Billionaire’s Mother PRETENDS To Be A Market Beggar To Find A Kind Wife For Her Son

Billionaire’s Mother PRETENDS To Be A Market Beggar To Find A Kind Wife For Her Son

FRESH TOMATOES YET. TOMATO, MY BELL PEPPER, HAM, GREEN BELL ONIONS.  The horn is too loud.  Old woman, move. Is this your sitting room?  My legs.  Are you the only person in this market?  My child, please wait. I am moving.  Get out of my front.  My chest. My baby. This blood pressure.

 Will nobody help me?  See what happened. WHO IS DRIVING LIKE THIS INSIDE MARKET?  LOOK at what you have done.  My leg.  All miserable people are always causing trouble.  My daughter, your horn scared me. I have blood pressure. I was trying to cross.  Keep quiet. Just shut up. Did I ask you for your sickness history?  My leg.

 Look at you. At your age, you are still carrying tomatoes around the market. Is there nobody in your village to keep you there? People like you should be forgotten in one nursing home. Not blocking road for people who have somewhere important to go. Old woman, if city life is too hard for you, go back to the village.

Don’t come and scratch somebody’s car with your dirty body.  My daughter, I did not fall on purpose.  That is what all poor people say. You people will cause trouble, then start begging.  We will get back to you.  No job. Again.   Mama, are you hurt?    I am fine, my daughter.  Auntie, she’s old enough to be your mother.

You should be helping her, not  insulting her. Who are you? Market lawyer?  Clumsy old woman.  I am  not a lawyer. I am only saying what is right.  What is right? Did you see what she did to my car?  Your car is standing. This old woman fell.    Do you know who you are talking to? You nosy busybody.

 No, auntie. But I know how you are talking, and it is not good.  You must be very stupid.  No. I am only tired of seeing people treat poor people like dirt.  Poor girl defending beggar woman.  No wonder.  Money can buy your car, but it cannot buy manners.  Mhm. She talk true.

  This young girl get sense.  No need. Let her shame stay in her heart.  You will regret talking to me like this.  If respecting an old woman will make me regret, then I am ready. Next time  stay away from the road. Can you stand?  My daughter, thank you. This is painful.  I owe.  You came out to sell, and now see what happened.

 Life happens.  Noma, wickedness happened.   Auntie, please give me two nylon bags.  Okay, here you are.  Mama, let us separate them. The good ones can still be sold. The bad ones we throw away.  You are spending your money because of me?  It is not big money, but it is your money. At least it can help today.

Let us save what is left.  My daughter, your shoes.  Mama, the shoes did not get me the job. Let them help me do something useful.  This child has a heart.  Rest first. Your hands are shaking.  You noticed?   Yes, Mama.  She’s caring for me like family.    God bless you, my daughter.

 Amen, Mama.  Why are you helping me? You don’t even know me.  I know you are someone’s mother. That is enough.  What is your name?  My name is Simisola. But people call me Simi.  Simi. It is a good name.  Thank you, Mama. What about you?  People call me Mama Kemi.  Mama Kemi, that one is easy to remember.

 I sell tomatoes around this market. That is how I manage.  Mama, you should not be carrying all this alone. It is too heavy for you.  What can I do? Hunger does not respect old age.  I can help you sell today before I go home.  You? But you are dressed like someone going to office.  I went for an interview.

 How did it go?  They said they will call me. So, since I am not going to any office today, let me help you sell. My daughter, you have a good heart. I am just doing what anybody should do. Not anybody.  Many people saw me fall. Only you ran to help me. Where do you normally stay, Mama? There. Okay, let us  go there.

No, leave it. It is heavy. After what happened today, this basket and I are now friends. How much? Mama Kemi says 200 naira for a basket.  These tomatoes are a bit soft. Aunty, please add small fish. Rain has already beaten  this market today.    Fresh tomatoes, ma. Come on, buy.    Sit down and rest.

This girl is  tired, but she’s still helping. For many weeks, I came here  dressed like a poor old woman. I saw people insult me. I saw people avoid me. I saw people treat me like I was nothing. But this morning, Simisola treated me like a person. Not because of money, not because of name, just because she had a heart.

Hope. Maybe God  has finally shown me the kind of woman my grandson needs.  Mama. Welcome.  Good evening, my son.  Mama, let me help you.  Carry it gently. These tomatoes have suffered today.     Why does she look like this? Grandma, what happened again?  I went to the market.

 I can see that. But why do you look like you fought the whole market? You went out without your driver and guards again?  My son, sit down.  Grandma, no. First, tell me what happened.  Femi, bring me water first. Let me drink before you start your court case.  Grandma, why do you keep doing this? You are not poor.

 You don’t need to suffer yourself.  I know. I am not suffering.  Then what are you doing?  I am learning.  Learning what again?  Learning people so you can get a good wife.  Grandma, please.  Today, I saw two kinds of people in one place. One had money, fine clothes, fine car, and no respect. The other had almost nothing, but her heart was clean.

 What exactly happened?  The car horn scared me. I slipped and fell to the muddy ground. Then the young lady inside the car came down and rained insults on me. She even said someone like me should be in a nursing home.  She said that? If I was there,  and maybe that is why I saw what I needed to see.  What do you mean?  That was when another girl came.

 What girl?  Someone with a good heart. That girl ran to me like I was her own mother. She dropped her bag in the mud and helped me stand. She stood up to the proud lady and defended me fearlessly.  That is a strong girl.  Not just strong, wise. She bought me water and even helped me sell.

 She did not look at me like a beggar.  Does she know who I am?  She does not even know I have a grandson.  That is rare. That girl has a good heart.  She did not know me, but she treated me like a human being. My son.  Yes, Grandma.  You are getting older.  Grandma, please don’t start.  I will start because I am old. And old people have the right to disturb their children. You are a billionaire.

You already have so much money. What you need now is a good woman to share it with. I want a wife for you. Not a woman who loves your house. Not a woman who only shine beside you for pictures. I want a real woman with a kind heart. Like the young lady I met today.  Grandma, I hear you.  No, you don’t hear me.

You only allow my words to pass your ear.  Grandma, before you continue match-making, you should know I already have someone.  You have someone?  Yes.  Since when?  Not long.  And you did not tell me?  I wanted to be sure first.  What kind of woman is she?  She is beautiful.  Mhm.  She is confident.

She knows how to carry herself. She has many followers online.  Followers?  She is a fashion influencer.  Does she influence good behavior? My son, I asked a question.  Grandma, she can be proud sometimes.  Sometimes.  She’s just used to a certain lifestyle. It is not really her fault. In her work, she has to look big.

She has to show people she is important.  Looking important and treating people badly are not the same thing.  She spends a lot. Too much sometimes. Bags, shoes, clothes, hotels, pictures, everything is for content.  Content?  Yes, Grandma, for social media.  What more can I say? This world has changed.

 It has.  Does she respect poor people? That silence has answered me.  Grandma, I am not saying she’s perfect.  Nobody’s perfect.  I know she has bad sides. But maybe she can change.  My son, marriage is not a place where you go and repair someone’s bad character. It is a place where two people build peace.

If a partner gives you worry before marriage, what will she give you after marriage? You have suffered enough. You loved someone before. And your business had problems, she left you. I know why you are afraid.  Grandma, please.  No. Let us say the truth.  She did not just leave. She laughed at me. She told me she could not build with a man who was still trying to find himself.

Some friends stopped picking my calls. She was the only person I thought would stay. She left and married someone richer 6 months later. After that, I promised myself I would never beg any woman to love. Since then, many women have come. Some were nice at first. But later, it was money, money, money. One wanted a Dubai trip before love.

One even asked me to buy her mother land after 2 weeks.  This world.  I am tired, Grandma.  I know, and that is one of the main reasons why I go out in disguise.  That is why I don’t rush marriage. Sometimes I feel it is better to be alone.  No, my son. It is not good for your heart to be alone forever.

Especially as your parents are no longer in this world.  I know.  Then don’t choose loneliness because bad people disappointed you. Not all women are the same.  I only started dating this new one recently. I thought maybe because she is bold and classy, she’s what I need. Maybe because she is confident, she will not be intimidated.

 Confidence without kindness is trouble wearing perfume.  Grandma, you have started.  I am serious.  I know.  Invite her.  Who?  The woman you are dating. Invite her here. Let me see her with my own eyes.  You really want to meet her?  Yes. Okay.  I will invite her tomorrow.  Good.    Simisola, you are back?  Yes, Mama.

 How was the interview?  They said they will call me.  That same call again.  It is okay, Mama.    It is not okay. You woke up early, you spent transport, then they will just say they will call.  This country can tire  somebody.  I am not tired yet.  What happened to your shoes? Mud everywhere.

 That one is long story.  Tell us, did you fall?  No, Mama. I helped someone who fell.  Who?  An old woman in the market.  You gave your transport money to help a stranger?  Mama, but she needed it more than me.  But you also needed it.  I trekked a little. I am home now.  This girl  this your heart will take you far one day.

 I hope it takes me to a good job first.  My daughter, you did well.  She reminded me of you, Mama Mama. She sells tomatoes at the market. Tomorrow, if I pass there again, I will check on her.  You have started carrying another person’s problem.  Mama, maybe helping her will make me forget my own small problem.

 Small problem? Joblessness is not small.  Papa, I’m alive. I have hands. I have sense. I will find something.  That is my daughter.  She is almost here.  Your girlfriend?  Yes.  Hmm.  Grandma, please don’t start judging her before she comes.  I have not judged anybody.  But your face has judged.

 My face is old. It can do what it likes.  She is here.  Baby.  Welcome.  Hmm. Your house is beautiful.  Thank you.  But you need to change some furniture. It looks too old. This place can be more classy.     Aduni this is my grandma. She practically raised me after my parents died.

 Grandma, good Good  So, you know how to greet? Grandma?  Grandma, I don’t understand.  You don’t understand? What is going on?  My son, this is the woman from the market.  What?  What?  The one who nearly hit me with her car. The one who told me to go back to the village. The one who said old people like me should be in a nursing home.

 Adunni,  Femi, wait. It was not like that. I thought she was a beggar. I didn’t know she was your grandmother.  So, if she was not my grandmother, it would be okay?  No. I mean, I was angry. The market was crowded. She fell near my car.  I fell because your driver kept pressing horn and moving too close.

 Grandma, I am sorry.  Do not call me Grandma. Just now, you thought I wouldn’t recognize you.  You insulted and humiliated an old woman in public?  Femi, please. You know I can be dramatic sometimes. It is part of my personality.  Bad manners is not personality.  Femi, please don’t do this. I love you.

 You are not sorry because you hurt an old woman. You are sorry because the old woman has a rich grandson.  That is not true.  If I was really poor, would you be standing here begging me? Answer her.  I didn’t know.  That is the problem. You needed to know who she was before you could treat her like a human being.

 I can change.  Good.    But, do it far from this house.  Femi?  I can’t continue this relationship.  What?  I said this relationship is over.  Because of one mistake?  No, because this is not one mistake. This is your heart showing itself.  You will regret this.  I already regret bringing you here.

 You think you can disgrace me and go free?     My son.  Mama, I’m ashamed.  You did not insult me. She did.  When I brought her into our lives.  You saw the signs, but you were hoping she would change.  You were right.  I did not want to  be right. I just want you to be happy.

 I know.  Do not let this close your heart.  My heart  is tired.    Sir.  [music and singing]  Should I drive you? No, Bayo. I want to drive myself today. Are you sure, sir? Yes, I need air. All right, sir. Not today. that they do. Please come and check my car. I am near the market road, close to the

old filling station.  They just stopped to lift  the one who’s fallen and walk away before  you say thank you. You may not  Auntie, let me help you. Thank you, my dear. This thing is heavier than  me today. You should not be carrying all this alone. Enter slowly, Auntie. Don’t rush.

 God will bless you for this help. God bless you. Amen, ma. Enter carefully.     Good morning.  Good morning.  I saw what you did.  What did I  do?  You helped that pregnant woman without expecting anything in return.  Ah, it’s what anyone should do.  That is true.

 You even got to her before me.  You are not from this market.  Is it that obvious?  Very.  My car stopped nearby. I am waiting for a mechanic.  Oh. Sorry.  Thank you. What is your name?  Simisola. But people call me Simi.  Simi, the same name Grandma  mentioned? Let me not assume.  What happened?  Nothing. It is a nice name.

 Thank you. And you?  Femi.  Nice to meet you, Femi.  Nice to meet you, too.  So, what do you do, Mr. Car Man?  Business.  In this country, everybody is into business.  That is true.  So, which kind of business?  Different things.  Hmm, that one sounds like rich people’s answer.  Maybe I just don’t know how to explain it.

 Or maybe you don’t want to.  You are sharp. What about you?  I studied business administration.  That is good.    It is good on paper. In real life, I am still looking for work.  You don’t have  a job? What do you do now?  I my mother sell food stuffs. Gari, beans, pepper, onions, small things like that.

 And do you like it?  I like working. I don’t like sitting down complaining.  If you had money, what would you do?  I will open a clean small food store.  Food store?  Yes. Not big. Just a neat place where people come buy fresh soup ingredients. Some women are tired after work. They don’t want to struggle in the market.

I can make it easy for them.  That is a good idea.  I know. But good idea without money is just talking.  Not always.  You sound like motivational speaker.  No. I mean, you can start small.  That is what I want. I don’t need to start big. Even one small shop is enough. I just want to work. Wait. Don’t drag it like that.

It’s will tear.  Let me help.  You?  Yes.  With this clean shirt?  I can wash it.  Can you carry pepper bag? Not bad.  Thank you.  You have passed beginner level.  You are so easy to talk to.  I also cannot believe I have said so much to someone I just met.  I have not laughed like this in days.

 Sir, I am close.  All right, I am near the pepper stall.  Your mechanic is coming in.  Good. Yes. Why do I suddenly not want this mechanic to come? Will I see you again?  Do you always ask strangers that?  No.  My mother sells not far from here.  Can I come and greet her?  Slow down, Mr. Business.

 I only asked to greet.  Greet from far first.  Fair enough. Good morning, sir.  I have to go. My mother will soon start calling my name like I stole her beans.  Can I walk you a little?  No need. Stay with your car.  I don’t know why, but I want to see her again. For the first  time in days, I am smiling.

 Sir?  Yes?  Your car is here, but your mind has followed her. Check the car, please. Start it now, sir. It is working now.  So, this one is  Too much. Keep the change.  Thank you, sir.  I need to see her again.  You look different.  Different how?  Your face is no longer fighting everybody.  I just drove around.

 Mhm.  What?  Nothing. Who did you meet outside?  Meet?  People don’t come back smiling at the floor for nothing.  I met a girl.  I knew it.  Grandma, my car stopped near the market. She helped a pregnant woman carry heavy bags. Then she helped a little boy carry pepper bags. That moment stayed with me.

 What is her name?  Simi.  Could it be the same Simi? That sounds like her.  You know her?  I told you about a young woman who helped me that day.  The one from the market?  So, it was her.  Isn’t that too much of a coincidence? Maybe it’s just the same name.  There is only one way to find out.

I want to see her, too.  As yourself?  As the woman she helped.  Maybe she is not your Simi. I spoke so much to a stranger. I was so shocked.  Do you want to see her again?  Yes.  Then see her.  I don’t want to spoil this before it starts.  My son, do not rush her.  I won’t.  A girl like that should not be treated like a distraction from pain.

She deserves respect.  I know. Grandma, must you go like this?  Yes.  At least take someone with you.  I am not going to fight a war. Where is this girl?  Mama, are you looking for that fine girl that helped you? You know her?  Yes. She helps her mother sell food stuffs close to the other side. Very respectful girl.

Please, if you see her, tell her I am here.  Mama Kemi.  My daughter, how is your health? Is your blood pressure better? I brought food for you.  Food?  Yes, rice and smoke stew.  You brought food for me?  Mama, you are old. You should not be staying hungry.  My daughter, may hunger never know your house.

 Amen, mama. May people help you when you need help.  This is sweet. My mother cooked it.  Then your mother has good hands. Did you sell anything today?  Small. Mama, you should not come alone like this.  You talk like someone older than your age.  Life has been teaching me.  Simi, will you come and see me tomorrow?  Come and see you where?  My house.

 Your house? Mama, I hope it is not far because transport money is not smiling.  It is not far, my dear.  Greenstone Estate?  Yes.  Are you sure that is your house?  That place is for rich people. Mama, do you work there?  Just come. You will understand.  Okay, ma. I will come.     Simi, where are you going? To see Mama Kemi.

My daughter, be careful. I will. Call us when you get there. I will, Papa. This cannot be right.  Good morning. Can I help you? Please, I’m looking for Mama Kemi. What is your name? Simisola. Please wait. Please come in. Thank you. This place is too big for ordinary tomato seller. Does Mama Kemi work here? You will see her inside.

You live here? Simi, I How do I  explain this without making it worse? My daughter, welcome. Mama Kemi? You came. Mama, what is going on? Grandma, you know Simi? Very well. So, this is the same Simi? Grandma? She is my grandmother. Your grandmother? But you told me you sell tomatoes to survive. My daughter, come inside.

 Let me explain. I am not poor, Simi. I dress that way sometimes.  I wanted to see people’s true character. So, you were testing me? No, my  daughter. I was watching. I wanted to see your heart. You passed without knowing there was a test. But I did not know anything. Simi, I swear I didn’t know. You didn’t know? No.

My car really stopped near the market. I met you by chance. This is too much. I understand. My daughter, I am sorry if I hurt you. I don’t like feeling foolish. You are not foolish. You are kind. Please, come inside. Sit down. If you want to leave after that, nobody will stop you.  No pressure.  All right.  Thank you, my daughter.

My daughter, sit. Make yourself comfortable. Please, bring water and juice.  Water is fine. Thank you.  Still simple. That day in the market, you stood by me. You did not know this house, but you treated me like a person.  I only did what was right.  I want to give you something.  No, Grandma.  Listen first.

 Please, Grandma.    I did not help you because of gifts.  I know.  Then please don’t give me anything. It will make me uncomfortable.  You have not even heard what I want to give.  I know, but it will still make me uncomfortable.  I wanted to buy you things. Maybe a phone. Maybe help your family.

 No, Grandma Kemmy. Please.  She is not acting. She truly does not want gifts.  If I collect those things now, I will not sleep well. It will feel like my kindness has turned to business. I understand your goodwill. Please, don’t be angry.  I respect you.  But I need time.  I am not angry.  And you, too.

I liked talking to you, but I don’t want to enter something I don’t understand.  That is fair.  We barely know each other. I don’t want people to say I saw a rich man and changed my direction.  I understand.   I should go.  Let the driver take you home.  No need.  Thank you.  At least let me walk you to the gate.

 All right.  You are a good girl.  Thank you, Grandma Kemi.     I am sorry again.  You didn’t plan it.  No, but I still feel bad.  Your world is very different from mine.    Yes.  I don’t know if I fit there.  I don’t need you to fit into my world. I just want to know you.

 Why?  Because since I met you, I have felt  peace. Even before I knew you helped my grandma.  Femi, don’t talk like that. Words like that can confuse someone.  Then I will slow down.  Please do.  Can I call you? I felt so bad when I didn’t get your number the other day.  Mhm. Don’t call too much.

   I will try.  Try very well.  This paper feels like a gift. At least this is not goodbye.     She refused everything.  I like how I have not felt this way about any woman in a while.  [music and singing]  Simi. What happened?  Mama, papa, that Mama Kemi. Mama Kemi is not poor.  What do you mean?  She lives in a mansion.

 A mansion?  My daughter, explain everything.  Mama Kemi dressed poor to watch people.  So, who is she?  She’s Femi’s grandmother.   Who is Femi?  Few days ago, I met a handsome man near the market.  His car had issues. We spoke for some time. I felt very comfortable talking to him.

Then today I find out he’s Kemi’s grandson. And not just that, he is a billionaire as well.  Rich people can be complicated.  I know, Papa.  Be careful.  They were kind. But I don’t want anybody to think I followed Femi because of money.  So you like him?  Mama.  I ask simple question.  I don’t  know.

Maybe. I like him, but I am afraid.  My daughter, don’t rush.  Move slowly.  If it is real, it will not run away.  Femi.  Good afternoon, Simi.  What are you doing here?  I came to greet your parents.  You should have told me.  I didn’t want  you to spend the whole morning worrying.  So you knew I would worry.

 Yes.  Come in. Thank you.  Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, ma.  Good afternoon.  You are Femi?  Yes, sir.  Sit down.  I brought these small fruits.  You did not need to bring anything.  I know, ma. It is just fruit.  So why are you here?  Sir, I came to apologize. My grandmother did not mean to hurt her.

But I understand why Simi felt uncomfortable.  You didn’t particularly do anything wrong. But money can make people play with other people’s feelings.  Yes, sir.  Are you playing with my daughter?  No, sir.  What do you want from her?  I want to know her with  respect.  If you remove your money, what kind of man are you?  Papa.

 Let him answer. A man still learning. I have made mistakes. I have trusted wrong people. I have judged people too quickly, but I am trying to become a better man. That answer is not bad. Thank you, sir. Simi. I also wanted to ask you something.  What?  You told me about your dream.  Which dream?  The food store.

 Femi.  Let me finish.  Okay.  I want to help you open it.  No.  You have not heard anything.  I heard enough. Simi, calm down. No, Mama. I don’t want to become someone people will say he bought.  I understand.  I don’t want free money.  Then let us do it another way.  What way?  A small business partnership.

I invest, you run it. We write everything down. Your name, your work, your decisions.  Mhm.  Business is not bad if it is clear.  And you have always wanted this. Why are you doing this?  Because I believe in your idea.  Not because you like me?  That one is there, too. But your idea is good and I am a smart businessman.

   Simi, don’t smile too much. We are still asking questions.    The way you are.  It is beautiful. I still can’t believe it.  You should believe it. You have work to do.  Don’t worry. I will not waste this chance. I know. Auntie, give me the firm ones. You know market well.

 I want our customers to come back.  I watch the way Tomatoes here.      You are working like someone who wants to feed the entire country.  Let me buy my piece first.  You have sold a lot.  People like clean things. And I talk to them well.    Simi, give me tomatoes for stew, but don’t cheat me.

Aunty, if I cheat you, who will come back tomorrow?  You have a point. Aunty Simi, add small onion. Only this one. Don’t finish my shop. Thank you. What? You are staring.  I am learning.  Learning what?  People.  You sound like Grandma Kenny now.  Maybe she has entered my head.  She entered your head since childhood.

 I brought breakfast.  Kenny, I did not ask.  I know. That is why I brought small.  Carry this  inside.  You keep giving me pepper work.  You said you wanted to learn. This place is fresh. Grandma, you came  again. This shop gives me joy.      Are you tired?  Very tired.

 Did you eat?  Small.  I want to take you out tomorrow.  Out where?  Dinner.  Kenny.  Just dinner.  I don’t have fancy clothes.  I did not ask for fancy clothes.  Okay, but not so expensive.  Yes, madam.  [music and singing]  This place is fine.  You like it?  Yes. I checked the menu and my spirit almost left my body.

 Order anything.  No. I will order what I can pronounce. You laugh a lot around me.  I think  you cause it.  Mhm.  My parents died when I was young.  I’m sorry.  Grandma raised me. She was strict, but she loved me.  That is why you respect her so much.  She is the reason I am still standing.

  She loves you deeply.  I know.  She was scared for you.  She told you?  No. I saw it in her eyes.  What about you?  My parents are not rich. But they are good people. My father worked as a school security man for years. My mother has sold food stuffs almost all her life. They taught me not to look down on anybody.

 That’s beautiful.        This popcorn is too expensive.  Must you price everything?  Yes. It is my gift.  [gasps]  I laughed too loud.  I liked it. You enjoyed it?  Yes. I forgot my problems for 2 hours.  Then we we should do it again.     What now?  You look beautiful.

 Don’t start.  I only said the truth.  [singing and music]  Simi.  Femi. Thank you for tonight.   You’re welcome.  I like spending time with you.  I like spending  time with you, too.  What?  Nothing.  Say it.  I want to kiss you.  Femi.  I said I want to. I did not say I will without your permission.

 You are too honest.  Is that bad?  No.     I love you, Simi.  I love you, Femi. Good night.    [music and singing]  What happened to you?  Nothing, Grandma.  Don’t lie to your grandmother. Your face is shining.  She makes me happy.  Simi?  Yes.  Good.  Babe, are you seeing it? They said he opened the shop for her.

 He thinks he can leave me and pick this one?  Maybe just leave them.  Leave them? After he embarrassed me?  Adoney  No. Femi has not seen anything yet. I will make sure he regrets leaving me. So, Femi decided to leave me for this nobody, this poor classless market girl. Enjoy it while it lasts, Simisola.

I will show you that you cannot take what belongs to me. Babe, is it true?  Is what true?  That Femi is now dating one poor girl from the market? I heard he he even opened a shop for her.  So, Femi left you for a jobless nobody. Men are funny. After all your class, all your fashion, all your beauty, he now went to pick tomato seller.

 Say that again.  I didn’t mean it like that.  No. Say it again.  Babe, calm down. We are on your side.  On my side? You people are laughing at me.  No, now. We are only saying it is shocking.  You think I will sit down and let one poor girl enjoy what I suffered for?  Suffered? Babe, you and Femi were not married.

 Must I marry him before I know what belongs to me? He is rich, so he is mine.  Adoney, maybe you should leave them. Femi already rejected you in front of his grandmother.  That old woman cost everything.  The same one from the market?  Yes. She just like a poor poor beggar just to disgrace me.  But you insulted her.

 Are you now judging me?  I am just saying. Simi is honest. She returned my money when I overpaid her.  See how she’s forming saint. She looks harmless. Those are the worst ones. They act humble until they enter a rich man’s house. Maybe she’s just a good person. Please, if you like her so much, go and be her friend.

Auntie, I will come back later. But madam, one hand is not done. I said later. Where are you going? To see this famous semi-fresh foods. What did your mommy send you? Your mommy knows you well. So this is the place? Good afternoon, ma. What would you like to buy? Don’t pretend you don’t know me. Good afternoon.

See confidence.    Adonai, let’s just go. So this is the place Femi is wasting his money? This is my shop. What do you want to buy? Auntie, please don’t spoil my goods. Are you talking to me? Yes, ma. I am talking to you. Do you know who I am? Yes, you are a customer. And customers don’t have the right to insult people.

Hm. Did you say something? No, madam.    I am pricing tomatoes. You have mouth now because Femi opened small shop for you. Femi did not buy my character. Please leave him out of this. Very good. You have been practicing. Ma, if you are not buying anything, please allow other customers. You think because you can act humble, you can trap a rich man.

I am asking you to leave if you cannot respect people. See performance. Madam, this girl has not insulted anybody here. Please leave her alone. Old woman, did I ask you? Aunty, don’t insult my customer. You’re warning me? You will hear from me. Can you imagine? This is the girl people are praising. A fake humble girl using poverty to trap a rich man.

Some women will pretend to be innocent just to enter a rich family. Aduni, don’t post that. She acts like she’s hardworking, but we all know the truth. Gold digger boyfriend snatcher with tomato basket. Stop it. Are you mad? Don’t do this. Watch me.       Are you the girl in that video? What video? So, is it true? What do you want to buy, ma? I just asked a question.

 [snorts]  Simi. I saw something on my neighbor’s phone. Mama, please not now. Mama, what do you think? I know she is  lying. But people like bad news. I know. Come home and rest today. No. Simi. No, mama. If I close this shop because of her, she wins. Your eyes are red. I am fine.  You’re not fine.

I will cry later. Let me sell first. Please. Please help me arrange the onions. All right.  Simi. Femi, you saw it. Yes. I am okay. You are not okay. Femi, please don’t start. I want my lawyer to send her a letter. No. Simi. No. She is lying against you. I know. She is trying to spoil your name. I know. Then why should I keep quiet? Because if we shout too much, people will say it is because you have money.

Let my work speak first. She has no right. She doesn’t. But I don’t want to fight her with noise. Simi, I can’t stand back and watch someone hurt you. You are not standing back, you are standing beside me. There is a difference. I am sorry. You did not do it. But this trouble entered your life because of us. I chose to stay.

Look at me. My daughter, truth is slow, but it does not die.    Let them talk. People talked before they knew you. They will talk again when they know the truth. Grandma, I want to handle Adunni. Calm down. If you fight now, it will become rich man fighting woman because of poor girl. That is the story they will carry.

So, what should I do?  Stand by her publicly, peacefully, clearly.  No, Grandma. I don’t want drama.  Truth is not drama when it is spoken with calmness.    My dear, is it true you trapped a billionaire?  Auntie, do you want pepper or gist?  Pepper.  Fresh or dry?  Fresh.     This is the girl I told you about.

She returned my money when I gave her too much. A gold digger will not return money. Simi has been respectful since day one. People should leave her alone.  Social media can lie more THAN A POLITICIAN.   [applause]   WHAT ARE YOU DOING?   SHOPPING.  YOU DON’T COOK.  I can learn.

 What do you want to buy?  Tomatoes.  How much?  Enough for stew.  You don’t know stew measurements.  Then teach me.  Pepper? Yes. Onions?  Is that not the rich man? It is him.  Femi.  It is okay. Good afternoon. I know some of you have heard things about Simisola. I came here as a customer today because this is her shop.

She wakes early. She sells her respect. She is not hiding behind anybody. This woman did not chase my money. She showed kindness to my grandmother when she thought my grandmother was poor. My grandmother dressed simply in this same market. Many people ignored her. Some insulted her. But Simi helped her.

 She did not know who we were. She did not know we are rich. She did not know me. That is the truth. Believe what you want, but I know the woman standing  here.  She is a good girl. We know her. People should stop spoiling another person’s name. I should not have judged you.    It is fine. You did not tell me you would do that.

 I know.  Femi.    I did not shout.  No. You didn’t.  Are you angry?  Thank you.  You’re welcome.  That boy is learning.    Are you free tomorrow?  After work.  I want us to have dinner.  Where?  A garden restaurant.  Femi.  Just come.  Fancy?  Simple.  You aren’t this simple.

 I promise.  Eh.  [music and singing] [singing and music]  This place we are going, I hope I dressed well.  Mama, you look fine.    Pretty face. said simple restaurant. Yes, sir.  Such a beauty runs much deeper than your skin. I  watch the way you treat the ones who cannot help you. You didn’t try [singing and music] to shine for my attention.

You didn’t change  Are you okay?  Yes.  You are too quiet.  I’m I’m trying not to shake.  Shake because of what? Femi?  Simi. You entered my life when I had almost given up on trusting people. You did not come with noise. You did not come with pride.    You came with kindness. I have seen you in the market.

I have seen you in your shop. I have seen you tired,  worried, happy, and strong. And in all of it, your heart has stayed the same. I am not choosing you because you are perfect. I am choosing you because your heart gives me peace. Simisola, will you marry me?  Answer him, my daughter.    Yes. Yes, Femi. I will marry you.

 [applause]  My daughter.  Take care of her. I will, sir.   My daughter, welcome.  I’m okay, yes, my child. I am scared.  That is normal. Good things  can scare us, too.     Madam. You said you wanted to see me.  You work for Simisola?  I just run errands sometimes.

 Good.  What do you want? What is inside?  Money.  Madam, I don’t understand.  I heard there will be an introduction ceremony soon.  For Simi and Femi?  Yes. That one.  What about it?  You will hide this bracelet inside Simi’s bag during the ceremony.  Huh. Madam, no.  There is more money where this came from.

 No, madam. That is dangerous.  Dangerous? You only put it inside her bag. I will do the rest.  What will you do?  That is not your concern. Just do your part.  No, please.  Listen to me. Once they find the bracelet in her bag, nobody will respect her again. Femi’s family will reject her. People will know she is a thief.

 But she is not a thief.  Did I ask you?  How much?  Now you are talking.  What if they catch me?  You help around the shop. Nobody will suspect you. Or should I give the money to someone else?  No. I will do it.  Good.     Femi will regret choosing that girl over me. Once they find the bracelet in her bag,    people will know she is not only a gold digger, but a proven thief.

 Madam, after this one, please don’t call me again.  Do this well first.  [singing and music]  This woman is dangerous.    Sir. What happened?    Sir, it is serious.  Once they find the bracelets in her bag, nobody will respect her again.  [sighs]  Sir, please calm down.  Calm down? She wants to disgrace Simi at her own introduction.

 I know, sir. I will call her now.  Sir, wait.  Why?  If you call her now, she may change the plan and deny everything.  This is my fault.  No, sir.  I brought Adunni into our lives.  Sir. Evil people choose evil by themselves.  Drive home. Grandma. Adunni is planning something.  What did she do?  Once they find the bracelets in her bag, nobody will respect her again.

 I am going to stop the introduction.  No.  You heard what she said.  I heard.   Then how can we continue?  Because if we stop it, she will know we know. She will run and wait for another day.  Grandma, I cannot let Simi be embarrassed.  She will not be embarrassed.  How?  Call Simi’s father.

 Tell him only what he needs to know, not everything. We must protect Simi, but we must also let Adunni expose herself.  I don’t like this.  I know.  What if Simi gets hurt?  My son, she is already in this storm. The only way out is truth. Let her come. Let her expose herself with her own mouth.  And the boy she sent?   Watch him.

 Yes, ma.  I promise you, sir. I will not let anyone harm her. Good.    My daughter, leave that wrapper alone. It is fine. Mama, are you sure? Yes. You are beautiful. My heart is beating. Good. It means you are alive. My daughter, why are you hiding? Come out. Today is your day. You look beautiful.

Thank you.     Simi, come outside. Coming, Mama.        Wow. So, this is the introduction. Young lady, what do you want? I came to save this family from shame. She What is she doing here? Stay calm.

Before you marry this girl, check her bag.  My bag?  Yes, your bag. My bracelet is missing.  Adonai, be careful.  No, Femi, you should be careful. You are about to marry a thief.  Mama, I didn’t know I stole anything.  Of course you will say that.  This is ridiculous. Why would I steal your bracelet? What will I do with it?  Because that is what people like you do.

You act humble, then you take what does not belong to you. Someone saw you put it there.  Someone saw me?  Adonai.  Grandma, please don’t protect her.  Are you sure you want to continue?  Yes. Let everyone see the kind of girl she is.  All right. My son.  Yes, ma. Let them hear.  Hear what?  You will hide this bracelet inside Simi’s bag during the ceremony.

 So, this is why you came.  That recording is fake.  Madam, it is your voice.  [gasps]  Please, forgive me.  Tunde.  Simi, please. I was foolish. She gave me money. She told me to put the bracelet inside your bag.  Inside my daughter’s bag?  I did it. I put it there. Please, forgive me.    You lost me because of your wickedness.

Now you have lost your dignity, too.  Femi, I was angry.  No. You were wicked.  Adonai, let us go.  You think you have won?  I was never fighting you.  Young man, leave this compound.  Sir, please. Leave before I change my mind. Money is not the problem. Poverty is not the problem. Character is the real wealth.

A poor person can have good character. A rich person can have good character. But a proud heart will disgrace itself anywhere. I bless both of you. May your home not be built on lies. May no jealous  person break what God has joined. May your love be stronger than shame.  [applause and music]     I want her. She refused to listen.

We cannot continue this partnership at this time. So everybody has turned against My name is Adunni. Some days ago I posted a video about Simisola Adeyemi. What I said was false. She did not steal from me. She is not a gold digger. I spoke out of anger and I am sorry. Grandma, do you think she is really sorry? She is sorry she was exposed.

A kind heart,  oh. That’s the real treasure, my people. The world will teach you to look at what a person owns.  You came early.  I wanted to see Madam CEO at work. You have built something real.  We built it.  No, I helped.  You built.      Mama Simi Biko, drink water.

 Please, take this water.  Grandma, take it easy.  THIS IS MY BETA SPOT.  SO, Mama Kemi is a billionaire’s grandmother? Better treat people well.    You look good with their baby.  Don’t start.  I have not said anything.  Your eyes have said enough.  [singing and music]  Grandma, why are you looking at us like that?  Because my heart is resting.

The best test of character is how you treat someone who cannot help you.  That day in the market changed everything.  Never lose that heart, but protect it with wisdom. My son, you finally found peace.  Yes, Grandma. I did.  Then my work is done.  No, Grandma. Your work is to keep disturbing us for many years.

 And I will do it with joy.      A kind heart.