Not just like that.
Amaka said you saved me.
Yes, I am grateful.
But I am not giving you this job because of pity.
I checked your background.
You are capable.
Chi swallowed.
Thank you, ma.
I will not disappoint you.
Call me a Maka at work, she said.
Only when we are in formal meetings, you can say princess if you want.
He looked unsure.
I will try.
Maaka smiled.
You can start with that.
Later that week, Amaka showed Chidi around the company herself.
She took him to the operations office, introduced him to Jenny, Mr. David, Mr.s.
Grace, and some team leads.
Some workers were surprised that she was personally helping a new staff member settle in, but Amaka did not care.
Chidi listened more than he spoke.
He asked clear questions.
He took notes.
He treated everyone with respect from the manager to the cleaner.
Amaka noticed.
By the end of the week, she arranged an official apartment for him near the company.
When Chidi saw the apartment, he stood at the entrance for a long time.
It was not a mansion, but it was clean, spacious, and comfortable.
To him, it looked like something he had only prayed for.
“Is this for me?” he asked quietly.
“Yes,” Amaka said.
“It comes with the position.
You need to be close to work.
” Chi stepped inside slowly.
“I do not know what to say.
You do not have to say much.
Just do your work well.
” He turned to her.
His eyes were full.
You do not understand.
I have struggled for years.
Sometimes I had transport fair for interviews but no food.
Sometimes I had hope in the morning and rejection by evening.
This means more than you know.
Amaka felt his words deeply.
I understand more than you think.
She said softly.
Different people struggle in different ways.
Chi looked at her and something quiet passed between them.
Respect.
Maybe something more.
That weekend, Chidi’s friend, Amika, came to visit.
Ama was loud, playful, and always smiling.
The moment he entered the apartment, he shouted as if Chidi had bought the whole estate.
>> This kind of place, you got one job, >> my brother.
So, this is where they kept you.
>> Employment.
This is opportunity.
>> Laughed, calm down.
Calm down.
In this kind of place, you got one job and they gave you an apartment, my friend.
This is not ordinary employment.
This is opportunity wearing perfume.
Chidi shook his head.
Do not start.
Amecha sat on the chair and looked around.
That princess likes you.
She gave me a job because I am qualified.
Yes, yes, qualified.
Ama nodded dramatically.
Qualified with fine face and rescue experience.
Chi threw a small pillow at him.
Be serious.
I am serious.
Use your head.
She is rich, kind, beautiful, and powerful.
If you play your card well, this whole struggle can end.
Chi’s smile faded.
Do not talk like that.
Am looked at him.
What did I say? I will not use anybody.
Who said use? I said be wise.
There is wisdom and there is greed.
Chidi said a maka helped me when she did not have to.
I will not turn her kindness into a ladder.
Amecha studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly.
You have always been like this, he said.
Too clean for this dirty world.
Chidi smiled faintly.
Maybe the world needs some clean people.
Amika laughed.
Maybe, but clean people should also eat.
I will eat through my work.
Those words stayed with him.
Chidi was poor, but he was not hungry for shortcuts.
And that was one of the first things Amaka began to admire about him.
As the weeks passed, they worked closely.
Amaka saw how fast he learned.
Chidi saw how much weight she carried alone.
Sometimes he met her still in the office late at night, checking reports with tired eyes.
“You should rest,” he told her.
One evening, Amaka looked up.
“The company does not rest.
But you are not a machine.
She smiled sadly.
My father built this with his whole life.
I cannot let it fall.
Chidi stood by the door holding some files.
You carry too much for someone who does not complain.
Amaka looked at him.
And you noticed too much for someone who just joined.
They both smiled.
It was small but it was real.
Back at the palace, Mr. Okoy was reaching his limit.
Cassie’s insults had become worse since her return from the police station.
She blamed everyone except herself.
Whenever she saw Mr. Okoy, she made sure he remembered that he was beneath her.
One evening, after she poured water on his shirt because he did not open the gate fast enough, Mr. Okcoy went to the king.
King Victor was sitting alone in his private room.
Your majesty, Mr. Okoy said, bowing slightly.
I want to retire.
The king looked at him for a long time.
You want to leave me now.
Mr. Aoyy’s face tightened.
Your majesty.
I have tried.
I have endured.
But I am tired.
I know.
Princess Cassie has made this work painful.
I know.
I am not young anymore.
I know that too.
Mr. Aoya swallowed.
Then please allow me to go.
The king leaned forward slowly.
Romanus, if you leave this palace now, you will leave the gate open.
Mr. Okoy did not answer.
The king continued.
And if the gate is open, danger will enter.
Your majesty, the wrong person must not wear my crown.
Mr. Okcoy went still.
King Victor’s eyes were weak, but his voice became serious.
The ancestors have spoken.
Cassie must not sit on that throne.
Mr. Aoy looked away.
The king saw the fear on his face.
You know something, King Victor said quietly.
Something I do not want to force out of your mouth today.
But when the time comes, you must speak.
Mr. Aoy’s breathing changed.
Your Majesty, some truths can burn a whole house.
Then let it burn what is rotten, the king said, but do not let it burn the innocent.
Mr. Aoy closed his eyes.
He had carried that secret for many years.
He had buried it under silence.
He had swallowed insults because of it.
He had stayed at the gate because of it.
Now the king was asking him to remain.
Promise me, King Victor said, “Do not leave.
Not yet.
” Mr. Okoy bowed his head.
I promise your majesty.
Far away from all this, Cassie was preparing to travel with Bella and Ella.
She said she needed to clear her head, shop, and enjoy herself.
Queen Esther gave her money and warned her to avoid trouble.
But Cassie had another worry.
For some days, her body had not felt normal.
She was restless.
Her monthly flow had come strangely and stopped too quickly.
She kept checking the calendar, counting days, pretending not to be afraid.
In her room, Bella noticed her mood.
Cassie, what is wrong with you? Bella asked.
Nothing.
Ella looked at her closely.
You have been quiet since morning.
That is not normal.
Cassie sat on the bed.
My body is acting somehow.
Bella frowned.
How? Cassie hesitated.
>> Period did not come well.
Did you have untected sex? There was this guy at the club.
I do not even know what came over me.
I will not lose my crown.
>> Cassie rolled her eyes, but her face showed fear.
There was this guy at the club.
Bella covered her mouth.
Cassie, he was handsome, Cassie said quickly, as if that explained everything.
I do not even know what came over me.
It was one night.
One night is enough, Ella said.
Cassie stood up.
God forbid I cannot be pregnant.
What if you are? Bella asked.
Cassie turned to her.
“Then I will remove it.
” Bella and Ella looked at each other.
“You know what tradition says,” Cassie said, her voice low.
“An unmarried pregnant heir cannot be crowned queen.
I will [clears throat] not lose my crown because of one careless knight.
” “She did not know the man she was talking about was Chidy.
She did not know he was already working with Amaka.
She did not know that one night would return to destroy the confidence she carried like gold.
When Cassie and her friends traveled, the secret followed them.
And when they returned weeks later, Cassie acted as if nothing had happened.
But secrets do not stay hidden because people want them to.
One afternoon, Queen Esther was sitting in her car outside a shopping plaza when Bella made the mistake of speaking too much.
The queen had asked why they had stayed longer than planned.
Bella became nervous.
She tried to defend herself.
She tried to explain that they were not bad girls.
And before she knew it, the truth came out.
Cassie had been pregnant.
Cassie had removed the pregnancy abroad.
Queen Esther sat frozen.
Her hand tightened around her handbag.
“My daughter did what?” she asked.
Bella began to cry.
“My queen, please do not tell her I said it.
I was only trying to explain.
Get out of my car.
My queen, get out.
” Bella stepped out shaking.
Queen Esther sat there for a long time, staring ahead.
For the first time, shame entered a place inside her that even love could not cover.
That evening, she confronted Cassie.
Cassie was in her room, lying on the bed and scrolling through her phone.
Queen Esther entered and closed the door behind her.
Cassie looked up.
Mother, is it true? Cassie frowned.
Is what true? You were pregnant.
Cassie’s expression changed for a second, then she looked away.
Who told you that? Queen Esther moved closer.
Answer me.
Cassie sat up slowly.
Yes.
So the queen stepped back as if she had been slapped.
So she repeated.
Cassie shrugged.
It was a mistake.
I corrected it.
You corrected it.
What did you expect me to do? Keep it? Carry a pregnancy without a husband and lose my crown? Queen Esther’s eyes filled with tears.
Cassie, do you hear yourself? Cassie stood up.
Mother, please do not start crying like I killed somebody.
You killed something.
Cassie’s face hardened.
I protected my future.
Queen Esther stared at her daughter and suddenly saw what the king had been saying for years.
Cassie was not just stubborn.
Cassie was dangerous.
But even with that fear in her heart, Queen Esther still loved her.
And that was the problem.
Cassie looked at her mother and spoke without shame.
>> I did what I had to do.
Nobody will take my crown from me.
Queen Esther could not answer because in that moment she understood that Cassie was ready to do anything for power.
And the worst part was that she had been the one teaching her that the crown mattered more than truth.
For some days after that, Queen Esther became quiet.
She still protected Cassie, but something in her eyes had changed.
She watched her daughter more closely.
She listened when Cassie spoke.
She noticed how Cassie laughed at things that should have made her ashamed.
But even then, she did not have the courage to correct her.
She told herself it was too late to be hard on Cassie.
She told herself Cassie was only fighting for what belonged to her.
She told herself many things.
But deep inside, fear had started growing.
At Royal Spring Water, Amaka tried to keep her mind on the company.
The debts were becoming heavier.
Some suppliers were threatening to stop work.
Two banks had started calling every day.
The company was still respected outside, but inside Amaka knew the truth.
If they made one wrong move, everything her father built could fall.
That was why Chid’s coming felt like fresh air.
He did not behave like someone who wanted to impress her with empty talk.
He studied the company records.
He asked questions.
He checked transport losses, supply delays, and unpaid debts.
Within a few weeks, he found ways to reduce waste and save money.
One afternoon, Amaka called him into her office.
Chidi entered with a file in his hand.
“You asked to see me?” “Yes,” Amaka said, pointing to the chair.
“Sit down,” he said.
Amaka opened one of the reports on her table.
“This idea you gave about changing the delivery routes, are you sure it will work?” It will not solve everything at once, Gi said.
But it will reduce fuel waste.
Some drivers are taking longer routes because nobody is checking them.
Some trucks are also being sent half empty.
If we plan the movement better, we can save money every week.
Amaka looked at him carefully.
You noticed all that in less than one month.
Chidi smiled lightly.
I have been poor before.
Poor people notice waste faster.
Amaka laughed softly before she could stop herself.
Chidi looked pleased that he had made her laugh.
She looked down at the file again, but her smile remained.
We have a business meeting tomorrow.
I want you to come with me.
Chi sat straighter.
>> Me? >> Yes.
You understand the new supply plan better than anyone.
>> I want you.
>> I want you to present it.
He looked uncertain.
Are you sure? I am.
I have never presented in front of big investors before.
You know the work.
Amaka said that is enough.
Chidi looked at her for a moment.
You trust me too much.
No, Amaka replied gently.
I trust what I have seen.
The next morning they traveled together for the meeting.
It was the first time they spent many hours outside the office.
On the way, Amaka worked on her laptop while Chidi reviewed his notes.
At first they spoke only about business.
Then slowly the conversation became easier.
Chidi told her about his years of searching for work.
He spoke of the shame of attending interviews and never hearing back.
He spoke of his father who he believed worked far away as a company driver.
My father is a funny man.
Chi said smiling.
He can turn even hunger into a joke.
But he is also secretive.
There are things he never tells me.
Amaka looked at him.
Like what? Like my mother, he said quietly.
Anytime I ask him about her, he changes the topic.
Amaka’s face softened.
I am sorry.
It is fine, he said.
I have stopped asking too much.
Sometimes silence can be heavier than the truth.
Amaka [clears throat] said.
Chidi looked at her.
You sound like you know.
Amaka smiled sadly.
In my family many things are not said.
We only walk around them.
Chidi did not ask more.
He only nodded.
That small silence between them felt peaceful.
It was not empty.
It felt like understanding.
At the meeting, Chidi surprised everyone.
He spoke simply but clearly.
He did not try to sound bigger than he was.
He explained where the company was losing money, how the delivery system could be changed, and how the company could recover slowly without hurting workers.
Amaka watched him from the side of the room.
For the first time in a long while, she felt hope.
After the meeting, one of the investors shook Chidi’s hand.
“Young man, you understand the business well,” he said.
Chidi thanked him respectfully.
When they returned to the car, Amaka looked at Chidi with quiet pride.
“You did well,” she said.
Chi smiled, but he tried to hide it.
“Thank you.
” No, I mean it.
You did very well.
He looked out of the window for a moment, then back at her.
I was afraid.
I know.
How you kept tapping your finger on the file? He laughed.
You noticed.
I noticed things, too.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Something had changed.
It was not loud.
It was not rushed, but it was there.
From that day, Chidi and Amaka became closer.
They still kept things respectful at work, but everyone could see that they trusted each other.
Chi knew when Amaka was tired before she said it.
Amaka knew when Chidi was worried even when he tried to smile.
Jenny noticed too, but she said nothing.
She only smiled to herself whenever Chidi entered Amaka’s office, and Amaka’s face became softer.
But news did not stay inside a company for long.
One evening, Cassie heard that Amaka had traveled for a business meeting with the new male staff.
She was in her room with Bella and Ella when one of the palace maids mentioned it by mistake.
Cassie lowered her phone slowly.
What did you say? The maid became frightened.
I only said Princess Amaka has returned from a company trip.
With who? The maid swallowed.
with the new staff.
Ma Cassie stood.
New staff.
Bella looked at Ella.
Cassie turned to them.
So a maka now travels with male employees under my nose.
Ella spoke carefully.
Maybe it was just business.
Cassie looked at her.
Did I ask you? Ella became quiet.
The next morning, Cassie stormed into Amaka’s office.
Amaka was going through some documents with Jenny when Cassie entered without knocking.
Lee, Cassie told Jenny.
Jenny looked at Amaka.
Amaka nodded.
It is fine.
Jenny left.
Cassie walked to the front of the table.
Who is he? Amaka sighed.
Good morning to you too, Cassie.
Do not play with me.
Who is that man you are moving around with? Amaka closed the file in front of her.
His name is Chidi Okoy.
He works in operations.
And why am I just hearing about him? Because you have not been involved in the work.
Cassie’s eyes flashed.
Be careful.
Amaka stayed calm.
Chidi is helping this company.
We have debts, Cassie.
Heavy debts.
Some of them came from money you took out without approval.
His ideas are helping us reduce losses.
Cassie laughed.
So now you have found one poor man and made him your hero.
He is not poor in the way you think.
Amaka said he has sense, discipline, and respect.
Those things matter.
Cassie leaned forward.
Bring him to me.
For what? I want to see him.
He is a staff member, not a toy.
I said, bring him to me.
Amaka’s voice became firmer.
No.
Cassie stared at her.
Did you just say no to me? Yes.
Cassie smiled slowly.
You are becoming bold because father is sick and everybody is clapping for you.
This is not about clapping.
It is about control, Cassie said.
And I am the one in control.
If you keep hiding things from me, I will burn down this company and build another one from the ashes.
Amaka looked at her sister and felt cold inside.
She saw that Cassie was not joking.
“Cassie,” she said quietly, “this company is father’s life, and I am father’s first daughter.
You are destroying what you want to inherit.
” Cassie laughed, then let it be destroyed in my hand.
” She picked up a Maka’s pen from the table, snapped it in two, and dropped it back.
>> “Bring him to me, or I will come for him myself.
” Then she walked out.
Amaka sat still for a long time after Cassie left.
Jenny entered slowly.
>> Ma, are you okay? >> Amaka looked at the broken pen.
>> No.
>> No, she said softly.
But I will be.
>> But I will be.
>> Cassie did not let the matter go.
Even while she was angry about Amaka and the company, her mind was still on the man from the club.
She had searched for him since returning from her trip.
She paid people.
She asked questions.
She sent photos to friends.
But nobody found him.
The more she failed, the more obsessed she became.
She did not even know his full name.
She only remembered his face, his voice, and the way he had made her feel powerful and wanted.
One afternoon, she stood before her mirror speaking to Bella and Ella.
“I must find him,” she said.
Bella adjusted her bracelet.
“What if he does not want to be found?” Cassie turned.
Everybody wants to be found by me.
Ella forced a laugh.
Cassie faced the mirror again.
That man is mine.
I do not care where he is hiding.
That same day, Chidi came to the palace with a marker.
Amaka had forgotten some documents at home and Chidi had followed her because they were heading to another meeting after that.
He had never entered the palace before.
He stood near the car looking around quietly.
The compound felt familiar in a strange way, though he did not know why.
Then he saw an older man walking toward the gate.
Chi froze.
The man froze too.
Papa, Chidi whispered.
Mr. Okcoy stopped as if the ground had caught his feet.
Papa >> Chidi walked closer.
Papa.
Mr. Okcoyy’s face changed.
Pain, fear, and shame entered his eyes at once.
Chidi, he said softly.
Amaka turned confused.
You know him.
Chidi did not answer her.
He stared at his father’s uniform, the security cap, the badge, the gate keys in his hand.
Papa, Chidi said slowly.
What are you doing here? Mr. Okoy opened his mouth, but no words came out.
You work here? Chidi asked.
In this palace.
Amaka’s heart began to beat faster.
Mr. Aoy lowered his head.
My son, you told me you were a company driver, Chi said.
You said you worked far away.
I know.
You lied to me.
Mr. Okcoy looked at him with tired eyes.
Yes.
Before anyone could speak again, Cassie came out of the palace.
>> Right there.
>> She was talking on the phone, but the moment her eyes fell on Chi, she stopped.
Her phone slowly dropped from her ear.
Cheddy turned and saw her.
Cassie stared at him like she had seen a ghost.
“You,” she whispered.
Amaka looked from Cassie to Chidi.
Chedi looked uncomfortable, “Princess.
” Cassie walked toward him, her eyes bright with shock.
“So it is you.
” Chidi said nothing.
“You are the one I have been looking for.
” Amaka felt something sharp enter her chest.
She did not understand yet, but she understood enough.
Cassie turned to Mister Okoy.
Wait, this is your son.
Mr. Aoy did not answer.
Cassie laughed, but the laugh sounded broken.
The man I have been searching for is the son of the gateman.
Chi’s face hardened.
Do not call my father that.
Cassie blinked, surprised by his tone.
Amaka stepped closer.
Cassie, what is going on? Cassie looked at her and smiled.
It was not a kind smile.
You did not know, she asked.
This man is mine.
Amaka went still.
Chidi turned sharply.
Cassie, stop.
But Cassie was already enjoying the pain on Amaka’s face.
He is the man I met before you ever employed him, Cassie said.
The man I have been searching for.
The man I want.
>> Is this true? >> I met her once before I knew who she was.
>> Once can be enough.
>> Cassie laughed.
Once can be enough.
Amaka stepped back.
Mr. Okoy watched everything with fear in his eyes.
The secret he had carried for years had not yet come out, but another fire had started in front of him.
That evening, the whole palace knew.
Cassie announced it with pride.
>> Chidi is the man I want to marry, she told Queen Esther.
And nobody will stop me. The story isn’t over yet. Keep following us and the next part would eb dropped soon…
