CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

He steps out of the elevator, finding himself back at the reception area, ready to leave. His hands are shoved deep into his pockets, the weight of what just happened still sitting heavy on his shoulders.

Thabang spots him and quickly rises from the couch, hurrying toward him. His face already tells a story of worry. He stops right in front of Bonga, eyes scanning him.
"Did… are you okay?" Thabang's voice trembles slightly; he knows exactly how Richie rolls.
Bonga exhales hard, shaking his head.
"Don't worry, man. I'm okay. Nothing happened. I'm fine," he says, voice flat and distant.
He is shaken up, that's undeniable. But Richie had let him go the moment he noticed how frozen Bonga was, how he couldn't even move. His mind had raced, piecing together too quickly what Richie actually wanted from him.
Thabang lets out a shaky sigh of relief.
"Good, good. But I warned you," he mutters, the words a quiet reminder of what he'd said earlier.

Bonga just nods, not in the mood to talk. His eyes drift across the space until they land on a small bar tucked in the corner. Without a word, he walks straight toward it, ignoring Thabang's voice calling after him.
He slides onto a stool and orders a whisky, neat, no ice. He wants it raw, something that'll burn a little, something to either keep him alert or make him forget.
He's not even surprised by what just happened. In this industry, he's seen worse. He just never thought he'd become part of the statistics, another young man pressured to trade his dignity for opportunity. He'd expected maybe a bribe, or a dirty favor, even something criminal. But not this. Not that.
He knows this could make him one of the most powerful young black men in Africa, but since things don't go as he hoped, he has to find another way to get through all this, or maybe just follow in his father's footsteps, doing things legally and not through backdoors. He finishes his glass of whisky and orders another. It isn't to get drunk, just to stay awake and think properly. He knows he has opened a lot of cans of worms, and he needs to figure out how to make sure they don't crawl across his entire life.

He wonders about his father's associates. Do they do this too, or does his father go through things differently? He shakes his head. No. His father has morals; he wouldn't do such a thing. He is a wonderful man. But Bonga can't help but wonder about the people his father works with. Sometimes his dad tells him not to join meetings with his associates or anyone for that matter. The people he knows, the ones his father lets him get close to, are those taxi bosses his father has known for years. And, of course, Dr. Du Plessis.

Three glasses down, Bonga picks up his phone. He can't sleep in this hotel, not with a man who wants his soul so desperately lingering in his mind. He already feels a bit tipsy. He is not safe here. He can't trust anyone now. It's just 9:20, but it feels like he has been trapped in that hotel room with Richie for hours.
His fingers tremble slightly as he scrolls through his contacts, landing on the name that feels safest: Nikky. He can't call his friends, they are busy or they would see right through him. He can't call his mother or Ntate Khutso; it's late, surely they are asleep. His father… he sighs. He's busy on an international call that could take hours. So he can call Nikky, and his dad won't even realise she has left the house. Someone who won't judge him, someone who might just help him think clearly.

He hesitates, staring at the screen. His heart still pounds from the encounter with Richie, from the intensity of that cold, smooth voice that had touched a part of him he wishes had remained untouched. Finally, he swipes to call.
It rings twice before Nikky answers. He exhales, relief washing over him.
"Hey… I'm sorry to disturb you. I need your help," he says quickly, voice low and urgent.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Nikky asks, her voice filled with worry. Bonga sighs softly, unsure how to start.
"No… I'm not. But I can't talk here. Can you come and fetch me? I won't be able to drive," he admits, panic threading his words. He isn't even sure if Nikky can drive, but he doesn't care.
Nikky is quiet for a moment.
"Your dad is busy. I won't be able to tell him," she says finally.
"No, don't tell him. We'll tell him when we get home. Please… I need help," he says, voice desperate. He is so paranoid he can't even think about calling a cab.
"Okay. Send me the address. I'll come," she replies. He exhales again, relief flooding through him. At least he'll make it home safely.

.
.
.
Thabang and Richie spot Bonga slumped at the bar, his head resting on the counter. Neither of them approaches him. Thabang's gaze flicks to Richie, whose eyes linger on Bonga with that cold, calculating intensity.

"We can go to the VIP section," Thabang says quickly, a hint of urgency in his voice. He just wants this man to leave the kid alone.
"Why? You think I'll go threaten him?" Richie asks, amusement lacing his tone. Thabang flinches slightly. If this man weren't his uncle, he would have long been dead.
"Let's go and talk to him. He's the one who wanted my help," Richie adds casually. Thabang exhales deeply, shaking his head, uneasy.
"Let's leave him alone. He's drunk," Thabang says, immediately regretting the words. But Richie just chuckles softly as they start moving toward the bar.
They pause when a young woman approaches Bonga. Thabang exhales in relief, grateful someone else is intervening. They move to another table, far enough that Bonga won't see them, but close enough to hear every word.
"Siyabonga," the woman says softly. Bonga lifts his head, a smile breaking across his face as he sees her.
"Let's go. I'm tired," he says quickly, standing. Thabang taps his fingers nervously, praying they leave quickly. As Bonga and the woman disappear through the door, he finally exhales, relief flooding him.
"What's your problem?" Richie asks, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm sure that's his girlfriend," Thabang says, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Richie chuckles lightly, leaning closer to his nephew with that chilling calmness.
"I don't care. I want you to follow her. I want to know who she is… everything about her," he says coldly.
Thabang's body stiffens, a chill running down his spine.
"No, don't…" he stammers. "Leave those kids alone. He's just a stupid boy," he adds, his voice trembling slightly. But Richie doesn't care. That foolish boy came to him willingly, and now he knows exactly how Richie operates. He will do whatever it takes to break him until he gives in. Richie cannot allow his secrets to leak into the public.
"But…" Thabang starts, hesitating.
Richie raises a hand, silencing him instantly.
"You do it. Or should I have someone else?" he asks, his tone icy, serious.

Thabang says nothing. He knows he will have to do it, but fear and worry knot his stomach. He must be smart about this, yet he has no idea how. How can he protect these young lovers who have stepped so recklessly into his uncle's trap? The weight presses down on him, suffocating, as he feels the danger looming over Bonga.

__

The drive is slow and peaceful. Bonga doesn't mind Nikky's careful pace, but she's nervous that they might get stopped by the police. Bonga assures her that he'll fix it if it happens.
"Your dad would freak out if he knew I drove with no driver's license," she says softly. Bonga chuckles, knowing exactly how his father is. He would freak out.
"We can't have that old man getting a heart attack," Nikky adds, giggling lightly.
Bonga sighs softly, nodding.
"I know, and I'm really sorry for dragging you into this. But we're not far, we'll be home soon," he says gently. "Thank you for helping me out. I had no one else to call," he adds gratefully. He knows he'll have to answer all her questions eventually. He owes her that much. But will he tell her the truth? Because his father can never know about this.
"So, what were you doing at that hotel? Visiting your girl?" Nikky teases, smiling.
Bonga wishes that were the case, that he had been visiting a girl and not an old man.
"No, you have no daughter-in-law. Don't worry," he says, and they both laugh quietly.
"Oh, I see, so what's wrong? You looked traumatised," she asks, her tone soft but serious now. The car turns onto their street, their house already in view.
"I'll tell you when we get inside," Bonga replies, and Nikky nods, focusing on the road again.
Bonga stares out the window, his chest heavy. He silently prays that Nikky won't mention any of this to his dad. He doesn't even know if he should lie or tell the truth, but he knows he needs to talk about it. He needs to let it out before it eats him alive. It's not his fault that man had such twisted fantasies. He's a victim here, and he just wants to be free.

The lights are still on. Nikky didn't bother switching them off; she was in a hurry. She just parks the car, not even caring if it's straight or not. Bonga turns to her, his face heavy with sadness.
"I know you want to know," he says softly, "but promise me something first."
Nikky frowns but nods anyway. "What is it?" she asks, her voice curious but cautious.
"That this… whatever this stay between us is," Bonga begins, his voice suddenly serious.
"You're worrying me now," Nikky says, her face tensing. "What's going on?"
"I wanted to get a tender, for roads, schools, and building clinics," Bonga starts. He lets out a short scoff, realizing just how big his ambitions were.
"Government tenders?" Nikky asks.
Bonga nods. "Yes, those ones. The ones Dad despises with his whole being."
Nikky stays quiet, letting him continue.
"So I went to meet a man who gives out those big contracts. I've been trying to meet him for months, but something always stopped me. The time I almost met him was the day I met you, when I knocked you with my car," he says, a strange realization dawning on him. Maybe the universe had been trying to stop him all along.
"And?" Nikky asks softly.
Bonga exhales deeply.
"So, I finally got the meeting, at that hotel. I was scared, nervous, a bit excited, thinking this was it, I'd finally make it. But when I got there…" He trails off, chuckling bitterly. "I realized nothing is for free. And I was willing to do anything, except what that man wanted. I… I couldn't." His voice trembles as he shakes his head.
Nikky stares at him, her face full of concern. "Siyabonga, what did that man want?"
Bonga's heart pounds as he looks into her eyes. "He wanted to… to…" His voice cracks.
Nikky blinks, her hand flying to her mouth. "No… he wanted to sleep with you," she whispers.
Bonga just nods, his eyes dropping to his hands. Shame burns through him.
"No, Bonga. Your dad should know," Nikky says, her voice trembling with anger.
Bonga shakes his head quickly. "No. Not now. I just want to wait for the dust to settle. I'll tell him, I promise. But not now." His voice is quiet, tired. He already feels stripped bare, exposed.
"Oh, Bonga," she says softly, almost in tears. "Why? You have everything."
"I wanted to create a name for myself," he says, voice breaking, "not live in my father's shadow."
"You'll always be in your father's shadow, Bonga. He's your father." Nikky pauses, unsure how to continue. She can see how shaken he still is. She moves closer and wraps her arms around him gently.
"Don't worry," she whispers. "Your secret is safe with me. But promise me you'll tell him one day."
All Bonga can do is nod.

•••••

[NIKEZINKOSI]

I'm sure Mnotho has noticed my absence. We walk in with Bonga, and I had told him to act drunk so his dad would believe I went to fetch him because he'd had too much to drink. Bonga had warned me that Mnotho's international calls take hours, but we had to be sure and prepared, because we both know how easily he gets freaked out.

As fate would have it, we see him standing at the stairs, face blank. Jesus.
"Sthandwa sami," I say softly, trying to hide my nervousness.
He frowns but doesn't move. His eyes shift from me to Bonga, scanning every little detail.
"Where are you coming from?" he asks, calm, too calm. "And why did you leave without informing me?"
I bite my tongue softly.
"Baba…" I nudge Bonga quickly and whisper that I'll handle this.
"Bonga needed some assistance, he got a little drunk," I say, lying through my teeth.
"Drunk?" he repeats slowly. "Why didn't he call a cab?" he asks, sliding down the stairs. Oh Jesus. He couldn't. He's too traumatized.
"It's not safe, Mnotho. They could've robbed him when they saw how drunk he was," I say quickly, trying to shift this situation before it gets worse.
He chuckles softly, but his face stays unreadable. Now he's standing right in front of us, me and Bonga like two kids caught sneaking out.
"He shouldn't have gotten drunk then. Do you know how worried I was when I got out of my study and didn't find you here?" he says, voice still calm but eyes dark. "I called for you, looked all over the house and you weren't here. I called your phone and you didn't answer."
"Baba, it's my fault, not hers," Bonga says softly. "I'm the one who called. I didn't have anyone else to call."
Oh no. He's making Hulk even furious.
"Don't you have friends? What's wrong with you, getting drunk?" Mnotho says, looking at his son now.
"No, it's not like that. I was in a meeting. I got a bit drunk and I'm sorry. It won't happen again," Bonga says, apologizing quietly.
Oh, poor thing. I don't know whether to move closer to this angry, calm man and grab his hand, or just stand still and pray.
Mnotho stays quiet, eyes flicking between us. I can tell he doesn't believe a single word we just said.

"Bonga, go sleep," he says, still looking at me.
Bonga hesitates a bit. I look at him and nod gently.
"Thank you, Ma'mncane," he says softly before walking off. I almost laugh but press my lips together. No more step-mommy jokes tonight.
"Ma'mncane," Mnotho says after a beat, voice low but sharp. "What's going on?"
I promised Bonga I wouldn't mention what happened, and I intend to keep that promise. I can't believe I'm already hiding such a heavy secret from this man.
I step closer to him, forcing a calm tone.
"Nothing," I say softly. "He was drunk and called me. That's all." I take his hands gently. "Are you angry?" I ask, trying to pull him out of suspicion and into warmth.
He exhales deeply, his body finally relaxing a little.
"I was worried. Scared," he admits quietly. "What do you expect me to say, seeing my son and my wife walking in at this hour?"
I chuckle softly. "Since when am I your wife?" I tease lightly, trying to ease the tension.
He almost smiles, shaking his head. "Since the day I met you," he murmurs.
"Okay," I sigh, shoulders loosening. "I'm sorry for leaving without telling you. You were busy, and I didn't want to disturb you."
He stares at me for a moment before replying. "Nikky, it doesn't matter how busy I am. If you need me, you call me. You understand?"
I nod softly. "I understand."
He studies me, eyes searching my face. "Are you sure there's nothing you're hiding from me?" he asks, voice low but serious now.
My heart skips. I can feel the lie sitting heavy in my throat. I force a small smile, brushing my hand against his chest gently.
"Nothing worth worrying about," I whisper. "Let's go to bed, Mnotho. It's been a long night."
He nods slowly, still unconvinced but too tired to argue. He wraps an arm around my waist as we head upstairs.
All I can see is Bonga's face, shaken and broken in ways I can't explain. The way his voice trembled when he told me what happened keeps echoing in my head. That look in his eyes, that quiet shame no one should ever have to feel.

He's so young, so full of dreams and pride. And now someone tried to take that from him, tried to break him in exchange for his dreams. My chest sinks just thinking about it.
How can someone so powerful, so respected, do something that cruel? I've heard stories like this before, but I never thought it would hit this close to home. I can tell Mnotho is still suspicious, and I don't blame him. But I need to make him stop overthinking.
I was going to distract him, maybe make him forget, but I can't. We're still new in this relationship. It's too soon to start opening my legs for him. I need him to wait, to respect me first.
I want to tell him. I want to tell him that his son is hurting, that he almost lost himself trying to prove he could stand on his own. But I can't. I promised Bonga I wouldn't say a word.
Still, I need to know who that monster is, the man who dared to traumatize him. Tomorrow I'll ask Bonga. I should've asked earlier, but seeing how shaken he was, I couldn't push him further.

As we step into the bedroom, Mnotho's arm still around me, my mind drifts back to Bonga again. And I can't help but wonder, how long can I keep this secret before it destroys all of us?

___

Zola is still angry and grumpy about the Snothando and Hlumelo saga. I've tried calling Sno but her phone goes to voicemail. She's ignoring me, I guess. Maybe I should use the work phone and call her. I should do that. Pinky is here, hovering, and Zola is busy assisting around.

"When you're done, can we have a chat?" Pink asks as I put the phone to my ear. I wonder what she wants now and just nod.
The phone rings twice and Sno answers in that polished, professional tone of hers.
I scoff. "Wow, so you're ignoring me now?" I blurt.
I hear her sigh on the other end, bored and tired. "Yes, I was ignoring you. I'm on vacation."
"Vacation with Hlumelo? What's going on between you two, and why did you lie to his family and say I linked you up?" I ask, feeling my temper tick up.
She giggles. "Stop being dramatic. I know Hlumelo because of you." Excuse me? "And I don't know why it's an issue who I'm sleeping with, Nike." I scoff in disbelief.
"I don't care who you f***k, Sno. Just don't drag my name into it," I snap.
"Whatever, Nike. I needed a date or partner for your birthday party," she says. I blink.
"A party?" I repeat.
She laughs lightly. "Yes. Diamond planned a surprise party for you. I don't know why, because I know you didn't want one." I groan. Diamond and Sbo. I will kill them. I only said close friends, not a huge thing. "The theme is shades of green and white. Imagine. I tried to put in my two cents, but she's the one paying, so I couldn't say much."
"Green and what?" I ask, baffled.
"Green and white, love. And please don't tell her. Act like you don't know. Ciao." She hangs up, leaving me more furious than before. I need to have words with Diamond.
"Are you done, Miss Nkabinde?" Pinky asks, in full professional mode. I frown. Why the sudden formality? I calm myself and turn to her.
"Yes, I'm done," I say.
She leans closer, voice low and direct. "What's going on between you and Mnotho?" My heart skips. I stay quiet and meet her stare.
"I'm asking because I'm noticing something. He fetches you, drops you, brings you lunch, every day," she continues, neutral but sharp. Jesus. Today is a test. I breathe out.
"Ma'am, what happens between Mnotho and me is my business, not yours," I answer politely. She gives a disappointed shake of the head.
"I'm just asking because it could bring you problems at work and in your personal life," she says, tone threading to judgement. "That man is old. Old enough to be your father."
Huff. I turn to my computer. No, I won't have this conversation now. My father was seventy-two when he died, not in his forties.

Today I'm gonna lose it, I swear.

••••••••

[KUKHOKONKE]
Today I woke up from that dream again about those souls trapped at that royal place, their cries cutting deep, filled with agony. I knew stepping into that place was going to open Pandora's box. I'm not sure if I'm ready to help those people, but all I know is… they know me. They saw that I noticed them, and they won't stop or I won't stop dreaming about them until I free them from that place.
My family is safe, and the Zungus haven't come yet. But I know they will. And I meant what I said: none of them is allowed to take or see Celo. He is a Hadebe, not a Zungu.
My uncle called this morning to check up on me. He asked if, when I was arguing with my parents, I was possessed or what, because he said he didn't recognize the voice I was speaking with. I didn't understand because I felt normal, like my usual self. He thinks it was Ndleleni. I doubt that. Ndleleni doesn't do that unless he decides otherwise. When I get to my apartment, I'll summon him, because he sometimes does as he pleases with my life.

I avoided Paul like the plague, and with luck, I didn't see him. I'm with Josh at his brother-in-law's plot of land he's selling. It's big. I could build a three-bedroom house with a garage, a consultation room, and even add a pool too, because I know I'll need it. There are two tall trees here, perfect for someone like me.

"You like it?" Josh asks curiously. Of course I like it, but I'm not sure if Ndleleni approves or not.
"I love it. It's a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood," I say.
And tomorrow, I am officially meeting up with Diamond. We've been chatting, nothing serious, just talking about the weather and politics. I think it's our way of avoiding the big questions, but tomorrow… I'm ready to meet her. I'm a bit nervous, very nervous. It was supposed to be today, but since I want to summon the mastermind of all this, I won't be able to meet her yet.
I turn and look at Josh. Then I hear a scream.
He's screaming, pointing at the ground. He runs straight to his car. My heart skips. What's wrong? I take a step forward, and then I see it.
A small green snake.
I freeze. It slithers slowly, its scales gleaming faintly under the afternoon light. It moves with purpose, like it knows me. My breath catches as it makes its way toward me. Before I can move, it tangles itself around my leg, cold, smooth, and unsettlingly calm.
I try not to scream. My entire body stiffens.
Then, slowly, it begins to move higher, sliding up my thigh, curling around my waist, its tiny tongue flicking against my skin like it's tasting my fear. My pulse is racing.
The snake lifts its head, its eyes glinting, then continues upward, over my shoulder, brushing against my neck. The sensation sends chills down my spine. It wraps itself loosely around my neck, resting there, not choking me, just sitting there. Watching me. Testing me.

I can feel my heartbeat pounding against its cold body, and somehow, it feels like it's listening.
My vision blurs. My knees weaken. The world spins.
The last thing I hear is Josh shouting my name, before everything fades to black.

.
.
I feel a warm hand brushing my cheek. I slowly open my eyes and squint as a bright light hits them. I close them again, then open. Wait… I'm at the hospital?
I turn and see Diamond next to me, smiling softly. Is this a vision or not?
I try to sit up. Diamond quickly helps me, and I freeze from her touch. This is my first time feeling her in real life. I hope it is real life.
"Do you want some water?" she asks, gazing at me.
I shake my head. "No, I'm good. How did you get here?" I ask, because I was with Josh when I saw a snake, and I don't remember what happened after that.
"Well, I was trying to call and confirm the time and place for tomorrow," she says, smiling. "And Josh answered and told me you were here in the hospital. I rushed here to see you," she adds, her voice a little low.
I sigh softly. I guess this is real. I smile happily, looking at her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you off," I tease, joking lightly.
She giggles. "I know. I'm just happy that you're okay," she says genuinely.
I gaze at her, admiring her, finally next to me, not a fragment of my visions and dreams.
"You know, I can't stay for long. I'm sure Josh will come back with Paul. He's so curious about you," she says, sounding a little annoyed. Oh, Paul.
"Yeah, he will be. It's okay, you can leave. I'll keep in touch, and tomorrow we're still on for that date," I say. I need to monitor his moves now and no more talk about Paul. I know nothing about that man, only that he's a spoiled rich brat.
"Okay, I'm leaving," she says and drops a kiss on my hand. My heart skips. She takes her bag and waves at me.
"Bye," I say, giggling like a boy with a crush. But as she reaches the door, she freezes.
Oh, f**k no. Why can't the snake appear and scare him off?
He frowns as his eyes land on Diamond.
"What are you doing here?" Paul asks. What is he doing here? He's not my friend.
"She's…"
"None of your business, Paul. This is between me and my client," she cuts in, clearly irritated.
Paul blinks, looking from her to me. "Client? What…?" he asks, still confused.
"Yes, client. He's buying a piece of land, and he'll need an attorney, so I was sent here," she says smoothly. Oh, she's good.
"Now, Paul, excuse me," she adds and walks off.
I close my eyes, avoiding him completely. Can I teleport to my apartment now, please?