He took the card with trembling fingers. I’ll call Ma. I promise. Madame Tina smiled, got back into her black car, and drove away slowly.
The smell of her perfume lingered in the air long after she was gone. Andrew stood still beside his little stall, the card clutched tightly in his hand, his heart racing with a mix of shock, joy, and disbelief.
That evening, Johnson returned from the market. He looked tired and worn out. He saw Andrew sitting on the wooden chair, smiling and humming his favorite song.
Johnson dropped his bag and looked at his grandson closely. “Andrew, what’s making you smile like that?
You’re laughing like someone who won the lottery. Andrew stood up quickly, full of excitement.
Grandpa, welcome. I have good news for you. Andrew smiled. A woman came to the stall today while you were away.
She came to fix her shoe and we started talking. Her name is Madame Tina.
She said she’s a businesswoman and lives in the next city. Johnson raised one eyebrow.
Okay, go on. She told me she doesn’t have a husband and that her daughter is always out of the country.
She said she needs someone to drive her around. Her driver relocated. Grandpa, she offered me a job.
Johnson’s eyes widened. A job? Just like that. From fixing a shoe buckle to offering you a job.
Yes, Grandpa, Andrew replied, his smile growing. She said she likes me, that I speak well and look responsible.
She said I can live in her house and she will pay me well. Johnson’s smile disappeared.
He sat up straight. Live in her house. Andrew, don’t you know the world is dangerous?
What if she’s one of those sugar mummies looking for young men to take advantage of?
I don’t trust some of these billionaires. You think because she wore fine clothes and drove a big car, she’s normal?
Andrew tried to stay calm. Grandpa, please don’t think like that. Andrew, Johnson snapped. Don’t grandpa me.
You know you’re all I have. I lost your mother in the hospital the same day you were born.
She was only 16 years old when she died due to severe bleeding. I can’t live with myself if anything happens to you.
Andrew held his grandfather’s hand. Grandpa, I understand your fear, but she didn’t force me.
She gave me her number and said I should call her if I’m interested. She didn’t even collect my number.
And you know I’m a man now. I have to go out there to look for a better life.
Johnson looked into his eyes. Andrew, are you sure about this? My spirit is not settled.
Andrew nodded. I’ll ask questions when I get to her neighborhood. I’ll find out from people who live there.
If anything looks strange, I won’t enter the house. Johnson was quiet. He looked away and sighed deeply.
If anything happens to you, I’m finished. Andrew smiled, trying to cheer him up. Grandpa, nothing will happen to me.
I promise. This might be the breakthrough we’ve been praying for. I don’t want to keep sitting here waiting for a job that may never come.
Johnson slowly began to relax. He forced a smile and whispered. I just want you to be safe.
I will be, Grandpa, Andrew replied, hugging him tightly. And when I start working, I’ll send you money.
You’ll stop sitting under the sun. You’ll rest. That’s my promise. Johnson forced a smile.
Okay, my son. If your heart is at peace with it, then go. But please be careful.
Very very careful. Andrew smiled and nodded. Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll call Madame Tina tomorrow.
As he walked into the room to find his phone, Johnson looked up at the sky and prayed silently.
Lord, if this woman is truly sent by you, let it work out. But if she means evil, let Andrew never step into that house.
The next morning, Andrew stood outside with his phone in hand. He took a deep breath and dialed the number Madame Tina gave him.
His heart beat fast as it rang. Hello. A soft, firm voice answered. Good morning, Ma.
This is Andrew, he said with a small smile. I spoke to my grandfather and he has agreed.
Oh, that’s wonderful news, Madame Tina said, smiling. Thank you for calling. I’ll send you my address now.
When you get to the estate gate, just call me. Thank you, Ma. I’ll be on my way shortly.
After the call, Andrew rushed inside. Grandpa, I’m going now. Johnson stood at the door, his eyes full of love and worry.
He placed his hand on Andrew’s head and prayed for him. God will go with you.
Don’t forget everything I told you. Shine your eyes and don’t let your guard down.
I will, Grandpa. I promise. Andrew packed his small bag, hugged his grandfather again, and left for the bus park.
The ride took almost 2 hours, but he was excited. When he got to the estate gate, a tall, firm security guard stood there.
Are you Mr. Andrew? Yes, he replied. Come with me. Madame Tina is expecting you.
When they reached Madame Tina’s compound, Andrews eyes widened. The house was large and beautiful.
Flowers lined the walkway and the gate was painted bright white. It looked like a house from a movie.
Madame Tina came out to welcome him. You’re welcome, Andrew. Come in. Come in. This will be your new home.
Andrew smiled. Thank you, Ma. This place is beautiful. She led him inside and showed him a clean, luxurious room with a bed, a wardrobe, and even a big mirror.
You’ll stay here, and the parking lot is just beside the pool, Madame Tina said, smiling.
“Don’t worry, Andrew. Just be yourself. I treat my workers like family. Be honest and drive carefully.”
Andrew nodded humbly. “Yes, Ma. Thank you very much.” He started work that same day.
He took some of the cars to the mechanic, then to the car wash, and arranged the keys on a small wooden table.
Within a week, Madame Tina trusted him completely. He was always on time, always polite, and never spoke more than necessary.
Two weeks later, something unexpected happened. Madame Tina’s only daughter, Naomi, returned home from a long business meeting abroad.
Andrew was polishing the car when she stepped out, tall, elegant, and glowing in a fitted cream suit.
Her voice was soft yet commanding when she said, “Good morning.” Andrew froze for a second.
“Good morning, Ma,” he said, bowing slightly. She tilted her head. “You must be the new driver my mom told me about.”
“Yes, Ma. My name is Andrew.” “Nice to meet you, Andrew,” she said, smiling faintly before walking into the house.
That afternoon, Madame Tina called Andrew. Please drive my daughter to her office for an urgent meeting.
She’ll tell you the address. Yes, Ma. Minutes later, Naomi came out in a navy blue dress holding a small handbag.
Andrew opened the back door respectfully, but she smiled and said, “No, it’s fine. I’ll sit in front.
I don’t like shouting instructions from the back.” He smiled awkwardly. Okay, Ma. The drive was quiet at first.
The gentle hum of the car mixed with faint afro soul music from the radio.
Then suddenly, as they approached a roundabout, a reckless motorcyclist swerved across their lane. Andrew reacted quickly, turning the steering sharply and stopping just in time.
Naomi gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Oh my god!” Andrew’s breathing was steady.
“Sorry, Ma.” I saw him early enough. “You’re safe.” She turned slowly to look at him.
The calm in his voice, the steadiness in his hands. For a moment, she forgot to speak.
There was something about the way he handled the situation. Protective yet gentle. “Thank you,” she said softly.
When they reached her office, she hesitated before getting down. “You’re a very careful driver,” she said.
“Most men would have panicked.” He smiled. “It’s my job to keep my passengers safe.”
Days passed, and every morning she began to look forward to their drives. She would ask him to join her for lunch.
She asked about his day, his family, even his dreams. He would answer gently, always respectful.
Sometimes she would laugh at his simple jokes, surprised at how peaceful she felt around him.
One afternoon it started raining heavily. They were stuck in traffic, raindrops dancing across the windshield.
Naomi turned slightly, watching how the light caught his face. “Andrew,” she said suddenly, “do you ever wish for more in life?”
He glanced at her briefly. “Yes, Ma, but I also thank God for what I have now.”
She smiled, a quiet, lingering smile. “That’s rare. Most people I meet only complain.” He shrugged.
“Complaining doesn’t fix anything, Ma.” She nodded slowly, her heart strangely warm. “She didn’t know what it was, his calm voice, his humility, or his eyes that looked like peace itself.
But something in her began to shift. When they reached her office, she sat still for a while, pretending to scroll through her phone just to stay a few more seconds.
“Thank you for the ride, Andrew,” she finally said. “You’re welcome, Ma,” he replied, smiling.
As she stepped out into the soft drizzle, she realized she hadn’t felt this alive around other men she had met.
“The next weekend, Madame Tina gave him permission to visit his grandfather. Go and see him.
I’m sure he misses you. You can go with one of the SUVs. Andrew was excited.
He packed some groceries and a little gift he bought for his grandfather with his first salary, a new CFAN, and a pair of leather shoes.
When he arrived home, his grandfather rushed out and hugged him tightly. My son, you’re looking fresh.
God has done it. Andrew laughed. Grandpa, I missed you. Inside the house, Johnson served him spicy rice and stew just as he liked it, and they sat down to catch up.
Grandpa, Andrew said, I need to tell you something. Johnson looked up. What is it?
There’s a girl. She is Madame Tina’s daughter, Andrew said, smiling shily. She’s stunning, respectful, funny, and Johnson asked, folding his arms.
And And I think I think I’m falling in love with her. Johnson’s eyes widened.
Andrew, you’re falling in love? Andrew nodded. Yes, Grandpa. I haven’t told her yet. I’m afraid.
I don’t even know if she feels the same. But there’s something about her. The way she looks at me, the way she talks, the way she takes care of me.
Johnson smiled slowly. Love is a beautiful thing, my son, but be careful. Don’t rush.
Look well. I’m not rushing, Grandpa. Andrew said, “I’m just I don’t know.” My heart feels soft every time I see her.
I can’t explain it. Johnson laughed gently. That’s how love starts, Grandpa. Andrew whispered. What if she doesn’t love me too?
Then my son, Johnson said, placing his hand on his shoulder. Pray. If it is truly from God, it will happen.
No man can stop what God has planned. Andrew smiled and nodded. His heart was full of hope.
Like a flower just beginning to bloom. Far away, back at the big house, Naomi was in her room, staring at the ceiling.
She smiled and whispered to herself. This man, Andrew, there’s something special about him. I think I’m in love with him.
Naomi sat up, watching as the flowers swayed gently in the breeze outside her window.
Her heart was full, but her mind was troubled. She had never felt this way before, not even in all her travels, business meetings, or the fancy parties she had attended.
Andrew. That name had taken over her thoughts, her heart, her dreams. She walked into the living room where her mother was sipping tea and reading a magazine.
“Mom,” she said, standing in front of her. Madame Tina looked up. “Naomi, you look worried.
Is everything all right?” Naomi took a deep breath. “Mom, I’m in love with Andrew.”
Madame Tina smiled and placed the cup on the table. “I knew it.” “You knew?”
Naomi asked, surprised. Madame Tina laughed softly. Of course, I see the way you blush whenever he’s around.
The way you follow him to run errands like a lost puppy. Naomi chuckled, then nodded.
Yes, Mom. I love him. I want to marry him. Her mother stood up slowly and held her hands.
My daughter, you have chosen well. He is a god-fearing man. He is respectful, well brought up, hard-working, intelligent, and handsome.
Who wouldn’t want a son-in-law like him? After all, money is not an issue in this family.
God has blessed us abundantly, and we cannot look down on anyone because of his financial status.”
Naomi smiled with relief. “Thank you, Mom.” But she paused, lowering her voice. “I don’t want to tell him because he’s the man.
If he feels the same way, then he should say it first.” Madame Tina laughed again.
“That’s correct, my daughter.” A responsible woman never chases after a man. The next day, Andrew returned from visiting his grandfather.
Naomi looked even more beautiful, like someone who had been soaked in love and joy in his absence.
He entered the house and Naomi offered to help him with one of his small bags.
“Welcome back,” she said, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Ma,” he replied. “No, no more ma.
Just call me Naomi,” she said. He smiled and nodded. “Okay, boss lady Naomi.” They both laughed.
Then Andrew summoned the courage. “Naomi, can we talk, please?” “Just 5 minutes.” “Of course,” she said, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
He led her to the small garden at the back of the house. The flowers were in full bloom.
The birds sang softly, and the sky was a soft orange. “Andrew turned to her and looked straight into her eyes.”
“Naomi,” he began, his voice shaking a little. I know this might sound funny or surprising or even foolish to you, but I can’t keep it inside anymore.
Naomi stood still, her heart racing. I am deeply in love with you, he said.
From the first day I saw you step out of the cab, the way you moved, the way you smiled, the way you cared.
I couldn’t stop thinking about you. You’ve stolen my heart, and I don’t want it back.
Andrew continued, “Life is short, and I know you’re out of my level, and I might even lose my job, but I just can’t keep this feeling inside anymore.
I wanted to know if you by any chance feel the same way about me.
Please don’t say no.” For a moment, there was silence. Naomi stood frozen. Then slowly, she stepped closer, her eyes full of emotion.
“Andrew,” she said softly. “From the first day I saw you, I fell for you, too.
But I couldn’t say it.” Why? Andrew asked surprised. She smiled. Because I’m a woman and it’s the man’s duty to say I love you first, not the woman.
Andrew laughed, tears forming in his eyes. So all this while, you loved me, too.
Naomi nodded. Yes, I just didn’t know if you felt the same. Andrew held her hands gently.
I do with all my heart. He pulled her into a warm hug, and the flowers around them seemed to dance.
The wind blew softly as if it was clapping for their love. Inside the house, Madame Tina looked out the window and smiled.
And somewhere far away, Johnson knelt in his small room, praying, “Lord,” he said, “Wherever my grandson is right now, please let him be happy.”
He had no idea that his grandson was already walking into his answered prayer. A few days later, Andrew said to Naomi, “I would like us to go and visit my grandfather.
I want him to meet the woman who has stolen his grandson’s heart. I want him to meet his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
Naomi smiled sweetly and nodded. I’ll be happy to meet him, too. That Saturday morning, they both dressed simply but neatly.
Naomi looked calm, but her heart was beating fast. They were on their way to visit Johnson, Andrews grandfather.
“Are you nervous?” Andrew asked her, holding her hand. Naomi chuckled. “A little. I’ve never met someone I like’s parents as a fiance before.
Andrew laughed. Relax. He’ll love you. Just be yourself. As they reached Andrew’s grandfather’s house, Andrew looked around.
The area was quiet and humble. They knocked gently on the wooden door and Andrew pushed it open.
They both stepped into the living room and sat down on a simple brown sofa.
The air smelled like home, warm and real. “Is your grandfather around?” Naomi asked. I think he stepped out to buy something, Andrew replied.
But he’ll be back soon. A few minutes later, the front door opened. Johnson walked in slowly, carrying a black nylon bag.
His face looked tired but brightened when he saw Andrew. My son, you didn’t tell me you were coming today, he said with surprise.
Andrew stood up to welcome him. Grandpa, I wanted to surprise you. I brought someone with me.
Johnson turned to look at Naomi. She knelt and greeted him respectfully. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said.
“Good afternoon, my daughter,” he replied, looking at her closely. “You didn’t tell me your visitor was this beautiful,” Johnson teased, laughing.
He looked at Naomi for a second, then turned. But Naomi kept staring at him.
Something inside her stirred. A memory, a voice, a face. As Johnson turned back around, she stepped closer, her voice soft and a little shaky.
“Sir, please. Your name? Is it Ogre Johnson? Johnson looked confused. Yes, I am Ogre Johnson.
Do we know each other? Naomi smiled sadly. You don’t remember me, do you? He shook his head slowly.
No, I’m sorry. Many years ago, I was just a little girl. I had lost my school fees and was crying by the roadside.
Johnson’s face remained still. I told you everything. How my stepfather would beat me if I didn’t pay.
You were sitting in your small shoemaker shed by the roadside. You listened to me.
You gave me 4,000 naira, your last money, and told me to be serious in school.
Johnson gasped a little. You prayed for me. You told me to never forget you.
You said your name was Ogre Johnson, and I never did. His mouth slowly dropped open.
Wait, are you that little girl? Naomi nodded. Yes, sir. I am the little girl you helped.
She stood and knelt gently before him. You didn’t just help me, sir. You gave me hope.
You saved me from the shame and pain of being chased out of school. That one act changed my life.
I became something because of that one moment of kindness and encouragement. Johnson’s eyes filled with tears.
He covered his mouth and sat down slowly, shocked. “My goodness. You mean that little girl was you?”
“Yes,” Naomi said. “And I’ve been looking for you for years. I never knew the man I fell in love with is your grandson.
Andrew also had tears in his eyes. Grandpa has always spoken about you ever since that day.
He always prayed that God should guide you wherever you were. Johnson couldn’t speak for a moment.
He just sat there looking at Naomi with shaking hands. See how you’ve grown. See how God lifted you.
Naomi held his hands. Now I want to bless you the same way you blessed me.
I will be marrying your grandson, sir. I want us all to be together as one family.
This is not just love. This is destiny. Johnson broke down in tears. God, you are too faithful.
He looked at his grandson. Andrew, you didn’t tell me you were in love with an angel.
Naomi laughed through her tears. I didn’t even know she was the girl you helped.
I just loved her for her kind heart. Johnson smiled and looked at Naomi. You’re welcome, my daughter.
I thank God for this moment. They hugged tightly. In that small room, hearts were reunited and a beautiful future was born.
The next morning, Naomi woke up with one thing on her mind. Honor. She didn’t just want to marry Andrew.
She wanted to honor the man who had changed her life with one small act of kindness.
Later that day, she called Andrew and his grandfather, Johnson, to come outside and sit in front of their house.
A car pulled up slowly and four men came out carrying large bags of rice, cartons of food, cooking oil, new pots, and two lovely calf tans wrapped in shiny gold paper.
“What’s going on?” Johnson asked, surprised. Naomi stood smiling. “This is just the beginning, Grandpa.”
One of the men brought a clean brown envelope and gave it to Johnson. He opened it slowly.
His hands started shaking. It was a check with his name boldly written on it.
10 million naira. Johnson covered his mouth. My daughter, what is this? This is for you, Grandpa, she said gently.
For everything you lost. For all the years you suffered. For the rent you couldn’t pay.
For your shoemaker stall that was destroyed. For your last 4,000 naira that you gave to a crying little girl without knowing where I was from.
You deserve this and more. Johnson burst into tears, unable to speak. But that wasn’t all.
Naomi turned to him again. Grandpa, there’s one more thing. She brought out another small envelope and handed it to him.
He opened it and found a set of shiny keys inside along with some papers.
“That’s the key and documents to your new house, Grandpa,” she said, kneeling before him.
“A five-bedroom duplex in the same town, fully furnished and already paid for in your name.”
“You will never pay rent again. Never!” Johnson dropped to his knees, weeping. God, God, you remembered me.
Andrew consoled him. Grandpa, this is your reward. God never forgot you. A few weeks later, Andrew and Naomi had a beautiful garden wedding.
It was colorful, simple, but full of love and meaning. Naomi wore a flowing white dress.
Andrew stood proudly beside her, smiling from ear to ear. Madame Tina looked at her daughter with pride.
Johnson sat beside her, wearing his new CF tan with golden embroidery, his heart full.
From a roadside shoemaker to a homeowner and grandfather-in-law, God had truly lifted him. As they danced, Andrew leaned close to Naomi and whispered, “I told you he would love you.”
Naomi turned to look at Johnson, who was laughing and dancing joyfully. She smiled and whispered again, “He gave me his last.
Now I will continue to give him my best.” A few months later, Naomi had just given birth to two healthy twin boys.
The house was filled with joy. “Madame Tina lifted one baby, smiling proudly.” Johnson held the other, tears of joy in his eyes.
“My daughter, God has doubled your blessings,” he said softly. Andrew hugged Naomi and whispered, “You have made me the happiest man alive.”
And they all lived happily ever after. A single act of kindness can plant a seed that grows into a lifetime of blessings.
God can use anyone to bless you, no matter how they appear. What do you think would have happened if Naomi’s mother had ignored that man on the street?
If you were in Johnson’s shoes, would you give your last money to a stranger?
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