CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 32

[MNOTHO]

I need to talk to Pinky. I don't know who told her she and I are friends. Me being nice to her does not give her the right to talk about me to Nikky, spinning lies and causing unnecessary drama. I know she's the one who told Nikky about Brenda.
Nothing happened between Brenda and me. That little matchmaking Brian and Pinky tried to pull never worked. The poor woman was going through a divorce, and the last thing she wanted was dating or marriage. So I know it's not her. But there's this strange thing women in general do, they don't want you or look your way when you're single, but the moment you meet someone who genuinely wants you, suddenly they "notice" you. Suddenly they want you too.
If Brenda thinks that cheap tactic will work on me, she's dead wrong.
I even told Brian last night to talk to his staff, or I would do it myself. So here I am, parking my car in the lot outside Brian's clinic, because I refuse, I absolutely refuse to let my past, my issues, my friends, business associates, or even my own family be the reason I lose Nikky. No.
I'm not here to impress anyone or date according to their rules.
Nope.
Nikky is an adult, not a minor. And I'm a grown man who knows what he wants.
And I want her.
I grab my phone and slip it into my jacket. No suit and tie today, that's how sensitive and serious this issue is. And it's cold. No sun, just thick, heavy clouds.
As I open the door and step out, a hand catches my arm. I freeze for a second… then her jasmine perfume drifts up to me, sweet, soft and warm. My heart stutters. What is she doing here?
She steps in front of me, smiling and thank God she's dressed warmly.
"Hey, love," she greets softly.
"What are you doing here? You're supposed
to be home resting, Peaches," I say quietly. Did Brian call a meeting? Oh, I'll beat him up.
"I came to get some cream from Rendani for my skin," she says, already opening her bag to prove it. "And I knew you were going to come here anyway after the message I sent. Can we leave? Please take me to Soweto, there's a family lunch," she adds, blinking up at me, eyes soft and pleading.
Jesus. I hate how much control she has over me. Of course I came here because of the message she sent.
I sigh.
"You should have called or texted. But you were ignoring me," I say, the hurt slipping out. I tried to call her. No response. It stung more than I want to admit.
She steps closer and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight. I hug her back, still confused.
"I'm sorry. Let's go. We'll talk," she murmurs, guilt in her voice.
I ease out of the hug, my hands resting on her shoulders, a frown pulling at my face.
"You hugged me," I say.
She nods.
"Uhm… here. At your workplace," I say, glancing around. I'm certain someone saw that.
She giggles softly.
"Mr. Mlambo, everyone here already knows, thanks to your sister Pinky, so I might as well go with the flow," she teases. I grunt. Pinky again. "Let's go, baby, it's cold," she adds, eyes twinkling.
My whole body loosens, honestly melts all the tension I came here with dissolving.
I might as well forget the chaos I was ready to unleash…
and just spend time with her.

.
.
.

She looks happier today, lighter, softer, almost glowing. Maybe it's because she's going to see her mother. There's something warm in her smile, something I haven't seen in a few days.
She's holding my hand too, her small fingers wrapped around mine while my other hand rests on the wheel. And honestly? I'm shocked. I'm usually the one reaching for her, chasing her hand, pulling her close. But today, she's the one holding onto me.
"How was your conversation with Bonga?" she asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
That little demon.
I smile, shaking my head slowly, still in disbelief.
"Well… it went well. That little demon threatened me," I say, voice dry, because I still can't believe the nonsense that came out of his mouth.
She bursts out laughing, shaking her head like she already knows her son is dramatic.
"What did he do?" she asks, side-eyeing me like she's ready to laugh again.
"Well… he said if I beat him up, he will call you," I click my tongue and shake my head. Bonga is playing a very dangerous game for someone who barely has a beard.
Nikky throws her head back laughing.
"So… you didn't beat him up? Because I didn't get a phone call," she teases, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
I chuckle softly.
"Of course I didn't beat him up. I was too shocked. That doesn't mean I won't beat him up in the future," I say, dead serious.
She gasps dramatically.
"He's twenty-three, a whole grown man. You can't be beating him up! What if he beats you back in self-defence?" she says, widening her eyes.
I frown. The disrespect.
"He wouldn't dare do that to me," I scoff. "Imagine being beaten up by your own child. I'd murder him," I add, shaking my head at the thought.
"Mnotho!" she says, giving me that firm voice she uses when she's pretending to be serious. "You can't solve everything with violence. He won't listen if you keep doing that."
I keep quiet, because arguing with her is useless. She's stubborn. Beautiful, but stubborn. Instead, I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it gently.
She softens.
"Besides you trying to murder your son… did you end up sorting out his casino issue?" she asks, finally sounding serious.
I sigh. That boy, honestly, he doesn't know what he wants. Too spoiled. Too emotional. Too dramatic.
"Yes, we did. I'm waiting for his report. He will tell me what he wants and how I can help him," I say, being honest so she doesn't worry.
"Oh, that's better," she says, sounding relieved and proud. "You see? You listened to him without beating him up. That's a start."
I can't help but smile. She always makes me feel like a schoolboy who finally passed a test.
"By the way," she says suddenly, turning her whole body toward me like a kid about to ask for a candy, "let's go to the mall first. I have two hours before I meet my family. You're not busy, right?"
I glance at her, already melting.
"Of course I'm not busy. I'm never busy for you," I say, and I mean every word.
She giggles softly, her eyes warming.
"Thank you, baby."

.
.
.

Is she opening up to me?
She's been holding onto me the whole time, her hand warm in mine, pulling me from one store to the next like she's afraid to let go. I'm not complaining, not even a little. But I can't help wondering… what changed? Is she finally letting me in? Finally loving me openly, accepting me in her space without worrying about people watching or whispering?
Maybe I'm overthinking. Or maybe something really shifted for her.
"Where are you taking me? Or is it a secret?" she asks, her eyes drifting over a row of handbags, fingers brushing the soft leather. "Won't we need a few things for our trip?"
"You'll see when we get there," I say quietly, smiling because her curiosity is adorable.
"Mmh, I see," she hums. "But I think I'll need new shoes for our trip. And something sexy."
I nearly choke on my own saliva.
She giggles, giving me a wicked little side eye.
"Come on, baby, don't die on me now," she says, rubbing my back while trying not to laugh. This naughty little girl, she knows exactly what she's doing.
I sigh softly, trying to calm myself.
"What do you need? I'll buy it for you. Except shoes because what if you run away from me?" I say, half-joking, half-serious. That superstition still haunts me, buy your lover shoes and they walk out of your life.
She rolls her eyes dramatically, slipping her hand through my arm again and holding on like I'm hers. And honestly? I am. I belong to her more than she'll ever understand.
"We can do the shopping tomorrow. I need a lot of things anyway," she says softly, thinking out loud. "I don't have enough time today."
I nod, already mentally shifting my entire schedule.
"What time do you want us to do this shopping?" I ask as we walk out of the store.
"In the morning. That will be fine. Malls aren't that packed like now," she says, still holding tightly onto me.
I sigh inwardly. Morning shopping with her? That means half the day is gone already. I might as well move all my meetings to midday because with this woman and shopping, it's going to take hours.
And honestly? I don't mind at all.
"Let's go have some tea and a slice of cake. I'm sure you're hungry have you eaten?" she asks, looking up at me, her eyes softening in that way that always gets me.
"I can't say no to that. I love cakes," I say. I really do. I've always had a sweet tooth.
I did eat breakfast at home with Bonga earlier. We're not the best cooks, but our food is edible. We've survived just the two of us, on whatever we manage to throw together and the occasional takeaway.
It's warm inside the bakery when we step in, Only three customers sit scattered around, minding their own business.
"Grab a seat, I'll go order. Chocolate cake?" I ask, remembering the day I first saw her here eating one… and how I didn't even have the guts to speak to her. I panicked and ran away like a fool.
She nods, and I pull the chair out for her.
"And a black coffee, please," she adds softly.
I nod and head to the counter. While I wait, I check the time. We have 45 minutes together before going to see her family.
Speaking of family, I asked Bangizwe not to tell anyone back home about Nikky yet. And that old man had the nerve to say, "I'll think about it."
Which, in his language, means he's already telling everyone.
I know he sometimes means well, but I honestly wish he could mind his business. He liked Sthembile, and despite everything that happened with Julia, he's still angry about how she never gave Bonga the motherly love he deserved… especially after she chose Pastor Khutso.
I used to agree with him at first. I was bitter too.
But as time went by, I realised the truth, she wasn't happy with me. No matter how much time, patience, space, or chances I tried to give her, she was already gone long before she physically left.
She found solace with Khutso.
She fell out of love with me.
And she went where her heart wanted to go.
She married him, became Mrs. Lebese, and built a life that honestly, I believe makes her happy. And that's all I ever wanted for her, even if it wasn't with me.
We've been co-parenting peacefully since Bonga was five. That boy has two homes, two families, and more support than most kids ever get.
Talking about Khutso,
I need to invite him over and tell him about Nikky. Last time we spoke, he asked how everything went, and I never gave him feedback. He's probably waiting for an update. That man is calm, patient, but he notices everything. And if I don't tell him soon, he'll give me that look those pastor eyes, the ones that make you feel like he's reading your whole soul.
And the funny thing is… while Julia is wild and crazy, respectfully. Khutso is the complete opposite. Calm. Gentle. Soft-spoken. Somehow, they blend well together. They balance each other out in a way I never could with her.
And to be honest, I'm glad things didn't work out with Julia. And Sthembile, the one I almost married, who went behind me with Lungani and ended up marrying him, I'm glad that didn't work out either. Because all of that, every heartbreak, every mistake, every bitter lesson led me to Nikky. And for the first time, I can feel that maybe everything was meant to happen exactly this way.

_

"Stop here, i will be able to walk home… my mom's house is in the next street," Nikky says, and she leans over to kiss my hands.
I giggle softly.
"What's wrong with you today?" I ask, curious. Her brows lift.
"You are… I'm not complaining. You're clingy. It's like you're afraid to lose me," I ramble, not even sure my words make sense.
Instead of being annoyed, she laughs quietly.
"Yes, I'm afraid of losing you, baby," she says, then she leans in and kisses me. Slow. Gentle. Melting.
"I thought you hated it… when I acted cold," she whispers against my mouth. I open my lips to answer, but she steals another kiss, deeper this time biting my lip just enough to make my whole body jolt.
She does it again, teasing, claiming, and the sound that comes out of me is embarrassing.
She pulls back just enough that her breath mingles with mine, her lips brushing me when she speaks.
"But now…" her voice drops, warm, low, slightly daring,
"I'm yours. Fully. No hiding. No pretending."
My pulse stutters. My chest tenses like she just unlocked something inside me.
Her fingers slide up the back of my neck, slow and intentional, like she knows exactly where my weakness lives. She hovers over my lips, barely touching.
"I want you to know it," she whispers, her mouth ghosting over mine.
"I want you to feel it. I want you to stop doubting what you mean to me."
God.
Every part of me reacts to her like she's flipped a switch I didn't even know existed.
She trails her fingers along my jaw, soft but firm, a touch that feels like both surrender and possession.
"I was scared," she breathes. "But I'm not anymore."
Her eyes lock onto mine calm, certain.
"I choose you. I'm yours and I'm not going anywhere."
And in that moment, I feel, it her walls finally falling, bit by bit, her finally letting me in.
Then she kisses me again not shy,
not hesitant,
but slow and deep, a kiss that feels like she's giving herself to me piece by piece.
A kiss that finally speaks for her, a quiet declaration that she loves me without having to say the words.
She pulls back and gazes at me, her eyes warm, tender in a way that strips me bare.
Her finger rubs my lower lip gently, slow, carefully like she knows exactly how fragile I feel in this moment.
"Let me get going, baby," she murmurs.
"I also need to tell Ntobe and Letsatsi about you. Because I know Letsatsi will find out, since the whole clinic calls me your sugar baby." She sighs hard, and that alone makes my heart sink.
You know what? I'm going back to that damn clinic again. Brian needs to talk to his staff.
"But don't worry, I won't get into too much detail," she continues, still tracing my lips like she's memorising them.
God! Why am I in freeze mode?
Why does her touch turn me into this?
My whole life I've been able to stand firm, handle anything but with her, one rub of her finger and I feel myself unraveling.
"Will you want me to fetch you?" I whisper, my voice small, tamed, nothing like the man people fear.
My enemies can never see me like this.
She is my weakness.
My beautiful, dangerous weakness.
"No," she smiles softly, "I don't think that will be necessary. I'll get a ride from my sister. But I'll see you later, right?"
Her eyes sparkle when she asks, like she already knows the answer.
I just nod. Repeatedly.
Like a man who can't form a proper sentence because the woman he loves just kissed the fight out of him.
Her fingers leave my lips slowly, painfully slow and she picks up her bag.
She opens the door and jumps out, waving at me with that smile that undoes me every time, before closing it.
"I love you," I say.
No hesitation. No fear.
Just the truth.
Just me, completely in love with her.
She smiles and closes the door.

••••

[DIAMOND]

Nicole has called me to her office. I drag my feet, wondering what she wants now. I swear, if she starts with her usual bullshit, I'll lose it. At least the car dealership called, my car is ready. Yes, it's second-hand, but I don't care. Finally, no more relying on Sbo or Sika. Konke had told me he has a headache because one of his "visitors," a bird, appeared out of nowhere and attacked him. Lol. Poor baby. When I knock off, I'll go check on him and give him a massage.
I stand at Nicole's office door and take three deep breaths before knocking.
"Come in," she calls. I gently open the door, step in, and close it behind me.
She smiles and gestures for me to sit. I pull the chair and settle in, trying to calm the little flutter of nerves in my stomach.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I called you here," she says softly, pushing a brown envelope toward me. "I will no longer be the supervisor for the paralegal team. Chris is back from his long, long leave," she adds dramatically.
I blink, still confused.
"Ma'am, I'm… still a little confused," I say quietly.
She sighs and leans closer, her voice gentle but firm.
"I've been watching you. You've been working really hard, even when I push you harder than anyone else. And I know sometimes you probably thought I hated you… but I didn't. I saw potential in you," she says. My heart skips a beat.
"So… you helped me a lot with that case we were working on. We work really well together," she continues, her eyes locking on mine. "That's why I'm offering you the position of my assistant. And yes," she adds with a warm smile, "the pay will increase too."
I sit there for a moment, letting her words sink in, disbelief and excitement swirling inside me. Me? Her assistant? Working directly with Nicole? It feels unreal, but also perfect.
I open my mouth, then close it again, not knowing what to say.
"You know," she continues, "you've been doing excellent work. I want you to step up as my legal assistant. You'll be more involved in cases, attend client meetings, and assist me directly with strategy and filings, all the work." Her voice is proud, full of confidence in me. I blink rapidly. This is huge. I'll be working closely with big-shot lawyers, closer to my dream of becoming one myself.
"Are you serious?" I ask, my voice cracking a little.
She smiles warmly and nods.
"Yes, I'm dead serious. We need more female lawyers and attorneys around here. And you've got thick skin, you'll survive this ship. So, let's go out there and shine, my love. That's your contract. You'll start next month."
She stands and extends her hand to me. My chest swells, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I take her hand, standing as well, my smile wide and unstoppable. We shake hands, but it feels like so much more, a passing of trust, a recognition, a step into the life I've been chasing.

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.
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I get to the rooftop, still crying tears of joy. God is good indeed. I stare at the building and see the Legal Aid Department where I did my articles. I click my tongue, remembering how miserable that place was the endless paperwork, the crying clients, the long, draining days. I was crying almost every day back then, wondering if I'd ever get anywhere.
I take a deep breath and grab my phone. I need to call Nikky, Sbo, my aunt, and Bob. I'll tell Konke when I see him later.
I press on Nikky's contact and place the phone on my ear. It rings three times before she answers.
"My angel," she greets, her voice bright, warm, and happy.
I sniff softly, trying to steady myself, but the tears spill anyway.
"I got a promotion!" I sob louder, unable to hold it in.
"What?? A promotion??" Nikky shouts on the other end, her voice full of shock and joy.
I nod, imagining her here beside me, smiling wide and bouncing with excitement.
"Yes! I'll be working as Nicole's legal assistant," I manage to say, my voice shaking with happiness. "I'll start next month."
She screams again, the sound full of pure joy.
"Dee, this calls for a celebration! I'm so happy for you! This is huge, you're finally getting closer to your dream!" she says, pride and excitement mixing in her voice.
Yes, she's right. This is big. And yes, we should celebrate.
"There's a lot to celebrate, my angel. I love you so much," I say, feeling my heart beat with joy.
She giggles, soft and gentle.
"I love you too. See you soon then. I'm proud of you," she says, and I swear I can feel the happiness radiating from her through the phone.
As I dial Aunt Thembi, my phone vibrates in my hand. Konke's name flashes across the screen, and my heart skips a beat.
"Hey, love," I greet, trying to keep my voice steady, though excitement still bubbles under my skin.
"Don't take that job," he says immediately, his voice sharp, serious, almost urgent. My frown deepens.
"What?" I ask, confusion knitting my brows together.
"You know what I'm talking about. Don't take that job, Diamond," he repeats, his tone firmer this time.
I scoff, stunned, disbelief swirling with irritation. What the…
"Excuse me? Do you know how hard I've worked to get here?" I snap, my voice fierce. This man! Who the hell does he think he is?
I hear him sigh deeply on the other end, frustration thick in the sound.
"Just do as I say," he insists, urgency threading every word.
Hell no. No way. I've worked tirelessly for this promotion. I won't throw it all away because of him or his cryptic warnings. My jaw tightens, teeth clenching, and I click my tongue in pure frustration, slamming the phone into my hand.
This bloody seer, wizard, or whatever he thinks he is!

•••••

Konke tries calling Diamond again, but her phone is off. He grunts loudly, pressing his forehead into his hands. Why can't she just listen? Her life is in danger, and all she seems to care about is chasing money. His headache pulses again, sharp and relentless, the aftermath of that bloody bird attack.
He didn't call MaMngadi or Cothoza, or even Papi, because Ndleleni's warning echoed in his mind: never contact Cothoza, never get near him. And this time, he's obeying. He remembers too clearly the night Cothoza went and stole that monkey paw, he almost died. It's not his business now.
Konke buries himself in work to drown out the vision he saw of Diamond, the one that left him shaken to his core. But the image lingers, gnawing at him relentlessly. The moment he knocks off, he's going straight to her. She needs to see the danger for herself. She needs to understand. He will make her understand.
Because he loves her. And he will not, he cannot, lose her, not like this.
Not when he's only just found her.
His hand drifts to his stomach, fingers pressing the spot where the sting still lingers. The exact place Diamond gets shot in his vision. He feels it raw, burning, too real. And it will become real if she goes through with this job.
He exhales shakily and pushes himself up from the chair, pacing across his office, back and forth, back and forth. Panic claws at him. Maybe… maybe he needs help. Maybe he needs to talk to Nikky.
Yeah. Nikky. Diamond listens to her. Maybe she can convince her.
Before he can settle on a plan, his phone rings. He snatches it off the desk, frowning at the unknown number, but answers anyway.
"Hello?" he says, voice tight with urgency.
"Hello, bhuti," a polite, low voice replies. "This is Zenzele Zungu."
Konke freezes. His whole body goes rigid. His heart drops and then slams back to life in a rush of pure, blind anger.
Zenzele.
"Sir… I know I've done wrong to you and your family," Zenzele says, voice trembling with desperation. "I'm sorry. But I need your help."
Konke scoffs sharply, fury rising like fire.
"Help? My help?" he roars. The audacity of this boy after everything.
"Yes, sir. Please. I need your help. You won't be helping only me…" Zenzele pauses, voice cracking. "But Yibanathi and Celo."
Konke stops pacing. His chest tenses.
"How dare you say their names?" he growls, voice thick with rage.
"Because they're in danger," Zenzele blurts. "Their lives are in danger. My family… They want to kill my son."