Daniel had lived abroad for the past six years, and he met his girlfriend Rachel online. She was beautiful and elegant, exactly the kind of woman Daniel had always wanted. Rachel was the daughter of Kate, the woman who owned a booming restaurant in their small town. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her as Madame Standard.
Kate had two daughters: Naomi, the more level-headed one, and Rachel, the younger one. Rachel was obviously her mother’s favorite because Kate believed Rachel took after her. When Kate found out that Rachel was dating a billionaire, she was over the moon.
“I have always known you are a smart girl, just like your mother. In fact, you deserve one bottle. Naomi, get a bottle for my girl,” she said excitedly.
Naomi walked toward them quietly. No one would have known that she was actually older than Rachel.
After Naomi served them, Kate’s expression hardened.
“Stand here,” she commanded sharply. “Why have you decided to disgrace me in this your lifetime? Why are you dressed like this?” Kate asked, her voice filled with irritation.
Rachel hissed loudly, folding her arms.
“Mommy, what is wrong with my clothes?” Naomi asked innocently, her brows knitting in confusion.
“This girl is not all right, oh,” Kate exclaimed dramatically. “See the long skirt that you are wearing that is sweeping my restaurant floor? What happened to all the bum shorts I got for you?”
“Mommy, I can’t wear that,” Naomi replied softly, lowering her gaze.
“Have you seen your life?” Kate snapped, pointing at her. “Your younger sister just got herself a good, rich man and you, you are stuck with this nonsense.” She looked Naomi up and down with disdain. “What man will show interest in a woman that dresses like this?” Kate hissed. “Get out of here,” she added sharply. “Keep wearing long skirts and life will pass you by. Nonsense.”
She turned to Rachel, her face softening immediately.
“Imagine the stupid girl.”
Rachel hissed again and waved dismissively.
“Mommy, let’s not talk about her. Let’s talk about my boo.”
They both giggled, clinking their glasses lightly.
“Mommy, I am planning to propose to her,” Daniel said over the phone, his tone firm but hopeful.
“Daniel, what has come over you?” his mother replied, her voice rising in alarm. “How can you want to propose to a girl that you have never met before? You don’t know her character. You don’t know her background. You don’t even know if she is wife material,” she lamented.
Daniel sighed, rubbing his forehead.
“Mommy, this is the 21st century. Things are no longer like your time.”
“Daniel, things may not be like my time,” she replied firmly, “but I still know how things are done.”
There was a brief pause before she continued.
“Give me every detail of this girl. I will go and see her for myself. If she is good enough, then you can go ahead and propose to her.”
Daniel exhaled deeply.
“Mommy, that is not necessary. I love this girl and—”
“Daniel!” his mother cut in sharply. “If you don’t want to bury your mother, please allow me to go and see this girl for myself.” Her voice trembled slightly with emotion. “You are my only son, and I won’t allow you to marry a woman who has the capacity to cut your life short.”
Daniel fell silent for a moment, thinking. Then, reluctantly, he agreed and sent his mother all the details he knew about Rachel.
“My husband, the girl is beautiful,” Mama Daniel said, showing her husband Rachel’s pictures. Her eyes lingered on the screen before she shook her head slightly. “But beauty is not enough to keep a home.”
She looked up at him. “We will have to go and see her.”
Her husband nodded in agreement.
That afternoon, Mama Daniel and Papa Daniel walked into the restaurant dressed in old, tattered clothes. Their appearance immediately drew attention. Rachel, who had been seated comfortably, chatting and scrolling through her phone, looked up.
The moment her eyes landed on them, she sprang to her feet, her face tightening with irritation.
“What are you both doing here?” she asked sharply, her tone cutting through the air.
Mama Daniel stepped forward slightly, her voice gentle despite the tension.
“My dear,” she began, “please, we are hungry. Can you give us something to eat?”
Rachel let out a loud, mocking laugh, throwing her head back slightly.
“Look at these poor idiots,” she scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain. “Does this place look like a charity organization to you?” She folded her arms, glaring at them. “At your age, you are still going around begging for food. What were you doing when your mates were making money?” she fired at Papa Daniel, her voice sharp and accusatory.
Then she turned to Mama Daniel, her lips curling into disgust.
“And you, people like you are the ones that rush into marriage with poor men, claiming it’s love. Now, at old age, you are roaming about looking for who to steal from.”
Her voice rose as she pointed at them.
“Thieves!” she shouted.
Mama Daniel and her husband stood frozen, their eyes widening in shock as they took in the harshness of her words.
Is this the woman our son wants to marry? Mama Daniel wondered silently, her chest tightening.
“Are you still standing here?” Rachel snapped. “Get out!”
Just then, Naomi walked into the restaurant. Her brows furrowed as she took in the scene.
“Rachel, what is happening here? I could hear your voice from outside,” she said, her tone concerned.
Rachel hissed and looked away, clearly irritated.
Naomi turned her attention to the elderly couple. Her expression softened immediately.
“Good afternoon, ma, sir. What is the problem?” she asked calmly.
Mama Daniel swallowed, her voice quieter now.
“We are hungry and we need something to eat.”
Naomi’s eyes widened slightly and she turned to Rachel.
“Ah, Rachel, was that why you were shouting?” she asked, disappointment flickering across her face.
Then she faced the couple again, her voice warm.
“Please, have a seat. Let me bring you something to eat.”
“Naomi!” Rachel snapped, her eyes blazing. “I can see you want to run mad this afternoon. If you dare give these old cargoes food, I will tell Mommy and you know what will happen.” She folded her arms tightly and stepped closer, her voice dropping into a threatening tone. “I will pour hot water on you if you don’t carry your useless selves out of my restaurant.”
The air grew heavy.
Mama Daniel sighed deeply, her shoulders sinking. Without another word, she and her husband turned and walked away slowly, their steps weighed down by humiliation.
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps approached them from behind.
“Please, wait,” Naomi called out, slightly out of breath as she caught up with them. “I am so sorry for everything that happened in there,” she said quickly, her face filled with genuine remorse. “We are not always like that. Please, forgive us.”
She stretched out her hand, offering them a small takeaway pack.
“I brought this,” she added softly. “It’s my lunch. I hope you both can manage it.”
Her eyes lingered on them for a moment, filled with quiet concern, before she turned and walked away.
Mama Daniel and Papa Daniel stood there, watching her retreating figure in silence.
Who is this angel? Mama Daniel whispered to herself, her heart stirred by the young woman’s kindness.
When they got home, they immediately called Daniel.
“Daniel, you will not marry that Jezebel,” Mama Daniel said coldly, her voice firm and unyielding.
“Mommy, what are you saying again?” Daniel asked, confusion creeping into his tone.
“Daniel, your mother is right,” his father added. “That girl is a nightmare. Her mouth is filled with vile words.”
“Daddy, Mommy, I’m sorry, but I don’t think we should continue this conversation,” Daniel replied, his voice tightening. “I’ll be coming back next week. When I return, we can talk. Mommy, I love Rachel so much and she is not bad. I promise you.”
Daniel’s father sighed deeply.
“Daniel, from what we saw and heard, I can tell you with confidence that she loves your money more,” he said calmly but firmly. “So, I advise that you tread carefully. You have to find out if she is truly good.”
His mother added, her tone resolute.
“Go there as if you have lost everything.”
Daniel had never seen his parents this serious before. He stared at them for a moment, his mind racing as he contemplated their words.
The next day, Kate and her daughters were moving about in a flurry of activity, setting everything in order. Chairs were wiped, tables arranged, and every corner of the compound reflected careful preparation.
“Naomi, make sure you don’t come out at all,” Kate warned sternly, pointing a finger at her. “I don’t want him to think we are raising mad people in this house. Your sister’s billionaire boyfriend is coming today.”
Naomi, already used to their constant insults and jabs, said nothing. She simply lowered her gaze and continued with what she was doing, choosing silence over reaction.
By afternoon, Daniel walked through the gate. He came alone. No car, no friends. His clothes were slightly rumpled, and his appearance was noticeably unkempt.
When Rachel stepped out into the compound to welcome him, her excitement quickly faded into confusion. Kate stood beside her, her sharp eyes scanning him from head to toe, her expression slowly hardening.
Rachel walked up to him, her brows furrowed.
“Babe, why are you alone? Where is your car?”
Daniel let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair.
“Baby, I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I lost everything.”
Rachel blinked, taken aback.
“What are you talking about?” she demanded. “What do you mean you lost everything?”
“Yes, babe. A few weeks ago, my business partner framed me and got me arrested. The police and the government took everything from me, and I was deported.”
Rachel staggered back slightly, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“Babe, I’m broken,” Daniel continued, his voice heavy. “That’s why I came to see you.”
“You came to see who?” Kate’s voice cut in sharply as she stepped forward. She looked Daniel up and down again, this time with open disgust. “I can see you have lost your mind,” she snapped. “When you found out that you are no longer capable of handling my daughter, why did you come here?”
Before Daniel could respond, a loud slap echoed through the compound.
Rachel’s hand had struck his face.
Daniel froze, stunned. He hadn’t seen it coming.
“That is for wasting my time,” Rachel said coldly, her eyes blazing with anger. “Mommy, imagine this idiot. He was busy bragging.” She threw her hands up dramatically. “What will I tell my friends? What will I tell my fans? That I’m no longer getting married to a billionaire?” she scoffed. “And you came here to do what? To get pity?” Her lips curled in contempt. “You are a failure.”
Daniel swallowed hard, still trying to process everything.
“Baby, I love you,” he said, his voice strained. “Believe me, we can still work things out.”
“You are mad!” Rachel shouted, cutting him off. Her chest heaved with anger. “Just wait for me.”
She stormed into the house. Moments later, she returned with a bucket of water in her hands, her face set with determination. Before she could move closer, Naomi rushed forward and stood in front of Daniel, shielding him.
“Are you mad?” Kate shouted at her.
“Mommy, what are you both doing?” Naomi asked, her voice trembling but firm. “Rachel, is this how you treat your fiancé who came to see you?”
“Naomi, I know you are mad,” Rachel snapped, gripping the bucket tightly. “But I will bathe you with this water if you don’t step aside.”
“Please don’t,” Naomi began, but before she could finish, a hot slap landed across her face. She staggered slightly, her hand flying to her cheek.
In the next instant, Rachel flung the bucket, drenching both Naomi and Daniel.
“Idiots,” she spat.
Daniel stood there, completely dumbfounded. Water dripped from his clothes, his hair, his face, but he didn’t move. His eyes were fixed on Rachel.
Was this the same woman who had professed love to him?
Naomi, still reeling from the slap, gently took Daniel’s hand.
“Come,” she said softly. She led him out of the compound.
Outside, Naomi stopped and turned to face him. Water still dripped from her clothes, her hair clinging to her face.
“I am so sorry for that,” she said sincerely, her voice filled with remorse. “I hope you will find your way from here.”
Daniel looked at her, really looked at her for the first time.
“What is your name?” he asked quietly.
“Naomi,” she replied.
Without waiting for anything else, she turned and walked away. Daniel stood there, watching her retreating figure, his mind racing. He could hardly believe it. The woman he had planned to give the world to had turned out to be so cruel. But something else stirred within him, a quiet realization.
He would make things right. And this time, he knew he had found a rare gem.
That day, Daniel and his parents drove into the compound. Kate was overjoyed to see them. Her face lit up instantly as she hurried forward, welcoming them warmly, her voice filled with excitement.
“Ah, you are welcome. You are welcome,” she gushed, ushering them inside with enthusiasm.
Rachel stood off to the side, giggling softly to herself. She was certain, no matter what had happened, Daniel still loved her.
Kate settled into her seat opposite them, her smile wide and expectant.
“What may I offer you?” she asked politely, her tone smooth and inviting.
“No need,” Mama Daniel replied, her voice firm and slightly impatient. “We are here to ask for the hand of your daughter in marriage.”
Kate’s smile widened even more, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
“Oh, that’s beautiful,” she exclaimed, turning eagerly. “Rachel!” she called out.
“No, it is not Rachel,” Daniel said.
The words fell heavily into the room. Rachel’s laughter died instantly as she stared at him in shock.
“What?” she whispered, her eyes widening.
“It is your second daughter,” Daniel continued, his voice steady.
“Naomi,” Mama Daniel added firmly.
Kate’s face dropped, her expression freezing in disbelief.
“What?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” Daniel said calmly. “She is the one I came to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Silence swallowed the room.
“We will be coming back in a fortnight to pay her dowry,” Mama Daniel concluded.
Kate and Rachel remained rooted to their spots, unable to move, unable to speak, their faces pale with shock. Without another word, Daniel and his parents stood and walked out.
The moment they left, Rachel broke down.
“Mommy, this can’t happen to me,” she cried, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her face. “I love Daniel. I deserve him.” She collapsed to the ground, sobbing bitterly, her body shaking with grief and anger.
Kate quickly squatted beside her, cupping her face.
“My dear, look at me,” she said urgently. “That wedding will not hold. I know what to do.”
Her eyes hardened with determination.
The next day, Kate took Rachel to a native doctor who lived on the outskirts of the town, deep within the bush. The air there was thick and eerie.
“Baba,” Rachel cried, her voice trembling as she knelt before him. “My sister wants to take my husband from me, and I don’t want that.”
Kate sighed dramatically beside her.
“Wise one,” she added, shaking her head. “My eldest daughter has always been jealous of the younger one because she is more beautiful. Please help us.”
The native doctor studied them silently before speaking.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Rachel lifted her tear-streaked face.
“I want Daniel back and I want Naomi to run mad.”
The man began his incantations, his voice low and rhythmic. After a while, he handed her a charm.
“You will rub this all over your body before you see Daniel,” he instructed. “Once you set your eyes on him, he will love you till the day you die.”
He then handed her another small charm.
“And for your sister, make sure you touch her with this.”
He paused, his expression turning serious.
“But listen carefully. If you fail to set your eyes on him before 12:00 p.m., whatever you see, you will take.”
“No problem, Baba,” Kate assured confidently.
They left.
Naomi was returning from the market, her steps steady despite the weight of everything she’d been handling alone. Her wedding to Daniel was only a few days away, yet neither her mother nor her sister had offered any help.
As she walked, an old woman approached her.
“Please, my daughter, give me food,” the woman pleaded.
Naomi smiled gently.
“Ah, Mama, I don’t have food,” she said softly. “But I have some fruits.”
She opened her bag and handed some fruits to her.
“Thank you, my daughter,” the old woman said.
Naomi was about to walk away when the woman called her again.
“My daughter,” she said slowly, her voice suddenly serious. “Your sister will come to your wedding. Do not allow her entrance.”
Naomi froze.
“Do not allow her to see or hug your husband,” the woman repeated. “If not, disaster will befall you.”
Naomi opened her mouth to respond, confusion written all over her face. But the woman was gone. She looked around quickly. There was no sign of her.
On the day of the wedding, Daniel came fully prepared. He knew Rachel might try something, so he had arranged for policemen to stand guard.
Guests filled the venue, laughter and music in the air.
A few minutes later, Kate and Rachel arrived, both dressed beautifully, smiles spread across their faces as though nothing had happened. But the policeman stepped forward, blocking their path.
“What is happening here?” Kate demanded, her smile fading. “This is my daughter’s wedding.”
“Yes, Ma,” one of the officers replied calmly. “But we have been ordered not to grant you both entrance.”
“What?” Rachel snapped. “Are you mad? Get out of the way this instant.”
The policeman remained unmoved. A small crowd began to gather, whispers rising as tension filled the air.
Then suddenly, Rachel screamed. All eyes turned to her.
“What is it?” Kate asked, alarmed.
Rachel screamed again, clutching her head before collapsing to the ground.
“My mother took me to a native doctor,” she cried out, her voice shaking uncontrollably. “He gave me a charm to make Daniel fall in love with me and leave Naomi. But these policemen refused to let me see him.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Before she could say another word, her body convulsed violently. And then she went still.
Dead.
Kate let out a piercing cry, falling beside her daughter as tears streamed down her face. Her greed, her favoritism, had destroyed everything.
Naomi stepped out, Daniel by her side. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at her mother.
“I know you never loved me,” she said, her voice breaking. “But why would you go this far?”
Kate, consumed by grief and rage, pointed at her.
“You are a cursed child,” she cried. “You are evil. You have killed your sister.”
Naomi stood there, speechless, her heart heavy. Daniel gently pulled her into a hug as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Her mother’s favoritism had torn their family apart, and in the end, it had led to total destruction.
Kate was left with no one. She spent the rest of her days in solitude and pain, mourning Rachel and the choices that led to her downfall.
Naomi and Daniel later moved to the United States to start a new life together, far away from the shadows of the past.
