⸻

The Monkey’s Regret

Tambo and Zubi had been friends for as long as either of them could remember. They were born in the same fig tree, played on the same vines, and grew up in the same stretch of the forest. Tambo was lively and restless, always eager to prove himself. Zubi was quieter, the kind of friend who listened more than he spoke, but when he spoke, it mattered.

One dry season, the elders of the forest announced a special event—a Fruit Gathering Day, where every animal was invited to bring the finest fruit they could find. It wasn’t a competition in name, but everyone knew it was. The best fruit would be praised, and whoever brought it would enjoy a bit of respect and admiration.

Tambo, never one to miss a chance to shine, threw himself into the task. But the drought had dried many of the usual fruit trees, and all he could find were half-ripe bananas and overripe guavas. Meanwhile, Zubi quietly climbed a remote tree by the stream and returned with a fruit neither of them had seen in weeks—a smooth, ripe plum, deep red and firm.

Tambo couldn’t stop looking at it.

The night before the gathering, he stayed awake turning the thought over in his head. “Zubi doesn’t even care for these things. He’s not interested in being praised. I could just take it for tomorrow… and return it after the gathering. It’s only one fruit.”

And so, he did.

Zubi was confused the next morning when he couldn’t find the plum. But he didn’t say much, just looked around for a while, then carried his bananas to the gathering.

Tambo presented the plum. Animals admired it. A few nodded their approval. The elders complimented him on the find. It wasn’t a grand victory, just quiet recognition. But Tambo couldn’t enjoy it.

When he looked at Zubi across the clearing, his friend’s face was calm—but distant. They walked home in silence.

Days passed. The easy laughter between them faded. Zubi still greeted him, still shared food, still offered help when needed—but something unspoken had settled between them, and Tambo felt it with every word that didn’t come.

He thought about returning the fruit, or confessing. But what would that change?

Months went by.

Then, during the next rainy season, the riverbanks overflowed. One morning, word came that Zubi had gone to help a stranded animal near the flooded stream and hadn’t returned.

Tambo ran without thinking. When he reached the edge of the swollen water, he saw Zubi holding onto a branch, stuck in thick mud, water rising fast. There were no crowds, no drama—just two friends in trouble.

Tambo found a long stick, waded into the edge of the water, and held it out. He slipped once but kept his grip. With effort and a quiet word of encouragement, he helped Zubi back to dry land.

No one cheered. There were no dramatic rescues or grand gestures. Just two monkeys sitting on wet ground, breathing hard, side by side again.

As they rested under a tree, Tambo finally said, “It was me. I took the plum that day. I thought it was just fruit, but I knew what it meant.”

Zubi looked at him for a long time before replying. “I knew,” he said simply. “But I also knew you’d come back.”

They didn’t talk about it again. But over time, the silence between them changed. Not quite like before, but honest, and steady.

Tambo never sought admiration again. What mattered most, he had nearly lost. And quietly, without words, he began to rebuild what truly mattered.

⸻

Moral: Some mistakes aren’t fixed with words. They’re fixed with actions—and time.

⸻

#finest boy in Africa

BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS PRETENDS TO BE A POOR WAITRESS TO FIND TRUE LOVE
EPISODE. 1

Emily Johnson at 26 years old had everything anyone could dream of. She was the only daughter of Mr. James and Mrs. Mary Johnson, one of the wealthiest families in the country. Her father owned a large empire of companies while her mother was a renowned philanthropist. Emily had grown up in luxury, surrounded by expensive cars, grand mansions, and all the finest things money could buy.

However, despite all the riches, Emily felt something was missing. People around Emily always seemed more interested in her family’s fortune than in her as a person. She had friends, but over time she realized they cared more about her lifestyle than who she really was. The men she dated were the same—interested in her wealth and status, but never her heart.

Emily longed to be loved for who she truly was, not for her family’s wealth. One evening, after a particularly shallow conversation with a man her father had introduced her to, Emily knew something had to change. This man, like so many others, was more interested in impressing her with his wealth than learning anything about her.

She wanted more. She wanted a life where she could be herself and find love not based on her family’s name, but on who she truly was. Emily decided that she needed to leave her life of privilege behind, at least for a little while. She wanted to experience the world outside her bubble, to live simply and discover if she could find love in a place where no one knew her background.

Before she made any drastic decisions, Emily sat down with her parents to discuss her plan. They were sitting in the large dining room of their mansion.

“I’ve been thinking about something for a while,” Emily began, her heart racing. “I want to leave the city for a while. I need time to find myself away from everything here.”

Her mother, Mrs. Mary, immediately frowned. “Leave? Emily, you’re a young woman. The world outside is harsh, especially for a girl like you. You don’t need to go anywhere. We can find you a good husband here, someone who will love and care for you.”

Emily sighed, knowing her mother wouldn’t understand. “But that’s the problem, Mom. All the men I meet are only interested in what I have, not in me. I want to live a simple life for a while, away from all this. I want to find someone who loves me for who I am.”

Mrs. Mary shook her head. “It’s not safe out there for a girl like you. What if something happens? How will you survive without the comfort and protection of this home? You don’t need to struggle when everything you need is right here.”

Emily looked at her father, hoping for support. Mr. James, a stern but thoughtful man, had been listening quietly.

“I won’t be gone forever,” Emily said, turning to her father. “I just need some time to figure things out. If I don’t find what I’m looking for, if I can’t find love on my own, I’ll come back. I’ll agree to marry the man you want me to marry.”

Her father raised an eyebrow. “You mean the tech billionaire David, who you have adamantly refused to meet?”

“Yes,” Emily nodded. “I’ll meet him eventually, but first I need to do this. I need to know if I can live a life where people see me for me, not for our name.”

Mr. James leaned back in his chair, considering his daughter’s words. He loved Emily dearly, and as much as he wanted her to marry someone powerful like David, he understood her need for independence. He had seen her frustration over the years, trying to find someone who valued her for more than her wealth.

Mrs. Mary, however, was not convinced. “James, tell her this is a bad idea. She’s a girl. She can’t just wander off on her own. The world isn’t kind to women, especially one who’s never known hardship. It’s dangerous.”

But Mr. James gave Emily a small nod of approval. “If this is what you need to do, Emily, then I’ll support you. I don’t want you to regret not trying to find your own path.” He turned to his wife. “She’s strong, Mary. We have to trust her.”

Mrs. Mary sighed, still uneasy. “Fine. But promise me you’ll be careful, Emily.”

“I will, Mom,” Emily said with a smile. “I won’t be gone long. I just need time away from all the trouble here.”

And with that, Emily’s plan was set. She packed a small suitcase with only simple clothes, leaving behind her expensive dresses, jewelry, and the life of luxury she had always known.

The next day, with her father’s reluctant blessing and her mother’s worried gaze, Emily left the city. She boarded a bus to a faraway place, hoping to start fresh.

The city she chose was Makalani, a small but bustling town known for its vibrant markets and hardworking people. It was a place where no one would recognize her as the wealthy heiress from the capital. Here, Emily could blend in and live a simple life, just like anyone else.

When Emily arrived in Makalani, she found a small one-room apartment to rent. It was nothing like the mansion she had grown up in, but it was enough for her. The apartment had only a bed, a table, and a window that looked out onto the busy streets below. There were no luxuries, no servants to cater to her every need. But for the first time in her life, Emily felt free.

Now that she was settled, Emily knew she needed to find a job. She couldn’t live off her family’s wealth if she truly wanted to experience life as an ordinary person. After walking around the streets of Makalani for a few days, she came across a small restaurant called Mama Kay’s Kitchen.

The diner had a cozy, inviting atmosphere with the smell of home-cooked meals filling the air. It was always busy with people coming and going, and something about the simplicity of the place drew Emily in. With her heart racing, Emily walked inside and asked Mama Kay, the owner, if she had any job openings.

Mama Kay was a kind woman in her mid-50s with a round face and a warm smile. She looked Emily over, noticing her neat but modest clothes, and asked a few questions.

Satisfied with Emily’s answers, Mama Kay decided to give her a chance. “We can use another waitress around here,” Mama Kay said, “but it’s tough work. You’ll be on your feet all day serving tables, cleaning up, and dealing with all kinds of customers. Do you think you can handle it?”

Emily smiled, determined to prove herself. “Yes, I can handle it. I’ll do my best.”

And so Emily began her new life as a waitress at Mama Kay’s Kitchen. The work was much harder than she had ever imagined. She spent long hours on her feet, carrying trays of food, cleaning tables, and taking orders. Her back ached and her hands became rough from the constant cleaning.

But despite the exhaustion, Emily found a sense of purpose in this simple life. For the first time, she was living a life that wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter.

The customers at Mama Kay’s Kitchen were regular people—workers, families, and students who came in for affordable meals. They treated Emily just like any other waitress, and that’s exactly what she wanted. She was no longer the rich heiress from a powerful family. She was just Emily, the new waitress at the diner.

As Emily wiped down a table one evening, she looked out at the busy streets of Makalani and smiled to herself. She had left behind the world of wealth and privilege, but in doing so, she had found something more valuable: freedom.

She wondered what the future held. Would she find the love she had been searching for? Or would she eventually return to her old life, marrying the man her father wanted?

For now, she was content to wait and see. This was her time to find out who she truly was.

And her journey had only just begun.

TBC…

The Last Wishes of Alexander the Great
A message from a ruler at the peak of power… facing the only thing no one escapes — death.

Before his passing, Alexander the Great , the greatest ruler, called upon his army's commander and shared three unusual final requests:

1. “Let the best doctors of the empire carry my coffin.”
So that all may see — even the finest physicians are powerless in the face of death.

2. “Scatter gold coins and precious gems along the road to my grave.”
So that the world understands — the wealth we accumulate in life stays behind when we leave.

3. “Let my hands dangle outside my coffin, visible to all.”
So that everyone knows — even the Emperor of the world leaves this life with empty hands.

When his commander, shocked and confused, asked why such unusual wishes, Alexander the Great explained with quiet clarity:

“Let the people see the truth.
Let them understand the limits of power, the illusion of wealth, and the inevitability of death.
I conquered half the world…
But in the end, I take nothing with me.”

A man who ruled empires, commanded vast armies, and controlled unimaginable riches —
Yet he left behind a lesson that is more valuable than any treasure:

Life is not about what you accumulate.
It is about what you leave behind in hearts, in deeds, in wisdom.

No title, no possession, no wealth will accompany us in the end.
Only our legacy. Only our truth.

So live with intention.
Give generously.
Speak kindly.
Forgive freely.
And walk humbly.

Because when the final moment comes…
We all leave the same way — with nothing but our name, and the love we gave.

The Last Wishes of Alexander the Great
A message from a ruler at the peak of power… facing the only thing no one escapes — death.

Before his passing, Alexander the Great , the greatest ruler, called upon his army's commander and shared three unusual final requests:

1. “Let the best doctors of the empire carry my coffin.”
So that all may see — even the finest physicians are powerless in the face of death.

2. “Scatter gold coins and precious gems along the road to my grave.”
So that the world understands — the wealth we accumulate in life stays behind when we leave.

3. “Let my hands dangle outside my coffin, visible to all.”
So that everyone knows — even the Emperor of the world leaves this life with empty hands.

When his commander, shocked and confused, asked why such unusual wishes, Alexander the Great explained with quiet clarity:

“Let the people see the truth.
Let them understand the limits of power, the illusion of wealth, and the inevitability of death.
I conquered half the world…
But in the end, I take nothing with me.”

A man who ruled empires, commanded vast armies, and controlled unimaginable riches —
Yet he left behind a lesson that is more valuable than any treasure:

Life is not about what you accumulate.
It is about what you leave behind in hearts, in deeds, in wisdom.

No title, no possession, no wealth will accompany us in the end.
Only our legacy. Only our truth.

So live with intention.
Give generously.
Speak kindly.
Forgive freely.
And walk humbly.

Because when the final moment comes…
We all leave the same way — with nothing but our name, and the love we gave.

When *Henry Ford* asked for the cheapest *hotel * in town… people were stunned.

He had just landed in *England* - already a *billionaire*, already one of the most recognized names in the world.

But instead of luxury, he walked up to the airport information desk and asked, simply:
*“Where’s the cheapest place to stay?” *

The clerk hesitated. Worn coat. Modest bag. Calm voice.

Then he realized who was standing in front of him. Henry Ford. The man whose name was in every newspaper. The face behind an empire.

*“Sir… aren’t you Mr. Ford?”* he asked, still processing. Ford nodded,*“Yes, I am .”*

*Still puzzled, the clerk 🧑🏻‍💻 continued:* “I know your son always stays in the best hotels, wears the finest suits. But you - you’re asking for the cheapest room, in an old coat that looks older than you…
Why?”

*Ford* smiled. Just enough to 👍🏻 say everything without saying too much.

“Because I don’t need more than a place to sleep. Wherever I stay - I’m still *Henry Ford*. And this coat? It belonged to my father. It keeps me warm. That’s enough.”

*He paused. Then added, quietly:* “My son is still learning. He still worries what others think. But I’ve learned to stop paying for approval. I didn’t become wealthy by spending - I became wealthy by understanding what matters, and what doesn’t.”

*A quiet lesson wrapped in humility:*
True wealth isn’t in what you show - it’s in what you know.
You are not your coat, your hotel, or your bank account.

*You are who you are, wherever you go. *

COPIED
LET'S PONDER ON THIS


The Last Wishes of Alexander the Great
A message from a ruler at the peak of power… facing the only thing no one escapes — death.

Before his passing, Alexander the Great , the greatest ruler, called upon his army's commander and shared three unusual final requests:

1. “Let the best doctors of the empire carry my coffin.”
So that all may see — even the finest physicians are powerless in the face of death.

2. “Scatter gold coins and precious gems along the road to my grave.”
So that the world understands — the wealth we accumulate in life stays behind when we leave.

3. “Let my hands dangle outside my coffin, visible to all.”
So that everyone knows — even the Emperor of the world leaves this life with empty hands.

When his commander, shocked and confused, asked why such unusual wishes, Alexander the Great explained with quiet clarity:

“Let the people see the truth.
Let them understand the limits of power, the illusion of wealth, and the inevitability of death.
I conquered half the world…
But in the end, I take nothing with me.”

A man who ruled empires, commanded vast armies, and controlled unimaginable riches —
Yet he left behind a lesson that is more valuable than any treasure:

Life is not about what you accumulate.
It is about what you leave behind in hearts, in deeds, in wisdom.

No title, no possession, no wealth will accompany us in the end.
Only our legacy. Only our truth.

So live with intention.
Give generously.
Speak kindly.
Forgive freely.
And walk humbly.

Because when the final moment comes…
We all leave the same way — with nothing but our name, and the love we gave.

The Garden of Secret Cries

Episode 1: From Hunger to Horror: The Hidden Price of Akinlolu's Wealth"

Akinlolu was a man the world would one day call “Chief,” but his story didn’t begin with power and praise. It began with hunger. He lived in a small, broken-down room with his wife and two children in the heart of Ibadan. Every morning, he woke up with nothing but worry. There was no food to give his children, no job, and no hope.

His wife tried to support him, but the pain of watching their children cry each night was too much. One evening, she asked, “Is this how we will keep living?” Akinlolu had no answer.

That night, sitting outside in the dark, a strange man appeared. His eyes were sharp, his voice deep. He said, “I know you’re tired of this life. I can help you. But what you want comes with a price.” Akinlolu, desperate and broken, said without thinking, “I will do anything.”

The man smiled. “Go to the river by midnight. Wait there. You’ll hear what to do.”

At midnight, Akinlolu walked to the river. The place was quiet, too quiet. Then, he heard voices—not from people, but from the wind. They whispered strange things, calling his name, making promises.

“We can make you rich,” they said, “but you must give us life for life. Every year, bring us a newborn, fresh and innocent. Bury it with your hands, and we will bless you.”

Akinlolu’s body shook. “A child?” he asked. “I must bury a child?”

There was silence for a moment, then a soft echo: “Or remain poor forever.”

He went home and couldn’t sleep. But in the morning, a man came to offer him a job. Then, someone else offered him a car. By the end of the week, money had started flowing in. The promise was real.

A year later, a woman brought him a baby wrapped in white cloth. She was a midwife—her heart long gone. She said, “The mother thinks this child is dead. Take it.”

That night, Akinlolu dug his first hole. With shaking hands, he buried the baby in the garden behind his house. He didn’t sleep that night, but in the morning, he got a business deal that changed his life.

And so, every year, on the night of a new moon, he continued. A baby. A hole. A promise.

He became wealthy beyond measure. He built mansions, drove the finest cars, and even started his journey into politics. His wife believed he was just hardworking. The maid, however, noticed things—blood on the shovel, cries in the wind—but fear kept her quiet.

What Akinlolu didn’t know was that every baby he buried left behind a spirit. And spirits do not forget.

MY LESBIĀN AUNTY:

NEW SERIES ALERT▶
EPISODE ( ELEVEN ) 11, 12

It's 7:00 pm as my aunt said , with my thoughts so far, I need to go out there and watch my steps, to know how to start laying life foundation and how to battle fiercely....as they said knowledge is power, I need to know myself much better,

I stood up from my bed , got into the bathroom as I rinsed my body and face to apply make ups ,,,

"Omo my Abdomen Still dey pain me ooo,"
I said walking straight to my cupboard in search of pain relief,,,,
I took it as I started applying make ups,,,
not knowing a lot of this will be exposed soon to me .....
I went to my wardrobe and picked one of my finest dinner gowns, I smiled looking at myself placing it and facing the mirror,

I wore it and in 10 Minutes, I was done ,,,,,
All of a Sudden an unexpected knock hit my door ....

Ajoke!
It's me your mom is on the line,

(as my heart Skipped,,,,
why didn't she call my line, is she coming back to Nigeria? I asked ,,,)

as I rushed to open the door ,
I collected the phone ,

Me : Hey Mom (I called )
Mum : hi Jokkie baby ...my daughter how are you ?

(my aunt is looking at me, longing to hear my replies to her , )
I Smiled saying ,

"I'm fine mummy, how is Europe?"

"My love , cold no gree your mama oo"
(Speaking in Broken language ,,
"your mum couldn't adapt to the cold weather",,,,,)
"Chaii!!, sorry mom , it's our generation that can adapt to the weather in Europe not you people, probably old age will affect your stay there" ,,
I said giggling on the call,,

Mom : my daughter you never change very funny ,,,, (as she said smiling )
Alright love I called to check up on you okay , hope Aunty Rachel is treating you good ,?

PAUSE.............
Me : (AS I STARE AT AUNTY RACHEL WITH REVENGE AND GRIEVE IN MY HEART , SAYING INSIDE OF ME YOU WILL REGRET THIS )

My Mom : .....Hello .....Ajoke ... Are you still there ?.......

Umm yes mom , the network interrupted the call, yes mom we are good ....( I said )
Mom : okay do take care okay ,,,,,
Bye baby girl..... less I forget , I will send some token into your wallet , expect it soon okay ,,,

Me ; okay mom , thanks , I love you !...
Bye .....
Mom : Bye ......

(HUNG UP )
*****************
I quickly handed the phone to Aunt Rachel....
as she wanted to say

Ajoke !! I know how.........

Hold it Aunt !!
(I cut her off from speaking )
I'm ready let's go..
I said as I walked past her,

She said...
Are you for real?
hold on, let me get my car keys , I was about leaving before your mom called.....

she left for her car keys ,,,,,
I waited outside as she came out ,,
starting the Car....

Ajoke your seat belt (She said Smashing her gum )....

I buckled my seat belt as she zoomed off ...

It was about 30 Minutes drive before we reached our destination , as she was busy discussing with me while riding ,,,,
all I could do was keep silent all the way long .....
( like this woman no get conscience cha cha )
I said in pidgin dialect ....
before we reached, she handed over an envelope , I opened and saw 200k in it , that was then I opened my mouth, "what's the money for?''

"Just Hold it". she said
more money is coming your way ,
Soon she stopped as I noticed music and people dancing everywhere,
I angrily opened the door to go out ,

OMG !!!!!!

THIS IS SODOM AND GOMORRAH!!!!

"Aunty !!!
What the hell am I doing here with you?"
Almost everyone is nākēd working around ,
like no piece of clothes on their body , like completely nākēd!!!
are you this doomed and destroyed Aunt .....

"Shut up!!!" She raised her voice on me.
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner? look I won't have you disgrace or embarrass me , kick your nice ass moving!!"
She snapped as she hit my face with a dirty slap.
Me: Aunt you slapped me?

(Placing my left hand on my cheek and the right one on top of my B**obs)....
she turned and started moving ,
omo
no male gender here ,
I turned left seeing ladies fingering each other, right romancing and kissing ,
one walked straight to me,,,, ,
"Hi love!!"

"I swear if you touch me , the kind back hand I go give you ehhh!!
I Roared in pidin with an angered voice ,,,,

( I Paused )
*********************

Guys guess what my eyes just saw ,

I would love to continue in the next episode if I see you but I will say it in order not to keep you in suspense ,

*********************

Sēx girls Trafficking !!!!!!!!
a truck loaded with girls were offloaded, nākēd girls of all size trooped in into the party hall for them to give entertainment to the guest ,

Lo and Behold , here comes the Beautiful devil I met the other day that joined to eat my p**sy ..........

EPISODE ( TWELVE ) 12 :

PRISCILLA

Lo and Behold , here comes the Beautiful devil I met the other day that joined to eat my p**sy ..........

She's looking so hot in her dress, as beautiful as Mermaid, with her Boob's and curves all popped out, ,,,
(as beautiful as a devil) I hissed → inside my mind...

"Hey Helen" ....
my Aunt Called out,,

(Mwaaaahh)
as they kissed tenderly, ,

how are you beauty ?
my aunt asked ,
Helen : I'm fine oo, just chilling,

as I joined them walk in the party hall..

All the ladies were nākēd , shaking off their booty as I over looked ,
so many acts practiced that night,

As I watched the girls they were selling off with money,
not until a beautiful curved girl danced her breast towards the stage, who happens to be one of the slaved girls, was asked to suck a hairy ***** till she squirt .. .....

I couldn't hold it any longer as I began to develop the urge to throw up,
I quickly handed an excuse to my aunt, as I asked for directions to the restroom , I rushed in and gave a heavy throw up,
I quickly rinsed my mouth and washed my hands off ,

When I came out of the bathroom I heard a quiet cry (subbing) from one of the rest rooms ,
I called out ,,,,

Hello ,,,,,Hello who's in there?
I asked knocking....
I heard no response , I quickly bashed the door opened ,,,Ohh nooo

TO BE CONTINUED......

FOLLOW Johnson Idaawaji Mbaja

The Last Wishes of Alexander the Great
A message from a ruler at the peak of power… facing the only thing no one escapes — death.

Before his passing, Alexander the Great , the greatest ruler, called upon his army's commander and shared three unusual final requests:

1. “Let the best doctors of the empire carry my coffin.”
So that all may see — even the finest physicians are powerless in the face of death.

2. “Scatter gold coins and precious gems along the road to my grave.”
So that the world understands — the wealth we accumulate in life stays behind when we leave.

3. “Let my hands dangle outside my coffin, visible to all.”
So that everyone knows — even the Emperor of the world leaves this life with empty hands.

When his commander, shocked and confused, asked why such unusual wishes, Alexander the Great explained with quiet clarity:

“Let the people see the truth.
Let them understand the limits of power, the illusion of wealth, and the inevitability of death.
I conquered half the world…
But in the end, I take nothing with me.”

A man who ruled empires, commanded vast armies, and controlled unimaginable riches —
Yet he left behind a lesson that is more valuable than any treasure:

Life is not about what you accumulate.
It is about what you leave behind in hearts, in deeds, in wisdom.

No title, no possession, no wealth will accompany us in the end.
Only our legacy. Only our truth.

So live with intention.
Give generously.
Speak kindly.
Forgive freely.
And walk humbly.

Because when the final moment comes…
We all leave the same way — with nothing but our name, and the love we gave.

“EITHER YOU TRANSFER THE BUSINESS AND THE DACHA TO MY MOTHER, OR THERE WILL BE NO WEDDING!”

Veranne poured herself a cup of coffee and walked over to the window. Dawn was barely breaking, yet her mind was already racing through the day’s agenda—a meeting with a supplier, a review of accounting reports, and an important call with a client from Tver. Her schedule was precise—every minute accounted for. That sense of order comforted her.

The small printing house that Veranne had inherited from her father, Pollan Dimitt, five years ago demanded constant attention. “Business is like a child,” her father had always said. “Turn your back for a moment, and it either makes a mess or falls ill.” Pollan Dimitt had been old-school—strict and principled. He worked as long as necessary, never pushed his responsibilities onto others, and always kept his word.

“Remember the three keys to success, Veranne,” he would repeat: keep your word, distrust manipulators, and respect hard work—your own and others’.” Even the dacha outside Moscow, nestled quietly on the shore of a small lake, was treated not as a place of relaxation but as another responsibility. Pollan Dimitt planned every detail—from which crops to plant each spring to how best to tend the garden.

When Pollan Dimitt suddenly passed away from a heart @ttack, both the business and the dacha became Veranne’s sole responsibility. Many doubted that a young woman could handle it all. But in five years, the printing house not only survived—it grew. And the dacha became a serene retreat, where she could recharge in solitude.

Her phone rang—Antony.

“Good morning! Already awake, workaholic?” His voice was bright and cheerful.

“Long ago,” Veranne smiled. “I’m finishing my coffee.”

“What time do you finish today? Maybe we can meet after work?”

Veranne checked her planner.

“Around six. Then I need to stop by the restaurant to finalize the wedding menu.”

“Oh, this wedding,” Antony sighed, weariness creeping into his voice. “Sometimes I think it would be easier to just sign the papers and fly off to an island somewhere.”

“Come on, only two weeks left,” Veranne chuckled. “I’ve taken care of everything—you don’t have to worry.”

“Exactly! You’ve handled it all, my efficient girl.”

Antony was the complete opposite of the serious, responsible men Veranne had dated before. He was spontaneous, full of humor, always ready for a trip or a party. They had met at the gym—Veranne attended Pilates, while Antony trained in CrossFit.

They first struck up a conversation in the fitness-center café, exchanged numbers, and within a week, they went out for dinner. Antony never needed long to charm a woman—confident and silver-tongued, he had a way of making his companion feel special.

Veranne told him about her business, and Antony listened with interest, asked questions, and praised her entrepreneurial streak. He worked for a consulting company, frequently traveling to meet clients.

“You know what amazes me about you?” Antony said on one of their first dates. “You’re… dependable. Not like those modern girls who only think about marrying rich. You have your own business, your own income.”

Veranne took those words as a compliment, appreciating her drive and hard work. Her father had always told her that a real man would value those qualities over doll-like appearances and fluttering eyelashes.

The proposal came six months later—one of the city’s finest restaurants, champagne, and a sapphire ring in a velvet box.

“I’ve met the woman of my dreams,” Antony said, looking into her eyes. “Will you be my wife?”

Though her father had taught her not to rush important decisions, Veranne accepted almost immediately. Antony seemed the perfect life partner—attentive, caring, financially stable, and someone with whom she shared common interests.

Soon after the engagement, Veranne met Antony’s mother, Irene Klark, a fit and impeccably groomed woman in her mid-fifties. Over lunch, Irene studied Veranne, asking about her work, plans, and views on family life.

“My dear girl,” Irene smiled, “the main thing in a family is to hold on to your man. My Antony has a strong character, but if you give in on little things, you’ll live in perfect harmony.”

Veranne nodded, though something about that perspective didn’t sit well with her. Her father had taught her independence, not dependence on others’ opinions. But for the sake of good relations, she didn’t argue.

Another time, while they were picking out tableware for the new home, Irene remarked casually, “You know, family means everything is shared—sorrow and joy, property too. In our family, it’s always been that way: the women brought everything they had into the home and laid it at the husband’s feet. They never regretted it, because they gained protection and support.”

At the time, Veranne hadn’t given much thought to those words. She cared more about their future together than past family customs.

Wedding preparations fell entirely on her shoulders. Antony was constantly busy with meetings, reports, and calls. She booked the venue—a panoramic hall on the riverbank—negotiated the menu, found a decorator, met the emcee, and picked musicians. Even the guest list was drafted by her, though she cleared it with Antony.

“Listen, why did you invite Shaun and Annella?” Antony asked, scrolling through the list. “We haven’t spoken in ages.”

“But you told me you studied together and that he was an old friend,” Veranne said, puzzled.

“Well, yes, but… fine, keep them,” Antony waved it off and returned to his phone.

Oddly, when it came to paying for the wedding, Antony seemed indifferent.

“Whatever it costs, we’ll spend it,” he said. “You only get married once.”

That surprised Veranne. Antony had been frugal in other matters, but she was relieved that they weren’t cu:tting corners.

Two days before the wedding, Antony unexpectedly suggested they meet at a café.

“There’s something we need to discuss,” he said cryptically, “a family council.”

Veranne assumed it was about a surprise for the guests. But when she arrived, Antony wasn’t alone—Irene Klark was sitting beside him.

“Verotchka, dear,” Irene began once Veranne had settled in. “Antony and I talked and came up with an idea… for the good of the family.”

Veranne glanced at her fiancé, confused. His expression was tense, as if bracing for an unpleasant conversation.

“You see,” Irene continued, “divorces are so common nowadays, and we want your marriage to be strong.”

“And?” Veranne started to feel uneasy.

“And we think,” Antony added, “that it would be wise to secure ourselves. You know, just in case things ever go wrong.”

“What exactly do you mean?” Veranne asked, puzzled…

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