Proud Princess Humiliates Her Poor Driver Everyday, Until This Happened

PART 2:

‘ Let them laugh. I prefer laughter to mourning. ‘ I don’t want him.  ‘ You have not met him. ‘ I don’t need to meet him.  Bring him in. ‘ [singing] ‘ Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Good afternoon, Your Highness. Kambili, this is Jidenna Okeke. ‘ Kambili looked him over from head to toe.

 So, this was the man her father wanted  to attach to her life. She already disliked him. ‘ You are the driver? ‘ Yes, Your Highness. ‘ You look too serious for someone whose work is to hold steering. ‘ Driving is only part of the work, Your Highness. ‘ And what is the other part? ‘ Making sure the person in the car reaches where she is going alive.

‘ Queen Grace looked  away, but Kambili noticed the small smile she tried to hide. Kambili did not find  it funny. ‘ Jidenna is not an ordinary driver. He has worked with special forces. He has experience with convoy driving, defensive movement, road safety, and crisis response. I trust him. ‘ Daddy, please. Driving is driving.

People are now adding big titles to everything. ‘ Jidenna said nothing. That annoyed her even more. She was used to people rushing to explain themselves when she dismissed them. Jidenna only stood there calmly as if her opinion did not shake him. ‘ Kambili, there is no need to be rude. ‘ I am not rude, Mommy.

I am just asking why I need a driver who sounds like he’s going to war. ‘ You have a fitting at Kambili house. Jidenna will drive you. ‘ Today? ‘ Now. ‘ I already have a car waiting. ‘ Jidenna will drive it. ‘ Fine. Let the driver drive. ‘ She has everything a person could want, and still something in her  eyes has not learned how to stay out on the road where the morning starts too early.

There is a man who’s known what real  work means. No golden gates, no fame ins, no soft and easy mornings.  Just quiet strength the world has never bothered to see. He carries more. ‘ Jidenna opened the back door for Kimberly. She ignored him and walked to the other side of the car. She opened the door herself and entered.

Jidenna closed the door he had opened without comment. That irritated her. Most people would have looked embarrassed. He did not.  ‘ Why are you checking the mirror like that? Are you expecting somebody to jump out from the palace flowers? ‘ No, Your Highness. ‘ Then drive. Why are you taking this route? ‘ It is safer and faster at this time.

‘ I always use the main route. ‘ Yes, Your Highness. ‘ Then use it. ‘ Your father instructed me to choose the safest route. ‘ So, now my father’s driver is commanding me. ‘ No, Your Highness. ‘ Stop saying that. ‘ Yes, Your Highness. ‘ The AC is too cold. Now it is too low. Change the song.  Not that one.

Leave it off. You are too quiet. ‘ I was told not to disturb you. ‘ By who? ‘ Common sense, Your Highness. ‘ Are you trying to be funny? ‘ No, Your Highness. ‘ What? ‘ Your seatbelt. ‘ Are you giving me instructions inside my father’s car? ‘ No. I am trying to avoid give your father bad news. ‘ Happy? ‘ Yes, Your Highness.

‘ I said stop saying that.  Are you hurt, Your Highness? ‘ No. ‘ Good. ‘ So, you can drive small. Don’t let it enter your head. ‘ There is no space. Your schedule has already filled it. Sandra, Cambili’s assistant and brand manager, hurried toward her the moment she entered. ‘ Princess, thank God you are here.

The lace supplier is still delaying. The bride’s mother is asking for you. And one of the models said she cannot come again unless we pay extra. Of course, because peace is apparently illegal today. Thank you, sir. Please, don’t distract him. He is not here to socialize. He is here to drive. ‘ Two of Cambili’s wealthy friends walked in.

‘ Cambili, you did not tell us your new driver is handsome with sexy eyes. Is he part of the collection? Please. He is part of transportation, not fashion. ‘ Cambili, still turning pressure into beauty, I see. ‘ Raymond, I wasn’t expecting you. ‘ I wanted to see how my favorite designer is doing before the big day.

I also wanted us to talk about the partnership documents and the announcement. ‘ This is not the time. ‘ It is the perfect time. The showcase will bring attention. Our families already aligned. Your brand is growing. My investment can take it further. If we announce our engagement soon, everything becomes stronger.

‘ My brand is not a wedding gift, Raymond. ‘ I know. I am only thinking of your future.  Princess, Sandra needs you in the fitting room. Driver, did anyone call you? ‘ No, sir. ‘ Then why are you speaking? ‘ Her highness looked like she needed to move.  You must be new. ‘ Yes, sir.

‘ Then learn quickly. In this place, people who serve should know when to disappear. ‘ Go and wait by the car. ‘ Yes, princess. ‘ She told herself that Jedena had crossed a line. He was only a driver. He had no right to insert himself into her life. ‘ Be here by 7:00 tomorrow morning. ‘ Yes, princess.

‘ I said my driver, not my shadow. ‘ Yes, princess. ‘ Jedena stood beside the car for a moment. His face remained calm, but his chest felt heavy. He had been insulted before.  He had worked for difficult people before, but Kambili’s words had a way of making a person feel small without her even raising her voice.

‘ Brother, you are back. ‘ My chairman, why are you still awake? ‘ I was waiting for palace gist. ‘ He has been asking since evening. He refused to sleep. ‘ You want to hear gist more than you want to recover? ‘ I can do both. ‘ He ate small rice. He drank water. The pain is better, but check him again before you sleep.

‘ Thank you, Ma. ‘ You look tired. ‘ I am fine. ‘ You always say that. ‘ Good night, Ma. ‘ Good night, Samuel. Sleep. ‘ Yes, Auntie. ‘ [singing and music] ‘ Did you see the princess? ‘ I saw her. ‘ Is she beautiful? ‘ Yes, very beautiful. ‘ Like movies beautiful? ‘ More than movies. ‘ Is she kind like the beautiful princesses in the movies? Brother? ‘ She’s still learning.

‘ That means no. ‘ It means drink your water. ‘ Did she wear a crown? ‘ No. ‘ Why? ‘ Maybe princesses don’t wear crown every day. ‘ If I was a prince, I would wear my crown to sleep. ‘ That is why God did not make you a prince. Pain? ‘ Small. ‘ Legs? ‘ My back. ‘ I will get your medicine. ‘ [singing and music] [singing] ‘ Brother? ‘ [singing] ‘ Yes? ‘ Do you like  the princess? ‘ I work for her.

‘ That is not answer. She must be proud. ‘ Sleep. ‘ [singing] ‘ Very proud? ‘ Samuel. ‘ Okay, I am sleeping. ‘ [singing]  ‘ Rent. Food.  Fuel. Samuel’s school fees. Hospital balance. Medication. ‘ [singing] ‘ Emergency money. ‘  [singing]  [singing] ‘ The palace salary would help.

If he kept the job for some months, he could clear the hospital balance and keep Samuel’s medication steady.  I cannot lose this job. ‘ [singing] ‘ The next morning came too fast. For 2 weeks he came early, drove her everywhere, and answered only when he had to. ‘ [music and singing] ‘ She would not admit it, but she had begun to notice.

He never argued, never stared, and read every road like a man expecting trouble. Then one night everything changed.  Where are my legs? ‘ Look at me.  Breathe slowly. ‘ It hurts. ‘ I know.  I am here. ‘ It hurts, but ‘ I know. ‘ Chidanna? ‘ It is Samuel. Pain crisis. ‘ Oh God.

‘ Please help me lock the door. ‘ Yes, Chidanna. Go. I’ve got it. ‘ Thank you. We’ll be at the gate. ‘ Another crisis? ‘ He was fine before sleeping. ‘ We will start pain relief and fluids. You know the deposit. ‘ How much? ‘ The figure is 200,000 naira. ‘ I will pay part now. ‘ Chidanna, they have been asking about the old balance.

‘ I know. ‘ I will talk to them. But please ‘ I will. I am here. ‘ Don’t go. ‘ I am not going anywhere. He stayed by the bed until morning. By the time Samuel finally slept, the hour he was due at the palace had already passed.  Ma, please can you come to the hospital? I have to go to work. ‘ Is he stable? ‘ Yes.

He is sleeping. ‘ I am coming. ‘ I will come back soon. ‘ What? ‘ Yes. ‘ Princess. ‘ Yes. ‘ Tell her to be kind today. ‘ Beautiful and proud and used to build the world as hers. She speaks and people listen.  She moves and the room makes [singing] way.

 She has everything a person could want.  ‘ I am sorry, princess. ‘ You are late. ‘ Yes, princess. ‘ 36 minutes late. ‘ I apologize. ‘ I have a meeting with a major client. The studio is on fire and my driver chose today to remember that time is a suggestion. Princess, maybe he had No, don’t defend him. Why were you late? ‘ Family emergency.

‘ What kind of family emergency? ‘ It has been handled. ‘ So you come late, give me half explanation and expect me to clap? ‘ No, princess. ‘ You people beg for good jobs, then behave as if discipline is optional. ‘ I am sorry. ‘ Your sorry will not fix my schedule. Next time, keep your personal problems away from my work.

My father is not paying you to bring excuses. Kambili. ‘ Mommy, please. ‘ I am already late. ‘ Good morning, Jidenna. ‘ Good morning, Your Majesty. ‘ You look unwell. ‘ I’m fine, ma. ‘ Can we go now? ‘ Be careful how you speak to people. ‘ Mommy. ‘ Not now. ‘ One day, you may need the person you insult.

‘ I said not now. ‘ On the weather plane  is cold. Sometimes the strongest ‘ [singing]  ‘ Stop at the side. ‘ Is anything wrong, Princess? ‘ The kitchen packed too much food. ‘ I am driving. ‘ You are parked. ‘ I can eat later. ‘ I don’t want you fainting behind the wheel. Eat. Don’t look at me like  that.

 It is not concern, it is risk management. ‘ Thank you, Princess.  ‘ Eat fast. I am late because of  you. And don’t think this means I am not angry. ‘ I would never make that mistake. ‘ Drive. Princess, we have problems. Choose your favorite. The lace shipment is delayed. Mrs.

 Adebanjo wants the sleeves of her daughter’s dress changed today. Rita has dropped out of the runway show. A fashion blogger posted that your collection is copied. Raymond has called twice, and Mr. Collins from the sponsor team wants more control over the front row guest list. Is that all, or should I lie down first? It gets worse. The final gold gown is missing one beaded side panel.

 What? The tailor said it was sent for finishing. The driver has not arrived. ‘ Call Biola. My daughter’s reception dress must not disgrace me. ‘ It will not, Ma. ‘ It better not. I have already told people you are the best. ‘ Call the tailor again. I have called six times. Call seven. Please, can you help pick up the beaded panel from Mabel’s workshop? The rider is not answering.

 It is not far, but traffic is bad. ‘ Yes, of course. ‘ I will tell her. ‘ Send me the address. ‘ No, that’s not what I meant at all. ‘ Musa. ‘ Yes, sir. ‘ That black car, how long has it been there? ‘ I saw it yesterday, too. ‘ Yesterday? ‘ Yes, they parked small, then left. ‘ Did they ask for anybody? ‘ No. He came back half an hour later with the missing panel.

The black car was gone. ‘ Inside the fitting room was tense. Mrs. Adebanjo was talking loudly. Tenny looked close to tears. Sandra was trying to calm everyone. Raymond Chukwudi had arrived and was standing near the wall in a dark suit, watching like he owned the room. Kambili stood in the middle of it all, angry and stressed.

‘ Princess, the missing panel. ‘ Jidenna, please don’t speak when serious people are talking. Give it to Sandra and wait outside. You are my driver, not my business advisor. ‘ Yes, Princess. ‘ The words had landed harder than he wanted to admit. ‘ You are becoming too visible. ‘ Sir. ‘ I don’t like repeating myself.

 You are a driver. Your job is to drive, so just sit in the car or something. You are not to watch Kambili. Not to speak for her. Not to interrupt me. Not to enter rooms where you are not needed. You think because the king hired you, you are important? ‘ No, sir. ‘ Good. Then remember it. ‘ I remember my work. ‘ Your work can end.

‘ Yes, sir. ‘ Poor people like you always forget your place when kindness enters your head.  That evening, the studio stayed open late. ‘ Raymond, not tonight. ‘ We need to talk. ‘ I said not tonight. ‘ It cannot wait. ‘ What now? ‘ The sponsorship documents need your approval before the showcase.

‘ I told you Sandra and my accountant will review them. ‘ I am one of your biggest investors, Kambili. ‘ And I am the owner of the brand. ‘ You are making this harder than it should be. ‘ No, you are pushing too much. ‘ I am trying to protect your future. ‘ My future is not a file on your table. ‘ You are too emotional.

‘ Outside the office, Jadana stood near the hallway. He had come to tell her the car was ready, but he stopped when he heard Raymond’s raised voice. Through the half-closed blind, he saw Raymond move too close to Kambili. Kambili stepped back.  Princess? Princess, your drink. ‘ Kambili stared at him.

 She had not asked for any drink. ‘ Are you mad? ‘ No, sir. ‘ Get out. ‘ I will wait outside. I will wait outside. ‘ You will leave when I say leave. ‘ Raymond, stop. ‘ Raymond ignored her and tried to shove Jidenna. Jidenna stepped aside. Raymond’s hand hit the drink instead. The cup fell. Cold juice splashed across Raymond’s expensive shirt and trousers.

‘ You did that on purpose. ‘ No, sir. ‘ Everybody out. Out. ‘ This is what happens when servants are allowed to forget themselves. You need to control your staff. ‘ He’s not my staff. He’s my driver. ‘ That is worse. I will wait outside. You see what I’ve been telling you? That man is becoming too free around you.

‘ She knew Jidenna had interrupted because of Raymond. She knew it. But the embarrassment was louder than the truth. ‘ Go home, Raymond. ‘ We are not done. ‘ For tonight, we are. Jidenna. ‘ Yes, princess. ‘ My office, now. ‘ Yes, princess. ‘ What exactly is wrong with you? Do you enjoy embarrassing me? ‘ No, princess.

‘ Then why do you keep inserting yourself into my life? ‘ I saw you were uncomfortable. ‘ You saw wrong. ‘ I do not think so. ‘ Excuse me? ‘ Raymond Chukwu is not safe for you. ‘ You have known him for how many days? And what makes you think you have that right to tell me who to be with. ‘ Long enough to see how he speaks to you when others are not listening.

‘ You are my driver, Chidena. ‘ Yes. ‘ Not my advisor, not my brother, not my father, not my business partner. ‘ I know. ‘ Then behave like it. ‘ Princess, I am only asking you to be careful. ‘ No. You are asking me to disrespect someone from a respected family because my driver has feelings about him. ‘ This is not about feelings.

‘ Then what is it about? ‘ Danger. ‘ You are becoming too bold. ‘ I am sorry. ‘ You should be. On tomorrow, I will speak to my father. I want another driver. ‘ Princess, please. ‘ What? ‘ Please don’t do that. ‘ Now you are begging? ‘ I need this job. My younger brother has sickle cell. Was in the hospital last night.

That was why I came late this morning. His treatment  is expensive. I cannot afford to lose this work now. ‘ I am sorry about your brother. But everybody has problems. Your poverty and your family issues are not my responsibility. I cannot keep a driver who thinks his personal suffering gives him permission to interfere in my life.

‘ I understand, Princess. ‘ Good. ‘ I will return the car to the palace. ‘ Do that. ‘ Her chest felt tight. She told herself it was anger. ‘ Chidena, are you okay? ‘ Yes. Inside the office,  Kambili sat down slowly. For a few seconds, she felt powerful. She had put him in his place.  She had reminded him who she was.

She taken control. Then the room became too quiet. For the first time that day, she did not feel as though she had won anything. I am going home. What about the final list? Send it to me. Two days passed. Jidenna did not return. King Namdi did not speak of it at first. He only assigned another driver to Kambili, a quiet older man named Mr.

Festus. On the third day, Kambili had a charity visit  at a children’s hospital. Princess Kambili, we are grateful you came. Thank you for receiving us. We start with the children’s ward, then the photos, then the short speech. ‘ Where the floors are  marble and the name is old, a daughter walks beneath the crown she [singing] did not choose.

 Beautiful and proud and used to build a world as hers.  She speaks and people listen. She moves and the room  makes way. [singing] She has everything a person could want and still ‘ Auntie, your dress is fine. ‘ You like it? ‘ Yes. Did you buy it? ‘ I made it. Who is this? That is the driver. ‘ He takes care of that woman. ‘ Do you have family, Samuel? ‘ My big brother. He takes care of me.

‘ What is your name? ‘ Samuel. Samuel Okeke. I like clothes. My brother says I draw too many gowns for someone who does not wear gowns. ‘ Your brother sounds funny. ‘ He is funny, but he pretends not to be. ‘ What is his name? ‘ Jidenna. My brother works too much. He drives important people. ‘ Our parents died when I was small.

Since then, Jidenna has been the one doing everything. ‘ When I’m in pain, he sleeps on the chair. When the nurses bring bills, he smiles like he is not afraid. But I know he is afraid. Auntie, are you okay? ‘ Yes. ‘ You look sad. ‘ I am fine. ‘ My brother also says that when he is not fine. He used to work for a princess.

‘ Really? ‘ Yes. He said she was very beautiful. ‘ What else did he say? ‘ He said she was still learning kindness. Do you know any princess? ‘ One or two. ‘ Are they kind? ‘ One of them is trying to learn. ‘ Then she should hurry. Kindness is good. ‘ For the first time she fully saw what I dinner had carried, not excuses, not poverty, a child, a sick child he loved.

‘ I will come back to see you, Samuel. ‘ Thank you, beautiful auntie. ‘ My name is Kambili. ‘ Nice to meet you, auntie Kambi. ‘ Princess? Sandra, cancel the rest of the media photos. The hospital is expecting. I said cancel them. ‘ What happened? ‘ That boy. Samuel Oluchi. ‘ Yes? ‘ He is Jidenna’s brother.

I fired him, Sandra. After he told me about the boy. I used power to hurt someone who was already suffering. ‘ Princess. ‘ No, don’t make it lighter. I said it, I did it. I want Samuel’s bills paid. ‘ Through the foundation? ‘ Yes, but no public record with my name attached. No cameras, no post, no press. And I Jidenna must never know.

Why? Because I don’t want him to thank me. I don’t deserve that. I will speak with the matron. Everything he needs, medication, tests, emergency specialist care, food, school support, transport, anything.  You are not shouting at your phone today. ‘ I am tired. ‘ The hospital visit with your foundation? ‘ Yes.

‘ Did something happen? ‘ No, Daddy. His poverty and family problems are not my responsibility. ‘ For the first time in a long time, Princess Kambili Eziani did not feel powerful. She felt small.  The next week, Kambili returned to the hospital without the media team. ‘ Auntie find Jess. ‘ Is that my new name? ‘ [laughter] ‘ Auntie Kambili.

‘ While Kambili was learning to become softer,  Jidenna was trying to rebuild his life. He had gone back to the kind of work he understood, private driving, road rescue, car delivery, emergency  pickup, anything honest. On days he had no driving jobs, he helped  his best friend Chuka at a small mechanic and road rescue company called Safe Wheel Motors.

‘ My guy, your face has been like rainy season since that palace work ended. ‘ Face the tire and leave gossip. ‘ Uh no vex now. Just say. ‘ I am facing it. The tire is facing me, too. We are in a serious relationship. ‘ [laughter] ‘ My guy, your face has been like rainy season since that palace work ended.

You miss the princess? Don’t say nonsense. I asked the question. Your question is nonsense. ‘ [laughter] ‘ You know, Misa, you only think about her whenever somebody says fashion and beautiful. You only read blog posts about Kambili House and pretend you’re checking to work. ‘ [laughter] ‘ Chuka. ‘ What? ‘ Leave it.

You are still hurt. Yes. She hurt you badly. Yes. You are my friend. I know what she said to you  is not the right words, but avoiding her will not make it go away. Yes. Good. We have agreed on that one. But pain and love can sit in the  same room. One does not cancel the other. I said leave it. I have left it.

‘ Before Ijedinma could answer, a woman stepped  out of the office holding a receipt book. ‘ A customer is asking why his car has not moved. ‘ Tell the customer that  the car is thinking about his life. ‘ This was Adeza Ome. She was 24, calm, and hard-working. She managed the office side of Safe Wheel Motors.

Her father had started the business years ago, but illness had forced him  to step back. Adeza kept the place running with Chuka’s help. ‘ Chuka. Please be serious for once. ‘ I was serious yesterday. ‘ No, you were not. ‘ All right. All right. You win. ‘ Later that day, she saw Ijedinma correcting a young driver who had nearly reversed into another customer’s car.

‘ You don’t move a car because you are in a hurry. You move it because you know where everything is. ‘ Yes, sir. ‘ When you drive people, you carry lives. Remember that. ‘ You sound like a driving instructor. ‘ I used to train drivers. ‘ You still do. You just don’t collect enough money for it. ‘ Adese, leave my friend.

 His face is already carrying too much load. ‘ I can see. ‘ From that day, Adese noticed him more. How he came early, handled the company’s money carefully, corrected mistakes without insults, and went tense whenever the hospital called. ‘ Samuel?  ‘ How did you know? ‘ You only look like that when the hospital calls.

‘ He is fine. They only call about his medication. ‘ Then why do you look worried? ‘ Because I don’t know who is paying for everything. ‘ The donor is still anonymous? ‘ Yes. ‘ Maybe it is someone who wants to help. ‘ In this life, people don’t help without reason. ‘ Some people do. Don’t look shocked. Kindness has not finished in this world.

It is only hiding because wickedness is always making noise. ‘ As the days passed, Adese became closer to Samuel, too. She visited him when Jidenna had too much work. She brought small food flasks and sat with him while he drew. ‘ Auntie Adese says my car designs are not bad. ‘ They are not. ‘ She also says you worry too much.

‘ She should face her office work. ‘ You like her? ‘ She is a good person. ‘ That is not answer. ‘ It is the answer you are getting. ‘ You miss my auntie fine dress today, too. She just left a while ago. ‘ [laughter] ‘ Do not worry. I am sure I will meet her soon. She has been so nice to you. ‘ Brother? ‘ Sleep.

‘ At Kambili House, the studio was also changing. Kambili still worked hard. She still moved fast. She still wanted perfection, but something in her had softened. ‘ Thank you, Mabel. Good work, Esther. BC, have you eaten? Yes, I had a quick bite. Thank you. Good. Don’t overwork yourself. So, that sleeve design was yours.

 Make sure your name is on the file. How many times do I have to explain simple things? I am sorry. That was not fair. You made a mistake. I don’t need to insult you. Yes, ma. ‘ [snorts] ‘ What? Nothing. You are smiling. ‘ Thank you, John. You are welcome, princess. My daughter. Yes, Mommy.  You are changing.

Am I? Yes. Is that  bad? No. I am only wondering what humbled you. I don’t need the story now. But whatever it is, don’t waste it. I hurt someone. Then become the kind of person who does not repeat it. I am trying not to. I can see it. ‘ But while Kambili was learning, Raymond was planning. Raymond Chukwudi did not handle shame well.

And something in him had turned colder. ‘ Raymond  sat in his private office that night with a glass in his hand. Chief Obi sat across from him. Restless  and sweating. ‘ This thing is becoming risky. It was risky from the beginning. The king is asking too many questions about the land proposal.

That is why we need Princess Kambili. You still think she will sign? She will sign when the ground under her feet starts burning. Raymond, be careful. This is the royal house. That is exactly why I want it. Do you think I am chasing Kambili because of love? Love is for people who have time to waste. Kambili is beautiful, yes.

But beauty is everywhere, royalty is not. What she carries is access. Access to what? The king. The land, the royal investment board, most importantly the throne. You want influence. I want power. King Namdi is too careful, too moral, too slow. He sits on land that can produce billions and calls it heritage. He protects people who cannot even protect themselves.

He still thinks leadership is service. Careful. If I marry Kambili, I become the king’s son-in-law. If I control her brand, I control her image. If I control her image, I control what the public sees. If the king is weakened by scandal, the chiefs will start coming to me before they go to him. What is this? The rope.

 For who? For her father, for anyone who refuses to understand. These approvals carry her signature. They will. And these companies? Crown Line Events and Textiles. Blue Harbor Logistics. Goldstone Interiors. Heritage Crown Development. They are clean enough on paper. They are shell companies. They are useful companies. You are moving land money through her showcase.

Now you are understanding. This is money laundering. Sit down. Raymond, this can destroy all of us. ‘ No. It will destroy whoever I point at. ‘ Some investors already paid deposits for the royal land. They expect approval. As the king’s advisor, I paid you to nudge him in the right direction, but you failed.

The king is blocking everything. So, we move the money through event vendors, fashion expenses, imported fabric, luxury staging, media consulting. By the time the money returns clean, nobody can trace it easily. And Kambili House? We’ll carry the debt if she refuses me. ‘ Relax, Chief. You wanted the king to sign.

This is how we make him sign. ‘ What if Kambili finds out? ‘ Then I break her. ‘ The next morning, Kambili and Sandra found the first strange payment.  ‘ Princess, we need to look at this. ‘ What is it? ‘ Vendor payments. ‘ I am tired, Sandra. ‘ You need to see this one. This company received payment for imported stones.

‘ Which company? ‘ Crown Line Events and Textiles. ‘ I don’t know them. ‘ They are also listed under staging, lighting support, media setup, and fabric sourcing. ‘ That makes no sense. ‘ There is more. This approval carries your digital signature. ‘ I never signed this. ‘ I know. ‘ Who sent it? ‘ The file came through Raymond’s office.

This one links Crown Line to Heritage Crown Development. ‘ That is the land project. ‘ Yes. ‘ My father rejected that project. ‘ I know. Chidinma warned me. You warned me about Raymond, and I fired him. ‘ Yes. ‘ Pull every payment connected to Raymond. Every vendor, every sponsor, every file. Very quietly.

‘ The more they checked, the worse it became. Vendors that did not exist, doubled invoices, forged approvals, and money flowing in from investors tied to the royal land. ‘ Princess,  this is not just fraud. It is money laundering. If this gets out like this, they will say Kambili House was used to clean dirty land money.

‘ Raymond had not been supporting her. He had been setting a trap. That evening, she went to the hospital to see Samuel. Somewhere pure, somewhere Raymond had not touched. But at the ward door, she stopped. ‘ No, Auntie Ada, the akala have three horns. ‘ Why not? Good. Then don’t draw it with three horns. ‘ Auntie Kambili.

‘ Hello, Samuel. ‘ You came. ‘ I promised. ‘ Princess. ‘ Kambili is fine. ‘ Auntie Ada, this is Auntie Kambili. She makes clothes. ‘ I have heard about you. Good things, I hope. Samuel likes you. That is already a good report. How is he? ‘ Better. The doctor said new plan is helping. ‘ That is good. ‘ There was so much he wanted to say.

‘ I brought the sketch markers you asked for. ‘ The good ones?  You care about them. Yes. That is good.  You care, too. I hurt him. I know. He does not say much, but pain has a way of sitting beside a person. Do you love him? I could. But love is not only wanting someone. Sometimes it is wanting him to be happy even if you are not the person he keeps looking for.

Don’t waste that. Some people are lucky to be loved by someone good. Sometimes we do not know the value of what we have. We do not realize that it is right in front of us until we have lost it. ‘ That night she cried in her car,  not loudly, not for pity. She finally understood she was not only guilty about Jedena.

She loved him. ‘ The pre-show royal dinner came two nights later. Chiefs, investors, and royal guests gathered in the palace hall. Kambili looked calm, but her hands were cold. ‘ You look perfect. ‘ Thank you. ‘ My king, my queen, honored guests, tonight is about family, legacy, and the beautiful future ahead of us.

Many of you know how close my family and the royal house have become. With Princess Kambili’s showcase tomorrow and with all we are building together, I believe it is time to speak openly about the next step. ‘ Raymond. ‘ Yes, my  dear. ‘ There is no engagement. There is no agreement.

 There is no family announcement. There is only a man who confused access with ownership. ‘ Princess Kambili, this is not wise. ‘ What is not wise is allowing people to plan a woman’s life while she is sitting in the same room. ‘ Kambili is tired. The showcase has been stressful. ‘ I am not tired and I am not confused. ‘ Of course, we will discuss this privately.

‘ No. We will not. ‘ I don’t need to bark to  make a lion retreat. The man who is quiet is the man who will eat. ‘ How did it go? ‘ It was a disaster. She embarrassed me. ‘ What will you do? ‘ What I should have done earlier. ‘ Sandra? ‘ Princess, check your phone. ‘ What happened? ‘ Just check. ‘ The headlines were everywhere.

 Kambili House accused of money laundering, of washing land deal funds through fake vendors, of using the royal showcase to move dirty money. ‘ King’s daughter used fashion showcase to move dirty money. Kambili’s blood went cold. She opened one of the blogs. There were documents, her forged signature, payments to Crown Line, land development links, inflated invoices, foundation transactions.

‘ Samuel. Where are you? ‘ At the studio. ‘ Lock every file. Nobody speaks to any reporter. ‘ They are already outside. ‘ I am coming. ‘ This is not journalism. This is an attack. Your majesty, with respect, the documents look serious. Maybe we should calm the situation before it grows. ‘ And how do you suggest we calm it? ‘ Perhaps we should speak with Raymond.

 He understands the business side. He may know how to reach some of the sponsors and bloggers. ‘ Raymond? ‘ I am only suggesting help. ‘ You are always suggesting help from the same direction. ‘ Princess, three sponsors have asked to pull their support. Who else? One model pulled out. The lighting company says payment has been flagged. Find back up now.

 We can’t delay. How did  you enter? ‘ Still my sponsored event, remember? ‘ You can leave. ‘ She stays. ‘ Fine. I can stop this. ‘ What is that? ‘ A corrected agreement. You will sign temporary management control of Kambili House to my investment board. You will publicly support the land development. You’ll announce our engagement after the showcase.

In return, the documents disappear. ‘ You are mad. ‘ No. I am prepared. ‘ You forged my signature. ‘ You were careless with access. ‘ You used my brand to launder money. ‘ Careful. ‘ You moved dirty land money through fake vendors and tried to make it look like I approved it. ‘ An interesting theory, but you have no proof.

I used an opportunity. ‘ You are despicable. You never loved me. ‘ Love? Kambili, please. This is not a school play. Do you know what you are? You are a door. A beautiful door, yes. A royal door. But still a door. The palace is sitting on power and pretending it is tradition. Your father does not understand the age we are in.

‘ He understands service. ‘ Service is what people preach when they do not know how to win. ‘ You want the throne. ‘ I want what controls it. ‘ God. ‘ You should be grateful. I would have carried you with me. You would have remained beautiful, respected, protected. ‘ You are evil. ‘ No. I am what power looks like when it is in the  right place.

Sign. ‘ No. ‘ You think your father can save you? By tonight, sponsors will leave. Clients will run. Reporters will eat your name. The public will ask if your foundation is real charity or another washing point. I know about the sickle cell boy. ‘ Leave Samuel out of this. ‘ So, that is  his name. ‘ If you touch that child’s name, I will fight you with everything I have.

‘ Then, sign. ‘ No. ‘ By tonight, you will come begging. ‘ Princess? He knows about Samuel. He wants to use everything. Then, we need proof. How? ‘ She knew exactly who would notice what everyone else had missed. But, she also knew she had no right to call him. ‘ Jidenna. ‘ What happened? What is it? Ah. She has people.

‘ That is all? ‘ She has a father, a palace, lawyers, guards, money. My guy, stop. Stop what? Stop running up and down inside your own heart. Chuka, not now. Yes, now. That woman hurts you. Nobody is denying it. She spoke rubbish. But, you love her. Don’t say that. I will say it because you are tired of lying alone.

I don’t love the princess. My brother, you can lie to yourself, but don’t lie to me. You said Raymond was dangerous before anybody believed it. You read news about her and pretend you are checking spare parts prices. You are hurt, but you love her. So, what do you want me to do? Run back because she is in trouble? No.

I want  you to stop pretending your heart is not already there. Helping her does not mean she was right. Forgiving her must happen in your own time. But if Raymond destroys her tonight and you had a chance to stop it, will you sleep? That is your answer. ‘ There is more. Chidena? ‘ Amara, I need the truth.

‘ What truth? ‘ The donor, is it Princess Kambili? Amara? ‘ She told us not to say. ‘ How long? ‘ Since the charity visit. ‘ She did all that? ‘ Yes. ‘ My guy? She paid Sam all the bills. She helped him and said I must not know. Now, what will you do? We find where these fake vendors are operating from. You are going because of Sam, all right? And because of her.

Thank God the truth finally came out. You always see through me. ‘ Crown Line Events and Textiles. They hired a truck through us to move event equipment. There were three trips. Boxes marked as staging material, textile display frames, and lighting panels. ‘ To where? ‘ An old factory near the disputed royal land.

‘ This is the place. ‘ I am coming. ‘ No, this is dangerous. We don’t even know the kind of people we are dealing with. ‘ If you think I’m staying here after finding the address, you are joking. ‘ It may be dangerous. ‘ So is loving people who don’t love you back. I survived that one. ‘ [laughter] ‘ Relax. I know where your heart is.

‘ This is not abandoned. People are walking inside. Patience was one of his strongest weapons.  Files. ‘ More files.  This man is not looking for wife. He is looking for the throne. ‘ This one is worse. ‘ What is it? This man is not looking for wife.

He is looking for the throne. She still refused. Raymond, this thing has gone too far. No. You are getting weak. The blogs have gone live. The king will investigate. Let him investigate.  By the time he finishes, his daughter will be in prison. This can destroy the royal family. That is the point.

  The throne is not only the chair. It is the power to decide what the chair does. If enough chiefs eat from my hand, the king will sit, but I will  move the palace. Once Kambilichukwu House is tied to dirty money, King Namdi will have no choice. He will either approve the land quietly or watch his daughter drown publicly.

And if Kambilichukwu still refuses, we release the foundation angle. Let them say she used charity to move  money. People love a charity scandal. She cares about that sick boy. Good. Caring people are easy to control. ‘ My blood is hot. This man is a monster. ‘ We need to get this  to Kambilichukwu.

‘ And to Captain Bassey. There is more than blood scandal here. ‘ What do you mean? They are moving on the  land by morning. ‘ Clearance? There are truck numbers here, bulldozers, hired men. They are not waiting for Kambilichukwu to sign. ‘ The markets women  are there by morning. ‘ The clinic, too.

Someone once told me about that small clinic with a blue roof. Children go there. ‘ Call Kambilichukwu. ‘ You call her. Jidenna? ‘ We have proof. ‘ Are you safe? ‘ For now, listen to me. Raymond is not only planning to disgrace you at the showcase. He is moving on Amaeze by morning. ‘ What? ‘ The land. The market, the clinic.

 He has trucks and bulldozers scheduled for 6:00. ‘ Send me everything. ‘ Adesei is sending it now. Call Captain Bassey. Do not call the local police yet. Chief Obi may already have men there. ‘ I understand. ‘ Kambili, do not go there alone. ‘ I won’t. ‘ You are not coming to Amaeze. ‘ If you repeat that sentence, I will ignore it twice.

‘ This is different from a warehouse. ‘ I know. ‘ There may be violence. ‘ Then you will need someone who can keep the evidence safe while you and Chuka run around trying to become heroes. ‘ She has a point. ‘ At the palace, Kambili gave the files to Captain Bassey. ‘ This is enough to move. But we must be careful.

If Chief Obi has influenced the local command, Raymond may hear before we reach the road. ‘ Then what do we do? ‘ I will contact the commissioner directly through the king. ‘ The showcase guests will start arriving tonight. Cancel it. ‘ Princess? ‘ Cancel it. My clothes can wait. People’s homes cannot. ‘ My daughter.

This is who I always prayed you would become. ‘ I should have become her earlier. ‘ You are becoming her now. ‘ Before dawn, the cars moved. Nobody said much. The sky was still gray when Amaechi began to wake. ‘ [singing] [music and singing]    [singing] ‘ Everybody leave. This land has been sold.

 You have no right to be here. ‘ Sold by who? This land belongs to the people. Our mothers are buried here. This is OUR MARKET. ‘ OUR QUEEN IS HERE. ‘ WHERE DO YOU WANT US TO GO? Leave my market. ‘ Marble doesn’t breathe in this high-rise cage. Attracted to gold, they can’t read the page. I don’t need to bark to make a lion retreat.

  The man who is quiet is the man who will eat. My patience is longer than a generational debt. I haven’t even shown you my hand just yet. The fiscal lining hides a heart made of frost. I count the gains while you count the cost. This is the warmth that you’ll live to regret, the friend that  you haven’t quite measured up yet.

 I trade in the smiles that I sell for a fee. Behind the walls of your heart there’s a story ‘ Oh, no. We have to help them. Kambili, wait. Princess, please. I cannot  stand here. ‘ The city is a chessboard, the lights are just glass. ‘ That is Kambili.  and the hungry ones pass. Ambition is a fever that I keep under ice.

 Everything I love has a negotiable price. ‘ Ness. Help me. The old man cannot walk. ‘ I’ve got you. We have to move now. ‘ THE DOOR IS BLOCKED BY SMOKE. Where is the child? In the corner. ‘ The child? Bend low. Smoke  rises. This way. Do not stop. ‘ Please God. Please. ‘ My guy. Take the child. Kambili.

‘ You followed me. ‘ You ran into fire. ‘ And you followed me, Red. ‘ You could would died. ‘ So could they. ‘ The old Kambili would have protected her dress, her image, her title. This Kambili had run into smoke for people who had nothing to give her back. ‘ Going somewhere? Move this  useless vehicle.

‘ Today, it is very useful. ‘ You again. A poor driver, a nobody who carries other people’s bags.  You think because you pulled out of fire you are now something? ‘ Maybe I am still nothing. But nothing is standing  in the road. You are not passing. ‘  [singing] ‘ That’s  is for using sick children as a weapon.

‘ You people don’t KNOW WHO I AM. ‘ We know. That is why we came. What finally finished Raymond was not just a Daisy’s plank. It was the camera. The SafeWheel dash cam had recorded the trucks, the loudspeaker, the bulldozers, and Raymond’s hand signal before the fire started. A Daisy’s phone had recorded the conversation in the factory.

The flash drive contained the fake vendor files. Sandra’s folder contained the forged signatures. By the time the sun fully up, the police had everything they needed. ‘ Ija. Don’t move. ‘ I am fine, Mommy. ‘ And you? ‘ I am fine, Ma. ‘ Your majesty, we have the factory recording, the payment  files, the forged consent, and the field footage.

‘ Raymond planned to frame  Kambili House and use the scandal to force the land approval. ‘ He also planned to use Samuel’s hospital support against her. ‘ You came for land. You came for my  house. And because of greed, you thought money could buy buy the soul  of the throne. ‘ Princess, the showcase.

The showcase will not hold tonight. Not because I am ashamed,  but because the people who worked on that show deserve a night that is not poisoned by greed. My tailors, assistants, designers, cleaners,  drivers, models, and everyone behind Kambili House worked honestly. I will not allow  their work to be swallowed by a scandal they did not create.

And I will  not celebrate fashion while people’s homes, stalls, and clinic are burning. I have also learned  that honest work is never small. The people who carry garment bags, drive cars,  sweep floors, sew hems, arrange chairs, treat the sick, sell in markets, and stay awake fixing details deserve respect.

No crown, no brand, and  no title makes one person more human than another. ‘ He heard the apology inside the words. But some apologies needed a quieter room. Later that night, the palace was calm, but nobody felt light yet. Raymond and Chief Obi had been taken away for questioning. The land deal was dead, and the scandal was turning back against Raymond.

‘ You came. ‘ You asked to see me. ‘ I am sorry. I am sorry for mocking your work. I am sorry for embarrassing you at the studio. For treating you like you had no dignity. I am sorry for not listening when you warned me about Raymond. I am sorry for firing you unfairly. For speaking about your poverty like it was something dirty.

And I am sorry for what I said about Samuel. I helped Samuel first because I was ashamed. But after I met him, it stopped being only guilt. He became someone I cared about. ‘ Why didn’t you tell me? ‘ Because I did not want you to thank me. I did not want gratitude to force forgiveness.

 I knew I did not deserve that. ‘ You saved my brother. ‘ I hoped you saved him every day before I came. ‘ You helped him.  I will never forget it. ‘ But? ‘ But you hurt me, Kambili. ‘ I know. ‘ She did not defend herself. She did not cry louder so he would comfort her. She only stood there and accepted the truth. The old Kambili would have argued.

 This Kambili was trying. A week later, Kambili went to Safe Wheel Motors. ‘ Thank you. For helping him. For helping me. For exposing Raymond. ‘ You are welcome. ‘ You love him. I like the peace around him. I liked his kindness. I like the way he carried his brother without complaining. But he does not look at me the way he looks at you.

I hurt him. Then don’t hurt him again. Because if you do, I may not be this mature next time. That is fair. Go and talk to him. I need a driver. I am not ordering you. I am asking. If you say no, I will understand. ‘ And if I say yes? ‘ Then things will be different. ‘ And my other work? ‘ You don’t have to give it up.

My father wants to support your transport company, but only if you accept. Not as pity, as investment. ‘ You are still difficult. ‘ Thank you. ‘ For the record, princess, I still think you need road supervision. ‘ And for the record, driver, I know I am. ‘ The delayed fashion showcase happened 3 weeks later.

This time,  Kambili had changed the whole meaning of the show. ‘ Brother, I look rich. ‘ You look troublesome. ‘ My daughter. ‘ Yes, Mommy? ‘ You are ready. ‘ I hope so. ‘ You are not the girl who started this journey. ‘ No. She needed a driver. ‘ There is a [singing] kind of rich that has  nothing to do with gold.

There is a kind of strong that doesn’t  need a stage to be told. The driver and the nurse, the tailor and the maid, the ones who serve [singing] the world and never bow  their souls. These hands, these hands, they hold  the whole [singing] ‘ I used to think beauty was only in what people could see.

But I have learned that the strongest beauty is sometimes hidden. It is in a brother’s sacrifice. It is in the hands of people who carry pain quietly and still choose kindness. This collection is  for them. And it is also for one little boy who told me kindness is good. ‘ Brother, she is talking about me.

‘ Yes, chairman. ‘ It is in hospital beds. It is behind steering wheels. It is at sewing machines. It is in a mother’s prayer. ‘ [singing and music] ‘ After that night, things did not become perfect immediately. Jidenna did not forget his pain overnight and Kambili did not suddenly become soft. But now when she went sharp under pressure, she caught herself.

‘ I am sorry. ‘ [music and singing] [music and singing]  ‘ I owe all of you an apology. I was careless with access. I trusted the wrong person. And because of that, your honest work was almost dragged into shame. Princess, it was not your fault. Some of it was. Not the crime, that was Raymond. I understand.

 But I created a place where people feared me more than they could correct me. I you feared me too much because of my royal name. That will change. From now on, every worker will be respected. If I speak wrongly, correct me. Princess, correct you? Yes. But please use wisdom. I am still your boss. ‘ [laughter] ‘ Raymond’s downfall continued.

Investigators found more crimes. The IT contractor who copied Kambili’s signature admitted Raymond ‘ Chief Obelus his title and faced investigation. Raymond’s companies were frozen and his polished image collapsed. People finally saw the truth. ‘ King Namdi publicly canceled the land deal and announced the community review.

And he strengthened the palace’s oversight so no advisor could ever quietly sell influence again. ‘ Months passed, Samuel became stronger. The pain did not disappear because love had arrived. Some nights were still hard and some hospital visits still came without warning, but he was no longer fighting alone.

‘ [singing and music] ‘ It is too long. It is fashion. ‘ No, Auntie Kambili. This one is not good. Excuse me? That sleeve is elegant. ‘ You are laughing? ‘ No. ‘ He laughed. So both brothers are now against me. We are helping your career. Do you hear your brother? Driver. ‘ Princess. ‘ One evening, after a charity event at the fashion show hall, Chidena asked Kambili to stay behind.

‘ Is everything okay? Chidena? What is going on? ‘ It’s a gift for you, Kambili. He made it himself just for you. My guy, don’t faint. Chuka. What? I am encouraging you. ‘ My brother is nervous. ‘ Samuel, it is true. I don’t have a crown to give you. I don’t have a palace. I don’t have perfect words, but I have loyalty.

I have truth. I have peace. I have laughter, even when Samuel is disturbing my life. ‘ I am helping your life. ‘ And I have a heart that chose you even when I tried not to. This ring belonged to my mother. She left it for the woman I would marry one day. I never knew when that day would come. I only knew the woman had to understand family, memory, sacrifice, and love.

Kambili Asiani, will you marry ‘ Yes. ‘ SHE SAID YES! ‘  [singing]  [singing] ‘ MY GUY, STAND STRAIGHT. You are marrying royalty, a real princess. If you make me laugh, I will remove you. You cannot remove best man. I can try.  A crown can sit on the head, but character must live in the heart.

 I once thought I was giving my daughter a driver. I did not know I was bringing a man of courage into our family. My daughter was born into royalty. Today, she chooses a man who taught us that true royalty is not only  in blood. It is in sacrifice, dignity, service, and love. ‘ They say your worth [singing] is in the crown,  in the silk, the gold, the famous gate, they say the ones  who serve should be seen and never known.

But watch the quiet ones who carry ‘ SHE’S MY SISTER! ‘ YES, CHAIRMAN. Your sister is a princess.  Years passed. Kambili House grew bigger, but it became kinder. Kambili opened a training program for young tailors. She supported local artisans. She helped women who wanted to learn design. She created collections with meaning, not just beauty.

 Chidena built  his own transport and emergency driving company. Chuka managed  the workshop side and never allowed anyone forget that he had seen the love story from the beginning. Adeyeye later opened a proper operation school for transport  managers and roadside emergency staff. ‘ Together, Kambili and Chidena started a foundation in Samuel’s name.

‘ How does it feel to inspire a fashion collection? ‘ It feels good. But I told her not to make the sleeves look like umbrella.  You know I can open my own door now. ‘ I know.  ‘ Then why do you still do it? ‘ Because this time I am not serving the princess. I am loving my wife.

 I heard that.  ‘ You were supposed to be sleeping. ‘ I am gathering dialogue for my book. ‘ What book? The princess and the driver.  ‘ [laughter] ‘ Make sure you write that the princess became kind. ‘ I will. ‘ And write that the driver was patient. ‘ Let me not lie too  much.

‘ [laughter] ‘ And it never [singing] wanted anything before.  The heart doesn’t [singing] ask. The heart just knows.  It only knows your [singing] name.