Kaduna State, Nigeria.

"Why did you scream like that?" Yasmin's mother burst into the room, clutching her chest. She knew better than to panic when it came to Yasmin; her daughter was always dramatic.

Yasmin stared at her phone like it was an alien artifact. Just as it was about to slip from her grasp, her mother snatched it and read the message. Her eyes widened at the row of zeroes staring back at her.

"Uh... what is this? Ten thousand naira? For what?" she stammered, finally managing to pick her jaw up off the floor.

Yasmin turned to her mother, her face still frozen in shock. She grabbed the phone back and furiously scrolled through the message from MTN.

Nothing but a fake number. No matter how many times she dialed, it wouldn't go through. Who in the world sent this amount of credit to the wrong number? How could she return it?

"I think it's a mistake. The owner will probably call later when they realize they've made this huge mess. Ten thousand naira credit in this era? That's no small beans," she said, trying to stay calm.

"Oh, okay. I thought as much," her mother replied, turning to leave.

"And if you keep screaming like a banshee, one day I'll lock you up in a zoo or a cage. You'd be worth thousands," she added, rolling her eyes.

"Not millions? Omo, you've really lowered my value!" Yasmin laughed, earning a glare from her mother.

Yasmin followed her mother into the living room, her bare feet padding softly against the cool cement floor, covered with a brown leather carpet that did nothing to warm the chill. The room was filled with the morning light streaming through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the worn furniture.

"Mama, is there anything I should do around the house before I leave for work with Madam Gloria?" Yasmin asked, her voice a mix of eagerness and reluctance.

She couldn't wait to see what adventure awaited her today. Madam Gloria always had something exciting planned, especially with another event lined up for the day.

Yasmin's mind wandered back to the previous event, where she had met her man. Just thinking about him made her giggle inside. Only that she must have shown a reaction because her mother gave her a bombastic side eye.

The memory of meeting him was vivid in her mind even though it shouldn't be with the way he scrunched his nose immediately after he realized that the smell was not going to disappear no matter how polite he acted.

The way his eyes had met hers, the casual yet calm way he asked for her phone number despite smelling her... stuff.

Also new friend she'd made, Faiza, was also a highlight of her night. A night she won't ever forget. Faiza was delightful, and Yasmin felt like she'd found a kindred spirit.

But when was her man going to call? He had taken her number, so he must be interested. Did he find her attractive too? Yasmin grinned to herself, imagining the possibilities, her thoughts filled with plans and dreams.

She should have collected his number too. She wouldn't have wasted anytime.

My man. My man. My man.

She chanted in her head, focusing on her mother to keep herself grounded. She wasn't going to tell her mom about her future son-in-law just yet. Maybe after he called and they discussed their babies names.

He should have called her yesterday after the event, though. Isn't that how it usually works? Perhaps he was too tired, being the best man and all.

A handsome, single best man. She knew he wasn't married—no man looking like that would wander around a wedding without his wife. One thing, she wouldn't let her man walk around alone when they are married. Never.

And she had overheard other girls gossiping about him too when he gave a short yet elegant speech about his friend and how amazing he was. That didn't concern her though. It was his voice that killed her.

It irked her that other girls had eyes on her man, but she was eager to learn more about her man. They said he was single, no girlfriend, no fiancée. He didn't even talk to girls.

In her mind, Yasmin gave a smirk and said. "Yet he had talked to me and even laughed at my lame ass joke. Ha!"

He had asked for her number. This had to be a match made in heaven. No stress, just fate. Her man was her man, and he was going to call her any moment now. And if he didn't, well, she'd just find his house.

Her mother turned, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Well, you could help me tidy up the kitchen and do the dishes. And don't forget to feed the chickens before you go."

Yasmin nodded, already mentally ticking off the tasks. "Okay, I'll get right on it."

"Thank you, Yasmin. You know, despite your dramatics, you're a good daughter." Her mother smiled, a rare moment of tenderness softening her features.

"I know." Yasmin stuck her tongue out and went to work.

When Yasmin finished everything, she rushed to shower with cold water. Boiling water would make her late, and it was almost eleven in the morning—Madam Gloria was surely waiting.

Even though she had ten thousand naira credit on her phone, she hadn't called Madam Gloria. It wasn't her money, so Madam Gloria would just have to scold her for not calling as instructed.

She dressed quickly in a simple maxi dress that her sister Siyama had worn to school the day before.

Siyama had a knack for wearing clothes multiple times without them smelling or getting dirty. Yasmin, on the other hand, seemed to attract stains and odors like a magnet. Not exactly bad odor but one that won't let her rewear it again.

Her mother always makes fun of her that if she starts earning money for the detergent she uses to wash clothes all the time, she won't get dirty ever again.

Yasmin dashed out of the house, practically sprinting toward Madam Gloria's shop in the nearby plaza around their area. Surprisingly the street was empty.

When she arrived, she found Madam Gloria just finishing packing up her stuff. Surprisingly, Madam Gloria smiled at her instead of scolding her for being late and not calling.

"Good morning, Madam," Yasmin greeted, swallowing nervously.

"Morning, Yasmin. How was your night and the dinner?" Madam Gloria asked, stepping out of the shop and locking it behind her.

"Uh, it was good," Yasmin stuttered, still confused about why she wasn't getting reprimanded.

"I received a call earlier from an unknown number saying you wouldn't be able to call me because you didn't have credit. Who was that?" Madam Gloria asked as they walked towards her Sienna.

Yasmin was puzzled. Called her? Who would do that? She hadn't told anyone about Madam Gloria's potential wrath. Maybe her dad? He always seemed to know things without being told.

"I'm not sure. Maybe my dad?" she ventured, opening the passenger door and settling into the Sienna while Madam Gloria took the driver's seat.

"Maybe. If your father speaks perfect English," Madam Gloria replied, and both women laughed because her father did speak good English—everyone knew that.

Her father was probably the one behind it, ensuring Yasmin avoided trouble yet again. God bless that man.

Madam Gloria started the engine and glanced at Yasmin with a hint of excitement in her eyes. That is something she hardly sees in the older woman's eyes but always welcomed.

"So, Yasmin, we're going to the Wambais' house for a wedding today."

Yasmin's eyes widened. The Wambais were one of the most well-known wealthy families in Kaduna. Their events were the talk of the town, always extravagant and meticulously planned. People like them can afford Madam Gloria.

"The Wambais?" Yasmin echoed, her voice tinged with awe. "That's huge! What are we doing there?"

"The rest of the team is already there, decorating the house. It's a big event, and we need to make sure everything is perfect. We'll be handling the floral arrangements, the seating, and some last-minute details."

Yasmin felt a surge of excitement but she kept it in. She is going to see Siyama and walk around that huge mansion. Working on a Wambai wedding was a big deal.

"Wow, this is amazing. I can't wait to see what we've done so far." She settled on the short comment though she is bubbling in her seat.

As they drove towards the Wambais' mansion, Yasmin's mind buzzed with anticipation. The grandeur of their house, the opulence of the decorations, and the thrill of being part of such a prestigious event filled her with a sense of pride and enthusiasm.

"I know it's a lot of work after yesterday, but it's an incredible opportunity for us. The Wambais expect nothing less than perfection, and I'm confident our team will deliver."

Yasmin nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, Madam Gloria. I'll do my best."

I am so shyyyyyy! 😭 are my readers still alive? How are you all? I know this one is more than just going MIA but Omo life Dey do me anyhow. What's up? How have you been?

HOW IS SCHOOL MESSING WITH YOUR HEALTH? Cause mine is in shambles.

Anyways we are getting to the book now. I mean, one Wambai is our main character 🤭