Delta Governor’s Aide, Shimite Winifred, Reportedly Dies from Domestic Violence Incident

The Delta State community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Winifred, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Export. She was a respected trade and economic expert, known for her dedication to economic development and women empowerment.

Initial reports suggest that Shimite died as a result of domestic violence. Though details are still emerging, it is alleged that she had a fatal confrontation with her husband, Pastor David Favour, who has reportedly been arrested in connection with her death.

Human rights activist and fellow government aide, Harrison Gwamnishu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025. Another activist, Comrade Victor Ojie, also known as Wong Box, echoed the confirmation, urging people to prioritize their lives over staying in abusive marriages: “Marriage is not by force. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life.”

Shimite’s personal aide, Tameta Sunday, expressed grief and outrage in a tribute, accusing her husband of being responsible for cutting short her life and future plans.

The late Shimite Winifred held several notable positions throughout her career. She served as the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre and was the focal person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta. She also hosted African Pot, a television documentary that celebrated African cuisine, tourism, and culture.

Additionally, she was an influential member of several development and trade bodies, including the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) – Lakaji Trade Corridor, and the Board of Directors of FESECA – Foundation for Economic Change in Africa. She also contributed as an editor for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers on travel and tourism.

Her death has sparked widespread calls for greater awareness around domestic violence and the urgent need for victims to seek safety, regardless of social or economic status.

Delta Governor’s Aide, Shimite Winifred, Reportedly Dies from Domestic Violence Incident

The Delta State community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Winifred, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Export. She was a respected trade and economic expert, known for her dedication to economic development and women empowerment.

Initial reports suggest that Shimite died as a result of domestic violence. Though details are still emerging, it is alleged that she had a fatal confrontation with her husband, Pastor David Favour, who has reportedly been arrested in connection with her death.

Human rights activist and fellow government aide, Harrison Gwamnishu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025. Another activist, Comrade Victor Ojie, also known as Wong Box, echoed the confirmation, urging people to prioritize their lives over staying in abusive marriages: “Marriage is not by force. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life.”

Shimite’s personal aide, Tameta Sunday, expressed grief and outrage in a tribute, accusing her husband of being responsible for cutting short her life and future plans.

The late Shimite Winifred held several notable positions throughout her career. She served as the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre and was the focal person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta. She also hosted African Pot, a television documentary that celebrated African cuisine, tourism, and culture.

Additionally, she was an influential member of several development and trade bodies, including the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) – Lakaji Trade Corridor, and the Board of Directors of FESECA – Foundation for Economic Change in Africa. She also contributed as an editor for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers on travel and tourism.

Her death has sparked widespread calls for greater awareness around domestic violence and the urgent need for victims to seek safety, regardless of social or economic status.

SHE HAD A ONE NIGHT STAND WITH A BILLIONAIRE THEN THIS HAPPENED ……

Episode 2

And then she saw two bold pink lines. Positive.
Joy froze.
Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment she thought she might pass out. She was pregnant. She pressed a hand to her stomach trying to make sense of it.
A life was growing inside her. Lawrence Johnson's child.
Tears welled in her eyes.
What was she going to do? For the next few days, Joy couldn't sleep. Her mind kept racing with one question. Should she tell him? She didn't even have his phone number.
The only way to reach him was through his company, Johnson Group. After struggling with the decision, she finally gathered the courage to go to his office.
The Johnson Group building in Leosville was a towering glass structure that seemed to touch the sky.
Inside, everything was sleek and polished, filled with expensive suits and the sound of heels clicking on marble floors. Joy felt small. She approached the front desk, her hands clenched into fists.
I need to see Mr. Lawrence Johnson, she said trying to keep her voice steady. The receptionist, a tall woman with a tight bun and an even tighter expression, gave her a disbelieving look.
Do you have an appointment? Joy hesitated.
No, but it's important. Please, I just need a few minutes. The receptionist sighed loudly, tapping on her keyboard.
Mr. Johnson doesn't meet people without an appointment. If you'd like to book one, the earliest available date is three months from now. Joy's heart sank.
Three months? By then, she would already be showing.
There's no way to see him sooner? She asked, desperate. The woman gave her a sharp look.
Ma'am, Mr. Johnson is not someone you can just walk in and see. If you don't have an appointment, I suggest you leave. Joy stared at her, feeling a lump form in her throat.
So this was how it was. She had been nothing to him that night, and now she couldn't even get five minutes of his time. She turned away slowly, feeling defeated.
But as she reached the door, another thought hit her.
Even if she did manage to tell Lawrence, what would he think? That she was trying to trap him. That she wanted his money.

Joy's stomach twisted. She had already seen what he thought of women like her. He left her money on the nightstand like she was a prostitute.
He would never believe she wasn't trying to use this pregnancy against him. And honestly, she didn't want anything from him. She didn't need his money.
She didn't need his name. She would raise this baby on her own. Taking a deep breath, Joy walked out of Johnson Group, her decision made.
She would never reach out to him again. He would never know about this child. She would be both mother and father.
She didn't need him. She never had. And so, Joy disappeared from Lawrence's world, taking their child with her.

After much thought joy had to resign from her work inorder to take care of herself and her unborn son .
It was a really tough moment for her as she didn’t have any single money to even feed .
At a time she considered committing an Abortion but her conscience wouldn’t let her

The only person she could confined in was her old mother who accepted her whole heartedly and tried to ease the burden from her shoulders .
Her mother despite her old age still took extreme care of her daughter and her unborn child .

Joy and her mother would normally sit outside under the mango tree every evening to gist and talk about past events of the day but one day joy decided to bring up the idea of aborting the child
her mother looked at her sternly ,Joy ,joy joy how many times did I call you
Don’t make the mistake of terminating the blessing that God had sent you
After saying this she stood up and went into her room to sleep leaving joy thinking to herself .

She finally concluded within her not to terminate the child as it could be what God has destined .

One day as joy was sweeping the front yard of their hut ,she started to feel a sharp pain at her abdomen region , she screamed in pain as her mother rushed out
Her mother quickly called some men to help her and they rushed joy to the nearest hospital

Push !! Push !!, The doctors voice was heard from the labour room
Her mother just sat in the waiting room praying silently to herself

30 minutes later the doctor came out with a wide smile on his face
He looked at joy’s mother and said happily
Congratulations mama ,your daughter has just given birth to a bouncing baby boy
Joy’s mother had tears of joy running down her cheeks as she rushed in to see her daughter smiling at her while holding her son
She couldn’t hold back her tears as she hugged her daughter graciously
Mama ,Joy called out ,meet Noah your grandson who is going to wipe both your tears and mine away .

FIVE YEARS LATER
The streets of Leosville bustled with life, filled with the sound of honking cars, people bargaining in open-air markets, and the distant hum of construction sites. The city had grown, just as Noah had.
At just five years old, Noah Daniels was a ball of energy.
His bright eyes shone with curiosity and his laughter was contagious. He was the reason Joy Daniels kept pushing forward every single day.
She had worked hard over the years, climbing her way up in the interior design industry.

Though she didn't have her own company yet, she had made a name for herself.
Clients admired her work, and she was proud that she had built a stable life for Noah without anyone's help.
She didn't need Lawrence Johnson. She had erased him from her life. But fate had other plans.

It was a warm afternoon, and Joy had promised Noah a trip to Royal Crest Mall, one of the most luxurious shopping centres in Leosville. The mall was owned by none other than Johnson Group. But Joy didn't think much of that.
She had long stopped worrying about Lawrence crossing paths with her. He probably wouldn't even remember her, so what were the chances? Noah ran ahead excitedly, tugging on Joy's hand as they passed through the mall's food court.
Mommy, can I have ice cream? he asked, his big brown eyes filled with hope.
Joy smiled. Okay, okay. Just one scoop.

She led him to a small ice cream stand, waiting as the vendors scooped vanilla into a cup. Noah grinned, happily digging in as they continued walking.
It was supposed to be just another normal day.

Until she heard a voice. A voice that made her entire body freeze.
Across the mall, standing in front of a row of luxury stores, Lawrence Johnson stood with a men in suits.

He was doing his routine property inspection, something he rarely had time for, but today he had decided to visit the mall personally with his management staff.
As he listened to his assistant discuss sales figures, his gaze casually swept across the food court. And then he saw the child.
A small boy. Dark curly hair. A sharp jawline.
A face that looked almost exactly like his own. Lawrence stopped breathing.
The resemblance was too strong to ignore.
His heart pounded as he watched the boy take a bite of his ice cream, laughing as his mother wiped a smudge off his cheek. And then, his eyes shifted to the woman holding the boy's hand. Something flickered in his mind, a vague sense of familiarity, but he couldn't place her.

Where had he seen her before? Who was she?
And why did her son look exactly like him? Before he knew what he was doing, Lawrence started
walking toward them. Joy was laughing at something Noah had said when she felt a presence behind her.
A dark, powerful presence.
She turned, and her heart dropped.

TBC….

Please let’s endeavour to react

You asked him N7,000, and your dad told you he will give you in the morning before he leaves for work. This was after he had thoroughly scrutinized what you needed the money for, all the questions he asked were already making you angry.

Throughout the night your dad couldn't sleep because he was thinking as to why he must sacrifice his last N7,000 for you

In the morning he calls you into his room and gives you N6,000 instead of N7,000

You were not happy and squeezed your face in discontent, and reluctantly said thank you after complaining that it was not all you requested

Your mum after seeing this does not utter a word but meets you in your room where your dad is not present and gives you N1,000 from her own money and say "DON'T MIND HIM" add this to meet your needs.

You began to smile and quickly run to Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp to write.

I have the best mom in the world , I love you mom

Now your dad has gone out with just N500 in his pocket with no fuel in his car. Because of you he used public transport that day to work. He gives your mum N500 to enable her handle emergency while he is away.

At work, he worked overtime. After closing late, everyone of you keeps saying "daddy is never always around except mum".

Your good dad will never allow you to see how much he suffers for the family because he is a MAN

Always try to appreciate your dad your husband and brothers. It's not easy at all. They go through a lot to provide Food, shelter and so on for the family.

You won't know how much a male gender suffers just to provide the little you downgrade, some have to starve themselves just for you.

May God Almighty bless our FATHERS in what ever thing they find themselves doing
AMEN ?

Jose mourinho :"At the height of my glory, when I was nicknamed 'The Special One,' a young player came to me and asked, 'Sir, how can I be the best?' I replied, 'Train your mind before your feet, and understand the game as coaches understand it", Then Messi appeared to teach us all that true genius doesn't need complexity, but rather a child playing with joy! He made my tactics look like junk! I devised meticulous plans to stop great players and succeeded, but with Messi, every plan was like trying to hold water with your hand! The only thing that worked was begging that today wasn't his good day!" Messi is not a player He is a divine test of the patience of coaches! If someone asked me "What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your career?" I would answer without hesitation "Admit that you are powerless against true magic, and Messi is the magic that no coach will be able to stop" This is the only courage that remains. Messi didn't break the rules. He wrote a new book and burned the old ones "

Billionaire PRETENDS To Be A Beggar To Test Girls On Blind Date

Episode 2: The Girl Who Didn’t Care About Money – Or So He Thought…

After three failed dates, Jonathan Okoy was beginning to lose hope.

Each night, he sat on his creaky mattress, staring at the wall, thinking:
“Maybe love without money doesn’t exist anymore.”

But he wasn’t ready to give up — not yet.

Norah arranged a few more blind dates. Some women didn’t even show up after hearing he had no car. Others came, ate, and never called back. One even asked him, mid-suya bite, if he had any “hidden assets” she could manage.

Jonathan was done pretending to smile. His heart was tired.

Until one quiet evening… he met Ada.

They met at a roadside café where akara sizzled in hot oil and children ran barefoot chasing each other. Ada arrived in a simple gown and sandals, holding a book in one hand and puff-puff in the other.

“Sorry I’m late,” she smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“It’s okay,” Jonathan replied, surprised. “You brought puff-puff?”
“You looked like someone who might need a snack.”

She sat, didn’t complain, didn’t ask weird questions — and she actually ate the food. No phone. No fake laughs. No side-eyes.

They talked for hours.

Jonathan told her about doing odd jobs. She didn’t pity him. She just listened.

“Life is hard,” she said. “But people who keep going? That’s strength.”

For the first time in weeks, Jonathan laughed — a real laugh.
Ada laughed too. It felt… easy.

Before leaving, she handed him her number written on a torn page of her book.

“I don’t know your story,” she said. “But you seem like someone worth knowing.”

Jonathan watched her walk away — no heels, no pretense, no lies.

That night, he sat on his old mattress, holding the paper.
He didn’t sleep much. But he smiled a lot.

The next day, he called.

They started spending time together — not in malls or fancy restaurants — but walking through parks, sitting by the lagoon, eating roasted corn on sidewalks.

Jonathan found himself opening up. Not fully. But slowly.

Ada spoke of dreams — how she wanted to open a book café, how she taught children on weekends, how she loved honest people. Not rich people — real people.

Jonathan wanted to believe it.

Weeks passed.

Then one rainy afternoon, they sat under a bus shelter, sharing groundnuts and laughing at how wet they looked.

Ada turned to him, suddenly serious.

“Can I ask you something weird?”
“Of course.”
“If you had everything before — money, power — would you want it back?”
“Maybe,” Jonathan said carefully.
“Just don’t let it change you,” she said. “This you… I like this version.”

Jonathan’s heart almost stopped.

Could she be the one?

But just as he began to hope…

Norah called.

“Sir… there’s something you need to know about Ada.”
“What is it?” Jonathan asked, confused.
“I think… she knows who you really are.”

RULES TO A HAPPY, SMART & WISE LIFE....!!!

1. Speak Less, Listen More.

Wisdom: Listening sharpens understanding; silence guards your dignity. Words are powerful tools — the fewer, the better, if you intend them to matter.
Application: When you listen more, people reveal their true intentions. When you speak, weigh your words like a surgeon choosing his tools. Speak when your words can heal, uplift, or instruct.

2. Avoid Pointless Arguments.

Wisdom: Energy is finite. Spend it where it multiplies, not where it drains. Some debates are traps designed to rob you of your peace and reputation.
Application: Learn to smile and excuse yourself from verbal traps. Wise people win wars, not battles. Pick your conversations the way kings pick alliances.

3. Think Before You Speak.

Wisdom: Words are seeds. Once sown, they grow — whether into flowers or thorns.
Application: Practice the three-filter test: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If it fails any, remain silent.

4. Practice Humility and Politeness.

Wisdom: Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. The polite person commands more than the arrogant ever will.
Application: Greet even those who despise you. Show grace to those who can do nothing for you. The seeds of kindness grow silently but fruitfully.

5. Master Emotional Discipline.

Wisdom: He who angers you, controls you. Emotions are natural, but they make terrible masters.
Application: Practice the pause. When emotions flare, pause, breathe, reflect, then respond with reason, not rage.

6. Keep Your Plans Private.

Wisdom: Success loves silence. The unborn idea is safest in the womb of your discretion.
Application: Share your victories, not your strategies. Let your results speak; let your silence confuse your critics.

7. Resist Self-Centered Conversations.

Wisdom: People care more about themselves than your story. If you wish to be memorable, make them feel important.
Application: Ask about others' journeys, listen intently, and respond thoughtfully. The less you talk about yourself, the more powerful your presence becomes.

8. Maintain Eye Contact & Confidence.

Wisdom: Confidence isn’t loud; it’s calm, direct, and unflinching.
Application: When speaking, fix your eyes on the listener with a relaxed gaze. Let your posture mirror your inner conviction.

9. Celebrate Your Uniqueness.

Wisdom: The world doesn’t reward replicas; it celebrates originals.
Application: Identify your strengths, embrace your flaws, and find your voice. Authenticity magnetizes the right people and repels the wrong ones.

10. Commit Fully or Don’t Begin.

Wisdom: Half-heartedness is the graveyard of greatness.
Application: Before starting, ask yourself, Will I finish this? Am I ready to sacrifice for it? If not, preserve your energy for a pursuit worthy of your all.

11. Silence is the Best Answer to H@ters.

Wisdom: Not every insult demands your defense.
Application: Treat criticism as a mirror. If it’s true, adjust. If it’s false, ignore. Do not dignify pettiness with a reply.

12. Train Your Mind to Think Critically.

Wisdom: The difference between mediocrity and mastery lies in perspective.
Application: Before believing anything, ask Why? and What if? Seek patterns, motives, and consequences in everything.

13. Avoid the Crowd Mentality.

Wisdom: The majority is often wrong, history proves it.
Application: Stand for truth, even if it means standing alone. Be bold enough to disagree respectfully when the crowd chants foolishness.

14. Dodge Drama & Manipulation.

Wisdom: A wise man never enters a battle where no prize exists.
Application: Don’t react to bait. Avoid circles where chaos is currency. Value your peace above fleeting vindication.

15. Ask Thoughtful, Insightful Questions.

Wisdom: Questions open doors answers cannot reach.
Application: When in conversation, ask ‘why’, ‘what led to that’, ‘how did you feel about it’ — it deepens connections and sharpens your wisdom.

16. Guard Your Time & Availability.

Wisdom: Over-availability breeds entitlement and disrespect.
Application: Be selectively accessible. Value your solitude, your time to reflect, learn, and recharge.

17. Stay Dynamic, Not Stagnant.

Wisdom: Change is the only constant. Evolve, or you’ll dissolve.
Application: Learn a new skill every season. Challenge your routines. Travel through books, ideas, and places. Comfort zones are graveyards.

18. Accept That Enigmatic People Are Both Loved and H@ted.

Wisdom: Mystery invites curiosity and criticism. The price of distinction is isolation from mediocrity.
Application: Don’t water yourself down for public comfort. Be kind, be wise, but never shrink to fit anyone’s fragile insecurities.

Final Thought:

A happy, smart, and wise life isn’t accidental — it’s intentional. It’s built through daily choices, disciplined thoughts, guarded emotions, and bold actions. The one who masters himself controls his world.

THESE HABITS WILL KEEP YOU BROKE FOREVER. BEWARE!

Dear MEN,

If you want to be a man who is in control of his life, respected, and financially secure, there are things you must never do when it comes to money.

Your financial state as a man determines more than just your bank account—it affects your confidence, relationships, opportunities, and even your mental health.

Too many men work hard but still end up broke. Why?
Because making money is one thing, but keeping and growing it is another.

If you don’t master your finances, you will always be at the mercy of another man.

Here are the financial mistakes that will keep you weak, stuck, and struggling forever:

1. Spending to Impress Instead of Investing to Progress:

If you’re spending money just to look rich, you’re setting yourself up to stay broke.

Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that most wealthy people live below their means, while many middle-class and poor individuals spend more on luxury goods.

The real flex is ownership. Assets. Investments. Skills that print money. Not designer clothes you can’t afford.

2. Depending on One Source of Income:

If your entire financial life depends on one paycheck or one business, you’re playing a dangerous game.

The average millionaire has 7 sources of income—but most men have just one. If that one dries up, what happens? Panic. Struggle. Dependence.

Start building multiple streams of income. Even if you have a job, learn a skill, start a side hustle, invest.

3. Ignoring Financial Literacy:

Money has rules, and if you don’t learn them, you’ll keep losing.

A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that about 70% of lottery winners go broke within a few years because they never understood how to manage wealth.

No matter how much you make, if you don’t know how to manage money, it will disappear.

Read books on finance, study wealthy men, and apply what you learn. Ignorance is expensive.

4. Taking on Debt for the Wrong Reasons:

There’s good debt and bad debt.

Good debt makes you richer—like borrowing to invest in a business or real estate.

Bad debt makes you poorer—like buying things you can’t afford just to show off.

If you’re always borrowing money for liabilities, you’re digging a financial grave.

5. Relying on “Luck” Instead of Strategy:

Men who wait for a “big break” or a “lucky opportunity” will remain broke while others are strategically creating wealth.

Success is lengineered, not wished for. It’s the result of planning, action, and discipline.

Stop waiting for a miracle. Become the miracle through smart moves.

6. Failing to Invest Early:

A study by the Federal Reserve shows that those who start investing in their 20s are far more likely to retire wealthy than those who wait until their 30s or 40s.

Even if you’re making little now, start saving and investing. The earlier you start, the bigger your financial freedom.

7. Letting Women Control Your Financial Decisions:

A real man leads his own financial life.

Too many men make money decisions to impress or please women—buying gifts they can’t afford, taking on expensive dates when they’re struggling, or funding lifestyles they can’t sustain.

A woman should respect your vision, not drain your wallet. Any woman who truly values you will support your financial growth, not sabotage it.

BOTTOM LINE:

Your financial freedom is in your hands. If you keep making these mistakes, you will always be struggling, dependent, and limited.

But if you take control—get financially educated, build multiple income streams, invest wisely, and spend smartly—you will always be a man in control of his destiny.

Master your money, or be mastered by it. The choice is yours.

#explorepage
#highlightseveryone

3 Battles Every Lady Must Win to Succeed in Relationships

There are 3 core battles every lady must conquer if she’s going to win in love. Not just any kind of love, but intentional, godly, healthy kind of love that leads to peace, not pain.

1. The Battle Against Low Self-Esteem

It starts with you. Not with a man. Not with a proposal. Not even with relationship. YOU.

The way you see yourself determines the love you think you deserve. We choose the love we think we deserve.

A lady with low self-esteem will overlook red flags just to be chosen. She’ll keep quiet when she should speak up. She’ll tolerate the bare minimum and be so grateful that it was given.

And the scary part?
She’ll think it’s her fault when things go wrong and try to fix relationships that isn't good for her.

Loving yourself means learning to receive love that matches your value, not your w0unds. It’s looking in the mirror and saying, “I am enough, with or without a man.”

And most of all, it’s knowing that being single is better than being mistreated.

2. The Battle Against Comparison

You scroll through Facebook and IG and see her. The soft life girl. The ring. The candlelight dinner. The captions: “My peace.” “The Odogwu of my life.” “The one that spoils me s!lly.”

And just like that, you feel behind. You start questioning your worth. You wonder if there’s something wrong with you.

You wonder why your own husband can't take you on vacation. You wonder why your own man doesn't pamper you like the other lady’s man.

Always remember that for every post that you see, you are not seeing the full picture of things. You only see what the person wants you to see.

Comparison is the stealer of joy. It forces you not to be content, and makes you underappreciate what you have because your eyes are on what you don't have.

Many ladies compare themselves with others. There is this hidden competition that makes you want to compare your man, possessions, marriage, and even life with others.

Even the Bible says that people who compare themselves with others are not wise. Your story and journey is different. Stop comparing.

3. The Battle Against Deception

The d£vil doesn’t come in red horns. He comes in fine suits, sweet words, and deep scriptures.

Deception is one of the biggest traps in modern dating. Many ladies fall, not because they’re weak, but because they want to believe the best. They are also driven by fantasy and this makes the lady an easy targ£t.

You meet a man who says all the right things:
“I’ve been praying for a woman like you…”
“I’m not like those other guys…”
“I’m ready for marriage…”

But talk is cheap. Character is not. Deception often hides behind charm, but if you will pay attention to character, you will be saved.

That’s why emotional intelligence and spiritual discernment are non-negotiable. You must test the spirit, not just the vibe you feel. You must question the patterns, not just the potential.

So sis, win these three battles not for a man, but for you. Because when you win within, the external will match up.

A MILLIONAIRESS HIRED A YOUNG MAN TO TEND HER GARDEN, BUT SHE NEVER IMAGINED WHO HE TRULY WAS

Autumn winds carried fallen leaves across the pathways, swirling them into playful patterns. Victoria stood near the window, gazing thoughtfully at her neglected garden. Over the years, it had become an unruly maze of tangled shrubs and towering grass—somewhere between a forgotten woodland and an abandoned lot.

“We really need to do something,” she murmured, speaking more to herself than anyone else.

She powered up her laptop and opened her inbox. A message from Elena Sergeyevna—a former acquaintance from the business world—caught her eye. Elena spoke glowingly of a young gardener: “Kirill is a true expert. In just a few months, he completely revived my garden, returning it to its former splendor.”

Victoria considered it. The estate had been hers for three years, ever since she resolved to start fresh. Yet the garden remained a project she continued to postpone.

Her thoughts drifted toward an old photo frame still resting on the shelf. The image showed her and Alexey—young, joyful, newly back from their honeymoon. She hesitated, then flipped the frame facedown. “No more dwelling on the past,” she told herself firmly.

Fifteen years had passed since Alexey vanished—without explanation, without a trace. Victoria still recalled every detail of that morning. He had risen early, as usual, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “I’ll be late tonight. Don’t wait for dinner.”

Those were the last words he ever spoke to her. He never returned. She had been desperate at first, frantically calling friends and acquaintances, yet no one had any answers. It was as if Alexey had disappeared into thin air—no clues, no sign of where he had gone. At times, it felt like he had never truly existed at all.

Later, a lawyer delivered divorce papers. Alexey hadn’t even met her in person. It took Victoria years to realize how little she had actually known about him. He had entered her life suddenly, won her heart with charm, and showered her with affection. But whenever conversation turned to his past, he skillfully evaded the topic with lighthearted jokes. She, blinded by love, had missed all the warning signs.

A phone call interrupted her thoughts. It was Elena Sergeyevna, checking in about the gardener. “Yes, have him come tomorrow at ten,” Victoria replied after a brief pause.

The next morning, she waited in her home office. At precisely ten o’clock, the doorbell rang.

A young man stood at the entrance—tall, well-built, with a confident stance and an observant gaze.

“Hello, I’m Kirill. Elena Sergeyevna mentioned you were looking for a gardener?” he said with a polite nod.

Victoria led him through the grounds, detailing the work that needed to be done. Kirill moved with deliberate precision, carefully surveying each corner, making notes in a small notebook, and asking thoughtful, technical questions.

“There’s a lot to tackle, but nothing too difficult. In two or three months, we can get everything into pristine condition,” he concluded after their walk.

His certainty was reassuring, and Victoria felt confident in her choice. They settled on the arrangements, and Kirill began work the following morning.

From her office window, she often found herself watching him. There was something captivating about the way he worked—every motion deliberate, without waste or urgency. It was as if he had an innate connection to nature, understanding exactly how to nurture it.

Gradually, the garden started to regain its former charm. The tangled weeds disappeared, paths took shape, and unruly hedges gave way to well-tended flowerbeds. Kirill worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk, pausing only briefly for lunch. Over time, Victoria grew accustomed to his constant presence. They occasionally chatted—discussing plants, the weather, literature. Kirill wasn’t just skilled; he had a natural gift for conversation.

Still, something about him sparked a quiet unease in Victoria…

1. If you want to own a house, you start by buying a land
2. If you want to own an empire, you start by growing your business
3. If you want to be fit, you start by eating healthy
4. If you want to be wise, you start by reading books
5. If you want to travel the world, you start by saving money
6. If you want to be happy, you start by being grateful
7. If you want to be wealthy, you start by managing your finances
8. If you want to be a good leader, you start by leading yourself first
9. If you want to be a good parent, you start by being a good role model
10. If you want to be successful, you start by taking small steps
11. If you want to be confident, you start by believing in yourself
12. If you want to learn a new skill, you start by practicing daily
13. If you want to be creative, you start by trying new things
14. If you want to be respected, you start by respecting others
15. If you want to build strong relationships, you start by being trustworthy
16. If you want to achieve your goals, you start by setting them clearly
17. If you want to be organized, you start by decluttering your space
18. If you want to be free, you start by letting go of your fears
19. If you want to make a change, you start by changing yourself first

20. If you want to run a marathon, you start by walking daily
21. If you want to start a business, you start by identifying a need
22. If you want to help others, you start by helping yourself first
23. If you want to learn a language, you start by practicing every day
24. If you want to be productive, you start by managing your time wisely
25. If you want to gain knowledge, you start by asking questions
26. If you want to be healthy, you start by exercising regularly
27. If you want to be at peace, you start by letting go of grudges
28. If you want to be strong, you start by enduring challenges with faith
29. If you want to be kind, you start by being kind to yourself first
30. If you want to make an impact, you start by being authentic

Success doesn't happen overnight, and achieving anything significant requires consistent effort. Whether it's owning a home, starting a business, or gaining respect, the journey begins with a single step. Don't get discouraged by the enormity of the goal ahead. Focus on taking that first step, then the next, and before you know it, you'll be well on your way to realizing your dreams. The key is to start, no matter how small, and stay persistent. Keep believing, and you'll see progress.

"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?"...