CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31

Bonga and Mnotho are still locked in a staring competition.
Bonga is holding his phone up like a weapon, waving it slowly, daring his father to try something so he can press one button.
One call. Instant tears.
Instant drama.
Instant "Nikky, your man is beating your stepson."
And Mnotho… Mnotho is fuming.
Not because he can't beat Bonga.
Oh no.
He can. Easily.
He's shocked.
Deeply shocked.
Breathing hard, scoffing under his breath, staring at his son like How dare you bring that woman's name into this nonsense.
Bangizwe looks between them, squinting like an old man trying to read small print.
"Who is Nikky?" he asks, standing up slowly, suspicious and curious at the same time.
Bonga uses that distraction to move, slipping behind his desk like a rat running to safety. He knew it the minute the hostess told him his fathers were here. He knew his only weapon today wasn't strength or courage.
It was Nikky.
The minute her name left his mouth, everything changed.
And it worked. Perfectly.
Yes, Mnotho is still angry.
Yes, Bonga's life is still hanging by a thread.
But at least…
At least he didn't get slapped.
Yet.
"Is someone going to answer me?" Bangizwe asks again, irritation slowly creeping into his voice.
Bonga looks at his father.
He knows he can't just talk now.
He dragged Nikky's name into this mess, and he's standing by it, but explaining it to his uncle? Hell no. That's Mnotho's problem now.
Mnotho scoffs loudly, shaking his head as he pulls out a chair and sits down. His chest rises and falls with anger he's trying to control.
"Why are you bringing Nikky's name into your nonsense?" he asks, eyes locked on Bonga. His voice is calm, but the anger is right there under the surface.
Because that's the real problem.
If Bonga does this once, he'll do it again.
If he starts using Nikky to shield himself every time he messes up… Mnotho knows he won't survive it. He can handle Bonga's chaos, but dragging Nikky into it? Absolutely not.
Bonga shrugs with the most fake bravery ever.
"Well, you were about to beat me," he mutters, pointing at his phone. "Nikky listens to me. She likes me. I know she will take my side."
Mnotho's jaw clenches.
Hard. Of course Nikky was going to take Bonga's side, their last conversation was about bongs and Nikky had asked Mnotho to be gentle with him.
Bangizwe blinks between them, lost.
"Who is Nikky?" he asks again.
This time louder, demanding real answers.
Bonga steps back toward his desk, pretending to arrange something even though his hands are shaking a bit. He knew the moment he stepped in his office that he needed protection.
And Nikky?
She's the strongest shield he could think of.
And the worst one he could have used.
"So you think I won't do anything to you because you'll go cry to Nikky?" Mnotho asks, his voice low, dangerous, calm,the kind of calm that means the storm has already formed. His eyes stay locked on Bonga, disbelief written all over his face.
How dare he. How fucken dare he.
Yes, Nikky is his weakness.
But he never thought Bonga would use that against him.
Bangizwe's curiosity hasn't gone anywhere. He drags a chair closer, sits next to his brother, watching him carefully. Mnotho looks calm, too calm, and that alone worries him.
"Mnotho, are you going to tell me what's going on?" he asks. He doesn't even look at Bonga. He knows Bonga is a child doing childish, stupid things. The real story is with his brother.
Mnotho finally pulls his gaze away from Bonga and turns to Bangizwe.
"Nikky is the woman I was telling you about," he says.
Bangizwe's face splits into a wide grin.
"Ohhho," he murmurs, all amusement and curiosity.
"So your nephew here," Mnotho continues, turning back to glare at Bonga, "is using her to fight his little battles."
Bangizwe scoffs under his breath, shaking his head, entertained.
He likes this already.
He likes Nikky, and he hasn't even met her.
Because truth be told, Bonga needs a mother.
And Julia? Julia hasn't been a mother in years. She ran off with that pastor, left Bonga with Mnotho to pick up the pieces. Bangizwe never liked her; he only tolerates her existence because of Mnotho and Bonga. If it were up to him, he would have paid her off long ago and told her to stay wherever she is with her holy husband.
"Baba, I'm sorry, but if I didn't mention Ni... Mamncane, you were going to beat me up," Bonga says, finally sitting down. His voice is small, guilty, but still trying to be brave.
Bangizwe has the biggest smile on his face, enjoying every second of this.
"Siyabonga," Mnotho says slowly, voice still low, still firm, "you can't always hide behind her. So you'll commit a crime again, and when I find out, you'll cry for Nikky?"
He's glaring at his son, jaw tight, anger boiling beneath his words. He wants to deal with this illegal gambling operation once and for all. No excuses, no hiding, no Nikky shield.
"You will close this," Mnotho continues firmly, "or you will make it legal. And I know you don't like this casino. You like the thrill of it."
His voice softens, even though his eyes don't. Because he knows that's the truth. And of course he remembers what Nikky said, maybe Bonga is rebellious because he wants attention. Maybe he's acting out because he wants his father to look at him. Notice him.
A chuckle escapes Mnotho's mouth, low and unexpected. He just realised how much he listens to Nikky. How everything she says stays in his head. No wonder Bonga had the guts to use her name.
"Baba, I can't close it," Bonga pleads quickly. "We make so much money here. I can show you the financial reports for this week only."
Of course it makes money. Illegal things always do. Especially illegal gambling.
"That's because it is illegal," Mnotho fires back. "Register this casino of yours. Pay tax like everyone else. Or else I will burn this place down, Siyabonga. I worked hard, damn hard, for you to ruin your future like this."
Bonga wants to roll his eyes so badly, but he doesn't. He swallows it, fists clenching.
Damn Thabang. He knows that bastard is the one who snitched. That dead fool. He hopes he burns in hell.
Bangizwe's phone suddenly rings, loud and dramatic, blasting a soul brother's song through the room.
Bonga snorts out a laugh, unable to help himself.
"Let me answer. Gabisile is calling," Bangizwe says, already getting up and rushing outside to take the call.
He leaves the father and son alone, exactly where the real conversation needs to happen.
The door closes.
And Bonga's face falls immediately, the guilt sinking in hard.
He looks down, remorseful.
He knows this isn't how his dad wanted his family to find out about Nikky.
He knows he messed up.
"Baba, I'm really sorry," Bonga says quietly. "But you didn't give me any choice, and you ambushed me. That's why I used Nikky's name."
Mnotho finally exhales, the tension loosening in his shoulders.
His anger slowly leaves his bones, melting into something calmer, softer.
"They were eventually going to find out," he says softly. "I love Nikky. And she will be my wife. And your mother."
Saying it aloud feels real. Dangerous and serious.
Because he knows what is waiting for him outside this office, judgment, gossip, questions, the rocks both families will throw.
He already fought Brian over her.
And that was only the beginning.
"You know I support your relationship," Bonga says gently. "I just wish you supported my dreams too."
That makes Mnotho frown, puzzled.
Dreams? Crime is a dream?
"Dreams? Crime is your dream?" he asks, tone still soft, confused.
Bonga shakes his head quickly.
"Of course not."
The truth is, he doesn't even know what he wants.
All he knows is that he doesn't want to be in his father's shadow forever.
"Nikky mentioned that I put you in a box I created for you," Mnotho says. "Without asking what you want. What your dreams are."
Bonga blinks, and a small smile creeps in.
This is exactly why he used Nikky's name.
She softens him. She makes him listen.
"So I'll give you a week," Mnotho continues. "You will come to me and tell me what you want. What business you want to open. And I will sponsor it. As long as it's not illegal, Siyabonga." It's not just an offer.
It's a father finally opening a door for his son.
Bonga nods. That's his answer for now. He'll have to sit with himself later and really think, deeply, honestly, about what he wants his future to look like.
"So, baba… you know your brother will tell everyone about Nikky. Won't they want to meet her?" Bonga asks.
Mnotho sighs, a long, heavy sigh that comes straight from his chest. Of course Bangizwe will run his mouth. He will tell his wife, and then the whole family will know within hours. And the truth is… Mnotho isn't ready. Not to throw Nikky into that chaos. Not to watch her shrink under judgmental eyes. Not yet.
Right now he just wants them, him and her. Their little quiet, beautiful relationship. No noise. No opinions. No one comparing her or picking her apart. He loves her too much. Too deeply. The thought of her crying because of something connected to him? That tears him apart.
And he already opened that wound, comparing her to Sthembile. He hates himself for that. If it was up to him, he'd get in his car right now, drive straight to Nikky's building, fall to his knees at her door and apologise again until she believed him, until she felt safe again.
His relationship with Sthembile… three years? Maybe four. He's not even sure anymore. But everything fell apart the day he introduced her to his ex business associate, Lungani.
They hit it off too well behind his back. He didn't know. Didn't even suspect anything. Until one morning, when he came back from Nquthu earlier than expected.
Sthembile wasn't expecting him.
He walked into his own bedroom and found Lungani naked on his bed.
Sthembile was in the kitchen, calmly making breakfast for Lungani using the groceries he, Mnotho, bought. Acting like she lived there with him. Like they didn't destroy him.
He didn't fight them. He didn't scream. He just left.
And three weeks later, still hurting and furious, he went to Lungani's wife and slept with her.
"I'll cross that bridge," Mnotho finally says.

_

He walks into Brian's basement, the place where Brian carries out his… experiments. His frown deepens almost immediately. The sight makes him want to turn and leave, even puke a little.
"Come on… his brain?" Mnotho mutters, stepping closer.
Brian, wearing his scrubs, glances up from his work, a scalpel resting neatly on the tray beside him. He straightens and rushes toward Mnotho.
"You shouldn't be here," Brian says, a hint of annoyance in his voice at being disturbed in the middle of his little adventure.
Mnotho scoffs quietly. "I'm the one who gave you these people. I should see what's going on," he replies. Not because he genuinely cares, no. It's because he's frustrated with himself. Distrusting himself, especially now that Nikky is ignoring him.
Brian shakes his head, his eyes cold. "No. I called you to come, and you said you weren't interested. You wanted me to call you only when they're dead?"
Mnotho shrugs, almost innocently. "I know. I'm bored."
Brian's eyes narrow, and he gestures sharply. "I don't care. You'll come back in the morning to check on them. Now let me do my job, Mr. Mlambo."
He knows he should leave, but part of him can't. These fools have already done harm to Bonga and Nikky. Walking away now would feel like letting them get away with it, letting them think they can hurt the people he cares about and face no consequences.
He sighs heavily and steps a little closer, his eyes locked on Brian's movements, ready to watch and observe. But then his phone vibrates in his pocket. He pulls it out, and a message from Nikky makes him smile for just a moment until he reads it fully.
"Did you date or sleep with Nurse Brenda?"
Mnotho's chest tenses up further, his shoulders sagging. He closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Oh fucken hell," he mutters, defeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

•••••

[NIKEZINKOSI]

I'm surprised Mnotho hasn't shown up yet, hasn't barged in, knocking until sunrise. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him about Brenda over text. Maybe the wiser, calmer way to handle this would have been to face him in person, to talk it out like adults. That's how mature people deal with issues like this.
But he lied about being a shareholder at that damn clinic. I loved working there, and now…now it's going to be exhausting. The gossip might die down, but Pinky and Brenda are best buddies. They'll make sure I have a hard time at work, especially now that I'm probably dating Brenda's ex or whatever this is. And Brian fought with Mnotho? That's what Zola said. Ugh, this is going to be a long year. I might as well tell Ntobe and Letsatsi that I'm seeing someone because I know Brian will spill everything to Letsatsi anyway.
I let out a soft sigh, the sigh that feels like it weighs a ton. It's already 4 a.m., and Diamond and I didn't even get a chance to talk last night. The wizard came around, he wanted to see her, and she ended up spending the whole night outside with him.
And now, with a long, exhausting day ahead of me, maybe I should just go wake Diamond up myself. And maybe I should prepare breakfast for her too, to make her morning a little easier before the chaos or troubles of the day begins.

.
.
.
"Why do I feel like the wizard is taking you away from me?" I joke lightly, a smirk tugging at my lips.
"Of course not, he will never do that," she giggles softly, childlike too. She's so smitten, so utterly happy, a rush of warmth spreads through me, seeing her like this.
"I need to introduce you two, you'll like him," she adds, eyes twinkling. I might, I think to myself. He sounds like a well-behaved man, grounded, and spiritual, probably the safest haven my friend could have.
"He's the first ever man you've dated that you actually want to introduce me to. Paul came here and sold me a life cover," I tease, laughing. Diamond laughs too, her joy infecting me. Nx, that fool Paul.
"I know, but no, I love Konke. So much," she says, smiling softly, eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store.
I watch her for a moment and I can't help but smile too. She glows like this, all innocence and mischief.
"He did you good, didn't he? Did he sprinkle holy water all over your body before laying you down?" I tease, letting the joke linger.
She bursts out laughing, blushing, and playfully hits my shoulder.
"Even if he did, I don't mind! He can call my name at midnight, and I'll go running for him. He can increase the love potion dosage if he has to, I'm all his!" she squeals, voice full of giddy excitement.
Oh my god.
Her energy is contagious and I can't help but laugh along
"As long as you are happy, I'm happy too," I say warmly, letting every word carry the weight of how much I care.
"I am happy, and I pray it stays like this. He's so perfect for such a broken soul like me," she says, her voice trembling just slightly. The sadness in her words pulls at my heart, and I shake my head immediately, feeling the need to protect her from herself.
"Don't ever call yourself that, my angel. You are perfect too, in your own way," I say, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek, letting her feel the sincerity in my touch.
"Oh, Nikky. I'm not that perfect. I have my flaws too. What if one day he sees that or his ancestors see that and they find him someone better for him, a woman who is… I don't know… spiritual too," she says, her voice small and vulnerable. No. I won't allow her to put herself down like this.
"Love, everyone is spiritual in their own way, and you are the right woman for him. You're his perfect match. Aren't you the one who said it felt like you two were past lovers, souls who found each other again in this lifetime?" I say gently, deliberately soft, letting every word sink in, trying to reach past the doubts clouding her heart.
She gasps softly, her eyes shining, and nods in agreement. I can see the tiniest spark of relief and hope flicker across her face. Her shoulders relax slightly, and I feel the tension leave her body, as if my words have wrapped her in a shield of certainty.
I reach out, brushing a strand of her braid from her face, holding her gaze. "You are not broken, my angel. Not in the way that matters. You are whole, beautiful, and exactly who he needs."
Her lips part slightly, almost a whisper, "You really think so?"
"I don't think, I know," I reply softly, the certainty in my voice firm and sure.
She leans a little closer. Then her arms wrap around me, warm and tight, like she's trying to hold my heart together with her own. She stays there for a moment, breathing against my shoulder.
"You too," she murmurs, her voice gentle but steady, "you should let that good-looking madala in. He loves you, Nikky. And he won't be like Sphephelo. He's a better man than that monster."
I freeze. Just a small second, but enough for her to feel it.
"Mnotho wants marriage. He wants kids. And…" my throat tightens painfully, "with all the miscarriages I had with Sphe, do you think I'll ever be able to give this man what he wants?"
The words stumble out, cracked and shaky, like they've been trying to escape me for years.
"Sphephelo wasn't a good man for you," she says softly but with conviction, "your womb knew that. And that's why."
Her voice doesn't shake, but mine almost does.
"I know it hurts," she continues gently. "They were your babies too… but you and those babies, you were going to be tied to that monster forever. God protected you. Even if the protection broke your heart."
She pulls me tighter, like she wants to shelter every broken part of me. Maybe she's right. Maybe she isn't. I don't know anymore.
"I'm scared, Diamond," I whisper, and it feels like admitting a sin. "I don't want to lose more babies. because I'm trying to make a man happy. Not again." The truth tastes bitter in my mouth.
"That won't happen," she says, calm and certain, brushing her hand up and down my back. "I know humans. I know hearts. I'm a good judge of character. And Mnotho…" she exhales softly. "He won't allow anything to hurt you. Not even by accident."
I know that. Deep down, I do.
I just pray he won't storm into the clinic and threaten Brenda and Pinky like some angry lion.
"So, my angel," she whispers, tilting my chin so I look at her. "Let that man love you. And if Sphephelo the monster ever comes back…" Her voice drops, sharp and cold as steel. "I will personally kill him this time."
My heart goes still, and to my own surprise, a part of me believes her completely.

•••••

[KUKHOKONKE]

I haven't heard from Cothoza or the twins. And honestly, I hope it stays that way for a little while. I suppose I'll have to find someone to sew me new garments and robes for the future. The beads are simple enough, I can handle those myself. As for the Zungus, I don't know much about what's going on with them. I'm sure my uncle will inform me if anything goes wrong, especially since their precious monkey paw was stolen.
I sit in my office, staring at the plans in my mind, trying to focus on a big project I can launch, one that will generate enough money to secure my future even after I leave this job. I know Ndleleni said they'll never let me suffer, that money will always find its way to me, but still… I need more than just enough. I need enough to plan everything properly: the building, the ceremony and I need to buy three goats, as Ndleleni instructed. That's money too. He should bless me with another set of lottery numbers, worth at least a million, so I can fulfill everything they expect from me.
The bank is moving at a snail's pace with my application, and I honestly don't know why. It's frustrating, irritating even, gnawing at my patience. I want this to move, to take shape, to feel like I'm finally getting somewhere but right now… it's just waiting.

Something that moves effortlessly, almost like a gentle current, is my relationship with Diamond, the only thing that makes sense in this complicated, chaotic journey of mine. Everything about her feels… perfect. It's as if we've done this before, in different dimensions, different timelines, and I know, without a doubt, that even in the next life, I would choose her again.
I chuckle softly, eyes on my laptop but my mind wandering far away, floating with thoughts of her. I need to take her out on a proper dinner date, something special. We couldn't do it last time because of Paul.
Speaking of Paul! People assume he went missing with his father. Strange, because all I know is that he went to jail for kidnapping Diamond's friend. I frown, the puzzle pieces not fitting. What's really going on here? This doesn't make sense. I'll have to ask Diamond later, she's the only one who can clarify this mess.
I need to get to work. If I want this money, I need to pull myself together. Let me go grab some coffee first.
As I stand up, something rushes past me so fast the air shifts. A visitor flies straight through my window. I gasp, stumbling back.
A crow.
A massive, black crow.
Oh my God.
What is wrong with Ndleleni? Crows? At work? Why here?
Before I can move, scream, defend myself, it attacks me.
Its sharp mouth slams into my forehead, sharp and cold, like metal stabbing through skin.
A burning sting explodes across my face.
My whole body breaks into a sweat.
My ears begin ringing loud, violent, painful, like someone is smashing cymbals beside my head.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to breathe, trying to steady myself, but the sound grows louder and louder until it becomes something else entirely.
Drums.
Those drums again.
Echoing. Pounding. Calling.
When I open my eyes, I'm no longer in my office.
I've shifted.
I'm standing in Cothoza's place, the air thick and stormy, the ground cold beneath my feet.
MaMngadi is on the floor, crying, shoulders shaking uncontrollably as she sobs. My whole body stiffens.
What's going on?
I step forward slowly, fear crawling along my spine.
Cothoza is in the middle of the yard, digging, no, burying something.
His movements are frantic, desperate, like he's trying to hide a crime before someone catches him.
I move closer, and my heart starts hammering.
I know that shape. I know that object.
It's the monkey paw. The same cursed thing he stole.
He's burying it… with someone.
A body.
My breath catches. I drop to my knees, crawling closer, needing to see, needing to be wrong.
When I finally see the face, my soul leaves my body.
I freeze.
No. No. No. No.
"Papi," I whisper, voice cracking.
He sacrificed his nephew???

••••

Zenzele has been told to sit down, but he can't. He won't. His whole body is buzzing with panic, trembling with a fear he can't breathe past. Phunyuka is fighting for his life. The royal traditional doctor has delivered a solution, one that feels less like a blessing and more like a death sentence.
A way to keep Phunyuka alive.
A way to keep the whole Zungu family from collapsing. A way drenched in blood and sacrifice.
"Not my son, Ma…" Zenzele says, his voice cracking. His chest tenses and he swallows hard, trying to calm himself, but nothing helps. He can't understand why it has to be Celo. Why his child, when his brothers and sisters all have children of their own. Why not them? Why him?
"Celo is the only one who can save us," Bonakele insists, her voice rising with urgency. "He is the only thing standing between us and death, between us and the people of this village. Once they find out what we did… they will kill us all. Please, boy. Please…" She knew, she always knew that Celo would be useful one day. That he would become a tool. That's why she went to the Hadebes, handed them money, pretended to care, pretended to be some saint in their eyes.
Zenzele's jaw clenches in fury.
"Take Mxo's kids!" he snaps, desperation twisting his voice.
Bonakele scoffs, almost disgusted by his suggestion.
"You know very well Mxo's kids weren't made by love or rebellion. That was a business transaction," she spits quickly, almost tripping over her own words. Then her tone shifts, soft, manipulative, poisonous. "You and Yibanathi made Celo with love. And love is the most powerful thing in this world. Celo will save us all, Zenzele. Do you want to die?"
Her irritation flares, calling him slow, foolish without saying the words outright. He hears it in her tone.
Zenzele shakes his head slowly.
No. No, he cannot sacrifice his son.
Not for his dying father. Not for any of them.
Bonakele steps closer, softening her voice, placing a hand on his arm like a mother comforting a wounded child.
"Ngiyakucela, Manzini(I'm begging you, Manzini,)" she pleads gently. "Do it for us. If you do this… the throne will belong to you."
The promise sinks its claws into him.
The crown. His birthright.
His curse.
Zenzele sniffles, eyes stinging, and finally nods, barely.
"Can I be alone?" he whispers. "And mourn… both my kids?"
Bonakele smiles. too happy, too relieved, too quick. She nods and glides out, shutting the door behind her.
As soon as she's gone, Zenzele collapses onto his bed, his body folding like he can't hold himself up anymore. His eyes burn, his throat tight. A silent sob climbs up his chest.
He can't do this. He can't kill his child.
He can't offer Celo like an animal to slaughter just because Phunyuka's life is bleeding out.
He drags a shaking hand across his face and grabs his phone. He scrolls slowly… until he stops on one name.
Yibanathi.
His thumb hovers over the call button. He wants to call her. He wants to scream for help. He wants to beg her to forgive him.
But fear grips him. Fear of what she'll say.
Fear of how he treated her, how he let his mother poison everything.
Fear that she'll hate him forever.
He does love her. He always has. But the royal rules, the expectations, his mother's manipulation, they locked his heart in a cage long before he ever knew what love was supposed to feel like.
He breathes out shakily.
He knows what he needs to do.
Even if it means losing everything. Even if it means losing his life.
He will protect Yibanathi. He will protect his son.
He will get them out, before the throne demands their blood.