A letter on the table her heart raised as she picked it up and began to read in the letter ad de your wrot N I can't do this anymore I have tried but I can't take care of this family the way I should don't bother looking for me take care of the children n's hands shook as she read the words she couldn't believe it ad Deo had left her and the children tears filled her eyes and she cried out why Are they why would you do [Music] this once upon a time in the beautiful town
of auba in anambra State Nigeria there lived a strong woman called nna nna was known far and wide for her Beauty but even more she was known for how much she loved her children she had four children in total three lovely daughters and one son the youngest her daughters were Esther E former and Cha and her son the last born was called Iuka they lived with her in their small but happy home nna was a very hardworking woman and her children were also very helpful they loved their mother so much and did their best to
help with whatever she needed whether it was around the house or in other ways they would clean the house help in the kitchen and even wrong errands when needed their mother was always proud of them and she never took their help for granted however there was something very Important that seemed to be missing in their lives their father you might wonder what happened to their father well this is where the story of N and Ado the children's father begins many years ago adayo was a young handsome man he was tall with a bright smile that
could make anyone feel warm inside he was from oun State a Yubba man and he had come to for his National Youth service cops NC every day as he went about his Business he would passed by the house where n lived with her parents n a beautiful and kind young woman lived just a few houses away from where Ado and the other NYC members were staying whenever she passed by Ado would wave at her and she would wave back both of them smiling at each other other one day they finally met face to face on
the road at Deo who had been waiting for the right moment smiled and said hello my name is Ado what's your name n smiled back shy But happy to talk to him my name is n she replied they stood there talking for a while getting to know each other N Found ad Deo very charming and funny and AD de liked n's kind heart and how she always smiled after that first meeting they started seeing each other more often adayo would come by her house and they would talk and laugh together soon they fell in love
and their bond grew stronger every day but not everyone was Happy about their relationship n's parents were not pleased at all n her mother would shout you know how I feel about people from other tribes they are not like us they don't understand us and can be mean n didn't want to listen she believed in love and didn't think it mattered where someone came from Mama you don't know ad Deo he is kind and caring he loves me and I love him too n Would say her mother would shake her head worried about about her
daughter you are young n you don't understand how difficult it can be to marry someone from a different place you will face many challenges she warned but n didn't listen she was in her final year of school at that time and all she could think about was her love for ad Deo one day something happened that changed everything n found out she was pregnant when she told ad Deo he held her hands And promised N I will stand by you face this together n's parents were deeply disappointed when they found out her father didn't talk
to her for days and her mother cried but in the end they couldn't do much to stop her they realized that n loved at De and despite their fears they decided to bless the couple soon n and Ado got married and started their life together they left Oba and moved to asaba where ad de got a good job life Seemed perfect for them not long after they moved they welcomed their first child a baby girl they called Esther adayo and N loved each other so much and their family continued to grow over the next few
years they had three more children EA cha and finally their son euka their home was filled with laughter and love and for a long time everything seemed to be going well but one day everything changed Ado came home from work and N could tell Something was wrong he wasn't smiling like he usually did and his face was sad are they what's the matter n asked worried about her husband are they by sat down looking at the floor I lost my job he said quietly n was shocked what how why she asked trying to understand they
said they don't need me anymore I have been replaced Ado explained his voice filled with sadness n sat beside him holding his hand don't worry Ado you'll find another job I know you will She said trying to comfort him Ado smiled a little but inside he was deeply troubled as the days went by he tried hard to find another job but nothing seemed to work out n worked even harder to support the family doing everything she could to make sure her children were taken care of she loved her husband and believed that things would get
better soon but one day day when n came home from work she noticed something strange the house was quiet and AD Deo was not There she called out are they where are you but there was no answer she looked around the house feeling worried that's when she saw it a letter on the table her heart raised as she picked it up and began to read in the letter ad wrote N I can't do this anymore I have tried but I can't take care of this family the way I should don't bother looking for me take
care of the children n's hands shook as she read the words she couldn't believe it ad Deo Had left her and the children tears filled her eyes and she cried out why are they why would you do this she tried calling him but all her calls went unanswer days passed and she realized that Ado was not coming back he had truly left them n fell into a deep sadness she didn't know what to do or how to move forward for a long time she cried and felt lost her heart was broken and she couldn't understand
why the man she Loved so much had abandoned her eventually n made a difficult decision she couldn't stay in her Saba anymore the memories of Ado were too painful and she needed a fresh start she packed up her things gathered her children and returned to obba the town where she had grown up by that time n's parents were no longer alive they had both passed away leaving her alone but even though she was heartbroken n was determined to take care of her children she rented a Small house in the town and started selling food stops
in the to make a living at first life was tough but n was strong she worked hard and eventually she found a better job that allowed her to provide a good life for her children they were never without food or clothes and N made sure they went to school and had everything they needed but despite all the good things she did for her children n's heart had changed she was no longer the same woman Who had fallen in love with ad Deo now she was filled with anger and bitterness especially towards men she couldn't forgive
ad de for leaving her and she swore that she would never let any man Hur her or her children again Nana's anger was especially strong towards yubin she blamed ad de for everything and in her mind all yuban men were the same she would say to her children no man will ever come close to you I will protect you from their lies and betrayal And you must never trust a Yubba man no matter what her children would listen to her but they didn't fully understand they loved their mother and knew she had been Hur but
they didn't know why she was so angry still they respected her and did their best to make her happy and so life went on in a n worked hard took care of her children and continue to protect them from the world she was strong but deep down she was still hurting and she Carri that Pain with her every day Esther n's first daughter was known for her calm and kind nature she had always been the kind of person who stayed out of trouble listening to her mother and followed the rules recently she had completed her
University education with excellent grades and had also finished her National Youth service cops NC Esther had returned to obba just a few months ago and her mother n couldn't have been prder n would often look at Esther with a smile thinking about how well her daughter had turned out you have made me so proud my dear n would say hugging Esther tightly thank you Mama I'm just happy to be back home with you you and the family Esther would reply with a gentle smile Esther's return brought a sense of peace and come to the house
she was always there to help her mother and siblings doing whatever needed to be done around the house but things weren't So simple with the other children e fora the second daughter was in her third year at University and she was a very different person from Esther if for had a kind heart just like her sister but she was also very stubborn when she believed in something she would not back down no matter who was standing in her way e and N would sometimes argue especially when e didn't agree with her mother's strict rules mama
why must you always tell us what to Do I'm not a child anymore e fora would say Crossing her arms e fora as long as you live under my roof you will follow my rules n would respond family even though EA was stubborn she loved her mother and tried her best to help when she could but the constant tension between them made things difficult then there was cha the third daughter who had just finished high school cha was sneaky she always wanted to be in her mother's good books And she would do anything to make
sure she was n's favorite sha had a habit of lying especially when it came to her older sisters if something went wrong in the house cha would quickly make up a story blaming Esther or E to make herself look good Mama e didn't clean the kitchen like you asked she would say even though it wasn't true na would frown and turn to E for E for why didn't you listen to me you know I don't like Disobedience She was cold if former angry and frustrated would try to defend herself Mama it's not true I cleaned
the kitchen cha is lying but n wouldn't believe her and Cha would stand there with an innocent look on her face I don't lie Mama sh would say sweetly and would nod in approval tra had become n's Watchman the one who told her everything about what was happening in the House Nina trusted cha more than the other children and this gave cha a lot of power she Would lie about her sisters and in return n would give her money or buy her treats sha learned how to manipulate her mother and get what she wanted but
this caused problems in the house Esther was a peaceful person and didn't let tra's lies bother her too much she would say it's okay let her have our way one day the truth will come out however if was not as patient if had a hot temper and when she found out that tra had lied to her mother she would Chase her around the house threatening to beat her up cha I will get you for this how dare you lie about me if would yell running after cha cha quick and sneaky would run away screaming for
help Mama help me ifama is trying to hit me she would cry if n was home cha would always Escape punishment n would rush into the room and stop E from laying a finger on CH E you know better than to hit your sister don't you dare touch her n Will shout protecting cha if for angry And frustrated would stor up to her room one day cha you won't get away with this she would M under her breath but as long as n was home cha knew she could do whatever she wanted without facing any
consequences she will smack and stick her tongue out at eoma when their mother wasn't looking Esther will try to calm things down if fora don't let her get to you she will pay for her lives one day but former couldn't stand being lied about and punished for things she didn't Do the tension in the house between the sisters grew every day andina blinded by her love for cha didn't see what was happening the only one who stayed out of all the family drama was euka the youngest child and the only boy in the family IA
was in senior high school and unlike his sisters he was very quiet he rarely spoke to anyone and most of the time he would come home from school eat his food and lock himself in his room with his computer ABA was a tech genius He loved technology and was always learning new things on the internet but n didn't pay much attention to what Iuka was doing that boy is always on his computer I don't understand what he's doing but as long as he's not causing trouble I would bother him n would say IA didn't mind
being alone he was happy working on his Tech project and learning about computers he rarely joined in the argument between his sisters and when things got too noisy in the house he Would put on his headphones and block out the noise one day Esther and fora tired of the constant tension in the house decided to talk to their mother they had grown up knowing that their mother hated me men especially Yubba men but they didn't fully understand why they had heard stories about their father ad Deo but n had never told them the full truth
Mama Esther began one evening after Dina I think it's time you told us why you hate men so much Especially yourba men n who was sitting in her favorite chair looked at her daughters with a serious expression what do you mean she asked though she knew exactly what Esther was talking about e for who never held back her words added we know you have always hated Men Mama but we don't understand why we are not children anymore we deserve to know the truth n sighed heavily she had kept her story hidden for so long but
now her daughters were grown and they had the Right to know fine she said her voice heavy with emotion sit down all of you I will tell you everything Esther e cha and even Iuka who really left his room gathered in the living room eager to hear their mother's story n took a deep breath before beginning years ago before any of you were born I met a man named Ado he was your father I loved him deeply she paused looking at her children to see their reactions Esther listened Carefully while EA sat with her arms
crossed waiting for more cha as usual looked uninterested but quiet paid close attention Ado was a EUR man n continued he came to obba for his NYC and that's how we met we fell in love and even though my parents were against it I didn't listen I thought love was enough to make everything work n's voice grew sad as she remembered the past soon I found out I was pregnant with Esther ad promised to stand by me and we got Married we moved to asaba and for a while life was good we had all of
you and we were happy but one day ad lost his job I tried to confort him but things started to change he became distant and before he knew it he left us he left me with a letter saying he couldn't do it anymore he told me not to look for him and I never saw him again the room was silent as n spoke Esa and were shocked to hear their mother's story while CH and Iuka listened quietly He former always the Bold one asked did you ever try to find him Mama did you go to
Ogen state to look for him n nodded yes I did I traveled to oen State hoping to find him but when I got there his neighbors told me that Deo had left for abroad they said he had married a white lady and moved on with his life tears wed up in n's eyes as she continued it broke me I had given him everything and he betrayed me after five long years he called to apologize asking me to move on But how could I he took everything from me that betrayal cost me everything and I swore
I would never let another man especially a EUR man near my heart or my children Esther always The Peacemaker reached out to her mother mama I understand how much you were are hurt but you can't carry that pain forever you have to let go bana shook her head her voice firm no Esther don't you ever tell me to let go you don't understand I will never forget What ad Deo did to me and I will not allow any of you to make the same mistake I will protect you from men no matter what the conversation
ended with a heavy silence n has spoken her truth and now her children understood why she was the way she was but the pain she carried was still there and it would take much more than a simple conversation to heal the wounds of the past from that day forward Nina Continued to keep a close watch on her children especially her daughters she trusted cha to be her eyes and ears and Cha eager to stay in her mother's good graces continued to lie and manipulate her way into n's heart but the tension between the sisters grew
stronger and the cracks in their family bond became harder to ignore what would happen next only time will tell one sunny afternoon Esther had an important interview at a company in Oba She had been preparing for days ironing her clothes practicing her answers and praying for the best the interview went well and she was hopeful that she would get the job as she walked back home she felt a sense of relief and excitement for what the future might hold the roads of obba were busy that day people were selling Goods on the street children were
playing and cars moved slowly along the bumpy roads esta was lost in thought thinking about her interview and Wondering what her mother n would say when she told her about it as she got closer to their house she had a car slow down behind her at first she paid no attention thinking it was just another car passing by but then a voice called out hello excuse me Esther didn't stop she kept walking pretending not to hear she wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone especially a stranger but the car continued to follow her and
the voice called out again Excuse Me Miss can I Talk to you for a moment this time Esther turned her head slightly to see who was calling her it was was a young man sitting in a sleek black car he had a friendly smile on his face but Esther wasn't interested she quickened her Pace hoping to get to her gate before the man could see anything else the man however didn't give up he pked his car near the Gate of her house and got down calling after her please just give me a moment Esther was
almost at the gate when she Stopped and turned around her arms crossed what do you want she asked her tone sharp the man still smiling introduced himself my name is Michael he said I run a textile company here in Oba I have seen you around and I thought I would say hello Esther wasn't interested she had grown up knowing that her mother didn't like men especially men from other tribes her mother's warnings echoed in her mind and she didn't want to get into any trouble I'm not Interested she said quickly please leave me alone without
waiting for a response Esther turned and opened the gate stepping inside and slamming it short behind her Michael stood there for a moment surprised by her cold response but he didn't push any further he got back into his car and drove away inside the house cha was sitting in the living room pretending to read a book but she had seen everything that happened outside The moment Esther walked in cha smacked and said I saw you talking to to that man outside don't worry I'll tell Mama all about it Esther R her eyes and ignored her
younger sister she was used to Cha's sneaky ways by now cha loved getting her into trouble and would do anything to stay in her mother's good books I'm not in the mood for your games CH Esther said walking past her and heading straight to her room she locked the door behind her not wanting to hear Any more of Cha's teing cha however wasn't finished she giggled to herself already planning how she would spin the story to make it sound worse than it actually was she loved the power she had over her sisters especially when it
came to getting them into trouble with their mother later that evening n returned home from work tired but as sharp as ever the moment she walked through the door tra rushed to her side her face full of mischief mama I have something To tell you she said sweetly tugging at n's arm n raised an eyebrow sensing that something was coming what is it cha you know I don't like gossip cha grinned pretending to hesitate for a moment before blotting out I saw Esther outside today she was with a man Mama they were standing by the
gate and I saw them kissing n's eyes widened in shock and she immediately felt her blood boil what she exclaimed Esther did what sh nodded eagerly her face full of fake innocence Yes Mama I saw it with my own eyes my two coroo eyes they were right there and they didn't even care who was watching without wasting another second n stored towards esa's room her voice echoing through the house Esther come out here right now Esther who had been resting in her room sat up quickly when she heard her mother's angry voice she knew that
something was wrong she opened the door slowly only to be met with her mother's Furious face mama what's wrong Esther asked confused don't pretend you don't know n shouted sha told me everything how dare you stand outside with a man kissing in front of our house have you lost your mind Esther's eyes widened in shock mama ma that's not true I wasn't kissing anyone I was just walking home and a man stopped to talk to me I told him to leave and I came straight inside B I wasn't listening don't lie to me Esther CH
saw everything I know I trust her how dare you bring Shame to this family at that moment EA who had been in her own room came out to see what all the commotion was about she saw the anger on her mother's face and Panic on Esther's and she knew exactly what had happened sha had lied again before n could continue scolding Esther E grabbed sha by the arm and put her aside you little liar if he squeezing charman's mouth short with her hand why do you always make up stories just to get us in trouble
chman struggling to Free herself from EA's grip mumbled something under her breath but EA didn't let go you think this is funny don't you if continued one day your lies are going to catch up with you seeing if getting physical with sha n quickly intervened let go of her right now she shouted grabbing his slippers and chasing e around the room how dare you lay a hand on your sister you know better than that EA who I let go of traa ran into the room she shared with Esther Slamming the door behind her n still
angry pounded on the door but eventually gave up and went back to the living room Ming under her breath inside your room Esther sat on her bed her hands covering her face in frustration why does tra always do this she asked her voice trembling with emotion I didn't do anything wrong and now mama hates me if I'm still fing from my encounter with sha sat beside her sister don't worry about mama she said trying to comfort Her you know how she is cha is a little spy and as long as she believes tra there's nothing
we can do Esa wiped her eyes feeling a mixture of anger and sadness I didn't even talk to that man properly she said softly I was scared of what mama would say so I just walked away and now she's mad at me anyway for always the Bold one rolled her eyes exactly you were scared for nothing mama is going to yell at you whether you talk to the guy or not so You might as well live your life you are an adult Esther you don't have to let Mama control you like this Esther shook her
head I just don't want to upset her she has been through so much already and I don't want to add to her pain from my side I get it but you can't let her fear stop you from living your life you need to start thinking about your own happiness too the Two Sisters talked for a while longer before going to bed before Falling asleep Esther whispered a prayer hoping that one day her mother would find peace in her heart and let go of the anger she held on to so tightly the next day as Esa
walked out of the house she saw Michael again this time instead of walking away she stopped and waited for him to approach Michael smiled when he saw her standing there good morning he said warmly I didn't mean to scare you yesterday I just wanted to introduce myself properly Esa smiled back feeling a little more at ease this time it's okay she said I was just nervous Michael nodded understandably I get that but I promise I am not a bad guy my name is Michael as I said before and I run a textile company here in
Oba what's your name Esther she replied feeling a bit more comfortable now nice to meet you Esther Michael said with a green would you like to sit in the car and talk for a bit I don't want to keep You standing out here Esther hesitated for a moment but then nodded sure why not they both got into the car and for the next few minutes they talked and laughed getting to know each other better Michael was kind and Charming Anda found herself enjoying the conversation she even apologized for walking away the previous day I'm sorry
about yesterday she said I didn't mean to be rude I was just afraid Michael waved it off with a smile Don't worry about it I understand as they sat there talking neither of them noticed cha hiding behind a nearby tree her phone in hand secretly recording everything she had followed Esa out of the house and was determined to catch her in the act when she was satisfied with the video she ran back inside already planning her next move later that day when Esther returned home cha was waiting for her in the living room room Greening
like a cat that had caught A mouse Esa Esa I have something to show you cha said holding up her phone Esa frowned what is it now cha cha played the video she had recorded showing Esther and Michael talking and laughing in the car see I recorded everything if you don't want me to show this to Mama hm you should better do something oh give me some money and I will shut up Esther's heart sank she knew how much trouble she will be in if n saw the video please cha she begged don't show It
to Mama I give you money just please don't tell her cha smiled fine but I want a lot of money otherwise mama will see everything desperate to avoid more trouble Esther agreed to give cha the money she asked for but deep down she knew that cha wouldn't keep her promise sure enough when n came home that evening cha wasted no time telling her mother about Esther's encounter with Michael Mama CH said her voice dripping with fake concern I saw Esther with that Man again today they were sitting in his car laughing and talking I even
had a video to prove it n's face turned red with anger Esa she called out her voice shaking with rage Esther came out of her room her heart found him yes Mama you went back to that man didn't you n shouted after I told you to stay away from men you went back to him Esa tried to explain Mama it's not what you think we are just talking but n wouldn't listen I don't want to hear it Esther You have disobeyed me and I won't allow it you will stay away from men especially your men
do you understand me the argument that followed was loud and painful Esther felt crushed by her mother's words an fora who had heard everything from her room felt just as frustrated they didn't understand why their mother held on to so much anger and why she couldn't trust them to make their own choices as the evening ended in tears and frustration Esther Anda sat Together in their room both feeling the weight of their mother's strictness and Cha's betrayal Esther prayed again for peace hoping that one day things would change after the heated argument with her mother
n Esther found herself grounded her Freedom was taken away and she was no longer allowed to leave the house it was like a heavy weight pressing down on her she couldn't go out and not even to the market or to see friends the only person who was allowed To leave the house was cha who happily accepted the responsibility of going out to buy things for the house e fora was still going to school but under strict conditions NAA would personally drop her off at school in the morning and pick her up in the afternoon Esther
felt trapped stuck in the house with nothing to do the days dragged on slowly and her only Escape was her phone she would talk to Michael for hours finding comfort in his voice Michael was always cheerful and understanding making her few less alone one day during one of their phone conversations Michael dropped a piece of news that made Esther's heart skip a bit Esther Michael said his voice calm and gentle as always I have something to tell you I didn't mention it before because I didn't want to scare you away but what I'm Yuba Esther's
eyes widened in Surprise what you are Yuba she repeated her voice Trembling slightly yes Michael replied an fromy Bon but I have been living in a bar for a long time now Esther sat down on her bed her mind racing Michael you don't understand my mother she hates yubing she won't let me talk to you if she finds out Michael's voice remained calm trying to reassure her I know it's hard Esther but don't worry your mom will come around eventually she's just H from what happened with your father but I'm not Your father and I
won't treat you the way he did Esther side feeling Tor between her growing feelings for Michael and her loyalty to her mother I hope you are right Michael she said softly I just don't want to upset her anymore she has been through so much I understand Michael replied but don't give up hope okay things will get better I promise they continued to talk and laugh with Michael making jokes to lighten the mood sometimes if would be In the room with Esther listening to their conversations and teing her sister playfully let me talk to Michael e
would say grabbing the phone from Esther's hand Esther would laugh and protest no e he's my friend not yours but EA would insist come on just for a minute she would take the phone and say hello Michael when are you going to come and marry my sister I think you two are meant to be together Michael would laugh on the other end of the line well I hope So I just need to convince your mom first would blush her cheeks turning red and she tried to grab the phone back from eoma stop it eoma you're
embarrassing me but if didn't mind she enjoyed toing her sister and in her heart she truly believed that Michael was the right person for Esther don't worry Esther Michael is a good guy he'll win Mama over eventually if would say handing the phone back to her sister the Two Sisters Often talked about how they could sneak Esther out of the house to meet Michael but there was always one problem standing in their way cha cha the youngest of the girls had become n's most trusted Watchman she would keep a close eye on her sisters especially
Esther and would run to tell their mother if she saw anything suspicious tra loved having this power over her sisters and she would use it to get what she wanted if you try to sneak Out I'll tell Mama CH would say with a small grein whenever she overheard Esther and E's plans Esther would rule her eyes tired of Cha's constant threats cha can't you just mind your own business for once but cha would laugh knowing she held all the cards no way unless of course you give me something in return Esther side knowing that cha
would never let her off the hook without asking for something what do you want this time she asked her voice filled With frustration cha would think for a moment tapping her chin H maybe some money or better yet buy me some sweets the next time you go out Esther didn't have much of a choice if she wanted to keep cha quiet she had to give in to her demand fine fine I will get you whatever you want just don't tell Mama but even when CH got what she wanted she rarely kept her promises she loved
staring up problem and no amount of bribery could Stop her from running to their mother whenever she had the chance one day Michael decided to visit Esther at her house he knew how strict n was so he didn't plan on staying long he just wanted to see Esther and maybe bring some gifts to win over her younger sister cha Michael arrived in his car parking a little distance away from the house so as not to attract attention he carried a few bags filled with gifts chocolate snacks and even some money he Hoped that Cha's love
for presents would work in his favor when he got to the gate he saw cha outside playing with her phone hello Cha Michael called out waving at her cha looked up surprised to see Michael standing there her eyes immediately went to the bags in his hands hi Michael she said eyeing the gift curiously I brought some things for you Michael said with a smile holding out the bags Cha's eyes lit up as she reached for the gift wow Thank you these are for me yes they are all for you Michel replied I hope you like
them Green from ear to ear I love them you the best Michael she quickly opened one of the bags taking out a bar of chocolate and munching on it happily do you think you can help me Michael asked lowering his voice I really want to talk to Esta can you make sure your mom doesn't find out Chama still chewing on her chocolate nodded eagerly don't worry brother Michael I won't tell Mama You can trust me I promise Michael smiled relieved to have cha on his side for now at least thanks cha I owe you one
but of course cha being cha didn't keep to her promise as soon as Michael left she ran inside the house where her mother was sleeping mouth still full of chocolate and went straight to her mother Mama CH called out her voice loud and clear brother Michael he came I saw him outside well he brought me a lot of Gifts just for me to shut up and not tell you about his visit n who had been resting in the living room sat up straight what did you just say CH greened enjoying the attention Michael came by
he brought me chocolate and money and guess what mama he was here to see Esther n's face darkened and her temper fled once again esta she shouted her voice echoing through the house come here right now Esther who had been in her room heard her mother's angry voice and knew that trouble was coming she took a deep breath braising herself for what was about to happen slowly she walked out of her room and into the living room her heart pounding yes Mama Esther said trying to keep her voice calm is it true that Michael was
here to see you n demanded her arms crossed and her eyes is blazing with anger Esther hesitated for a moment knowing that no matter what She said her mother would be furious yes Mama he came by she admitted but we didn't do anything wrong mama he just wanted to talk talk n shouted her voice filled with disbelief I have told you a thousand times to stay away from men but you never list him do you want to ruin your life like I did Mama please Esther begged her eyes filling with tears Michael isn't like that
he's a good man just give him a chance that's all I'm asking B shook her head her mind Closed to any reasoning I will not allow it Esther you will not see that man again do you hear me just then IA who had been in his room all day working on his computer came out into the living room he had overheard the argument and decided to speak up for the first time in a long while Mama Iuka said quietly his voice calm but firm I think you should give Esther a chance to introduce Michael properly
let her bring him here and we can all meet him before jumping To conclusions n turned to face her son surprised that he had spoken up what did you say Iuka Iuka who really got involved in Family Matters stood his ground I said that I think Esther should be allowed to bring Michael here we shouldn't judge him before meeting him n stared at IA for a moment her anger slowly fading she knew her son rely spoke and when he did he usually made sense and who made you the judge of this Family n asked raising
an eyebrow IA smiled slightly well Mama I am the man of this house am I not when the time comes I will be the one giving my sisters away in marriage so I think I should have a say n looked at him her expression softening she couldn't help but laugh at her son's boldness you the man of the house go back to your room and continue pressing your laptop the room filled with laughter and even n couldn't stop herself from smiling for The first time in a long while the tension in the house eased if
only for a moment Esther felt a small glimmer of hope maybe just maybe her mother was beginning to S maybe there was still a chance that n would change her mind about Michael but even as the tension decreased there were still battles to be fought in the house small but constant battles especially when it comes to the chores one of the biggest sources of argument In the house was doing the dishes sha always finding ways to get out of doing any work would claim that washing plate was a job for the last born it's ebuka's
job to do the dishes not mine she will say whenever the topic of choice came up but EMA engrossed in his computer and Tech project rely left his room I have work to do he would say not even looking up from his laptop e former always looking for a way to avoid housework would side with cha I'm too busy with School she would say besides I'm older than cha so I shouldn't have to do it and so it often fell to Esther to do dishes without complaint she didn't mind she was used to taking care
of things and it was easier to just do the work than argue with her siblings as the days went on Esther continued to talk to Michael in secret hoping that one day her mother would come around and while cha still went out Freely without n questioning her whereabouts Esther knew that things in their family were far from resolved but for now she held on to the small glimmer of hope that had appeared after Iuka surprising intervention maybe just maybe there was still a chance for change days passed since the tension has slightly eased in the
house after it bec's bold intervention life in the house carried on as usual Esther did her best to stay out of trouble e former Kept herself busy with school and Cha continued her sneaky ways doing whatever she could to stay in n's good books while secretly enjoying the chaos she caused one quiet afternoon Esther was sitting in her room when she heard her mother's voice calling her from the living room it was strange because n's Stone wasn't angry or harsh Esther hesitated for a moment unsure of what to expect she stood up and walked slowly
to the living room where n was sitting on Her favorite chair looking unusually calm yes Mama Esther asked cautiously n looked at her daughter her expression serious but not as angry as it had been before Esther I have been thinking n began folding her arms across her chest you have been talking to this Michael boy for a while now I want to meet him I want to see who he is and hear what he has to say for himself Esther's had skipped a bit she wasn't sure if this was a good thing or Not you
you want to meet Michael she asked trying to hide her surprise yes n said firmly invite him over let him come here and tell me what he wants from you for a moment Esther didn't know what to say was this a trick was her mother setting up a trap but the thought of Michael coming over or finally having a chance to introduce himself to her mother made her feel hopeful okay Mama Esther said softly a small smile forming on her lips I will invite him over N nodded her expression still St good but understand this
Esther I don't want any nonsense if I don't like what I hear that boy will never step foot into this house again Esa noded quickly eager to make sure everything went smoothly yes Mama I understand later that evening Esther called Michael her heart racing with excitement and nervousness Michael my mom wants to meet you she said unable to hide the happiness in her voice really Michael replied sounding Surprised are you sure that's a good idea Esther laughed nervously I don't know but she asks to meet you and I think this might be her chance maybe
she's finally ready to give you a chance Michael was quiet for a moment before responding okay Esther I will come when when should I come over how about tomorrow afternoon Esther suggested mama will be home and we can all sit down and talk sounds good Michael said I'll be there don't worry everything will be Fine the next day Esther could barely contain her excitement she cleaned the living room making sure everything looked perfect for Michael's visit she even choose a nice outfit hoping that her mother would see how serious she was about him as the
afternoon approached Esther Sat by the window watching for Michael's car when she finally saw it pulling up outside the gate her had began to rise she rushed to the door to greet him but n stopped her I will Answer the door n said coldly walking past her daughter with a St look on her face Esther watched nervously as her mother opened the door Michael stood there holding a small gift in his hands a box of chocolate and some fresh fruit hoping to make a good impression good afternoon ma Michael greeted politely offering the gift to
n n looked at the gifts but didn't take them instead she narrowed her eyes and asked what do you want from my daughter Michael swallowed Nervously feeling the tension in the air Ma I came to see you because I love your daughter I I care about her deeply and I want to take care of her I hope you'll give me the chance to show you that n's expression didn't change she was still cold and unwelcoming and where do you come from she asked her voice sharp um I'm from bad on Ma Michael replied honestly at
that moment n's face changed her eyes widened in shock and she suddenly took a step back as if she had Just had the worst news in the world shouted her voice filled with anger and disbelief man never Michael stood there confused and unsure of what to do Esther who had been standing behind her mother felt her heart sink and she saw the rage in n's eyes get out of my house n yelled her voice shaking with Fury get out and never come back Michael tried to speak to explain himself but na wasn't listening she Picked
up a nearby stick waving it threateningly at him I said get out I don't want to see you here again seeing that things were getting out of hand Michael quickly backed away not wanting to make the situation worse he turned and ran out of the gate his heart heavy with diso appointment Esther in a State of Shock tried to run after him Michael please wait she called out but before she could reach the Gat n grabbed her arm and pulled her back Don't you dare follow him n shouted her grip tight on Esther's arm I
warned you didn't I I told you never to bring a Yubba man into this house Esther's heart broke and she looked at her mother tears Welling in her eyes mama why can't you just give him a chance he's not like Papa he's different but n shook her head her face hard and unyielding I will never allow it Esther never you will not shame this family by marrying a yba man that's final with Those harsh words N pushed Esther back into the house Esther feeling shattered and defeated ran to her room slamming the door behind her
she collapsed on her bed sobbing into her pillow the pain in her heart was too much to bear a few minutes later IFA came into the room she had had the commotion and knew what had happened she sat beside her sister gently rubbing her back to comfort her I'm so sorry Esther if said softly Mama is just so stubborn but you Know how much she has been Hur that's why she's like this Esther wiped her te tears her voice shaky as she spoke I just don't understand why she wouldn't listen Michael is a good man
he's nothing like Papa but she won't even give him a chance if former side feeling the frustration too I know it's not fair but don't give up okay maybe with time Mama will change her mind Esa shook her head feeling hopeless I don't know if for her I'm starting to think she would never accept him while e fora was comforting Esther the rest of the house was filled with its unusual chaos cha who had watched the entire scene unfold from the kitchen doorway couldn't stop laughing she found the whole situation amusing especially the way her
mother had chased Michael out of the house that was so funny CH gig good thinking about how Michael had run away from nastic Mama really scared him but sh's laughter Wasn't just about what had happened to Michael unknown to her family sha had her own Secrets while she acted like the perfect daughter in front of n she was far from it sha had a secret boyfriend an older boy who gave her money and took her out whenever she was sent to run errand every time n sent out to buy something from the Market or pick
supplies from the house cha will secretly meet up with her boyfriend he would buy her gifts give her money and They will spend time together away from her family's watchful eyes cha knew that if her mother ever found out there will be serious trouble but for now she was enjoying her secret life and didn't care much about what her sisters were going through back in her room Esther continued to cry feeling lost and unsure of what to do she picked up her phone and DED Michael's number hoping he would answer Michael she said when he
picked up Esther I'm so sorry about what Happened Michael said his voice full of concern I didn't mean to cause so much trouble it's not your fault Esa replied sniffling mama just she would listen I don't know what to do anymore Michael was quiet for a moment before speaking again Esther I love you and I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for your mother to come around but I don't want to cause any more pain for you Esther's heart ached she didn't want to lose Michael but she also didn't want to keep Living
in fear of her mother's anger maybe maybe we should just run away she said her voice barely above a whisper Michael was silent for a moment clearly taken back by her suggest run away Esther I don't think that's the right thing to do but what other choice do we have Esther asked her voice filled with desperation mama will never let us be together I know it's hard Michel said gently but we have to do things the right way running away won't solve Anything we need to keep talking keep trying to get true to her I
believe that one day she will come around ESA wiped her eyes feeling a little comforted by Michael's words I hope you are right she said softly I don't want to lose you you won't Michael promised I will always beave for you no matter what after their conversation Esther felt a small glimmer of hope maybe things will get better with time maybe just maybe her mother would Eventually see that Michael wasn't like her father but for now all she could do was wait and pray for a change of heart meanwhile the tension in the house continued
NAA remained stubborn and unyielding refusing to even mention Michael's name again I did her best to support her sister but even she knew that changing their mother's mind would be a difficult task and as for cha she continued to live her double life playing the obedient daughter at home While secretly meeting her Bo boyfriend whenever she was sent out on errand but Secrets have a way of coming to light and it was only a matter of time before Cha's hidden life would be exposed for now the family remained divided with each member struggling to find
their way through the chaos As Time passed life in n's house slowly return to a strange sort of normal the tension had not completely disappeared but but there were moments When it felt like things might get better Esther continued her secret conversations with Michael an for always the Bold one kept encouraging her sister to follow her heart but amid all this IFA began to notied something strange about traa traa who used to be so carefree and full of mischief had become quieter she no longer laughed as loudly or teased her sisters the way she used
to if for sharp and observant started to suspect that something was wrong she Will catch CH sneaking out of the house more often staying out longer than usual whenever she was sent on errand and whenever e tried to ask her where she had been cha would always brush it off cha said one afternoon her eyes narrowing in suspicion where have you been you have been going out a lot lately and Mama doesn't even ask where you are going cha busy folding some clothes looked up with an innocent expression I was just running erands for Mama
what's wrong with that she replied her tone casual I'm not saying running errands is wrong said folding her arms but you have been gone longer than usual are you sure you are not hiding something CH ch's face remained calm but there was a flicker of nous nness in her eyes if for you're always suspicious for no reason there's nothing to hide I'm just doing what Mama asked if there was one thing eom knew About her sister it was that cha was an excellent liar she had been lying to get out of trouble for as long
as eoma could remember but this time EA wasn't convinced she felt deep down that something was wrong but traa wasn't giving her any answer over the next few weeks if continued to keep an eye on her sister but CH was careful she never left any clues and whenever n asked her to go out cha would return home smiling and as acting as if Nothing was wrong to everyone else cha was still the perfect daughter but ifom couldn't shake the feeling that her sister was hiding something then one day everything came C crashing down it started
with cha feeling unwell at first no one thought much of it she complained of Hees and feeling tired and N assumed it was just a passing Illness but when cha started feeling dizzy and weak n decided it was time to take her to the hospital sh get dressed we are going to The hospital n said her voice fill with concern as she stood by her daughter's bed she a p and weak nodded slowly not saying much Esther and for a watch from the doorway their faces filled with worry at the hospital the doctors run several
tests n pays the waiting room anxiously her heart pounding in her chest she had always trusted sha her favorite daughter the one she believed would never cause her trouble but now as they waited for The results n's mind raised with worry finally the doctor came into the waiting room holding a clipboard in his hand he looked serious and nna's heart sank Mrs N the doctor began glancing at Cha who was sitting quietly in a chair we have done some tests and I need to inform you that your daughter is pregnant n froze for a moment
she couldn't breathe the doctor's words echoed in her mind and she felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under her Pregnant n whispered her voice barely audible the doctor noed yes she's six weeks gone n turned to Cha her eyes wide with shock and disbelief cha is this true she asked her voice shaking cha didn't say a word she lowered her head tears filling her eyes and nodded slowly yes Mama she whispered n's knees felt weak and she stumbled back into the chair behind her how could this happen she cried her voice
filled with pain CH how could you do this who Is responsible cha wiped her tears her voice trembling as she answered Mama it's it's my boyfriend I'm so sorry n gasped her heart breaking into pieces boyfriend you have a boyfriend she stared at Cha in disbelief I trusted you cha I was busy protecting your sisters thinking you were the perfect one and now this how could you have a boyfriend when you haven't even started University cha sobbed unable to look her Mother in the eye I'm sorry Mama I didn't mean for this to happen but
n wasn't listening anymore her world was spinning she has spent so much time worrying about Esther and EA trying to protect them from men that she had completely overlooked cha she trusted cha believing she was the obedient daughter who never caused any problem but now the truth has shattered that illusion after leaving the hospital n didn't waste any time she demanded that Cha tell her where the boy who had gotten her pregnant lived cha hesitated but eventually she gave her mother an address n marched to the boy's house with ch by her side her heart
pounding with anger and disappointment she was determined to confront the boy and his family but when they arrived at the house and knocked on the door they were greeted by an elderly woman who looked confused can I help you the woman asked n her face filled with Fury spoke Quickly I'm here to see the boy who has been seeing my daughter he got up pregnant and I want to talk to him the woman looked even more confused I'm sorry but no one like that lives here n turned to Cha her eyes blazing is this the
right house cha trembling with fear and guilt nodded yes Mama this is the place he comes here sometimes the elderly woman shook her head I don't know who you are talking about I have never seen him he doesn't live here n's Anger boiled over she grabbed cha by the arm pulling her away from the house I can't believe this n shouted her voice breaking with frustration you have been sneaking around with a boy who doesn't even have a proper place to stay and now you're pregnant with his child sha couldn't say anything she cried quietly
her heart heavy with regret and shame she knew she had let her mother down and there was nothing she could do to fix it back at home n Was inconsolable she locked herself in her room crying for hours the pain of betrayal CAU deep and she couldn't believe that her favorite daughter had kept such a terrible secret from her Esther and E fora tried to confort their mother sitting by her door and talking to her softly mama please don't cry esta said gently we are all here for you you don't have to go through this
alone if for always the B one added mama we have all made mistakes but we are still your Children don't let this break you n eventually came out of her room her face pale and her eyes swollen from crying she looked at her daughters her heart filled with sorrow I thought I was protecting you n said quietly I thought if I kept you away from men you wouldn't go through what I went through but I was wrong I failed you Esther placed a comforting hand on her mother's shoulder mama you didn't fail us you have
done everything you could to protect us but We all have to make our own choices n noed slowly wiping her eyes I'm sorry she said her voice filled with regret I have been too harsh especially to you Esther I shouldn't have treated you the way I did please my child forgive me Esther smile Sly her heart swelling with love for her mother of course mama I forgive you if for nodded in agreement we all forgive you Mama we just want you to let go of your heart and be happy Again n took a deep breath
feeling a weight lift from her shoulders she turned to Esther and said invite Michael over again I want to apologize to him too Esther's eyes lit up with hope and joy really mama you want to see Mel yes n said with a small smile I was wrong to judge him without getting to know him if he loves you and Promises to take care of you then I will give him a chance the next day Michael came over nervous but hopeful when he arrived n greeted him With a warm smile completely different from the St and
cold woman he had met before Michael N began I owe you an apology my son I was wrong to chase you away the last time I was too caught up in my own fears and insecurities is I just want what's best for my daughters and I thought I was protecting them but I see now that I was wrong please forgive me Michael smiled Rel that n had finally come around thank you Ma I understand why you were worried and I Promise to take care of Esther I love her and I will never hurt her n
nodded her heart feeling lighter than it had in years that's all I want to hear just make sure you keep your promise with that the family reconciled even cha who had been so full of guilt apologized to everyone for the lies and pain she had costed I'm so sorry cha said her voice trembling with regret I never should have lied or kept secret from you all please forgive me Esther for and Embraced cha letting her know that she was still part of the family despite her mistakes Iuka who had been watching everything quietly from the
side walked up to Michael and shook his hand take care of my sister he said with a smile she's a good one Michael greened shaking aba's hand family I will don't worry Smiles returned to the family and for the first time in a long while there was peace in the house Esther soon got a job in town and she would visit Michael Regularly they spend time together planning their future and enjoying each other's company before long Michael proposed to Esther and she join F accepted their wedding was a beautiful celebration filled with love and happiness
n stood proudly by Esther's side her heart swelling with pride as she watched her daughter get married e former was Esther's Chief right maid standing beside her sister with a bright smile in her face CH and IA were there Too both beaming with excitement for it was a moment of redemption a chance to let go of the past and embrace the future with hope and love and as they and Michel exchanged their vows n knew that everything was going to be okay Esther and Michel's life together was like a dream come true after their beautiful
wedding they settled into a peaceful and happy marriage Michael kept his promise to n he loved Esther dearly and took good care of her they built a Home filled with love and laughter and every day was a reminder that true happiness comes from the people who care about you most they enjoyed simple things like cooking together going for evening works and spending time with friends and family life was good and Esther was truly happy n who had once been so filled with anger and bitterness began to change seeing Esther so happy with Michel helped her
heal from the pain of the past she no Longer thought about ad Deo the man who had left her and her children she realized that holding on to her anger had only made her suffer more now with Michael as a part of their family and her children driving n could finally let go of the H and focus on the love that surrounded her one day as n sat outside her house enjoying the Cool Breeze Esther came to visit with Michael by her side they brought along a basket of fresh fruit and sat down with n
to chat Mama how are you today Esther asked sitting beside her mother with a smile I'm fine my dear n replied her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter I have been thinking about her blessed I am you have given me so much to be proud of Michael who was sitting on the other side of n nodded we are all doing well Mama it's because of you n smiled and patted Michael's hand thank you Michel I couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law you have made my Esther so Happy Esther blushed and laughed he's
the best mama I'm so lucky they continued talking for a while enjoying each other's company for moments like this were what life was all about being surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her in return as time went on each of n's children found their own part in life e former who had always been determined and strong willed finally graduated from University with flying colors after Finishing her studies she moved to the city to start her career n was sad to see her go but she knew that EA was destined for great things
mama don't worry about me e said on the day she was leaving for the city I'll be fine I've already found a job and I will come home to visit often n hugged that tightly proud of the young woman her daughter had become I know you would do great he former you have always been strong and smart I'm proud of you e smiled and Wiped away a tear thank you Mama I will make you proud and just as EA promised she DED in the city she worked hard made a new friends and built a successful
career whenever she had the chance she would return home to visit her family bringing gifts and stories from the city n couldn't have been prder as for cha life had taken a different turn for her her after the shock of her pregnancy she had a beautiful baby n who had been devastated at first quickly fell in love With her grandchild she helped sha take care of the baby giving her the support she needed to get back to her feet one evening as n was rocking the baby to sleep cha sat beside her watching her mother
with a soft smile Mama I'm so sorry for everything I put you through cha said quietly I made so many mistakes but you have always been there for me n looked up at her daughter her heart full of love shama we all make mistakes what matters is that you are doing your best Now you have grown and I'm proud of the mother you have become cha smiled feeling a sense of peace I couldn't have done it without you Mama with n's help cha was able to return to school and continue her education she worked hard
balancing motherhood and her studies and she eventually graduated her life was back on track and she was determined to make the most of it for the sake of her child and her family then there was Iuka the youngest and the quietest of the Siblings after finishing High School Iuka received a once in a lifetime opportunity a scholarship to study abroad his love for technology had CAU the attention of some important people and soon he was on his way to study overseas Mama I will miss you Iuka said as he prepared to leave for the airport
n hugged him tightly Tears In Her Eyes I will miss you too my son by I know you will do great things go and make us proud EMA smiled feeling a mix of Excitement and nerves I will Mama I'll work hard and I will take care of you and my sisters anuka kept his promise he studied hard worked even harder and soon became the youngest millionaire in the family he started his own tech company and sent money home to help his mother and siblings he made sure na had everything she needed from a beautiful new
house to all the Comforts she could want years passed and N watched as her Children grew succeeded and found happiness she could hardly believe how much things had changed from the days when she struggled to raise her children on her own till now when each of them had found their own path she felt overwhelmed with gratitude one evening and the family gathered for a special dinner to celebrate Esther and Michael's wedding anniversary n looked around the table Esther and Michael sat together laughing and holding hands if for who Had come back from the city for
the celebration was joking with sha who had her baby in her arms Iuka home from abroad for a visit sat at the head of the table smiling proudly at his family n felt a sense of Peace she hadn't felt in years she no longer thought about the bio the man who had walked out of her life all those years ago in fact it was as if he had never existed her heart was no longer filled with anger or pain instead it was full Of love for the family she had buil I couldn't have asked for
more n thought to herself her heart swelling with pride and joy as the evening went on N stood up from her seat and everyone quieted down turning to look at her I don't just want to see how grateful I am for each of you n said her voice fill with emotion you have all made me so proud Esther cha you are the reason I'm happy today I don't need anything else in life just knowing that you all are happy and Doing well is enough for me Esther reached out and took her mother's hand we love
you mama she said softly we couldn't have done it without you if not de in agreement you have been our Rock mama you have given us everything and we always be here for you cha smiled her baby goggling in her arms you are the best mama even EA who really spoke smiled at his mother and said we always take care of you Mama you have done so much for us And now it's our turn to take care of you n wiped away a tear feeling more loved and cherished than ever before she had gone through
so much in her life heartache loss struggles but in the end she had found peace her children were her greatest joy and knowing that they were happy made all the pain of the past fed away and so n lived the rest of her life surrounded by love of her children free from the anger and bitterness that had once weighed her down she had let go Of the past and embraced the future with open arms and for that she was truly grateful this story teaches us that love forgiveness and family are the most important things in
life n had a lot of pain from the past but when she let go of her anger she found happiness we learned that holding on to Hearts can make life harder but when we forgive we can feel peace n's children made mistakes but she still loved them and helped them in the end love and Understanding brought the family back together and everyone found joy the lesson is to always choose love forgive others and be for your family thank you so much for watching this amazing story about n and her family on African stories if you
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