Andrew nodded. I’ll ask questions when I get to her neighborhood. I’ll find out from people who live there.
If anything looks strange, I won’t enter the house. Johnson was quiet. He looked away and sighed deeply.
If anything happens to you, I’m finished. Andrew smiled, trying to cheer him up. Grandpa, nothing will happen to me.
I promise. This might be the breakthrough we’ve been praying for. I don’t want to keep sitting here waiting for a job that may never come.
Johnson slowly began to relax. He forced a smile and whispered. I just want you to be safe.
I will be, Grandpa, Andrew replied, hugging him tightly. And when I start working, I’ll send you money.
You’ll stop sitting under the sun. You’ll rest. That’s my promise. Johnson forced a smile.
Okay, my son. If your heart is at peace with it, then go. But please be careful.
Very very careful. Andrew smiled and nodded. Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll call Madame Tina tomorrow.
As he walked into the room to find his phone, Johnson looked up at the sky and prayed silently.
Lord, if this woman is truly sent by you, let it work out. But if she means evil, let Andrew never step into that house.
The next morning, Andrew stood outside with his phone in hand. He took a deep breath and dialed the number Madame Tina gave him.
His heart beat fast as it rang. Hello. A soft, firm voice answered. Good morning, Ma.
This is Andrew, he said with a small smile. I spoke to my grandfather and he has agreed.
Oh, that’s wonderful news, Madame Tina said, smiling. Thank you for calling. I’ll send you my address now.
When you get to the estate gate, just call me. Thank you, Ma. I’ll be on my way shortly.
After the call, Andrew rushed inside. Grandpa, I’m going now. Johnson stood at the door, his eyes full of love and worry.
He placed his hand on Andrew’s head and prayed for him. God will go with you.
Don’t forget everything I told you. Shine your eyes and don’t let your guard down.
I will, Grandpa. I promise. Andrew packed his small bag, hugged his grandfather again, and left for the bus park.
The ride took almost 2 hours, but he was excited. When he got to the estate gate, a tall, firm security guard stood there.
Are you Mr. Andrew? Yes, he replied. Come with me. Madame Tina is expecting you.
When they reached Madame Tina’s compound, Andrews eyes widened. The house was large and beautiful.
Flowers lined the walkway and the gate was painted bright white. It looked like a house from a movie.
Madame Tina came out to welcome him. You’re welcome, Andrew. Come in. Come in. This will be your new home.
Andrew smiled. Thank you, Ma. This place is beautiful. She led him inside and showed him a clean, luxurious room with a bed, a wardrobe, and even a big mirror.
You’ll stay here, and the parking lot is just beside the pool, Madame Tina said, smiling.
“Don’t worry, Andrew. Just be yourself. I treat my workers like family. Be honest and drive carefully.”
Andrew nodded humbly. “Yes, Ma. Thank you very much.” He started work that same day.
He took some of the cars to the mechanic, then to the car wash, and arranged the keys on a small wooden table.
Within a week, Madame Tina trusted him completely. He was always on time, always polite, and never spoke more than necessary.
Two weeks later, something unexpected happened. Madame Tina’s only daughter, Naomi, returned home from a long business meeting abroad.
Andrew was polishing the car when she stepped out, tall, elegant, and glowing in a fitted cream suit.
Her voice was soft yet commanding when she said, “Good morning.” Andrew froze for a second.
“Good morning, Ma,” he said, bowing slightly. She tilted her head. “You must be the new driver my mom told me about.”
“Yes, Ma. My name is Andrew.” “Nice to meet you, Andrew,” she said, smiling faintly before walking into the house.
That afternoon, Madame Tina called Andrew. Please drive my daughter to her office for an urgent meeting.
She’ll tell you the address. Yes, Ma. Minutes later, Naomi came out in a navy blue dress holding a small handbag.
Andrew opened the back door respectfully, but she smiled and said, “No, it’s fine. I’ll sit in front.
I don’t like shouting instructions from the back.” He smiled awkwardly. Okay, Ma. The drive was quiet at first.
The gentle hum of the car mixed with faint afro soul music from the radio.
Then suddenly, as they approached a roundabout, a reckless motorcyclist swerved across their lane. Andrew reacted quickly, turning the steering sharply and stopping just in time.
Naomi gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Oh my god!” Andrew’s breathing was steady.
“Sorry, Ma.” I saw him early enough. “You’re safe.” She turned slowly to look at him.
The calm in his voice, the steadiness in his hands. For a moment, she forgot to speak.
There was something about the way he handled the situation. Protective yet gentle. “Thank you,” she said softly.
When they reached her office, she hesitated before getting down. “You’re a very careful driver,” she said.
“Most men would have panicked.” He smiled. “It’s my job to keep my passengers safe.”
Days passed, and every morning she began to look forward to their drives. She would ask him to join her for lunch.
She asked about his day, his family, even his dreams. He would answer gently, always respectful.
Sometimes she would laugh at his simple jokes, surprised at how peaceful she felt around him.
One afternoon it started raining heavily. They were stuck in traffic, raindrops dancing across the windshield.
Naomi turned slightly, watching how the light caught his face. “Andrew,” she said suddenly, “do you ever wish for more in life?”
He glanced at her briefly. “Yes, Ma, but I also thank God for what I have now.”
She smiled, a quiet, lingering smile. “That’s rare. Most people I meet only complain.” He shrugged.
“Complaining doesn’t fix anything, Ma.” She nodded slowly, her heart strangely warm. “She didn’t know what it was, his calm voice, his humility, or his eyes that looked like peace itself.
But something in her began to shift. When they reached her office, she sat still for a while, pretending to scroll through her phone just to stay a few more seconds.
“Thank you for the ride, Andrew,” she finally said. “You’re welcome, Ma,” he replied, smiling.
As she stepped out into the soft drizzle, she realized she hadn’t felt this alive around other men she had met.
“The next weekend, Madame Tina gave him permission to visit his grandfather. Go and see him.
I’m sure he misses you. You can go with one of the SUVs. Andrew was excited.
He packed some groceries and a little gift he bought for his grandfather with his first salary, a new CFAN, and a pair of leather shoes.
When he arrived home, his grandfather rushed out and hugged him tightly. My son, you’re looking fresh.
God has done it. Andrew laughed. Grandpa, I missed you. Inside the house, Johnson served him spicy rice and stew just as he liked it, and they sat down to catch up.
Grandpa, Andrew said, I need to tell you something. Johnson looked up. What is it?
There’s a girl. She is Madame Tina’s daughter, Andrew said, smiling shily. She’s stunning, respectful, funny, and Johnson asked, folding his arms.
And And I think I think I’m falling in love with her. Johnson’s eyes widened.
Andrew, you’re falling in love? Andrew nodded. Yes, Grandpa. I haven’t told her yet. I’m afraid.
I don’t even know if she feels the same. But there’s something about her. The way she looks at me, the way she talks, the way she takes care of me.
Johnson smiled slowly. Love is a beautiful thing, my son, but be careful. Don’t rush.
Look well. I’m not rushing, Grandpa. Andrew said, “I’m just I don’t know.” My heart feels soft every time I see her.
I can’t explain it. Johnson laughed gently. That’s how love starts, Grandpa. Andrew whispered. What if she doesn’t love me too?
Then my son, Johnson said, placing his hand on his shoulder. Pray. If it is truly from God, it will happen.
No man can stop what God has planned. Andrew smiled and nodded. His heart was full of hope.
Like a flower just beginning to bloom. Far away, back at the big house, Naomi was in her room, staring at the ceiling.
She smiled and whispered to herself. This man, Andrew, there’s something special about him. I think I’m in love with him.
Naomi sat up, watching as the flowers swayed gently in the breeze outside her window.
Her heart was full, but her mind was troubled. She had never felt this way before, not even in all her travels, business meetings, or the fancy parties she had attended.
Andrew. That name had taken over her thoughts, her heart, her dreams. She walked into the living room where her mother was sipping tea and reading a magazine.
“Mom,” she said, standing in front of her. Madame Tina looked up. “Naomi, you look worried.
Is everything all right?” Naomi took a deep breath. “Mom, I’m in love with Andrew.”
Madame Tina smiled and placed the cup on the table. “I knew it.” “You knew?”
Naomi asked, surprised. Madame Tina laughed softly. Of course, I see the way you blush whenever he’s around.
The way you follow him to run errands like a lost puppy. Naomi chuckled, then nodded.
Yes, Mom. I love him. I want to marry him. Her mother stood up slowly and held her hands.
My daughter, you have chosen well. He is a god-fearing man. He is respectful, well brought up, hard-working, intelligent, and handsome.
Who wouldn’t want a son-in-law like him? After all, money is not an issue in this family.
God has blessed us abundantly, and we cannot look down on anyone because of his financial status.”
Naomi smiled with relief. “Thank you, Mom.” But she paused, lowering her voice. “I don’t want to tell him because he’s the man.
If he feels the same way, then he should say it first.” Madame Tina laughed again.
“That’s correct, my daughter.” A responsible woman never chases after a man. The next day, Andrew returned from visiting his grandfather.
Naomi looked even more beautiful, like someone who had been soaked in love and joy in his absence.
He entered the house and Naomi offered to help him with one of his small bags.
“Welcome back,” she said, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Ma,” he replied. “No, no more ma.
