She Mocked Me For Cleaning Churches Not Knowing I Was About To Meet My Destiny

part 2:

 Everybody is hustling one way or another. Not like this. I can’t do this. So, what’s the plan now? You said you don’t want my kind of hustle. I’ll find a proper job. I have my GCSE. Lagos doesn’t wait for anybody, Erica. Let’s see. I have to find a job today. This one looks promising. I won’t give up. I hope they call me soon.

This could change everything. I have to stay strong for my family. I’m sorry. We need someone with a degree for this role. I understand. Thank you for your time. Any luck today? Not yet. I told you, Lagos is not easy. Think about what I said. God, please. Don’t let me fall into that kind of life. ” [gasps] ” Just give me one chance to do this the right way.

Mary, since I don’t have a job yet, can I at least clean for you? You can pay me small small. Pay you for what? I don’t have money to be paying somebody in my own house. Face your own hustle. Okay, sorry. Mommy, I haven’t gotten a job yet, but I’m trying. Trying? Mary sent 500,000 again yesterday.

 Useless girl, is this why I sent you there? Cleaner needed. Good  pay. This is the one. I can do this. Hello, it’s me, Erica. ” You’re 1 minute late. Do you know how many other girls are begging for the same job? ” I’m sorry, ma. The boss was delayed. It won’t happen again. ” This is your last warning. ” [sighs] ” You’re now a cleaner, Erica.

 See your life. ” At least it’s honest work, Mary. ” God, if this is from you, let it be real. If not, protect my heart. It’s hard, but it’s better than shame. Mommy, I found cleaning work. It’s not much, but I’ll manage. ” Cleaning? I sent you to Lagos to clean people’s houses? Mary’s sending millions, and you’re telling me cleaning? ” Erica, you’ve been here for weeks now with no job and no money.

 I can’t keep carrying you forever. You need to find something, anything, or start thinking about going back home. ” Please, just give me a little more time. I’ll find something, I promise. ” Housekeeper needed, Banana Island. This is the one. Good morning,  ma. My name is Erica, and I am very hard working and honest.

” Little did she know this house held its own kind of danger, one she could never have prepared for. ” So, you’re the girl looking for cleaning work. Do you have experience? ” Yes, ma. I am very hardworking and I will take good care of your home. ” Fine. Start tomorrow morning. Don’t be late. ” Thank you, ma.

” Good, you’re on time today. Start with the upstairs rooms first. ” Yes, ma. Right away. There we go. All clean. Such beautiful smiles in these pictures. All right, next shelf. ” [sighs] ” But the real danger in this house wasn’t comfort. It was her son. ” You’re always so quiet. Why don’t you ever smile for me? ” I’m just trying to finish my work, sir.

” Always so serious. Let me see you smile. ” Stop! Get away from me! ” I was just talking to you. Why are you shouting? ” You grabbed me. Don’t touch me. ” Calm down. I wasn’t going to hurt you. ” Leave me alone. Get out! ” Fine, I’m going, but you’re overreacting. ” [laughter] ” What happened? Why did I hear screaming? ” Ma, your son grabbed my hand.

 I don’t know why. I was just cleaning and he touched ” Mommy, this girl has been disturbing me. I was just passing and she started shouting at me for nothing. ” That’s not true, ma. He grabbed my hand. I was just ” In my own house? How dare you raise your voice at my son? YOU WILL LEARN YOUR PLACE. ” MA, PLEASE.

 I didn’t mean any disrespect. ” Mommy, let’s just go. ” You people from the village think you can come into people’s houses and start trouble. Get out of my sight. ” Ma, please. I didn’t do anything. ” I said, get out. ” Ma, please. You’re hurting me. ” Don’t ever let me see your face here again. ” [gasps] ” So that job didn’t work out either.

Erica, you can’t keep failing like this. If you don’t find something soon, I really don’t know what to tell you. ” I’ll find another one tomorrow. I won’t give up. ” You come highly recommended. I expect thorough work here. My husband is particular about cleanliness. ” Yes, ma. I won’t disappoint you. ” You have such gentle hands.

My wife could learn a thing or two from you. ” I’m sure madam does her best too, sir. ” No, you have a real talent. ” Thank you, sir. ” What is going on here? ” You’re very hard working. Not like the other girls we’ve had here before. ” Thank you, sir. I’ll finish up quickly. ” No need to rush.

 I like watching you work. ” I should get back to it, sir. ” The fabric looks perfect, Erica. ” Thank you, sir. Almost done. ” You’re very skilled at this. ” Just practice,  sir. ” Well, it’s appreciated. ” You’ve been here 2 weeks now. My husband seems to appreciate your work a lot. ” I just try to do my job well, ma.

” I saw you trying to give that girl a gift. What is going on between you two? ” It’s nothing. I was just appreciating her hard work. That’s all. ” Nothing? I’ve seen how you look at her. This ends today. ” You’re overreacting. It was just a gift. ” A gift? I’m not A FOOL. STAY AWAY FROM HER. ” I got you something small.

 You work so hard. You deserve it. ” No, sir. Thank you, but I can’t accept that. Please, let me continue my work. ” Erica, I saw what happened. ” Madam, it was nothing. ” Nothing? You took a gift from my husband. ” No, madam. I refused it. ” Liar. I saw the way you look at him. ” Please, madam. I’m innocent. ” You’ve been trying to seduce my husband under my own roof.

 Since you came here, he doesn’t look at me the same way. ” Ma, no. I’ve done nothing. I refused his gift. I SWEAR. ” LIAR. PACK YOUR THINGS AND GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW. ” MA, PLEASE. At least pay me for the days I’ve worked. I have done nothing wrong. God, thank you. This place is so beautiful. I wish I could just sit here forever and forget everything, but I have bills to pay.

God, thank you for my beauty, but is it my beauty that is causing me all this trouble? In the first house, I was sacked. In the second house, I was sacked, too. ” God, these people pay good money. Imagine if I wasn’t cheated of it, I would have had enough to send back home. Mommy calls me shouting, crying, saying there’s no food, that my younger ones are hungry.

God, how do I do this? ” My dear, are you all right? ” I’m just so overwhelmed. ” But God was about to answer a prayer you hadn’t even finished praying. ” How did you know? ” He sees you. He hears you. Why are you crying, young girl? ” Nothing, Ma. I’m just admiring the view. ” The view is lovely, but your tears tell a different story.

” It’s just been a hard day, Ma. ” It’s all right, my dear. No, my dear, you cannot sit here and let tears fall from your eyes and tell me it is admiration. I have seen many eyes in my lifetime. Yours are eyes of pain, not wonder. ” Maybe I’m just crying about life. ” Then let it out, child. I’m here to listen.

Life has not been fair, you say. I can tell. You carry yourself like a very responsible and proud young woman. Not proud in a bad way. I mean dignity. ” Thank you. That means a lot. ” You have a strength in you. Hold on to it. I like that. I like seeing that smile on your face. Have you eaten today? ” Yes, Ma, I have. I’m not hungry.

” Good. You know I worry about you. ” I know,  Ma. Thank you. Oh, no, I’m okay, Ma. Thank you. ” Just take it. ” Thank you, Ma. Why are you giving me all this, Ma? ” Because I think you need some water and some chocolate to cool you down. ” Oh, thank you, Ma. That’s so kind. ” You are welcome, my dear.

” God bless you, Ma. ” This is my card. If you ever need anything, call me. I’ll be traveling to London in a week’s time, so you better hurry up and call me, okay? ” I will call you. I promise. ” Good. Here, take this one, too, just in case. I must go now. ” All right. Safe journey.  Oh, your bag. Ma, wait. Your handbag.

” Oh, bless you, my dear. Here you are. Thank you. ” Ma, you left your wallet. You left your wallet. ” Oh, my dear. Thank you. ” Here you are, Ma. ” God bless you, my child. ”  ” It’s no trouble at all. ” It is obvious that I left my bag this morning, and yet you run after me to give it back to me.

” I don’t understand what you mean by that, Ma. ” You said I left it intentionally. I was testing you. ” That’s not nice. Why would you test me? Why do you think I’m a bad person? ” No, I know you are a good person. I wanted to prove beyond doubt that you are, and it felt like God arranged this meeting. ” Ma, no. I can’t.

” Take it. God has listened to your prayer. ” Thank you, Ma. God bless you. Wow, I don’t even know how much this is. ” That is 500,000 naira. Remember, call me, okay? ” Yes, I will. Thank you so much. These peppers look so fresh. I feel so hopeful today. Thank you. Mhm, perfect. It’s all coming together so beautifully.

I haven’t felt this at peace in weeks. ” Erica, where did you get money to cook all this nice food? ” Well, it’s a long story. ” Tell me. ” I started a small business. It’s doing well. ” Wow, Erica. I’m so happy for you. ” Thank you. Let’s eat. She gave me 500,000 Naira, Mary, and she gave me her card. She said I should call her.

 She’s traveling to London soon. ” Wow, Erica. God is really doing something for you. ” I know, right? It’s unbelievable. ” You have to call her. ” I will, Mary. I definitely will. ” The biggest mistake Erica made was telling Mary about the card that was given to her. And here we see Mary stealing the very thing that could have changed Erica’s life forever.

That woman gave you 500,000, and you’ve already spent 50,000 on food. ” Yes. ” You had fun with 50,000. You have to pay me. ” Yes, I was going to pay you before sending money. I was going to give you some. ” So, what you’re going to do now is give me 300,000 from that money as part of your bill for staying in this house.

” Okay, ”  ” I understand. Mary, I don’t have a bank account. I want to open one so I can send money to my mom. Do you Mommy, good news. I’m sending you some money today. Oh, finally. God is faithful. I wanted to help. Thank you, my dear. This means everything. God bless you. I will talk soon. Bye. Bye, my love.

So, it’s only 100,000. You this girl, look at your mate. When will you ever send good money? YOU ARE VERY WICKED. YOU ARE VERY SELFISH. ” [sighs and gasps] ” GOD, thank you that I was able to provide for my younger ones. No matter how angry Mommy is, that 100,000 is going to go a long way for feeding them.

Thank you for that. Thank you, Jesus. So, what’s the plan now? Are you not going to get another job? What about that woman you told me about? Why don’t you call her? Maybe she can give you a job. You’re right. Let me call her. Good. I know you can do this. Where is it? It has to be here. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

The business card is gone. What am I going to do? ” She blamed herself for something she never did. She had no idea her own friend was the thief. ” Lord, give me strength. ” [snorts] ” Help me forgive. God, I have lost that woman’s card. I wish I wasn’t so careless. What will she think of me now? I have to make this right somehow.

God, that girl I met in the park. She is the one I have been dreaming of. She is the one I have been praying for. Her spirit clicked with mine instantly. ” [sighs and gasps] ” God, I will not tell my grandson that she is the girl I want him to marry. If she is truly the one, let my grandson fall in love with her on his own.

 Let him find her himself because my grandson is a responsible young man. He prays to you. He loves you. He knows you. Let all that he does show him that she is the one. ” Grandma, are you ready? I’m here to take you to the airport. ” Yes, my dear. Sit with me for a moment before we go. I want to tell you something.

” Of course, Grandma. What is it? ” No matter how far you go, family is always home. David, I met a girl in the park recently. Something about her spirit struck me deeply. ” Another one of your park encounters, Grandma? ” Yes. She reminded me of someone. ” Tell me more. ” I gave her my card. Her name is Erica.

 I truly believe God orchestrated our meeting. ” If she calls, I’ll take good care of her, Grandma. Don’t worry. ” David, I had a dream. I saw that she lost the card I gave her. That’s why she hasn’t called. Something must have happened to it. ” Grandma, you’re thinking too much. Let’s wait and see. ” If she lost it, then perhaps she was never meant to be sent to us by God.

 But if she didn’t lose it and still hasn’t called, then something else happened and she truly was sent to us. ” I know you’re full of wisdom, Grandma. ” Time will tell. David, I’m diverting calls from my business line to your number while I’m away. If that girl, Erica, calls, I want you to be the one to speak with her.

” Understood, Grandma. I’ll make sure to take good care of it. ” Take care, my dear. I’ll call you when I land. ” Safe flight, Grandma. I love you. ” I love you, too. ” Bye, Grandma. ” David, my dear, I must go now. ” Safe travels, Auntie Margaret. ” Remember to call. I love you. ” I will. I love you, too.

Her words always guide me. ” I have placed my hopes for David and Erica fully in God’s hands. He will guide them. Hello, my dear. I’ve landed safely. ” Hi, Grandma. How was your flight? ” It was long, but I’m settled now. How are you? ” I’m good, Grandma. Just busy with school. ” That’s good. Don’t work too hard.

 I love you. Love you, too. Talk soon. ” Grandma, I’m glad you landed safely. Rest well over there. ” Thank you, my dear. The flight was smooth. ” Good. Take care, Grandma. I love you. ” I love you, too, David. Goodbye. ” Grandmother’s words about Erica still linger for me. But my heart says otherwise. God, if this girl is truly the one my grandmother saw, let our paths cross.

Don’t let me miss what you are trying to do. ” Mary held the answer to a life-changing connection in her hands and she had a choice to make destroy it or steal the blessing for herself. ” Should I destroy this? Should I just throw it away and forget it? Or should I call pretending to be Erica? Would the woman even recognize my voice? No.

I’m not destroying this. If this woman is that rich, this could be my own blessing, too. Let me just try. Hello, is this the number for Erica? ” Yes, who is this? ” It’s Erica. I need to speak with you. ” Erica, you sound different. What’s going on? ” It’s complicated. Please, just listen. ” Hello, good evening.

 This is David speaking. My grandmother’s calls have been forwarded to me while she’s away. Is this Erica? ” Yes, yes, this is Erica. ” I would love to meet you properly, Erica. My grandmother spoke so highly of you. Are you free this weekend? ” Yes, of course. This weekend works perfectly for me. ” Wonderful.

 How about Saturday evening? ” Saturday is perfect. ” Great. I’ll call you with the details. ” Wow, he has no idea. This means my life is about to be blessed. ” [sighs] ” So, the London deal needs your signature in person. You’ll need to fly out today. All right, book the flight. I’ll need to make a call before I go. Understood, sir.

 I’ll arrange it immediately. Good. I need to call home first. ” Sir, the London deal needs your signature in person. You’ll need to fly out today. ” All right. Book the flight. I’ll need to make a call before I go. ” Yes, sir. I’ll arrange it immediately. ” Good. Let’s review the terms. Erica, I’m so sorry, but we can’t see each other today.

An emergency came up. I’m flying to London. I’ll be back in 2 weeks. ” Oh, okay. No problem, David. Safe travels. ” Thank you, Erica. ” Still no luck today. I have to keep going. Weeks of searching and nothing, but I won’t give up. One more office to try. Please, let this be it. How did I lose that card? I’m sure it was in my bag.

 How could I be so careless? I have to find it. What will Mary say? ” [sighs] ” Erica, there’s no food in this house. Your younger ones are hungry. Please, my daughter, help us. ” Mommy, I’m trying. I promise I’m trying. ” Please, Erica. We have nothing. ” I know, Mommy. I’ll send something soon. ” Thank you, my child. Thank you.

” And even if Erica somehow finds David, I could always plant a small seed. Suggest his grandmother is getting old, forgetful, maybe even losing her mind. Then nothing she says will matter. While Erica blamed herself, Mary was already plotting how to make sure the truth never came out. If Erica ever finds out about that card, everything falls apart.

I need to get her out of Lagos before David comes back. ” Erica, honestly, maybe it’s time you think about going back to the village. Things are not working out for you here. ” Mary, why are you saying this now? I thought you understood I just need more time. I did understand, but you’ve had time and nothing has changed.

 Please, Mary, don’t make me go back. ” That night, the rain fell hard over Lagos, but Erica had nowhere to go. ” God, why is Mary treating me like this? I gave her the money she asked for. I bought food. I’ve done nothing wrong. Mary, it’s my home, too, right now. Where do you want me to go? ” I have guests coming today.

 You can’t come in right now. ” But Mary, please, I have nowhere else. ” That’s not my problem. Leave. ” Mary, why won’t you let me in? I just want to talk to you. Please, sister, don’t shut me out. I miss you. ”  ” That didn’t feel like the warmth Grandma described. Something is off. ” God, why is Mary treating me like this? I gave her the money she asked for.

 I bought food. I’ve done nothing wrong. ” [sighs and gasps] ” Hello, Mama. It’s David. ” David, my dear, I am fine. ” Good. I was just thinking of you. ” Always so sweet. How are you? ” I’m good, Mama. Just busy with work. ” Don’t walk to ” Grandma, I spoke to her. I’m going to see her once I’m back from London.

 Something came up and I couldn’t see her today. But there was something about her voice. It wasn’t the kind of warmth I was expecting. ” I see. That is concerning, my dear. Perhaps she was just distracted. ” Maybe. I hope so. ” Give it time. ” Okay, Grandma. You’re right. ” David, we cannot build our conclusion on just a voice.

 Why don’t you wait until you see her in person? ” God, whatever this is, let your will be done. Guard my heart until the right time comes. That call still doesn’t make sense. Why now, after all this time? I can’t let it ruin London. ” It’s so good to see you, my dear. How are things with Erica? ” I’m not sure yet, Grandma. I want to wait until I actually meet her before I make up my mind.

” That’s wise, my dear. Take your time. ” Thank you, Grandma. I will. ” That’s wise of you, David. Never build a foundation on assumptions. ” I learned that from you, Grandma. ” I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. ” Thank you, Grandma. That means everything. ” Keep making me proud, my dear. ” Safe travels back home whenever you’re ready, Grandma.

I love you. ” I love you, too, my dear. Go well. ” Lord, I’ve placed my burdens in your hands. Now I can fly home in peace. Thank you for this journey. ” David, I want you to send some money to Erica. Life has not been easy for that girl. ” Okay, Grandma. How much do you want me to send her? ” Just enough to help her get by for now.

She’ll appreciate it. ” I understand, Grandma. I’ll send it right away. To protect her lie, Mary needed a new one, and this time she would drag both families into it. ” I have to call them now. No turning back. Hello. It’s Mary. We need to talk. Mommy, I have to tell you something. Erica is a useless girl.

 She’s been trying to snatch my boyfriend. She’s always been jealous, Mommy. She wants to ruin everything for me. Please, you have to believe me. Don’t let her come between us. ” What? That ungrateful girl. After everything we’ve done for her family. How could she do this to us? I won’t stand for it.

 She must apologize immediately. TELL HER I’M COMING RIGHT NOW. That girl. We sent her to Lagos to help herself. And this is how she repays us. Trying to steal my daughter’s future husband. I will deal with her mother myself. Your daughter is useless. She’s trying to snatch my daughter’s boyfriend. We are going to kick her out of the house.

” Please, please don’t kick her out yet. I’m begging you. She has nowhere else to go. ” I don’t care. She is a bad influence and she must go. ” Please, I am begging you. Give her one more chance. ” Foolishly, Erica’s mother believed every word. Never once pausing to defend the daughter who had already given her everything she had.

” I heard what you are doing over there. ” Mommy, what did you hear? What are you talking about? Don’t pretend, Erica. You think I don’t know? Mommy, please. I don’t understand. I know the lifestyle you are living. Mommy, no, it’s not like that. Mary, what did I do? My mom just called me accusing me of something terrible.

 I don’t know anything about your mom calling you. Please, don’t disturb me. If you have a problem with your mom, deal with her. But Mary, she said you told her. Why won’t you just talk to me? But my mom said your mom called her. How would my mom even know your mom’s number to call her? I have not spoken to your mom in years.

 Why would your mom be lying like this? Please, don’t put me in the middle of your family trouble. Mary had turned the truth completely upside down. And Erica, standing in the very house where the lie was born, had no idea just how deep the deception really went. David, I want to send Erica some money. ”  ” I was thinking 10 million naira, but let’s not rush.

 Send her 2 million naira first. ” Okay, Mom. 2 million naira. ” Good. Thank you, my son. David, she might refuse the money at first. She doesn’t seem like the kind of girl who accepts things easily. If she resists, persuade her. Tell her it’s simply a gift from your grandmother. ” Okay, Grandma. 2 million naira. I’ll take care of it.

Don’t worry, I’ve got it. Love you, too. Bye. Erica, my grandmother wants me to send you 2 million naira. Can I have your account details? She insists. Please, let me help. It’s no trouble. Just send the details. Erica, whose name is this on the account details you sent me? David, it’s not This account name isn’t Erica.

 It says Mary. Mary? That doesn’t make any sense. I need to check this. ” Oh, that’s my sister’s account. I don’t have my own yet. ” My grandmother doesn’t make mistakes like this. My spirit is not agreeing with this person. But grandma said she was going to refuse. She said I would need to beg her, persuade her. Who is this? Is this really Erica? ” Cleaner needed, church premises.

This could be it. ”  ” Good afternoon, sir. I saw the notice you’re looking for someone to help clean the church. ” Yes, my daughter. Are you interested? ” Yes, pastor. I am very interested. ”  ” Wonderful. We can discuss the details. ” Thank you, sir. Yes, sir, very much.

 I need the work and I would be honored to serve in God’s house. ” Very well. The job is yours. Come tomorrow morning. ” Oh, thank you, sir. I won’t let you down. ” I know you won’t, Erica. Welcome. ” This job is such a blessing. After all the hardships, I finally feel at peace here. Sweeping in the morning light, I’m so grateful.

Mommy, I’m sending part of my church cleaning money to you now. I know it’s not much, but it will help. Here you go. 20,000. Is this all? Erica, come here now. Mommy, what is it? Your brother sent 20,000. This won’t even pay the rent. But Mommy, he is trying. Trying is not enough. We need more. Is this all you can send me? Small small money.

 Meanwhile, you’re staying in that big house with Mary. You people are not serious. You think this is enough? We are struggling here. No, you listen to me. This is not right. ” [sighs] ” Erica, you can’t stay. Mary wants you out of the mansion. But why? This is my home. Your presence is causing problems. You must leave. I understand.

For you to stay in this place for 2 more months, you have to let me answer your name and you answer my name. Huh. ”  ” I can’t do that. I can’t answer your name. Will I answer your name for 2 months? Something is not right here. Can you give me 1 day to think about it? Fair enough. I’ll give you 1 day to think about it.

Mary has been acting strange ever since I came back with that 500,000. Talking to herself, and now she wants me to answer her name for 2 months. Something isn’t right. Even if Mary somehow took that card and called the old lady, wouldn’t the old lady know if Mary was lying? Why would Mary want me to leave in 2 months? Would the only condition being that I give her my name? God, you see everything.

Help me with this problem. Show me what to do. This can’t be happening. ” [snorts] ” How can I choose between my heart and my family? I need a sign. Evening’s here. Time to go. What will I tell Mary? I can’t face her without an answer. Yes, sir. I do have a place to stay. But the person I’m staying with gave me a difficult ultimatum, ”  ” and I’ve been praying trying to weigh my options before I go back.

” I see. That sounds very challenging. ” It is, sir. I just need some guidance. ” I wish you all the best, my daughter. I pray God shows you the truth. ” I can’t go back to Mary’s house. Not yet. I’ll stay here until I have my answer. This is my choice. What a day. I was so tired. I hope Mama is okay. Where is this girl? She didn’t come home last night.

This isn’t like her. Where could she be? I have to find her before it’s too late. ” [sighs and gasps] ” God, I don’t want to disturb my grandmother about this for now. But I know for sure my grandmother doesn’t make mistakes. Let’s meet properly this Saturday, Erica. I’ll come and pick you up myself. ” That sounds wonderful, David.

 I’d love that. ” Perfect. I can’t wait to see you. ” Me, too. See you then. ” Erica, you need a lift? ” No, thank you. I’m almost there. ” All right. Be safe. ”  ” I will. Thank you. ” Who is that  girl? She touched my soul. My spirit. Who is she? ” Please. A girl just walked past here. Do you know who she is?

” I don’t know her name, sir. ” Did you notice anything about her? Where she was going? ” She walked towards the main road, sir. ” All right. Thank you. Have you seen her before? ” Yes, I’ve seen her before, but I don’t know her. ” When was the last time? ” Yesterday afternoon. She left in a hurry. ” Did she say anything? ” Nothing to me.

” Please, if you see her again, let me know. ”  ” And next time you see her, I want you to get her number for me. Take my card, too. ” This is big money. 100,000 naira. ” Yes, for your help. Please. ” I will, boss. I promise. I’ll do anything for you, sweet one. God bless you. Thank you very much.

” That girl I can’t get her out of my mind. But I have to meet Erica now. Why did our paths cross today? Focus, David. Mary’s house. ” I’m Me- I’m Erica. ” Erica. It’s a pleasure to meet you. ” I’m so sorry. I’m a bit flustered. I don’t usually stumble like this. ” No need to apologize. I think it’s charming.

” Thank you. You’re very kind. ” The pleasure is all mine, Erica. Don’t be afraid. Tell me the truth. Is your real name Mary? ” My name is Erica. My sister’s name is Mary. I didn’t mean to lie to you, David. ” It’s okay. Just tell me why. ” It’s complicated. Your grandmother told me she was impressed by me.

I wasn’t too sure, but my sister told me not to lose an opportunity when it comes my way. ” My grandmother is right. You are impressive. ” Thank you, David. That means a lot. I’m just a typical village girl. You really think so? ” I know so. I don’t allow anybody to convince someone that coming from a village makes them less beautiful.

” I won’t be timid anymore. ” Wait, a moment ago you were so timid, and now you’re completely different. What happened to being timid? ” I was, but I had a moment to think. I realized I can’t keep being timid. ” That’s a big change. I’m glad you’re finding your voice. ” Me, too. Thank you for noticing. ” Did you enjoy the food? ” Yes, very much. Thank you.

” I’m glad. This place is special. ” It is. Thank you for this. ” Anytime for you. My grandmother really wants me to take care of you. If you need anything, let me know. By the way, do you still have the card she gave you? ” I gave it to my sister to help her believe in you, too. ” That means a lot. Thank you.

” Of course, I trust you. ” Most of these buildings on this road actually belong to me. How did you end up living here? ” Wait, all of that belongs to you? ” Yes, my family built them over the years. ” That’s incredible. I had no idea. If you own that much of this road, you must be a billionaire. Only a billionaire could have that much.

” Mary, I had a wonderful time today. ” Me, too, David. Thank you for everything. ” See you soon. ” Definitely. Good night, David.  ” Good night, Mary. Everything about this girl is strange. ” Hello Grandma, it’s David. ” David, my dear, it’s so good to hear from you. ” I’ve been thinking about you.

 How are you feeling? ” I’m fine, dear. Just missing my grandson. How is work? ” It’s busy, but I’m managing. I’ll Mary, I’m home. ” That’s good. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be coming soon so we can know for sure get more information. ” [sighs and gasps] ” Mary, I rented this apartment for you. ” I don’t see you as I should see you.

” The reason I rented this place for you is because I want to be seeing you. ” But Jude, I didn’t That man you saw was my cousin. I’m not dating him. ” Your cousin? I saw how he looked at you. ” You’re imagining things. He’s family. ” You expect me to believe that? ” It’s the truth. Please believe me. ” If you’re lying to me, I will find out.

” She’s shy. ” Really? I didn’t notice. ” Mhm. She just needs time. ” I’ll be gentle with her. ” Good. She’ll appreciate that. ” Erica has a sister who’s been trying to make her behave like a city girl instead of a village girl. I told her she shouldn’t allow anybody to change who she is. I hope she goes back to being herself.

” Be patient with her, David. Sometimes it takes time for someone to remember who they truly are. ” I understand, Grandma. I won’t rush her. ” Good. She needs time to feel ready. ” I know. I’ll be patient. ” Love you, my boy. ” Love you, too, Grandma. I love you, too, Grandma. Good night. ” I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.

” You said that last time. I expect better. ” I understand. I’ll prove myself. ” See that you do. Don’t disappoint me again. Mary, it’s good to see you. ” You, too. ” Good night, Mary. I had a lovely time. ” Good night, Jude. Thank you for dinner. ” Let me help you. ” Thank you. You’re always so kind. ” Sleep well, my dear.

” You, too, Jude. Good night. God, help me figure out what to do next. I don’t even know if I still have that card the old lady gave me. Lord, give me strength tonight. My body is tired, but my spirit is willing. Please watch over my family. Amen. Erica? ” Wake up, my child. ” Mommy, I must have fallen asleep.

” You look so tired. Let’s go home. ” I was just so exhausted after today. ” I know. Come, let’s go. ” My God, this is the girl I saw the other day. How did life bring me to meet her right here in the park? Excuse me, miss. I believe we’ve met before. Do you always come here to feed the ducks? ” This is actually my first time.

 I just wanted to enjoy nature. ” It’s a beautiful spot for that. ” It is. So peaceful. ” I’m glad you came. This park always reminds me of my grandmother. It’s the place she comes to when she wants to think. ” I’m missing her a lot. I can see why. It’s so peaceful here. ” Yeah, she always said this place brings clarity.

” I’m glad you’re sharing this with me. ” So, what’s your name? ” I’m Erica. And you? ” David. It’s lovely to meet you, Erica. ” You too, David. My name is Mary. It’s a long story. I can’t explain. ” You must be very confused for you to see a simple question as a long story you cannot explain. What is your real name? Erica, please.

 I just want to know the truth. ” It’s not that simple, David. I don’t want to lie to you. But please don’t ask me my real name right now. ” Why not?  ” It’s complicated. Please, just trust me. ” Just tell me, what do you mean by Erica? ”  ” Is your name Erica? ” Why does it matter? ” It matters to me. ” It’s complicated, David.

Because I was told to say my name is Mary. ” Okay. It looks like you don’t want to talk about it yet. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here. ” Thank you, David. I appreciate it. ” Oh, can we just enjoy a little time together? ” I’d love that. ” Can we go for a walk? ” Yes, let’s. ” It’s beautiful out here with you.

I want to call my grandmother. I’d like her to speak to you. ” Really? Okay. ” She’ll love you. Just a moment. I left my phone in the car. I need to go get it. ” Okay. I can’t do this. I have to leave now before David returns. This is for the best. I need to clear my head. I’m sorry. ” This wasn’t the first time.

 Erica had once introduced a good man named Mark to Mary and Mary destroyed that relationship, too. Now she had found David. How was she going to keep this one without Mary destroying it as well? ” [sighs] ” Where could they be? The bench is empty. I was sure they said here. Where did she go? I thought she was right here.

She couldn’t have gone far. I need to find  her. I don’t understand why you said that. Was it really necessary? It still hurts. Grandma, I think the girl I’ve been talking to is not the real Erica. Her stories just don’t add up anymore. I feel like I’ve been lied to. I need to find out the truth. ” What do you mean, not the real Erica? David, tell me exactly what happened from the very beginning.

” Mom, I just found out the woman claiming to be Erica isn’t her. She admitted it to me. ” Admitted it? How could this happen? Who is she? ” I don’t know, but we need to find out. ” You dropped this. ” Thank you so much. ” Hmm, who could this be? Hello? ” Erica, it’s me. ” What do you want? ” We need to talk.

” Hello? Oh, hi. I didn’t expect you to call so soon. Yeah. I’m doing well. It’s so good to hear your voice. You, too. Talk soon. You’re always smiling at that phone these days. Who is this person, Biko? His name is Mac. He’s different, kind. Mac? Different how? He just gets me. He’s sweet. ” Excuse me.

 May I join you for a drink? ” Oh, I don’t know. ” Please, I insist. I’d love to chat. ” All right then. ” Thank you. ”  ” I’m glad. Tell me about your life, Erica. ” I come from a poor home. My mother is disappointed in me. I work as a cleaner. I don’t have much, but I won’t lie about who I am. ” Your honesty is refreshing.

” This Mac  guy, does he know you’re not from money? Does he know the real you? ” He knows everything, Mary. That’s why I like him. He didn’t run. ” Why are you smiling like that? Who did you meet? Just someone, a good person. Mm. Lagos men are not what they seem, Erica. Be careful. This Mac  guy, does he know you’re not from money? Does he know the real you? ” He knows everything, Mary.

 That’s why I like him. He didn’t run. ” So, tell me honestly, how are things with your friend, Mary? You seem tense whenever her name comes up. ” She’s not a bad person, Mac. She’s just chosen a different road than me. ” Mary, are you okay? You look tired. I’m fine. Just a long night. Go to bed, Erica. ” All right. Good night.

” What am I doing? I can’t keep pretending. ” [sighs] ” You don’t have to tell me everything. But I’m here, Mary. Always. ” Thank you, Erica. I really appreciate it. ” Erica, I don’t care where you come from. ”  ” I only care where you’re going, and I want to be part of that journey. ” Mack, nobody has ever said that to me before.

” I mean it. ” Mack, this is your house? ” I wanted you to know me for me first before you knew what I own. ” I can’t believe this. ” It’s all for us. ” Mommy, I met someone. His name is Mack, and he has a lot. ” A lot? Oh, my daughter, finally God has answered. Don’t let him go, you hear me? ” Mommy, I hear you.

” Erica has a rich man now. That quiet useless girl? Ah, this cannot be. My daughter has been here longer doing everything, and this is what happens. ” So, Mack, tell me what exactly do you see in a simple girl like Erica? ” I see someone real. That’s rare in this city. ” Are you sure this Mack person is genuine? You don’t know Lagos men like I do, Erica. Let me meet him first.

 Mary, why do you sound like this? I thought you’d be happy for me. Happy? I’m just looking out for you. Mary, why did you try to test him like that tonight? Because nobody has ever looked at me the way he looks at you. Nobody stays for me, Erica. They only stay for what I can give them. I’m so tired of pretending I’m fine.

” [gasps] [sighs] ” It’s not too late to choose differently, Mary. I’ll walk that road with you if you let me. Mack, we need to talk. It’s about Erica. She doesn’t deserve you. I can make you happy. ” [sighs] ” Mack, why aren’t you replying? You just vanished without a word. I don’t understand. Please, just tell me what happened.