Chapter One

Richard, the sole heir of the wealthy Williams dynasty, had grown up with every luxury imaginable. His father, Mr. Ayobami Williams, had built a business empire that had catapulted their family to unprecedented heights. However, despite being surrounded by opulence, Richard's upbringing had taken a troubling turn. He had developed a reputation as a bully, using his family's influence and wealth to get away with his misbehavior.

As Richard embarked on his university journey, his father was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, he was proud that his son was taking the next step in his education. On the other hand, he couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness and worry that had been plaguing him for years. Richard's behavior had always been a source of concern, and his father feared for his future.

Ayobami Williams was a kind-hearted father who always lent a helping hand to those in need. He would often surprise his wife with thoughtful gifts. One day, after returning from a trip, Ayobami shared his desire to adopt a child from a local orphanage. His wife was initially hesitant but eventually agreed.

To their delight, Ayobami brought home a beautiful young girl, whom they named Chrislabel. As she grew up, Chrislabel became renowned for her stunning beauty. However, what truly set her apart was her exceptional character, which was a stark contrast to Richard's behavior. While Richard was handsome, his poor behavior often overshadowed his physical appearance.

As soon as Richard arrived home from school, he was taken aback by the breathtaking beauty of Chrislabel. She was engrossed in watching TV and didn't notice him at first. When she bent down to grab the remote, Richard couldn't resist the urge to slap her buttocks.

Chrislabel was shocked and enraged by this sudden invasion of her personal space. She swiftly turned around and slapped Richard hard, leaving him stunned.

The loud slap echoed through the room, catching Mrs. Williams' attention. She rushed back into the sitting room, her face contorted in anger. Without pausing to ask what had happened, she began beating and punching Chrislabel.

Mr. Williams arrived home from the office unusually early, exhausted from the previous day's workload. What he witnessed upon entering his home was alarming: his wife was verbally and physically abusing Chrislabel. Instantly enraged, Mr. Williams intervened, pushing his wife away. She fainted after hitting the floor. Mr. Williams rushed Chrislabel and his wife to the hospital, where medical professionals provided immediate attention.

In the months that followed, Chrislabel endured immense suffering due to Mrs. Williams' mistreatment. She felt isolated and cried incessantly. Despite her dedication, love, and care for the Williams family, Chrislabel was consistently maltreated, leaving her devoid of happiness.

Weeks later, Mrs. Williams withdrew Chrislabel from school. Chrislabel begged to continue her education, but Mrs. Williams refused. Desperate, Chrislabel pleaded with the school authorities to intervene, but her efforts were unsuccessful. With her final exams approaching, Chrislabel's situation became increasingly desperate.

One day, Mr. Williams made an unexpected visit home and was shocked to find Chrislabel dressed in a maid's uniform instead of her school attire.

"Chrislabel, why aren't you in school?" Mr. Williams asked.

Chrislabel's tears flowed as she struggled to respond. Mr. Williams then questioned his wife.

"Honey, why is Chrislabel not in school?" Mr. Williams asked.

Mrs. Williams fabricated a story, "She was suspended from school for fighting."

Mr. Williams, curiosity mixed with resignation, asked, "What's your plan for Chrislabel's education? She should be writing her WAEC exams by now."

Mrs. Williams sneered, "You can't expect me to fight or run around for this ungrateful girl."

Mr. Williams' expression darkened. "Who's ungrateful? You have no right to speak about her like that."

Mrs. Williams attempted to calm him. "My dear, it's not what you think."

Mr. Williams' anger intensified. "From now on, I want to see all her WAEC results. If I don't, there will be consequences."

He stormed out, leaving Mrs. Williams to dress Chrislabel and head to the principal's office. Luckily, Chrislabel was prepared.

Weeks passed, and Chrislabel wrote her WAEC papers, but life remained tough. She slept early, woke up early, did chores, and barely ate. Sometimes, she begged for food.

Whenever Mrs. Williams left for work, she'd lock Chrislabel outside, leading Chrislabel to consider part-time work.

At her part-time job, Chrislabel saw a handsome guy and couldn't resist staring. "What's wrong with me? I've never felt this way... But I don't know him. What if he's a kidnapper?"

Just then, Mrs. Coke, the bar owner, slapped Chrislabel.

Donald's POV:

I saw a beautiful girl at the bar and fell for her immediately. I wanted to know her better, to be her man.

When I heard the loud slap, I thought, "How could Mrs. Coke do this to her? Is it because I was staring?" I had no answers.

Chrislabel Williams felt a stinging sensation as the slap landed on her cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she begged, "Why did you slap me, ma'am? I didn't mean to offend anyone."

Mrs. Coker's voice was laced with disdain. "Why were you staring at the customers like that? Do you want to scare them away?"

Chrislabel's voice trembled. "No, ma'am, I'm sorry. I thought I recognized him from somewhere."

Mrs. Coker sneered. "How would a poor girl like you know a billionaire? You're an idiot. Get back to work."

Donald's POV:

I interrupted without permission. "Excuse me, where do I know you from?" I turned to Mrs. Coker. "May I ask, you mentioned she knew me?"

Chrislabel's eyes dropped. "I didn't know you, sir."

I walked away, confused.

Mrs. Coker's voice rose. "You said you knew him earlier, but now you're denying it. You're a liar and a thief. I don't want to see you in my shop again."

Chrislabel protested, "Ma'am, I've never stolen in my life."

Mrs. Coker's final warning sent Chrislabel running out of the shop. With nowhere to go, Chrislabel walked for thirty minutes before collapsing under a bridge. She slept fitfully, exhausted.

When she woke, a letter lay beside her. A name was scribbled on the envelope, and a message inside read: "Please call this number. I'll meet you wherever you are."

Chrislabel's curiosity was piqued. Who was this mysterious person?