there was a girl named adobi and she had everything you could think of money cars clothes and a huge house in Lagos with so many rooms that even she didn't know what was in all of them her father Chief akinwale was one of the richest men in Nigeria people treated a deobi like a princess but she didn't feel like one to her it was all fake everyone around her only seemed to care about her money not who she really was one evening a deobi sat in her massive bedroom staring out of the window the city
lights of aoi sparkled but they didn't make her feel happy her mother had just told her that Chief akinwale wanted her to meet another Rich businessman's son someone they thought would be perfect for her a deobi didn't even know the boy's name yet but she already hated the idea she sighed running her fingers through her soft braids why can't they just let me live my life why does everything have to be about money she muttered to herself suddenly the door burst open and her mother Mrs Akin whale walked in she was dressed in a bright
green lace dress her gold jewelry clinking with every step adobi you're still in your room didn't I tell you to come downstairs your father wants to talk to you adobi rolled her eyes but stood up she knew better than to ignore her parents what does daddy want this time Mrs akinwale looked at her daughter and sigh it's about your future you're not getting any younger a deobi you need to settle down with someone who can take care of you take care of me ad deobi snapped her voice Rising Mommy I can take care of myself
I don't need some random rich boy to marry me I don't even know him her mother frowned her perfectly shaped brows furrowing don't raise your voice at me adobi we're doing this for your own good do do you know how many girls would kill to have the life you have you're being ungrateful adobe's chest tightened with anger ungrateful because I don't want to be married off like I'm some kind of property at that moment Chief Akin whale's deep voice echoed from the hallway what's going on here he stepped into the room towering over both of
them his presence was commanding and aobi instantly felt her frustration bubble over daddy you can't keep controlling my life like this adobi said trying to keep her voice steady I want to live for myself not for what you think is best for me Chief Ain whale's face darkened and what exactly do you know about living life adobi do you know how hard I've worked to give you this life do you know the sacrifices I've made and now you're telling me you don't want to listen to us I never asked for all of this ad deobi
shouted tears stinging her eyes I didn't ask to be born into this family I just want to be myself is that too much to ask her father's eyes narrowed you're acting like a child you think the world out there is easy you wouldn't last a day without the Comfort we've given you adobe's fists clenched at her sides maybe I need to find out for myself then her parents looked at her like she had lost her mind Mrs akwell placed a hand on her husband's arm she doesn't mean that darling she's just being dramatic but a
deobi meant every word that night she lay in bed staring at the ceiling her mind racing she had to get out of there she had to prove to herself and to her parents that she could survive without their money the next morning ad deobi woke up with a plan she packed a small bag with a few clothes leaving behind all her designer outfits and expensive shoes she stuffed a notebook and Pen into the bag along with a little money she had saved from her allowance she didn't tell anyone where she was going not even her
best friend shardai the less anyone knew the better as she stood at the front door she took a deep breath the house was quiet and her parents were still asleep she slipped out the weight of her decision pressing on her shoulders she took a cab to Soria a busy area far from her family's wealthy neighborhood the streets were noisy and crowded with people hustling to make a living it was a world completely different from the one ad deobi had always known she found a small guest house and paid for a room it was nothing like
her room back home just a bed a fan and a tiny bathroom but to adobi it felt like Freedom a few days later adobi began looking for a job she walked into shops kiosks and restaurants asking if they needed help most people turned her away saying she looked too soft for the kind of hard work they needed finally she came across miman catch's kitchen a small Booker with a faded signboard and the smell of freshly cooked jolof rice wafting through the air a deobi stepped inside her heart pounding Maman CI a stout woman with a
kind face stood behind the counter wiping her hands on a bright yellow apron she looked up as a day Obi entered yes what do you want man Ki asked her voice firm but not unkind I I'm looking for a job adobi said nervously Maman CI raised an eyebrow you you want to work here yes ma adobi replied trying to sound confident Maman CI studded her for a moment you don't look like someone who knows how to hustle are you sure you can handle this kind of work I can learn adobi said quickly I'll do anything
Maman catchy chuckled he we'll see come tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. sharp if you're late don't bother coming back thank you Ma I won't be late adobi said relief washing over her the next morning ad deobi arrived at the booker Before Sunrise dressed in a plain T-shirt and jeans the work was harder than she had imagined she had to carry heavy trays wash endless plates and deal with impatient customers who shouted their orders by the end of the day her arms achd and her feet felt like they were on fire but as she lay in
her tiny Guest House room that night she smiled to herself for the first time in her life she felt like she was doing something real a deobi didn't know what the future held but she was determined to prove to herself and to her parents that she was more than just the Billionaire's daughter the next morning ad deobi stood outside Maman ket's kitchen at exactly 5:45 a.m. watching the sky slowly turn from deep blue to the Soft Orange of dawn the air was cool and the streets of Soria were just waking up she felt nervous but
determined Maman Ki arrived a few minutes later a large basket of fresh vegetables balanced on her hip she raised her eyebrows when she saw a deobi hem so you're serious about this job yes ma ad deobi replied quickly trying to hide the butterflies in her stomach good follow me inside a deobi followed mman Ki into the kitchen which was already buzzing with activity a tall wiry man was chopping onions at lightning speed while another woman Stout and Stern looking was stirring a giant pot of soup the delicious smells of spices and freshly cooked rice filled
the air Maman CI clapped her hands everyone this is Deborah the new girl she says she wants to work here let's see if she can hand it the Stout woman who a deobi later Learned was Grace snorted she doesn't look like she's ever carried anything heavier than a handbag adobe's cheeks burned but she forced a smile I'll do my best ma Grace didn't look impressed he we'll see adobe's first task was simple sweeping the floor also she thought the kitchen was small but cluttered with crates of vegetables sacks of rice and large cooking pots as
a deobi tried to maneuver the broom around the tight spaces she accidentally knocked over a bucket of water hey Grace shouted her hands on her hips are you trying to flood the kitchen I'm so sorry adobi said quickly grabbing a mop to clean up the mess Maman caty shook her head but didn't say anything the wiry man chopping onions whose name was Musa chuckled under his breath first day and you're already causing warala he he teased adobi tried to laugh along but her heart sank she had barely started and she was already messing up as
the morning Rush began adobi was given her next task serving food to customers the booker quickly filled up with people construction workers Traders and okot Riders all shouting their orders the noise was overwhelming Madam bring me rice and beans one man shouted waving his hand Cece where is my EBA and UI I've been waiting another called out A deobi hurried from table to table balancing trays of food but her inexperience showed she tripped over a chair leg and nearly dropped a plate of joloff rice ah be careful the customer scolded glaring at her I'm so
sorry adobi mumbled setting the plate down by the end of the morning adobi felt like she had run a marathon her arms ACH from carrying heavy trays and her feet throbbed from walking back and forth but she didn't complain as she sat on a stool in the corner catching her breath Grace walked over arms crossed you're not cut out for this girl you should just go back to wherever you came from adobi looked up at her determination flashing in her eyes I'm not going anywhere Grace raised an eyebrow we'll see about that despite the tough
start adobi refused refused to give up every day she woke up early determined to get better she learned how to carry multiple plates without spilling how to deal with rude customers and how to keep the kitchen clean slowly she started earning the respect of her co-workers even Grace began to soften though she would never admit it one afternoon as the lunch rush died down Maman Ki pulled a deobi aside you're a hard worker Deborah I can see that but you need to toughen up this isn't a place for soft people I understand ma adobi said
thank you for giving me a chance Maman caty nodded you'll do fine just don't let Grace scare you off she's tough on everyone adobi smiled feeling a small spark of hope over the weeks adobi began to find a rhythm in her new life the booker became like a second home and her co-workers became like family well almost Grace still loved to tease her and Musa never missed an opportunity to crack a joke at her expense but a deobi didn't mind she was learning and that was all that mattered one evening after the booker had closed
for the Day ad deobi sat on a bench outside enjoying the Cool Breeze Musa joined her a toothpick dangling from his mouth so Deborah he said leaning back you've been working here for a while now what's your story why did you decide to work in a place like this ad deobi hesitated she couldn't tell him the truth that she was a Billionaire's daughter trying to escape her privileged life instead she said I just wanted to try something different Musa nodded though he didn't look convinced him different a well you're doing okay so far just don't
let Grace bully you too much a deobi laughed I won't but life at the Booker wasn't all smooth sailing one afternoon a particularly rude customer came in he was a middle-aged man with a loud voice and a short temper where's my food He barked slamming his hand on the table ad deobi rushed over with his plate of Amala and uidu here you go sir the man barely looked at her what took you so long do you think I have all day I'm sorry sir adobi said politely sorry for yourself he uted digging into his food
as she walked away adobi felt her frustration bubbling inside her she wanted to snap back at him but she knew she couldn't this job was important to her and she wasn't going to let anyone ruin it that evening as adobi walked back to her guest house she thought about how far she had come she was no longer the spoiled girl who had everything handed to her she was learning how to work hard how to deal with difficult people and how how to stand on her own two feet but deep down she wondered how long she
could keep this up would her parents ever forgive her for leaving and would she ever find what she was truly looking for as she unlocked the door to her small room adobi took a deep breath she didn't have all the answers yet but she knew one thing she was exactly where she needed to be the morning sun Shone brightly over Maman catch's kitchen and a deobi was already busy serving food to a growing crowd the booker was alive with noise the clatter of plates customers shouting their orders and Grace barking instructions from the kitchen ad
deobi had learned to keep her head down and focus on her work even when customers were rude or impatient as she carried a tray of steaming jolof rice and fried plantin to a table she noticed someone new walk into the booker he was tall and slim wearing a grease stained t-shirt and jeans his skin was dark and smooth and he had a smile so bright that a deobi almost dropped the tray she was holding the man looked around then walked up to the counter good afternoon ma please one plate of rice and beans with dodo
adobi quickly turned back to her work feeling her cheeks flush she didn't know why she was so flustered it wasn't like she hadn't seen handsome men before but something about this man's easy smile and calm voice made her heart skip Grace smirked as she handed the plate of food to a deobi don't just stand there go and serve him ad deobi shot her a glare but took the plate and walked over to the man's table here's your food sir she said placing the plate in front of him the man looked up at her and smiled
again thank you madam waitress ad deobi blinked caught off guard by his warm tone you're welcome she said quickly before hurrying back to the counter as the lunch rush died down the man stayed at his table ing slowly and scrolling through his phone adobi couldn't help but steel glances at him every now and then Grace noticed and nudged her playfully you like him don't you Grace whispered what no I don't adobi replied her voice too quick and defensive Grace laughed you're not a very good liar Deborah adobi rolled her eyes and turned away but her
heart was racing she didn't even know the man's name and all already Grace was teasing her when the man finished his food he walked back to the counter to pay thank you for the food he said handing over some nairon notes it was very good you're welcome Maman CI replied with a smile come back any time the man turned to adobi and said you serve food like a pro I'll definitely be back adobi laughed nervously thank you sir I'm cheaty he said holding out his hand a deobi hesitated for a moment then shook his hand
i'm Deborah nice to meet you Deborah chiy said his smile as warm as the afternoon sun then he turned and walked out of the booker leaving ad deobi feeling strangely light-hearted that evening as adobi cleaned up the tables Musa came over with a mischievous grin so Deborah who was that fine gentleman you were smiling at earlier ad deobi groaned Musa don't start I'm just saying Musa said holding up his hands in mock defense he seemed to like you did you see the way he was smiling at you adobi tried to hide her smile he was
just being polite polite a Musa teased we'll see if he comes back tomorrow the next day chii did come back this time he ordered EBA and auzi soup and sat at the same table as before adobi tried to stay focused on her work but she couldn't ignore the way her heart fluttered whenever she walked past him when she brought his food to the table he smiled up at her thank you Deborah you're becoming my favorite waitress adobi laughed nervously it's my job sir call me Chey he said no need for all the sir stuff okay
Chey adobi said feeling her cheeks warm as she walked away she heard Musa chuckling behind the counter favorite waitress a Deborah you're in trouble over the next few weeks chiy became a regular at the booker he came almost every day always sitting at the same table and ordering something different each time he and a deobi started talking more their conversations growing longer with each visit one afternoon when the booker was less busy chiy asked so Deborah how did you end up working here you don't seem like the usual type A Deo be Rose for a
moment she couldn't tell him the truth about who she really was she had to think fast I just needed a fresh start she said carefully chiy nodded his expression thoughtful I get that sometimes you just need to step away and figure things out adobi smiled relieved that he didn't push further what about you what do you do I'm a mechanic Chey said I work at a small Workshop down the road it's nothing fancy but it pays the bills a mechanic a deobi said her interest peaked do you like it cheedy grinned I love it cars
are my passion one day I'm going to open my own auto repair shop a big one with all the latest equipment ad deobi admired the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his dream that's amazing I'm sure you'll make it happen cheii chuckled I hope so but it's not easy it takes a lot of hard work and money and I don't have much of either right now you'll get there ad deobi said her voice sincere their friendship grew quickly after that every time chii came to the booker he and adobi would talk about
their dreams their struggles and everything in between a deobi found herself looking forward to his visits even on the busiest days one evening as they sat outside the booker after closing chiy asked do you ever think about the future Deborah where you want to be in 5 or 10 years ad deobi hesitated Unsure how to answer I guess I just want to be happy she said finally chiy smiled that's a good goal happiness is everything ad deobi looked at him feeling a warmth in her chest that she hadn't felt in a long time for the
first time in her life she felt like someone saw her for who she really was not for her family's wealth or status but even as she enjoyed cheii's company a small voice in the back of her mind whispered a warning how long could she keep her secret the following morning at Manan catch's kitchen the sun rose like any other day casting golden Rays through the Booker's wide open doors a day Obi was already wiping down tables her movements quick and focused she hummed softly to herself a tune she couldn't quite place as the day's work
began chii's visits had become the highlight of her routine though she tried not to show it her heart raced a little every time she heard the Bell above the door ring hoping it was him she told herself it was just friendship nothing more but the way his smile lingered in her mind told a different story as customers trickl in the noise level Rose orders were shouted plates clattered and the kitchen smelled of peppery soups and fried plants adobi barely noticed the chaos because her thoughts kept drifting back to the conversations she'd had with Chey the
day before when the bell above the door jingled adobi glanced up there he was cheii in his usual grease stained t-shirt and jeans his smile was as warm as ever and a deo's heart did a little flip he walked straight to the counter where Maman Ki was busy taking orders good morning Ma he said his voice deep but cheerful I'll take the usual today joloff rice platins and chicken coming right up Maman CI said scribbling the order down she turned to adobi Deborah serve him he seems to like you best adobi tried not to blush
as she took the plate and walked over to chii's usual table you're usual she said setting it down carefully thank you Deborah chiy said flashing her a grin I think you know my order better than I do ad deobi laughed nervously maybe you should try something new next time why change a good thing chii teased picking up his Fork adobi lingered for a moment pretending to adjust the tray in her hands she liked talking to chii even if it was just for a few seconds but before she could think of something else to say Grace's
voice rang out from the kitchen Deborah stop standing there like a statue and get back to work a deobi side and turned away enjoy your food she said quickly before hurrying back to the counter later that afternoon when the booker was quieter chii stayed behind as usual scrolling through his phone while sipping a cold bottle of malt adobi used the opportunity to clean the tables near him hoping for a chance to talk so Deborah cheii said breaking the silence do you ever take a break you're always running around ad deobi smiled wiping down the table
next to his breaks aren't part of the job description here well you deserve one chiy said leaning back in his chair you work harder than anyone else I've seen ad deobi laughed tell that to Grace she thinks I'm too slow Grace that one will complain about anything cheii said with a chuckle don't let her get to you adobi appreciated his kindness thanks I'll try chii set his bottle down and looked at her curiously you know you never told me why you decided to work here you don't seem like the typical Booker girl ad deobi hesitated
her hands tightening around the cloth she was using to clean I just wanted something different she said finally a chance to start fresh chii nodded thoughtfully I get that sometimes stepping away from the familiar is the only way to grow ad deobi felt a wave of relief he didn't push her for more details and she was grateful the truth about her past was something she wasn't ready to share not yet days turned into weeks and chii became a constant presence in adobe's life he showed up at the booker almost every day always with the same
warm smile and easygoing charm their conversations grew longer and a deobi found herself looking forward to them more than she wanted to admit one quiet afternoon when the booker was nearly empty chii sat at his usual table tinkering with something in his hands Adobe couldn't resist her curiosity and walked over over what's that she asked gesturing to the small device in his hands it's a carburetor chiy said holding it up for her to see it's part of a car engine I'm trying to fix it a deobi tilted her head intrigued do you always carry car
parts around Chey laughed sometimes I was working on a car earlier and I wanted to take this home to figure out why it's not working properly you must really love what you do ad deobi said sitting down across from him without thinking I do cheii said his expression softening fixing cars isn't just a job for me it's my passion I've always loved figuring out how things work ad deobi admired the way his face lit up when he talked about his work that's amazing she said sincerely I wish I was as passionate about something as you
are chii looked at her thoughtfully you will be sometimes it just takes time to figure out what makes you truly happy ad deobi felt a Pang of guilt chii had no idea who she really was or why she was working at the booker but his words touched her and she nodded maybe you're right as their friendship grew so did the teasing From Grace and Musa you two talk like you've known each other forever Musa said one day leaning against the counter are we invited to the wedding ad deobi nearly dropped the tray she was holding
Musa stop it Grace SM is not wrong you know that cheaty boy likes you ad deobi shook her head her cheeks burning we're just friends friends Grace said dragging out the word sure Deborah keep telling yourself that adobi tried to ignore them but the truth was she wasn't sure what she and chiy were anymore their conversations had become more personal more meaningful she felt a connection with him that she couldn't explain but she was terrified of what would happen if he found out the truth about her one evening after the booker had closed chii offered
to walk a deobi home the streets were quiet and the cool night air felt refreshing after a long day thank you for walking me a deobi said glancing at him it's nothing chii said with a shrug I just want to make sure you get home safely they walked in silence for a moment the sound of their footsteps echoing in The Empty Street Deborah chief said suddenly breaking the silence can I ask you something of course ad deobi said though her heart began to race do you ever feel like you're hiding from something a deobi froze
her breath catching in her throat what do you mean chii looked at her his expression serious I don't know sometimes it feels like there's more to you than you let on like you're carrying some big secret ad deo's chest tightened she wanted to tell tell him everything but fear held her back everyone has secrets she said softly it doesn't mean they bad cheii nodded but he didn't look convinced I just hope you know you can trust me ad deobi swallowed hard her emotions swirling inside her I know she said quietly they reached her guest house
and chiy smiled at her good night Deborah good night cheedy ad deobi replied watching as he walked away as she closed the door behind her a deobi leaned against it her heart heavy she had never felt this close to someone before but the weight of her secret threatened to destroy everything she didn't know how much longer she could keep up the LIE the next morning ad deobi woke up feeling a strange mix of emotions the cool morning Breeze swept through her tiny Guest House room but it didn't calm her racing thoughts cheii's words from the
night before echoed in her head do you ever feel like you're hiding from something she shook her head trying to push the thoughts away there was no point dwelling on it now she had work to do and as always the booker would be busy at mman catch's kitchen the day started like any other the smell of fried aara and freshly cooked rice filled the air and customers streamed in shouting their orders a deobi focused on serving food and cleaning tables her mind still preoccupied with cheii as the lunch rushed slowed the sound of a familiar
voice made a deobi look up there he was Chey standing at the counter with his easy smile good afternoon ma he said to M CI the usual please adobi felt her heart lift just seeing him but as she grabbed his plate and headed to his table she couldn't ignore the small knot of guilt tightening in her chest you're usual she said with a small smile placing the plate in front of him thanks Deborah Chey replied he hesitated for a moment before saying can you sit for a minute I have something to tell you a deobi
blinked surprised um I guess I can she glanced around making sure Grace wasn't watching then slid into the seat across from him chii leaned forward his expression serious something happened yesterday what is it ad deobi asked her voice quiet my workshop it got demolished chii said his voice tinged with frustration what ad deobi exclaimed her hand flying to her mouth chii sighed running a hand through his short hair the landlord sold the land to some big company they didn't even give us proper notice one day I was working on a car and the next bulldozers
were tearing everything down adobe's chest tightened she could see the pain in his eyes the way his shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world was on them cheedy I'm so sorry that's that's awful he nodded it's not just me my team my customers they're all affected I've lost my main source of income and I don't know what to do next a de ob's mind raced she wanted to help him but how if she revealed who she really was would he accept her help or would he feel betrayed is there anything I can do
she asked Softly chii gave her a small sad smile thanks Deborah but this is something I have to figure out on my own I'll manage somehow that evening after the booker closed adobi couldn't stop thinking about chii's situation she sat on her bed staring at her notebook where she had jotted down ideas for helping him but no matter how much she thought about it one thing was clear she couldn't let him struggle alone the next morning a deobi woke up early determined to do something she pulled out her phone and made a call she hadn't
made in months hello shade she said when her best friend picked up a day Obi shade's voice was full of surprise where have you been do you know how worried I've been I'm sorry adobi said quickly I promise I'll explain everything later but right now I need your help shade side of course what do you need I need to get in touch with my father's company they're starting some kind of entrepreneur competition right yes I heard about that shade said why there's someone I want to help adobi said I need to make sure he gets
a chance to win shade was quiet for a moment you're really serious about this aren't you I am ad deobi said firmly please shade can you help me okay shade said finally I'll see what I can do a few days later the announcement came a local entrepreneur competition was being held with a cash prize to help the winner start or grow their business chedy heard about it while talking to a friend and his eyes lit up with hope Deborah he said excitedly when he came to the booker that afternoon did you hear about the competition
adobi nodded pretending she hadn't already known yeah I did are you going to enter of course chiy said his smile wide this could be my chance to rebuild my workshop I just need to put together a strong business plan I know you'll do great adobi said her heart swelling With Pride over the next week chy worked tirelessly on his application a deobi offered to help and they spent hours at the booker after closing going over ideas and strategies what do you think of this chii asked one night showing her a drug of his business plan
adobi read it carefully nodding it's really good you've thought of everything your budget your goals even how you'll Market your services chiy grinned thanks I couldn't have done it without your help ad deobi smiled back but the guilt in her chest grew heavier she was helping him yes but she was also keeping a big secret from him she told herself it was for his own good but deep down she wasn't sure if that was true when the day of the competition arrived adobi watched from the sidelines as chii presented his plan to the judges he
spoke with confidence and passion his love for his work shining through every word when the results were announced ad deobi held her breath and the winner is chii okao the announcer declared the crowd erupted into Applause and a deobi felt a surge of relief and joy chii had done it as he accepted the prize chii looked over at adobi and gave her a thumbs up her heart swelled with pride but the Small Voice in the back of her mind reminded her that her secret was still there waiting to be uncovered that evening as they celebrated
with bottles of maltt and plates of suya chii pulled a deobi aside Deborah he said his voice soft I don't know how to thank you you've been there for me every step of the way I couldn't have done this without you a deobi felt a lump in her throat you did all the hard work Chey you deserve to win he looked at her his eyes full of gratitude you're more than a friend Deborah you're special ad deo's heart skipped a beat but before she could respond Musa called out chii come take a picture with your
trophy chii smiled at her one last time before joining the others ad deobi watched him her emotions swirling inside her she was happy for him but the guilt of her secret was heavier than ever she didn't know how much longer she could keep it from him the night of the celebration a deobi couldn't sleep the tiny room in her Guest House felt even smaller its walls pressing in on her cheii's words echoed in her mind you're more than a friend Deborah you're special she wanted to feel happy she should feel happy but the secret she
had been keeping made her stomach churn she had helped him win but she hadn't being completely honest and the more she thought about it the more she realized she couldn't keep hiding the truth I have to tell him she whispered to herself in the dark the next morning as she walked to Maman ketch's kitchen adobi rehearsed what she would say to chii she imagined his reaction would he be angry hurt would he ever speak to her again her thoughts were interrupted when she arrived at the booker and saw chii already there sitting at his usual
table he looked up and smiled as she walked in good morning Deborah he said his voice warm good morning Chey ad deobi replied forcing a smile she felt her palms grow clammy as she grabbed an apron and got to work Chey kept stealing glances at her after a while he stood and walked over to the counter where she was cleaning plates Deborah he said softly can we talk a deobi froze her heart pounding um sure she said putting down the cloth she was holding chii led her outside to the small bench behind the booker the
morning air was cool and the street was quiet except for the occasional honk of a passing car I've been thinking Chey began his hands fidgeting nervously ever since the competition I've been trying to figure out how I got so lucky it's not just the prize it's you you've been there for me through everything and now I feel like I can't keep this to myself anymore adobe's breath hitched was he about to I care about you Deborah Chey said his voice steady more than a friend you've become such an important part of my life and I
don't want to imagine it without you ad deobi stared at him her heart racing she had dreamed of hearing these words but not like this not with the weight of her secret looming over them cheaty she began her voice shaky there's something I need to tell you what is it he asked his brows furrowing with concern ad deobi took a deep breath her hands gripping the edge of the bench my name isn't really Deborah it's a deobi a deobi Ain whale Chey blinked confused achin whale as in yes adobi said quickly her voice trembling my
father is Chief aen whale the real estate billionaire I I'm his daughter the words hung in the air heavy and sharp chii stared at her his expression unreadable I came here because I wanted to live a simple life adobi continued her voice cracking I was tired of being treated like some spoiled rich girl I wanted to prove to myself that I could survive without my father's money that's why I've been working here why I didn't tell anyone who I really am chii's jaw tightened and His Hands bowled into Fists so all this time you've been
lying to me it wasn't a lie adobi said desperately I just I didn't know how to tell you I didn't want you to see me differently chii stood abruptly his eyes flashing with anger but you didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth you let me believe you were just like the rest of us struggling to make ends meet and all along you were a Billionaire's daughter playing waitress it wasn't like that a deobi said tears streaming down her face I wasn't playing I was trying to find myself chii shook his head steing back
you don't understand adobi do you know how hard my life has been how much I've struggled to build something for myself and you you've had everything handed to you and you still couldn't be honest with me Chey please a deobi pleaded her voice breaking I never meant to hurt you I just I did didn't know how to tell you cheii's expression softened for a moment but then he shook his head again I need time to think he said quietly I can't do this right now he turned and walked away leaving adobi sitting on the bench
her heart shattered the days that followed were some of the hardest of a de obi's life she went to work every day but chiy didn't show up at the booker the Lively conversations and teasing that once made her days brighter were gone replaced by an emptiness she couldn't shake Grace noticed the change in her Deborah no wait a deobi she said one afternoon pulling her aside what's going on you've been like a ghost these past few days ad Deo beside wiping her hands on her apron I told chiy the truth about who I really am
Grace's eyes widened you mean he didn't know no adobi said quietly and now I think I've lost him Grace shook her head her usual sharp tone softening you're braver than I thought girl telling the truth takes guts if he really cares about you he'll come around adobi nodded though she wasn't sure if she believed it one week later chii walked into the booker adobe's heart leapt when she saw him but she forced herself to stay calm he looked different tired as if he hadn't slept much he sat at his usual table table and adobi hesitated
for a moment before walking over hi she said softly setting a glass of water in front of him hi chii replied his voice quiet there was a long silence between them before chii finally spoke I've been thinking a lot about what you told me adobi nodded her hands trembling and chii looked up at her his eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and something else something softer I was angry I felt betrayed but I also realized that you didn't have to tell me the truth you could have kept hiding but you didn't I couldn't adobi
said her voice breaking you mean too much to me Chey I didn't want to lose you chii took a deep breath I care about you too adobi but I need to know was the competition was it rigged did you help me win a de obi's heart sank I I made sure you had a chance to compete but everything else was you chiy your plan your presentation it was all you chii stared at her for a long moment then nodded slowly I believe you relief washed over a deobi but it was quickly replaced by uncertainty does
this mean can we start over chii smiled faintly I don't know if we can start over but we can try to move forward you're not just some Billionaire's daughter to me adobi you're the person who stood by me when no one else did and I'll never forget that adobi felt a tear slide down her cheek as she smiled back at him thank you Chey as they sat together talking quietly the booker buzzed with life around them adobi didn't know what the future held but for the first time in a long time she felt hopeful chii
reached across the table and took her hand his grip warm and steady we'll figure it out he said softly and in that moment ad deobi believed him the next morning at Maman cat's kitchen a deobi arrived earlier than usual the cool air and empty streets gave her time to think her conversation with chii from the previous day had stayed with her all night his words his acceptance and the small smile he'd given her filled her with hope but she knew things wouldn't be the same chii had said they could try to move forward but ad
deobi understood it would take time to rebuild the trust she had broken as the booker came to life with Grace clanging pots and Musa sweeping the floor adobi forced herself to focus on the day ahead she grabbed her apron and started preparing for the breakfast crowd it wasn't long before chii Walked In AD deobi looked up her heart skipping he gave her a small nod as he headed to his usual table Grace leaned over and whispered looks like lover boy is back are you too okay now adobi shook her head we talking that's a start
Grace snorted talking is better than silence as the morning Rush died down chii waved a deobi over she hesitated for a moment then grabbed a bottle of maltt and brought it to his table you looked busy he said taking the bottle from her breakfast rush is always hectic ad deobi replied sitting across from him they sat in silence for a moment before chii spoke I've been thinking about something what is it adobi asked her voice soft chii tapped his fingers on the table the new workshop I need to find a good location but rents in
this area are so high I don't want to rush into anything and end up losing everything again ad deobi nodded understanding his concern you'll figure it out cheii you're smart and careful you'll make it work cheii looked at her his gaze steady I don't just want to figure it out I want you to help me a de Obi blinked me yes you Chey said firmly you've been there for me through everything I trust you adobi I know you're good at planning and thinking ahead if we're going to build something strong I want you to be
part of it a de ob's heart swelled Chey I'd be honored to help whatever you need I'm here over the next few weeks chii and adobi worked tirelessly to find the perfect location for his new workshop they walked through crowded streets met with landlords and inspected empty spaces adobi used her connection sparingly careful not to overshadow cheii's efforts one day they stumbled upon an old building on the outskirts of sorer it was run down but it had enough space for a garage and even a small office Chi's eyes lit up as he inspected the place
this is it he said his voice filled with excitement this is where I'll start again ad deobi smiled her heart swelling at the sight of his enthusiasm it's perfect Chey I can already see it cars lined up outside customers coming in and out your name on a big sign chiy grinned you really think so I know so a dayi said confidently as they began the process of renovating the space chii and aobi grew even closer they spent long hours together painting walls cleaning floors and setting up equipment muser even joined them one weekend cracking jokes
and making the work feel lighter one evening as they sat on the floor of the workshop eating suya and drinking maltt chiy turned to adobi you've done so much for me he said I don't even know how to thank you ad deobi looked at him her eyes soft you don't need to thank me cheedy this is your dream and I'm just glad I can be part of it chii reached out and took her hand it's not just my dream anymore adobi it's ours adobi felt her heart flutter for the first time in months she felt
like she belonged not to her father's world of wealth and status but to something real something meaningful but just as things were falling into place a shadow loomed over their progress one afternoon as a deobi and chii were cleaning up the workshop a sleek black SUV pulled up outside a deobi stomach dropped when she saw who stepped out her father Chief akinwale stood tall in his tailored suit his face unreadable behind him two of his security men flanked him like bodyguards a deobi he said his voice cold cheedy froze his eyes darting between adobi and
the imposing man before them who is this he asked cautiously adobi took a deep breath her heart pounding this is my father cheii's eyes widened and he took a step back Chief Ain whale's gaze shifted to chiy his eyes narrowing so you're the one my daughter has been spending all her time with chii opened his mouth to speak but a deobi stepped forward Daddy what are you doing here I came to take you home chief akinwale said firmly this sherad has gone on long enough this isn't a Gerard ad deobi said her voice steady this
is my life now Chief Ain whale's jaw tightened your life working in a Booker playing house with with this mechanic chiy flinched at the words but he didn't say anything he's not just a mechanic adobi said her voice Rising he's a hardworking honest man and he's my friend friend Chief Ain whale scoffed is that what you're calling it Daddy please adobi said her voice pleading you don't understand I'm happy here for the first time in my life I feel like I'm doing something real something meaningful Chief Ain whale's expression soften slightly but his tone remained
firm adobi you're my daughter you belong at home not in this place ad deobi shook her head home isn't about where you live Daddy it's about where you feel like you belong and right now I belong here for a long moment Chief Ain whale said nothing then he sighed heavily his shoulders sagging you're stubborn just like your mother adobi smiled faintly I'll take that as a compliment Chief Ain whale turned to chii his expression unreadable you take care of her he said quietly if anything happens to her you'll answer to me Chey nodded his voice
steady I will sir without another word Chief Ain whell climbed back into his SUV and drove away leaving adobi and chii standing in stunned silence that night as they sat outside the workshop chii turned to adobi are you okay adobi nodded though her heart still felt heavy I think so he didn't yell as much as I thought he would chii chuckled you're braver than I am I don't know if I could have stood up to someone like that adobi smiled you're stronger than you think Chey and now we can finally move forward together as they
sat there under the stars adobi felt a sense of Peace she hadn't felt in a long time the road ahead wouldn't be easy but she knew they could face it together a few weeks after chief aen whale's unexpected visit life at the workshop was beginning to feel normal again the space was slowly transforming and chii's dream was taking shape the walls were freshly painted equipment was being delivered and the garage sign cheii's Auto Works hung proudly above the entrance adobi couldn't help but feel proud every time she walked in it wasn't just a workshop it
was a symbol of everything they had worked for together but as the grand opening of the workshop approached adobi felt a quiet tension building chiy had been distant not in an unfriendly way but she could tell he was holding something back back he often worked late into the night leaving little time for the easy conversations they used to share one evening after the booker had closed adobi decided to confront him she walked to the workshop and found him under a car tools scattered around Chey she said leaning against the door frame he slid out from
under the car wiping his hands on a rag hey adobi what are you doing here so late I could ask you the same thing she said with a small smile you've been working non-stop Chey Shrugged there's a lot to do I want everything to be perfect for the opening ad deobi stepped closer her voice soft Chey what's really going on you've been so distant lately did I do something wrong Chey sighed setting the rag down it's not you a day Obi it's me I've been thinking a lot about us her heart sank what do you
mean chii hesitated his eyes meeting hers you're a deobi Aken whale the daughter of one of the richest men in Nigeria and I'm just me a mechanic I've been wondering if I can ever really fit into your world a deo's chest tightened Chey I left that world because I didn't feel like I fit in this here with you is where I belong but for how long chii asked his voice barely above a whisper what happens when you get tired of this simple life when your father pressures you to come back what if I'm just a
phase ad deobi stepped closer placing her hands on his you're not a phase Chey you're my choice my world isn't about money or status it's about being with someone who sees me for who I really am that's you chii looked at her his expression softening do you mean that every word adobi said her voice steady for a moment they stood there in Silence the weight of their emotions hanging between them then chii pulled her into a hug holding her tightly I'm sorry he murmured I guess I just needed to hear that a deobi smiled against
his shoulder you don't have to do this alone cheedy we're a team remember the grand opening of Chi's Auto Works was a huge success friends family and locals from the neighborhood came to celebrate the workshop was filled with laughter music and the smell of grilled suya from a vendor cheii had hired for the event adobi couldn't stop smiling as she watched chii move through the crowd shaking hands and thanking everyone who came he looked so happy so alive and she felt a surge of Pride knowing she had been part of his journey as the evening
wore on Chief awell arrived dressed in his usual crisp suit the crowd parted as he walked in his presence commanding attention daddy adobi said stepping forward to greet him Chief ainw nodded his gaze sweeping over the workshop you've done well here he said his voice neutral it wasn't just me a deobi said glancing at chii we did this together Chief Ain whale's eyes softened as he looked at his daughter I see that he turned to chii extending a hand congratulations Young man you've built something remarkable chii hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand thank
you sir that means a lot for the first time it felt like there was a truce between them a quiet understanding that went unspoken as the event wound down and the last guests trickled out ad deobi and chii sat together on the steps of the workshop watching the Stars this feels like a dream chii said his voice filled with wonder it's not a dream adobi said with a smile it's real and it's just the beginning chii looked at her his eyes shining with gratitude I couldn't have done this without you a deobi and I couldn't
have done any of this without you she replied they sat in comfortable silence for a while the cool night air wrapping around them but just as a deobi began to relax her phone buzzed she glanced at the screen and saw a message from her father we need to talk call call me when you can ad deobi frowned her stomach twisting everything okay chii asked noticing her expression it's my dad she said quietly he wants to talk chii nodded slowly do you think it's about us I don't know a deob be admitted but whatever it is
we'll face it together as she leaned her head against ched's shoulder the weight of the unknown pressed down on her she didn't know what the future held but she knew one thing for certain she wasn't going to let anyone or anything tear them apart thanks for watching if you enjoyed the video please like And subscribe here is another interesting story to watch click to watch now
