Billionaire PRETENDS To Be A Poor Security Guard In His Newly Built Bank To Find True Love 

Billionaire PRETENDS To Be A Poor Security Guard In His Newly Built Bank To Find True Love 

Chief Nam Di Maduka had almost everything money could buy. He owned Maduka Group, one of the biggest companies in the country. The company had businesses in oil and gas, shipping, construction, real estate, hotels, agriculture, and many other areas. But if anyone asked Chief Nambdi what he was most proud of, he would not mention his companies.

 He would mention his only son, Chima Maduka. One morning, Chief Nambdi sat in his office at Maduka Group headquarters with his lawyer, Obina Embar. Obina had worked with the family for many years and knew almost every secret in the company.  Cedar Trust Bank is ready. Yes, Chief. The staff training has started. The first branch will open soon.

 My son should be part of this from the beginning. Chima has already returned. But many people still think he is in London. That is because he likes hiding himself. He does not behave like other rich men’s sons. Some of them would have announced their return with pictures, interviews and noise. That is Chima for you.

 7 years in our overseas branch and he worked like an ordinary staff. No pride, no trouble. He understands business. He helped Maduko Oil and Gas grow in London. The reports are clear. I understand why you are very proud of him. My son studied finance and business management abroad. He is intelligent. He is hardworking. But above all, he has a good heart.

 That is what matters to me. The workers at Cedar Trust Bank have heard his name, but none of them knows his face. Good. For now, let it remain that way. Chima does not like attention. At Cedar Trust Bank, the new staff were already settling in. During lunch break, three tellers sat together in the staff room.

 Neca Onu, the head teller, was checking her face in a small mirror. Beside her was U, another teller who enjoyed gossip but pretended to be quiet in front of managers. Ada, the youngest among them, sat close with a bottle of juice in her hand.  Have you people heard about Chief Nambdi’s son, Chima Maduka? Yes, that one. I heard he works abroad.

He was working abroad, but I heard he will soon join this bank as one of the directors. Imagine marrying a billionaire’s only son. Please do not just imagine it. Prepare yourself. Do you even know what he looks like?  No.  But my cousin at the headquarters said he is tall, handsome, calm, and very rich. Handsome and loaded.

 That is a full package. Men like that usually like women with class. Then he has come to the right place. Some of us did not come here only to count money. May God let him visit this branch often.  All right, ladies, back to work.  None of them knew that Chima Maduka was already in the country. He had returned 3 months earlier.

 He met only board members and senior managers.  Ordinary workers had not seen him. The new staff at Cedar Trust Bank only knew his name. Some believed he was proud. Some believed he was spoiled. Others believed he was still in London. No one knew the truth. That evening, Chima sat alone in his room, staring at a small black box on the table.

 Inside the box was an engagement ring. He had bought it for Amara Nou. Amara was a popular actress and social media celebrity. She was beautiful, stylish, and loved attention. She attended big events, wore expensive clothes, and posted pictures from restaurants and foreign holidays.  I do not want my private life online.

 I understand. I love you, not your fame.  They met in London during a charity dinner. At that time, Amara did not know much about his family. My name is Chima.  What do you do?  I work in my family’s business.  Oh my. So he is Chief Nambdi Maduka’s only son, the oil tycoon himself,  Chima, how long will we continue like this?  Like how?  Dating without direction.

 So you are tired of me?  That is not what I said. I am not getting younger. I need to know if you see me in your future.  I I do.  Then show me. I do not want to waste my time.  Amara had stood by him, or so he believed. She had respected his need for privacy. Shima had dated women before and most of them changed when money entered the matter.

 One had secretly given private information about his family to a gossip blogger. Another had begged him to invest in her fashion business. After he sent the money, she became cold and later ended the relationship. Another woman had been dating him while preparing to marry someone else. So when Amara asked about marriage, Chima was afraid.

 Maybe this one will be different. I gave you every prayer I ever said. I carved out light where only shadows stayed. I thought the way you stood was built on stone. Not just a hollow stage for you alone. You held my hand when came.  Maybe she will cry.  Maybe she will laugh.  Maybe she will call me wicked for frightening her with such a big surprise.

You only love the way I stood and the power of my name. And now I’m standing with my eyes wide open. The gold is gone. The perfect mirror is broken. It was never us. It was only what I gave. Just a beautiful am. Maybe it is just a friend.  Maybe it is someone from work.  Stop it. What if somebody comes?  Nobody’s coming.

 Chima,  Chima, please listen to me.  I should leave. It is not what you think.  What should I think?  He kissed me.  He kissed you?  Yes. We were talking about the new project. We had some wine. I do not even know how it happened.  The same kiss you pushed him away from after I entered.  Please, Chima.

I made a mistake.  I came here to ask you to marry me.  Oh my god,  I thought you were different.  I am different. Please, Chima, it was a mistake. I love you. Please do not leave me. We can fix this. You asked me when I would become serious about marriage.  I know. I know. And I am sorry.  I came to show you I was serious.

 Please forgive me.  One mistake is forgetting to call. One mistake is coming late. What I saw in that room was not a mistake.  No, please do not say that.  Were you going to tell me?  Chima, please. I love you. Please do not end everything like this.  I did not end it, Amara. You did.  I gave you every prayer I ever said.

I carved out light where only shadows stayed. I thought  the gossip blogger,  the fashion business, the woman planning a wedding.  Now Amara,  maybe no woman will ever see me. Maybe they will only see the money and the Maduka name. Has Chima eaten?  No sir. I took food to his room but he did not touch it.

 What about yesterday?  The same thing. Sir,  you have been avoiding me.  I have not been avoiding you. Then look at me.  What happened? Amara was with another man. What do you mean?  I went to her apartment. I wanted to surprise her  with the ring.  How did you know about the ring?  You used my jeweler.

 Did you think you would not mention it?  I found her kissing a music producer. I am sorry, my son. I should have known.  No, you trusted someone you love. There is no shame in that.  I feel you are not foolish, my son. You have a good heart.  This is not the first time one gave information about our family to a blogger.

 Another collected money from me for a business and disappeared. Another was planning her wedding while she was still dating me. Now Amara, the woman I wanted to marry. Did she explain?  She called it a mistake.  And what did you say?  I left.  You did well not to fight or create a scene.  What was I supposed to do? Beg her to respect me? No.

 I am tired, Dad. Tired of what? Tired of wondering whether anyone truly cares about me. Your family cares about you.  You know what I mean?  Women do not see me. They see the Maduka name. They see your companies, the houses, the cars, and the money. You cannot be sure every woman thinks that way.

 Every woman I have trusted has proved it. Every woman you have dated. That is not every woman in the world. Maybe love is easier for ordinary people. Ordinary people also get cheated on. At least they know the person did not choose them because of billions. Money does not create bad character, Chima. It only attracts more people and makes it harder to know their intentions.

 That is exactly my problem.  You are hurt. I understand that. But do not allow your pain to make you unfair. Unfair to whom? To people you have not even met. Wealth attracts good people and bad people. Your job is not to hate everyone. Your job is to learn how to recognize character. I thought I recognize Amara’s character.

 You were wrong. That is easy for you to say. No, it is not. I have also trusted the wrong people. Some tried to cheat me in business. It is a pain I know too well, my son. Some pretended to be loyal because they wanted positions. But I did not close every company because of them. Do not allow bitterness to control you.

When is Cedar Trust Bank official opening? Next week. Why? What are you thinking? The staff have not met me, have they? No. And the people recruited for the new branch, they only know your name. Do they know I am already in the country?  Obina told them you were still completing your work overseas.  I want to work there.

 That is good. You can join the management team before your official appointment. No, I do not want to enter as your son. You want to join as a management traininee? No.  Then what do you want?  I want to work as a security guard.  I want to work as a security guard.  A what? a security guard.

 This is not the time for jokes. I am serious. Come and sit down. Explain yourself. I want to enter the bank as someone with no power. For what purpose? To see how people behave when they do not know who is watching. I want to see how the managers treat the guards, how the tellers treat the cleaners, how they treat customers who do not wear expensive clothes.

 You can ask Obina to investigate those things. People behave differently when they know they are being watched. So you want to spy on my workers.  I want to understand the bank from the bottom before I sit in an executive office. You have worked in business for years. You do not need to stand at a gate to understand the bank.

 I have always entered buildings through private doors. People smile before I even speak because they know my name. That is the life you were born into. I want to know how they would treat me without it. Is this about Amara? Partly that is what worries me. I am not going there to chase women. You are talking about testing whether genuine people still exist.

 Yes, that can easily become a search for a woman. It will not. Listen to me. Do not enter that bank and begin playing within another person’s heart because Amara broke yours. If you meet a woman who is kind to you, do not turn her life into an examination. I only want to observe. This plan can create trouble.

 It can also show us what kind of people are working in your new bank. Our bank. Then allow me to protect our bank. Our family name Chima. That is the responsibility.  I know dad. That’s why it must be me.  You have already decided. I need your help. You inherited this stubbornness from your mother. I thought you always said I inherited it from you.

 When it helps the company, it is from me. When it gives me a headache, it is from your mother. I will agree on one condition. What condition? The moment this begins to harm an innocent person, it ends. I agree. And only a few people must know. Boina will have to know. Yes. We will also need someone inside the security department. Okay.

 I will call both of them tomorrow. Thank you, Dad. Do not thank me yet. You may change your mind after standing under the sun for one day. I will survive. You have never guarded anything except your privacy. Then this will be good training. Chief said there is an urgent family matter. There is Obina. My son wants to become a security guard.

 Sir, have you both started drinking this early? I knew you would say something like that. Sir, is this serious? Yes. I want to work at Cedar Trust Bank without anyone knowing who I am. That will not be easy, but it can be done. The company supplying the guards is still recruiting.  We can add him to the final list.  He cannot wear that.

 What is wrong with it? That watch can pay the salaries of the entire security team.  And that one.  What about my phone? No ordinary new security guard will be carrying the latest phone.  You can use this. The screen is cracked. It still receives calls. Welcome to your new life. What name will I use? Chimanagi.

 Why keep my first name? So you do not forget to answer when someone calls you. Arrange a small apartment near the bank. I do not want any employees seeing him come from this house. I will handle it.  You also need to stop shaving for a while.  The beard will help. No special treatment. I understand. You saw them all the same.

And that was when my heart began to open. Long before I even knew your name. You looked at me and so  you saw the person at the cover of the book. You love me for my heart and not my hand. You took the time to truly understand. Welcome to Cedar Trust Bank.  My name is Obina Mumba. This bank was built on discipline, honesty, excellent service and respect.

 We expect every employee to treat customers and fellow workers with dignity. Your position does not make you more important than another person. Chief Nambdi Maduka’s son is still completing the handover of his overseas responsibilities. He will join the bank at the right time and take over as CEO.  So he is really coming.

 My chance to meet a billionaire heir.  I hope he is as handsome as people say.  He is Chief Anami’s only son. Have you ever seen an ugly billionaire? Even if he’s not handsome, money will help his face.  Life is something else. What happened?  Some of us entered this bank with university degrees.

 Others entered with mops, brooms, and whistles. At least everybody has entered.  Yes, but they should know their level.  Sir, are you still sure you want to do this?  Yes. Now I am more sure than before. Then be at the main gate by 6:30 tomorrow morning. 6:30. The bank opens at 8, but security begins before everyone else arrives. I will be there.

Let us see how long this confidence will last, sir.  Good morning, sir. You will walk here. Every staff member must show an identity card before entering. Do not allow anyone into a restricted area without permission. What about visitors? Write down their names, phone numbers, and who they came to see.

 Check their bags when necessary. You will also direct vehicles. The space near the entrance is for emergency use. Nobody should park there. If an elderly customer needs help, assist them. But do not leave your post unless another guard takes over. This sounds simple enough. The work is simple. The people are not.  Yes, I’ll be right in.

 Good morning, madam. Please, may I see your identity card?  My what?  Your staff identity card.  Are you new here? Yes, madam.  That explains it.  Open the gate.  I still need to see your card.  Do you know who I am?  No, madam.  I am Neca Onu, the head teller of this bank.  Thank you for telling me.

 May I see your identity card?  Did you not hear what I said?  Then why are you still standing there?  It’s the rule. The rule is that every member of staff must show a card.  Listen, you’re only a security guard. Your job is to open the gates, not to question important staff. My job is also to follow security rules.

 You must be very stupid to think you can talk back to me. You are only a security guard. Your job is to open the gates, not to question important staff. You have no respect. You have no sense. They employed you yesterday and you are already behaving as if you own the bank. Poor idiot.

 Learn the faces of the people who matter in this bank.  The rule applies to everyone.  You are very stubborn yet so poor.  Your card, please. Are you satisfied now?  Thank you madam. You may enter.  I will report you  for asking for your identity card  for being rude.  I am sorry you feel that way.  You will be more sorry when I finish with you.

 Pride. Pride.  You handled it well. She insulted me five times because I asked her for a card. I warned you. People are not easy to deal with. Park it for me. I cannot leave the gate, sir. What did you say? I cannot leave my post unless another guard takes over. The space is right there. I understand, but I am the only person at the gate at the moment.

 You people are becoming too lazy.  I am sorry, sir.  Sorry for yourself. You are not only lazy, you are arrogant. I’m following my instructions.  Keep following instructions until they sack you.  Security, go and buy rice for me.  I am on duty.  The food place is not far. I cannot leave the gates.  What is wrong with this one?  Nothing is wrong, madam.

 You think because you are handsome and you braid your hair, you are on my level. Take this money. Just take it.  I am sorry. I cannot.  You are not Obo. Better stop acting like one.  Security guards are employed to serve bank workers. Do not start acting important.  Yeah. Scheming in shadows, plotting in silk, mixing the poison right into the milk.

You think you’re the hunter. Think you’re shadows are things that you cannot outun. The mirrors are things that you cannot outrun. The mirror is cracked, but the truth is the same. A man with a title.  Be careful. There are expensive things inside.  Where should I take them?  My desk.  I hope you did not touch anything because your three month salary cannot cover for it. Drop them there.

You did not squeeze anything, did you?  No.  Good. You can go.  The story is finished. The ending is told. Watch as they stumble. Watch as they trip. Sailing high on a sinking ship. They use the ladder then burn the secrets they keeps.  Good morning, sir. You cannot park here. I will only be inside for a few minutes.

 This space must remain free. I said I will not stay long.  There are other spaces behind the building.  Do not tell me where to park in my own office. Whose car is blocking the emergency area? Why did you park here? The security guard directed me here. I asked you to move the car. Are you calling me a liar? I am only saying what happened. We have cameras.

 I can check them. Move the car now. Next time, obey the security officer instead of blaming him. Yes, sir.  They expect people like us to accept every insult in silence.  Welcome, sir. Please come this way. We will attend to you immediately. My daughter, please, where can I make a deposit? Madam, join the queue.  My daughter, I do not understand where the queue starts.

 Can’t you see I am busy? Go and ask security.  Mama, come. The queue starts here. Please, who is going to attend to me? I have been standing here for some time now. Can you not see that we are busy?  What is funny?  You look tired.  I am tired. Obina, has the life of a common man defeated you already? These people are unbelievable.

 What happened today? Nika insulted me because I asked for her identity card. Some called me lazy because I refused to park his car. Would you send me to buy food? Another used me to carry her shopping bags.  This is not funny. I am sorry. Continue. One manager parked in the emergency space then blamed me when you questioned him.

 Yes, I noticed that. And the way some of them treat customers is worse. They bow for anybody wearing expensive suit and ignore anyone who looks poor. you came here.  I wanted to hear how my new security guard was doing. He is angry.  I can see that.  How many days have you worked?  Three.

 And you have already judged everyone. I did not say everyone. You sound like you have. Dad, some of these workers have no respect. I believe you. But do not judge the whole bank because of a few loud people. A few? Yes, a few. The proud ones are usually easier to notice. Good people often do their work quietly.

 So you want me to continue? You asked for this.  He thought he would find the answer to life at the gate in one week.  Keep watching. You may still meet people who will surprise you. I will continue. You have been fixing that collar for 10 minutes.  I want to look serious. You are serious. The clothes will not answer the questions for you.

 You nearly forgot this.  Thank you. You studied accounting. You graduated with very good results. You will do well. The adverts said they wanted experience. You worked in an accounts office during your service here. That may not be enough. Do not discourage yourself before you even leave the house.  Since when did you become a motivational speaker?  Since my school fees became your problem.

 The fees are not your concern.  I will get this job. The landlord also came. But do not carry everything on your head today. Go for the interview first.  Your father would have been proud of you. and I will see you.  You scored well.  Thank you, sir.  You studied accounting?  Yes, sir.  And where did you complete your national service?  At a small manufacturing company, I worked with the accounts department.

 Have you worked in a bank before?  No, sir.  Do you have a reference from a senior banker?  No, sir.  Why should we choose you?  Cuz I learn quickly and I am willing to work. I may not have banking experience, but I understand accounts. I only need a chance.  Thank you, Ka. Please wait outside.  Ka, you did well.

 Thank you, Ma. But we have selected another candidate. May I ask why? The person has three years of banking experience and a strong reference. Is there another position I can apply for? Not in accounts at the moment. What about a traininee role? There is no opening. Thank you for your time.  Excuse me.

 Are you Ka Ume?  Yes.  I am the cleaning supervisor and I heard you asking about another vacancy.  Yes, ma’am. We still need one cleaner. A cleaner?  The salary is not as high as the account’s position. The work starts early and you may close late. I need some time to think. Take a few minutes. But I need an answer today.

 How did it go?  I did not get the accounts job.  I am sorry my daughter.  They chose someone with experience and a reference.  You did your best.  They offered me another job.  What kind of job?  Cleaning. Say something, mama.  What do you want me to say?  I spent years in school.

 Now I will be cleaning the offices of people doing the job I applied for.  I have an accounting degree, mama.  Honest work will not remove your degree.  The salary is small.  Small money is still money, but I will not force you. The decision is yours.  Maybe if I work inside the bank, I will hear when another vacancy comes.

 That is possible.  I cannot go home and continue waiting. I will take it.  Then take the job if your heart accepts it.  Have you decided?  Yes. Now you understand that this is a cleaning position and you are willing to do it. I understand. Honest work is better than sitting at home while my family suffers.

Feel this. You can begin on Monday. I can start immediately. today. Yes, ma. I am already here. Come with me. Mama Fa, this is Ka. She is joining us. You are welcome, my daughter. Thank you, ma. You can keep your bag here when you resume. Do not leave money or anything important inside. Yes, ma’am. Thank you.

Try this at home. If it is too big, bring it back tomorrow. Am I not starting today? You still need to complete your employment forms. Go home after that and prepare yourself. Resume by 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Thank you, ma. This is not the job I hoped for. But it is a beginning. Do not worry.

 The work is not easy, but you will learn.  Thank you, Ma. I will try my best. Did they give you extra material? What do you mean? Your gown is too long. She looks like she is going for a church meeting. I came to work. So did we. But that does not mean we should look old. Ning goi, how many times will I warn you about that uniform?  Ma, it’s not like that.

 Button it. All of it. And that gown is still too short. Bring it tomorrow. I’ll replace it.  Yes, ma’am.  Mama will show you the teller section. Start from there.  Yes, ma’am. Did she not just warn you? She has gone. Let me tell you something, Ka. I did not come to see that trust bank only to clean floors.

 What else did you come to do? To change my life. This bank is full of rich bankers, managers, accountants, directors. One of them will notice me. But nobody will notice you dressed like that. Many of them are unmarried and they earn good salaries. I am not here for anybody to notice me. That is what you are saying now.

 When you see money, you will change your mind. I need a salary, not a husband. You will learn.  Ka, come. Let me show you where to begin.  Good morning. Yes, I’ll be at the desk shortly. The reports are ready.  Good morning.  Good morning.  You are new.  Yes, today is my first day.  A cleaner.  My name is Ka.  Shima.  Ka. We have plenty of work.

 I am coming. Ma, have a good day.  You too. She stopped. She actually answered me.  Clean around the counters before the customers arrive.  I will be careful with the computers.  Yes, ma.  Wait, you look familiar. Do I know you? I came for the accounts interview yesterday.

 You are the one who applied for the junior accounts position?  Yes.  Come and see something. This young woman came here yesterday hoping to become an accountant. Today she is cleaning our floor. Maybe she wants to calculate the number of tiles. You missed that place. I have not reached there yet. Do not answer me. Just clean it. You should be grateful they gave you something to do.

 Some people apply for jobs that are above them. This is for you.  For me?  Yes. You have been standing under the sun since morning.  That is the work.  It still cannot be easy.  You’re also working hard.  At least I am inside the building. I am coming. Do not forget to drink water.  She only knows the name written on this uniform. She does not know my father.

She does not know the companies. But she still noticed I was tired. I have a package for customer service. They said I should bring it inside. Visitors cannot enter the staff corridor, but it’s urgent. Chima, take the package inside and return to the gate.  Yes, sir.  Package from the gate.  Drop it here.

 All right.  My phone is missing. Where did you keep it? on my desk. Are you sure? I left it here before I went to the restroom. Who came into this area? That security guard came here. Chima? Yes. He was carrying a package. Tell Amadi to bring that security man here.  What happened?  My phone is missing.

 And you believe Chima took it?  He entered this corridor.  I saw him leave immediately. I delivered a package and left.  Amadi, search him.  You want him to search me in front of everybody? If you have nothing to hide, why are you afraid?  I am not afraid. I am asking why you have already decided that I am a thief.

 My phone is very expensive. A person like you cannot even afford it. Did anybody see him take the phone? This is not your business. You want to search him in front of everyone. It has become everyone’s business. Are you saying I’m lying? I am saying you should check before accusing somebody.

 Look at this wannabe. You are just a low life like him. Insult me all you want. There are cameras in the corridor. Why not check them? She is right. The camera will show what happened.  You entered with the phone.  I must have forgotten it inside. I found it beside the mirror. I made a mistake. Is that all? What else do you want? You were loud when you called him a thief.

 He allowed when you admit you were wrong. Do not speak to her like that. No one deserves to be disgraced because of the uniform they wear. You have not apologized to him. I do not owe you any explanation. Is that your lunch?  It is enough.  There is too much rice here. Help me.  That does not look like too much. Thank you for what you did earlier.

 What did I do?  You stood up for me.  It was nothing. It was not nothing. Everybody had already decided I stole the phone.  No one deserves to be labeled a thief just because they do not have money. There was no proof.  You did not even know me.  I did not need to know you.  Most people are afraid of neca.

 You are not.  I am. I just did not want fear to make me support something wrong. Why did you take this cleaning job?  I needed work. I studied accounting.  You are an accountant.  I have the degree, but I do not have the job. My family needs money. My father is late. My mother sells food and my younger brother is still in school.

 I am sorry. You do not sound ashamed of the work.  I am not ashamed of honest work. I only wish things had gone differently.  I understand.  And you? What about you? Why are you working as a security guard?  I was living abroad.  Really?  I cannot tell her everything. Not yet.  What kind of work were you doing?  Just small hustle here and there.

 And now you are here.  I needed to start again. There is no shame in starting from the bottom.  That is easy to say.  No, it is not easy. I am saying it while wearing a cleaning uniform. People think a difficult beginning means your life has ended. It does not.  You really believe that?  I do. I have to.

One day I will work in an accounts department. For now, I will do this job well. I hope you get the chance.  I will.  Thank you for helping me finish my food.  I thought I was the one thanking you.  You can thank me by buying lunch next time  with my security salary.  Even bread is food.  Maybe dad was right.

 Good people do their work quietly. And the broom does not measure your destiny. You can be cleaning the floor today. You can be standing at the  Good morning.  Good morning, Chima. So what is happening between you and that security guard? We are friends. friends. You spend every lunch break with him. Not every lunch break.

 This bank is full of men wearing expensive suits. Yet the person you noticed is a security guard. I did not come here to notice anybody. That is what poor women always say. What does that mean? Poor women remain poor because they do not recognize opportunities. That is true. Sto has started smiling at me. S the relationship manager yesterday he asked if I was enjoying the work and a man does not just ask a woman if she is enjoying work.

 He may have been trying to be polite. She will soon be eating in expensive restaurants. Very soon he will invite me out. Then you will still be sitting behind the security post sharing bread with Chima. I am not searching for a wealthy husband work. Then what are you searching for? a salary.  You need to think bigger.  A large salary cannot turn a bad man into a good husband.

 Who said sto is a bad man? I did not say he was. I am only saying you should know someone before planning your life around his salary. You are jealous of a man who asked if you were enjoying work.  It will not end there. You people should watch. Sorrow hides the same hands carrying a broom right now can carry plenty by God’s own.

 Hello Kima, where are you? At work. What happened? Mama collapsed.  What? Is she awake?  I do not know.  The nurse said they need money before they can start treatment.  How much? It is more than we have. Stay with her. I am coming. Please hurry.  Ma, please. I need help.  What happened?  My mother collapsed.

 She’s at the clinic and they need money before they can treat her.  I am sorry. Can I collect part of my salary? You can remove it when we are paid. You have not received your first salary.  I know, Ma, but but this is an emergency. I understand Ka but the cleaning company does not give advances to new workers.  Please ma even if it is half I do not have the power to approve it.

Does the bank have any emergency welfare fund? I do not know. You can ask the operations department. Please ma where is the operations office? Why? My mother collapsed. I want to ask if the bank has an emergency welfare fund. A welfare fund for cleaners. I I only want to ask. Cedar Trust Bank is a business, not a charity organization for cleaners and their families.

 My mother needs urgent treatment. Then call your relatives. We do not have anyone who can help immediately. Borrow money from another cleaner. I only ask for directions to the operations office. Go and look for it. Do not stand here disturbing customers with family problems.  You’re welcome, sir. Thank you, my son.  Chima, what happened? My mother collapsed.

 Where is she?  At a clinic. They need money before they can begin treatment, and the money I have will not be enough.  Do you have the money? Take this.  No.  Why?  This may be everything you have.  My salary will come again.  So will mine. I cannot collect all your money.  You can pay me later.

 What will you use until then?  I will manage. What is happening?  I am sorry sir.  I asked what happened. I am I the bank’s operations manager.  My mother collapsed. The clinic needs money, but I have not received my first salary.  Did you speak to your supervisor? Does your company have an emergency welfare arrangement?  Only for workers who have spent at least 3 months with us.

 Kaima’s mother needs treatment now. We cannot wait for 3 months.  Sir, I cannot release company money without approval.  I am not asking you to break your rules. I will approve a temporary welfare payment through the bank. Go to the finance office. They will give you the money.  Thank you, sir.  Do not thank me.

 Go and take care of your mother.  Sign here. Thank you, ma.  I will help you find a taxi.  You need to return to the gate.  Amadi is there.  You call him Amadi like he’s your buddy, not your boss. Stop please.  Thank you for offering me your money.  It was not much.  That is why it meant something.  Are you going or not?  I am going.

 This will cover the trip.  Chima, you don’t have to  go. Your mother is waiting. I will pay you back. Just call the bank when you get there. How is your mother?  She is better.  What happened?  Her blood pressure was very high. The doctor said she had been working too hard and not taking her medication.

 Is she home now? Yes, Chitty is staying with her. I brought something for you.  What?  You will see later. This one is for you.  For me?  For helping me.  Rice and plantain.  It is just a small thank you.  You did not need to do this.  You all helped me.  I only stopped the taxi.  He offered me all the money in his pocket.

 All the money in your pocket.  It is not the amount that matters. Sorry, Kenna. I brought this to thank you.  You do not owe me anything.  How is your mother?  She’s recovering.  Good. Tell her to rest.  Where have you been? I took food to the people who helped me when my mother was sick. Who? Chima, Sir Amadi, Mama Eyama, and Mr. Ekenna.

You cooked for guards and cleaners. I also gave some to Mr. Ikenna. At least he is a manager.  But what do you expect to gain from feeding security guards? Nothing. You keep wasting effort on people who cannot change your life. They helped me when I had nothing to offer them. I prefer to appreciate people like that.

 You are smiling at food. I am hungry. That is not a hungry man’s smile.  My daughter, please help me.  What is the problem? Some money is missing from our account. How much? We paid this one on Monday, then another one on Wednesday. But the money is not complete.  You need to arrange these things before coming here.

 I arranged them.  No, you did not. Everything is mixed together. Please check it for me. The money belongs to many women. They will think I took it. I cannot leave other customers because you do not understand your own account. My daughter, I came from far away. Please step aside. Next customer.  Pride. Pride.

They think they cannot fall.  Mama, why are you crying?  Their money is missing.  May I see the papers?  You can help me.  I will try. Let me arrange them by date first.  Please, my daughter.  This slip matches the statement. Mama, did you deposit this amount on Wednesday? Yes, that one was from our market women’s savings.

 The last two numbers are different.  Different.  This service charge appears twice.  So, the money is not gone. What are you doing with that customer’s documents? Are you now a teller? No, ma. But there may be an error. Carry your mop and leave banking work for bankers. This customer may lose money if nobody checks.

Ka  good afternoon sir Kenna please there is a customer outside so money is missing from her cooperative account  has she spoken to a tella  yes sir  and  she was told to return another day  show me  this deposit was entered with the wrong account number the last two digits changed also this service charge appears twice  are you Sure.

 I believe so, sir.  You are right.  Thank God.  Reverse the second service charge and trace this deposit. It was posted to the wrong account. Correct it immediately. Your money is complete now.  Nothing is missing.  Nothing.  My daughter, may God bless you.  Amen.

 This young cleaner listened to me when you refused.  No customer should be sent away without proper help.  Yes, sir.  That young woman is good. She has a kind heart.  Yes, she is.  She was the only person who had patience. She treated me like a human being.  Come to my office when you finish here.  Did I do something wrong, sir? No,  I only want to speak with you.

 How did you notice the error so quickly?  I studied accounting, sir.  You studied accounting?  Yes, sir.  Then why are you working as a cleaner?  I applied for the junior accounts position here. They chose someone with more experience and a strong reference. I see. Do you have a copy of your application?  Yes, sir.

 Bring it tomorrow.  Thank you, sir.  I have not promised you anything yet.  I understand.  What you did today was impressive.  I only wanted to help the woman.  Numbers matter, but people also matter.  Thank you, sir. Surina, I need to tell you about one of the cleaners. A cleaner.

 Her name is Ka Ume. She is a trained accountant. Go on. She found an error the tellers ignored. She deserves another look. Send me her application. I heard your friend became an accountant today. Who told you? Word travels fast in this bank. She is intelligent. You sound proud. I am. Should I prepare an employment letter for her immediately? No.

 No. She should not receive a position because I like her. So you admit that you like her. That is not the point. It is a very interesting point. Arrange an assessment. Let every support worker with the right qualifications apply. Cleaners, guards, and drivers. Yes. Anyone with required education. And if Ka fails, then she fails. You are serious.

 I do not want anyone saying she entered the accounts department because she was friendly with a security guard. You mean a billionaire pretending to be a security guard? Only four people know that. For now, make the assessment fair. I will.  You are late. It is 6:40. Mark, exactly late. You should have been here before 6:30.

Mrs. Enki told us to resume by 6:30. I was changing my clothes. Clean that. You just poured it there. Did I ask you what happened? Clean it. After this, clean the hotel area again. I cleaned it before you arrived. It does not look clean. Do you have a problem with my instruction?  No, ma.  Good. Remember that you are a cleaner.

Do not allow what happened yesterday to confuse you.  I am not confused. You were interfering in banking work and neglecting your cleaner duties. I was not neglecting my work. The woman was crying. Nobody was helping her. She was a customer of the bank. Tellers are trained to handle customers.

 Cleaners are trained to clean. I studied accounting. And where is your accounting job? That is what I thought. Remain in your place. The fact that management praised you once does not make us equal. I never said we were equal. At least you understand. I mean, our positions are different. I did not say one person is more human than the other.

 What did you say? I need to finish my work. Cleaner.  Yes, ma. Empty that bin. I did so not too long ago. And besides, I am on my lunch break. Your break can wait. I have not eaten since morning. Then work faster. If I defend Kaima every time, people will start asking questions. A security guard challenging the head teller again will attract attention.

Are you all right?  I am fine. You do not look fine.  Nika is trying to punish me. Ever since the incidents with the old woman, she has been picking on me.  I can report what I saw.  No.  Why?  She will only say I am using you to fight her.  So you will let her continue.  No, I will do my work and wait for her to get tired.

 What if she does not?  Then she will be more tired than me. You always have an answer.  Not always.  Pride. Pride.  They think they cannot fall.  Take this.  What is it?  The address of my dry cleaner.  I do not understand.  Go and collect my clothes.  I cannot.  You cannot. I am still on duty.

 You are closing soon.  I have other responsibilities after the gate closes.  What responsibilities can a security guard have?  I cannot run personal errands for you.  You are the most arrogant poor man I have ever met. Look at your faded uniform. Look at your cheap shoes. Yet you behave as if you’re important.

 I did not say I was important.  Then stop acting like it. You do not need to say it. Your attitude says it.  My job does not include collecting your clothes.  Your job is whatever senior staff tell you to do.  No, madam.  You should be grateful that this bank employed you.

 A man like you should not have this much pride. You probably came from one small village with no connection. Instead of learning how to serve people, you are standing here forming a serious man.  Are you done?  What did you ask me? I have work to complete.  You will lose this job.  That is your decision.  I will report you until they remove you from this gate.

 The silence is starting to talk.  Good evening, Dad. So, the phone still works. It works when he wants to. When are you coming home? I do not know.  You have not visited in more than two weeks.  If one of the bank workers sees me entering the house, the whole plan may end.  You can come at night. I finish late.

 How are you?  Tired. Has the sun defeated you? The sun is not the problem. The people are. What happened today? Just some workers feeling higher than the others.  And what did you do?  Nothing.  Nothing. I have met someone I care about. She’s being bullied. But if I defend her openly, people may become suspicious. You are learning restraint.

 I am learning that some people enjoy power. Even when the power is very small.  What else happened? One teller even asked me to collect her clothes from the dry cleaner. It is not funny. She called me poor, arrogant, and useless. Do you want me to remove her? No. Why? I want the investigation to be fair.

 Obina can review everything later. You are thinking more clearly. There are good people too. Yes, that is true. People like Akenna and Ka China.  She’s a good person. That was not my question. You did not ask a question. I know my son. Good night, Dad. Run away. We will discuss Caima another day.  You have been distracted since morning.

I am thinking  about what?  Life.  That is a large topic. Is it about the woman who hurt you?  How did you know there was a woman?  The way you speak about trust.  There was someone. I trusted her. She betrayed me.  I am sorry.  It was not the first time. Every woman I have been serious with has disappointed me in one way or another.

 Every woman. Everyone I dated.  That is different.  What is different?  You have dated a few women. You have not dated every woman in the world.  My father said the same thing.  He sounds sensible.  He can be. Maybe I should stop trusting people.  That will protect you from some pain.  Exactly.

 But it may also make you hurt an innocent person. Pain can teach you to be careful. It can also make you unfair.  Unfair how?  You may meet someone who has done nothing wrong and still treat her like she’s guilty.  If someone truly loves you, she should not have to pay for another woman’s mistake.  What if a man needs time before he can trust again?  Then he should say that honestly.

 And if the truth scares the woman away,  then at least she made her choice with the truth.  She made it sound simple. Truth first, fear later. Why is our answer still following me?  Good morning, Ka.  Good morning, Chima.  Somehow lunch feels peaceful when she is here.  The road. Oh,  build it with me, my baby.

 Build it with me. Oh, and every day I will stand by you, you see.  Boss, who are you talking to?  No one that concerns you. No one is making you smile at a crack screen. What did you bring? I I brought the security report. I also brought my eyes and they are working. Have you thought about taking a professional security course?  A security course?  Yes.

 Why?  So you can move forward.  I thought I was doing well.  You are doing well, but you should not remain at the gate forever.  What do you think I should become?  Maybe a security supervisor. Or you can apply for office work if you have other qualifications.  You really believe I can do better? Of course.

 You do not even know what I studied.  Then tell me.  I studied business.  Good. Start applying for administrative jobs.  You make it sound easy.  It is not easy. I applied for many jobs before I came here.  And now you’re cleaning  for now.  You still believe you will become an accountant.  Yes.

 Why?  Because if I stop believing then Neca has already defeated me. You two do not accept this as the end of your life.  She does not know my education. She does not know my father. She does not know my wealth. But she believes in the man standing at the gate.  I will be here all night.

 I may be stuck all night.  I can find an umbrella. What will an umbrella do in this rain?  It will give us confidence before the wind carries it away.  There is something I want to tell you.  Tell me.  I have fallen in love with you. I know I am only a security guard. I know I do not have much to offer you. I understand if you want someone with a better job. You are a graduate.

 You have plans for your life. I do want to become a burden to you. I did not plan it. It just happened.  I love you too.  You do?  Yes, very much.  Since when?  From the first day I came here to apply for the accounts job.  You did not even speak to me that day.  I saw you helping an old man at the gate.

 Later when I returned as a cleaner, you treated me the same way.  So all this time,  do not become proud. Your job does not embarrass me. I like the way you treat people. You are patient, calm, and respectful.  You do not care that I have little money.  I care about having a responsible man. Money can grow. We can work together.

 You believe in building with someone. Yes, I do not expect a man to carry the whole world alone. But there is one thing I cannot accept.  What?  Lies and dishonesty. I can manage a small house. I can work with a man while we build our lives. But I cannot remain with someone who lies to me.  I understand.

 Once trust breaks, love becomes difficult.  I should tell her everything. I am not Shimanagi. I am Chief Nandi Maduka’s only son. What if everything becomes different the moment she knows?  I will never deliberately hurt you.  That is enough for me. I knew it. They are really dating.  Welcome, Madame Security.

What is that supposed to mean? You know what I mean? We saw you yesterday under the rain holding hands. And and you are dating the security guard. Yes. You entered a bank filled with wealthy men and selected the man opening the gates. I selected someone with a good heart. A good heart will not pay rent. An expensive suit does not guarantee a good heart.

You will regret this when Chief Nambdi’s son arrives. What does his son have to do with me? Everybody says he is young, handsome, and rich. And you think a billionaire will enter this bank looking for cleaners to marry? It can happen. Billionaires hardly walk around searching for poor girls to rescue.

 Stop building dreams around a man whose face you have never seen. Why are you laughing? Because she’s right and you know it. You are only saying this because you already settled for a security guard. I did not settle. A clean heart is more valuable than an expensive suit. So the graduate cleaner is now in love with security. At least they match.

 She likes suffering.  Let them talk. Ka does not deserve this. But reacting now will only make the gossip louder. Good morning, sir.  Good morning,  I brought your coffee.  I did not ask for it.  I know how you like it now.  You are learning quickly.  I always learn quickly.  Buy lunch  for me?  Yes.  Thank you, sir.

 Look, Santo gave you this. Yes. I told you he likes me. Did he tell you he likes you? He does not need to say it. What do you know about him? Why are you asking? You are already planning your future with him. He is a relationship manager. He earns well. He drives a good car. I asked what you know about him, not his salary.

 You are jealous because your own man wears a security uniform. Be careful. Keep your advice for yourself, madam security. Fine. She thinks this is love. I already have a wife. I only want her attention.  You look beautiful today.  You never tell me that when people are around. I do not want them to start gossiping.  But if I move away, he may lose interest.

I need him to know I am interested.  When will you visit me?  Take me somewhere nice first.  You like enjoyment. Who does not chief Maduka’s only son, Chima Maduka, will soon visit Cedar Trust Bank and begin preparing for his position as chief executive officer. He is coming here very soon. I need to change my hairstyle.

You already started planning. A man like that needs a mature, professional woman, not some poor nobody with no class. Has anybody seen his photograph? No. Maybe somebody at the headquarters has one. What about Santo? I am not putting all my eggs in one basket. You still want him? Until the billionaire chooses me, Santo is still useful.

What are you thinking about?  Nothing.  You heard the owner’s son is coming.  Everybody heard.  Do not start dreaming.  Why?  Men like that do not marry cleaners. I know men. You do not know that.  We will see.  Security. You and the billionaire have the same first name. Names are free. A visitor entered the wrong staff area.

From today, every employee must present a card before entering. No exceptions. Understood.  Good morning, madam. I cannot allow you in without confirmation.  You know me.  The new rule applies to everyone.  Do not start this nonsense again. I am the head teller.  I know. Then open the gate.  I cannot.

 You poor useless guard. You enjoy embarrassing people because this is the only power you have.  I am doing my job.  What job? Standing at the gate and disturbing important people. When Chima Maduka arrives, I will personally tell him to sack you. You even have the same name as him. But look at the difference.

One Chima will become the chief executive officer. The other one will remain at the gate until old age.  Your department can confirm your  You will always be the gatekeeper. Your parents must have raised you badly.  Leave my parents out of this.  Why did they not teach you respect? Neca, that is enough.

 Who invited you? No job position gives you the right to insult family. Here comes the cleaner girlfriend. He’s following the security rule and you’re teaching me how to speak. You will regret this. Come to the gate and confirm my identity.  She is Neca Onu the head teller.  You may enter. Madame,  I am reporting Chima for disrespecting senior staff and KA abandoned her cleaning duties to interfere in security matters. I will file the complaint.

You finally remembered where you live. I needed to speak to you about the complaint. Obina told you. Yes. Nak insulted my mother. I know. I nearly forgot why I was there. But you controlled yourself. Yes. There is something else. It is about Ka at last. She loves me and you love her. Yes. Does she believe you’re a security guard? Yes.

 Does she know who you are? No, Chima. I was afraid. Afraid of what? That she would change.  You said you entered the bunk to observe people. Now an innocent woman has given you her heart. I did not plan it. I love her so much.  That does not remove your responsibility.  I know.  Does she value honesty? She said she can build a life with a man who has little money.

 But she cannot remain with a man who lies. Then you already know what you must do. I do. The disguise started as an investigation. It is now affecting her life. I will tell her. When? Do not wait until she discovers it in front of everyone. I will not. I promise me. I promised him. Telling Ka the truth could save us or it could end everything.

 You said you wanted to tell me something important.  Yes.  You look serious. Is everything all right?  I promise that I planned every word. I will tell her why I came to the bank as a security guard. I have also been thinking about something.  What?  I know it may sound too early, but I am serious about you.

 I am serious about you, too.  I do not expect you to become rich overnight. We can work hard together. I will not remain a cleaner forever. And you do not have to remain at the gate forever. We may start in a small house. We may not have everything at once. But if we are honest with each other, we can build a good life.

 Ka,  I am not asking you for money. I only want a man who will respect me and tell me the truth. What did you want to tell me?  What if the name Maduka changes everything? What if the small future she’s describing disappears?  What did you want to tell me?  I may not come to work for a few days.  Why?  There is a family matter I need to handle.

 Is someone sick?  No, it is not sickness.  Then what happened?  It is difficult to explain now.  How many days will you be away?  I am not sure. Maybe two or three.  Will you call me?  Yes.  Promise. Good. I do not want to stop worrying.  I came to tell her the truth. Instead, I added another lie. Chima will not report today.

Sir, is he all right?  He has been excused from work. Tomorrow’s introduction must be clean and controlled. From tomorrow, the bank will know you as Chima Maduka. The beard is trimmed. The photographs are ready. But Kaima still does not know.  Chima, pick up. She may call. I should explain tomorrow.

 I will explain everything tomorrow.  Sir, have you heard from Chima?  He is handling something.  What kind of thing?  I cannot discuss it.  Is he safe? Yes.  Then why is his phone switched off?  I am sure he will explain when he returns.  He promised to call me. So the stubborn guard has finally disappeared. He did not disappear.

 He has a family matter. He has missed work for 3 days. That is what irresponsible people say when they abandon their jobs. You do not know what happened. I know you people should dismiss him before the owner’s son arrives. We cannot have careless staff embarrassing this man. His absence has been approved.  You do not know what happened.

 I know he is not here. Approved by whom?  That is not your concern.  He said he would call me. 3 days and his phone is still off. Something is not right.  Come in.  Yes.  Good day, Sabina. My name is Kaima. I work with the cleaning department.  I know who you are. Sit down. What can I do for you?  I came because of Chima.

 The security guard.  Yes, sir. Please, sir, do not deduct his salary.  You came to beg for his salary.  He is not the kind of person who will leave work without a reason.  Did he tell you anything before he left?  He said there was a funny matter.  Then perhaps you should believe him.  I do believe him. That is why I came.

 I will make sure his absence is not used against him.  Thank you, sir.  Is there anything else?  If you know how to reach him, please tell him I’m worried. I will.  Thank you.  What happened? Ka came to my office. What did she say?  She begged me not to deduct your salary.  I should have called her.

 Yes,  but you did not.  I will explain everything tomorrow. You should have explained it before now. I know. Tomorrow she will discover the truth with the whole bank watching.  Good afternoon, Ma. Please sit down. We will attend to you shortly. Since when did you start calling poor customers? Ma, the owner’s son may ask people about us.

 I need to look good tomorrow. I bought new foundation. Do I look mature? You look serious. That is what I want. A man like Chimamaka will not want a childish woman. Mrs. Eniru will not allow you to wear that. She will be too busy today. What are you wearing?  My uniform.  That is not the uniform I gave you. I only adjusted it.

 You have adjusted it until it is no longer a gown. The owner’s son is coming.  Change now. What? Now go,  are you not excited? Chima Maduka is coming. I am more worried about the Chima who has been missing for 3 days. You are thinking about a security guard while a billionaire is coming into the building. Hold your head up high.

 Oh, hear me well, my people. Chima, that is the security guard. No, it cannot be. Is that not Chima? The guard is the owner’s son. He was the god. Chima naji.  He is Chima Maduka.  Good morning.  Good morning, sir. Many of you have heard about my only son, but most of you have never met him. My son studied finance and business management abroad.

 For 7 years, he worked with the overseas branch of Maduka Oil and Gas. From today, he will begin preparing for his role as chief executive officer of Seda Trust Bank. There is something else you should know. For several weeks, my son worked inside this bank as a security guard. Good morning, everyone.

 I know many of you as Chima Naji. That was not my full identity. My name is Chima Maduka.  I told Kaima not to waste her time with a security guard. You also said billionaires do not marry cleaners. Ka, please look at me. Which one of you should I look at?  Ka, please.  No.  The Chima I knew was a security guard trying to rebuild his life.

 I was still myself with you.  You told me things did not work out abroad.  I was heartbroken.  You told me you needed to start again.  I did  as a billionaire.  My feelings were real.  How do I know?  Because I love you. No, you do not love me. Love doesn’t lie like this. You knew everything about me.

You knew about our rent, my brother’s school fees, and every struggle in my life.  I never wanted to use those things against you.  But I did not even know your real identity.  I was afraid. I was afraid  of me  of what money might do to what we had.  So you tested me.  It did not begin that way.  But that is what it became.

 Then when you were done, we just left.  My previous relationships.  Do not do not use other women to explain what you did to me.  They used me because of my money.  And your pain gave you the right to turn my love into an examination. You lied after I told you that lies were the one thing I could not accept. I loved Chiman Nachi.

 The man who stood at the gate. The man I thought was trying to build a life.  That man was real. I never meant to hurt you.  You lied after I told you that lies were the one thing I could not accept. The whole world looks but they never really see. They only see the surface. But you looked into my eyes and somehow knew.  So you finally came out.

Do you have an appointment? I am here to see Chima Maduka. Tell him Amaranasu is here.  What are you doing here?  I came to congratulate you. You stopped answering my messages.  There was a reason.  Chima, what happened between us was a mistake.  We have discussed this.  No, you walked away before we could discuss anything.

 I found you kissing another man.  Kenny meant nothing.  That does not help your case. Who is this?  That is none of your concern.  Is she a cleaner?  Do not speak about her.  You left me and started dating a cleaner.  She showed me more loyalty while believing I had nothing than you showed me while enjoying everything I gave you.

 You cannot be serious.  I have never been more serious.  You are embarrassing yourself. No, I embarrassed myself and I trusted you after seeing every warning.  You will regret speaking to me this way.  Our relationship is over  because of that girl  because of what you did.  She will not fit into your world.

 That is my concern.  You think she loves you?  She loved me when she believed I was a poor security guard.  Please leave. The world could never change.  Please gather every employee in the banking hall. Yes, sir. I did not work as a security guard,  only to discover who would respect the owner’s son.

 I wanted to know how this bank treated people who appeared to have no influence. I saw guards being used for personal errands. I saw cleaners being mocked because of their uniforms. Staff members ignore customers because their clothes did not look expensive. I saw an innocent man accused of stealing because he was poor enough to look guilty.

 This bank was not built so that some workers could treat others like servants. Amani did his job with discipline. He treated people fairly and never broke the rules because someone had a higher position. Mr. Ekenna helped an employee during a family emergency when others laughed at her pain. and Kaima noticed an account error that trained workers ignored and protected the bank from losing that customer’s trust.

 No person will be dismissed simply because they insulted me. That would be revenge, not leadership. But there will be an investigation. Security footage, written complaints, staff records, and customer reports will be reviewed. Anyone who broke bank policy will answer for it. We begin now. I have the customer reports. The footage is ready.

This matches the complaints. Add it to the report. You are suspended while the board completes the disciplinary process.  Sir, I did not know he was the owner’s son.  That is the problem. You believe the security guard deserved the treatment you gave him.  Please, sir, please give me another chance.  The final decision will come after the review. You may leave for now.

He invited me into his office after work. He gave me money and touched me like we were in a relationship. I did not know he was married.  We’ll call some to him now. You are both receiving final warnings. You will attend customer service training. Another complaint will lead to dismissal.  Yes, sir.  He invited me into his office after work.

 He gave me money and touched me like we were in a relationship. I did not know he was married.  We’ll call some to in now. She was interested in me. That does not give you permission to use your position against her. I did not force her. She seduced me. You are married. This is my private life. You also used junior staff for personal errands and lied during this investigation.

What are you saying? Your employment is terminated. You cannot sack me because a cleaner complained. You are being dismissed because you abused your position. The fact that you still call her a cleaner proves that you have leed nothing from today. No manager, teller, or senior staff member is allowed to send a guard, cleaner, or driver on a private errand.

 For violations, please use the new form in your staff portal. Outsource workers may report harassment directly to human resources. Every complaint must be recorded, investigated, and answered. The policy will be shared with every department today.  You wanted to see me, sir?  Yes. Sit down.  What is this?  An invitation to an internal assessment.

 I am not interested. You have not read it.  I know why they are offering it.  Why?  Because of Sachima.  No, I recommended that your application should remain on file.  Chima did not arrange this.  He asked that the assessment should be open to everyone with the right qualifications.

 That was before Chima revealed his identity. You earned the invitation. What you do with it is your choice. I want to leave this bank, but my mother still needs Chitty still needs school fees. When is the assessment?  Monday morning.  I will take it.  That is a wise decision. You may begin. You originally applied for the junior accounts position.

 Yes, ma.  Why did you accept a cleaning job?  My family needed money.  Did you feel the work was beneath you?  No, it was not the job I wanted, but it was honest work. What did you learn from working as a cleaner in the bank? I learned that customers do not only remember whether you solved their problem.

They remember how you made them feel while they were asking for help. I passed.  You performed very well in both the examination and interview. From next month, you will begin work as an accounts trainee.  Thank you, sir. Will I be reporting to Chima?  No.  What did he say? I got the position. I knew it.

 Why are you crying? This is good news.  I am happy  and hurt.  Yes.  Do not allow what happened with Chima to take this moment from you.  I will not.  She passed. I knew she would. Are you going to congratulate her? No. No. She asked for space. Is it Chima? He wants to come here. Do you want him to come?  I do not know.

 Do you still love him? That is not the problem. Then let him come and speak. Listening to him does not mean you have forgiven everything. Good afternoon.  Good afternoon.  Thank you for allowing me to come.  My mother is inside.  Good afternoon, ma. Good afternoon, Chidi.  Sit down. So you are really chief Nami Maduka’s son.

 Chidi.  Oh yes.  Yes I am.  You were standing at the bank gate all that time?  Yes.  Why?  That is part of what I came to explain.  We are listening  first. I am sorry. I am sorry for lying to you. I am sorry for allowing you to trust me while I kept something so important from you.

 Ma Ka told me about your family. She trusted you.  I know.  And you did not trust her.  That is true. I had been hurt by several women. The disguise was to see if people would prove themselves.  And you watched me.  Yes.  You listened to me speak about my life.  Yes. When I entered the bank, I believed everybody needed to prove themselves to me.

 You know what hurt me more than your lies? It is the fact that you ghosted me for 3 days and then come back claiming to love me.  I am so sorry, Ka. I was also afraid to trust anyone. Instead, it is the exposed of my fear. You did not change when you thought I was poor. You stood by me when I was accused of stealing.

 You encouraged me to apply for better work. You love me without asking what I could give you.  I forgive you, Chima, but forgiveness and trust are not the same thing. I understand.  Good. I do not want calls every day. I do not want gifts. I do not want you using your position at the bank to come close to me.  I will not.

 And if I decide that I cannot trust you again,  then I will accept it.  That is fair.  Thank you for listening.  You made a serious mistake.  I know, ma.  But you came here without excuses. I have no excuse.  Chitty  ask,  did you really use that cracked phone every day?  Yes, that was suffering.

We are creating a staff welfare unit. Will it cover outsourced workers too? Yes. But they are not directly employed by the bank. They still serve the bank. If a cleaner collapses here, we cannot say she belongs to another company and ignore her. We are also starting an internal development program.

 Any worker with the right qualifications may apply when a position becomes available.  Even security guards.  Even security guards.  What about cleaners?  Cleaners, too. A uniform should not hide a person’s ability. Hold your head up high.  Are you not supposed to sit with the executives? I am eating lunch, not attending a board meeting.

 You have changed since you left the gate.  I hope I have changed for the better. Thank you for sir.  He does not know I am watching.  The patience was real. The respect was real. But the lie was also real.  Good afternoon. I am looking for my husband. What is his name? Santo Aani. Mr. The Santo no longer works here.

 What do you mean?  He was dismissed.  Santo, what are you doing here?  I came to see you. They said you were dismissed. How am I not aware of this?  You are married. Who is she?  She is nobody.  Nobody. Do not start creating a scene. Y  you told me to visit you.  You did what?  She was following me around.

 I never told her I was going to marry her.  We are going home now. Do not touch me.  You have caused enough trouble.  I caused trouble.  You knew I was not making promises.  I did not know you had a wife and children.  You never asked. Hold your head up.  Mingi, please leave me alone. I saw what happened. He called me nobody.

I am sorry. You warned me. Yes. I called you jealous. You were not ready to listen.  I thought because he had a good job and a car,  he would change my life. You were more interested in his position than his character.  I feel foolish.  You made a bad choice. That does not mean your life is over.

 Why are you comforting me after everything I said to you? Because you are hurt. I thought looking like this would make rich men notice me. It made Santo notice you, but it did not make him respect you.  What should I do now? Start thinking about what you can build for yourself. Like what? You are good with people. Take a computer course.

 Learn customer service. Apply when the bank opens another internal position. Do you think I can do it? If you are serious. You did not shorten it. No, ma.  And all the buttons are closed.  Yes, ma.  You have been here for 6 months.  Yes, sir.  Your supervisor says your work is accurate.  I am learning.  You’re doing more than learning.

 Your training position has been confirmed. I am now a full accounts officer.  Yes.  Thank you, sir.  You earned it. Please sit down. Sir, you are the managing director’s son. Yes. And you want me to sit? You have been standing for too long. Please trace this transfer and give him an update before he leaves.  Yes, sir.

 They will handle it now. Thank you, my son. Ka.  Yes.  I want to ask you something.  I am listening.  Would you have dinner with me?  Is the chief executive asking an employee?  No. As Chima asking KMA.  And if I say no,  I will go home and eat alone. This is not about work.  No. All right.  All right. I’ll take it.

 You said you wanted us to speak honestly. You met me while you were still expecting betrayal.  Yes.  What would you have done if I had changed?  I do not know.  You would have told yourself that you were right about every woman. And when I did not change, I became more afraid.  Why?  Because I loved you.

 And I know I do not want to lose you. When I saw you step out of that car, I felt foolish.  You were not foolish.  You made me question every moment.  I am sorry.  I wondered if you laughed after I encouraged you to take security courses. And that doubt hurts. I wondered if Sin and Amadi knew about us.  They knew I cared about you.

 They did not know everything we discussed.  I felt exposed.  I understand.  No, you do not.  You are right. I cannot fully understand how it felt.  But I have watched you since then. You treat people the same way you did at the gates.  I am not trying to impress you.  I know.

 Most times you do not know I am watching.  What does that mean for us?  It means I am willing to start again.  Slowly.  Very slowly. No tests.  Never again. No disguises.  Never again. No deciding what I need without asking me.  I agree.  And no hiding difficult truths because you are afraid of my reaction.  I agree.  Then we start with honesty.

 Honesty.  You look nervous.  I am.  Why?  I do not know if I am allowed to hug you.  You may hug me. You are still nervous.  I am trying not to make another mistake. That does not mean everything is forgotten.  I know. I will not waste a chance. Ka,  welcome.  Thank you, sir.  Please sit.  You are not here for an interview.

 Ka, I owe you an apology. I allowed the disguise to continue after I knew Chima had developed feelings for you. You warned me. I warned you, but I still helped you maintain the lie.  I should have insisted that you tell her earlier.  Thank you for saying that, sir.  When I met Chima’s mother, I did not have all these companies.

 Dad, you always say you were already doing well. I was struggling compared to what you see today. The right woman can give a man peace when the whole world is against him. The wrong partner can make a beautiful house feel miserable.  I also want to say something, sir.  Go ahead. I love Chima, but I want to build my own career.

 You should.  I do not want people to know me only as Chima Maduka’s girlfriend. I want every promotion I receive to come from my work.  That is the answer I hope to hear.  Were you testing me?  This family has done enough testing. My son needs a partner, not someone who will sit at home waiting for his money.

 Then we understand each other. Ka, can you remain for a few minutes?  Where are we going?  You will see.  You kept this.  Yes.  Why?  You looked very serious.  I was suffering under the sun.  You complained every day.  I was a billionaire carrying shopping bags.

 This uniform helped me discover your heart. But losing your trust taught me something more important. Love cannot survive without honesty. This time there is no false name. There is no test and nothing hidden. Kaou, will you marry me?  Yes.  Is that a clear yes?  Yes. Chima. Oh, I will marry you. You are crying.  Sorry.  I will keep building my career. One room.

 Do we approve the branch expansion plan? Not until the staff welfare structure is active in every branch. Good. Amadi will continue as head of bank security. Mr. Ekenna Ibe is now branch manager and Mama will supervise the cleaning department. Remember, every customer deserves patience.  Yes, sir. Look at me now.

 No short uniform helped you get here. Please do not remind me. You worked for this.  Yes, I finally learned. Good afternoon, Daniel.  Good afternoon, Ruth.  Good afternoon, sir.  I thought I entered this bank to find out whether true love still existed.  And what did you discover?  That good people exist.  And what about us?  When you gave me water?  When I saw you helping an old man at the gate.

I did not know you saw that.  I saw enough.  And what else?  That a man cannot demand complete trust while hiding the truth.  At least you finally learned.  I had a good teacher.  Money was never the real test. Character was. And honesty was what made love deserve trust. Break my love.  We going to reach there.

 We going to reach there.