Henry's expression darkened, his voice rising with disbelief.
"How will my maid… that lowlife… attend the same school with me?" he demanded.
Mrs. Sampson remained unfazed, her posture calm and composed.
"And what exactly is the big deal?" she asked. "Is it a crime?"
Henry clenched his jaw, clearly irritated.
"Mum—"
"Look, Henry," she interrupted, her tone firm this time. "I've made my final decision."
The words landed heavily.
Henry stared at her, anger flashing in his eyes. For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to argue further…
But then something unexpected happened.
She didn't even look at him again.
Instead, she turned her attention to Ella, as though the argument had already ended.
"So, my dear," she said warmly, "you're about to write your WAEC, right?"
Caught off guard, Ella blinked before a soft smile appeared on her face.
"Yes, ma… of course."
Mrs. Sampson nodded, pleased.
"That's good. That's exactly why I want to enroll you in one of the best schools—to help you perform well in your WAEC."
Ella's smile widened, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"And before the end of today," Mrs. Sampson added, "I'll also get you a phone."
For a split second, Ella froze.
Then—
"Wow!!"
She sprang to her feet in excitement and rushed toward Mrs. Sampson, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug.
"Ma! Thank you so much!"
Mrs. Sampson let out a small laugh, gently patting her back.
"It's alright, my dear."
Ella pulled back slightly, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Ma, thank you so much… I've always wanted to go to school like my mates… to write my WAEC properly. But it always felt impossible."
She paused, her smile soft but full of hope.
"But now… it's becoming real. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."
Mrs. Sampson smiled kindly.
"It's okay. But you should be thanking God, not me."
She gently motioned for Ella to return to her seat.
"Please, sit. That's enough thanking for now."
Ella let out a small laugh.
"Okay, ma."
She sat down, still smiling, her heart filled with joy.
But across the table—
Henry stood there, completely still.
His eyes moved slowly from his mother… to Ella.
The excitement.
The smiles.
The laughter.
It all irritated him.
His expression twisted in pure disgust.
To him, nothing about this felt right.
And deep down—
He had already decided.
He was not going to let this happen.
Ella sat on her bed, her face glowing with quiet happiness. Anyone who saw her at that moment would know—she was truly happy.
Her dream of getting into high school… of finally completing her education… was finally becoming a reality.
She smiled softly.
"I can't believe it… I'll finally complete my education without stress. God, You are so great."
But then her expression slowly changed.
"My problem now is my madam's son… That guy is so rude. I don't even know why he hates me. Have I done anything bad to him?"
Just then, Mrs. Sampson walked into the room, already dressed for work.
Ella quickly stood up. "Ma, are you heading to work?"
"Yes," Mrs. Sampson replied calmly.
Ella nodded. "Take care, ma."
Mrs. Sampson adjusted her bag and looked at her. "I'll buy you your phone when I'm coming back from work."
Ella's face lit up immediately.
"Thank you, ma! Thank you so much, ma!" she said, her voice filled with excitement as she kept thanking her.
Mrs. Sampson smiled faintly, then turned and walked out.
Ella quickly followed behind her, watching her step out of the house before gently locking the door.
Henry rushed down the stairs, taking them two at a time. He adjusted his shirt as he got to the door and pulled it open.
"Hey, my guys. What's up?" he said, stepping aside.
Daniel walked in first, fanning his face. "Guy, the sun outside is not smiling at all. It's too hot."
Nelson followed behind, loosening his shirt slightly. "I'm telling you. I feel like I'm melting. This heat is something else."
They both dropped onto the couch, still complaining.
Henry shut the door and looked at them. "So you people didn't order Uber or Bolt?"
Daniel laughed dryly. "With what money? Guy, things are hard."
Henry raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Daniel leaned back, stretching his legs. "My dad travelled, and he gave my allowance money to my mum. That woman used it to buy only God knows what. I didn't even see a kobo."
Nelson nodded. "Things have really been rough. Even my own case isn't easy. My uncle died, so my dad has to take care of my cousin now. The guy just got into university."
He sighed. "So my dad is handling everything—school fees, feeding, all of it. Because of that, he had to withdraw my allowance for now."
Henry let out a low whistle. "That's serious."
Silence settled briefly in the room.
Then Henry suddenly frowned and looked toward the staircase.
"Ella!" he called out. "Come and bring juice for us!"
No response.
His frown deepened. "Ella!"
Still nothing.
Daniel glanced at him. "Who are you calling?"
Henry scoffed. "My mum just employed one annoying girl. She's rude, dirty… and very local."
His friends exchanged looks.
"When did she even arrive?" Nelson asked.
"Like two or three days ago," Henry replied.
Daniel raised his brows. "And she has all these qualities? All in one person?"
Nelson chuckled. "That's too much for one human being."
Henry shook his head. "You people don't understand. You need to see her yourself. She's just… irritating."
He paused, irritation flashing across his face.
"And the worst part? My mum wants to enroll her in my school."
"What?" Daniel and Nelson said at the same time.
"Yes," Henry continued. "And she even plans to get her a phone today."
Nelson shook his head slowly. "Wow… your mum is really kind."
Henry smirked. "Kind? She's like assistant Jesus."
Daniel and Nelson burst into laughter.
"Abeg, leave me," Daniel said. "I don't have strength for you."
Henry hissed and turned toward the stairs again.
"Ella! Is she deaf or something? Come and serve juice!"
Without waiting any longer, he stormed upstairs angrily.
"Guy, no go kill person pikin, oo!" Daniel shouted after him.
Nelson laughed. "Wahala."
Scene Change
Ella stepped out of the bathroom quietly, a white towel wrapped around her body. It clung just enough to keep her covered, leaving her shoulders bare.
She moved toward the mirror, picking up her body cream and rubbing it gently into her skin.
Her movements were calm, unhurried.
Ella was naturally beautiful in a soft, effortless way. There was a quiet confidence about her—something subtle but noticeable. Her figure was well-shaped, her presence graceful without trying too hard.
She was completely unaware of the storm building outside her door.
For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful.
Then—
The door burst open.
Henry stormed in without knocking.
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