BORN TO RULE

Born To Rule lll

Yaoundé was already getting busy as students began returning for the new semester.

Micheal and Favour had settled back into the apartment their father had rented for them.

Their lives in Yaoundé were comfortable.

Very comfortable.

Victor Carter had made sure his children had everything they needed while studying away from home.

Originally, Micheal and Favour had two cars at their disposal.

One for Micheal.

One for Favour.

But before they left Douala, Victor took one of the cars back.

That decision immediately annoyed Micheal.

That morning, he stood outside the apartment staring at the remaining car.

“Why did Dad take the other car?”

Favour, who was standing beside him, shrugged.

“Maybe because we don't need two cars.”

Micheal turned toward her.

“How don't we need two cars?”

“We have one.”

“We are two people.”

“And we have a driver.”

Micheal shook his head.

“That doesn't make sense.”

Their family driver had been transferred to Yaoundé permanently. He lived not too far from their apartment and would be responsible for taking Micheal and Favour to Kingbridge University and bringing them back.

Favour didn't see the problem.

Micheal did.

He was used to having whatever he wanted.

Having one car instead of two felt like a serious downgrade.

And then came another surprise.

Their monthly upkeep had been reduced.

For years, Victor had been sending 5 million FCFA every month for Micheal and Favour's upkeep.

That money covered their personal expenses, outings and other things they needed.

Their school fees were handled separately, while foodstuffs and other basic provisions were already provided.

But this time, Victor had decided to reduce the monthly amount.

Instead of 5 million...

He sent 3 million FCFA for both of them.

Favour checked the account and called Micheal.

“Micheal .”

“What?”

“Dad has sent the upkeep.”

“How much?”

“Three million.”

Micheal frowned.

“Three million?”

“Yes.”

“For both of us?”

“Yes.”

Micheal immediately became frustrated.

“So that's 1.5 million each.”

Favour nodded.

“I've already transferred your 1.5 million.”

Micheal checked his phone.

The money was there.

But instead of being happy, he frowned.

“Why did Dad reduce it?”

“I don't know.”

Micheal immediately called his father.

Victor answered after a few rings.

“Good morning.”

“Dad, why did you reduce our upkeep?”

Victor remained calm.

“I didn't reduce anything unnecessarily.”

“You used to send five million.”

“And now I'm sending three.”

“But why?”

“Because you and Favour don't need five million every month.”

Micheal paced around the apartment.

“Dad, we have expenses.”

“Your school fees are paid. Your foodstuffs are provided. You have a car and a driver. What exactly are you spending five million on?”

Micheal went quiet.

Victor continued.

“I want both of you to learn how to manage money.”

Micheal sighed.

“But three million for both of us?”

“Yes.”

“That's not enough.”

Victor laughed.

“Micheal, you have just said that three million isn't enough for two university students whose major expenses are already covered.”

Micheal didn’t know what to say.

Victor's voice became firmer.

“Your sister seems to understand responsibility. You need to learn it too.”

“Dad—”

“No arguments.”

The call ended.

Micheal stared at his phone.

He was clearly unhappy.

Favour looked at him.

“You'll survive.”

Micheal dropped onto the sofa.

“Dad is becoming too strict.”

Favour smiled.

“He's trying to teach you something.”

Micheal shook his head.

“He took one of our cars and now reduced our money.”

“You still have 1.5 million.”

Micheal looked at her.

“That doesn't make me feel better.”

Favour laughed.

Later that afternoon, Micheal called Samuel and Jason.

The two boys were already at their apartment, getting ready for the new semester.

Samuel answered.

“What's up, bro?”

“Dad reduced our upkeep.”

Jason laughed from the background.

“To how much?”

“Three million for me and Favour.”

There was silence.

Then Samuel laughed.

“Wait. Three million total?”

“Yes.”

Jason started laughing too.

Micheal frowned.

“What's funny?”

“Bro, you're complaining about 1.5 million?”

Micheal rolled his eyes.

“It's not funny.”

Samuel shook his head.

“Micheal, you still have 1.5 million in your account.”

“And?”

“And nothing. Enjoy yourself.”

Jason joined in.

“Our parents still send our own upkeep.”

Samuel added,

“And we still have our car.”

Micheal finally smiled.

“So you two aren't worried?”

“Worried about what?”

“Money.”

Jason laughed.

“We're going back to Kingbridge, not war.”

Samuel nodded.

“We'll study, attend classes, pass our exams and enjoy ourselves.”

Micheal smiled.

“That's exactly what I wanted to hear.”

Jason grinned.

“Club tonight?”

Micheal immediately answered.

“Obviously.”

Samuel laughed.

“Kingbridge hasn't even reopened and these two are already planning a club.”

Micheal leaned back on the sofa.

“University life doesn't wait.”

The three boys laughed.

They were going back to Kingbridge together.

Year Two.

Information Technology.

They enjoyed parties and clubbing, but they also knew how to sit down and study when examinations came.

None of them was interested in failing.

For now, everything seemed normal.

Three rich boys.

One university.

One friendship.

And plenty of money to enjoy themselves.

To be continued