Femi's provision for the household remained steady, with food on the table and the children's school fees paid in full. However, his generosity towards Susan had come to a grinding halt. He no longer handed over cash to her, and his requests for her opinion or advice had ceased.
As time went on, Susan's appearance began to reflect the change in her circumstances. Her hair, once a crowning glory, now looked unkempt and neglected. Her clothes, once a testament to her impeccable style, were now worn and faded.
Despite her diminished circumstances, Susan's devotion to Femi remained unwavering. She didn't crave the finer things in life; all she wanted was Femi's love and companionship. As long as he remained by her side, she was content to endure the hardships that had befallen her.
Susan's priorities were clear: Femi's happiness and well-being took precedence over everything else. She was willing to sacrifice her comforts and desires for the sake of their marriage, even if it meant living a more austere lifestyle. Her love for Femi was pure and selfless, and she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
As the days turned into weeks, Susan's appearance continued to deteriorate, and soon, the entire town was buzzing with whispers about her downtrodden state. Some people couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the once-vibrant woman, while others concluded that she was simply being careless with her appearance.
The truth, however, was far more complex. Femi's sudden withdrawal of financial support had left Susan struggling to make ends meet. She was constantly broke, and her husband's decision to stop sending money to her aged parents had only added to her woes.
Determined to take matters into her own hands, Susan made the bold decision to start her own business. She was convinced that this would not only provide her with a sense of financial independence but also enable her to send some money to her parents, who were struggling to make ends meet.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Susan set out to turn her entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.
Susan's mind was racing with the details of her business plan, but there was one major hurdle she couldn't seem to overcome: securing the necessary capital. She thought about who might be willing to lend her a helping hand, and her thoughts turned to her best friend, Anna.
With a mix of hope and trepidation, Susan visited Anna, her heart filled with anticipation. She was determined to make her business dreams a reality, and she knew that Anna's support could be the key to unlocking her future.
As she arrived at Anna's cozy home, Susan felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was confident that her friend would understand her struggles and be willing to lend a helping hand. But as she began to share her business idea and her need for capital, Susan was met with a response that would leave her reeling.
Anna's words cut deep, and Susan felt like she'd been punched in the gut. The insult was like a slap in the face, leaving her feeling stunned and humiliated. She had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed.
Anna's words were like a dagger to Susan's heart. "How can a rich man's wife be as miserable as you are?" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're always begging me for money, but my husband isn't as wealthy as yours. Where do you expect me to get 50 thousand naira from?"
Susan felt her face burning with shame as Anna continued to lecture her. "I don't have any money to lend you, Susan. Go to your husband, he's the one with the deep pockets. And what's with this business idea of yours? What kind of venture can you possibly start with just 50 thousand naira?"
Anna's tone was blunt, almost cruel, and Susan felt like she'd been slapped. "Your husband is a rich man, Susan," Anna said, her voice rising. "Tell him to set you up with a big business, not some small-time thing. And please, stop coming to me for financial help. I have my own problems to deal with."
Susan's eyes welled up with tears as she felt the sting of Anna's words. She had never felt so embarrassed, so ashamed. She quickly stood up to leave, with her dignity bruised and her heart heavy with disappointment.
As she quietly left her friend's house, Susan felt a sense of defeat wash over her. She couldn't even afford the luxury of a cab ride home, so she began the long walk, her feet carrying her through the familiar streets as her mind wandered.
Her thoughts were consumed by the painful conversation with Anna, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of embarrassment and shame. But beneath it all, a deeper question nagged at her: why had Femi stopped assisting her and her aged parents financially?
As she walked, the silence of the streets seemed to amplify her thoughts. She replayed their interactions, trying to pinpoint the moment when things had changed. Had she done something to offend him? Had he simply grown tired of supporting her and her parents?
The more she thought about it, the more Susan felt a sense of unease. She had always relied on Femi's financial support, and now that it was gone, she felt lost and uncertain. She quickened her pace, her heart heavy with worry, as she wondered what the future held for her and her parents.
As Susan walked home, her mind was consumed by thoughts of her conversation with Anna. She couldn't believe that her friend had refused to lend her money.
When she arrived home, Femi was sitting in the living room, watching TV. Susan tried to compose herself, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration.
"Femi, can we talk?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.
"What is it?" Femi replied, not looking up from the TV.
"I need some money to take care of my parents," Susan said, trying to explain her situation.
Femi sighed and turned off the TV. "I don't have any money to give you, Susan. You know I'm not made of money."
Susan felt a surge of anger. "You're worth over 30 million, Femi. You can't tell me you don't have any money."
Femi shrugged. "That's my business, Susan. You don't need to know about my finances."
Susan felt like she was being strangled. She couldn't believe that Femi was being so cruel and heartless.
"Fine," she said, turning to walk away. "I'll find a way to take care of my parents myself."
Femi didn't even bother to respond. He just turned the TV back on and continued watching.
Susan went to her room, feeling defeated and alone. But as she sat on her bed, she felt a spark of determination ignite within her. She would not be defeated. She would rise above this, and find a way to support herself and her parents.
She picked up her phone and started searching for job openings. She was a graduate, after all, with a degree in business administration. She had skills, talents, and a fierce determination to succeed. She would find a job, make her way in the world, and prove to Femi and everyone else that she was more than just a liability.