheek then while li from the start she asked in a hushed voice why not tell me the truth when we got close le’s shoulders saged i was afraid he whispered afraid you’d see me as another man with money and not as cola i didn’t know how to stop pretending once i cared silence stretched between them then slowly yanda opened the door a bit wider femi took a tiny step forward hope

Flickering in his eyes but neither said a word of forgiveness ki felt torn not sure if there was any path forward finally yanda spoke again voice quivering you should go she said maybe maybe when everything is calmer we can talk but not now ki nodded tears burning his own eyes he turned and walked away each step heavier than the last in his pocket his phone buzzed his father’s call soon he’d be back in that huge mansion surrounded by wealth yet feeling more alone than ever he glanced over his shoulder one last time seeing yanda and

Fi standing in the doorway like a faint silhouette in the growing dusk he wanted to believe this wasn’t truly goodbye but as the shadows lengthened ki wondered if he’d ever truly win back their trust or if he would forever remain an outsider longing for the life he almost had thanks for watching if you enjoyed the story please leave a like and subscribe here is another interesting story to watch click to watch now