CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17

"Just a false alarm, Miss," the doctor says with a polite smile.

That's a relief to Diamond. She doesn't want to deal with Paul. Being raised by her aunt taught her one thing, she wants to have children with someone who truly wants to have them with her. Paul isn't the right person for that. Sure, kids with him would've had financial stability, but it was never going to work. Not with Nelly in the picture. It would've been a battle she didn't have the strength to fight.
She doesn't want what happened to her to ever happen to her children. She promised herself that her kids will grow up in love, not abandonment.
Aunt Thembi. her rock, her everything, raised her from the moment she was born. Her mother had wanted to abort her after discovering that Diamond's father was married. She hadn't known that the man she saw every weekend had a wife and kids back home in Mhlabuyalingana. When she found out, she wanted nothing to do with the pregnancy.
In those days, abortion was frowned upon and difficult to access. Still, her mother had found a backdoor clinic and was ready to get rid of the baby. But before she could, Aunt Thembi called and begged her to reconsider, promising to raise the baby herself. Her mother eventually agreed.
When Diamond was born, Thembi kept her word. She took over and raised Diamond as her own. Thembi couldn't have children of her own, so Diamond's birth became a blessing, the joy she didn't know she needed. They both needed each other.

Even though Diamond's father was present from time to time, it didn't mean much. He was never truly interested. He only showed up to save face. Thembi never forced him or Diamond's mother to step up, she knew their hearts weren't in it.
So she became both mother and father to Diamond.

When Diamond was five years old, Thembi brought Sboniso to stay with them after his mother's sudden death. It happened after Sboniso's father went to work and never came back. He was a truck driver, delivering goods to Zimbabwe. When the company noticed he hadn't clocked in or returned for five days, they sent people to investigate. They found the truck, but not him. Only his belongings were inside.
When the family got the news, they were shattered, especially Sbo's mother. The shock and grief were too much for her heart to handle, and she passed away from a heart attack. Sbo was left completely alone.

Knowing Diamond's father and his wife couldn't be relied on, Thembi stepped in again. She took in her brother's child and raised him as her own too. And that's how Diamond and Sbo became an unbreakable force, siblings by heart, not just by bloodline.
Diamond knows she carries deep abandonment wounds because of her parents, but she's working through them slowly. That's one of the reasons she loves Nikky so much. Nikky is patient, understanding, and never makes her feel like too much. Still, a small part of her fears she'll mess things up and be left behind again.

Even now, as she's about to meet Konke, a man she feels this strange, magnetic pull toward, she fears she'll ruin it somehow. With Paul, things were simple: don't fall in love, don't get attached. Those were their rules. But Paul suddenly broke those rules, and now she's confused by his change of heart.
Nikky, though, has a beautiful heart, and Diamond feels protective of her, especially from Snothando. She knows Sno is using Nikky, and something about her feels dangerous. She won't let anyone hurt Nikky.

She still remembers when Sno once joked, saying maybe Diamond was in love with Nikky because no one can care for someone that much unless they're in love. But it didn't offend either of them. They laughed it off. People could assume whatever they wanted.
Diamond even remembers telling Nikky one night, "If we reach thirty with no kids and no annoying man around our necks, we'll just marry each other and adopt. We'll be happy regardless."
That memory makes her smile faintly now.
"I'll need something to clean my system then. I don't want any issues," she says, looking at the doctor.
She wants a fresh start. A clean body.
A new beginning. A new connection.
And maybe, just maybe, a chance to finally stop running from her past.

__

Diamond stares at the tall grey building with the name Maphisa Medic Distributors printed boldly at the top. It's on the industrial side of town, surrounded by the hum of machines and the smell of metal from nearby factories.
Since she got a medical certificate, a sick note from the doctor, she sees no reason to go back to work today. Nicole will have to deal with it. She knows they value her too much to let her go. She's their loyal worker, practically a slave for that company. Still, she respects the job that pays her bills. Even though the salary is low and she always dreamed of something bigger, she remains grateful to at least have steady work.
Her car situation still stresses her out, though. She really needs to go online soon and find a suitable one, fast. She sighs, pulls off her ID card, and tucks it into her bag as she approaches the guard's office near the gate. Today isn't about work. It's about meeting this man and having a serious, personal conversation with him.

"Good morning. I'm Diamond Sokhulu, from Osborn and Ross Attorneys. I'm here to see Mr. Mlambo," she says confidently, flashing her ID card.

The guard glances at her card, gives a small nod, then hands her the lodge book to sign her name.
"Senior or junior?" he asks without much emotion.
Diamond frowns slightly. She forgot there might be more than one Mlambo here.
"It doesn't matter. I'm here to see Mr. Mlambo," she says firmly. Whoever shows up, senior or junior, she'll meet the man connected to Nikky one way or another.
The guard nods again and gestures for her to follow him inside.
She's led into a small but well-polished cafeteria, its quietness filled with the faint buzz of an air conditioner. The space smells of coffee and disinfectant, neat and professional. Diamond takes a seat near the window, crossing her legs as the guard goes to fetch Mr. Mlambo.

Her eyes wander around the cafeteria. It's tidy, elegant even. She can't help but be impressed. Nikky really is lucky. As she told her before, she always manages to find people who take care of her. Even as monstrous and controlling as Sphephelo was, he still provided for her.

Her face softens, then tightens again when she thinks of Sboniso. Poor boy. He'll never measure up to Nikky's high standards. Diamond had realized long ago that Sbo liked Nikky. His constant ignoring of her wasn't pride, it was his coping mechanism, his way of not getting hurt. But when he finds out that Nikky has found someone new, someone older and richer, that will sting.
Still, Diamond believes this is for the best. Relationships like that, between close friends, always ruin something sacred. She only hopes that Sbo will still come to Nikky's birthday party, smile through his pain, and hand her his gift without causing a scene.

"Good morning," a deep, calm voice interrupts her thoughts.
Diamond looks up. A young man in a crisp suit stands before her, his smile polite but confident. For a second, she blinks, confused. This can't be him. He's too young. Maybe this is the son.
She smiles politely anyway. "Hi, I'm Diamond, Nikky's friend. I'm here to see the man who's about to turn her life upside down," she says in a half-joking, professional tone.
The man chuckles lightly. "Then you must be looking for another Mr. Mlambo, my dad," he says, extending his hand. "I'm Siyabonga Mlambo, but you can call me Bonga. It's lovely to finally meet one of my stepmother's friends."
Diamond can't help but laugh softly, shaking his hand.
"Lovely meeting you too," she says warmly, amused by his phrasing.
She wishes she could tell Nikky about this funny little encounter, but she knows better. Nikky doesn't know she's here, and it's better that way for now.
"Let me go call him for you. Please, have something to drink while you wait," Bonga says with a polite nod before walking away.
Diamond watches him leave, her mind already racing ahead to the conversation she's about to have.

.
.
.
.
She helps herself to a cup of coffee as she waits. A sound of footsteps makes her raise her eyes. She notices a man walking in and frowns slightly. Is this Bonga's father or his brother? she wonders.

He smiles and nods at her. He's not wearing a suit, just a golf shirt and trousers, yet he carries himself with quiet confidence.
"Miss Diamond, I'm Mnotho. I've heard a lot about you," he says, stretching out his hand.
Diamond quickly composes herself and shakes his hand. "Oh, I hope you heard good things," she replies jokingly.
Her eyes linger on him a little longer than she intends. Trust Nikky to snatch a good-looking madala, she thinks. She's impressed but not surprised. Nikky has good taste, fit, smooth-skinned, and carrying himself like a man who drinks water and minds his business.
"Of course," he says, then sighs, his expression turning serious and curious. "How can I help you? Is something wrong with Nikky?"
Diamond blinks and smiles, leaning back in her chair.
"Well, I needed to meet the man who comes and takes my sister without coming inside to introduce himself," she says, her tone laced with seriousness beneath the smile.
Mnotho chuckles lightly. "I'm really sorry about that. Everything happened fast, and I was waiting for Nikky to take the first step in introducing us," he says softly.
Diamond knows Nikky is guarding her heart and being cautious, and she doesn't blame her for that.
"You have a son," she says, leaning forward, serious now. "Looks like he's about the same age as Nikky. And I want to know how you're going to make this all work. Won't Bonga give Nikky issues, disrespect her, and do as he pleases just because they're age mates?"
Mnotho leans closer, calm and composed.
"Diamond, I assure you that won't happen at all. Bonga and Nikky seem to be getting along perfectly. There are no problems," he answers firmly.
"Your family? Your siblings? Your business associates?" she presses quickly. "Just last night, she was scared that she might lose her job because she's dating you. We can't have that happen, Mnotho," she adds, serious and unwavering. She knows she's crossing a line by being here without Nikky's knowledge, but this conversation is necessary.
"Nikky told me you are a very important person in her life. I want to assure you again, you have my word, nothing will happen to her. She won't get hurt or lose her job. My family? No need to worry about them. This is about me and Nikky, not them," he says, his voice steady and reassuring.
Diamond frowns slightly.
"Your family will play the biggest role in this. You are sixteen years older than Nikky. They won't blame you; they'll blame her for falling in love with you. They'll call her names. As I can see, you're doing well for yourself, they may think she's after your money," she fires back, firm and direct.
Mnotho sighs, shaking his head slowly.
"Don't worry, that won't happen. I won't allow it. I love your sister so much, and I don't intend to make her life harder," he says seriously. "I know you have your doubts about me, and I don't blame you. But I'm serious about Nikezinkosi. I see her future with me. I want her to be in my life," he continues softly, calmly.
Diamond stares at him, searching his face, hoping he's sincere. Nikky has been through so much because of men, men who came and drained the life out of her.
Diamond exhales softly, letting some tension go.
"I hope you stand by your words," she warns, a little smile tugging at her lips. "Because if anything, if Nikky comes to me crying and hurt because of you, I will make sure your family sings amagugu for you," she says jokingly, though there's an edge of seriousness.
Mnotho just nods, his expression calm.
Diamond clasps her hands happily and leans closer, her voice softening.
"Well, this weekend we're celebrating Nikky's birthday at Magalies. I didn't invite you because her older sister and brother-in-law will be there, and I don't think it would be wise for you to meet them at the party. You need to do it in a very respectful way, like going to Nikky's home… I don't know, something like that," Diamond rambles, gesturing with her hands.
"What? Birthday?" Mnotho asks, confused.
Diamond opens and closes her mouth, realizing she's been talking too much.
"Oh…" she says, lifting her coffee and taking a sip, already thinking about how to do some damage control.

•••••

[THE HADEBE HOMESTEAD]

Mpatho looks around the yard as he tells the boys he hired to clean it. "This is going to be the space Konke will build his consultation rondavel or hut," he says quietly, more to himself than to the boy. He knows he's the one who is most supportive in the journey Konke is on, and he understands just how unpredictable and dangerous Ndleleni can be. Doing this might calm Konke and even the ancestral spirits, keeping them from anger.
Mpatho remembers the day he saw Konke possessed by the Ndleleni spirit. Fear had gripped him. He was the only one who witnessed it. His brother and sister-in-law had been furious, blinded by anger, not seeing the danger for what it was. Mpatho had spoken to them, urging them to be kind, respectful, and patient with Konke. He warned them, if they made one wrong move, the consequences would fall on them, not him.

As Mpatho turns to go inside, he notices two cars stopping at the gate. His frown deepens, and he leans forward for a closer look. He shakes his head as he sees Bonakele and Phunyuka stepping out of one car. From the other car, Mqapheli and the guards emerge.

Konke wasn't lying. These people would come. Mpatho's heart pounds, knowing the warning from Konke: never let them inside the yard, no matter what. But he also knows his brother. He might…
"Mpatho, why are you standing there? Let the Zungus in!" Khaphela calls, joining him with a broad grin. His excitement is palpable. He doesn't yet understand what dangers might lurk.
Mpatho gasps softly. "No. Konke said we must not let them in," he says firmly.
Khaphela frowns, disbelief etched on his face. How dare this disrespectful boy dictate what happens in his home?
"I'm tired of Konke and you. I will not be dictated to by Konke. I am not his child; he is the child here!" Khaphela hisses as he marches toward the gate.
Mpatho quickly pulls out his phone. He has to inform Konke. The phone rings. Once. Twice. Three times. On the fourth ring, Konke picks up.
"Baba, how are you?" Konke's voice is carefree on the other end.
Mpatho exhales slowly. "They're here, and your father wants to open the gate for them," he says, his voice tense.
"Zungus?" Konke asks, calm as ever.
"Yes. I told him we can't let them in, but you know how stubborn your father is," Mpatho says tiredly.
Konke chuckles softly. "Don't worry, Bhungane. No one is stepping into that yard," he says confidently.
Mpatho frowns, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Just watch and see, Bab'mncane. Don't get involved. Let him get punished. He doesn't want to listen," Konke says, sighing softly. "We will talk soon. I'm still at work. I will send the money to pay those boys," he adds, then hangs up, leaving Mpatho both curious and uneasy.
He steps closer to the gate, standing next to Khaphela, who is grinning like he's won some grand prize.
"Mthimkhulu, we apologise for coming without notice," Mqapheli, the chief advisor, says, bowing slightly. Mpatho just nods.
"Can we please…" Mqapheli stops mid-step, eyes widening as he glances toward the gate. He takes a step back, his voice trembling.
"We…. Who is at the gate?" he asks shakily. Both Mpatho and Khaphela exchange confused glances.
"What's wrong?" Phunyuka asks, frowning, but Mqapheli can't even form the words. He just points at the gate and unleashes the loudest scream of pure agony.
"What's wrong?" Bonakele cries out, panic rising in her voice. Mqapheli's screams continue, echoing across the yard. The guards rush to restrain him and guide him toward the car, but his cries don't stop.
Phunyuka glances at Mpatho and Khaphela, offering a small, apologetic smile.
"We are sorry about that. But we, as Zenzele's parents…" he begins, only to be cut off.

Suddenly, a massive flock of crows descends from the sky, their cries deafening. Thousands of black feathers whip the air as the birds circle above them. Bonakele screams in terror and stumbles, trying to reach the cars, but she falls. Phunyuka rushes to help her, but he too is caught off guard as the crows surround them, their wings thrashing wildly.

Mpatho takes a step back, his heart racing, eyes wide as he recalls Konke's warning. The words echo in his mind, "One wrong move, and Ndleleni will punish them. It will be their fault, not mine."
The yard is alive with pandemonium. Screams, caws, and flapping wings fill the air, a terrifying omen that none of them will forget.

•••••

[KUKHOKONKE]

I have to go to Diamond's flat and fetch her now. As I pack my things I see the two flies again, those two have been annoying me all day. Who is sending them and why? I know flies are monitoring spirits, sent by people to watch what you do. I sigh and lean closer; they do not move.
"When I find who you are, I will make you pay," I whisper, a warning. They lift and fly away. Good. I hope whoever sent them gets the message.
My phone buzzes. Mehluko says he is not feeling well, the same line he always uses when he wants me to visit. I tell him to see a doctor and that I will come tomorrow. Then I spot Paul, greeting colleagues as he makes his way to my office. He looks pissed. Oh ancestors, give me strength.
Paul storms in, huffing like he ran a marathon.
"You!!" he spits, pointing straight at me. Bold man.
"Me what? I have to go," I say, grabbing my laptop bag.
He laughs bitterly.
"You think I'm a fool. I know what's going on between you and Diamond," he says.
I chuckle softly and step closer. "What happens between me and Diamond is none of your business," I say, serious and firm. He loves to annoy me, whining like a child.
He blinks rapidly. "What?" he asks, voice trembling.
"You heard me," I repeat. "Can you step out of my way so I can leave?"
He scoffs, spins, and grabs his head. Kuyahlanya lokhu.
"I'm going to f***ck you up," he snarls, foaming at the mouth. Before I can brace, he swings. His fist connects with my ear and the world explodes into a high, piercing ring. Pain slams through me. I stagger back, vision blurring. Warm liquid trickles from my nose. For a second the corridor twists into a nightmare: Paul kneeling beside a body of an old man, people clapping as if celebrating the death, one figure pinned the old man down, trying to finish him. The image snaps like a film reel gone wrong.
Dizzy, I smirk at Paul, at this sneaky fool, because laughter is a reflex I cannot stop. I see Josh rushing toward us.
"You bastard, you better plan your evil father's funeral," I blurt, my voice looping between menace and hysteria. Paul's eyes flare.
"What?" he roars, lunging and grabbing my collar. I laugh, uncontrollably now, somehow furious and unhinged.
"Do you know what your daddy does behind your back?" I keep saying, because flashes of his father's crimes are burning through my head.
"Paul, what the fc**k!" Josh and the others yell, hauling Paul back. They shove and wrestle, trying to stop him. I fall to my knees, still laughing, blood warm on my lip. His face is furious enough to burn this building down.
"Oh God, I am going to lose my job but…" I think, and the thought is ridiculous and raw.
"Your evil father will fucking die. That piece of shit is dying soon," I spit, glaring. "He deserves to die," I roar, bitterness tasting like metal.
The others hold Paul tighter, dragging him away. I fumble for my phone with clumsy fingers, my blood still dripping. I need to tell Diamond, while I'm still conscious. My hands pat my pockets.
"Don't ever talk about my dad," Paul screams at me.
I ignore him. I tap my phone and type like my life depends on it "Talk to Josh, please. I'm about to pass out." My thumb hits send. My grip loosens. The phone slips from my fingers and rolls away. Darkness widens at the edges.

Then everything goes black.

__

I feel something warm and heavy on my forehead. My hand touches it, it's a warm cloth. I open my eyes slowly. I'm in my room, and as my eyes scan around, I sigh deeply and sit up cautiously. I hear a door closing and soft music playing in the lounge. My head still pounds. I wonder where Diamond is, her life is in danger because of that crazy Paul. I'm sure he will go to his father and warn him. I was too angry, too angry, I should have kept quiet, but I couldn't. His father's crimes are gruesome, and he needs to be punished. However, if it kills him, I won't even hesitate. If he was a good person, I would have helped, but now his time has come, and karma doesn't forget.
A door opens slowly, gentle, like the person doesn't want to disturb me. My heart skips a beat as I see Diamond walking in. I sigh in relief… at least it's her. No one from Y3 or Cothozas' students. She smiles, quickly sitting next to me. She smells so good.
"Are you okay? Are you hungry?" she asks, concerned. I will eat, but not now.
"No, I'm good. I can eat later. I have a headache though," I say.
She frowns.
"I'm gonna kill Paul," she mutters softly, placing her hand on her forehead.
"Don't worry about Paul. I'm gonna be okay, and thank you for coming," I say, my voice soft, grateful she doesn't know how long I've been looking for her.
"Can you please sleep over? You can use the guestroom," I add. She laughs lightly.
"I can stay if you want to, but you need to eat and take some pills," she says gently.
"I'm sorry for today. I promise I'll take you somewhere beautiful for our date," I say sincerely. I don't know if I should go to work tomorrow or take the day off to spend time with her. I just look at her, thanking Ndleleni silently. She's the most beautiful, elegant woman I've ever seen. With all her troubles and sadness, I will love her, protect her, and cherish her till our last breath.
I move closer, thinking a kiss might heal my headache.
"Please… kiss me," I whisper softly, yearning, pleading. She blushes, moving closer, her hand brushing against mine, sending shivers straight through me. Her warmth presses against my chest, her heartbeat racing like mine.
"Are you sure?" she whispers, voice trembling slightly. Her eyes search mine, wide and full of trust. I nod, unable to speak, my lips parting slightly.
Slowly, I lean closer, careful not to rush. I rest my forehead against hers, letting the closeness stretch the tension between us. She breathes softly, shallowly, holding herself together for me.
"Just… let me," I murmur, voice barely above a whisper.
She closes her eyes, tilting her face toward mine. I pause, savoring the anticipation, the space between us thick with longing. The soft music plays around us, but all I hear is her breathing, feel her warmth.
I press my lips to hers gently, tentative, slow, yearning. Her lips part slightly against mine, soft and hesitant. My hand cradles her cheek, thumb brushing along her jaw.
"Konke…" she breathes, almost a plea. My heart skips at the sound of my name on her lips.
I deepen the kiss just a little, careful, letting it linger. Her hand presses against my chest, grounding herself to me. I can feel the softness of her lips, the warmth of her skin, and the tension of the day melts away. Oh I think I love her.

•••••

MNOTHO

I need to get her a gift. I didn't tell her about her friend's visit. God, I should have known I was going to be interrogated for just falling in love with her. As I told myself, I will be prepared and ready for any bombs they throw at me. She's much happier now, we're laughing and joking, unlike yesterday when she was pissed off.
"My leg is painful. How about you give me a massage?" she says, eyeing me playfully. I smile.
"A massage? I can't go to your flat while your friend is there," I tell her.
"No, we're going to your place. And Bonga asked me to make that pizza for him again," she says softly.
I frown, feeling that thing again, that flicker of suspicion twisting in my chest.
"So, you're going to my place because of Bonga?" I ask, trying to sound like I'm joking.
She doesn't notice the tension in my tone; she just laughs, light and carefree.
"Don't be jealous. He's just going through a lot. And I want to spend my night with you, what's wrong with that?" she asks, giving me a soft look that melts everything inside me.
Her hand rests on mine, warm and steady, holding it as she stares out the window, humming softly. I love it when she's this happy and bubbly.

Although my suspicions are still there and thinking about them kills me. My PI has already sent me all the information. When I get home, I'll have to brace myself for whatever I see. He didn't say much about what he found, just a short text that said: Check your email.

__

She might as well bring all her clothes here. I leave the bedroom as she prepares to shower. I need to check that email in my study. As I walk in, I lock the door and rush to my desk, sitting down and lighting up my laptop, whispering a small prayer that my suspicions are wrong. That I was wrong for thinking such terrible things about my own son and the woman I'm planning to spend the rest of my life with.
I sigh heavily as I open the PI's email. There's a video, what looks like CCTV footage, and a long paragraph of timelines. My heart races. I download the footage and click play.
I stare at the screen as I notice the timestamp, 19:00. Richard and his nephew, or maybe his assistant, Thabang, are walking into what looks like a hotel lobby. They head straight to the receptionist, then to the elevator. I frown. Why am I being shown these two?

The footage skips and suddenly I see Bonga walking into the same hotel. I freeze. My breath catches as I watch him talk to the receptionist, then head to the elevator. The view switches to the elevator camera. Bonga is kicking the air, nervous, that's what he always does when he's anxious.
The footage jumps again, now showing the corridor. Bonga walks down the hallway and knocks on a hotel room door. He waits for a few seconds. The door opens and Thabang appears.
I freeze. Wait. Thabang lets him in.
F**ck.
There are no cameras inside the room. After a few minutes, Thabang walks out, looking nervous, glancing around.
No. No.
I shake my head, heart pounding so loud I can hear it echoing in my ears. Richard wouldn't.
The video continues. A few minutes later, Bonga walks out of that room, his face pale, his body trembling. He sinks to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
I pause the footage and stand up, my body trembling too.
No. No. No.