They All Laughed When The Bride Was Picked Up On A Tricycle, Unaware The Groom Is A Secret Tycoon

PART 2:

 Everybody will have a husband. There’s no problem. You took the marriage meant for me and gave it to Cassandra. Now, you want to give me the man she rejected. Mind how you speak. You should be grateful. Ikenna is a farmer. Life in the village will be simple. Nobody will trouble you there. I am not marrying him. You should be grateful.

 You will marry him.  No.  The Noosu family has already paid the bride price.  What? They also brought marriage gifts worth millions without speaking to me. You were not here when they came. I was at work and we accepted on your behalf.  Return the money, the bride price and the gifts.

 Return what? [laughter] We have spent most of it. What did you use it for?  That is not your concern.  If you refuse this marriage, the Nasu family will demand everything back. Do you have millions to repay them?  No, but I did not ask you to collect anything.  You will marry him?  No. Your parents were buried on the family land behind the old house.

 What about them?  The papers for that land are also under your uncle’s control.  You would not dare.  If we need money to repay the Nosu family, we may have to sell the land.  My parents are buried there. The new owner can decide what to do with  the graves. You will allow someone to remove their grace.

 We are not the ones refusing to cooperate.  Uncle, please  marry Iken Wasu or lose the land where your parents are buried.  How can you be this cruel? My father was your brother.  Fine. What did you say? I will marry him.  Come outside. Both young women from the Maduka house are leaving for their husband’s homes today.

 Everyone wants to see the  families coming to collect Cassandra and Chica.  I am leaving the only home I have known for a man I have never met. That must be the AU family’s car. Chief Uchiago owns one of the biggest breweries around. Everyone  will see the important family I’m entering.  That is Chineduagu,  Chief Uuch’s only son and the heir to the brewery.

 I chose the right man. Good morning, Uncle Emma. Good morning, Anggoi.  Welcome, my son. Load her things.  Some women are born lucky. Others are born to suffer. Chica can keep her farmer. I am entering the Agu family.  That vehicle normally carries grain  and farm tools. Is that what came to collect chica?  [laughter]  My daughter, I am Mama  Eyenna’s mother.

Chica, are you carrying vegetables to your husband’s house? Look at the vehicle that came to collect her. [laughter]  This is for you. A small welcome gift.  Thank you,  mama. It is so thin there cannot be more than a few thousand inside.  You judge too quickly, my child. Money does not need to make noise before it has value.

 This village woman enjoys pretending to be important. Thank you, mama. You should respect your mother-in-law. When Kenna begins to beat you, she may help you beg him.  If my son ever raises his hand against his wife, I will deal with him myself. No adult had defended  me like that in many years.  Come my daughter, let us go home.

 This back is much higher than it looked. I have worked on a farm for many years. I can carry a pig. One slim daughter-in-law is no problem. [laughter]     I do not know what is waiting for me but beside mama if I feel safe. This is your [snorts] home. our home. [music and singing]  [singing]  The sitting room is larger than the whole ground floor of my uncle’s house.

 Mama, is this a hotel?  A hotel? No, my daughter. This is just our family house. [laughter]  Aunting Gozi said was a farmer.  He is a farmer.  This does not look like the house of an ordinary farmer.  My son made a little money some years ago. He returned home and renovated the old house.  A little money.

 That is what he said. [laughter]  I work for a furniture company during school. This is genuine leather. It is very expensive.  Mama,  it is a gold bar.  Oh, that thing. It is one of the samples from Ekenna’s mine investment.  Mining investment.  Yes.  The table was shaking and that was the nearest heavy thing.

 There it is. Fine. Now  a gold bar is being used to hold furniture in place.  What kind of farming family have I married into? You like gold?  No, mama. I was only surprised.  Wait here. [singing]   [singing] [singing]  This one belonged to my mother. This bracelet was given to me when I got married. These are not ordinary gifts.

They are part of family history. Akenna bought these earrings for me, but they are too heavy. Choose whatever you like.  I cannot take these. Why? They are too much. You are my daughter now.  We just met today. That does not matter. I have waited many years for Ekenna to bring a wife home.

 Every time I asked him, he said he was busy. Now that  you are here, let me enjoy myself.  Mama, have you forgotten that you also have a son?  Why are you standing there? I have been standing here for some time  and  you did not even welcome me.  I have a daughter-in-law now. You cannot compete with her.  So this is how my own mother throws me away.

Welcome, Chica.  Thank you.  I am sorry I was not there when mama came to collect you. I had an important meeting in town.  Always meeting. You would have allowed another man to come and carry your wife if I did not go myself. [laughter]  Thank you for saving my marriage, mama.  You are  welcome.

 This is for you.  I have never seen anything like  this. It is beautiful.  I hoped you would like it.  It looks so expensive. How much did it cost?  Mama, is  there food? [laughter] You avoided my question.  I did.  Why?  Because the  price will make you refuse it.  That means it is too expensive.

 That means it is a gift.  Take it. When a man gives his wife something, she should not trouble herself with the price.  There is something  else. My name is on every page. What are these?  Some investments and funds  transferred to you.  Why?  Your aunt accepted the bride price and  marriage gifts on your behalf.

 I know.  She accepted far less than what my family prepared.  She already collected millions.  I know.   And you are saying that was less.  I did not want your relatives to take everything meant for you.  So, I placed the balance in your name. The total is close to 1 billion.

 This cannot be correct, Ikenna. This is almost 1 billion.  It is only a welcome gift.  Only I told him it was enough  for now. For now.  If you need more, tell me.  What exactly do you do?  I farm.  You are using gold to  support a table.  That was mama’s idea.  You gave me jewelry that you refused to price.

 Now you have placed almost 1 billion naira in my name.  I also grow maze. I have 3 acres of land that I work on myself. That makes me a farmer.  What else?  I have some investments.  In what?  Agriculture, energy, technology, logistics,  real estate, a few other things.  A few.  Nothing you need to worry about today. This my husband is not  an ordinary farmer.

 She does not know that I control the largest private business group in the country.  What are those?  My cards. This is for my salary. This is for bonuses.  Why are you giving them to me? It is our family rule. What rule? Before a man marries, his mother manages his money. After  marriage, his wife manages his home and personal accounts.

 These are connected to other investments.  I cannot manage your money.  Why not?  I do not even know you.  You will know me.  What if I take everything and run away?  Then I will have to follow you. [laughter]  I mean it.  So do I. How much pocket money will you give me every month?  You are asking me.

 You’ll be holding the cards.  Maybe  2 million.  What will I do with 2 million?  You are rich.  That does not mean I should waste money.  Then 1 million.  No.  500,000.  Give me 50,000.  50,000. That is enough  for the whole month.  Yes.  What if you need more?  I will write an apology letter.

 What kind of apology letter?  Dear wife, I am sorry I spent all my pocket money. I promise to behave better if you help me with a small amount. [snorts]  You are not serious.  I am very serious. [laughter] You already have the notebook.  I like to prepare early.  For a few moments, I forgot the fear that had followed me from Uncle Acha’s house. Laughing with them felt strange.

It also felt good. It It felt like family. Thank you,  mama. I thought this was my room.  It is our room.  Our room.  We have not had a wedding ceremony.  Your bride price has been paid.  That does not mean.  I know you will not do anything you do not want to do.  What will happen when he discovers that Cassandra was the woman promised to his family? Will he send me away? Will mama stop being kind? What are you thinking about?  Nothing.

 That is a serious looking nothing.  I am tired.  Then rest.  You are not leaving.  It is my room too.  It is big enough.  I can sleep on the sofa.  No.  Then you can sleep there.  You want your husband to break his back on our first night? I am joking. You are safe here chica  sunshine [singing] when rain fall.

 [singing]   Are you asleep?  No.  Close your eyes.  Why? Because you are watching me like I am a criminal.  I am not.  You are. [music and singing]  What was that?  A good night kiss.  You should have asked me.  You are right. I am sorry.  It is fine. Feeling safe beside him frightens and comforts me at the same time.

  Where are the servants? Someone should carry my bags, prepare my bath, and bring my food. [singing]  They started dinner without calling me.  Who told you to sit? One time and  I came to eat.  A new wife does not sit at the table on her first days in this house.  What do you mean?  You will kneel beside the table and serve us.

 I am not a servant.  Do what my mother said.  You want me to kneel?  It is the rule in this family.  I have never knelt to serve anyone. You entered this house because of an old promise. Do not mistake that for importance. You are not yet good enough to be treated as the respected wife of my son. Learn our ways first.

 Do not make things worse.   The brewery needs a large supply of sorum and maze. I can handle the purchase.  You?  Yes, Dad. I can get the farmers to sell at a lower price.  If you save the company money, maybe you will finally become useful.  I will pay the farmers far below the normal market price.

I will keep part of the difference for myself. If I succeed, the AU family will respect me.    Chica, you have been inside this house for a few days. You need to go out and meet the people around us.  Which people, mama?  The farmers who live near our land. Come with me. I want you to meet them.

 All right, mama. Let us go.  They have been waiting to meet Ikenna’s wife. We are happy IA finally brought a wife home. You all seem very close to him. When I was young, his family did not have much. We all contributed what we could so he could finish school.  When he became successful, he did not forget us.

 He paid school fees for many of our children.  He helped my son get a job. He helped  us repair our house.  Now I understand why the community loves IA.  The grain is ready. Why is the auyer taking so long? This place is dirty.  We have arranged everything there.  I am not entering that truck. It smells. You people should be grateful I came.

The brewery has other places to buy from.  It is 1,000 kg. That cannot be correct. It is what the skill says. The scale says 1,000.  You will be paid for 450.  That is too low.  We cannot sell at that price.  We spent months growing this grain. Then do not sell. The AGO brewery is the only large buyer ready to take everything.

 If you refuse our price, your crops can remain here until they spoil. That is not fair. What are you doing here? These farmers worked for months. You cannot cheat them. Stay out of Agu family business. This is not about your family. It is about people who deserve fair payment. These poor villages should know their place.

We may be farmers, but we are not fools. Do not speak to me like that. Cassandra, Chica, how slap me. You pushed an elderly woman. None of you will sell one bag of grain unless Chica kneels and apologizes to me. People with money control business. They control the police and important officials. You cannot fight us.

My daughter-in-law has enough money to buy this grain.  That must be fake. How much is everything worth at the correct market price? Tens of millions. I did not expect it to be that much. They worked for months. I cannot leave them to lose everything because Cassandra wants to cheat them. I will buy everything.

You? Yes. [laughter] You are trying to impress poor people with money you do not have.  I heard someone attack my wife.  You must be the handsome village boy she hired to pretend to be her husband. We watched Ikenna grow up.  He is Mama’s son.  Then the money must be borrowed or stolen.  Weigh every bag again.

 Use the correct scale. 1,000 kg. The farmer’s measurement was correct. Transfer his payment immediately at the full market price. Add a small bonus for the hours they wasted waiting.   The money has entered. He even added a bonus. They paid very naira and they added something  extra for our waiting.  He has spent tens of millions of naira and he does not even look worried.

 What if I rejected the wrong man? What is this?  You assaulted an elderly woman, tried to strike my wife, used false measurements, and attempted to force farmers to accept an unfair price. You called the police because of that?  Yes.  Do you know who I am? My husband’s family pays large taxes. Important people know us.

  You cannot arrest me. You will regret this.   Thank you.  Thank you.  What is wrong? I need to write an apology  for what?  My wife still speaks to me like I am a stranger. Dear wife, I am sorry I failed to make you comfortable enough to stop thanking me.  You are not serious.  I  am deeply serious.

 [laughter]  For the first time  since my parents died, I am no longer standing alone.  You can put that away now.  Not until you forgive me.  For what exactly? for allowing my wife to stand in the sun and spend tens of millions without first offering her water.  You are impossible.  I have heard worse.

 [laughter]  Everyone, begin moving the grain into the safe warehouse.  All right, mama. We will move it now. What do you plan to do with all this grain?  I have no idea.  You bought it without a plan?  They needed help.  That was a good  enough reason. The sodum and maze can be used for food processing.

 Some can also be used for brewing.  Are you suggesting that I sell it to another brewery?  No.  Then what?  I think you should build your own company.  I can I bought grain this morning. Now you want me to own a company?  You studied business administration?  A food processing and beverage company. My name is Lisa, the owner.

It even has a registered trademark. When did you do this?  Before today.   You knew I would buy the grain.  I knew you would find a way to help the farmers.  People will say I only became successful because I married a rich man.  People will always say something.  But they will not be completely  wrong.

 You are giving me the company, the money, and the equipment.  I am giving you an opportunity.  That is  still a lot. You studied for years. You worked small jobs to pay your school fees. You understand business,  but your uncle never allowed you to believe in yourself. I can provide the land, equipment, and starting capital.

 I cannot run the company for you. You will make the decisions. You will hire workers. You will speak to the farmers and build the business.  What if I fail?  Then you learn and try again.  What if I lose your money?  Our money. I want people to respect you because of your mind and  your character.

 Not only because you are my wife.  Nobody has ever spoken about my abilities with  such confidence.  This is Oina. He’s my assistant. Good afternoon, madam.  Please call me Chica.  Chica. Then Oina will help you secure land for the factory and purchase the equipment.  He will also help you hire skilled workers and complete the government documents.

 I have already found three suitable pieces of land. You can inspect them whenever you are ready.  You both believed I would agree.  No, I only hoped you would.  For years, Uncle made me feel like a burden. Now someone believes I can build something of my own. I will try.  That is all I am asking.   Is something wrong?  It is my aunt.

 Answer it.  Tell your husband to release my daughter.  I cannot release anyone.  You sent her to the police.  She attacked an elderly woman and tried to cheat farmers.  Cassandra made a small mistake. Does that mean you should destroy her marriage?  I did not destroy anything.  You are jealous because she married into the Agu family.

 I am not jealous of Cassandra. You think that farmer has made you important? You will call the police and withdraw the complaint tonight. No,  you have become stubborn.  I am only refusing to protect Cassandra from the result of her actions. Very well. Let us see how stubborn you will be when we sell the land behind the old house.

 What land?  The land where your parents are buried. You promised not to touch their graves.  You promised because you agreed to marry Kenna. We did not promise to tolerate you sending our daughter to jail.  You cannot do this.  The papers are with your uncle. We can sell the land tomorrow.  What will happen to the graves?  That will be the new owner’s problem.

 They may remove them. They may build over them. How can you keep using my dead parents to threaten me? Release Cassandra and nothing will happen.  This is a Kenna. You will not sell anything.  This is a family matter.  Chica is my family now.  You do not know what you are entering.  I know enough.

 They will do it.  They have already taken the house.  Get ready.  Where are we going?  To your childhood home. I played in this compound when I was a child. Mama used to call me inside when the rain started. Papa always sat here with his newspaper. Everything changed after they died.  So you finally came back.

 You sent our daughter to jail and now you have the courage to enter this house.  This is my parents house. You still do not know how to speak to YOUR ELDERS.  LET GO OF [screaming] ME.  Nobody  will ever beat you again. You come into my house and threaten me. Your house? What is this? It is a court approved property order.

 For what property?  This house. The ancestral land and the land where Mr. and Mrs. Maduka were buried. All of it belongs to me. I have the documents.  You have forged documents. After Chica’s parents died, you submitted false papers and transferred their property to yourself. The signatures were not genuine.

 That is a lie.  The records have been examined.  The legal owner is Chica Maduka. I raised that girl.   Does raising a child mean stealing her inheritance? You  would have had nothing without me.  I had a house. I had land. I had rent coming from my parents’ shops.  We used that money to feed you.

 You stopped paying my school fees after I gained admission.  You are a girl. There was no need to waste money.  I worked and received  scholarships to finish school.  You lived under my roof.  My parents’ roof. Neighbors, come and see what is happening. Our ungrateful niece has brought STRANGERS TO THROW US OUT.

 My husband and I raised Chica like our own daughter. Now that she has found a husband,  she wants to make us homeless.  In Goi,  stop lying. Everyone knows this house belonged to Chica’s father.  You lived here for years  and collected rent from his property.  We raised her.  You made her work like a servant.

 We heard her crying many nights. You people should mind your business. My daughter, you should have taken back your house long ago.  After everything I have done for this community, this is how you repay me. You lived in your younger brother’s house. You spent his money and denied his child peace.

 What repayment do you want?  For years,  I called you family.  We are your family.  No. Family members do not steal from one another. They do not use  dead parents to threaten an orphan. They do not beat her and stop her education. You will regret speaking like this. You can take everything that belongs to you.

 You have until tomorrow evening to leave.  This house is ours.  It never was. You think this village farmer can protect you? Ago family will destroy both of you.  Ago family?  You will soon know who they are.  I have never heard of any ago family  powerful enough to frighten me. The lawyers and I will complete the final property documents tonight.

 Call me when everything has been filed. I will. Mama’s  phone is switched off.  Let me try. Mama’s phone is still switched off. Obina’s phone is off too.  His battery may have died during the long day.  We can stay in the house.  I do not want you spending the night here while they are angry.  Where will we go?  It’s too late to return to the village now.

 There is an old house on the farm.  Another mansion.  This one is truly an old house. You are serious.  I told you this one is really old. There is no air conditioner.  I will survive.  The electricity is not always steady.  I said I will survive. Do not start.  I have not said anything.  Your face has already said enough.

 I am innocent. [music and singing] [singing]  What are you doing?  I am cold.  You have more space on your side.  Cold air is coming from that side.  There is a wall there.  It is a cold war.  Go back.  Akenna.  Yes.  Do not use the weather as an excuse. I am only protecting my wife from the cold.  I did not ask for protection.

 But you are warm.  Quiet. I go love you for the noise.  Even when the road get plenty now you  still [singing] remain my choice  for this moment. There is no house, no court order and no threat. There is only  IA.  Are you all right? [singing]  Where are you going?  To take a cold shower  at this time.

 It is either that or I remain here and forget every promise I made to behave.  Cold houses and beautiful wives are a dangerous combination.    The distant farm had no phone signal throughout the night.  They must have wondered why neither of us answered.  We will explain when we reach them.

Where is Chica?  Inside.  You both stayed here alone.  Mama, do not start.  How did you catch a cold when there was a woman beside you?  What kind of question is that?  My son may have a problem. I do not want to be part of this conversation.  What problem?  He stayed alone with you all night and still came outside to catch a cold.

 Mama,  I have been waiting for grandchildren. If a man cannot do anything when he’s alone with his wife. What should his mother think? Even if we cannot have children, I will not leave you.  You will never leave me. No.  No matter what happens, you have promised.  I only said  You said you would never leave.

 Good. Then let us arrange the public wedding before these two give me more trouble.  Where have you  been? You know I was detained.  You disappeared while handling company business.  Chinedu. I was protecting your family’s brewery.  The farmers attacked my daughter. Why?  Because she tried to buy their grain for your brewery.

 Her wicked cousin Chica turned them against her.  She stole the grain that should have come to your company.  She paid for it.  That is still stealing our business. Besides, Chica and her poor husband do not have money to pay for all that grain. Chica has also taken our family house and now plans to build a factory to compete with you.

 What factory?   I heard it is a food processing and brewery company. She wants to take over your market.  No young woman like Chica has the right to enter my market and challenge me.  We will go there tomorrow. It glitters for a  moment, then vanishes before your eyes. It is a crown [singing] made of  smoke. No heart.

 Who is Chica?  I am. She took the grain meant for our brewery.  She paid the correct price.  She is also building a processing plant that will employ our children. You see, she is still in our business. No family owns the right to operate every factory  in this area. I control the brewing business.

 That does not mean nobody else can enter it.  I decide who enters it.  Do you find something funny?  Yes. A man saying he owns an entire industry is always funny.  Director Madu, I want you to stop the certification of a new factory.  Does the factory have influential backing? No, your factory is finished before it starts.

The license review has been stopped. Dealing with ordinary people is easy. Who stopped the license? Director Madu, investigate him. You think an investigation is that simple? When a man is corrupt, it usually is. Director Madu accepted bribes from several businesses. He approved unsafe factories and blocked legal applications for money.

 I am sending the evidence to the proper authorities now. What do you mean? Director M has been suspended. Arrested. You were saying something about ordinary people. This man thinks he’s powerful because he married Chica. That girl has always been stubborn. I used to beat her until she knelt and begged. This is why I stopped her school fees.

 I knew education would make her disrespectful. You beat her. Mom, let me go.  I cannot please.  He is proud of hurting you.  I know.  He deserves.  I do not want you to hurt him. Let the law handle him. These are Chica’s old school records, medical reports, and signed statements from neighbors who witnessed the abuse.

We will add everything to the investigation. The property fraud evidence will be added to the case. Cassandra’s earlier charges are also still open. The three of you will follow us for further questioning. You cannot arrest me again. My father-in-law is here, Chief Uchiago. Thank you.  No,  my wife has thanked  me again.

 I cannot please put that thing away.  It means I have failed.  You have not failed. Then why are you speaking to me like a stranger?  [singing]  I lock my heart  well. But you know the door to  open.  That is the correct way for a wife to show appreciation.  You are very troublesome  and you love me that way.

Many problems may still be waiting for us, but for the first time in my life, I am not afraid to face them.  You are free to leave for now. The investigation is still open. I want a divorce.  What?  I am tired of your trouble.  Dad, say something.  You were arrested while handling company business. You brought the police to our home.

 Now your parents are being investigated for property fraud. My parents’ problem has nothing to do with me.  Everything has something to do with you.  You knew what kind of family I came from before you married me.  I did not marry you because I wanted you. I only accepted this marriage because you said there was an old family promise.

I have done enough. Chief, you cannot allow this. Why not? I once saved a member of your family. A promise was made in return. You are using that favor to force my son into an unhappy marriage. A promise is a promise.  This girl has brought nothing but shame. Please give her another chance.  The marriage will not end today.

But if there is one more scandal,  I will not stop you.    You have to become pregnant.  With whose child? Chinedu’s child. How will that happen? He does not even touch me. Then find a way. Whenever I enter his room, he tells me to leave. He dislikes me. If you carry the Agu family’s air, they will not throw you away.

 How do I become pregnant when my husband refuses to sleep with me?  We will make him believe he did. Now crown will be small. Now throw away  if you shine for small time for the morning [music and singing] gloryless. [singing] I have had enough.  It is your father’s business anniversary celebration. You should enjoy yourself.

It is a special night. Celebrate properly with your father.  He will never willingly give me a child. I need another plan.     He will not wake up.  No.  And you will pay the balance tonight?  Yes. She walks as though the earth is [music and singing] hers with honey resting on her tongue.

She counts the room she has not earned and wears a war she has not won.  Good morning husband.  What happened?  You do not remember. You were drunk but you still came to me as your wife. We made passionate love.  That is not possible.  It happened.  [singing]  I am pregnant.  My daughter is carrying the AU family’s air.

Sit down. You should not remain standing.  From today, give Cassandra better food. increase her monthly allowance and remove her from heavy household duties.  Yes,  you should  rest. Whatever is between us, the child should be protected.  Thank you.   I just sent you extra money.

 Leave the area [singing]  for how long?  What if I need more money?  You have already been paid.  But what if it’s not enough?  Do not come back.  The secret is gone. [singing]  I am still handling the equipment orders. The final approval only needs the senior official signature.  I will handle it.  Are you all right,  Chinedu?  No, my name is Judagu.

Chinedu is my cousin. Our fathers are brothers. People often mistake us for each other.  Yes. Now that you are closer, you do not look alike at all. Your hair is different, too.  I always thought so. So, what brings you here? My factory needs one final approval from a senior government official.  The person you need is in another building. I am going there now.

This way. Her application is complete. The final approval was delayed without a clear reason.  Let me review it.  Your application is complete and lawful. The final approval is signed.  Thank you. Thank you.  It was nothing. Your factory will provide jobs. It should not be delayed without reason.  Stop the car.

 Chica, so this is what you have been doing. What is wrong with you? You could not take my husband through the old agreement. So now you want to seduce him. Chinedu, have you lost your mind?  I am not Chinedu. Do not lie to me.  My name is Judu.  You expect me to believe this just because you cut your hair?  This can be arranged.

You do not even recognize your own husband. Keep quiet. If you are sure he is Chinedu, open your husband’s contact profile and call him. Why should I prove anything to you?  Call him. Your own husband blocked you. That is none of your business.  Try it. Did she touch you?  I am fine.  You will never raise your hand against my wife again.

 How can a farmer afford that car? Is there a rule against farmers entering good cars?  You are driving it for your employer  if that helps you sleep.  He cannot own that car. I will not believe I rejected  the better man. My daughter, I already have clothes.  Mama, you need something special for the wedding.

 People are coming to look at you, not me.  They will look at the groom’s mother, too. It suits you perfectly.  It is not bad. [laughter]  Please package it suddenly,  madam. My mother will wear this. We chose it first. My mother is the mother-in-law of the Agu family. She needs  the best. It suits me.

 Madam, perhaps you can choose another one. My mother-in-law chose that outfit first. Then she can choose something cheaper. My daughter-in-law can buy this whole boutique. [laughter] Your son started one small factory and now you think you are rich. How much is the outfit? The complete set is 1,200,000. Madam, that money  must belong to the factory. [laughter] Do not accept it.

She is stealing business money to impress people.  What is happening? This woman is trying to spend stolen company funds.  Leave the boutique.  You have not even heard our side.  I know the AU family.  That does not make her accusation true.  Send security here. We have suspected thieves.  You are calling us thieves because this girl has a rich surname.

 You should shop in places you can afford. What happened? These women are causing trouble. These women are my mother and my wife. Then take them away before I have all of you arrested. You have 3 minutes to come to the boutique on the second floor. Who did you call? The owner of the mall. Yes.  You truly enjoy pretending.

 [laughter] Chairman Mosu, I did not know you were here. What a great honor. Your workers accused my mother and wife of stealing  without evidence. Is this true, sir? Mrs. Agu said, you accepted an accusation because of a family name. Mrs. Nou Mama, I sincerely apologize. Remove Mr. Nambdi and this attendant from their positions immediately.

 You are no longer the manager of this boutique. Both of you will leave the premises now. Never judge a customer by clothes, surname, or appearance. Everyone who enters this mall must be treated with respect.  As for you, Mrs. Agu, you and your mother can leave. You are both banned from this mall.  Do you know who my father-in-law is? I do.

 You are not afraid of the Agu family?  No. Escort them out.  Please accept the outfit without payment as part of my apology. We came to shop not to bully people with power. We will pay the full price.  Payment approved, sir. Thank you. Why is the mall owner treating him like that?  He must work for an important businessman.

But the man called him chairman.  There are many small chairmen.   We can hold our wedding in a major city. There will be better hotels and more space.  I want it close to the people who supported your family. Many of the old farmers cannot travel far.  You do not want something bigger.  I want the people who matter to be there.

  The hall is large enough for your guests, but we can keep the setting warm and simple. That is exactly what we want.  We will book the main hall. The AU family wants the main hall for a family celebration and a formal marriage blessing because of my pregnancy.  The main hall is already booked.  Cancel her booking.

 We cannot do that.  Do you know who my family is?  Yes, but Mrs. No booked first and paid in full.  So, you followed me here, too?  I booked this hotel before you came. You always want what belongs to me. I have never wanted anything that belongs to you.  Cassandra, leave her alone. Can I speak to Chica alone?  Why?  Go back to the office.

 Chinedu, I am your wife  and she is not interested in this argument. I am sorry about her behavior.  It is not your duty to apologize for her. She forced herself into my life through family pressure.  You accepted the marriage.  I had no choice.  Everyone has a choice.  I am planning to divorce her.

 That is between both of you.  It does not have to be. You should not be wasting your life with that farmer. I can give you comfort, money, and power.  I already have a husband.  A poor husband. Are you asking me to marry you?  My family situation is complicated.  So you are not offering marriage.

 I can still take care of you.  You want me to become your secret woman.  I did not say it like that.  But that is what you mean. I do not know what gave you the right to ask me something this foolish. But I will pretend I did not hear you. I love my husband. I will never destroy my home because of money.

 You love him?  Yes.  She answered you. Now move away from my wife. You again. You should be grateful I am speaking calmly. Name your price and leave her. She is not something I own or sell. Everybody has a price. I do not. Men like me can destroy men like you easily. With one call, you can lose your farm, your small company, and even your life.

Are you threatening to hire people to harm me? Take it however you want. If your family is so powerful, why did you fail to protect Director Madu? And why could your father not stop the investigations into his company? You had help. Perhaps you think you have won because you married a woman who should have belonged to me.

 Before chasing another man’s wife, investigate your own. What does that mean? You have 12 hours for what? To learn the truth about your pregnant wife. What happened in that hotel room?  What hotel room?  The night of my father’s business celebration.  You were drunk.  Did I sleep with you?  You know you did.

 I remember waking up with all my clothes on.  I helped you. You were too drunk to remember anything.  What is this about?  There is a message from an unknown number.    You brought another man into the hotel suite while I was unconscious. The camera showed you opening the door for him yourself.  It is not what it looks like.

 Then explain the hotel footage, the bank transfer, and the messages you deleted. He only came to speak to me  for the whole night. The camera showed him leaving alone before sunrise. You paid that man after he spent the night with you. Whose child are you carrying?  Mama, please say something.  Whose child are you carrying?  Chinedu, please listen to me.

 I am listening.  She made a mistake.  A mistake?  She was afraid you would divorce her. So fear of divorce made her sleep with another man.  She wanted a child. She knew you would never give her one.  You brought another man into the hotel while my son lay unconscious. I only did it because I wanted to remain in this family.

 You brought this woman into my house. Our families had an agreement. I am tired of hearing about that agreement. Tell me exactly what happened when my brother’s car crashed. I saw him trapped inside. I broke the window and pulled him out before the vehicle caught fire. Who else was there? Many years have passed. I cannot remember.

 You remembered enough to demand a marriage. Find everyone connected to that accident. I want the newspaper report, hospital records, and witness statements. There is no need for that. Why are you afraid? I am not afraid. Then you will wait. Sir, the newspaper and hospital records identify the rescue as Chukuma Maduka, Chica’s father. Yes.

 He broke the window, pulled your brother out, and stayed until help arrived. Acha Maduka only visited the hospital later and started telling people he saved your late brother. You lied to us. That newspaper report may be wrong. The hospital records carry Chukuma’s name. Two witnesses also identified him as the rescuer.

 Are all of them wrong, too? Answer me. The man who broke the window and pulled my brother from that burning car was Chukum Maduka. Chica’s father saved my brother. You only visited the hospital after the rescue. Even the promise that brought you into this house was built on a lie.  I did not know my father lied about the accident.

 You knew the old agreement was meant for Chica, not you.  Taking her place was my parents decision.  You accepted because you wanted my family’s money.  I accepted because I love you.  Did you love me when you brought Kelvin into our hotel suite? Did you love me while you paid him to give you a child?  She only did it because she loved you too much.

 Did you love me, Cassandra? Or did you love my family’s money? Answer me. This marriage is over. You cannot leave me now. I am pregnant.  You are carrying another man’s child.  The child is innocent.  I am not blaming the child. I am refusing to remain married to you. You and your parents will leave this house today.

 Please, Chief, we have nowhere to go.  You had a house until you stole it from an orphan. You cannot treat us like this after everything between our families. There is nothing between our families. Your brother saved mine. You stole the honor after his death.  Please do not divorce me.  You lied about our marriage, the pregnancy, and the man in the hotel.

 I did it for us.  What exactly do you want me to save? From today, no agu family business will give Cassandra or her parents money, work or shelter. Send the evidence of their property fraud and false claims to the police. I will notify every company and deliver the evidence tonight. Sir,  I fought so hard to enter this rich family.

I hardly enjoyed the life and now I  am leaving with two small bags. This farmer delivered 1,000 kg. Why does the company record show 450?  Management ordered us to reduce the weights. We also offered prices far below the market rate.  For how long? For years, these payments were disguised as consulting fees.

 They are bribes to government officials. The company also declared lower income.  Copy every document and secure the original files. These batches failed basic health checks. The company released them for sale anyway. The production equipment is also unsafe. Seal the production line immediately.  Chief Uche paid officials to block smaller companies from receiving licenses.

 Legal applications were rejected after these payments entered the officials accounts.  Add every payment and rejected application to the criminal file.  Sir, most of your powerful contacts refused to answer. The few who answer said you must stop calling them.  Call them again.  They have blocked the numbers, sir. Every AGO company account is frozen.

Creditors are taking the secured assets. Chief Uchiagu, you are under arrest for bribery, fraud, and public safety violations.  My lawyers will destroy this case.  The AU brewery license is revoked immediately.  You cannot close my company.  Production has been permanently shut down.

 All employees are terminated effective immediately.  The machines are sealed. The workers have all gone home. Our greed destroyed everything. For the first time, the AU name cannot protect us.  Obina and I inspected factory equipment all day.  My feet are killing me.  What are you doing?  You have been on your feet all day.  You do not have to do this. I want to.

 You are always doing things for me.  You are my wife.  That cannot be your answer for everything.  It is a good answer.   Why do you care for me this much?  I heard what you told Chinedu at  the hotel.  You said you loved your husband.  I was angry. [singing]  So you did not mean it.

 I did not say that. What did you mean?  I like  you.  That is not the word you used.  Must you trouble me?  Yes.  I love you.  Say it again.  No.  Then perhaps I did not hear properly.  You heard me. I want to  be certain.  I love you, Ikenna.  I love you, too. When did it happen?  For you?  No,   for you.

 Long before you came into this house.  What do you mean?  Mama.  I am sleeping.  You are standing.  I am sleepwalking.  You were listening. I heard nothing.  You dropped a cup. I am  going back to bed. [laughter]  That woman has no shame.  She is happy for you.  For us?  Yes,  for us.

 The landlord demanded rent in advance. Most of our remaining money went into paying it. There is no servant. There is no large sitting room. Some days there is barely enough food. If you had not brought that man into the hotel, you would still be in the ago house. You told me to become pregnant.

 I told you to become pregnant for your husband. He refused to touch me. What else was I supposed to do? You should have found another way. That was the only way. Both of you should stop.  This whole problem started because you could not keep Chica under control.  Was I the one who planned the marriage swap?  You agreed to it.

 You were the one who said I should take Chinedu because the Au family was rich and you were happy to take him. You told me I would leave like a queen. Did I force you to enter his car? I can’t believe this.   [singing]   Is that not Obina? I have seen him  with Ikenna on several occasions.

 I have also seen that businessman on television. Maybe I’s employer is coming. Ikennena will serve the true owner. Chairman Noasu, the board is waiting for your decision.  Your aircraft is ready for tomorrow’s meeting.  Why did they call him chairman?  Who is that man?  You do not know chairmanu.  What kind of chairman?  He founded Global.

  I have heard that name. No Global owns farms, technology companies, energy projects and logistics businesses.  He is one of the richest men in Africa.  He is one of the richest men in Africa.  Mosu Global owns farms, technology companies, energy projects. Its founder rarely appears in public.

I mocked the old tricycle. I called Ikenna a poor farmer. I called him a driver. The man I rejected is richer than 10 ago families. Much richer. You were meant to marry him. The agreement was in my name.  It mentioned a daughter from our family.  No. Ekkenna’s family came for me first. The wedding is only days away.

I will reveal the marriage swap in front of everyone. A man of his position cannot allow people to say he married the wrong woman through deception. I am certain of this. He will marry me. How will you even enter the wedding? We will find a way.  You do not need to give me money. This is not for you. It is for Chica.

 You helped our children attend school. You help them find jobs  and Chica bought our crops when others wanted to cheat us. She has also employed our sons and daughters. Thank you for coming. Was that Cassandra? Mama, come and take a picture with us. I am calm. I am happy.  I am ready.  Before you come, [singing] I rode  long.

Every night just cold and still.  Why are you looking at me like that?  I have waited almost 10 years for this moment.   10 years?  I will explain after the wedding.  Stop. Nobody will destroy my son’s wedding. This wedding is a lie.  Come closer and there will be blood here. What do you want?  I want everyone to know the truth.

 I was the woman originally promised to Ian Nuosu. Chica stole my place. Ask her. Let her deny it. I am sorry, Ekkenna.  It is true. Cassandra was meant to marry you. My father made an agreement with Chief Uchiago that I would marry Chinidu. Uncle Amecha  and Aunt Goi gave that marriage to Cassandra.

 They then forced me to take Cassandra’s  place in your family. Why did you agree? They threatened to sell the land where my parents were buried. They said the new owner could remove their graves. I should have told you. I was afraid you would send me away. I am sorry. Where are you going?  I deceived you.  No, you did not.

I knew.  You knew?  I knew before you arrived at my house. My assistant investigated  the Maduka family when the old marriage promise was brought up again. We knew Cassandra  rejected the arrangement because she believed Mr. Nosu was a poor farmer. We also knew Chica  was forced to take your place.

 Then why did you accept her?  Because she was  the woman I wanted.  I was promised to you.  The family promise is not a legal order. Nobody can force two adults to marry.  My father saved your family. No, your father lied. The person who saved my father years ago was Chukuma Maduka.  My father?  Yes.

 You took credit after your  brother died. The old debt was connected to Chica’s father, not you.  That still does not change the fact that I was meant to become your wife.  It changes nothing because  I would never marry you even if you are the last woman on earth.  Why? You insult farmers. You push older people.

 You look down on anyone you think is poor. You cheated workers  and lied about an unborn child.  They are all pretending. Everyone wants money.  No, you wanted money. You chose Chinedu because you believed  his family was rich. Now you know I am richer and you want to change again. That is not love.  You said you always wanted me.

 How? Nearly 10 years ago, my mother almost died. She had a serious medical emergency. The hospital needed blood quickly, but the blood bank did not have enough of her type.  I was at the hospital after falling ill from exhaustion. I heard a young man crying near the nurses station.  I was young. My father had just died.

I was still in school and I was trying to build my first small business. I had debts everywhere.  The nurse told me that a woman needed blood urgently. Although I was weak, I asked to be tested. The doctors checked me and confirmed it was safe. I donated blood.  That was you?  After donating blood, you overheard that I could not pay the remaining hospital bill.

 I had just received money from a part-time job. It was meant to cover my food and transport for the month. Still, I placed it inside an envelope and gave it to a nurse. I asked her not to mention my name. I told her to give it to the young man.  Yes.  I thought he needed it more than I did.  You also sent a message. What message?  Difficult  days do not last forever. Do not give up.

 I never knew it was you.  I knew it was you.  How?  The nurse remembered your first name. I told myself I would only marry you in this life. So years later, when I had the means, I searched for you. When I discovered you were Chica Maduka, I decided I would never forget what you did. [snorts]  You married me because I helped your mother.

 No, I wanted to marry you because I learned who you were. You were kind when you had almost nothing. You gave away the small money you needed without asking for praise.  So, one good act gave her everything.  Would you have donated blood to save a stranger’s mother? Why would I risk myself for someone I did not know?  Would you have given away your small salary to help a stranger pay a hospital bill?  Of course not. I am not foolish.

 That is the difference. She did not receive love because she was lucky. I loved her because she showed kindness when she had no reason to expect anything in  return.  For years, Cassandra said some women were born lucky while others were born to suffer. My life did not change because I stole another woman’s place.

The kindness I gave during my hardest years was never forgotten. Fine. If Akenna does not want to marry Cassandra, he should compensate her. Compensate her for what? For breaking the marriage promise.  The promise did not force me to marry anyone.  Give us 100 million and we will leave quietly. 100 million is too small.

 My daughter is right. You are one of the richest men in Africa. Give us 500 million.  1 billion will be fair. That is nothing to a man like you.  Did you come here for Cassandra’s marriage or for money?  If you refuse, we will turn this happy day into a bloody one.  Rich people do not walk around with hundreds of millions to pay blackmailers.

 You can transfer it.  You have already admitted that this is blackmail. Everything you have said has been recorded. Your threats will only add to the charges against you. I will post everything online. I will tell the whole country that the powerful chairman was who refused to help the family that brought him a wife.

Post it. The public will see how heartless you are. No. They will see three greedy people who entered a wedding with knives because they failed to steal the groom.  [snorts]  What kind of drama is this?  On wedding day.  If you do not give us the money, I will harm myself here. Then everyone will remember that we died at your wedding.

You people have truly lost your minds. You will have our blood on your hands.  No, your choices belong to you.  You do not care if something happens to us.  I will not reward you for threatening yourselves. Remove the knives. This is a family matter. Threaten people with knives is not a family matter. She is the reason for everything.

You ungrateful girl. For years, those words would have filled me with guilt. This time,  they do not.  Fraud, extortion, assault, property theft, false documents, and threats of violence.  You have taken  everything from me. I did not take your life, Cassandra. You threw it away while trying to  take mine.

I do not feel happy. I do not feel victorious. I only feel free.  What they said was  true in one way.  What do you mean?  You were forced to enter my home.  I cannot.  I do not want you to remain with me because of a promise,  gratitude, or fear. If you want to leave today, you are free to go.

Nobody will stop  you. you would let me leave.  It would break my heart. But yes, this marriage must be your choice. Not your uncle’s choice, not your aunts, not even mine.  He protected me without making me helpless. He supported my dreams without controlling them. He showed me that love could be safe.

I was forced  to enter your home, but nobody is forcing me to remain. I choose you, I Kenna. I choose this family.  I choose this marriage. I choose you because I love you.  I do.  Do you take Chica to be your wife? I do. Before you come my way, every night just cold and still then you’re smiling my darkness like   my daughter is finally mine.

 She’s my wife, mama.  She can be both. [laughter]  You will never be alone again. pain. [singing]   They have been taken to the station. You do not have to worry tonight.  I am not worried.  You are very quiet.  I am thinking  about what?  So much has happened since the day Mama Epha came to collect me with that tricycle.

 My mother refused to use any of the cars. She made everyone believe I was marrying into suffering.  You did marry a farmer.  A farmer with a Mayback, gold bars, and private jets.  I never said I was a poor farmer. Do you regret anything?  I regret not telling you the truth earlier.  I already knew.

 That does not make it right.  You were afraid.  I should have trusted you.  You trust me  now. Yes,  I meant what I said today.  Which part?  That I choose you.  I will keep giving you reasons to make that choice.  I knew I made the right choice.   Now you still remain my choice.

 I love you [singing] for  your money. I don’t choose you for your name. Now the kindness [singing] for your spirit. Make my own hearts  catch the flame. Hold me close. No let me fear.  Whisper softly for my air. Any season  will I bring.  I will still with you.  No be promise from yesterday.

No be false make [music and singing] my heart again and  again. The company did not become successful overnight. There were mistakes, delayed supplies, and difficult decisions. This is the wrong motor. It’s not the one we ordered.  The workers must be paid. The equipment will have to wait. Some people believe I am only playing with my husband’s money.

I will not let their words stop me. I will study every part of this business. I will understand the work before I lead it. I will listen to the people doing the work. Respect must move in both directions. The farmers must be paid fairly. They must also be paid on time. The company now provides jobs, training, and scholarships.

 Success should improve more lives than mine.  The National Enterprise and Social Impact Award goes to Chica Nosu for creating jobs, paying farmers fairly, producing with local crops, and funding scholarships. My husband gave me an opportunity, but he also gave me the freedom to work, fail, learn, and grow. Success means more when it creates room for other people.

   This foundation is for every child, widow, farmer and worker who has ever been made to feel that their life does not matter. [applause] Your life matters and lack of money should never be allowed to end your future. [applause] No child should lose an education because there is no money. I remember what it feels like to have school taken away.

 Farmers, widows, and workers are often treated as if they have no value. This means so much. Thank you.  I want them to know their lives still matter. I will not remove the parts of this house that carry my happiest memories. The burial land is clean. The graves are protected. No one can use them to threaten me again.

 I used to come here afraid.  Afraid of what?  That Uncle Echa would sell the land. That I would lose the last place where I could feel close to them.  You will never lose it.  I hope they would be proud of me.  They would?  How can you be sure?  Because I am.    I may lead companies, but I am still a farmer.

 Do not move.  I live here.  Not with those shoes.  They are only a little dirty.  Remove them. The great chairman also is afraid of his wife.  I am not afraid. I respect authority. [laughter]  Did you spend your pocket money again?  Dear wife,  you still carry that thing.  It has saved my life many times.

 Mama calls me every morning, even when we are inside the same house. Our little baby, you will be called Chukuma  after  my father.   You never treated me like this.  You were not as sweet. He is my son.  And he is my grandson. That is more important. [laughter]  Daddy, when is mommy coming?  She will be home soon.

 You said that before.  Your mother is a busy woman.  I want her now.  So do I. both of you should allow that woman to breathe.  Mommy,  I missed you.  I missed you, too.  What about me?  I saw you this morning.  That was many hours ago.  Better  for now. There was once a time when I believed I would never have a true home.

Now I have a career I built through hard work.  I have a mother who loves me, a husband who respects me, and a child who waits for me to return. Ikenna’s wealth remained hidden for years. His character did not. Cassandra’s greed remained hidden for some time. In the end, it destroyed everything she tried to steal.

I never demanded a rich husband, a large company, or an important name. I only chose kindness when I had little to give. That kindness returned to me in ways  I never imagined. Because wealth can be hidden but character can never remain hidden forever.  Thank you for  watching. Tell us where you are watching from in the comments and subscribe to Drama Place for more powerful stories.