Kind Girl Missed Interview To Help An Old Man, Unaware He Is The CEO’s Father

 

Calm down. You’re ready  for this. This interview could change everything. If the bus comes on time, I’ll make it.  GET OUT OF HERE, YOU OLD GEEZER. STOP WASTING my time. Do I look like a fool to you? You can’t pay, so get lost.  Please. I lost my wallet. My grandson will bring me some money soon.  Lies.

Do you think I haven’t seen your type? Wretched old man. Because you are old, you think I should just believe you? Get out of here, you old man. I don’t have time for beggars like you.  Why is everyone just watching?  Maybe he truly has no  money.  Then why did he come to buy fruits?  Look at yourself.

 You’re old, slow, and useless. You shouldn’t even be out here wasting people’s time. No wonder your family doesn’t bother taking care of you.  The interview can wait. I cannot ignore this.  You old fool.  That’s enough. You shouldn’t speak to an elderly man like that.  Mind your own business, girl.  It is my business. He just needs a little help, and you’re treating him like a thief.

 He should not be humiliated over a small bag of fruit. Here. I’ll buy the fruit for him.  Take it and leave.  Here, Grandpa.  Thank you, my dear. You are so kind.  It’s nothing, really.  No, it’s not nothing. People don’t stop to help each other like this anymore. My name is Grandpa Namdi.  My name is  Imani.

 If only my grandson could meet a girl like you.  Why do you say that?  Because he needs someone with a kind heart.  This is only enough for a private cab or my lunch for the week. But I cannot leave someone’s grandfather standing here alone. Take this, Grandpa. Use it to take a taxi home.  Oh, my dear. No.

I can see you don’t have much. You shouldn’t spend your money on me.  It’s fine, really. I’ll just walk to the next bus stop and catch another bus. I am rushing for an interview. If not, I would have personally taken you home. But don’t worry about me. If I leave now, I won’t be late. Please. Take him home safely.

   She really is different from most people. Are you sure you won’t be late waiting for another bus?  I promise, Grandpa. Besides, if I get too rich and successful, I might forget the middle people, so being a little late isn’t such a bad thing.  Imani, you are a rare kind of woman. A man would be very lucky to have you.

 Oh, no, Grandpa. Don’t tell me you’re trying to set me up with your grandson again.  Well, maybe I am.  I think I’ll pass for now. I barely have time for myself.  At least, give me your number. If I ever need help, I know you’ll be there.  Of course, Grandpa. Call me anytime. Bye, Grandpa.  Go safely, my dear.

 Is that car here  for the old man?  It cannot be. That is Obi Naize, the CEO of Eze Group.  One of the richest men in the the  Grandpa. How many times have I told you not to go out alone without the guards?  Obinna, I was just  taking a little walk. I needed some air.  In this place? With all the risks? What if something happened to you?  Well, I am fine.

 I didn’t even realize when my wallet got snatched.  What? You were out here all alone without money?  Don’t get angry, my boy. A kind lady stepped in and helped me.  Who?  A kind-hearted young woman. She was rushing for an interview, but still took the time to help me. She even used her last money to get me a cab after she paid for my fruits.

 Why would she give away her last money to a stranger?  You should meet her, Obinna. She would make a good wife for you.  Not this again, Grandpa.  Yes, this again.  I told you I will only marry Chika.  Obinna, Chika Okonkwo has been missing for 15 years. Your Okonkwo family has tried everything to find her.

My boy, I know how much you loved Chika.  But what if she’s not coming back? What if fate has something else in store for you? You have searched for years, and every clue leads to a dead end.  I haven’t given up my search. I will find Chika. I made a promise, Grandpa. She saved your life. She was my very close friend when we were young.

She is the only woman I will marry.  Well, at least take this.  Fine, I’ll keep it for now.  No measure passing by clothing, no judgment for ground. The person with a  wand reject, fits where a hidden crown. Good hearts know they make noise, you know they fight for chair.  Another contract. Another demand.

Another person telling me how to live. Obinna, I am speaking to you not only as a board member, but as your uncle. You’re one of the most powerful CEOs in this city. But do you know what people see? A businessman. No, they see a young man without a stable family life. Investors like stability.

 They want to know the company will be secure in the future. They want me to marry. This is the same conversation again. Marry, Obinna. It will strengthen your reputation, stabilize the company’s image, and assure our investors that Ezio Group has a long, strong future. Grandpa raised me after my parents died. He has always been my rock.

He is the only real family I have left. I would do anything for him. Meet Imani. She is a stranger. Grandpa barely knows her. I will marry when I’m ready. And only the woman I choose. You may not like what we are saying. But, think about the future, Obinna. The meeting is over, but the pressure is still here.  I missed it.

My one chance  at a better job is gone. That was my chance to get a better job. My chance to escape the struggles at home. I want to cry, but crying will not change anything. I missed the interview because I stopped to help him. But, I do not regret it. I’ll find something else. I always do. I should be going home to people who will comfort me.

So, why does going back frighten me? Whatever happens, I must stay calm.  Where have you been? Did you bring money?  Mom, I told you I had an interview today. I didn’t get the job.  So, you spent the whole day doing nothing, and you didn’t bring anything home? What kind of daughter are you? You can’t even support your own family.

 I’m trying, Mom. I really am.  But you don’t even work, and Chima just waste money gambling.  Watch your mouth, Imani.  No, you watch your life, Chima. You don’t work. You just sit around and gamble while Mom defends you. Do you even care that we can barely afford to eat?  You ungrateful girl. Do you know how much your brother is suffering? Do you know how much debt he’s in?  That’s not my fault.

 I shouldn’t have to fix Chima’s mistakes.  Well, you can. I’ve already found a way.  What do you mean?  Mr. Okeke.  That old man that always looks at me like I am something he wants to own?  He owns a few houses and a small supermarket. He’s not extremely rich, but he has enough money to settle Chima’s gambling debts.  No.

 No.  Yes. He’s willing to pay a very generous amount to marry you. Enough to clear all of Chima’s gambling debts.  You’re selling me.  I’m saving this family.  You’re not saving anyone. You’re just letting Chima ruin himself while I pay the price.   [singing]  Enough.

 You’re doing this, Imani, whether you like it or not.  Imani, GO BACK HERE.  Just keep moving. Don’t let them see you break. My cheek hurts. But that is not the worst part. No matter how hard I work or how much I sacrifice, it is never enough for them.  Imani, she is our daughter. You will not speak to her that way.  After dad died, everything changed.

 Imani, don’t forget the electricity bill. And I need money before evening.  I became the housekeeper, the provider, and the only person keeping the family alive. Chima and I are almost the same age. Why am I the only one expected to  carry this family? After everything I gave them, all I received were insults, demands, and now betrayal.

Hello.  Imani, my dear. It’s Grandpa Nnamdi.  Grandpa, hope you got home safe.  Yes, my dear. I wanted to check on you. I hope I’m not calling too late.  No, it’s  fine, Grandpa.  Come and see me, Imani. I’ll send you my address.  Right now?  Yes, dear. If it is not inconvenient.  You’re doing this, Imani, whether  you like it or not.

I’ll be there.  This cannot be right. This is one of the richest areas in the city. This cannot be Grandpa  Nnamdi’s address. Grandpa looked so simple at the market. How could he live  here? Are you sure this is the right place?  Yes, madam. This is the AZ  estate.

 That’s the address you gave me, miss. Looks like someone you know is really rich. Good evening, miss Imani.    Sir Nnamdi is waiting for you.  They already know my name. I do not belong  in in place like this.  Imani, my dear, you’re here.  Grandpa, this is your house?  Yes, dear. I live here with my grandson.  Who exactly is his grandson?  Come inside.

 I have never entered a house this  grand in my entire life. I don’t know what to say.  It’s just a house, dear.    What matters is the people inside.  You said you live here with your grandson?  Yes, but he isn’t home from work yet. This is my favorite spot. It’s quiet and peaceful.  For the first time tonight, I can breathe.

 How did your interview go?  I missed it.  Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. Which company was it?  Eze Group. I guess it wasn’t meant to be.  You never know, my dear. Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. Why don’t you stay the night?  What? No, I  It’s already late.  I  Stay. It’s just for one night.

I’ll have a guest room prepared.  I don’t want to go back to that house tonight. Okay. I’ll stay.  Good.    Everything you need is here, Miss Imani.  Thank you. For one night, no one can shout at me, hit me, or force me into anything.     Sometimes love [singing] don’t yield, but our eyes no deceive and when I enter your life    Grandpa still awake?  His bed is so soft.

Grandpa Nnamdi’s mansion. I stayed here last night. I slept through the whole night. I cannot remember the last time I slept this peacefully. Come in.  Good morning, Miss Imani. Sir Nnamdi asked that you join him for breakfast in the dining hall. It is only breakfast. There is nothing to be nervous about.  I still cannot believe Grandpa Nnamdi lives here.

Obinna Eze, he is Grandpa Nnamdi’s grandson? The CEO of my dream company?  Imani, come sit there.  Stay calm. He’s only a man, even if he is Obinna Eze.  Obinna, this is Imani, the kind young woman I told you about.  I remember.  It’s nice to finally meet you.  Obinna, dear, Imani needs a job.  Grandpa.

 She missed her interview at your company because she was helping me. You should give her a job.  Grandpa, really, you don’t have to  What are your qualifications?  I have a degree in business administration. I also have experience in marketing and project management.  Impressive. She can start tomorrow.

 Just like that? Thank you.  I’ll have the HR department prepare your contract.  After everything that happened, I suddenly have a new job. At Eze Group, of all places. Welcome  to Ezzy Group. Miss Imani. Thank you. It’s my first day. You’ll be working with us as a marketing assistant. I’m ready to learn and prove myself.

This company has been struggling for 2 weeks. Study the report and tell me what we are missing. I’ll go through everything. The product is not the problem. They are speaking to the wrong audience. This should reach the people who actually need the product. You found the problem on your first day. I only followed what the customers were saying.

These results are much better than our earlier projection. Imani’s changes made the difference.  Good morning, sir. Continue.  The new target group responded better. Engagement increased within 3 days.  Are the figures verified?  Yes, sir.  Send the final report to my office before noon.  Yes, sir.

He rarely speaks to me unless it concerns work. He does not mix personal matters with business. That is fine with me.  The whole world [singing] hurried past. No one heard the silent  cry.  Imani, dear. I have an idea.  What is it?  You should marry Obinna.  What?  [laughter]  I think you two would make a wonderful couple.

 Grandpa, I We barely know each other. Obinna doesn’t even  I’m not asking you to fall in love overnight. I’m asking you to help each other.  What do you mean?  Tell me about your parents, Imani.  They passed away when I was younger. Forgive me,  Grandpa. I cannot tell you about Mama and Cousin Chima.

 I’m sorry to hear that. So, you live alone?  Yes, I do.  I refuse to let Mama and Chima extort this family the way they have extorted me. Obinna already looks at me as if he does not trust me. I will not give him a reason to believe he was right.  I see. That must be tough.  I manage.  Well, I still think you and Obinna should get married.

 This marriage could protect me. And even if it is not love, there is something about Obinna that makes my heart race. I’ll do it.  Obinna, I believe you and Imani should get married.  Marry her? No way. You know Chika is the one for me.  Obinna, be reasonable. This will give Imani a family and help you.

 It doesn’t have to be real and the board would stop pressuring me. Investors would trust the company more. This could buy me time until I find Chika. I have conditions. No one can know. Not at work, not in public, not even to my friends. Why? This marriage is temporary. When I find Chika, I will annul it and marry her.

 My boy, you won’t regret this. I know you’ll take care of him. And I know you’ll take care of you, too, even if he doesn’t realize it yet.  I’ll do my best.  Prepare everything for the registry. We’ll get it done immediately.  Yes, sir.  He speaks as if he’s signing another contract. It should not hurt.

 I knew this was not love. He has made it clear that this is only an arrangement. Still, a small part of me wishes it could become something real.     Sign here, Mr. Eze. I knew what this was, so why does  watching him sign so easily hurt? Your signature, Mrs. Eze. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Eze.

 [applause]  Welcome to the family, my dear. For now, I have done what everyone expects. When I find Chika, this marriage will end. Imani, now that both of you are married, you should move your things to Obinna’s penthouse. At least exchange the rings properly.  [singing]   It is beautiful, but it doesn’t mean anything.

At least not to him.   [singing]  Your room is down the hall. We’ll live under the same roof, but that’s all this is.  Got it. I am not attracted  to him. That is what I will keep telling myself. This may not be home, but for the first time in my life, I have a place of my own. At least I am safe.

 Madam, the car is ready.  Thank you, but I’ll just take a taxi.    Your coffee, ma. Thank you.  Even though I sleep in Obinna’s penthouse,    I will keep paying my own expenses. I do not want to owe him anything.  As your best friend, I have to admit As your best friend, I have to admit the new marketing assistant is making everyone else look lazy.

 She is an employee Emeka. Keep it professional.  Not even his best friend knows I am Mrs. Ezie.  Imani, you’re not leaving?  I need to finish this report first.  I expected her to demand money, privileges, and luxury.  She has not asked for anything. She has never even mentioned our marriage. She behaves as if the marriage means nothing to her.

That is exactly what I wanted. So, why does it bother me?  Oh. Oh. You’re back.  You’re still working?  Yes, I had some reports to finish.  [singing]  [singing]  This marriage may not be romantic, but it protects me. Mama and that old man Mr. Okeke cannot claim me now.  Good work, Imani.

 This is clear and practical.  Thank you. I’ll finish the final figures before lunch. Hello.  Imani.  Chima.  Imani, it’s me. I need your help.  What do you  want?  I’m in deep trouble.  How much? It is always the same. You gamble, lose, and call me to save you.  I owe 2 million.  2 million? Chima, how did you  I took a loan.

I messed up, okay? These guys, they’re dangerous Imani. If I don’t pay, they’ll kill me.  It is always like this. Chima gambles, he loses, he begs for money, Mom defends him. I am done cleaning up his messes. I don’t have that kind of money.  What do you mean? You live in a mansion now. You’re married to a very rich man.

 How do you know that?  Mom found out. After you refused to pick up any of our calls, we just knew you had selfishly found a luxurious life for only yourself.  I’m not giving you any money. I do not owe you and Mom anything. Mom has always found a way to ruin every good thing in my life. I will not let her destroy this one.

 Then don’t blame me for what happens next.  Chima? What is he planning? What does he mean by what happens next? Imani, my daughter. Can we talk?    I’ll come.  Look again. Look behind the smile.    Look behind the smile.  Come in, dear. Let’s have dinner together. What is that smell? What did you do?  Her voice is soft as honey, but every word can hide.

She wears kindness like a costume.  She’s awake.  Mr. Okeke.  Finally. I’ve waited a long time for this, Imani.  You have no right.  Oh, but I do. Your mother sold you to me.  She wouldn’t.  Oh, she would. And she did. I paid your brother’s debt. You belong to me now.  You won’t get away with this.

I am married. Let me go.  [laughter]  And who’s going to stop me?  Your fake husband. You dare touch my wife.  I I paid for her.  She’s not property. You can’t do this.  Watch me.  She is a person. She’s not for sale.  Are you okay?  He knows I lied  to him. I told him I was an orphan. Now he knows my mother is a greedy monster and Chima is a parasite.

He will tell me he wants nothing to do with me.  Did they hurt you?  No, you came just  in time.  They won’t touch you again. I’ll make sure of that.  He’s not angry. He does not blame me.    He only wants to protect me. I have fallen completely in love with him.  [music and singing] [music and singing]  She is not for sale.

 [music and singing]  How are you feeling?  I’m better. My wrists still hurts a little, but I’m fine.  Use it on your wrists.  Thank you.  Have you eaten?  Not yet.  Please prepare dinner for Imani.   Maybe he’s beginning to feel something for me. Maybe he’s falling in love, too.  The Okonkwo family is hosting a charity gala tonight.

Their daughter disappeared years ago, but our families remain close. They expect me to represent as a group tonight. Come with me.  To the gala?  Yes.  I don’t think I should go. People may start asking why I came with you, and you said no one should know about us. I also have reports to finish tonight.  All right.

I’ll go alone.  I hope the event goes well.  [music and singing]  Don’t stay awake too  late.  Good night.  Obinna, welcome. Your family has stood beside ours for many years.  We are glad you came.  I wouldn’t miss an important night for your family. We are pleased to introduce Miss Chika Okonkwo.

   My daughter.  She lived without knowing the family she had lost. She was raised in an orphanage until recent evidence finally led her home. A DNA test has confirmed that she is truly the missing daughter of the Okonkwo family. Our daughter has finally come home. We thank everyone who stood with our family and never stopped helping us search for her.

 After all these years, I searched everywhere. Every clue led to a dead end.  How is she standing here? Could it really be her? Chika?  Obi.  Only Chika used to call me that.    Where have you been all these years?  I grew up in an orphanage. I didn’t know who I was. Most of my memories are broken.

I remember faces sometimes, but everything disappears again.  You don’t remember me?  There will be time for all the questions later.  Tonight, we  celebrate that our daughter is home.  Mr. Eze, PLEASE LOOK THIS WAY.  The long-lost daughter of the influential Okonkwo family has finally returned home.

Chika Okonkwo reportedly grew up in an orphanage before DNA testing confirmed her identity. After almost 20 years, they finally found her.  Our daughter is home, and we welcome her back into every part of our family and our lives.  Obinna spent his whole life searching for her. Now she is back. That means our marriage is over.

 [snorts]  I searched for her everywhere. Every clue became another dead end. Yet she returned without warning.  I need to be sure. A name and a public announcement are not proof enough. I need to see what she remembers. I would like to come and see Chika privately.  Of course, you are family, Obinna.

 Come whenever you are ready.  Look well. The smile is  sweet. But the heart fit bitter. You came.  I needed to see you again. This was taken before you disappeared. You kept following me that entire afternoon because you wanted the toy in my hand.  I’m sorry, Obi. I don’t remember much. It’s been so long.

 He spent years waiting for her. Now he is ready to start over with her. As long as Chika is back, that is all that matters to him. I don’t stand a chance. It doesn’t matter. He never loved me anyway. I was always just part of an arrangement.  Public interest continues to grow around the reunion between Chika Okonkwo and her childhood companion, Obinna  Eze.

 You still make that serious face when you’re thinking too much. He spends more and more time away from home now.    Rest. We can talk again tomorrow.  I was a fool. I thought his kindness meant he was beginning to love me. I was only a temporary replacement until Chika returned.  I can’t pretend anymore.

 This is tearing me apart. I don’t know what to do. to do.  I can’t believe you’re really here. I missed you so much. I thought we would never find you. I’m so glad your parents never gave up.  I always knew you’d never give up on me, Obinna.    He missed her. He waited for her. Those feelings were never meant for me.

Obinna was never mine. This marriage only existed until the woman he truly wanted returned. I have to  leave. I cannot remain here and watch him fall deeper in love with Chika while I stand beside him pretending not to break.   [singing]  Imani, my dear, come in. What’s wrong, dear?  Grandpa, I’ve decided to leave.

 Leave?  I I love Obinna. But love can’t be forced. I know he doesn’t feel the same way.  Imani, dear, don’t rush this decision. Obinna is complicated. He’s blinded by his past.  No, Grandpa. He’s not blinded. He’s just in love, and it’s not with me. I want him to be happy, and I can’t stand in his way.

Loving him also means knowing when to let him go.  I understand.  Grandpa has already given me more kindness than I could ever repay.  Take this. It will help you start over.  No, Grandpa. I want to stand on my own two feet.  You are an incredible woman, Imani. Obinna is a fool for letting you go.  Take care of yourself, Grandpa.

    [singing]  [singing]  [singing]  It isn’t glamorous, but it is mine.    I am not Mrs. Eze anymore.  [singing]  I am just Imani. Once these papers are served, the legal process will begin. Please proceed.  The office is small, but good work is

respected here.  That is all I need. Starting over is possible. Erasing him from my heart is not.  [laughter]  Chika is back. I should be happy.  I said Jasmine, you idiot. Are you deaf?  That is enough. You may go.  Why are you defending  her? She never listens.  She made a mistake. That does not give you the right to humiliate her.

 You don’t know what I’ve had to tolerate since I returned.  Did you buy all of this today?  Of course. I lost 15 years of my life. I have a lot to make  up for.  When you are ready, we can begin introducing you to the family business and  the foundation.  Can we do this another time? I have a terrible headache, and I already booked an appointment.

 Chika, you have postponed  this five times. She has no interest in work, no interest in the foundation, no interest in anything except money and attention. Why do I still feel drawn to her? Is it because she is truly Chika, or because I have loved the memory for 15 years? Something is wrong. I will verify this test  myself.

The more I investigate, the less this story makes  sense. I need the complete original file for this DNA test. Every sample record, signature, and laboratory entry.  I’ll check the archive. This sample number belongs to a different file.  And where is the original collection form?  Dr.

 Ugo Nwafo personally removed the file. That is not normal procedure.  Where is he now? Find every connection between this doctor and the woman claiming to be Chika Okonkwo.  How far back should I go?  As far as necessary. They met privately four times before the test was completed. She knew the doctor before the hospital claimed to identify her.

She paid him three days before the result was uploaded. The recovered messages are even clearer. She asked him to create a positive match. Tell me the truth now. Or I send everything to the medical council and the police. She approached me before the test. We became involved. She paid me to replace the sample and create a positive result.

I forged it. The new test is conclusive. She is not their daughter. Tomorrow the Okonkwo’s learn the truth. She stole their daughter’s identity and used their grief to enter their lives.  Look behind the smile.  Obinna, darling, you should have called before coming over.  I need to speak with you.  What’s wrong?  This test was a lie.

What do you mean? She isn’t your daughter.  That’s impossible. The DNA test  was forged. I went to the hospital myself. I spoke to the staff and I had a private investigation done. Remember the doctor you used to forge the fake result? He confessed fearing he might lose his license.  Of course he’s wrong.

 Why would I fake something like that?  Because you wanted the Okonkwo name. You wanted their wealth.  Chika, tell me this isn’t true.  [crying]  We lost our daughter once. And now we’ve lost her again.  No.  Enough. Leave this house.  Please, let me explain.    There is nothing left to explain.  And secrets lie  [music and singing]   I was not in love with the woman who returned.

I was in love with the little girl I remembered. Imani was real. She cared for me when I could give her nothing. And I was too blind to see her, too blind to admit what I felt.    I was such a fool. Chika was exposed. The lie is over. But Imani is gone, and nothing feels settled. So, I found  something, something you need to see.

A blood donation record? Look at the donor’s name. Imani  was the girl who saved grandpa. The donation was made on the same night Chika disappeared. At the hospital closest to the accident. The young donor was the unidentified girl brought in after the accident. She had lost most of her memories. Imani saved grandpa.

She was the mystery girl all along. Imani is Chika Okonkwo. She was the woman  I searched for all my life. She stood beside me, loved me, and I pushed her away. I have to find her. I cannot lose her again. Hello? Mr. Eze. If you want your wife back, you’d better send 50  million to this account, and I will tell you who took her.

But if you do not send the money, then don’t worry. When we’re done with her, you won’t want her anymore.  [laughter]  Trace that call.  I only have a partial location.  Then find the rest. Mobilize security and contact the police.  My daughter, please come. I want to apologize properly.  I’m here.

Where are you? I should never have trusted her again. Where am I? Miss Chika? You really are a nuisance. What do you want? Oh, sweetheart, it’s not about what I want, it’s about what Obinna doesn’t get.    Gentlemen, enjoy her all you want. After tonight, Obinna will never want you again. I can’t have you running back into his arms.

Obinna is mine. And if I can’t have him, then you won’t either. Well, well. Mom? You’re selling me out to a stranger? Stranger? Oh, Imani, didn’t your mother ever tell you the truth? Mom. Chika offered me a good deal. You’re not even my real daughter. What? What? That cannot be true. I found you 15 years ago. You had been in an accident and had lost  your memories.

You didn’t even remember your name or your parents’ names when you woke up. You called me Mom. My husband and I were kind-hearted, so we took you in.  Dad loved me. At least that part was real.  Chima is my only child.    That is why I was never enough. So you never loved me.  You were never mine to love.

 No wonder you sold me to an old man the first chance you got. Now I understand why all my sacrifices were never enough. No!  Get your hands off my wife.  Obinna!  Take her away. You are not her mother. You lost the right to call yourself that the moment you sold her out. TAKE HER, TOO.  OBINNA, PLEASE.

OBINNA, PLEASE. Don’t let them take me.  Imani, TELL THEM TO RELEASE ME. I RAISED [screaming] YOU.  IMANI, I’m here. Easy. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry, Imani.  And you needed me. I saw the pain [music and singing] behind your pride, the lonely man you tried to hide. I knew your hands were holding back, but still  my heart refused.

 The results are complete. The results confirm a biological parent-and-child relationship between you and Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo.  It’s true. You are Chika  Okonkwo.  I am not the abandoned burden Mma Ngozi said I was. Chika Okonkwo?  Chika Imanio Okonkwo.  I don’t remember them.    You don’t have to remember everything today.

They have waited 15 years just to know that you are alive. Are you ready to see them?  I’m scared. But yes. Somewhere inside that  house are the people who never stopped looking for me.  I spent my life chasing yesterday.  Imani?  Is it really you?  My baby.  [laughter]  I thought I lost you forever.

 You’re home. You’re finally home. Oh God, we thank you.  [snorts]  Come inside, my child. That’s me.  Yes. That was taken a few months before we lost you. You were always smiling.  And you were never afraid of anything.  You and Obinna were almost impossible to separate.  She was beside me again, and I still failed to recognize her.

 I’m sorry. I still don’t remember any of this.  You have nothing to apologize for.  We will not force you to remember.  We will create new memories together. You look beautiful.  I still feel like Imani.  That is exactly who you should be.  Tonight, the world will welcome our daughter home. You are also the rightful heiress of Star Group.

But you will decide what that means for your future.  Please welcome home the true heiress of the Okongwu family.  She’s still Imani. The woman I love.    Tonight, we welcome our daughter back into our family and into the life that was stolen from her. Chika Imani Okongwu is the rightful heiress of Star Group.

 Thank you for welcoming me home. I may be Chika Okongwu by birth, but I grew up as Imani. That is still the woman I know how to be.  Chika Imani Okongwu. I once promised myself that I would marry Chika. That I would love her forever. But, what I didn’t realize back then was that Chika wasn’t just a name. I don’t love you because you’re Chika Okongwu.

I love you because you’re Imani. The woman who stood by me when I was blind. The woman who helped my grandfather when she had nothing to gain. The woman who loved me even when I didn’t deserve it. The woman who taught me what it really means to love. I don’t want to hide anymore. I don’t want to pretend. I don’t want to contract marriage.

I want  you. Only you. And I want the whole world to know.  Obinna, what are you doing?  Will you marry me again, Imani? But, this time for real?  Say yes, my dear. This time he finally understands.  Yes.    For the first time there is no contract between us. Only love.    My daughter deserves every happiness.

 Take care of her. I will. Now this is the marriage I prayed for.  Thank you for finding me grandpa.   You found us first my dear. Everyone together please. Look this way.  Surrounded by love, I am truly home.  May I have this dance?  You may.  I should have seen you.  You see me now.  I love you  Imani.

 I love you too.    Two hearts meant for each other will always find their way back. No matter how long they are separated.  I had been found not  only as Chika Okonkwo, but as Imani. And that was the woman Obinna had truly been searching for.

 

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