[STORY] He Left Her for His Cousin, Unaware That All His Money Came From Her

He Left Her for His Cousin, Unaware That All His Money Came From Her

Chapter One: The Free Ride

“Tickets, please. Tickets. Those who just got on, get your change ready. There you go, my girl, keep the rest.”

“Thank you, uncle. Come on, we don’t have all day.”

“Thank you. Are you a student?”

“Yeah. It’s just that today I don’t have anything on me. But next time, I’ll pay you back. I promise. Things are hard for me right now.”

“It’s fine. In life, we help each other. Maybe next time it’ll be me who needs help. You never know.”

“Thank you so much.”

Hello, my name is Yasmine. Today, I’m going to tell you a story I really lived through nine years ago. A story that taught me a great deal, and that I hope will spare you from making the same mistakes I made. So watch until the end.

Chapter Two: What Hunger Recognizes

I brought you some fruit. Oh, thank you so much, you shouldn’t have. It’s nothing, Mama, I want to help you. You already do so much. I love you. I love you too, Mama.

I worked as a fare collector on the buses in Dakar, calling out for tickets, counting change, watching the same faces board every morning. And every morning, one particular young man climbed on without paying — Ryan, a student who never had the fare.

Why did you never report me? I asked him once.

Because I know what it’s like not to have enough to pay, he told me. My father died when I was fifteen. My mother sold beignets. There were mornings we only ate that.

For me, it’s my mother who’s sick, I told him. Everything I earn goes toward her medicine. I attend classes as best I can. What’s your name?

Ryan.

I’m Yasmine.

One day, Yasmine, I’ll pay you back for all of this, I promise.

I’ve heard a lot of promises already, I told him. Come on, get off, it’s getting late.

You’re probably thinking we fell in love. But you’d be very wrong. He was just a student who couldn’t afford his ticket. And I was just a girl who knew poverty too well to report him. Every morning, I let him board without a word, because when you’ve truly gone hungry, you recognize it in someone else’s eyes. We were just two people who understood each other without needing to talk much.

And then one day, he disappeared. At first I thought he was just running late. The next day, nothing either. Nor the day after. I kept watching the seat where he used to sit, but nothing. Life went on as if nothing had happened, as if that quiet friendship had never existed.

Chapter Three: A Man Who Noticed Tired Eyes

Miss, your ticket. Oh, sorry, here.

Fresh fish, straight from the sea! How much for the bananas?

That perfume there — it suits you perfectly.

Do you say that to every girl who walks by?

No, only to the ones who look like they’ve had a bad day.

Does it show that much?

Tired eyes never lie. My name is Samir.

Yasmine? Pretty name. Where do you work?

On the buses. I’m a fare collector.

That’s hard work. And you — you sell perfume?

For now, I’m still a student. Internships don’t pay enough.

We’re a bit alike, then.

Maybe. Come back tomorrow, I’ll save you a sample. We’ll see.

That day at the market, my heart forgot about the bus. I didn’t know yet that this man was going to change everything for me, for better and for worse.

My girl, it looks like you’re in love, my mother said that evening.

What? Why would you say that?

Because you’ve been somewhere else this whole time. You’re smiling to yourself. You’re not even listening to me. I know you too well.

No, Mama, not at all.

Really? There wouldn’t happen to be someone in your heart, would there?

No, why are you asking me that?

Look how flustered you’re getting. It was just a question.

I’m not flustered. And besides, I’m still young. I’m not thinking about that kind of thing.

Alright, alright. But don’t forget, I’m your mother. I often see things before you tell me.

Anyway, Mama, tomorrow I’m going to the market to run some errands. Do you need anything?

Since when do you go to the market on a Thursday?

It’s just a few urgent things.

Well, if you say so. Then buy me some peanut paste, we’re out at home.

Alright, I won’t forget.

Chapter Four: The Afternoon Walk

Wow — isn’t that the most beautiful woman in Dakar I see there?

Hello, Samir, how are you?

Very well, thank God. And you?

I’m doing well too.

So, did you come to pick up your sample?

No, not today. I just came to run some errands at the market.

I see. Either way, I’m glad to see you.

Me too.

Actually, I was planning to close up a bit earlier today. I felt like taking a walk, visiting a few places in the city. If you’re up for it, you could come with me.

Why not? I don’t have anything planned this afternoon.

Just let me pack up my perfumes and close the stand.

No problem, I’ll wait for you.

We walked through the city that afternoon, talking about nothing and everything, and I found myself laughing more easily than I had in a long time.

Then my phone rang. Hello, Mama? Oh no, I completely forgot. Yes, Mama, I’m coming right away.

I’m so sorry, Samir, I completely forgot my mother asked me to buy peanut paste at the market.

Ah, I understand. So you need to head back now.

In that case, let me walk you.

No, don’t worry, I’ll take a taxi, it’ll be faster.

Are you sure?

Yes, don’t worry. Thank you anyway.

Alright. Take care of yourself, then.

Thank you. You too. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Chapter Five: A Mother’s Questions

Finally, there you are. But wait, you left for the market this morning. What have you been doing all this time? And the errands — I don’t see any bags. You were supposed to buy several things, weren’t you?

In the end, I had to give up on the errands.

Oh really? And why is that?

I went for a walk with a friend.

A friend? Since when do you have a friend?

Well, it’s someone I actually met today. I just needed to talk a little.

And that’s why you abandoned the errands? Why all these questions? Let me go to bed. Goodnight.

Chapter Six: The Phone Call

Hello. Good evening, Yasmine. I hope I’m not bothering you.

No, not at all. I just got settled in my room.

Perfect. I just wanted to make sure you got home safely.

Yes, I arrived without any problems. Thank you for worrying.

Good. And your mother, did she ask you too many questions?

Yes, actually, she bombarded me with questions.

Let me guess. She wanted to know exactly who you spent the day with. And when you told her you went out with a friend, she got even more curious.

I think mothers have a sixth sense for this kind of thing.

Clearly, you really can’t hide anything from them.

Anyway, I had a really nice time today.

Me too. It made me really happy to spend time with you.

I’m glad to hear that. Tell me, would you like for us to see each other again sometime?

Why not?

Perfect. This time, I promise not to make you forget your errands.

I certainly hope so. Alright, I’ll let you rest, it’s getting late.

Okay. Thank you for calling. Goodnight, Yasmine.

Goodnight, Samir.

At that moment, I thought it was just a simple encounter. An afternoon spent talking, laughing, walking. I didn’t know yet that this day would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life. And yes, without even realizing it, I was falling in love.

Chapter Seven: The Proposal

Hello, my love. Hi, my love. How’s your day going?

As usual, a little tired, but okay. Tell me, what time do you finish today?

Around five. Why?

I’d like to ask you a favor.

What is it?

After work, could you stop by the Corniche beach around six?

The beach, to do what?

I have something to show you.

What is it?

If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise anymore.

You know I hate surprises.

And I know you’re very curious. Give me at least a hint.

Let’s just say it’s something I’ve been preparing for a while.

Now I’m even more curious.

Then come at six, and you’ll have all the answers.

How should I dress?

However you want, but wear your nicest outfit.

Oh really? This is getting suspicious.

Trust me.

Alright, my love, I’ll be there at six.

Perfect. And try not to overthink it until then.

That’s impossible. I figured as much.

Alright, I have to get back to work. See you soon.

See you soon, my love.

Why are there so many people here? My love, what’s going on?

Come with me.

You’re starting to scare me.

Don’t worry.

Do you remember the day we met at the market? Of course I remember.

That day, I never thought the young woman walking past my stand would become the most important person in my life. Since you came into my life, every day has become more beautiful. You’ve always been there for me. You’ve supported me, you’ve made me laugh. You’ve made me want to become a better man. My love, today, in front of our loved ones and everyone here, I want to make you a promise. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side.

My love, will you marry me?

Yes, I will. It’s yes. Yes, a thousand times yes.

Chapter Eight: Two Reactions

Mama, I’m engaged.

What? Engaged?

Look, I said yes. I’m getting married.

Don’t you think it’s a bit soon, my girl? You’re young, you still have your whole future ahead of you.

So this is how I find out about my own son’s engagement — through a WhatsApp status?

Mama, look around me. Almost all my friends are already married. And besides, Samir is a good man. I don’t think it will hurt me to build my life with him.

I’m not saying he isn’t a good man. I’m simply saying that marriage is a big responsibility.

Mama, it’s not what you think. I just wanted to surprise you.

A surprise, really? And you thought your mother should be the last to know?

I was planning to tell you tonight. Either way, you already know what I think of this whole story.

I know, Mama, and I thought it through before saying yes.

Fine. But at least, has he introduced you to his family yet?

Not yet, but it won’t be long.

That’s important, my girl.

Yes, but it’s not the most important thing. What matters is that he and I love each other. I’ve already told you — I don’t like this girl. Does she even come from a good family? Did she receive a good upbringing? You’re my only son, Samir. I want a woman of high social standing for you.

Mama, I’ve already asked you to stop judging people by their family or social status. That’s not what matters to me.

But Samir, it’s important for your future.

Not for me, Mama.

You know, my girl, when you marry a man in Africa, you also marry his family. Relationships with in-laws matter enormously in a marriage.

And what about Sarah? You loved her, though. Why not marry her?

Mama, I don’t want to argue tonight. You know very well what happened.

Everyone makes mistakes.

I understand what you’re saying. I’m telling you this because I want your happiness.

I know, Mama, don’t worry. Everything will be fine.

I hope so with all my heart.

Chapter Nine: The Ghost of Sarah

Sarah left me for a richer man. She cheated on me and abandoned me. So please, don’t talk to me about her anymore.

She was young, she let herself get influenced. Today, she probably regrets it, but that doesn’t change anything.

And besides, when I meet her family, I’ll tell you everything in detail.

Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second. And yet, she comes by to see me often. She brings me gifts, fabrics. She asks how I’m doing. Honestly, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better daughter-in-law. She already knows the family.

I won’t marry Sarah. And Mama, I forgot to tell you — my savings to buy a bus are almost complete.

Really, I’m so proud of you, my girl. Above all, never give up your ambitions for marriage.

Don’t worry, Mama, I won’t give up my plans.

Certainly, the woman I’ve always loved is Sarah. But I chose Yasmine, and it’s her I’m going to marry.

Do you really know what you’re doing? Do you want to marry Yasmine just to fill the void Sarah left you? No, Mama, that’s not it. I love Yasmine.

Either way, I advise you to back out while there’s still time. Anyway, Mama, I’m going to bed.

Goodnight. And you can start the wedding preparations tomorrow.

For me, at that time, everything my mother told me was just noise. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing, but I was blinded by love. I no longer listened to my mother’s advice. It was only later that I understood one thing: a mother’s words should never be taken lightly.

Chapter Ten: The Mother-in-Law

Hello, dear auntie.

Hello, my girl. You look good today, huh? Always beautiful.

Thank you, auntie.

We have to. We can’t let ourselves go like that. Unlike some people, I take care of myself. Yasmine, you still have that same scarf? Honestly, it’s lived too long already. It’s starting to look pathetic. Honestly, I still don’t understand what attracts Samir to you. You’re not fashionable, not feminine. You’re pathetic.

My girl, don’t let this good-for-nothing waste your time. Come here, let’s talk.

Are you still counting money?

Yes, Yasmine, you don’t need to always be handing out cash.

Yes. Your mother got upset today. She said the supplies are finished, that expenses are rising.

She always says that. Don’t pay attention to it.

Yes. And then she looks at your cousin Sarah as if she were the real daughter-in-law of this house.

Never mind, it’s nothing. Take this for the bills, and tomorrow I’ll buy her some tea and sugar, that should quiet her down a bit.

Thank you.

But Yasmine, you know, it bothers me a little to have to use your savings.

Sam, you know very well that your mother asked me to stop working to help around the house, so I don’t have any other choice.

I know, but it makes me uncomfortable. I should be able to provide for us.

We’re a team, Sam. We get through this together. Now it’s getting late. You must be tired. Rest a bit.

Yes, you’re right. Thank you, my dear. Goodnight, Yasmine.

Chapter Eleven: An Old Face on the Street

Ryan, is that you?

Yes, it’s me. It’s been a long time. Do you still work on the buses?

No, I stopped.

Oh really? What do you do now?

I’m married.

Married? Congratulations. Has it been long?

Two years.

And is it going well? No offense, but you don’t really look like it.

I’m fine, don’t worry.

Come on, let’s talk about it, and I’ll drop you off at the same time.

Alright. Thank you, Ryan.

Yasmine, tell me everything now, since you don’t work anymore. I hope at least your husband provides for your needs.

Yes, yes, as much as he can. His work isn’t stable, but well, I help a bit with the expenses, the bills.

With what money, since you don’t work, if that’s not too personal a question?

I had kept savings to buy a bus one day. That’s what I’m using.

No offense, but that’s not normal. It’s your husband’s duty to provide for you and for the household, not the other way around.

Well, maybe you could come work at my company? That’s not a problem.

No, my mother-in-law won’t accept it. She doesn’t want me to work. She wants me to stay and help her with the housework.

I don’t like to judge other people’s lives, but what I can tell you is that you’re an incredible person, and you truly deserve better. Anyway, at the very least, you could ask your husband to come see me. I’ll give him a position, so at least he could provide for you.

Really? You’d do that for my husband?

No, I’m doing it for you. I’ll never be able to thank you enough, Ryan.

But I haven’t even asked what became of you. You’ve grown up. You’re really unrecognizable.

Chapter Twelve: What He Didn’t Notice

Three months passed. Since then, Samir had been working at Ryan’s company, and his life had completely changed. His financial situation had clearly improved. He’d been able to renovate his house, replace the old furniture, and considerably improve his mother’s living conditions. But there was one person he still hadn’t really considered in all this change: Yasmine, his wife.

Samir, I would need a bit of money to buy some things for the house.

More money? Can’t you manage some other way?

But I don’t have any savings left. I used everything I had for the household expenses. I don’t have money to waste. Figure it out.

Mama, I’ve thought about your suggestion. Now that I have a stable salary, I’m seriously thinking about marrying the woman of my life. Sarah. Yasmine is really starting to wear on me.

Really? I can’t believe it. Finally, you’ve understood. I’ll call your uncle right away. We need to organize all of this as quickly as possible.

Yes, Mama, I want everything settled quickly.

This time, my son, you’re finally going to marry the woman you need.

Chapter Thirteen: A Second Wife

Hello, brother, it’s Samir. I have excellent news.

You wanted to talk to me?

Yes, I just wanted to warn you about something.

What is it?

I’m going to marry Sarah.

Sarah? Yes, Sarah will be my second wife.

Are you serious?

Very serious.

After everything we’ve been through together, you’re just announcing this to me as if it were nothing?

I don’t see what the problem is. I’m not going to divorce you. You’ll remain my first wife, and Sarah will be my second.

And you think I’m just going to accept that so easily?

You don’t really need to accept it. It’s my decision.

You’ve changed, Samir.

Even after this terrible news, even though Yasmine was suffering deeply, she nevertheless decided to stay in this household. She thought she could bear the situation and preserve her home. But little by little, she became like a servant in that family. She did everything — the cleaning, the cooking, the daily chores — and took care of the house without any real recognition. She who thought she was staying out of love, to preserve her marriage, did not yet realize how much that decision was going to cost her.

Chapter Fourteen: Servant in Her Own Home

So, Yasmine, you prepared all of this by yourself?

Yes.

That works out well — at least someone’s taking care of the house.

She’s used to it now. You know, Samir, I think I’m really going to like it here.

I told you so. Though we might need to redecorate a bit. This house lacks some warmth.

You’re the queen of this house. Do whatever you want, my queen. Isn’t that right, Yasmine?

If you want to change something, go ahead, do as you please.

Oh, don’t worry, we’re not going to change everything at once. Aren’t you eating with us?

No, I’m not hungry.

Yasmine, don’t you see the laundry basket is full, and you’re still lying down? I’ve never seen such a lazy girl.

But Mama, I told you, I’m feeling a bit sick.

You’re just lazy. Go to the market for the errands, and don’t let me find you lying down again.

Chapter Fifteen: Collapse

Papa! Papa! Yasmine!

Ryan, what are you doing here? Are you okay? You look really unwell.

Yes, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.

No, you’re not fine, you’re pale all over.

I think Yasmine —

Alright, Yasmine, don’t worry, there’s nothing serious. You mainly had a severe fainting spell linked to significant exhaustion and iron deficiency. Your body is very tired. You’ve probably accumulated a lot of stress, work, and fatigue lately without resting enough.

She should stay in the hospital.

Not necessarily. We’ll monitor her a bit longer, but if her condition remains stable, she can go home. However, rest is essential.

Alright. Thank you, doctor.

Yasmine, I know it’s not the time, but you’re going to have to explain everything to me from A to Z.

Alright. I’ll explain everything.

Chapter Sixteen: The Reckoning

You know what? I’m not going to let someone like him keep working at my company after everything he’s put you through. Your husband will be fired tomorrow. And you — I’m going to call your mother. She needs to know about your situation. Otherwise, you’re going to end up destroying yourself in this marriage.

Ryan, no! Please, Ryan, I don’t want my mother to worry.

That’s exactly why. It’s your mother — she has the right to know what you’re going through. You’ve suffered enough in silence.

But I don’t want to burden her.

My love, what’s going on? Why are you in this state? We need to talk.

Talk about what? Did something happen?

By the way, I saw Yasmine’s mother today. She was very angry. She came to get Yasmine’s things, and she left with her.

Is that why you’re in this state? If that’s it, you should be happy about that instead.

Yasmine left. No, that’s good news.

Yes, that’s exactly it.

Then I don’t understand why you’re so sad. The divorce papers have been signed.

What? Is that true?

I’m no longer with Yasmine.

That’s very good news. I’m so happy, my love. But then, why are you so devastated?

Because that’s not all.

What else is there?

I got fired.

What do you mean, you got fired? But why?

I’m not exactly sure. The person I was working with — it was Yasmine who put me in contact with him.

Wait, you mean Yasmine went and talked to him?

I have no idea. Maybe she told him things about me. But whatever the case, he fired me.

But you had a contract? He can’t just fire you like that.

Exactly — I didn’t have a contract. What do you mean, you didn’t have a contract?

We just worked together. Nothing had been made official.

So if I understand correctly, you no longer have a job.

For now, yes, but I’ll find another one.

And in the meantime? In the meantime, what?

How do you plan to provide for us? You told me you finally had a stable situation.

That’s exactly why I agreed to build my life with you. Sarah, I just lost my job. You could at least support me instead of talking to me like this.

I’m just talking to you about reality. You no longer have a salary, no security. So yes, I wonder what’s going to become of us.

I’ll find a solution, I hope.

Chapter Seventeen: Four Months Later

Sarah, I worked a lot today. I don’t see you preparing the meal.

Did someone tell you I was your servant, mother-in-law?

No, I never said that. I’m simply saying that you’re the daughter-in-law of this family. It’s normal for you to participate in the household chores.

Exactly — I’m the daughter-in-law of this family, not your servant.

Sarah, I’m not asking you for anything extraordinary. I’m simply asking you to prepare the meal.

If you want someone to cook and clean, you can hire an employee, or you can go into the kitchen yourself and prepare the meal.

This woman hid her true face from me. And I who neglected Yasmine — Yasmine helped me cook. She did the housework. She took care of the house and prepared meals without ever complaining. She did so many things for this family, and I neglected her for this girl, this opportunist who won’t even lift a finger.

What have I done?

Chapter Eighteen: Two Years Later

Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite assistant.

Ah, Mr. Director is finally back. So, did your weekend go well?

Very well. But I must admit the company was a little missed.

The company, or your assistant?

I’d say both.

Ah, I prefer that answer. So, tell me — did everything go well while I was away?

Yes, everything went well. I handled the urgent files and sent the reports you asked for.

I knew I could count on you.

Obviously. Did you really think I was going to let your company sink while Mister enjoyed his weekend?

That’s exactly why you’re my favorite assistant.

I knew I was irreplaceable.

Let’s not exaggerate. Don’t let it go to your head.

Too late.

Alright, come on, show me what you prepared while I was away.

With pleasure, Mr. Director. But afterward, you owe me a coffee.

Deal. But only if you stop calling me Mr. Director.

Alright, Mr. Director.

You’re impossible.

Since you arrived at this company, the revenue has only gone up. Let’s say that since you’ve been here, I have far fewer problems to solve. Normal — I’m an excellent assistant.

Excellent. You really don’t lack confidence.

After everything I’ve accomplished, I have the right to.

Alright, alright. I admit you’re talented.

The man across the desk from Yasmine, the one she now ran an entire company alongside, was Ryan — the boy from the bus, the boy who once had nothing, now standing shoulder to shoulder with the woman who had once let him ride for free.

Chapter Nineteen: The Apology

Madame Yasmine, a woman would like to see you.

Does she have an appointment?

No, but she’s insisting. She says it’s important.

What’s her name?

Nafi.

Mama Nafi, what are you doing here?

I came to ask your forgiveness. I know I did a lot of harm. I judged you unfairly. I rejected you even though you did everything for this family. And today, I regret everything. Since you left, nothing has been the same. After your divorce, Samir lost his job. He tried to find work again, but nothing worked out the way it used to.

And Sarah — Sarah ended up leaving him. She left him.

Yes. When she understood that Samir no longer had the same financial situation, she left. She didn’t want to stay with him anymore. Today, Samir struggles to get by, and I’ve been left with all my regrets. I realized too late the value of the woman I had in my house. You were respectful, you worked, you helped around the house, you took care of everyone. And I treated you as though you were worthless. I haven’t come to ask you to forget everything. I know some wounds don’t disappear easily. But forgive me. And if you can, come back.

Come back where?

Home.

Mama Nafi, that house hasn’t been my home for a long time. I forgive you for what you did to me, but going back is not possible.

I understand. But I don’t wish you any harm. I sincerely hope Samir finds his way back to his life eventually. You’ve become a great woman, Yasmine.

I simply learned to choose myself. Take care of yourself, my girl.

You too.

Chapter Twenty: What I Learned

After everything that happened, here are the lessons I took from this story.

First, never underestimate the small gestures you make for others. Sometimes a simple act of kindness may seem insignificant in the moment, but it can have enormous consequences in the future. That’s exactly what happened when I helped Ryan back when he was still a student. I didn’t know that one day our paths would cross again, and that he would be the one there to help me in turn.

Second, never let love blind you. When you’re in love, it’s easy to close your eyes to certain signs and find excuses for behavior you would normally question. Take your time, and above all, never pressure yourself because of others. Just because your friends are getting married doesn’t mean you have to get married too. Everyone has their own path and their own timing. Better to wait for the right person than to rush into a marriage you might regret.

Third, never abandon your projects or your ambitions for someone. Loving someone doesn’t mean giving up on yourself. Keep working, keep learning, keep building your plans, and keep becoming the person you want to be. A marriage should not be the end of your dreams. A marriage should never become a prison. It’s normal for a couple to go through difficulties and to make efforts to save their household. But staying in a relationship only out of pressure, out of fear of others’ judgment, or out of fear of starting over, can cause you enormous suffering.

And finally, never lose yourself while trying to save a relationship. You can love someone, make sacrifices, and try to preserve your relationship, but you must also think of yourself. Your dignity, your dreams, your wellbeing, and your future matter too. Because in the end, loving someone should never mean losing yourself.

Watch people’s actions, not just their words. Build your own future, and never let anyone convince you that you must abandon your dreams in order to be loved. And above all, never forget: a decision made in haste can change an entire life.