Let me tell you a Moonlight Story


Title: The Prince and the Forbidden Flame"

Once upon a time, under the whispering baobab trees of Ujamaa Kingdom, there lived a noble prince named Jabari. He was brave, wise, and destined to rule after his father, King Omotayo. The kingdom adored him, yet tradition bound his every move—especially when it came to choosing a wife.

Now, in the outskirts of the kingdom lived Abeni, a girl marked by the elders as an outcast. Her mother had broken tribal laws long ago, and though Abeni was innocent, she bore the curse of her lineage. She lived in the shadows of society, her presence always met with silence or stares. But Abeni had a rare gift—she could speak to animals and heal the wounded with herbs known only to the forest.

One fateful night, Prince Jabari was hunting in the forest when a lion attacked his party. He was badly wounded and separated from his guards. Abeni found him unconscious by the river and tended to him with her secret herbs. She saved his life. For days, he stayed with her in her humble hut, watching her speak to birds, dance with butterflies, and heal with love. He fell in love—not with her beauty alone, but with her spirit.

When he returned to the palace, his heart longed for Abeni. He announced his intent to marry her.

The elders protested. The people revolted. “An outcast cannot sit on the throne!” they cried.

But Jabari stood firm. He challenged the council to a test of purity. “Let the river gods judge us,” he said. “If Abeni is truly cursed, the sacred river will reject her.”

On the day of the trial, all gathered by the great River Orun. The priestess invoked the gods. Abeni stepped into the water—it shimmered gold around her feet, and the winds danced in song. The gods had spoken.

The people bowed. The king wept.

Jabari and Abeni married beneath the full moon, surrounded by the laughter of spirits and ancestors. She became not only his queen, but the kingdom’s most beloved healer.

From then on, Ujamaa no longer judged bloodlines, only hearts.

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Life Partner

DESPERATION– Some people rush into marriage without learning enough about it.

They think, “I’ll figure it out along the way,” but this mindset leads to regret.

The right knowledge helps you prepare, notice warning signs early, and make better choices.

TRYING TO PROVE A POINT– Some get married just to show others they can. They don’t want people saying, “With all your beauty and money, you’re still single?”

But in the end, when problems come, they realize no one really cared that much and they have to face the consequences of their choices and decisions all alone

PEER PRESSURE – Seeing friends get married makes some feel left out.

So, they rush to pick anyone just to fit in, without thinking long-term.

FEAR OF TIME PASSING – Some believe they are getting too old and must marry quickly, even if the person doesn’t match their values and purpose in life.

They forget that everyone’s journey(time) is different, and rushing can lead to regret.

MARRYING FOR MONEY OR STATUS– Some choose a partner just for wealth or social position, ignoring their bad character.

Later, they realize that money is useless when there is no peace and they have no say in the marriage.

BLINDLY FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS– Some marry people recommended by parents, pastors, or others without checking if they are truly compatible.

But what others see as “good” may not be right for you. Good intentions doesn’t equate compatibility.

Marriage is a lifelong journey. Don't rush into it for the wrong reasons.

Take your time, learn, and choose wisely.

HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW S3DUC3D HIM UNTIL HE GOT HER PREGNANT.

1

Veronica was not your typical mother-in-law. I mean, not every mother-in-law is the same; some come with prayers, wrappers, and love, while others come with lipstick, secrets, and destr--uction. Veronica was the second kind.

She was the kind of woman who never accepted she was old, always saying things like, "I'm still h--ot," or "I'm still in town." She dressed like a teenager: short, see-through skirts, crop tops, long eyelashes, and heavy makeup that made people stare.

She walked like the streets still belonged to her, spoke with bold confidence, and never accepted that age had touched her. She didn't visit her daughters like a normal mother; she showed up like she was coming for a nightclub audition.

To Veronica, her daughter's husband wasn't family; he was an opportunity, another fine man she could lay in b--ed with. And she did it – not once, not twice, but multiple times. She wasn't just a problem; she was a st--orm.

Meanwhile, across town, Nancy, her daughter, lived a very different life. Nancy was the kind of woman every man would be proud to have. Her skin was smooth like ripe mango, and her smile could calm a crying baby. She was kind, quiet, and very hardworking. Everyone who met her said the same thing: "This girl is wife material."

Nancy had a man, his name was Aika. He was tall like a coconut tree, with skin that shone like polished wood. His voice was soft, his steps gentle, and his heart was full of love.

He had big houses, fine cars, big businesses, and plenty of money in the bank. But above all, he had only one thing in mind: to marry Nancy and start a peaceful life with her.

Nancy had everything a young woman could wish for: a good job, a gentle man, and a heart full of joy. But inside her chest, under her happiness, there was a small fear, a quiet fear that stayed like a lizard behind cardboard.

That fear was her mother, Veronica. Veronica was her mother by b--lood, yes, but she was not like other mothers. She was different, and Nancy knew deep down in her heart that if anything was ever going to spoil her joy, it would come from that woman.

But she never said it out loud; she just smiled and kept planning her wedding.

Veronica was not a mother like Mama Anki or Mama Zab; she was different, very different.

She had Nancy when she was just a small girl herself, a teenager. Her parents chased her out of the house when they saw her belly growing like a yam.

She cried, she begged, but they shut the door and told her, "Go and face what you started." From that day, Veronica began to suffer under the hot sun.

She carried oranges on her head, she sold sachet water in traffic, she begged strangers for coins. Her feet were always dusty, and her stomach always empty.

But Veronica had something: beauty. She was fine, too fine. Her skin glowed, her bo--dy curved like a question mark, and men started to notice. One man came one night; he offered her food and a soft bed, but he wanted her bo--dy in return. She agreed. That night, her life changed.

That was how Veronica entered the world of easy money: one man today, another man tomorrow. She began to wear short clothes, paint her li--ps red like tomatoes, and walk with her che--st high like a peacock.

She went from sleeping on cartons to sleeping in hotels, from begging for food to buying fried rice at night.

To be continued after 20 shares...

Three women are sitting in a beauty parlor, chatting about their husbands.
The first woman sighs and says,
"Last night, my husband told me he was going to his office. But when I called, they said he wasn’t there!"
The second woman shakes her head and adds,
"Same here! My husband said he was heading to his brother’s house, but when I called, he wasn’t there either."
The third woman smiles confidently and says,
"I always know exactly where my husband is."
The other two women look at her in disbelief and exclaim,
"That’s impossible! He must have you completely fooled!"
The third woman chuckles and replies :
Joke continues in the first comment .

"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I can't marry you!" Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEO's office of Stevens Corporation. She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof.
Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, "Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us?"
They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship.
"Since we've been dating each other, I'll be frank," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement.
"Andrew, don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? It's like we're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't do you any good. For me, it would be… a burden."
A burden?
Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing. If it had not been for his help, the Stevens family would have gone bankrupt long ago, let alone gone public.
In fact, he had shaped Christina's success with his own hands.
"I know this decision is hard for you to accept. How about this? Consider it a debt I owe you. After we cancel the wedding, I'll give you a settlement—cash, a villa, and a luxury car.
That should be enough for you to live comfortably." Christina pulled out a pen and checkbook from her designer purse as she spoke.
Andrew watched in silence as she wrote down the figure: 1.2 million. He felt as if he was looking at a stranger. "Is this all our years together are worth to you? Just a string of numbers?" Andrew asked.
Christina's perfect features flickered with complexity for a moment before settling back into indifference. "If you think it's not enough, I can add more. Name your price."
Andrew stared at her, pain evident in his eyes at how Christina had mistaken his question for thinking it was not enough. "So, you're dead set on backing out of this marriage?"
Christina pressed her lips together and turned to look out the window. "If that's how you want to see it, I have nothing more to say," she replied.
She was a female CEO with a net worth of over 150 million dollars, with countless admirers in Jayrodale. Andrew, from any angle, did not fit into her world anymore. Not even on an intellectual level.
This marriage was not what Christina wanted—it was too ordinary for her tastes.
"I never thought years of love, countless nights together, and all those breakfasts and dinners I made would ultimately lose to the fear of being ordinary. It's no surprise—you're now the CEO of Stevens Corporation, Jayrodale's golden girl, with countless admirers. And me? I'm just a nobody, clearly not worthy of the outstanding Ms. Stevens." Andrew chuckled bitterly, feeling utterly disheartened.
Christina's brow furrowed as she glanced at him. "Andrew, I admit you've done a lot for me, but this… it's not what I want. Consider it compensation for your efforts over the years," Christina said as she pushed the check toward him.
Andrew did not even look at the check. "A 1.2 million dollars breakup fee? How generous of you, Ms. Stevens. But I don't need it." He stood up and walked toward the door.
Seeing Andrew about to leave, Christina's frown deepened. "Andrew, I strongly advise you to take this money. Don't be a fool for the sake of pride. A small-time doctor like you could never earn this much in a lifetime." Andrew ignored her words. In truth, 1.2 million dollars was not a sum he particularly needed.
"Hold it right there," a voice called out. A woman dripping in jewelry and wearing flashy makeup strode into the room. Andrew immediately recognized her. "Aunt Irene!" It was Christina's mother, Irene Cowell—who would have been Andrew's mother-in-law.
"Hmph, drop the 'Aunt Irene', we're not that close! If you're leaving, take your things with you. Our mansion has no room for your junk," Irene barked. She pulled a small box and a credit card from her purse and tossed them at Andrew.
"Aunt Irene, you wanted this too? I thought I've always treated you with respect."
Irene let out a harsh laugh, her voice grating. "What's the matter, Andrew? Did I hit a nerve?"
"Oh, Andrew, there's one more thing you should know. Christina will soon be engaged to Harvey Weller once he returns from abroad. You're not in the same league as Harvey, got it?" Irene's face was full of mockery as she said those.
Andrew looked at Christina icily. He was shocked at her audacity to find someone new before she even ended things with him.
Christina avoided Andrew's cold gaze, but her words were firm. "The Weller family is a powerhouse in Jayrodale, with influence across military, political, and business sectors. They've worked for generations to become one of the city's unshakeable pillars. Harvey will inherit it all one day. An alliance between our families is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For me, it's a chance to transform my life."
At those words, Andrew finally let go.
He smiled and replied, "Is that so? Well then, allow this poor nobody to wish you and the Stevens family all the best in your social climbing endeavors." With that, he walked out without another glance, showing no trace of attachment.
As she watched Andrew's retreating figure, Christina felt a whirlwind of emotions.
She had expected him to explode with anger or beg her to reconsider when he heard about Harvey. Yet, throughout it all, Andrew had remained unnervingly calm, even indifferent at the end.
"Mom, do you think I went too far?"
Irene scoffed. "Too far? That good-for-nothing thinking he could marry you—now that's going too far!" She chuckled with a gleam in her eye. "Just wait until Harvey gets back, sweetie. Once you two are engaged, the Stevens family will skyrocket to the top tier of Jayrodale society. As for Andrew, he's nothing. Thankfully, he knows better than to mess with me and is cooperative. Otherwise, I would've taught him a lesson he'd never forget!"
Christina remained silent, feeling an inexplicable emptiness in her chest. It was as if something irreplaceable had suddenly vanished from her life.
In the elevator, Andrew opened the modest ring box. A dazzling pink diamond immediately caught the light, its brilliance filling the small space. This 7.5-million-dollar luxury ring was once known as the "King of Diamonds" of Jayrodale, truly one of a kind.
Andrew did not know exactly how much money was on the bank card, but he was sure it was enough to buy Stevens Corporations ten times over. Moments ago, Christina and Irene had not even bothered to look at these treasures, with Irene dismissing them as junk.
As the elevator doors opened, Andrew stepped out.
"Well, well, if it isn't Andrew! You don't look so good," a mocking voice greeted him.
Andrew calmly looked up to see a man in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, holding a bouquet of blue roses. It was Shawn Fields, Jayrodale's infamous trust fund baby and one of Christina's most persistent admirers.
Not wanting to talk to him, Andrew tried to sidestep him, but Shawn moved to block his path again. Andrew's eyes turned cold as he stared directly at Shawn.
"Do you need something? If not, please move."
Shawn flashed an exaggerated grin. "Look, everyone, Christina's lapdog is actually barking at me! Let me guess, the Stevens family finally kicked you to the curb, huh?"
As he taunted Andrew, Shawn noticed the ring box in his hand. "This is probably some cheap trinket! As if Christina would ever want that. Let's all have a look!" With a sneer, Shawn knocked the box from Andrew's hand, sending it clattering to the floor.
The lid popped open, revealing a stunning pink diamond that rolled onto the floor.
Shawn's eyes widened in disbelief. "Isn't that… the famous pink diamond from Radiant Jewelers? The one they call the Jayrodale's King of Diamonds?"...

No matter how long it lives, the Greatest Lion will eventually die miserably. That's the world.

At their Peak, they rule, chase other animals, catch, devour, gulp and leave their crumbs for hyenas. But age comes fast.

The old Lion can't hunt, can't kill or defend itself. It roams and roars until it runs out of luck. It will be cornered by the hyenas, nibbled at and eaten alive by them. They won't even let it die before it is dismembered.

Life is short. Power is ephemeral. Physical beauty is short-lived, I have seen it in lions. I have seen it in old people. Everyone who lives long enough will become weak and very vulnerable at some point.

Therefore, let us be humble. Help the sick, the weak, the vulnerable and most importantly never forget that we will leave the stage one day..

Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba and one of China’s wealthiest individuals, acquired 28,000 acres of wilderness in the Adirondack Mountains of New York in 2015. Known as Brandon Park, this stunning property spans mountains, forests, lakes, and streams, and was purchased for $23 million.

A passionate conservationist, Jack Ma decided to halt logging operations and transform the area into a sanctuary for wildlife and natural beauty. His vision aimed to protect the delicate ecosystem, ensuring future generations could appreciate the untouched majesty of this land.

This initiative underscores the growing importance of environmental conservation on a global scale. Jack Ma’s efforts remind us that preserving nature is not just a responsibility—it’s a gift to the planet and its inhabitants.

Things are beautiful if you love them", "Beauty is in the heart of the beholder", "The most beautiful things in life are not things", and "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.

Calm down my dear

Ladies, please hear this with your whole heart: you have to make sure you end up with a man who is secure enough within himself to let you shine. I’m talking about a man who isn’t intimidated by your confidence, your ambition, your beauty, your presence, or the way people naturally gravitate toward you. A man who sees your light and instead of trying to dim it, he fans the flame.
Because let’s be honest—there are men out here who love everything about you until they realize you’re not easily controlled. Until they see that you’re confident, talented, outspoken, and that you walk into a room and command attention without even trying. And instead of being proud to stand beside you, instead of thinking “that’s my woman,” they start trying to clip your wings. They make slick comments, throw subtle shade, act extra cold around your wins, or try to “humble” you when you’re just being yourself. And let’s be clear: that’s not love. That’s insecurity.
A healthy man? A healed man? A real man? He doesn’t feel the need to shrink you so he can feel bigger. He’s not in competition with you. He doesn’t get jealous of your shine—he celebrates it. He pours into you, hypes you up, reminds you of who you are on the days you forget. He knows your power and stands next to it, not in front of it trying to block the light. He understands that your glow doesn’t take anything away from him—it adds to the partnership. That’s the kind of man you build with.
So stay far, far away from any man who feels it’s his “duty” to keep you humble. You don’t need to be brought down a notch—you need to be uplifted, appreciated, and loved with full acceptance of who you are and who you’re still becoming. The man who’s for you will never be threatened by your shine—he’ll be too busy being in awe of it.
Choose someone who claps for you in rooms you’re not even in. Choose someone who sees your light and adds to it, not someone who sees it and tries to pull the blinds shut.
That’s real partnership. That’s love that doesn’t come with ego attached.

Since I got married, I have never one day thought of sharing my primary responsibility with my husband. He is the man of the house, the head for that matter. I am a support to him, to love, to uplift and to encourage him.

But these days, a wrong narrative of gender equality is what has destroyed many marriages. Young couple who just get married, before you know, they are divorced or the marriage has been called off. My sister, if you claim to be equal to a man, marry yourself then. But if you truly understand the beauty of divine roles, you’ll know that leadership is not dictatorship.

I have been implementing this and I have never regretted. My husband who also know his responsibility does it 100% and he never stops honoring me and replicating the love.

So, my sister, don’t let the noise out there confuse you. Know who you are, and walk in it with grace. When you marry right, you won’t feel suppressed, you’ll feel cherished. And when you play your part with love, the man God gave you will move mountains for you.

- Mercy Johnson

I will never forgive 2go, why should I? How? Not after what 2go did to me.

I was 19 years old then, using 2go like others. I had connected with one Presh452. Peeping through my Nokia 2626, I could see a beautiful DP. Yes, I like fine fine ihe rị mma. Who no like better thing? Ị na-alụ nwaanyị jọrọ njọ a ga-ebere gị ya ego?

The connection began from chatting to exchange of phone number. Then, night calls. Then, midnight by 12:00 AM to 5:00AM you'd call and speak with anyone free of charge. When that country was still called Nigeria before it turned to Bongo.

Awwww. Midnight, innocent calls — innocent conversation — innocent "I love you...I love you too" raining like a heavy downpour in Mbanefo Hostel. Boys were calling their sweethearts, feeling loved and to be loved. Then I would be in the reading room, Presh452 would call. She's no longer Presh452 but Precious.

When the call enters, I'd leave my books to speak with Pre Pre. Awww. Love Nwantịntị. Precious is a beautiful girl. Queen of Persia. Bianca is learning beauty from her. Precious is as beautiful as the Arab Queens. In fact, through 2go, she sent me beautiful pictures.

"This is you?"

She'd say yes.

Awwww. Her beauty has turned into a butterfly, flying inside my stomach, getting out through my oesophagus, connecting to my alimentary canal. Oh, canal man cannot understand the things of the spirit.

"I can't wait to see you in Aba," my sweet Precious would say.

"I can't wait to see you too," a lost Ọnụkwube would reply.

Midnight calls back to back. Precious had told me number of children she wanted. She was going for 6, I needed just 2. In fact, if possible, 1. But 2 is okay. She didn't want 2 children, after all her father was so rich and had properties in Aba with a fleet of car. In fact, her elder brother was in Europe where he was a billionaire in Euros. So, money no be problem. "Let's have 6 children, my family are rich."

Everything was on her head. I wasn't thinking of any children. She was already planning 6 kids. With who? But you know, when the butterfy flaps its wings in your stomach, you seem to forget some yarning of dust, and dwell on the flow. The flow was flowing.

However, I had gone to the University of Port Harcourt to meet with Professor Nọlue Emenanjọ. Even though I was quite young, I had started meeting professors earlier — traveling to different universities just to meet those men I had read from books. I connected with them on personal level.

The idea was, after going to Uniport, I would branch in Aba to meet my first lady. The most beautiful woman on earth, 2go gave me. We had planned going to cinema together, eat at expensive restaurant, discuss about the future and our love life. So sweet!

She would send me more pictures.

"Are these your pictures?"

"Yes."

Chai. The girl had a pot of beauty broken on her head, and beauty drenched her body, wet it like a fowl beaten by rain. Why can't Precious compete as Miss Universe?

I had left Port Harcourt on Thursday morning. I first left Chọba for Rumuola by Aba Road. Then, Obigbo was still manageable. I plied the road by jumping on ndị Aka n'elu motor. Through Port Harcourt Road, we got to Aba.

She asked me to wait for her at Tonimas. Even though I had to meet her, I was a confirm guy man to stay at the opposite direction and observe my environment unto security-wise.

I stayed behind a parked bus to place a call, someone picked, and was approaching me.

"I am here."

"No. You are not here. I am not seeing you."

"Look at me, I am here."

Mbanụnụ.

Something was standing before me quite alright, but the thing was not a human being. Not my Precious whom I had spent my sleepless nights calling on nightcall. It cannot be my princess, my asampetecious asampete whose beauty was mesmerizing Ọbama then.

I don't want to abuse what God has created. But it seems that after God was done creating some people, they recreated themselves against God's image. Because, how can someone's eyes be bigger than ikwiikwii? Her eyes socketed inside like that of a mọnkey. Imi pịahụ ya ka imi enwe. The sponge okpu n'isi was like that of a mad woman in Eke Imeọha. Her teeth stood erect like amụ ịnyịnya.

Ọnụkwube ntọọọ. Ị chụgburu onwe gị na nwaanyị. Why do bad things keep happening to good people? My mates were using 2go and connecting with ụmụnwa, why did my own 2go connect with kpalakwukwu? Other people's snares hunted living things, mine caught non-living things.

I took a deep breath. Then asked like a conquered wrestler, "are you Precious?"

She said yes, without remorse. She wasn't even remorseful that she sold me adaka in place of enwe. I was praying, kabbashing so that people who knew me wouldn't see me with this kind of usungu. The kind akpoola she wore was sounding on the ground "ma i kelere m, ma i keleghị m, I don't care."

I had made a promise, I must fullfil it. I had promised we would go on date at Crunches located then at Ikot Ekpene Road. But, how would I be looking at this person's face? Impossible. I am not hungry. Even if I am, I'll not eat. You cannot ponzi me and expect me to be happy. Elu na ala ekwela ngwere gbaa ajị.

As we were walking, she was doing the talking, and replying herself. Me Wey be vibe turned deaf. Ogbi. She was ranting how rich her father was. How rich her brother was. Shouting as if I was Buubu who had ear problems and Ee Pee See spend billions to treat it.

Keke was coming with speed, this girl was walking like her father owned the road. The Keke almost hit her, I quickly held her backward before ikuku kẹkẹ eburu ya. I practically saved her from being crushed by the Keke.

Guess what she did?

She went to fight the Keke man. Hitting her open palm on her mouth. "Wuuuuuuuuuuu. If you try me, you will sleep in cell. I.d.i.ot, do you know who my father is?"

I was a gentleman to the core. I was pleading with the Keke man to forgive. I saw what happened. She was at fault. Everyone in the Keke was telling her she was at fault. Aunty was busy insulting them.

The Keke man wasn't responding to her but just looking at me with a pity.

"Fine boy like you, kee ihe i ji udele a eme? See the kind thing you dey Waka for road with."

Na wetin man do man.

You cannot win Aba men with bad mouth. The man was pitying me. I was trying to manage the fact that I was lied to, the same person was embarrassing herself. What was remaining was to remove her clothes and fight. So, na onye ara I came to Aba to see? 2go— tọnda faya you!

No problem. What I would do was on my mind. We got to the restaurant. I asked her to order. She placed her order. I refused to order anything. I lost appetite. What if I eat anything, someone who knows me walks in. My mama fit disown me. I cannot.

Eventually, we stepped out of the restaurant. She was telling me how her father locked her teacher for one week because the teacher punished her in school.

She was saying those things..

Guess what I did?

I took her by surprise and ran to the other side of the road, with the back of my legs touching back of my ears. Then, I jumped into Keke like a thief a na-achụ ọsọ.

"Peace Park, Peace Park!"

"Ọga na #100," the Keke man said, delaying me.

"Go! Go! I will give you 200 naira. Just go."

The Keke guy moved, the girl crossed the road, pursuing me and Keke. She had long leg oo. Chasing us oo! Thank God there was no traffic.

I got to Peace Mark, paid the Keke guy 200 naira. Big money those days. I bought my ticket and bought a newspaper I used to cover the other side — reading newspaper I didn't budget for — in case my Aba Precious abata.

The vehicle quickly filled up, we drove to Nsụka.

When I got to Nsụka, she texted me:

"Because I am not beautiful, that's why you treated me like that..."

I replied: "since you are not proud of yourself— then you were sending me other people's pictures as yours — why should I be proud of you?"

She paused, I paused, 2go paused; all of us paused!

Beauty