She Was Humiliated for Being in a Wheelchair… Until the Governor’s Billionaire Son Walks in

Daddy, [gasps] daddy, please open your eyes.

Miss, please move back.

We need to attend to him.

I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to him.

He has always been the one person who understood me.

Happy birthday, my darling.

[gasps] Mommy, is that what I think it is?

Go and see for yourself.

A Range Rover.

Mommy, you’re joking.

Do I look like I’m joking?

Oh my goodness.

Thank you, mommy.

Thank you so much.

I can’t believe you remembered the exact model.

A mother should know what makes her daughter happy.

Mommy, even the seats are exactly what I wanted.

I paid attention when you were talking about it.

[laughter] Happy birthday again, Miss Amara.

Thank you, Aunt BC.

Amara, look what mommy bought me.

It’s beautiful, Zara.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Come and take a picture with us.

Good morning, Mommy.

Morning, [music] Amara.

It’s a lovely surprise.

Yes, Zara has wanted this vehicle for months.

I know, Mommy.

Yes, it’s my birthday, too.

Of course.

Happy birthday, Amara.

Zara, come and stand beside the bonnet.

Amara, come.

We’ll take a picture together.

It’s okay.

Enjoy your gift.

Would you like to go inside?

Yes, please.

Mommy, shouldn’t we take one picture with Amara?

Later, darling.

Come.

We’re wasting the photographers’s time.

Hello, Daddy.

Happy birthday, my princess.

Thank you, Daddy.

How’s my favorite designer?

Your favorite designer is trying to finish a client presentation [music] on her birthday?

Absolutely not.

Some of us have deadlines, Chief Okafur.

And some of us have daughters who work too hard.

Amara, are you happy?

Of course.

H I’ll see you soon.

I’ll see you soon.

Daddy, aren’t you in Abuja?

I have a meeting to finish.

We’ll talk later.

All right.

[music] I love you.

I love you.

I love you more, princess.

Hello, Chica.

Happy birthday, superstar.

Where’s my invitation to the party?

Apparently, there’s a party for my birthday.

I just wasn’t the reason for it.

Amara, what happened?

Mommy bought Zara a Range Rover.

And you.

She remembered to wish me happy birthday after I reminded her.

I’m coming over this evening.

You don’t have to.

I wasn’t [music] asking.

Happy birthday, my dear.

Thank you, Auntie.

I brought you something.

You didn’t have to [music] buy me anything.

It’s nothing expensive.

Open it.

Oh, Auntie BC, this is lovely.

You always have a new design in your head.

I thought you might need somewhere to keep your ideas.

You remembered?

Of course, I did.

You know, sometimes I wonder why mommy find mommy finds it so difficult to remember the little things about me.

Your mother’s behavior doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.

I know that.

Do you believe it?

Most days.

Then hold on to that.

I don’t want expensive gifts.

I just want her to be happy that I’m her daughter.

You are not difficult to love, Amara.

Thank you, Auntie.

I think somebody has arrived.

There she is, the birthday girl.

Daddy, you came back.

Did you really think I would spend my daughter’s birthday in Abuja?

[laughter] Happy birthday, my darling.

Thank you, Daddy.

What do you think of this?

It’s gorgeous.

Whose is it?

Yours.

Daddy, [laughter] you’ve been talking about having your own vehicle.

I thought we could choose something special.

A G Wagon.

[laughter] The specialist team will assess your access requirements and the driving adaptations you prefer before it’s ready for regular use.

I don’t want you struggling with a car simply because your father likes expensive machines.

[laughter] Daddy, this is too much.

Too much?

I haven’t even shown you the birthday card.

To my daughter whose dreams are bigger than any gift I could give her.

Never make yourself smaller to make anybody comfortable.

Love, daddy.

Princess, thank you.

Why are you crying?

Because you always make me feel like [music] I matter.

Listen carefully.

You matter whether I buy you anything [music] or not.

You are my daughter and you never have to earn that.

Mhm.

Daddy bought her a G Wagon apparently.

He must have planned it for weeks.

Your father has always enjoyed spoiling Amara.

Mommy, I don’t think that’s why she’s this happy.

Daddy, I still can’t believe you bought Amara that car.

I wanted both my daughters to have a memorable birthday.

Mission accomplished.

Thank you again, Daddy.

I hope everybody [music] is satisfied now.

Is something wrong?

Nothing.

I’m simply saying we’ve had a very expensive birthday.

We can afford it.

That’s not the point.

Then what is?

Can we cut the cakes before everybody starts arguing?

H.

Good idea.

One photograph with both birthday girls.

Excuse me.

I need to take this.

Your excellency, how are you?

Echa, my old friend.

Happy birthday to your girls.

Thank you, Tundi.

Now that Adewale is back in Lagos, perhaps it’s time we arrange that family introduction.

Ah, you’re still determined to see our families join together.

I’m determined to introduce our children.

What they decide afterwards is their business.

That sounds reasonable.

My wife and I will come for dinner next week.

You’re welcome.

Was that Governor Danjuma?

Yes.

Is it about Adiale?

He’s back from abroad.

Wonderful.

Zara will be excited.

[music] Why Zara?

EMCA.

We’ve discussed this.

Zara is ready for marriage.

And Amara isn’t?

I don’t want unnecessary expectations.

Expectations for whom?

You know how families like the Danjumas are.

They have preferences.

Then let them speak for themselves.

I’m simply trying to protect Amara from disappointment.

No, I you are deciding what our daughter deserves before anybody has even spoken to her.

EMA, please don’t turn this into another argument.

Then stop behaving as though one of our daughters deserves a future and the other should be grateful for whatever she gets.

I wish we could go back to when we were just sisters.

Hello, Daddy.

Princess, are you still awake?

Yes.

I wanted to tell you something before you hear it from someone else.

Governor Danjuma’s son is back in Nigeria.

That’s nice.

The families have been discussing an introduction for Zara.

For the young people to meet.

Amara, nothing has been decided.

Mommy seems to think otherwise.

Your mother doesn’t get to choose who deserves love.

Your mother tells me you refused another introduction last week.

Daddy, I didn’t refuse.

I said I wasn’t interested.

Is there a difference?

A very important one.

Adale, you’re 33.

Your mother thinks you’ll remain single forever.

She’s been thinking that since I turned 25.

Chief Okafo is a good man.

His family is respectable.

Meeting his daughters will not harm you.

I’ve seen the photographs mommy sent.

Then you know they’re beautiful young women.

I know what they look like.

I don’t know who they are.

That’s why people meet.

Except everyone will be pretending.

They’ll know I’m your son.

I’ll know they expect me to choose somebody.

Before we’ve even spoken, there’s already a wedding being imagined.

What exactly do you want?

Chance to know them without all the formalities.

Meaning, let me spend a few days around the Okafo household without being formally [music] introduced.

Doing what?

They need someone to cover a temporary driving position.

Their transport supervisor has already been looking for a replacement.

You’re suggesting [music] that my son become somebody’s chauffeur temporarily.

What sort of investigation is this?

I’m tired of being judged by my surname.

I’d like to see how people behave when [music] they don’t think I have anything have anything special to offer them.

Be careful, Adiale.

You may discover something uncomfortable about yourself, too.

Such as that observing people without their knowledge isn’t the same as [music] getting to know them honestly.

I’ll keep it brief and I won’t make [music] promises to anybody.

I’ll speak to Acha, but you will tell them who you are before things become personal.

Agreed.

Good morning.

Are you Dio, the temporary driver?

Good morning, sir.

Yes, the transport supervisor [music] told me to report this morning.

I’m Chief Okafo.

Has the transport supervisor explained what you’ll be doing?

Yes, sir.

I’ll be covering driving duties for the family temporarily.

We expect punctuality, discretion, and careful [music] driving.

The vehicles must be handled responsibly.

I understand, sir.

I’ll follow your instructions.

Daddy, is this the new driver?

Yes, his name is Dio.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mizara.

Do you have experience driving luxury vehicles?

Yes.

My last temporary driver [music] scratched the front bumper.

I hope you’re more careful.

I’ll do my best.

And when you’re driving me, please don’t start unnecessary conversations.

I prefer a quiet journey.

Understood.

Good.

Get the car ready.

I have an appointment in 20 minutes.

That’s Zara.

She’s quite direct.

Yes.

And she has plenty to learn.

And the other daughter?

They’re different people.

I can see that.

That’s something this house sometimes forgets.

Cynthia, I’m telling you, the governor’s son [music] is back in town.

Mommy says they’re arranging dinner.

Apparently, he runs an investment company.

I hope he’s [music] handsome.

I don’t want to spend the rest of my life pretending to be impressed.

Dio, do you have a [music] family?

Yes.

Wife, children?

Neither girlfriend.

[music] No.

H.

And what did you do before taking this driving job?

I worked abroad as a driver in business operations.

And now you’re driving cars for people at the moment.

Life can be unpredictable.

It certainly can.

Well, as long as you’re good at your work, there’s no problem.

Hello, Mommy.

Yes, I’m coming.

What?

Amara is helping daddy plan the family dinner.

Why?

No, Mommy.

Don’t worry.

I’ll handle it when I get home.

Good evening, Miss Amara.

A courier asked me to give you this.

Thank you.

You can call me Amara.

Is that a booking platform?

It will be when the client stops changing the requirements every [music] 2 days.

That sounds familiar.

You’ve worked in technology a little.

What kind of technology?

Mostly business systems.

Then you understand why I’m frustrated.

I understand that the person paying for something doesn’t always understand what they’re asking for.

Exactly.

Dio, I need my shopping bags.

I should go.

Of course.

Have a [music] good evening.

You too, Amara.

Dio, have you eaten?

Yes.

Not yet.

There’s food in the kitchen.

Please don’t let Zara’s shopping bags delay your dinner.

Thank you.

Hello, Dad.

I got your message.

Not yet.

I’ve only just met someone I want to know better.

Mommy, are you planning somebody’s wedding?

[music] I’m looking at ideas.

Ideas for whose wedding?

Must everything be an interrogation?

You haven’t even met Adiwali properly?

His mother and I have known each other for years.

[music] He’s educated, successful, from an excellent family.

That doesn’t mean we’ll get along.

You’ll have time to find out.

What if he doesn’t like me?

Why wouldn’t he?

Mommy, you don’t know what kind of woman he’s interested in.

Zara, you underestimate yourself.

Good morning, Amara.

Help me.

Mommy has already started planning my wedding to a man I’ve never met.

Then I hope you’ve approved the groom.

It’s an introduction, Amara.

Nobody is being forced into anything.

Good.

That’s how it should be.

Your father has invited you to join us.

So there won’t be any reason for you to feel excluded.

I didn’t ask him to do that.

I’m simply informing you.

Thank you, Mommy.

Mommy, you really don’t know how to talk to her sometimes.

Must I examine every word before speaking in my own house?

Dio, are you listening?

Yes, Mizara.

Good.

[music] After the salon, we’ll stop at the boutique, then the florist.

All right.

And please keep your phone away when you’re driving.

Of course.

That’s an interesting watch.

Thank you.

Is it yours?

Yes.

Hm.

It looks expensive.

It was a gift from a former employer.

Someone close to me.

Well, you’re fortunate.

Most people don’t receive gifts like that.

I suppose so.

You know, there’s nothing wrong with starting over, but you should have a plan.

You don’t want to drive somebody else’s car for the rest of your life.

I’m very [music] practical.

I’ve noticed Dio, you’re back.

Yes.

You look exhausted.

It’s been a long afternoon.

Have you had lunch?

Not yet.

I was about to Dio, why are these bags still here?

I just brought them inside.

I asked you to take them to take them to my dressing room.

Zara, he’s only just returned.

Amara, please.

He’s doing his job.

He’s also a human being.

He hasn’t eaten since morning.

Nobody is stopping him from eating.

Then allow him to finish before giving him another task.

Did you complain to her?

No, Mizara.

He didn’t complain.

I asked him.

You seem very interested in what he’s doing.

I’m interested in people being treated decently.

It’s not that serious.

Then there’s no reason to turn it into an argument.

Fine.

Dio, leave the bags.

You can take them upstairs later.

You didn’t have to do that.

Do what?

Defend me.

I didn’t defend you.

I disagreed with my sister.

Thank you anyway.

You’re welcome.

Now go and eat before somebody invents another errand.

I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier.

What are you apologizing for?

Creating a disagreement between you and your sister.

Trust me, Zara and I were having disagreements long before you arrived.

You seem close.

We used to be.

What happened?

Life happened.

People started treating us differently.

[music] And and after a while, we started treating each other differently, too.

That sounds difficult.

It can be, but I don’t hate her.

I didn’t think you did.

You don’t know me well enough to be so sure.

Then perhaps I should get to know you better.

You’re quite confident for somebody who keeps saying he’s just a driver.

I never said I was just anything.

Fair point.

[laughter] Mommy, I think you need to speak to Amara.

Look at what I found.

They were together in the garden.

Is that the new driver?

Yes.

What are they doing together?

They’ve been spending quite a lot of time talking.

Have you asked her about it?

She says they’re friends.

I hope she isn’t allowing herself to become too attached.

That’s what I’m worried about.

I’ll speak to her.

Zara.

Yes, mommy.

Don’t mention this to your father yet.

Why?

Because I [music] intend to handle it quietly.

Good morning, Amara.

Morning, Dio.

A package arrived for you.

Thank you.

Put it on the table, please.

Still working on the booking platform.

Unfortunately, what’s the problem now?

The client wants to remove the accessibility testing phase because the project is behind [music] schedule.

That’s a bad idea.

You sound very certain.

A product that excludes part of its audience is an incomplete product.

That’s exactly what I’ve been telling them.

Then ask them what an inaccessible service will cost them in complaints, failed transactions, and redesigns.

You’re suggesting I turn accessibility into a business risk they can measure.

Precisely.

You know a surprising amount about product strategy.

I’ve worked with people who build digital products.

What happened to your old job?

I needed a change.

That sounds like a polite way of avoiding the question.

It probably is.

At least you’re admitting it.

Can I ask you something personal?

You can ask.

I may not answer.

Have you always wanted to work in technology?

Not always.

I wanted to be an architect when I was younger.

What changed?

I discovered how much everyday life depends on good design.

Buildings, websites, transport, hospitals.

Some things are difficult simply because nobody considered everybody who might need to use them.

So, you decided to change that.

I decided to try.

I admire that.

Thank you.

[laughter] Somebody looks [music] happy.

Auntie Vissy, please.

I didn’t say anything.

[laughter] Your face is saying plenty.

Is it that young man?

We were talking about work.

Does he know your work?

Surprisingly well.

H.

What?

Nothing.

He [music] seems thoughtful.

He is.

Just promise me something.

What?

Don’t confuse somebody’s [music] kindness with a promise of love.

Auntie, we’re not dating.

I know.

But you’ve spent a long time hoping people would choose you.

Don’t let that make you accept [music] less honesty than you deserve.

I really do not think that [music] Dio is trying to deceive me.

Well, if that is true, then you have nothing to worry about.

Can’t it wait until next week?

I would strongly advise against delay.

We need to review these results as soon as possible.

Please come into [music] the clinic tomorrow morning.

The symptoms you’ve described need further assessment.

I have several meetings tomorrow.

Your health needs to take priority.

All right.

I’ll have my secretary arrange it.

Daddy, princess, come in.

Are you busy?

Never too busy for you.

You look exhausted.

Too many meetings.

Have you been sleeping properly?

Yes, Dr.

Amara.

I’m serious.

I know.

I’ll take things easier.

How’s your project?

Better.

I think I’ve finally found a way to convince the client to keep the accessibility testing good.

Don’t compromise the quality of your work simply because somebody wants it cheaper.

Daddy, I know the arrangement was supposed to end this week.

I haven’t told them yet.

Adoale, this was never supposed to become a complicated deception.

I know.

Have you developed feelings for one of the girls?

Yes, Zara.

No, it’s Amara.

Amara.

Yes, Daddy.

I thought [music] if there was to be anyone, it would be Zara.

You were hoping it would be Zara.

She seems better prepared for the kind of life our family cares.

And Amara does not.

Some choices come with demands that affection alone cannot remove.

You mean her wheelchair.

I did not say that.

You did not have to.

I am thinking of your future, son.

Of what you may be expected to carry.

Amara is not a burden to carry.

She is the woman [music] I have come to care for.

You barely know her.

I know enough to want to know her honestly and I will not walk away because you imagine someone else beside me.

Does Emoka know how you feel?

Not yet.

Then what I have said stays between us.

Mecha is my friend.

I will not [music] insult his daughter and destroy a friendship that has lasted decades.

You would rather hide your objection from him.

I would rather not want him, but I have not changed my mind.

You do not have to agree with my choice, Daddy.

You do have to respect it.

First, tell Amara who you really are.

You have already allowed this deception to run too long.

I am afraid she will stop speaking to me.

That is a consequence you will have to accept.

Is everything all right?

Yes, just a family matter.

You look worried.

There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.

I just need to find the right way to to say it.

You know, you can speak to me.

I know.

That’s what makes it difficult.

Beautiful.

This is exactly what I wanted.

Mommy, it’s only dinner.

Dinner with the governor and his wife.

You make it sound like a job interview.

First impressions are important.

Good evening.

Wow, Amara, you look lovely.

Thank you.

So do you.

I was thinking you might prefer to sit on the terrace this evening.

[music] It’s quieter there.

Why would I sit outside?

We have a number of guests coming.

I thought you’d be more comfortable.

This dining room is accessible, Mommy.

I helped choose the furniture layout.

What’s going on?

Mommy suggested I eat on the terrace.

Why?

I was making a suggestion.

Both our daughters will join us for dinner.

EMA, they our [music] guests, we’re not auditioning our children.

Thank you, Daddy.

Princess, you don’t have to thank me for having a seat at your own family’s table.

Daddy, are you okay?

Just tired.

Have you seen your doctor?

I’m arranging it.

Please don’t postpone it again.

I won’t.

EMCA, you’ve built a beautiful home.

Thank you, my [music] friend.

And your daughters have grown into remarkable young women.

Thank you.

Zara is doing wonderful things with [music] her foundation.

We’re developing a mentorship program for young female entrepreneurs.

That’s excellent.

Are you partnering with schools?

Yes, ma.

We’re starting with three secondary schools in Lagos.

Very good.

Amara, your father mentioned you’re a product [music] designer.

Yes, ma.

I work mainly on digital platforms [music] and accessibility.

That’s interesting.

What are you working on currently?

A public service booking platform.

The goal is to make essential appointments easier to arrange for people with different access needs.

That’s important work.

Too many public services are difficult to use.

Thank you, ma.

You’ve done well raising these girls.

Acca, they’re making their own way.

Mommy was just telling us that Adewale would be here tonight.

Ah, that boy, he has a business engagement.

I’m afraid he won’t join us yet.

That’s a shame.

You’ll meet him soon enough.

My dear friends, dinner is ready.

[music] Shall we move to the dining room and continue this lovely evening around the table?

Adiale, son, you managed to make it after all.

How was the business meeting?

Come and greet Chief Emoka properly.

Son Dio, your son.

The same Dio who has been driving me everywhere all this time.

Yes, I am Adiale Danjuma.

I called myself Dio when I took the job here.

I should have told you.

You let me trust you, Dio.

I told you things I have never told anybody.

And you knew I believed you.

Our driver, Governor, your son has been living among us under another name.

How could all of you allow this to happen?

I can’t still believe the governor’s son was driving us around, carrying our bags, and taking instructions from me all this time.

Tund I welcomed this young man into my home as a driver.

Did you know he was here under a false name?

I spoke without thinking.

Chukua, I knew he was working here, [music] but I did not understand how deeply he had deceived you.

Adiale, you told me you were taking time to think about your future.

You never said you had become their driver.

I owe everyone an explanation, but Amara has every right to feel betrayed.

Please excuse me.

I need to apologize to her.

Tundday, I think dinner must wait.

My family needs time to understand what has happened tonight.

I hope you will understand.

Amara, I know I have no right to ask you to listen, but please let me explain why I hid my name.

You did not only hide your name, Dio.

You stood beside me every day while I told you things I tell nobody.

I took the job because I wanted life outside my my father’s shadow.

But what happened between us was never something I planned.

Then why did you not tell me when we became close?

You gave me a choice about everything except the truth.

You are right.

I should have told you.

I should have told you.

I was afraid of losing the only person who saw me without a title.

And now you have lost my trust.

Please do not follow me any further tonight.

I need time to understand what happened.

Adewale, I want you to answer clearly.

After everything that happened at Amecha’s house, which daughter do you intend to marry?

Amara, mom, I have already told dad and tonight has not changed my mind.

She is the woman I hope to marry.

My son, marriage is a lifetime commitment.

Have you really considered the responsibilities that may come with her disability?

You mean her wheelchair?

I have considered Amara herself, her kindness, her courage, and the dignity she shows people every day.

We always thought Zara would be a suitable match.

She has ambition, confidence, and the social presence your position will demand.

I worked in that house as a driver.

Dad, Zara judged me by my uniform before she knew anything about my character.

She spoke to me as though my work made me less worthy of respect.

That is not the partner I want beside me.

People sometimes behave differently when they do not know who someone is.

Perhaps Zara would have treated you [music] better as Adiwali.

That is exactly why I cannot choose her.

If she values me only after hearing my surname, what happens when status disappears?

Amara never needed to know whose son I was.

She listened, [music] challenged me, and respected me when she thought I had nothing.

And what about her feelings now?

You humiliated her tonight.

She may never forgive you for deceiving someone who trusted you.

She has every right to be angry.

I will apologize without excuses and give her time.

But I will not choose Zara.

Every marriage faces challenges.

Mom Amara’s wheelchair does not define her worth.

And I will never demand that she prove it.

My first responsibility is earning her trust again.

Whether she accepts me is Amara’s decision, not yours, and certainly not mine.

I am not asking you to approve tonight.

I am asking you to stop seeing Amara as a problem I must avoid.

Amara, before Zara and I leave tonight, we need to discuss what happened when Adiale’s real identity came out.

You seem more embarrassed that he paid attention to me than that he lied to everyone about who he was.

I showed mommy the garden photograph because I was concerned.

I never imagined our driver Dio was actually Adiwali Danjuma.

You photographed me without asking.

Zara, now you’re treating my private feelings like a scandal.

The whole family must discuss.

Your sister is right to worry.

Adiwali deceived us.

And the governor’s position makes this situation far more complicated.

I have not forgiven him, Mommy.

I told him I need time and I haven’t promised him a relationship.

The governor has spoken warmly about Zara for years.

Surely you understand.

Surely you understand why his son choosing you has unsettled everyone.

So the real problem is not that Adiwali lied.

It’s that he might choose me instead of the daughter you prefer.

What exactly is unsettling?

Our daughter has already been hurt by Adi’s deception.

Why must we hurt her again?

I am trying to protect Amara from another heartbreak.

Chukua, [music] surely a mother is allowed to question what she sees.

Then speak to her respectfully.

She is an adult, not a family problem we [music] can solve by choosing her feelings for her.

Daddy, I can speak for myself.

Mommy, my happiness matters just as much as Zara’s, even when you disagree with me.

Mommy, the trustees dinner is starting soon.

If we don’t leave now, we’ll arrive late and embarrass [music] the foundation.

We will finish this discussion another day.

Amara, I expect [music] you to think carefully about what has happened here.

I’m sorry, [music] princess.

I thought our family dinner might bring peace, not another reason for you to feel unwanted.

You defend me when she is here, Daddy.

But afterward, everything returns to normal.

Sometimes I need more than apologies.

You are right.

I spent too many years trying to keep everyone peaceful instead of insisting you be treated fairly.

[music] I know you love me, Daddy.

I just wish loving me did not always mean arguing with someone else in this house.

You should never fight for respect here.

And you should never have to forgive Adiale before you are truly ready.

He made me feel seen.

Then I discovered he hid his entire life.

I cannot tell which memories to trust anymore.

Take whatever time you need, princess.

Whoever you choose, I will support you.

That is a promise I intend to keep.

There is something else I should have told you.

I have not been feeling entirely well these last few days.

Daddy, what do you mean?

You told us it was only stress.

Have you been hiding medical appointments from me?

I plan to see the specialist tomorrow, my dear.

I feel quite exhausted.

Let me just rest for a moment.

Daddy, please look at me.

What is happening?

Can you hear me?

Somebody help us.

My father has collapsed.

My father has collapsed with chest pain.

We’re at the Okafur residence.

We’re at the Okafur residence in Ecoi Lagos.

Please send an ambulance immediately.

Mr.

Amara, I heard you calling.

What happened to Chief?

Please tell me what I can do to help him.

He held his chest and fell while we were talking.

Please open the gates now, BC.

The ambulance is coming.

Please call mommy and Zara, too.

They are at the trustees dinner.

Tell them to meet us directly at the hospital.

Daddy, please stay with me.

You promised you would be here for me.

Please don’t leave before help comes.

Daddy.

[gasps] Daddy, please open your eyes.

Miss, please move back.

We need to attend to him.

He was speaking to me just a few minutes ago.

He was fine.

Does your father have any history of heart disease?

He has high blood pressure.

He’s been taking medication, but he never told me anything was serious.

We’re going to [music] assess him immediately.

Please wait outside.

Doctor, please.

He’s my father.

I understand.

[music] We’re doing everything we can.

[snorts] Daddy, please don’t leave me.

Amara, where’s your father?

They’ve taken him inside.

What happened?

He suddenly grabbed his chest.

Then he collapsed.

Were you arguing with him?

Mommy, I’m asking what happened before he collapsed.

We were talking about something that happened at home.

What exactly were you discussing?

Mommy, can we find out how daddy is first?

I’m trying to understand what happened to my husband.

You weren’t there.

Mommy, please stop questioning me like I’ve done something wrong.

Mrs.

Okafo.

Yes.

How is my husband?

Husband has suffered a serious cardiac event.

His condition is critical.

We’re providing emergency treatment.

Is he going to survive?

We’re doing everything necessary to give him the best [music] possible chance.

He can’t die.

He’s the only person in that house who’s never made me feel unwanted.

Amara, I’m here.

What have the doctors said?

I came over as soon as I heard about Chief.

They’re treating him, Chica.

He never told me things were getting serious.

I keep wondering what signs I should have noticed.

Your father’s medical condition is not your fault.

You called for help immediately and you did everything you could.

I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to him.

He has always been the one person who understood [music] me.

Amara, I heard about your father.

Are you at the hospital?

Yes, Dio.

I’m coming.

Iriti, my wife and I came as soon as we heard about Chukua.

We are terribly sorry your family is suffering.

Thank you for coming.

We are waiting for another update and nobody can tell us what happens next.

[music] How is he now?

Has the doctor said whether he is stable enough for any of you to see him?

Not yet.

Ma, your father and I spoke yesterday, Amara.

He admitted he was feeling unwell.

Though I never imagined this could happen.

He told you he was ill.

He kept telling me he was fine and now we are waiting outside emergency doors.

He did not want to worry his family.

I regret not urging him more strongly to share the truth with you.

Amara, I came as soon as I heard about Chief.

I am not here to ask anything of you tonight.

Thank you for coming.

I still need time after what happened at dinner, but my father needs every prayer tonight.

I understand.

I will stay out of your way.

If there is anything practical your family needs, please tell me.

Whatever differences we have, tonight must be about Chuku Mecha.

The rest can wait until we know that he is safe.

Mrs.

Okafo, we are still working to stabilize your husband.

I need to speak with your family about his condition.

Doctor, please tell us the truth.

Is he responding to treatment or should we be preparing ourselves for something worse?

His condition remains critical.

We are moving him to intensive cardiac care so we can monitor his response very closely overnight.

Please do everything you can for him, doctor.

Our family needs him [music] and I cannot bear the thought of losing him tonight.

Amara, please, can we talk?

Which name should I call you?

Adiale, not Dio.

Dio is my middle name.

How convenient.

I know you’re upset.

Upset?

You came into my father’s house pretending to be someone else.

You listen to me talk about my work, my family, and things I don’t normally share with people.

And now I find out you’re the man everybody has been discussing for marriage.

I didn’t know you and I would become close.

That’s supposed to make it better.

No.

Why did you do it?

My father wanted me to meet your family.

Meet your family.

I was tired of people treating me differently because of who he is.

So, you decided to find out how people would treat you if they thought you weren’t wealthy.

Yes.

And what was I supposed to be?

The good one who passed your test.

You should have told me.

I know.

You could have come to me as Adiwali Danjuma.

We could have talked about work, laughed at the same jokes, and you [music] might have discovered exactly the same things.

You’re right.

Then why didn’t you trust me with the truth?

Because I was afraid everything would change.

It has changed.

Amara, the conversations were real.

[music] My interest in your work was real.

And the way I feel about you.

Please don’t finish that sentence [music] tonight.

My father is fighting for his life.

I don’t have the strength to deal with another disappointment.

I’m sorry, Adiwali.

[music] Hello, Zara.

I don’t even know what to say.

You don’t have to say anything.

I thought you were our driver.

I know.

And I wasn’t [music] exactly pleasant to you.

You were very clear about your expectations.

I suppose I deserve that.

Why didn’t you tell me who you were?

The arrangement was meant to be brief.

I should have ended it sooner.

So, what happens now?

First, we wait for news about your father.

And afterwards, afterwards, I need to apologize to your sister properly.

You like Amara?

[music] Yes.

I see.

My dear, I owe you an apology.

Sir, I knew about Adiwali’s arrangement.

I should never have agreed to it.

Did my father know?

No, we kept it from him.

So, Daddy truly had no idea.

He only learned Adiale’s identity at the dinner.

I should have told your father the truth before bringing my son into his home.

And all that time, you knew I was speaking to someone who wasn’t being honest about his identity.

Yes, and I should have stopped it.

And nobody told me.

I am sorry, Amara.

Everybody keeps making decisions about my life because they think they’re protecting me.

You’re entitled to be angry.

I don’t want to be angry anymore.

I just want my father to recover.

Mrs.

Okafo, may I have a word?

We’ve completed the emergency procedure.

[music] We were able to treat a significant blockage.

Your husband is stable at the moment.

Thank God.

Can we see him?

He’s being closely monitored.

You’ll be allowed a brief visit once he’s sufficiently settled.

He’s going to be okay.

The response to treatment is encouraging, but recovery will take time.

He will need medication, follow-up care, and changes to his routine.

You haven’t said much since we got the news.

The governor knew about Dio.

What do you mean?

He knew Adiwali was pretending to be a driver while daddy had no idea.

Did he explain why?

He said he had agreed to let his son do it.

That is disappointing.

I can understand wanting to know [music] whether people like you for who you are.

But the governor allowed his [music] son to study me without my knowledge.

Then tell the governor how you feel when things settle [music] down.

I will.

What about Adiale?

I don’t know.

You liked him.

I liked the man who sat in the garden discussing my work.

I don’t know whether I can trust the man standing [music] in that corridor tonight.

You don’t have to decide tonight.

For once, I want the people who love me to stop making choices on my behalf.

Zara, are you ready?

[music] We need to return to the hospital in a minute, Mommy.

What’s wrong?

I keep thinking about yesterday.

Your father is recovering.

That’s what’s important.

I’m talking about Adiwali.

Ah, yes.

That was certainly a surprise.

I called him a driver.

I made comments about his career.

I treated him like somebody whose opinion didn’t matter.

You didn’t know who he was.

Mommy, that’s exactly the problem.

I behaved badly because I thought he wasn’t important.

You’re being too hard on yourself.

Am I?

Everybody [music] makes assumptions.

Amara didn’t.

Your sister is naturally friendly with people.

No, Mommy.

She treated him with respect.

I treated him according to what I thought he could do for me.

Nothing has been formally decided.

Perhaps Adiale just needs more time.

Time to do what?

Change his mind.

You and he were the match I had imagined.

But he is a person, mommy, not a place at a wedding table.

I only want what is best for you.

Then listen to what I am saying.

He is interested in Amara.

Perhaps he only feels responsible for upsetting her.

Why does everything involving Amara have to be explained away?

I don’t understand what you mean.

If a man wants me, you call it admiration.

If a man wants Amara, you call it sympathy.

We don’t have time for this now, Mommy.

Maybe that’s part of why things have become so difficult between us.

Can I sit here?

Of course.

How are you?

Tired, worried, relieved that daddy is recovering everything at once.

I understand.

[music] Adiale told me he likes you.

Zara, I don’t want to discuss him.

I’m not here to argue.

[music] I just wanted to say I’m sorry about the way I’ve behaved.

Good.

I just wanted to apologize.

Which part?

The photograph?

My comments about Dio?

The way I kept acting as though you were making some terrible mistake by getting close to him.

You did make me feel foolish.

I know.

And for a while, I started wondering whether you were right.

I wasn’t.

I think I’ve become so used to being mommy’s favorite that I started believing everything good was supposed to come to me first.

Zara, please let me finish.

When we were younger, I never understood why mommy treated us differently.

[music] Later, I noticed, but I didn’t challenge her because I enjoyed the attention.

You were a child.

I’m not a child anymore.

You never treated me like an enemy.

I don’t know why I kept behaving as though we were competing.

I never hated you for being loved, Zara.

I know.

I just wanted there to be enough love for both of us.

I’m sorry.

Amara, can I speak to you [music] about daddy?

About Adiwali?

Mommy, please.

I’m exhausted.

I won’t take long.

All right.

Your father and the governor talked about introducing Adiwali to our family some time ago.

I assumed Zara would be the one.

You assumed?

[music] Zara was more openly interested in marriage.

That is how I understood [music] things.

Daddy said nothing had been decided.

Your father refused to make promises for either of you.

What do you want from me, Mommy?

I simply don’t want this to create another problem between you and your sister.

I haven’t asked Adiwali to choose me.

But you’re clearly interested in him.

I was interested in getting to know someone who made me feel comfortable.

Then I found out he wasn’t being honest with me.

Perhaps it’s better [music] to leave things there.

Why?

Because Zara has been preparing for this introduction.

Mommy, a person is not a gift you can reserve for one child.

I’m thinking about both of you.

You’ve always said that.

Can I ask you something?

Yes.

Have you ever told anyone I wasn’t interested in marriage without asking me first?

Mommy.

The Danjumas asked about both daughters when the introduction was first discussed.

Both of us?

Yes.

What did you tell them?

I told them Zara was more interested in settling [music] down while you were concentrating on your career.

You told them what you wanted, not what I wanted.

I didn’t think you’d be interested in [music] that kind of arrangement.

You didn’t ask me.

Amara, how many times have you spoken for me without giving me a chance to speak for myself?

There she is, my princess.

Good morning, Daddy.

Good morning, my darling.

You look tired.

I’ve been worried about you.

I’m sorry for frightening everybody.

You should be.

The doctor says you ignored symptoms for weeks.

He didn’t have to tell you everything.

Daddy, this isn’t funny.

I know.

You promised me you would take care of yourself.

I’ll do better.

You need to.

We still have a lot of things to do together.

Like what?

You promised to come to the launch of my design consultancy.

And I will be there as a guest, not as the man paying for everything.

You know, I enjoy investing in good businesses.

I know, but I want to build this one myself.

Fair enough.

Daddy, did you know the Danjumas had asked about both Zara and me?

I knew our families had discussed an introduction.

I did not know Dio was Adwale until that dinner.

Then why did mommy answer for me?

I wrongly assumed your mother had discussed it with you.

I should have asked you myself.

You watched everyone treat Zara as the only possible choice.

And nobody thought to ask what I wanted.

I was wrong to leave that conversation to others.

I should have insisted that your voice mattered.

[music] And Dio’s identity.

You really did not know.

No, princess.

His father knew.

But but I was as surprised as you were when he called Dio his son.

He should have told me and you should have let me make my own decisions.

You are [music] right, Daddy.

You’ve protected me my whole life.

But sometimes you protect me so much that I don’t get to make my own mistakes.

I’ve spent years worrying about what people might do to you.

And while you were worrying, I grew up.

Yes, you did.

I’m sorry, Amara.

I won’t make that decision for you again.

Mommy.

Yes.

Can we talk?

Of course.

I want to ask you something and I need you to answer without changing the subject.

[music] All right.

Why have you always treated Zara differently?

Amara, I love both my daughters.

I know that’s what you say, but it’s not how you’ve behaved.

When you girls were growing up, I worried constantly about what your future would look like.

Because I use a wheelchair.

Because everybody had an opinion about what you would or wouldn’t be able to do.

I let those opinions frighten me.

And you never thought about how they would make me feel.

I thought I was being realistic.

Mommy, you weren’t being realistic.

You were accepting other people’s limitations as though they belonged to me.

[music] I went to university.

I built my career.

I started earning my own money.

I have friends, dreams, and plans.

Yet every time I achieve something, you find a reason to act as though it’s surprising.

I know [music] I’ve hurt you.

You told another family I wasn’t interested in marriage.

All I ever wanted was for you to be proud of me.

I am proud of you.

I needed to hear that years ago.

You’re right.

I made you feel like somebody I needed to protect.

I needed to protect from life instead of a daughter whose life I I should have celebrated.

I don’t have an excuse for that.

I don’t know how to forget everything that’s happened.

I’m not asking [music] you to.

And I’m not ready to pretend things are normal between us.

I understand, [music] Amara.

I’m sorry.

How is Chief Amecha improving?

They expect to discharge him [music] soon.

Thank God.

I have known that man for most of my adult life.

And Amara, has she forgiven your deception?

No, I apologized, but I cannot demand her forgiveness.

At least you understand that much.

I understand [music] something else.

I love her.

You know, I hoped things would develop with Zara.

And you know, I have never felt that way about Zara.

Marriage is longer than attraction.

There will be responsibilities you have not considered.

Amara has a career, a mind of her own, and a life she is building.

Why do you speak as a though I will be taking on a patient?

I am trying to save you from difficulties you do not yet understand.

You are imagining her wheelchair as the whole of our marriage.

I will not treat her like a compromise.

And have either of you asked Amara what she wants?

She is still deciding whether she can trust me.

I respect that.

We are discussing our son’s life.

And you are overlooking the life of the woman he loves.

This argument stays in this house.

EMCA has suffered enough.

I will not risk our friendship by making him feel that I despise his daughter.

Then stop looking down on her.

Keeping it secret will not make it right.

I have not agreed to this [music] marriage.

I have not proposed to her.

But if she ever chooses me, I will not abandon her to satisfy you.

[music] Misara, your tea.

Thank you, Auntie.

Is everything all right?

Not really.

Would you like to talk about it?

[music] I did something I’m ashamed of.

When I showed mommy that picture, I said I [music] was trying to protect Amara.

And you weren’t.

I was jealous of what?

The way Dio looked at her.

The way they talked.

Amara seemed happy and I couldn’t stand that.

Somebody was giving her attention without looking at me first.

Have you told your sister?

Not everything.

Then perhaps you should.

I don’t know whether she’ll forgive me.

You can’t decide that for her.

You can only decide whether to tell the truth.

I didn’t take that photograph because I was worried about you.

I took it because I was jealous.

Jealous?

Zara, we were born minutes apart.

We never [music] had to compete for love or attention in this family.

Mommy made me believe I was the daughter everyone should admire.

I was frightened when someone finally chose you.

I’m sorry, Amara.

I won’t ask you to forget [music] it.

I’ll start learning how to be your sister again.

She is exploring a specialist review abroad.

I’m worried she’ll think we only support her if she walks.

You haven’t changed yeti.

You’ve only admitted something needs to change.

I know.

And I’m afraid she may never trust me again.

Then support her decisions, not an outcome.

Don’t turn her body into another family project.

Let her choose.

An adiwale.

The governor barely looked at her during dinner.

Do you think his family will ever accept her?

That’s their mistake.

To correct.

I entered your home hiding my name.

I told myself it was protection, but it was a betrayal of your trust.

You decided what I deserve to know.

That is exactly what my family has always done.

[music] And it hurt.

I can’t undo it.

But I can tell you the truth now.

Even the parts that might cost me you.

Then tell me something difficult.

Does your father want you to marry Zara instead of the daughter in a wheelchair?

He once imagined Zara.

He believes your wheelchair complicates our future.

I told him he’s wrong and I will keep saying it.

I will never audition for your father’s approval.

Adiale, I don’t need saving and I won’t apologize for who I am.

I didn’t fall for a future version of you.

I fell for the woman who challenged me and made me laugh.

If we try again, I need honesty.

No family negotiations behind my back.

Noble lies and no disguises.

Then start with one dinner.

Just us.

No family announcement and no secrets.

One dinner.

That’s all I’m promising.

You’re smiling.

Don’t tell me Adiwali came to see you and you finally agreed to give him a chance.

One dinner, Zara, and if you turn this into another competition, I will send you the bill for it.

I’m happy for you, and I want you as our foundation’s [music] digital consultant on your own terms and professional fee.

Mommy invited us to breakfast.

You don’t have to answer tonight.

You can always say no if you don’t wish to go.

I’m not saying no.

I’m saying I want to decide without anyone making me feel guilty for needing time.

Zara, the international accessibility company offered [music] me the regional design lead role.

The first assignment is in Boston.

Boston.

Amara, that’s incredible.

You’ve worked for this for years, even when everybody treated your career like a hobby.

[laughter] I also sent my scans to a specialist there.

I’m not chasing a miracle.

I want answers and my own future and my own future.

Our team reviewed your imaging.

There may be a treatable compression, [music] but we cannot promise you will walk again.

Are you recommending surgery, doctor?

I need to understand [music] the risks before anyone starts talking about getting me on my feet.

Not yet.

First, come to Boston for a full assessment.

You will decide what happens afterward, if anything.

Hopeful, frightened, both.

But I’m choosing this assessment for myself.

It’s about taking ownership of my journey and moving my own terms.

I love the woman here with me.

The assessment changes none of that.

I will support whatever decision you make.

The hospital confirmed next month’s appointment.

My company approved the revised start date.

So everything is real.

Before Boston, there’s something I need to ask you.

Not because our parents arranged it and not to [music] fix anything.

I want to know if you see a future for us.

I started with a lie.

You made me earn your trust again.

I’d like to keep earning it for the rest of our lives.

Will you marry me, Amara, as you are with your ambitions, your wheelchair, your stubborn opinions, and every dream that’s yours?

Then yes.

But I keep my career, my choices, and the right to tell you when you’re being absolutely ridiculous.

So, you’re engaged and she’s traveling for treatment.

You have no idea what that future will demand of you.

The assessment is Amara’s choice.

Treatment might help or might not.

Neither outcome is a condition of my marriage.

You preferred Zara because she looked easier to explain to your friends.

Our son chose Amara because he knows her.

I thought I was protecting him.

Instead, I was judging a woman who did nothing to deserve my doubts.

I admit that I was completely wrong.

And I am truly sorry for everything.

[music] Don’t simply hide those doubts from Acha.

Show Amara respect through your actions whether she ever takes another step or not.

You have my blessing, both of you.

I will welcome Amara properly, and I’ll prove I meant it at the wedding.

Daddy, [gasps] daddy, please open your eyes.

Miss, please move back.

We need to attend to him.

I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to him.

He has always been the one person who understood me.

Happy birthday, my darling.

[gasps] Mommy, is that what I think it is?

Go and see for yourself.

A Range Rover.

Mommy, you’re joking.

Do I look like I’m joking?

Oh my goodness.

Thank you, mommy.

Thank you so much.

I can’t believe you remembered the exact model.

A mother should know what makes her daughter happy.

Mommy, even the seats are exactly what I wanted.

I paid attention when you were talking about it.

[laughter] Happy birthday again, Miss Amara.

Thank you, Aunt BC.

Amara, look what mommy bought me.

It’s beautiful, Zara.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Come and take a picture with us.

Good morning, Mommy.

Morning, [music] Amara.

It’s a lovely surprise.

Yes, Zara has wanted this vehicle for months.

I know, Mommy.

Yes, it’s my birthday, too.

Of course.

Happy birthday, Amara.

Zara, come and stand beside the bonnet.

Amara, come.

We’ll take a picture together.

It’s okay.

Enjoy your gift.

Would you like to go inside?

Yes, please.

Mommy, shouldn’t we take one picture with Amara?

Later, darling.

Come.

We’re wasting the photographers’s time.

Hello, Daddy.

Happy birthday, my princess.

Thank you, Daddy.

How’s my favorite designer?

Your favorite designer is trying to finish a client presentation [music] on her birthday?

Absolutely not.

Some of us have deadlines, Chief Okafur.

And some of us have daughters who work too hard.

Amara, are you happy?

Of course.

H I’ll see you soon.

I’ll see you soon.

Daddy, aren’t you in Abuja?

I have a meeting to finish.

We’ll talk later.

All right.

[music] I love you.

I love you.

I love you more, princess.

Hello, Chica.

Happy birthday, superstar.

Where’s my invitation to the party?

Apparently, there’s a party for my birthday.

I just wasn’t the reason for it.

Amara, what happened?

Mommy bought Zara a Range Rover.

And you.

She remembered to wish me happy birthday after I reminded her.

I’m coming over this evening.

You don’t have to.

I wasn’t [music] asking.

Happy birthday, my dear.

Thank you, Auntie.

I brought you something.

You didn’t have to [music] buy me anything.

It’s nothing expensive.

Open it.

Oh, Auntie BC, this is lovely.

You always have a new design in your head.

I thought you might need somewhere to keep your ideas.

You remembered?

Of course, I did.

You know, sometimes I wonder why mommy find mommy finds it so difficult to remember the little things about me.

Your mother’s behavior doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.

I know that.

Do you believe it?

Most days.

Then hold on to that.

I don’t want expensive gifts.

I just want her to be happy that I’m her daughter.

You are not difficult to love, Amara.

Thank you, Auntie.

I think somebody has arrived.

There she is, the birthday girl.

Daddy, you came back.

Did you really think I would spend my daughter’s birthday in Abuja?

[laughter] Happy birthday, my darling.

Thank you, Daddy.

What do you think of this?

It’s gorgeous.

Whose is it?

Yours.

Daddy, [laughter] you’ve been talking about having your own vehicle.

I thought we could choose something special.

A G Wagon.

[laughter] The specialist team will assess your access requirements and the driving adaptations you prefer before it’s ready for regular use.

I don’t want you struggling with a car simply because your father likes expensive machines.

[laughter] Daddy, this is too much.

Too much?

I haven’t even shown you the birthday card.

To my daughter whose dreams are bigger than any gift I could give her.

Never make yourself smaller to make anybody comfortable.

Love, daddy.

Princess, thank you.

Why are you crying?

Because you always make me feel like [music] I matter.

Listen carefully.

You matter whether I buy you anything [music] or not.

You are my daughter and you never have to earn that.

Mhm.

Daddy bought her a G Wagon apparently.

He must have planned it for weeks.

Your father has always enjoyed spoiling Amara.

Mommy, I don’t think that’s why she’s this happy.

Daddy, I still can’t believe you bought Amara that car.

I wanted both my daughters to have a memorable birthday.

Mission accomplished.

Thank you again, Daddy.

I hope everybody [music] is satisfied now.

Is something wrong?

Nothing.

I’m simply saying we’ve had a very expensive birthday.

We can afford it.

That’s not the point.

Then what is?

Can we cut the cakes before everybody starts arguing?

H.

Good idea.

One photograph with both birthday girls.

Excuse me.

I need to take this.

Your excellency, how are you?

Echa, my old friend.

Happy birthday to your girls.

Thank you, Tundi.

Now that Adewale is back in Lagos, perhaps it’s time we arrange that family introduction.

Ah, you’re still determined to see our families join together.

I’m determined to introduce our children.

What they decide afterwards is their business.

That sounds reasonable.

My wife and I will come for dinner next week.

You’re welcome.

Was that Governor Danjuma?

Yes.

Is it about Adiale?

He’s back from abroad.

Wonderful.

Zara will be excited.

[music] Why Zara?

EMCA.

We’ve discussed this.

Zara is ready for marriage.

And Amara isn’t?

I don’t want unnecessary expectations.

Expectations for whom?

You know how families like the Danjumas are.

They have preferences.

Then let them speak for themselves.

I’m simply trying to protect Amara from disappointment.

No, I you are deciding what our daughter deserves before anybody has even spoken to her.

EMA, please don’t turn this into another argument.

Then stop behaving as though one of our daughters deserves a future and the other should be grateful for whatever she gets.

I wish we could go back to when we were just sisters.

Hello, Daddy.

Princess, are you still awake?

Yes.

I wanted to tell you something before you hear it from someone else.

Governor Danjuma’s son is back in Nigeria.

That’s nice.

The families have been discussing an introduction for Zara.

For the young people to meet.

Amara, nothing has been decided.

Mommy seems to think otherwise.

Your mother doesn’t get to choose who deserves love.

Your mother tells me you refused another introduction last week.

Daddy, I didn’t refuse.

I said I wasn’t interested.

Is there a difference?

A very important one.

Adale, you’re 33.

Your mother thinks you’ll remain single forever.

She’s been thinking that since I turned 25.

Chief Okafo is a good man.

His family is respectable.

Meeting his daughters will not harm you.

I’ve seen the photographs mommy sent.

Then you know they’re beautiful young women.

I know what they look like.

I don’t know who they are.

That’s why people meet.

Except everyone will be pretending.

They’ll know I’m your son.

I’ll know they expect me to choose somebody.

Before we’ve even spoken, there’s already a wedding being imagined.

What exactly do you want?

Chance to know them without all the formalities.

Meaning, let me spend a few days around the Okafo household without being formally [music] introduced.

Doing what?

They need someone to cover a temporary driving position.

Their transport supervisor has already been looking for a replacement.

You’re suggesting [music] that my son become somebody’s chauffeur temporarily.

What sort of investigation is this?

I’m tired of being judged by my surname.

I’d like to see how people behave when [music] they don’t think I have anything have anything special to offer them.

Be careful, Adiale.

You may discover something uncomfortable about yourself, too.

Such as that observing people without their knowledge isn’t the same as [music] getting to know them honestly.

I’ll keep it brief and I won’t make [music] promises to anybody.

I’ll speak to Acha, but you will tell them who you are before things become personal.

Agreed.

Good morning.

Are you Dio, the temporary driver?

Good morning, sir.

Yes, the transport supervisor [music] told me to report this morning.

I’m Chief Okafo.

Has the transport supervisor explained what you’ll be doing?

Yes, sir.

I’ll be covering driving duties for the family temporarily.

We expect punctuality, discretion, and careful [music] driving.

The vehicles must be handled responsibly.

I understand, sir.

I’ll follow your instructions.

Daddy, is this the new driver?

Yes, his name is Dio.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mizara.

Do you have experience driving luxury vehicles?

Yes.

My last temporary driver [music] scratched the front bumper.

I hope you’re more careful.

I’ll do my best.

And when you’re driving me, please don’t start unnecessary conversations.

I prefer a quiet journey.

Understood.

Good.

Get the car ready.

I have an appointment in 20 minutes.

That’s Zara.

She’s quite direct.

Yes.

And she has plenty to learn.

And the other daughter?

They’re different people.

I can see that.

That’s something this house sometimes forgets.

Cynthia, I’m telling you, the governor’s son [music] is back in town.

Mommy says they’re arranging dinner.

Apparently, he runs an investment company.

I hope he’s [music] handsome.

I don’t want to spend the rest of my life pretending to be impressed.

Dio, do you have a [music] family?

Yes.

Wife, children?

Neither girlfriend.

[music] No.

H.

And what did you do before taking this driving job?

I worked abroad as a driver in business operations.

And now you’re driving cars for people at the moment.

Life can be unpredictable.

It certainly can.

Well, as long as you’re good at your work, there’s no problem.

Hello, Mommy.

Yes, I’m coming.

What?

Amara is helping daddy plan the family dinner.

Why?

No, Mommy.

Don’t worry.

I’ll handle it when I get home.

Good evening, Miss Amara.

A courier asked me to give you this.

Thank you.

You can call me Amara.

Is that a booking platform?

It will be when the client stops changing the requirements every [music] 2 days.

That sounds familiar.

You’ve worked in technology a little.

What kind of technology?

Mostly business systems.

Then you understand why I’m frustrated.

I understand that the person paying for something doesn’t always understand what they’re asking for.

Exactly.

Dio, I need my shopping bags.

I should go.

Of course.

Have a [music] good evening.

You too, Amara.

Dio, have you eaten?

Yes.

Not yet.

There’s food in the kitchen.

Please don’t let Zara’s shopping bags delay your dinner.

Thank you.

Hello, Dad.

I got your message.

Not yet.

I’ve only just met someone I want to know better.

Mommy, are you planning somebody’s wedding?

[music] I’m looking at ideas.

Ideas for whose wedding?

Must everything be an interrogation?

You haven’t even met Adiwali properly?

His mother and I have known each other for years.

[music] He’s educated, successful, from an excellent family.

That doesn’t mean we’ll get along.

You’ll have time to find out.

What if he doesn’t like me?

Why wouldn’t he?

Mommy, you don’t know what kind of woman he’s interested in.

Zara, you underestimate yourself.

Good morning, Amara.

Help me.

Mommy has already started planning my wedding to a man I’ve never met.

Then I hope you’ve approved the groom.

It’s an introduction, Amara.

Nobody is being forced into anything.

Good.

That’s how it should be.

Your father has invited you to join us.

So there won’t be any reason for you to feel excluded.

I didn’t ask him to do that.

I’m simply informing you.

Thank you, Mommy.

Mommy, you really don’t know how to talk to her sometimes.

Must I examine every word before speaking in my own house?

Dio, are you listening?

Yes, Mizara.

Good.

[music] After the salon, we’ll stop at the boutique, then the florist.

All right.

And please keep your phone away when you’re driving.

Of course.

That’s an interesting watch.

Thank you.

Is it yours?

Yes.

Hm.

It looks expensive.

It was a gift from a former employer.

Someone close to me.

Well, you’re fortunate.

Most people don’t receive gifts like that.

I suppose so.

You know, there’s nothing wrong with starting over, but you should have a plan.

You don’t want to drive somebody else’s car for the rest of your life.

I’m very [music] practical.

I’ve noticed Dio, you’re back.

Yes.

You look exhausted.

It’s been a long afternoon.

Have you had lunch?

Not yet.

I was about to Dio, why are these bags still here?

I just brought them inside.

I asked you to take them to take them to my dressing room.

Zara, he’s only just returned.

Amara, please.

He’s doing his job.

He’s also a human being.

He hasn’t eaten since morning.

Nobody is stopping him from eating.

Then allow him to finish before giving him another task.

Did you complain to her?

No, Mizara.

He didn’t complain.

I asked him.

You seem very interested in what he’s doing.

I’m interested in people being treated decently.

It’s not that serious.

Then there’s no reason to turn it into an argument.

Fine.

Dio, leave the bags.

You can take them upstairs later.

You didn’t have to do that.

Do what?

Defend me.

I didn’t defend you.

I disagreed with my sister.

Thank you anyway.

You’re welcome.

Now go and eat before somebody invents another errand.

I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier.

What are you apologizing for?

Creating a disagreement between you and your sister.

Trust me, Zara and I were having disagreements long before you arrived.

You seem close.

We used to be.

What happened?

Life happened.

People started treating us differently.

[music] And and after a while, we started treating each other differently, too.

That sounds difficult.

It can be, but I don’t hate her.

I didn’t think you did.

You don’t know me well enough to be so sure.

Then perhaps I should get to know you better.

You’re quite confident for somebody who keeps saying he’s just a driver.

I never said I was just anything.

Fair point.

[laughter] Mommy, I think you need to speak to Amara.

Look at what I found.

They were together in the garden.

Is that the new driver?

Yes.

What are they doing together?

They’ve been spending quite a lot of time talking.

Have you asked her about it?

She says they’re friends.

I hope she isn’t allowing herself to become too attached.

That’s what I’m worried about.

I’ll speak to her.

Zara.

Yes, mommy.

Don’t mention this to your father yet.

Why?

Because I [music] intend to handle it quietly.

Good morning, Amara.

Morning, Dio.

A package arrived for you.

Thank you.

Put it on the table, please.

Still working on the booking platform.

Unfortunately, what’s the problem now?

The client wants to remove the accessibility testing phase because the project is behind [music] schedule.

That’s a bad idea.

You sound very certain.

A product that excludes part of its audience is an incomplete product.

That’s exactly what I’ve been telling them.

Then ask them what an inaccessible service will cost them in complaints, failed transactions, and redesigns.

You’re suggesting I turn accessibility into a business risk they can measure.

Precisely.

You know a surprising amount about product strategy.

I’ve worked with people who build digital products.

What happened to your old job?

I needed a change.

That sounds like a polite way of avoiding the question.

It probably is.

At least you’re admitting it.

Can I ask you something personal?

You can ask.

I may not answer.

Have you always wanted to work in technology?

Not always.

I wanted to be an architect when I was younger.

What changed?

I discovered how much everyday life depends on good design.

Buildings, websites, transport, hospitals.

Some things are difficult simply because nobody considered everybody who might need to use them.

So, you decided to change that.

I decided to try.

I admire that.

Thank you.

[laughter] Somebody looks [music] happy.

Auntie Vissy, please.

I didn’t say anything.

[laughter] Your face is saying plenty.

Is it that young man?

We were talking about work.

Does he know your work?

Surprisingly well.

H.

What?

Nothing.

He [music] seems thoughtful.

He is.

Just promise me something.

What?

Don’t confuse somebody’s [music] kindness with a promise of love.

Auntie, we’re not dating.

I know.

But you’ve spent a long time hoping people would choose you.

Don’t let that make you accept [music] less honesty than you deserve.

I really do not think that [music] Dio is trying to deceive me.

Well, if that is true, then you have nothing to worry about.

Can’t it wait until next week?

I would strongly advise against delay.

We need to review these results as soon as possible.

Please come into [music] the clinic tomorrow morning.

The symptoms you’ve described need further assessment.

I have several meetings tomorrow.

Your health needs to take priority.

All right.

I’ll have my secretary arrange it.

Daddy, princess, come in.

Are you busy?

Never too busy for you.

You look exhausted.

Too many meetings.

Have you been sleeping properly?

Yes, Dr.

Amara.

I’m serious.

I know.

I’ll take things easier.

How’s your project?

Better.

I think I’ve finally found a way to convince the client to keep the accessibility testing good.

Don’t compromise the quality of your work simply because somebody wants it cheaper.

Daddy, I know the arrangement was supposed to end this week.

I haven’t told them yet.

Adoale, this was never supposed to become a complicated deception.

I know.

Have you developed feelings for one of the girls?

Yes, Zara.

No, it’s Amara.

Amara.

Yes, Daddy.

I thought [music] if there was to be anyone, it would be Zara.

You were hoping it would be Zara.

She seems better prepared for the kind of life our family cares.

And Amara does not.

Some choices come with demands that affection alone cannot remove.

You mean her wheelchair.

I did not say that.

You did not have to.

I am thinking of your future, son.

Of what you may be expected to carry.

Amara is not a burden to carry.

She is the woman [music] I have come to care for.

You barely know her.

I know enough to want to know her honestly and I will not walk away because you imagine someone else beside me.

Does Emoka know how you feel?

Not yet.

Then what I have said stays between us.

Mecha is my friend.

I will not [music] insult his daughter and destroy a friendship that has lasted decades.

You would rather hide your objection from him.

I would rather not want him, but I have not changed my mind.

You do not have to agree with my choice, Daddy.

You do have to respect it.

First, tell Amara who you really are.

You have already allowed this deception to run too long.

I am afraid she will stop speaking to me.

That is a consequence you will have to accept.

Is everything all right?

Yes, just a family matter.

You look worried.

There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.

I just need to find the right way to to say it.

You know, you can speak to me.

I know.

That’s what makes it difficult.

Beautiful.

This is exactly what I wanted.

Mommy, it’s only dinner.

Dinner with the governor and his wife.

You make it sound like a job interview.

First impressions are important.

Good evening.

Wow, Amara, you look lovely.

Thank you.

So do you.

I was thinking you might prefer to sit on the terrace this evening.

[music] It’s quieter there.

Why would I sit outside?

We have a number of guests coming.

I thought you’d be more comfortable.

This dining room is accessible, Mommy.

I helped choose the furniture layout.

What’s going on?

Mommy suggested I eat on the terrace.

Why?

I was making a suggestion.

Both our daughters will join us for dinner.

EMA, they our [music] guests, we’re not auditioning our children.

Thank you, Daddy.

Princess, you don’t have to thank me for having a seat at your own family’s table.

Daddy, are you okay?

Just tired.

Have you seen your doctor?

I’m arranging it.

Please don’t postpone it again.

I won’t.

EMCA, you’ve built a beautiful home.

Thank you, my [music] friend.

And your daughters have grown into remarkable young women.

Thank you.

Zara is doing wonderful things with [music] her foundation.

We’re developing a mentorship program for young female entrepreneurs.

That’s excellent.

Are you partnering with schools?

Yes, ma.

We’re starting with three secondary schools in Lagos.

Very good.

Amara, your father mentioned you’re a product [music] designer.

Yes, ma.

I work mainly on digital platforms [music] and accessibility.

That’s interesting.

What are you working on currently?

A public service booking platform.

The goal is to make essential appointments easier to arrange for people with different access needs.

That’s important work.

Too many public services are difficult to use.

Thank you, ma.

You’ve done well raising these girls.

Acca, they’re making their own way.

Mommy was just telling us that Adewale would be here tonight.

Ah, that boy, he has a business engagement.

I’m afraid he won’t join us yet.

That’s a shame.

You’ll meet him soon enough.

My dear friends, dinner is ready.

[music] Shall we move to the dining room and continue this lovely evening around the table?

Adiale, son, you managed to make it after all.

How was the business meeting?

Come and greet Chief Emoka properly.

Son Dio, your son.

The same Dio who has been driving me everywhere all this time.

Yes, I am Adiale Danjuma.

I called myself Dio when I took the job here.

I should have told you.

You let me trust you, Dio.

I told you things I have never told anybody.

And you knew I believed you.

Our driver, Governor, your son has been living among us under another name.

How could all of you allow this to happen?

I can’t still believe the governor’s son was driving us around, carrying our bags, and taking instructions from me all this time.

Tund I welcomed this young man into my home as a driver.

Did you know he was here under a false name?

I spoke without thinking.

Chukua, I knew he was working here, [music] but I did not understand how deeply he had deceived you.

Adiale, you told me you were taking time to think about your future.

You never said you had become their driver.

I owe everyone an explanation, but Amara has every right to feel betrayed.

Please excuse me.

I need to apologize to her.

Tundday, I think dinner must wait.

My family needs time to understand what has happened tonight.

I hope you will understand.

Amara, I know I have no right to ask you to listen, but please let me explain why I hid my name.

You did not only hide your name, Dio.

You stood beside me every day while I told you things I tell nobody.

I took the job because I wanted life outside my my father’s shadow.

But what happened between us was never something I planned.

Then why did you not tell me when we became close?

You gave me a choice about everything except the truth.

You are right.

I should have told you.

I should have told you.

I was afraid of losing the only person who saw me without a title.

And now you have lost my trust.

Please do not follow me any further tonight.

I need time to understand what happened.

Adewale, I want you to answer clearly.

After everything that happened at Amecha’s house, which daughter do you intend to marry?

Amara, mom, I have already told dad and tonight has not changed my mind.

She is the woman I hope to marry.

My son, marriage is a lifetime commitment.

Have you really considered the responsibilities that may come with her disability?

You mean her wheelchair?

I have considered Amara herself, her kindness, her courage, and the dignity she shows people every day.

We always thought Zara would be a suitable match.

She has ambition, confidence, and the social presence your position will demand.

I worked in that house as a driver.

Dad, Zara judged me by my uniform before she knew anything about my character.

She spoke to me as though my work made me less worthy of respect.

That is not the partner I want beside me.

People sometimes behave differently when they do not know who someone is.

Perhaps Zara would have treated you [music] better as Adiwali.

That is exactly why I cannot choose her.

If she values me only after hearing my surname, what happens when status disappears?

Amara never needed to know whose son I was.

She listened, [music] challenged me, and respected me when she thought I had nothing.

And what about her feelings now?

You humiliated her tonight.

She may never forgive you for deceiving someone who trusted you.

She has every right to be angry.

I will apologize without excuses and give her time.

But I will not choose Zara.

Every marriage faces challenges.

Mom Amara’s wheelchair does not define her worth.

And I will never demand that she prove it.

My first responsibility is earning her trust again.

Whether she accepts me is Amara’s decision, not yours, and certainly not mine.

I am not asking you to approve tonight.

I am asking you to stop seeing Amara as a problem I must avoid.

Amara, before Zara and I leave tonight, we need to discuss what happened when Adiale’s real identity came out.

You seem more embarrassed that he paid attention to me than that he lied to everyone about who he was.

I showed mommy the garden photograph because I was concerned.

I never imagined our driver Dio was actually Adiwali Danjuma.

You photographed me without asking.

Zara, now you’re treating my private feelings like a scandal.

The whole family must discuss.

Your sister is right to worry.

Adiwali deceived us.

And the governor’s position makes this situation far more complicated.

I have not forgiven him, Mommy.

I told him I need time and I haven’t promised him a relationship.

The governor has spoken warmly about Zara for years.

Surely you understand.

Surely you understand why his son choosing you has unsettled everyone.

So the real problem is not that Adiwali lied.

It’s that he might choose me instead of the daughter you prefer.

What exactly is unsettling?

Our daughter has already been hurt by Adi’s deception.

Why must we hurt her again?

I am trying to protect Amara from another heartbreak.

Chukua, [music] surely a mother is allowed to question what she sees.

Then speak to her respectfully.

She is an adult, not a family problem we [music] can solve by choosing her feelings for her.

Daddy, I can speak for myself.

Mommy, my happiness matters just as much as Zara’s, even when you disagree with me.

Mommy, the trustees dinner is starting soon.

If we don’t leave now, we’ll arrive late and embarrass [music] the foundation.

We will finish this discussion another day.

Amara, I expect [music] you to think carefully about what has happened here.

I’m sorry, [music] princess.

I thought our family dinner might bring peace, not another reason for you to feel unwanted.

You defend me when she is here, Daddy.

But afterward, everything returns to normal.

Sometimes I need more than apologies.

You are right.

I spent too many years trying to keep everyone peaceful instead of insisting you be treated fairly.

[music] I know you love me, Daddy.

I just wish loving me did not always mean arguing with someone else in this house.

You should never fight for respect here.

And you should never have to forgive Adiale before you are truly ready.

He made me feel seen.

Then I discovered he hid his entire life.

I cannot tell which memories to trust anymore.

Take whatever time you need, princess.

Whoever you choose, I will support you.

That is a promise I intend to keep.

There is something else I should have told you.

I have not been feeling entirely well these last few days.

Daddy, what do you mean?

You told us it was only stress.

Have you been hiding medical appointments from me?

I plan to see the specialist tomorrow, my dear.

I feel quite exhausted.

Let me just rest for a moment.

Daddy, please look at me.

What is happening?

Can you hear me?

Somebody help us.

My father has collapsed.

My father has collapsed with chest pain.

We’re at the Okafur residence.

We’re at the Okafur residence in Ecoi Lagos.

Please send an ambulance immediately.

Mr.

Amara, I heard you calling.

What happened to Chief?

Please tell me what I can do to help him.

He held his chest and fell while we were talking.

Please open the gates now, BC.

The ambulance is coming.

Please call mommy and Zara, too.

They are at the trustees dinner.

Tell them to meet us directly at the hospital.

Daddy, please stay with me.

You promised you would be here for me.

Please don’t leave before help comes.

Daddy.

[gasps] Daddy, please open your eyes.

Miss, please move back.

We need to attend to him.

He was speaking to me just a few minutes ago.

He was fine.

Does your father have any history of heart disease?

He has high blood pressure.

He’s been taking medication, but he never told me anything was serious.

We’re going to [music] assess him immediately.

Please wait outside.

Doctor, please.

He’s my father.

I understand.

[music] We’re doing everything we can.

[snorts] Daddy, please don’t leave me.

Amara, where’s your father?

They’ve taken him inside.

What happened?

He suddenly grabbed his chest.

Then he collapsed.

Were you arguing with him?

Mommy, I’m asking what happened before he collapsed.

We were talking about something that happened at home.

What exactly were you discussing?

Mommy, can we find out how daddy is first?

I’m trying to understand what happened to my husband.

You weren’t there.

Mommy, please stop questioning me like I’ve done something wrong.

Mrs.

Okafo.

Yes.

How is my husband?

Husband has suffered a serious cardiac event.

His condition is critical.

We’re providing emergency treatment.

Is he going to survive?

We’re doing everything necessary to give him the best [music] possible chance.

He can’t die.

He’s the only person in that house who’s never made me feel unwanted.

Amara, I’m here.

What have the doctors said?

I came over as soon as I heard about Chief.

They’re treating him, Chica.

He never told me things were getting serious.

I keep wondering what signs I should have noticed.

Your father’s medical condition is not your fault.

You called for help immediately and you did everything you could.

I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to him.

He has always been the one person who understood [music] me.

Amara, I heard about your father.

Are you at the hospital?

Yes, Dio.

I’m coming.

Iriti, my wife and I came as soon as we heard about Chukua.

We are terribly sorry your family is suffering.

Thank you for coming.

We are waiting for another update and nobody can tell us what happens next.

[music] How is he now?

Has the doctor said whether he is stable enough for any of you to see him?

Not yet.

Ma, your father and I spoke yesterday, Amara.

He admitted he was feeling unwell.

Though I never imagined this could happen.

He told you he was ill.

He kept telling me he was fine and now we are waiting outside emergency doors.

He did not want to worry his family.

I regret not urging him more strongly to share the truth with you.

Amara, I came as soon as I heard about Chief.

I am not here to ask anything of you tonight.

Thank you for coming.

I still need time after what happened at dinner, but my father needs every prayer tonight.

I understand.

I will stay out of your way.

If there is anything practical your family needs, please tell me.

Whatever differences we have, tonight must be about Chuku Mecha.

The rest can wait until we know that he is safe.

Mrs.

Okafo, we are still working to stabilize your husband.

I need to speak with your family about his condition.

Doctor, please tell us the truth.

Is he responding to treatment or should we be preparing ourselves for something worse?

His condition remains critical.

We are moving him to intensive cardiac care so we can monitor his response very closely overnight.

Please do everything you can for him, doctor.

Our family needs him [music] and I cannot bear the thought of losing him tonight.

Amara, please, can we talk?

Which name should I call you?

Adiale, not Dio.

Dio is my middle name.

How convenient.

I know you’re upset.

Upset?

You came into my father’s house pretending to be someone else.

You listen to me talk about my work, my family, and things I don’t normally share with people.

And now I find out you’re the man everybody has been discussing for marriage.

I didn’t know you and I would become close.

That’s supposed to make it better.

No.

Why did you do it?

My father wanted me to meet your family.

Meet your family.

I was tired of people treating me differently because of who he is.

So, you decided to find out how people would treat you if they thought you weren’t wealthy.

Yes.

And what was I supposed to be?

The good one who passed your test.

You should have told me.

I know.

You could have come to me as Adiwali Danjuma.

We could have talked about work, laughed at the same jokes, and you [music] might have discovered exactly the same things.

You’re right.

Then why didn’t you trust me with the truth?

Because I was afraid everything would change.

It has changed.

Amara, the conversations were real.

[music] My interest in your work was real.

And the way I feel about you.

Please don’t finish that sentence [music] tonight.

My father is fighting for his life.

I don’t have the strength to deal with another disappointment.

I’m sorry, Adiwali.

[music] Hello, Zara.

I don’t even know what to say.

You don’t have to say anything.

I thought you were our driver.

I know.

And I wasn’t [music] exactly pleasant to you.

You were very clear about your expectations.

I suppose I deserve that.

Why didn’t you tell me who you were?

The arrangement was meant to be brief.

I should have ended it sooner.

So, what happens now?

First, we wait for news about your father.

And afterwards, afterwards, I need to apologize to your sister properly.

You like Amara?

[music] Yes.

I see.

My dear, I owe you an apology.

Sir, I knew about Adiwali’s arrangement.

I should never have agreed to it.

Did my father know?

No, we kept it from him.

So, Daddy truly had no idea.

He only learned Adiale’s identity at the dinner.

I should have told your father the truth before bringing my son into his home.

And all that time, you knew I was speaking to someone who wasn’t being honest about his identity.

Yes, and I should have stopped it.

And nobody told me.

I am sorry, Amara.

Everybody keeps making decisions about my life because they think they’re protecting me.

You’re entitled to be angry.

I don’t want to be angry anymore.

I just want my father to recover.

Mrs.

Okafo, may I have a word?

We’ve completed the emergency procedure.

[music] We were able to treat a significant blockage.

Your husband is stable at the moment.

Thank God.

Can we see him?

He’s being closely monitored.

You’ll be allowed a brief visit once he’s sufficiently settled.

He’s going to be okay.

The response to treatment is encouraging, but recovery will take time.

He will need medication, follow-up care, and changes to his routine.

You haven’t said much since we got the news.

The governor knew about Dio.

What do you mean?

He knew Adiwali was pretending to be a driver while daddy had no idea.

Did he explain why?

He said he had agreed to let his son do it.

That is disappointing.

I can understand wanting to know [music] whether people like you for who you are.

But the governor allowed his [music] son to study me without my knowledge.

Then tell the governor how you feel when things settle [music] down.

I will.

What about Adiale?

I don’t know.

You liked him.

I liked the man who sat in the garden discussing my work.

I don’t know whether I can trust the man standing [music] in that corridor tonight.

You don’t have to decide tonight.

For once, I want the people who love me to stop making choices on my behalf.

Zara, are you ready?

[music] We need to return to the hospital in a minute, Mommy.

What’s wrong?

I keep thinking about yesterday.

Your father is recovering.

That’s what’s important.

I’m talking about Adiwali.

Ah, yes.

That was certainly a surprise.

I called him a driver.

I made comments about his career.

I treated him like somebody whose opinion didn’t matter.

You didn’t know who he was.

Mommy, that’s exactly the problem.

I behaved badly because I thought he wasn’t important.

You’re being too hard on yourself.

Am I?

Everybody [music] makes assumptions.

Amara didn’t.

Your sister is naturally friendly with people.

No, Mommy.

She treated him with respect.

I treated him according to what I thought he could do for me.

Nothing has been formally decided.

Perhaps Adiale just needs more time.

Time to do what?

Change his mind.

You and he were the match I had imagined.

But he is a person, mommy, not a place at a wedding table.

I only want what is best for you.

Then listen to what I am saying.

He is interested in Amara.

Perhaps he only feels responsible for upsetting her.

Why does everything involving Amara have to be explained away?

I don’t understand what you mean.

If a man wants me, you call it admiration.

If a man wants Amara, you call it sympathy.

We don’t have time for this now, Mommy.

Maybe that’s part of why things have become so difficult between us.

Can I sit here?

Of course.

How are you?

Tired, worried, relieved that daddy is recovering everything at once.

I understand.

[music] Adiale told me he likes you.

Zara, I don’t want to discuss him.

I’m not here to argue.

[music] I just wanted to say I’m sorry about the way I’ve behaved.

Good.

I just wanted to apologize.

Which part?

The photograph?

My comments about Dio?

The way I kept acting as though you were making some terrible mistake by getting close to him.

You did make me feel foolish.

I know.

And for a while, I started wondering whether you were right.

I wasn’t.

I think I’ve become so used to being mommy’s favorite that I started believing everything good was supposed to come to me first.

Zara, please let me finish.

When we were younger, I never understood why mommy treated us differently.

[music] Later, I noticed, but I didn’t challenge her because I enjoyed the attention.

You were a child.

I’m not a child anymore.

You never treated me like an enemy.

I don’t know why I kept behaving as though we were competing.

I never hated you for being loved, Zara.

I know.

I just wanted there to be enough love for both of us.

I’m sorry.

Amara, can I speak to you [music] about daddy?

About Adiwali?

Mommy, please.

I’m exhausted.

I won’t take long.

All right.

Your father and the governor talked about introducing Adiwali to our family some time ago.

I assumed Zara would be the one.

You assumed?

[music] Zara was more openly interested in marriage.

That is how I understood [music] things.

Daddy said nothing had been decided.

Your father refused to make promises for either of you.

What do you want from me, Mommy?

I simply don’t want this to create another problem between you and your sister.

I haven’t asked Adiwali to choose me.

But you’re clearly interested in him.

I was interested in getting to know someone who made me feel comfortable.

Then I found out he wasn’t being honest with me.

Perhaps it’s better [music] to leave things there.

Why?

Because Zara has been preparing for this introduction.

Mommy, a person is not a gift you can reserve for one child.

I’m thinking about both of you.

You’ve always said that.

Can I ask you something?

Yes.

Have you ever told anyone I wasn’t interested in marriage without asking me first?

Mommy.

The Danjumas asked about both daughters when the introduction was first discussed.

Both of us?

Yes.

What did you tell them?

I told them Zara was more interested in settling [music] down while you were concentrating on your career.

You told them what you wanted, not what I wanted.

I didn’t think you’d be interested in [music] that kind of arrangement.

You didn’t ask me.

Amara, how many times have you spoken for me without giving me a chance to speak for myself?

There she is, my princess.

Good morning, Daddy.

Good morning, my darling.

You look tired.

I’ve been worried about you.

I’m sorry for frightening everybody.

You should be.

The doctor says you ignored symptoms for weeks.

He didn’t have to tell you everything.

Daddy, this isn’t funny.

I know.

You promised me you would take care of yourself.

I’ll do better.

You need to.

We still have a lot of things to do together.

Like what?

You promised to come to the launch of my design consultancy.

And I will be there as a guest, not as the man paying for everything.

You know, I enjoy investing in good businesses.

I know, but I want to build this one myself.

Fair enough.

Daddy, did you know the Danjumas had asked about both Zara and me?

I knew our families had discussed an introduction.

I did not know Dio was Adwale until that dinner.

Then why did mommy answer for me?

I wrongly assumed your mother had discussed it with you.

I should have asked you myself.

You watched everyone treat Zara as the only possible choice.

And nobody thought to ask what I wanted.

I was wrong to leave that conversation to others.

I should have insisted that your voice mattered.

[music] And Dio’s identity.

You really did not know.

No, princess.

His father knew.

But but I was as surprised as you were when he called Dio his son.

He should have told me and you should have let me make my own decisions.

You are [music] right, Daddy.

You’ve protected me my whole life.

But sometimes you protect me so much that I don’t get to make my own mistakes.

I’ve spent years worrying about what people might do to you.

And while you were worrying, I grew up.

Yes, you did.

I’m sorry, Amara.

I won’t make that decision for you again.

Mommy.

Yes.

Can we talk?

Of course.

I want to ask you something and I need you to answer without changing the subject.

[music] All right.

Why have you always treated Zara differently?

Amara, I love both my daughters.

I know that’s what you say, but it’s not how you’ve behaved.

When you girls were growing up, I worried constantly about what your future would look like.

Because I use a wheelchair.

Because everybody had an opinion about what you would or wouldn’t be able to do.

I let those opinions frighten me.

And you never thought about how they would make me feel.

I thought I was being realistic.

Mommy, you weren’t being realistic.

You were accepting other people’s limitations as though they belonged to me.

[music] I went to university.

I built my career.

I started earning my own money.

I have friends, dreams, and plans.

Yet every time I achieve something, you find a reason to act as though it’s surprising.

I know [music] I’ve hurt you.

You told another family I wasn’t interested in marriage.

All I ever wanted was for you to be proud of me.

I am proud of you.

I needed to hear that years ago.

You’re right.

I made you feel like somebody I needed to protect.

I needed to protect from life instead of a daughter whose life I I should have celebrated.

I don’t have an excuse for that.

I don’t know how to forget everything that’s happened.

I’m not asking [music] you to.

And I’m not ready to pretend things are normal between us.

I understand, [music] Amara.

I’m sorry.

How is Chief Amecha improving?

They expect to discharge him [music] soon.

Thank God.

I have known that man for most of my adult life.

And Amara, has she forgiven your deception?

No, I apologized, but I cannot demand her forgiveness.

At least you understand that much.

I understand [music] something else.

I love her.

You know, I hoped things would develop with Zara.

And you know, I have never felt that way about Zara.

Marriage is longer than attraction.

There will be responsibilities you have not considered.

Amara has a career, a mind of her own, and a life she is building.

Why do you speak as a though I will be taking on a patient?

I am trying to save you from difficulties you do not yet understand.

You are imagining her wheelchair as the whole of our marriage.

I will not treat her like a compromise.

And have either of you asked Amara what she wants?

She is still deciding whether she can trust me.

I respect that.

We are discussing our son’s life.

And you are overlooking the life of the woman he loves.

This argument stays in this house.

EMCA has suffered enough.

I will not risk our friendship by making him feel that I despise his daughter.

Then stop looking down on her.

Keeping it secret will not make it right.

I have not agreed to this [music] marriage.

I have not proposed to her.

But if she ever chooses me, I will not abandon her to satisfy you.

[music] Misara, your tea.

Thank you, Auntie.

Is everything all right?

Not really.

Would you like to talk about it?

[music] I did something I’m ashamed of.

When I showed mommy that picture, I said I [music] was trying to protect Amara.

And you weren’t.

I was jealous of what?

The way Dio looked at her.

The way they talked.

Amara seemed happy and I couldn’t stand that.

Somebody was giving her attention without looking at me first.

Have you told your sister?

Not everything.

Then perhaps you should.

I don’t know whether she’ll forgive me.

You can’t decide that for her.

You can only decide whether to tell the truth.

I didn’t take that photograph because I was worried about you.

I took it because I was jealous.

Jealous?

Zara, we were born minutes apart.

We never [music] had to compete for love or attention in this family.

Mommy made me believe I was the daughter everyone should admire.

I was frightened when someone finally chose you.

I’m sorry, Amara.

I won’t ask you to forget [music] it.

I’ll start learning how to be your sister again.

She is exploring a specialist review abroad.

I’m worried she’ll think we only support her if she walks.

You haven’t changed yeti.

You’ve only admitted something needs to change.

I know.

And I’m afraid she may never trust me again.

Then support her decisions, not an outcome.

Don’t turn her body into another family project.

Let her choose.

An adiwale.

The governor barely looked at her during dinner.

Do you think his family will ever accept her?

That’s their mistake.

To correct.

I entered your home hiding my name.

I told myself it was protection, but it was a betrayal of your trust.

You decided what I deserve to know.

That is exactly what my family has always done.

[music] And it hurt.

I can’t undo it.

But I can tell you the truth now.

Even the parts that might cost me you.

Then tell me something difficult.

Does your father want you to marry Zara instead of the daughter in a wheelchair?

He once imagined Zara.

He believes your wheelchair complicates our future.

I told him he’s wrong and I will keep saying it.

I will never audition for your father’s approval.

Adiale, I don’t need saving and I won’t apologize for who I am.

I didn’t fall for a future version of you.

I fell for the woman who challenged me and made me laugh.

If we try again, I need honesty.

No family negotiations behind my back.

Noble lies and no disguises.

Then start with one dinner.

Just us.

No family announcement and no secrets.

One dinner.

That’s all I’m promising.

You’re smiling.

Don’t tell me Adiwali came to see you and you finally agreed to give him a chance.

One dinner, Zara, and if you turn this into another competition, I will send you the bill for it.

I’m happy for you, and I want you as our foundation’s [music] digital consultant on your own terms and professional fee.

Mommy invited us to breakfast.

You don’t have to answer tonight.

You can always say no if you don’t wish to go.

I’m not saying no.

I’m saying I want to decide without anyone making me feel guilty for needing time.

Zara, the international accessibility company offered [music] me the regional design lead role.

The first assignment is in Boston.

Boston.

Amara, that’s incredible.

You’ve worked for this for years, even when everybody treated your career like a hobby.

[laughter] I also sent my scans to a specialist there.

I’m not chasing a miracle.

I want answers and my own future and my own future.

Our team reviewed your imaging.

There may be a treatable compression, [music] but we cannot promise you will walk again.

Are you recommending surgery, doctor?

I need to understand [music] the risks before anyone starts talking about getting me on my feet.

Not yet.

First, come to Boston for a full assessment.

You will decide what happens afterward, if anything.

Hopeful, frightened, both.

But I’m choosing this assessment for myself.

It’s about taking ownership of my journey and moving my own terms.

I love the woman here with me.

The assessment changes none of that.

I will support whatever decision you make.

The hospital confirmed next month’s appointment.

My company approved the revised start date.

So everything is real.

Before Boston, there’s something I need to ask you.

Not because our parents arranged it and not to [music] fix anything.

I want to know if you see a future for us.

I started with a lie.

You made me earn your trust again.

I’d like to keep earning it for the rest of our lives.

Will you marry me, Amara, as you are with your ambitions, your wheelchair, your stubborn opinions, and every dream that’s yours?

Then yes.

But I keep my career, my choices, and the right to tell you when you’re being absolutely ridiculous.

So, you’re engaged and she’s traveling for treatment.

You have no idea what that future will demand of you.

The assessment is Amara’s choice.

Treatment might help or might not.

Neither outcome is a condition of my marriage.

You preferred Zara because she looked easier to explain to your friends.

Our son chose Amara because he knows her.

I thought I was protecting him.

Instead, I was judging a woman who did nothing to deserve my doubts.

I admit that I was completely wrong.

And I am truly sorry for everything.

[music] Don’t simply hide those doubts from Acha.

Show Amara respect through your actions whether she ever takes another step or not.

You have my blessing, both of you.

I will welcome Amara properly, and I’ll prove I meant it at the wedding.