The blue CFAN shimmerred under the chandelier as Andrew stepped into the living room. The guards had just led a young woman in dusty skirt, simple blouse, hands clasped around a worn handbag as if it was the last safe place in her world. Her eyes widened when she saw him. The same eyes he couldn’t forget. Mr. Andrew, she whispered.

 He smiled, but his hands shook. The billionaire everyone bowed to felt small now. He took a slow breath, dropped to one knee, and opened a tiny velvet box. The room fell silent. The guards looked away. “Olivia,” he said. Her mouth parted, tears gathered, and then everything froze. Hours earlier, in a modest hotel room far from Banana Island, Andrew Benson sat on a thin bed and stared at the fake beard lying beside him. It was itchy. It was ugly.

It was the only thing that made him feel a little safe. Andrew had everything people brag about his father’s companies, cars that could whisper at 200 on the expressway and a name that made doors open by themselves. He became a billionaire at 30 and the world called him blessed. But the truth felt nothing like the headlines.

 It felt like a locked room. Three women had looked him in the eye and said, “I love you.” Then took what they wanted and ran. One flew off with a sports car. One emptied a secret account. One sold a watch his father used to wear when he tucked Andrew into bed. Each loss made a hard ache inside him.

 

 Each lie made his heart a little colder. That was the night he did the unthinkable. He gathered old clothes and tore them with his own hands. He tangled a fake beard. He cut up a wig to make overgrown hair. He put everything in the boot of a car that nobody would notice. Then he drove into the dark, passed the bright places that said his name, into streets that forgot him.

 By morning, he stood outside a construction site. Iron bars, stacks of blocks, the bitter taste of cement in the air. A foreman with strong arms and a strong voice. “You want work?” the man asked, staring at Andrew’s tattered shirt. “Yes, sir,” Andrew said, eyes down. His voice trembled, “and not only from the act. The rules were simple.

 No complaints, no lateness, no weak hands.” Andrew nodded through each one. When they placed the first bag of cement on his back, the weight punched the air from his lungs. He gritted his teeth, legs shaking, heart pounding in his ears. He told himself to take three steps, then three more, then three more. All day the sight was a drum of noise, shouts, hammers, music from someone’s small radio.

 He moved like a shadow between stronger men, learning the rhythm of sweat and dust. He learned how cement claws at your throat. He learned how a clock can move slow when your bones are counting seconds. On the second day, the sun was a hot coin pressed against the sky. Andrew bent under another bag, pain roaring through his shoulders.

 The world narrowed to one thought. Don’t drop it. Don’t fall. Don’t show your truth. Then he heard a voice behind him, clear, warm, and brave. Please let me help you. Andrew froze. He turned. The girl was slim, dark brown skin shining with sweat, hair pulled back in a messy bun. Her face was gentle but strong like a person who had been pushed many times and still chose kindness. Her blouse was faded.

 Her skirt was torn at the hem. Her hands were small but not weak. “I can see you’ve not been doing this kind of work,” she said softly. “You’re shaking. Let me carry it. I’ve been doing this for a month now.” Andrew just stared. In all the rooms with gold ceilings he had stood in, no woman had ever reached for him like this because he looked tired because he looked human. Not one.

 Thank you, he managed. This is very kind of you. She smiled like the sun had dropped a piece of itself on her lips. My name is Olivia. They shared the load to the stack of blocks. It was only 30 steps, but Andrew memorized everyone. He memorized the way she matched her pace to his. He memorized how she laughed when a gust of wind threw cement dust in both their faces.

 He memorized how it felt to be seen. During break, they sat on a slab of concrete in the shade. Andrew peeled off one glove. “Olivia drank water from a bottle with a cracked cap. “The world shrank to two people on a square of cool shadow. “My parents died the day I graduated,” she said, voice calm, as if this was a fact she had learned to carry. Road accident.

They were coming back from the ceremony. I got first class in accounting, but I don’t know anybody who can help me. So, here I am. I’m sorry, Andrew said. He meant it in a way that surprised him. It’s okay, she said with a small shrug. I want to be useful. Work is work, Andrew swallowed. Even like this? He lifted his raw hands.

 You still wanted to help me? Olivia looked at him as if the answer was obvious. Kindness is not for when life is easy. It is for when life is hard. He felt the words land in the empty place inside him. They stayed. When the day ended, the sky bruisedpurple. The workers drifted away in twos and threes, leaving only the soft clink of cooling metal.

 Andrew stood by the gate with Olivia, not wanting to break the small bubble they had made. “Can I have your number?” he asked, feeling 16 and ridiculous. She hesitated, then nodded. They exchanged numbers, thumbs shaking on tired phones. That night, in the modest room with one thin curtain and a buzzing bulb, Andrew sat on the bed and typed a message. He erased it.

Typed again, erased again. His heart hammered like a boy knocking on a door he has never had the courage to touch. Finally, he wrote, “Don’t go to work tomorrow. Meet me at no 12 Banana Island. I told someone about you, and your story is about to change.” He hit send. The message left like a bird flying out of his chest.

 Across the city, Olivia’s phone lit up. She read the address three times. She checked the number 10 times. She thought of scams, tricks, traps. She also thought of the way he said, “Thank you.” Like the word was brand new in his mouth. Hope tugged at her, gentle but steady. She did not sleep.

 Before dawn, she washed her blouse and scrubbed her skirt. She oiled her hair and tied it back. She put her worn flats by the door and stood barefoot on the cool floor, telling her heart to be quiet. The sky turned pale. Lagos yawned awake. By 8:00 a.m., she was at the tall black gate on Banana Island.

 The guard looked at her, then at the address on the card, then back at her. “I am looking for Mr. Andrew,” she said, voice small but steady. The guard blinked. “You mean boss?” Olivia’s fingers tightened around her handbag. I I just want to see Mr. Andrew. The guard made a quick call. The gate slid open with a slow, expensive hum. Olivia walked in past trimmed grass and water that jumped from a fountain like silver fish.

 The house rose in front of her like a white palace. The doors opened. Inside, a man in an expensive blue capan turned toward her. The guard bowed. Olivia stopped breathing. “This is me,” the man said gently. “I am Andrew Benson.” He lowered himself to one knee. The velvet box snapped open. “Olivia,” he said, and the world held its breath.

For a long moment, Olivia couldn’t move. Her body felt frozen, her brain trying to catch up with what her eyes were seeing. The man in front of her, clean shaven, tall, confident, was nothing like the tired laborer she had met just two days ago. His capan shimmerred like sky blue silk.

 His wristwatch looked like it could buy the entire construction site. You You can’t be,” she whispered, taking a small step back. Andrew smiled softly, his eyes full of apology. “It’s still me, Olivia, the same man you helped when everyone else walked past. I was disguised.” Her voice trembled. “Disguised? You mean that wasn’t real?” He nodded slowly.

 “It was real for me. Every sweat, every word we shared, all of it was real. I just wanted to see kindness, not greed. to find one person who could love me without knowing my name. Olivia blinked fast as tears filled her eyes. You mean you’re a billionaire? Andrew gave a small nod. Yes. Andrew Benson, CEO of the Benson Group of Companies.

 Her heart thudded so loudly she could hear it. I I don’t understand. Why would someone like you pretend to be one of us? Andrew sighed and walked closer, his voice calm but heavy. Because I’ve been betrayed by everyone who said they loved me, I needed to know if love still existed in its purest form.

 The air between them was still. Then he added gently. And that day you showed me it does. Olivia’s lips quivered. I just wanted to help you because you look tired. I didn’t do anything special. Andrew smiled. That’s exactly why it was special. He opened the velvet box again. Inside was a diamond ring that caught the morning light and threw it in every direction.

“I don’t want to wait any longer,” he said quietly. “Olivia, will you marry me?” Her knees wobbled. She looked around the grand room, at the portraits, the sparkling floor, the guards standing respectfully by the door. Everything felt like a dream too big to fit inside her heart. “I’m just an orphan,” she said in a trembling voice.

 “I have nothing. I wear the same clothes every week. I don’t even know how to live in a place like this. Andrew knelt lower, eyes glistening. You have something I’ve never had. Olivia, a pure heart. That’s all I need. The tears she had been fighting finally rolled down her cheeks. Slowly, she nodded. Yes, I will.

 The guards clapped softly without meaning to. Andrew laughed, the kind of laugh that hadn’t escaped his chest in years, and slipped the ring on her finger. It sparkled against her rough skin like a promise written in light. Come with me,” he said, standing and taking her hand. “You’re never going back to that construction site.

” That evening, Lagos sparkled under the city lights as Andrews black SUV rolled into the finest boutique in Victoria Island. Olivia sat in the back seat, quiet, her heart thumping faster with every turn. She hadnever been to a place like this. The glass doors opened automatically, and cool air rushed out to greet them. Inside, rows of beautiful gowns and suits glowed under soft lighting.

 A sales attendant gasped when she saw Andrew. Good evening, sir. You’re welcome again, Mr. Benson. Olivia blinked in shock. Again? This was his world. A world she had never touched. Andrew smiled politely. Evening, Ada. Please take care of her. She can choose anything she wants. The attendant’s eyes widened, then softened as she looked at Olivia. Right away, sir.

 For 2 hours, Olivia tried on dresses blue, white, and gold. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back. Her reflection looked like someone who belonged to tomorrow. When she stepped out in a simple cream gown, Andrew<unk>s breath caught. “That’s it,” he said. “That’s who you are.

” She looked down shily, her fingers brushing the fabric. “I’m scared,” she admitted. “This doesn’t feel real.” Andrew stepped closer. It’s real because you earned it with kindness, and I’ll make sure you never lose it.” They left the boutique with several bags, but Olivia still felt lighter than she had ever been. For once, her dreams didn’t feel impossible.

The next morning, Andrew drove her to his company headquarters, Benson Group of Companies. The building stretched, and employees in crisp suits hurried in and out. Olivia’s palms were sweaty. “Why are we here?” she asked. Andrew smiled, holding her hand. Because I believe in second chances and I believe in you.

 Inside, people stared as the billionaire led a modestly dressed woman through the marble halls. Whispering followed them, curious, confused, envious. They entered the boardroom. Everyone, Andrew said, “Meet our new account officer, Miss Olivia Adadei.” A hush fell across the room. Olivia’s throat tightened. Account officer, she whispered. Andrew nodded.

 You graduated top of your class. It’s time the world knew it. Her knees nearly gave way. But I don’t deserve this yet. You do, he said softly. Because you didn’t ask for anything. And that’s exactly the kind of person I trust as applause slowly filled the room. Olivia smiled shily, tears glistening in her eyes.

 But not everyone in that boardroom smiled. In the far corner stood Clarissa, Andrews former personal assistant. elegant, confident, and furious behind her fake smile. She had once dreamed of being the one by Andrew’s side. And now she watched as a girl who came from dust was handed the life she wanted.

 Her red painted nails tapped on the glass table, her lips curved in a quiet promise. “This isn’t over,” she thought. Outside, as Andrew and Olivia stood together at the top of the steps, the wind tugged gently at her hair. He smiled and whispered. “This is just the beginning.” Olivia nodded, unaware that the happiness she was stepping into would soon be tested, and the secret that would shake their world was already waiting in the shadows.

 The following weeks felt like a dream Olivia never wanted to wake up from. Every morning, she arrived at Benson Group’s glittering headquarters in neatly pressed suits Andrew had bought her. She now carried a company laptop, her own office key, and a badge that read, “Account officer, finance department.” The first day she walked through those glass doors, every pair of eyes turned.

Some smiled politely, others whispered behind half-closed lips. She felt their stairs on her back, but she focused on her screen, determined not to disappoint the man who had changed her life. Andrew often passed by her office to check on her. Still settling in, he would ask, and each time she smiled.

 I’m trying my best, sir. He would chuckle softly. Call me Andrew, Olivia. You don’t have to be formal. But Olivia never could. Not yet. Something about his kindness made her careful. He treated her with respect. Yet, she still couldn’t forget that only weeks ago she was mixing cement on a hot construction site.

 Still, her new world was bright, at least on the surface. But in another corner of that same world, Envy was growing like a weed. Clarissa sat in her glasswalled office, staring at the company report she was supposed to be editing. Her reflection glared back at her perfect makeup, perfect poise, and a perfect storm brewing in her chest.

 She had served Andrew for 3 years, following him from one boardroom to another, answering his calls, booking his flights, remembering his mother’s birthday when he forgot. In her mind, she had earned a place close to his heart until Olivia, the orphan girl, as Clarissa now called her privately, had come from nowhere and somehow captured what Clarissa couldn’t.

 Andrews attention, his trust, even his affection. Clarissa’s red nails tapped against the desk. She had seen the way he looked at Olivia, the small smile, the soft voice, the protective gaze. It made her blood burn. “No one steals my place,” she thought bitterly. “Especially not some girl who doesn’tbelong here.

” “One Thursday afternoon, as the golden sun poured through the blinds, Clarissa knocked gently on Andrew<unk>s office door. Come in, Andrew said, looking up from his laptop. Sir, do you have a minute? Her voice was sweet, practiced. He nodded, smiling kindly. Of course. What is it, Clarissa? She walked in, holding a folder. It’s about the new account officer, Olivia Adji. Andrews face softened.

 What about her? Clarissa tilted her head slightly. I just wanted to say she’s doing well, but some of the senior staff are uncomfortable. They think it’s unfair how quickly she was promoted. Andrews brow furrowed. Unfair? Clarissa sighed softly. Sir, you know how Lagos can be. People talk. They say she must be related to you or worse, that she’s your time’s new interest.

I just thought you should know before rumors spread further. Andrew leaned back, silent, his jaw tightened. “Thank you, Clarissa. I’ll handle it.” She nodded respectfully, but the faint smile she hid behind her lips said she had planted the seed she wanted. By the weekend, whispers had spread like wildfire.

 “In the cafeteria, workers sat in small groups, pretending not to look at Olivia as she walked in with her food tray. “See how she’s dressing now,” one woman whispered. “Yesterday, she came with an iPhone. You think it’s salary that bought it? Another snorted. Kindness don’t turn employment letter. Olivia heard enough to understand. Her throat tightened as she quietly turned around and left the cafeteria.

She couldn’t eat. Later that evening, she sat in her office alone, staring at the computer screen, but not seeing the numbers. Her heart achd. She had done nothing wrong. Yet somehow, she was being punished for being blessed. The door creaked open. Olivia. Andrew’s voice was gentle. “You’re still here?” She quickly wiped her eyes. “Yes, sir.

Just finishing up the report.” He frowned, stepping closer. “You’ve been quiet all day. What’s wrong?” she hesitated, then whispered. “They think I didn’t earn this job. That I’m only here because of you.” Andrew exhaled slowly and sat on the edge of her desk. “People always talk when they don’t understand your story. Let them.

 What matters is that you do your job with integrity. In time, they’ll see the truth. She looked up at him, eyes glassy. But it hurts, Andrew. I worked so hard to be seen for who I am. He gave a small smile. Then let’s make sure the world sees you. I’m arranging a presentation next week. You’ll lead it. Her eyes widened.

 Me in front of everyone? Yes, he said firmly. You have the skills. I trust you. It was the first time anyone had ever said those words to her. That night, as Andrew left the office, Clarissa stood by the elevator, pretending to type on her phone. She had overheard everything. So, she’s getting a spotlight now, she murmured under her breath.

 “We’ll see how bright it really shines.” The next morning, Clarissa began her quiet plan. She waited until Olivia left for lunch, then slipped into her office with a spare access card she’d copied weeks earlier. She opened the financial folder Olivia had been working on, the same one she would use for the company presentation, and replaced one of the spreadsheets with a modified version that showed missing figures.

 When she was done, she smiled faintly and whispered, “Let’s see how far Pity can take you now.” Days later, the big presentation arrived. The boardroom buzzed with quiet tension. Olivia stood at the front, dressed neatly in a navy blue suit, her heart pounding like a drum. Andrew sat beside the directors, his gaze encouraging.

 She started confidently, clicking through slides. The room listened, impressed, even curious. But halfway through, one of the directors frowned and leaned forward. Excuse me, Miss Adji. He interrupted. These figures here, they don’t match the audit record. Olivia froze. Sir. He turned the screen toward her. Right here, this section.

 Where did these numbers come from? Her heart dropped. She had never seen those figures in her file before. I I don’t know, sir. That’s not. Before she could finish, another director whispered to Andrew. The room filled with murmurss. Andrews face hardened in confusion. Olivia, he said carefully. Did you double check this data before presenting? Her throat went dry. I swear I did.

 Something’s wrong, Andrew. Please, let me explain. But the room had already turned cold. Clarissa stood near the back, watching with calm satisfaction as Olivia’s trembling hands clutched the laptop. It was working. Olivia’s voice cracked. I didn’t change anything, but no one believed her. Andrew’s jaw tightened as the board members whispered louder.

 The trust in his eyes flickered, not gone, but shaken. And in that silent second, as tears welled in Olivia’s eyes, Clarissa turned away with a faint smile. The trap had been set. The silence in the boardroom was heavy. Olivia’s heart pounded so loudly she thought everyone could hear it.

 The projector lightflickered across her tear streaked face as her trembling fingers gripped the edge of the table. “I didn’t change anything,” she said again, her voice cracking. “Please believe me.” But her words fell into the cold air like stones into deep water. No echo, no comfort, only suspicion. Andrews eyes stayed on her. He didn’t shout. He didn’t accuse. But the calmness in his face hurt more than anger ever could.

 [clears throat] It was the look of a man who didn’t know what to believe anymore. “Olivia,” he said softly. “We’ll review the files.” “For now, please step outside.” Her breath caught. “Andrew, please. Please,” he repeated, “firmer this time.” The room blurred. She turned and walked out on shaky legs, her vision swimming with tears.

 Outside, she leaned against the cold wall, covering her face with both hands. Every whisper she’d heard in the office came rushing back. She doesn’t belong here. He’s only helping her because he likes her. Maybe they were right, she thought. Maybe she really didn’t belong here. Back inside, the director spoke in low, uneasy tones. One of them, a gay-haired man named Mr.

Peters, tapped the file with his pen. This is serious, Andrew. These figures could damage the company’s credibility. We must verify the source immediately. Andrew nodded. do it. Cross-check with the original document backups. Clarissa, standing quietly at the back of the room, spoke up with a calm, concerned tone.

 Sir, if I may, I can assist the audit team. I’ve worked closely with both departments. Andrew hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Fine, do that. She smiled faintly. Of course, sir. That evening, Olivia didn’t go home. She sat by the water fountain outside the office, the one that reflected the moon in small broken ripples.

 She hugged her bag to her chest and let the tears fall freely. She remembered how her parents used to say, “Hard work and honesty will open every door.” But today, it felt like honesty had locked her out. A familiar voice broke the silence. “You shouldn’t be out here alone, Andrew.” She looked up, startled.

 He stood under the street light, his tie loosened, eyes tired. For the first time since she met him, he looked unsure, like the weight of his world was pressing too hard on his shoulders. “I didn’t do it,” she whispered. “You know that, right?” He sighed and sat beside her on the marble ledge. “I want to believe that, Olivia.

But this situation, it’s complicated. The evidence points to your system login.” Her head snapped up. “My login? That’s impossible.” I know, he said quickly. I didn’t accuse you, but the system does. Someone accessed your files from your account, and we have to find out who. She shook her head, voice trembling.

 Andrew, I’d never risk your company. I’d never risk you. His chest tightened at those words. I know, but the way he said it, soft, cautious, told her that doubt had already built its small wall between them. He stood, “Go home and rest. I’ll sort this out. Will I still have a job tomorrow?” she asked quietly. He paused, unable to answer.

When he finally walked away, Olivia felt her heart sink lower than ever before. By morning, the news had spread through the entire company. Account officer suspended over financial irregularities. Every corridor buzzed with gossip. Some pied her, others smiled behind their coffee mugs.

 Clarissa moved among them, pretending to be concerned. Such a shame, she told one employee. She seemed like a sweet girl. But money changes people, doesn’t it? When Andrew entered the building, Clarissa walked briskly toward him, holding a file. Sir, we found something in the system logs. You should see this. He opened the file. Inside were screenshots showing Olivia’s login activity, or so it seemed, accessing restricted files at midnight.

Was she here that night? Andrew asked. Clarissa nodded. Security logs confirm her access card was used. Andrew’s jaw clenched. Thank you, Clarissa. I’ll handle it. She smiled faintly. Of course, sir. Hours later, Andrew stood by his office window, watching rain slide down the glass. He had been here before, betrayed, disappointed, wounded by trust.

 But this time, it hurt differently because it was Olivia. He reached for his phone and typed her a short message. We need to talk. come to my house this evening. When Olivia arrived, the mansion felt different. The warmth from before was gone. The air was cold, heavy with something she couldn’t name.

 Andrew was waiting in the living room, files spread out on the table. “Sit,” he said gently. She sat slowly, her heart racing. He pushed the printed screenshots toward her. These were pulled from our system. “Tell me the truth, Olivia. Did you open these files?” Her eyes widened as she stared at them. No, I’ve never even seen these before.

 Your card was used at midnight, he said quietly. And your system login was active at the same time. I wasn’t here. I was home. She cried. Andrew, please. Someone’s setting me up. He looked at her for a long moment. Hisvoice broke slightly when he said, “If that’s true, I’ll find out. But until then, I have to suspend you.” The words hit her like thunder.

 “Suspend me?” she whispered. After everything, Andrew stood, trying to steady his voice. I’m sorry. I just need time to clear this. Her hands trembled. Time or distance? He didn’t answer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stood. You told me you trusted me. You said I changed your life. You did, he said softly. And that’s what makes this harder.

 She took a shaky breath, grabbed her bag, and walked toward the door. Then I hope one day you find the truth,” she whispered. “Because when you do, I won’t be here waiting.” The door closed behind her. And for the first time in years, Andrew Benson, the billionaire who had everything, felt truly poor. Outside, Olivia stepped into the rain.

 Her clothes soaked in seconds. She didn’t care. Each drop hid her tears, but not her pain. And behind the mansion’s window, Clarissa watched from her car, a sly smile curving on her lips. Her plan was working perfectly. The rain that night was heavier than any storm Olivia had seen in years.

 She walked aimlessly through the dark streets, her clothes drenched, her shoes squishing in puddles. Every sound of thunder felt like the echo of her broken heart. The mansion lights were fading behind her, just like the trust she once thought she had earned. She didn’t know where she was going, only that she had to get far away, far from the lies, the whispers, and the man who once promised to believe in her.

 By the time she reached the small apartment she rented before meeting Andrew, her body shook with exhaustion. She dropped her wet bag on the floor and fell onto the bed. Still in her soaked clothes. The diamond ring on her finger glinted weakly in the dim light, a reminder of everything she’d lost in a single night. Tears finally came.

 Deep shaking sobs that tore through her chest. “Why God?” she whispered. “Why now? When I finally thought I mattered,” she cried herself to sleep. The next morning, the story was everywhere. Online blogs, office gossip, and even small business pages. Billionaire CEO suspends new accountant after data tampering scandal. Reporters waited outside Benson Towers, hoping for a comment.

 Inside, Andrew tried to bury himself in work, but every document, every spreadsheet, every decision reminded him of her face. The disbelief in her eyes when he told her to leave. Clarissa, however, moved through the office with a quiet, polished confidence. She carried folders, gave fake smiles, and offered comforting words to anyone who brought up Olivia’s name.

 “She looked innocent,” she said to one curious staff member. “But sometimes the quiet ones hide the biggest secrets.” “By noon, she was in Andrew’s office with another report.” “Sir, the audit team finalized the findings. The damage wasn’t huge, but the pattern is suspicious. If this leaks to shareholders, it could be bad. Andrew rubbed his forehead.

 Clarissa, I don’t want this to go public. I’ll handle it internally. Yes, sir, she said, bowing her head respectfully. But behind her calm eyes, Victory glittered. 3 days later, something unexpected happened. One of the IT interns, a shy young man named Kunlay, knocked nervously on Clarissa’s office door. Ma, sorry to disturb you.

 You said I should update the firewall log archives. Yes, Clarissa said smoothly. Just delete all unnecessary backups. We only need this quarter’s data. Kuna nodded and turned to leave. But as he walked out, something strange on his flash drive caught his attention. A folder automatically copied from the company’s old backup system.

 Curious, he opened it. Inside were screen recordings from the night of the data breach. Silent clips automatically captured from office CCTV. He scrolled, expecting to see nothing useful. Then he froze. The footage clearly showed Clarissa entering Olivia’s office after hours. She plugged in a small external drive, typed quickly, and left less than 10 minutes later. Kunley’s eyes widened.

 His hands shook. Oh no, this can’t be real. He knew what it meant, and he knew who needed to see it. That afternoon, Andrew sat alone in his office, staring at his phone. He had typed Olivia’s name five times, but couldn’t bring himself to hit call. He didn’t know what to say. “Sorry,” felt too small for the damage he’d done. “A knock broke his thoughts.

” “Sir,” Kunlay said, peeking in nervously. “I found something you need to see.” Andrew frowned. “What is it?” Kuna hesitated, then plugged the flash drive into the computer and pressed play. The video started. Clarissa entering the empty office at midnight. Her movements were hurried, her eyes scanning the hallway before she sat at Olivia’s desk.

 Then, as clear as daylight, she inserted the drive and began typing. Andrews heart pounded. Is this timestamped? Yes, sir. Same night, the files were altered. Andrews face hardened, fury rising beneath his calm expression. Send me a copy. And Kunlay,don’t tell anyone you showed me this. Yes, sir.

 When the door closed, Andrew leaned back and exhaled shakily. The truth hit him like a storm. Olivia was innocent. She had been framed, and he, the man who claimed to be searching for real love, had failed her when it mattered most. Clarissa didn’t see it coming. That evening, she walked confidently into Andrews office, thinking the day would end like every other.

 Her pretending to care while secretly celebrating her win. Sir, I just wanted to confirm tomorrow’s board meeting agenda,” she said with a small smile. Andrew looked up from his desk. “Yes, Clarissa. Sit down.” She sat, crossing her legs gracefully. “Is everything all right?” “Perfectly,” [clears throat] he said flatly. “In fact, I wanted to thank you for your loyalty. You’ve been with me for years.

” Her smile grew. “Of course, sir. Always.” He pressed a button on the desk phone. “Security, please come to my office.” Her smile faltered. Sir Andrews voice stayed calm. Clarissa, you’ve always been thorough with files, but it seems you forgot one. A certain camera recording from last week. Her face pald. What recording? He turned the monitor toward her.

 The screen played the silent footage. Clarissa’s hands shook as her own face appeared on the video, sitting at Olivia’s desk, inserting the flash drive. “Do you know what I see when I watch this?” Andrew said, his tone icy. I see betrayal dressed in loyalty. And I see the reason an innocent woman lost her job and her dignity.

 Sir, please, she stammered. It’s not what it looks like, Andrew stood, eyes blazing. It’s exactly what it looks like. Security. Two guards entered. Escort her out. She’s fired. And hand this video to the police for investigation. Clarissa’s tears came too late. Andrew, I did it for you. She was changing you, making you soft.

 Then maybe softness is what I needed,” he said coldly. The guards led her out. Her cries echoed down the hallway. Andrew didn’t waste a moment. He called Olivia, but her number didn’t go through. He called again and again until finally she answered in a quiet, tired voice. “What do you want, Andrew?” he swallowed hard.

 “To say I’m sorry and to tell you the truth. I’ve heard enough truth for a lifetime, she said bitterly. Please just let me move on. Clarissa framed you, he said quickly. I have proof. CCTV footage. She’s been arrested. There was silence. Then a small broken whisper. You found out. I did? He said softly. But too late. Olivia, I can’t undo what I did, but I can make it right. Please meet me.

 She hesitated for a long moment. Where? At the construction site where we first met,” he said. “Tomorrow by noon.” The next day, sunlight spilled over the same dusty site where everything began. Workers moved about carrying cement and shouting across the yard. And there she was, standing near the same pile of blocks, wearing a simple white blouse and navy skirt.

 The wind played gently with her hair. Andrew walked toward her slowly, dressed simply. No guards, no luxury car, just him. When their eyes met, everything else faded. “I’m sorry,” he said, voice thick. “You gave me kindness when I had nothing to offer, and I repaid you with doubt. I was blind,” tears welled in her eyes. “Why didn’t you believe me, Andrew? You said you wanted someone who loved you for who you are, not what you have.

 But when it mattered, you couldn’t see me.” He nodded, tears glistening in his own eyes. “You’re right. I failed the test I set for everyone else.” He took a deep breath and dropped to one knee the same way he had that day in his mansion. But if you can forgive me, he said softly. I want to start again, not as the billionaire and the orphan, but as two people who chose kindness even when life was cruel.

 The workers nearby paused, watching quietly as she covered her mouth with both hands. “You really mean it,” she whispered. He nodded more than anything. She looked at him for a long time at the man who once hid behind fake beards and dusty clothes, now stripped of pride, standing honest and bare before her.

 Then she smiled through her tears. I forgive you. He stood and pulled her into his arms as the workers cheered. Somewhere above them, the sun broke through the clouds, bright, golden, and full of promise. And for the first time in a long time, Andrew Benson, the billionaire who once pretended to be poor, finally found the one thing money could never buy.

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