The day my best friend used our rent money for her wedding

Last year, my best friend from NYSC, Ada, and I finally decided to get our own place in Lekki. We were tired of landlord wahala and sharing rooms with strangers. We pooled our savings, about ₦1.2m, for the deposit and agency fee. I was so excited, already picking out curtains on Instagram.

Then, two weeks before we were supposed to move in, the landlord called me. He said, 'Your friend came to collect the deposit, she said there's a delay.' I was confused. I called Ada, and she started crying. She confessed that she used the money for her traditional wedding. She said, 'I'm sorry, Chiamaka, I couldn't tell you. My parents were pressuring me, and I needed the money.'

I was shattered. I had to borrow from my mum to save my name. I lost the apartment, the money, and my friend. I learned that when it comes to money, even the people you love can disappoint you. I still talk to her, but the trust is gone. That one hurt me die.