My childhood best friend stole from our business and called me ungrateful

Two years ago, I put my entire savings into a phone accessories business with my childhood best friend from Port Harcourt. We grew up together, same street, same church, same everything. I trusted this guy with my life.

The business was doing well. Too well. But every time I asked for the books, he would say "Oga, leave the numbers to me, you're the face of the business." I was so busy chasing customers in Yaba market that I didn't notice.

One day, I went to the supplier myself to restock. The guy told me the price. I almost fell. My friend had been telling me the cost was double what the supplier was charging. He was pocketing the difference for months.

I confronted him right there in the market. In front of everyone. He looked me in the eye and said, "Chidi, you are ungrateful. I carried this business on my back while you were sleeping. You think I don't deserve something extra?"

Fifteen years of friendship. Gone. Right there in Yaba market with people selling phone cases around us.

I walked away. Lost the whole investment. But I learned something. Never mix money with friendship unless you're ready to lose both. Some lessons come expensive.