Don’t worry mama, maybe some other time I’ll follow another customer. And Auntie B yelled back at Tina, you dare not say that. Ever since we started this business, this is the richest customer so far. How can you say you don’t want to follow him this night when he comes? Tina, I don’t want to hear that. You better follow the man when he comes back.
And then Tina responded, mama please. Anytime I think of the man coming to pick me this evening, my spirit is always not accepting it. My heart is always feeling uneasy. Let’s just let go of this man.And Auntie B was not ready to listen to whatever her daughter was saying. And she said, Tina, you must follow this man and that is final. And because Tina wanted to respect her mother as usual, she reluctantly agreed to follow the man.
That evening, the elderly man arrived with his luxurious car as usual. And he went straight to Auntie B, addressing her directly. I would like to spend some days in my house with your daughter. Auntie B was like, days? That will cost you a lot of money. And the man said, no problem. I have the money. I will pay as much as you want and even more. Auntie B, upon hearing that, agreed to his bidding without thinking twice.
Who was this mysterious man? Was Tina’s life in danger? Auntie B did not think of any of that. She pushed her daughter Tina into the man’s car, telling her to make sure she behaves very well so they can get more money. And the man left with Tina. Auntie B did not suspect anything because the man already told her that Tina was going to be spending a lot of days with him.
The next day, Rita, Madam B’s other daughter, walked up to her mother and said, Mama, did you bother to call Tina to know if she arrived well or if she’s okay where she is? And Madam B replied, don’t worry, Rita. The man will take care of her.
And Rita said to her mother, Mama, I think I’m few weeks gone. Please, Mama, what do I do? And Madam B said, what? You can’t say that. How can you be few weeks gone? How are we going to make more money if you are in this messy situation? My friend, you better look for what to do with that. Don’t tell me that kind of a thing again. And she chased Rita out of her presence, asking her to do whatever it takes to make sure they make more money, not getting herself messed up.
Few days later, Auntie B was sitting in her restaurant when she received a call from a stranger that her daughter Rita was at the hospital, that she should run along to the hospital. When Auntie B got to the hospital, she saw her daughter’s lifeless body lying on the floor. And she asked the doctor, Doctor, what happened to my daughter? And the doctor responded, Madam, she attempted to get rid of a b*by and this is what the result turned out to be. Auntie B started crying. Oh no, I have led my daughter into her own doomed.
What do I do? And just as she was walking out of the hospital, she saw where a crowd gathered. She wondered why the crowd were there. And as she walked to the crowd to see what was going on, she saw her daughter’s body, Tina, also on the floor. The crowd said a car came to drop Tina’s lifeless body on the floor, that they had used Tina for evil purposes. Auntie B was shattered. She was heartbroken. She had lost her two daughters in one day. She cried uncontrollably and blamed herself for everything. She said, oh no, I have ruined my daughters life’s with my own hands. Oh no, she kept on crying.
That was when it dawned to Auntie B that she had made a very big mistake. And she said, I have failed my daughters as a mother. All I wanted was them to have the best life, to have enough money. All the money they’ve been giving to me, I’ve been saving it for them. I guess I chose the wrong decision by sending them out. Oh no, and she cried.
Anita, the last daughter, upon hearing what had happened, was very angry with her mother. And she said to her, Mama, I told you, we don’t need to sell ourselves. There are better ways to succeed, she said. And Madam B apologized to Anita, please forgive me, my daughter. Everything I did was for you and your sisters. I didn’t know it would turn out like this, and Madam B closed down her restaurant completely and looked for other ways she could make money. I mean, after losing her two daughters, she wasn’t ready to continue with that line of business again, and she focused more on taking Anita through her education, and became the better mother that she was supposed to be in the first place. And Madam B lived in regret for the rest of her life.
Story Two
If you were asked on your wedding day to call off the ceremony all of a sudden, would you pause to find out why? Or you would push forward, ignoring the warnings? What exactly would you do, dear readers?
Adunni was the only daughter of her parents, cherished and adored by her two elder brothers, Nazi and Boma. From a young age, Adunni had always dreamed of marrying a wealthy man, so she could proudly bear the title, Odogwu wife, which is a term used in describing the wife of a very rich man. She had a strong taste for luxury and was drawn to the finances of life.
So when Adunni met Ayo, a man of considerable wealth, she didn’t hesitate to agree to marry him, after only three weeks of knowing him. For Adunni, Ayo’s riches were all that mattered, and she was thrilled to think of the glamorous life that awaited her. But my dear readers, I want to ask, is riches the only thing that mattered in marriage? Let’s find out in this story.
The wedding plans were quickly set in motion after Ayo met her parents. Adunni was beyond excited about her upcoming wedding to an Odogwu. Remember I said Odogwu is a simple term used in describing a rich man. She eagerly awaited the day she would walk down the aisle, dressed in her finest dress, ready to claim her title, Odogwu’s wife. She felt her dreams were finally coming to pass, and she said to herself, Hmm, I have finally found the perfect man of my dreams. A man that has riches, money that is uncountable, and I’m going to finally bear the title of an Odogwu’s wife, of course. But my dear readers, who wouldn’t be happy to get married to a wealthy man that your life would just be full of luxury and wealth? But wait, could that be the case in Adunni’s story? The more reason why you should keep listening to this story.
The day of the wedding finally arrived, and Adunni was all excited getting her hair done, her makeup, everything that would make sure that wedding would be a success. But on that wedding morning, while Adunni was getting dressed, Nazi, Adunni’s elder brother, walked into the room with a troubled expression. Troubled expression? What could he be up to? So Nazi, Adunni’s elder brother, said to her, Adunni, you need to call off this wedding. Nazi said, his voice filled with urgency.
Adunni turned to him, her face flushed with anger. Why would you say that? This is my wedding day, and you’re trying to ruin it. How could you ask me to call off my wedding? For Christ’s sake, it’s my wedding day. You’re supposed to be happy for me, dear brother. Nazi tried to reason with her, and he also tried to explain why, but Adunni would not listen. Instead, she lashed out, accusing him of jealousy. You are just envious because ever since you finished your university, you haven’t been able to get a good job or even become wealthy as my Ayo my husband to be. That is why you don’t want me to marry him, because you don’t want me to enjoy riches. You don’t want me to have what you can’t achieve. You are the elder brother here. You should act as one. Nazi’s heart sunk at her harsh words. Adunni, this isn’t about me, he said. I’m only trying to protect you. Try to listen to me, baby sister. But Adunni was too furious to care. She called him wicked and accused him of wanting to ruin her happiness. Hot and angry, Nazi left the room, vowing never to interfere again.
Dear readers, I’m sure you are wondering why Nazi would walk up to her baby sister on her wedding day and ask her to call off the wedding. But if you were Aduni, would you calm down to listen to your elder brother’s reason? Or would you react the same way Adunni just did?
Despite her brother’s warning, the wedding ceremony proceeded and Adunni got married to Ayo. After the wedding, Adunni arrived at her husband’s house with so much excitement. The house was indeed full of luxury and wealth. A big mansion that anyone would want to live in, of course. And Adunni was super excited. She said, Hmm, just take a look at all this glitz and glamour and luxury. And my brother Nazi wants me to call off the wedding of getting married to this wealthy man? He must be sick. Thank God I didn’t listen to him about calling off the wedding. So this is what I would have missed. What a jealous brother. Other brothers are looking out for their baby sister. And all Nazi could do was to tell me to call off my wedding? Well, let me sit on this wealth and enjoy money.
Aduni had no idea that Nazi had discovered something that could save her life. It’s been six months after Adunini got married to Ayo. And her parents became worried because they haven’t heard from Adunni in a long while. Her phone number was no longer connecting. Even the brothers did not hear at all from Adunni. And her parents became worried sick about their daughter.
Back in the city, Adunni’s dreams of a glamorous life as an Odogwu’s wife soon turned into a nightmare. Within a few months of the wedding, Nazi’s concern became painfully clear. Adunni’s parents called Nazi and asked him what he wanted to say on the wedding day. That was when Nazi revealed that Ayo wasn’t just a wealthy man. He was also part of a dark secret society. Nazi had also discovered that Ayo had been married four times before. Each time to a different woman who mysteriously passed away within a year of their wedding. Ayo’s wealth was tied to these deaths as he sacrificed each wife to renew his life and maintain his riches.
Aduni’s parents were shocked to hear this and they begged their son Nazi to please go look for their daughter Adunni in the city. Nazi, unable to shake his worry, decided to visit Adunni without informing Ayo. When he arrived at their lavish mansion home, he found the house eerily quiet. As he sat in the parlour, he heard strange voices coming from a locked room. Breaking down the door, he found Adunni crying and she said to her brother in a whisper, It’s Ayo. He plans to use me to renew his life just like he did with his other wives. I discovered all of his secrets after our wedding. Nazi was horrified but acted quickly. He gathered Adunni’s belongings and they made their way out of the house. But as they reached the door, Ayo appeared, blocking their way. You think you can leave? Ayo sneered. No one escapes me, he said. Nazi stood his ground, his determination unshaken. I’m taking my sister out of this house today.
Adunni trembled behind, her earlier anger and pride now replaced with sheer terror. She clutched Nazi’s arms tightly, her mind reeling with the horrifying truth she had uncovered. Nazi, however, stood his ground, his face set with determination.
You, this mere boy, you are challenging me? Ayo said to him. I have dealt with far stronger than you and they’ve all fallen. Do you think you can stand against me?
Without warning, Ayo lunged at Nazi, his movements swift and vicious. Nazi, summoning every ounce of strength he had left, struck Ayo’s face with a powerful punch, causing him to stagger backward. Nazi quickly followed with a well-aimed kick, sending Ayos crashing into a nearby table and shattered into pieces. Seizing that opportunity, Nazi grabbed Adunni’s hand, pulling her towards the door. But Ayos now enraged and bleeding, longed at them one last time. His face twisted in fury. Nazi, however, was ready. With a swift move, he swung a broken table leg at Ayos, striking him squarely on the head. Ayos crumpled to the floor unconscious and defeated. Panting and shaking, Nazi and Adunni didn’t waste a second. They bolted out of the house and into the night, running as fast as their legs could carry them. They didn’t stop until they were far from Ayos’ mansion, finally collapsing in exhaustion on the roadside.
It was only then, as they caught their breaths, that the full weight of what had happened settled on Adunni. Tears weighed up in her eyes. As she turned to Nazi, her voice trembling with regrets. Nazi, she said, I’m so sorry. I was wrong. I should have listened to you. I was so blinded by Ayos’ wealth and the thought of becoming an Odogwu’s wife that I didn’t see the truth. I insulted you. I adopted your love for me and I put my life at risk. Can you ever forgive me, my dear brother? Nazi looked at his sister. His face was softened as he saw the sincerity in her eyes. He gently pulled her into a hug, holding her close. You are my sister, Adunni, he said. His voice was filled with emotion. I will always forgive you. What matters now is that you are safe and that you’ve learned from this. Wealth isn’t what your life. I just want you to be happy, but in the right way, my darling sister.
Adunni nodded, her tears soaking his shirt. She knew that her brother was right and she had been foolish to let material things cloud her judgment. She had learned a hard lesson, but she was grateful to have her brother by her side.
Story Three
Adesua was a young and beautiful woman who lived in the city with her wealthy husband and two kids. She had just finished her secondary education when she met and married the very wealthy man, Obina. Obina was kind-hearted and generous. He loved Adesua deeply and wanted the best for her. He offered to send her to the university after getting married to her.
So one day, he sat Adesua down and said, My love, remember when I came to ask for your hand in marriage? I promised you I was going to train you in the university and our marriage shouldn’t stop you from going to school.
And Adesua bluntly refused because her husband was ready to train her in school. But she replied Obina and said, My husband, I don’t think there is need for me to go to school anymore. After all, you are a very rich man and you have all the money. What exactly do I need to go to school for? When your money can cover our future.And Obina tried to make Adesua understand that she still needs an education, she still needs a certificate. But Adesua completely refused.
Then Obina made another proposal. Adesua, my love, if you don’t want to go to school, how about I set up a big business for you so that you can be able to earn your own money and get busy. And Adesua became angry and said, How can you tell me to run a business? Are you trying to put me under stress? When you came to get married to me, Obina, you told me that I was going to enjoy my life. So why won’t you leave me to enjoy your money? My husband is rich. Why should I be running a business of my own when your money is my money?
Obina realizing that Adesua was not ready to go to school or even start a business of her own, decided to just let her be. Adesua started enjoying her husband’s wealth. She bought expensive clothes, traveled to beautiful places and never worried about money. Despite her lavish lifestyle, Adesua was a good wife too. She took care of Obinna and their children with so much love and attention. She also made sure Obinna sent money to his family in the village regularly.
Adesua had a friend called Nene. One day, Nene told her friend Adesua: “Adesua, I’m happy for you that you are married to a wealthy man and you are doing very okay. But I don’t like the way you spend money lavishly. At least, save some money. You can’t keep spending money unnecessarily on things that you will not use. How about saving some money in the bank just in case?”
And Adesua responded to Nene: “Nene, what do you mean by I should be saving money? Do you know the kind of money my husband Obinna has? My husband is a very wealthy man. He has so much money. So what amount of money do you think I can save in the bank that will measure up to the kind of money my husband gives to me? There’s no need of saving. I’m okay like this.”
Nene tried to make Adesua see why saving money was very important. And Adesua got angry and said: “Nene, I can see you are jealous of me. Why don’t you just tell me that you are jealous? How can you be telling me to save money? Don’t you use to follow me for shopping while I buy you things? I can see it’s because I’m always sending things to you and buying you things when I go out. That is why you have the guts to tell me to start saving money, Nene. If you don’t want this friendship anymore, just tell me.” And Nene, in order to maintain peace, kept quiet and never mentioned anything about saving money to Adesua again.
Few months later, something tragic happened. One day, Obinna traveled on a business trip and got involved in a terrible car accident and passed away. Adesua was heartbroken. She cried because she wondered what she would do without her darling husband, Obinna. But do you know the consolation she gave to herself? She said to herself: “Well, my husband Obinna is gone. What can I do? Well, thank God he is a very wealthy man and has enough money. So what I will just do is to just use his money to take care of myself and the kids. At least we are still living in a mansion and Obinna has plenty money in his bank accounts. Thank God.”
Few days after the funeral, a lawyer visited Adesua. She hoped he had good news about how Obinna has split his wealth for her and the children. Shockingly, the lawyer said: “I’m sorry Adesua. Obinna did not write any will before he died. His younger brother Chima is the next of kin on his documents. Chima has always been the person on Obinna’s next of kin right before he got married to you. And I am very certain Obinna forgot to change the next of kin on all his documents. And so, Adesua, I’m sorry to tell you that Chima is now the owner of your husband’s properties. Because legally, Chima’s name is on his documents as the next of kin.”
Adesua was shocked to hear this. She was helpless to even think that she has no money at all because she hasn’t been saving. Chima arrived soon after hearing the news. He was determined to take everything Obinna owned. Chima took over all of Obinna’s properties, leaving Adesua and her children with nothing. Adesua and her children were forced to leave their beautiful home. They had nowhere to go.
Adesua turned to her friend for help, but they all had their own family problems to take care of. With no one to help her or nowhere to turn, Adesua packed few of her belongings and left the home because Chima had asked her to leave the house with her children. Holding her children’s hands, she wandered the streets, feeling the weight of her mistakes.
The nights were the hardest. She covered herself and her children under a blanket. She held her children close to her. Their stomachs were rumbling with hunger. They haven’t eaten anything throughout that day. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and Adesua tried to find work. But her lack of skills and education made it impossible. The little money she managed to collect when Chima did not notice was spent on food and shelter. Every day became a nightmare for Adesua. Agony washed through her soul. She regretted not going to school or starting a business like her late husband had told her to.
One evening, one of Adesua’s children said to her, “Mommy, I’m hungry. We haven’t eaten since morning.” Adesua’s heart broke into pieces. She responded in a very heartbroken and tearful way, “I know, my child. I’m sorry for not saving when I had money. I didn’t know all of this would happen to us. Please forgive me, my children.” Despite her regrets, Adesua knew she had to be strong for her children. She decided to find a way to survive. No matter how small it is, she decided she was going to work hard.
Adesua found a small job in a market, selling fruits and vegetables. It was hard work, but she did it for her children. She sat down and thought to herself, “I had the opportunity to open any kind of business I want in this life. But I turned it down, and I didn’t even save any money, thinking it would always be a bed of roses. If I had known it would turn out this way, I would have listened to my husband and my friend Nene.”
As days went by, months went by, Adesua continued selling in the markets. The people in the market admired Adesua’s determination and began to support her. Building trust with their help, she started to build a small loyal customer base. One day, a kind woman connected her to a big company that produces fruit juices, and Adesua started supplying the company with fruits. And Adesua’s breakthrough came. Slowly, Adesua’s business grew. She saved every penny she earned. After months of hard work, Adesua was able to save a substantial amount of money, and life became better for them.
Adesua’s business continued to grow. She added more products and hired more helpers. One day, Chima, Adesua’s late husband’s younger brother, saw her on the road and saw how well she was doing. Chima felt guilty for what he had done. He apologized to Adesua and offered to help her. Adesua forgave Chima. She knew holding on to anger wouldn’t help her children. Chima helped Adesua expand her business even further, and they became good friends and partners.
Adesua started to educate other women in the markets, teaching them about business and savings. She became a role model for many young women. They looked up to her for strength and wisdom. Adesua’s children excelled in school. They were proud of their mother and worked hard to make her proud, and her business continued to strive. She never stopped sharing her story of loss, resilience, and success. People were moved by her journey. Adesua’s story continued to inspire young women to pursue education and independence.
Moral Lesson’s
Thank you so much for reading my story. The moral of this story is it teaches us the importance of education, hard work, and resilience. No matter what life throws at us, we can overcome it with determination and kindness.
