A tall, well-dressed man smiled at her through the window. Excuse me, he said. Can I give you a ride? No, thank you, Faith answered quickly. I’m fine. But he didn’t go. He drove slowly beside her, talking and trying to make her smile. By the time she reached home, he was still behind her. “Please go,” she murmured.

“If my stepmother sees you, I’ll get in trouble.” Just then, her stepmother appeared. In trouble for what? she asked, staring at the car. Faith froze. I don’t know him, Ma. The man introduced himself as Daniel and said he only wanted to get to know Faith. But her stepmother’s eyes gleamed with greed. She instantly invited him inside, pretending to be gracious.

She’s already engaged, the woman lied smoothly. But I have two beautiful daughters, Precious and Anita. You’ll like them. Faith stood stunned as her stepmother called the girls out. They appeared in fancy outfits, smiling sweetly. Daniel smiled politely, said goodbye, and left. But Anita was sent to walk him out. That was how it started. Anita and Daniel began dating.

They went to restaurants, hotels, and upscale places while Faith stayed behind scrubbing the floors. Soon the stepmother and her daughters grew afraid Daniel would find out Faith had never been engaged. So they planned to push her out. One evening, Precious brought home a man named Eddie, a security guard who had once admired her.

Her stepmother smiled wickedly and said, “Precious is taken, but I have another daughter, Faith. She’s perfect for you.” Faith’s heart sank. Before she could speak, her stepmother forced her to meet Eddie. He was poor, gentle-looking, and clearly nervous. They went to a small roadside restaurant. Eddie admitted he didn’t have much money, and Faith just smiled. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’m used to managing.”

The next week, her stepmother arranged her marriage to him with no bride price. “Eddie,” her stepmother said. “I’ve been observing you. You seem responsible. My daughter Faith is calm, respectful, and homely. I think you two would be a perfect match.” Faith’s heart dropped. Ma, she said softly. I don’t even know him. Will you shut up? her stepmother snapped.

Do you want to rot in my house? A man is here asking for you, and you’re complaining. Eddie scratched his head, unsure. Madam, I really like your daughter, but I don’t have much money. I’ll need time to gather enough for her bride price. Her stepmother laughed and waved him off.

Bride price? That’s not important right now. Just bring your people and show interest. Pay when you have money. I trust you. Eddie stared. Ah, madam, are you sure? That’s not the usual way. She smiled sweetly, hiding her plans. Don’t worry, my son. I just want Faith to have a husband. Money can wait.

Faith’s eyes filled with tears. She wanted to scream, beg, and run, but she had nowhere to go. And so, within a week, her stepmother forced her into marrying a man she barely knew—a poor security guard everyone mocked. Faith was sent off with a small bag of clothes. When they reached his place, she was stunned. It wasn’t really a home.

It was a security quarters in a large mansion. “This is where I live,” Eddie said shyly. “I’m the assistant chief security officer here.” She looked around quietly. The place was cramped, barely enough room for a bed and a small stove in the corner. Yet she smiled softly. “It’s small, but it’s ours.”

He nodded and sighed, rubbing his neck. “Faith, I’m really sorry. Things are tough. I haven’t been paid yet this month.” He pulled out a few wrinkled notes—just 1,000 naira—and handed them to her slowly. “This is all I have. Please manage it for food.” Faith took the money gently and smiled. It’s fine. I will manage.

The way she said it—so calm and sincere—tightened his chest. She didn’t complain or frown. She simply tucked the money into her wrapper and went to the market. That evening, when he returned, the room smelled of stew and warmth. Somehow she had cooked a simple meal with that little money. As they ate, Eddie kept watching her quietly.

After a while, he asked softly, “Faith, why did you marry me when I have nothing?” She smiled up at him. “Because I believe in you. In how you speak, how you treat people. I can tell you’re a good man. I know you’ll make it one day. And if you don’t, I’m already happy with you.” He stared at her, speechless. No one had ever made him feel so valued.

Every day afterward, Faith amazed him. She cooked, cleaned, prayed, and laughed with the same gentle heart. Whenever he gave her anything, no matter how little, she smiled and repeated the words that cut through him every time: “I will manage.” He would just look at her, stunned, and whisper, “What kind of woman are you, Faith?”

Then one morning, she met the mansion’s owner and froze. It was Daniel—with Anita beside him. Daniel’s eyes widened. “Faith?” “Yes, sir,” she replied quietly. Eddie quickly added, “She’s my wife, sir.” Daniel smiled thinly. “Your wife? Interesting.” From then on, things became tense.

Anita insulted Faith any chance she got. “See your life?” she sneered. “Married to a gate man. How romantic.” One morning, she told Faith to cook breakfast for her and Daniel. Daniel refused. She’s not a maid, he said. I hired Eddie, not her. But Faith smiled. It’s fine, sir. I don’t mind.

Later that week, Faith was in the kitchen when Daniel walked in. His voice was soft, his eyes full of intent. “Faith, I can change your life,” he whispered. “You don’t belong here. Leave that man and be with me.” Faith turned sharply. “Sir, please stop.” He stepped closer. “You think I’m joking? I can make you rich.” Please, she said firmly. “Don’t do this again.” She ran out, shaken.

When she told Eddie, he only sighed. “Faith, don’t create problems. He’s my boss. I can’t lose this job.” Faith stared at him in disbelief. He tried to touch me and you’re scared of losing your job? Eddie stayed silent.

Weeks later, it happened again. Daniel found her mopping the living room floor. He leaned close behind her. “I still want you. I can take care of you. Just say yes.” Faith pushed his hand away. “Sir, respect yourself. I’m married.” Daniel laughed softly.

“Married to a gate man? I pay your husband. Don’t forget that.” Faith’s eyes blurred. Then pay him more, she said, but don’t speak to me like that again. She ran back to the quarters trembling.

One hot afternoon, Eddie stepped out to run an errand for Daniel. The sun was fierce, dust lifting with every step. He returned hours later, exhausted, holding a small nylon bag. Near the gate, a shiny black SUV slowed beside him. Inside were Anita and Precious, dressed like royalty. Anita rolled down the window, eyeing him. “Hey, security man,” she mocked.

“Where are you coming from looking like that?” Eddie straightened. “I went to run an errand for the boss.” Precious chuckled. And you couldn’t take a cab? she asked. Or don’t you have transport money? The sisters laughed loudly. You and that your wife? Anita added with a smirk. You really suit each other. “Two perfect peas in a poor pod.”

Eddie said nothing. He just nodded and stepped aside as they drove in, dust swirling behind them. He stood there gripping the nylon bag, jaw tight. Then he exhaled and whispered, “Poor man.” He walked back to the small quarters where Faith waited, smiling, ready to serve him food.

Anita traveled for the weekend, and Precious visited. She flirted with Daniel, and soon they were having an affair. It continued secretly until Anita returned unexpectedly and caught them in bed. “Daniel!” she screamed. “You’re sleeping with my sister!” People rushed in at the noise.

Faith and Eddie arrived. Precious hid behind Daniel, crying. Anita raged, insulting her. Then Eddie spoke calmly. “Daniel, how could you? You disappointed me.” Anita spun around, laughing bitterly. And who are you to talk? A common gate man. Precious hissed. Please leave with your poverty and your wife. Rich people are talking. Eddie smiled quietly and shook his head.

Really? That’s interesting. He looked at Faith. Let’s go, my love. But Faith held his arm. Wait, what are you doing? Eddie looked around. Before I leave, maybe I should explain something. I’m the owner of this house.

Everyone burst out laughing. Anita clutched her stomach. “You? The owner? Are you dreaming?” Daniel stayed silent. Eddie went on calmly.

“Yes, I own this house, this estate, and several companies.” Eddie Clifford Oil and Gas Limited—does that ring a bell? The laughter stopped. The room fell silent. Anita turned to Daniel. Why aren’t you saying anything? Daniel swallowed. He’s… he’s my boss.

They froze. Eddie continued. I switched roles with Daniel. I wanted to find a woman who would love me, not my wealth. After my mother died, my father married a cruel woman who ruined him. He died of heartbreak. Since then, I’ve worked to build my life—but I needed to be sure I’d never marry a woman like her. He looked at Faith, eyes wet. And now I know. You proved goodness still exists. You loved me when I had nothing.

Faith trembled. Is this true? He nodded. Yes, my love. And I’m sorry for the pain. It wasn’t to hurt you—only to see your heart.

Weeks passed. Anita and Precious told their mother everything, but she didn’t believe them until one day a white Mercedes-Benz drove into their compound. Faith stepped out in a lovely gown. Eddie followed in a sharp suit.

Her stepmother gasped. Faith. Eddie smiled politely, handed her an envelope, and said, “That’s 1 million naira for your daughter’s bride price. Thank you for giving me a good woman.”

The woman’s lips shook. Faith, my child, please forgive me. Faith looked at her steadily. I don’t hate you, but I’ve moved on. I have nothing against you. But I have nothing with you anymore.

Eddie held her hand as they walked back to the car. As they entered the white Mercedes-Benz, everyone watched in silence. The same house where she was once treated like a maid now held nothing but shame. Precious stood at the gate, eyes wet.

She whispered, “This… this could have been me.” But it was too late—what she once mocked was now what she wished for. Life humbles the proud and lifts the broken. Faith’s story reminds us that when your time comes, nothing—not even their hatred—can stop your rise. Never despise small beginnings.

Never judge people by what they have now. Because sometimes the one who looks poor is only being tested. And when the test ends, the truth shocks the world. Tell me in the comments—do you believe what’s meant for you can ever be taken by anyone? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And don’t forget, another powerful story is coming soon—one that will touch your heart and leave you speechless.

So make sure you’re subscribed, turn on your notifications, and don’t miss what’s next on Tales by Eco. Sometimes the people who hurt you are just pushing you toward the place you’ll be honored. Faith’s story teaches that no matter how life treats you today, your value stays the same. It only waits to be revealed.

Never look down on anyone because of their situation. The person you mock today might be the one God has chosen to change your story tomorrow. And if you’re going through pain like Faith once did, hold on—because one day, the same mouths that mocked you will tell your testimony. Tell me in the comments, do you believe true love still exists in a world full of lies and pretense? I’d love to hear your thoughts.