CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 40

[DIAMOND]

I just stare at Mnotho, still in disbelief.
This man, honestly.
And why would I tell him anything about Sphephelo? He should be asking Nikky, not me. Her pain, Her past. Not mine to hand over like gossip.
"Why are you asking me?" I ask, my voice calm but firm. "Shouldn't you be asking Nikky?"
He shrugs slightly, but there's tension in his shoulders, irritation written all over his face.
"She doesn't want to talk about it," he says, clearly annoyed.
"Exactly," I reply fast, shaking my head. "She doesn't want to talk about that man. So why do you think I'll tell you anything about him?"
Sometimes Mnotho's demands irritate me. I really wonder how he is with Nikky behind closed doors. I wonder how he really is with Nikky when she says no. Does he push like this too?
"I need to know what happened, Diamond," he says, huffing softly now. "I need to know what that bastard did to Nikky."
I stare at him in disbelief.
"And then what?" I ask, my voice rising. "After I tell you, what happens next? You deal with him? You cause more trauma for Nikky?"
I lean forward slightly.
"Nikky wants nothing to do with that man. She wants the past to stay in the past. And now you want her to relive all that pain?" I shake my head. "No. Hell no."
He looks at me for a long moment, his face hard, cold.
He looks scary, I won't lie.
But I won't betray my friend.
"Are you going to tell me or not?" he asks firmly.
Of course not, I straighten my back.
"No," I say just as firmly. "I'm not telling you, Mnotho. What will Nikky say when she finds out I told you her past? I'm her friend. She trusts me. And I'm not about to break that trust. Not now. Not ever."
My voice softens slightly, but my resolve doesn't.
"I saw how that man broke her," I continue. "And I won't reopen those wounds for her. I'm sorry, I can't help you, Mnotho."
I chuckle bitterly.
"Those people killed her father too."
The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.
I gasp softly as realisation hits me.
Fuck.
"They did what?" he asks sharply, his voice cold and commanding.
I drop my shoulders slowly, exhaustion washing over me.
"Mnotho," I say quickly, raising my hands slightly, "I can't help you. I've already said too much."
I lean back on the chair.
"If you really want to know, ask Nikky herself. That's her story to tell, not mine. I won't lose my friend because of you. I'm sorry."
He glares at me, his jaw tightening. Then he stands up abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.
"Very well," he says coldly, his voice stripped of any warmth and kindness. "But I will find out. I will. I promise you."
Before I can reply, he leans closer to me, too close. His face is inches from mine now. His eyes darken, hard and unreadable, and for the first time i met this man, I feel a real chill crawl down my spine, my hair stands up.
"And I will find out who betrayed her," he continues, his voice low but deadly. "Someone in Nikky's circle talked. One of you. Someone told that psycho that Nikky is allergic to seafood."
My heart skips.
"I said it before," he adds, straightening slightly but never breaking eye contact. "Everyone is a suspect. All of you. Family, Friends. People who say they love her."
His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile.
"And when I find that person," he says calmly, almost polite, "I will deal with them. And it won't be nice."
My mouth goes dry.
"Don't worry about Nikky," he continues, his tone suddenly unsettlingly calm. "She'll be fine. That man will never touch her again. Ever."
He takes a step back, adjusting his jacket as if we were just discussing business.
"Thank you for your time, ma'am," he adds smoothly. "And don't worry, I'll make sure your boss hears nothing but praise about you."
Then he turns, walks straight to the door, and slams it shut behind him.
I finally release the shaky breath I'd been holding. My hands tremble slightly as I press them flat against the table.
My heart is racing, pounding hard against my chest.
Dammit. That man is scary.
Very scary.
What the hell was that? I really need to ask Nikky how she deals with this man, demon or god, as he called himself. Jesus. Just being in the same room with him gives me chills. Now, if anything ever happens to Nikky, we're going to be blamed. I laugh softly, almost in disbelief, shaking my head.
He even killed Paul and yet, he has no shame, no remorse. None at all. I can't stop thinking about how he planned everything, how he managed to pin Paul to human trafficking. Did he… kill Paul's father too? I don't know anymore. This man… he looks like he's capable of absolutely anything.
Sphephelo and his family are next. Once Mnotho finds out what they did to Nikky, there will be hell to pay. I'm not complaining though. Sphephelo deserves every bit of what's coming his way, even if Mnotho is the one delivering it. Honestly, that's fine by me.
But how am I supposed to keep all of this from Nikky? I've been lying, hiding secrets from her, and the thought makes my heart sinks. I just hope, once she hears all of this, she can find it in her heart to forgive me.

.
.
.
.
.

The aroma hits me as I walk into the flat. I really need to learn how to cook, honestly.
"My wife is finally back," I say happily, rushing to her and dropping my bags on the floor. She smiles widely, opening her arms for me.
"Oh, you were suffering here while I was gone," she teases. I laugh, nodding.
"I missed you so much. I was living off takeaways," I admit truthfully. I only managed to make breakfast.
She pulls away from the embrace and frowns at me.
"We need to fix that. Who will feed you when I'm gone? The wizard?" she jokes. I roll my eyes and head to sit on the stool.
"I will follow you wherever you go. I'm your wife, remember? You should inform Mnotho too," I say softly, teasing.
She smirks.
"Mmh, I think we should divorce. I can't be sharing you with my man," she says cockily.
I gasp.
"Oh my God, he made you turn your back on me?" I say, still gasping. She smiles, glowing, looking so happy. She's always been beautiful.
"Go shower so you can eat," she says, returning to her pots. I should. I need to wash away all the bad energy of the day.
I stand and walk to her.
"You'll tell me about your trip, right? Every detail? You didn't even post a single picture," I ask, looking at her. She turns her head to face me.
"I'll post them maybe next week. I was warned about an evil eye in my life," she says jokingly. I smile faintly.
There's an evil eye on her life and that's Snothando. I'm willing to expose her. Let me shower first, so I can know how her vacation was with that demon of hers.

__

"I saw your status. I'm happy for you… for your new ride. I hope you didn't give anyone a ride before me," she says softly.
Of course not. Even Sbo and Zola, who I said I'd give her a ride, I didn't. I can't even imagine letting anyone else take that first spin.
"Of course not. You'll be the first," I say warmly. I'll have to go and show Aunt Thembi and Bob.
She nods, a small mischievous grin playing on her lips
"So, tell me about your vacation. Was it good?" I ask curiously, leaning forward slightly. I want to know how Mnotho is with her… if he's really a demon in the world. How does he behave with her? How free is she with him? My curiosity is mixed with a little dread.
Her eyes sparkle as she sips her soda before answering.
"It was perfect. I wished I could stay there forever. Very peaceful and beautiful," she says softly. "I did have a good time… even though Mnotho and I spent most of our time in bed," she says, winking playfully.
I squeal a little.
"Really? He didn't disappoint, I mean… in the action?" I ask, giggling like a schoolgirl. She giggles too.
"Oh, he didn't. I was shocked. I was on cloud nine, sweetie," she whispers, as if we aren't the only people in the kitchen. "I was fed morning, afternoon, night, midnight. That man has stamina for days. I think he got some concoction from those men in the hostel he always talks about," she adds, smiling and blushing slightly.
I laugh a little. That's probably the case. Got a mbiza to make sure she's fed… I'm happy about that.
"And oh… he ate it like a… f***ing ripe mango," she giggles, closing her mouth, cheeks flushed.
My mouth widens.
"You lie? That Mandala?" I ask, shocked.
She nods, laughing lightly at my reaction.
"I couldn't believe it either. I thought he was going to be one of those uptight traditional men, but no… oh, it was so good," she continues.
Oh bless the Lord.
"Wow," I say, shocked. He's… not bad at all.
"Yeah, I was so free with him. I didn't have to hide my skin, my fantasies. He really did worship my body like it's a sacred temple," she says softly, thinking hard.
I let out a low whistle.
That's actually good to hear, that she was free with him. Free in her body, free in her desires. Especially for a woman like Nikky, raised by someone like Sylvia, where love came with fear, control, and constant warnings. Sexual freedom was never something encouraged. It was treated like sin.
Still, I need to be sure.
"So… how is he with you?" I ask carefully. "Is he kind? Sweet? Or… a little rough?" I hesitate, then add honestly, "He kind of looks scary."
I know I shouldn't have said that. But it's true. He is scary.
Her face doesn't change. She doesn't look offended at all. Instead, she's glowing, warm and happy. Her eyes sparkle like someone who feels safe and secured.
"He is kind," she says gently. "He treats me well, Dee. He's gentle with me. Respectful. I feel safe with him."
I raise my eyebrows, clearly surprised.
"I know," she laughs softly. "I know it's hard to believe. But I really do."
It is hard to believe. A man like Mnotho cold, intimidating, powerful, being gentle? But Nikky would tell me if something was wrong. And the happiness on her face is too real, too bright to be fake. I don't want to ruin her mood… but. "You haven't told anyone about him, right?" I ask quietly.
She frowns slightly.
"I mean," I add quickly, "this relationship is still new. We don't want to jinx it. Evil eye and all that."
We really don't. Especially not with Snothando lurking around. Who goes after every man Nikky loves or any man who shows even the smallest interest in her.
She nods slowly.
"No one has met him," she says. "Just you. And I want to keep it that way. Not because of evil eye but because people are too judgmental."
I sigh, then smile.
"True," I say. "They can all go to hell. As long as you're happy and fed."
I laugh, and she laughs too.
That's good. It means when the time comes, when Nikky finally makes her relationship with Mnotho public. I'll have already exposed Snothando without mercy.
"So…" I say softly, leaning closer. "Have you finally opened your heart to him?"
She smiles, warm and genuine.
"Yeah," she admits. "I think it's time. What more can I lose? Sphephelo is married and happy. I can't let him control my present anymore."
I clap my hands proudly.
Good girl.
Then she pauses, as if remembering something unpleasant.
"Oh, by the way," she says, shaking her head. "Snothando called. Crying. Apologising for not telling me she saw and met my demonic musician."
I roll my eyes.
"She invited us for dinner this Friday," she continues. "There'll be a few musicians. You'll come, right?"
I blink.
"At her house?" I ask slowly.
"Yes," she says brightly. "It'll be fun. You should come with me."
I nod, my mind already racing.
Perfect.
Her house, her territory. Her secrets.
This is exactly what I need.
I'll inform Zola. We'll go together. And if I could, I'd plant listening devices in every corner of that house. I want everything. Every lie. Every tiny drop of whisper. I want to expose that jealous little gremlin for who she really is, on social media, in real life, everywhere.
I place my hand on Nikky's shoulder and give her the biggest smile.
"I'll go, love," I say, sounding excited and I am.
Mnotho can deal with Sphephelo.
Snothando… will be dealt with by me. And those two rats, Mehluko and Mafika.

••••

[MNOTHO]

I stare at my laptop screen, my jaw tight, waiting for an email that refuses to arrive.
Nikky's CV, that's all I asked for.
Melanie & Co. Medical Centre, HR department. I asked for it hours ago, So what is taking them so long?
I glance at the time again, irritation creeping in. What is taking so damn long? Are they sitting in a meeting, or are they busy calling Brian to report that I demanded someone's CV? Isn't he supposed to be helping patients instead of worrying about who called the office? Are they questioning my authority?
I exhale heavily and lean back in my chair.
I should have known Diamond wouldn't help me.
Her loyalty lies with Nikky and honestly, I respect that. Deeply. It tells me Nikky is not as alone as I feared. She has someone solid by her side. Someone who loves her enough to protect her trust, even from me.
That alone gives me a strange sense of relief.
But my gut refuses to settle.
Something doesn't add up. Someone close to Nikky betrayed her. Someone leaked information that could have killed her. And until I find out who that person is, everyone remains a suspect.
I clench my jaw.
That bastard burns in my mind. I need to know everything about him. About his family. His history. Every dirty secret they are hiding.
Because no man becomes that dangerous by accident. If what Diamond almost let slip is true, if those people had anything to do with Nikky's father's death then my anger doesn't just burn anymore. It explodes.
Her own father.
The thought makes my hands curl into fists.
I will find them. Before they even think of making another move toward Nikky. Before they trigger her pain again. Before they breathe in her direction. I won't allow it.
I swallow hard, my heart racing.
I'm scared to ask her about her father. Terrified, actually. I know the moment I bring it up, her eyes will dim. Her voice will break. And I can't stand the idea of seeing her hurt again, not when she finally smiles so freely with me. She deserves peace. She deserves happiness. Especially now, especially with me.
The laptop pings.
My eyes snap to the screen.
Not the email yet.
I sigh and rub my face slowly.
When she's ready, she'll tell me. I believe that. And I won't force her. I'm not angry that she struggles to open up. I'm not bitter that she hasn't said she loves me yet.
That man shattered her.
And now it's my responsibility to gather every broken piece he left behind.
I won't rush her. I won't pressure her. I will rebuild her gently, patiently.
She may never be the same woman she was before. But she will be stronger.
She will be happier, She will be loved, fully, fiercely, and safely.
And as for the people who broke her?
My hunt has already begun.
My laptop pings.
Finally, I straighten immediately, my eyes locking onto the screen. My heart beats a little faster. This is the email I've been waiting for. I click on the attachment without hesitation, and Nikky's CV opens in front of me.
"Haah, baba… are you doing a background check on Nikky?" a voice says from behind me.
I turn my head slowly. It's Bonga. He looks offended, shocked, and a little disappointed. I ignore him and turn back to the screen. He steps closer, standing right next to me, peeking over my shoulder.
"Don't do that," he says quickly. "She'll be mad. And we can't lose her."
I blink, then look at him properly.
"I mean… who will cook for us?" he adds with a shrug, like that explains everything.
I frown deeply.
"She's not here to cook for you," I say firmly. "She's here for me."
He opens his mouth to respond, but I've already turned back to the laptop. My eyes scan the document carefully. Two companies. I nod slowly.
One of them belongs to that family, the bastard's family.
"Not only you," Bonga mutters. "She's here for me too. And I can't let you ruin this for me."
I sigh and finally turn fully to face him.
"You mean you won't have anyone to cry to when I beat you up," I say flatly.
He scoffs.
"I'm just saying. I'm not saying I'll tell her," he says defensively. "But it's wrong. She's a nice lady."
Of course he'd say that.
I turn back to the laptop, my fingers already moving. I need to send this CV to my private investigator. I need everything. Every detail, every connection. Every deadly shadow hiding behind these companies. This is where the hunt begins.
"By the way," Bonga adds more softly, "Mom knows about Nikky. Her sister told her."
I sigh deeply. Of course Phila did.
"And she wanted to invite you and Nikky," he continues. "There's a church conference. I told her it can't be possible."
I tilt my head slightly.
"And why is that?" I ask.
"Because Nikky isn't really a church person," he says with a shrug.
I scoff quietly.
"Really?" I murmur. I don't even attend church myself. Why would Julia suddenly want us there?
"I needed an excuse," he says quickly. "That's all I came up with."
I'm not mad. But there's no way we're going to that conference.
"And I told Mom I'll attend," he adds, suddenly stressed. "Now I need help."
I look at him sharply.
"Help?" I ask. "Why did you agree then?"
He sighs heavily.
"With scones and biscuits," he says. "Can I ask Nikky to bake them for me? I'll pay her."
I stare at him.
"What?" I ask, disbelief in my voice.
"Mom and MaKhoza will be baking," he explains, rubbing the back of his neck. "And…" he pauses, grimacing. "Their scones are not good. I want to bring at least three buckets."
I gasp.
"Three?" I scoff. "No. My woman will not slave for you and your mother."
"Come on, dad," he begs. "I need her help."
"No," I say firmly. "That won't happen. Your mother won't appreciate it anyway."
Julia gets offended easily. The moment she realises Nikky, Bonga's new stepmother bakes better than her, it will turn into drama. And I am not in the mood for that.
"Let her and her friend bake those tasteless scones," I add. "Don't involve Nikky. I don't want drama."
He looks disappointed.
"Just go buy them from a bakery," I finish. "If you want to help your mom and her church that much."
He huffs and walks away, then pauses halfway.
"Oh," he says over his shoulder. "Ntate Khutso said you must call him." Then he leaves.
I exhale slowly.
Khutso… yes. I'll call him.
But first, I need forward Nikky's CV to my private investigator.
The hunt has officially begun.

•••

[KUKHOKONKE]

I stand frozen on the exact same spot where I fainted after seeing Pule's body.
I don't even know why I'm still standing here. I should have gone inside by now. I should be moving. But my feet feel rooted to the ground, like this place is holding me hostage.
Josh already went inside with Mr Motha. The whole family is here, just as he planned. I can hear laughter, low conversations, the sound of people moving around the house. Everything looks and sounds normal.
And yet… Nothing about this place feels right.
The air is heavy and suffocating me, really. Like the walls themselves are watching me closely.
I need to find my way to Pule's bedroom without drawing attention to myself. That's the real reason I'm here. That room holds the answers. I can feel it deep in my bones.
Talking to Diamond about my fears really helped me. I'm calmer now, stronger and ready to face whatever I'm going to see or hear within these walls again. I did my part. I prayed. I spoke to my ancestors. I asked them to guide me today, to protect me, and to help this old man finally get justice.
I will do my best.
Since I'm fasting, the only thing I can ask for is water. Maybe a fruit, if I really must. I don't know how they'll react to that, but I hope they'll understand. If they question me too much, I'll just say I'm vegan. They can never know this is spiritual work. Not now, not in this house of secrets.
A throat clears behind me.
I turn around and freeze.
Tsietsi. Oh. The great Tsietsi.
He's frowning deeply, his face hard. Not cold, just Alert and Hostile. Everything about his energy feels wrong. Very wrong. Heavy and Dark. Like a storm waiting to explode.
My eyes instinctively drop to his hands.
No ring.
Thank God. No woman deserves to be trapped with someone like this.
"Who are you?" he asks, his tone rude, and unwelcoming.
He's grown now. Not the young man in his late twenties that I saw in my vision. He's older. Bigger and far more dangerous-looking.
"I'm here for your father," I say calmly. "Business."
I refuse to mirror his rudeness. I won't lower myself to his level.
"Mmh," he hums, his eyes scanning me slowly, disrespectfully. "You're Zulu?"
The way he says it makes my skin crawl.
"Yes," I reply, meeting his gaze. "So?"
He shrugs casually, like he's commenting on the weather.
"I don't like your people."
I scoff softly under my breath.
Not only is he a murderer, he's a tribalist too.
He doesn't even wait for my response. He turns and walks back into the house as if I'm nothing. As if I don't exist.
I let out a quiet, bitter chuckle.
This is going to be a very long day.
But then something clicks in my mind.
This might actually work in my favour.
His anger. His arrogance. His lack of self-control. Men like him always think they're untouchable and that's when they make mistakes. I can use all of it.
I just need to provoke him enough. Push him slightly off balance. Make him slip, make him say something he shouldn't.
The truth always leaks when pride is wounded.
"Mr Hadebe," the butler says gently, appearing beside me. "They're waiting for you inside."
I nod once, taking a deep breath and calming myself.
Well then, Let's see what the spirits of this house are willing to reveal today.
Before I can even take a step toward the door, something cold brushes past my arm.
It's not wind. It's not my imagination.
I freeze instantly and turn around.
A boy walks past me.
He's wearing a school uniform, neatly backpack hanging loosely on his shoulder. My heart skips a beat. I don't understand why my body reacts before my mind does, but my feet start moving on their own.
Is this… Pule?
I don't call out to him. I don't dare. My spirit already knows this isn't a normal moment.
He stops suddenly, staring toward the back of the house, near the back-door entrance. I follow his gaze.
A woman stands there.
Dressed neatly. Stylish. Put together, but her face is tense, restless. There's a maid standing in front of her, head lowered respectfully.
The woman quickly hands something to the maid. I can't see clearly what it is, but then she presses a bottle of water into the maid's hands too.
My stomach drops. This feels wrong.
I try to step closer, try to hear what they're saying, but my feet won't move. I'm stuck beside the boy, frozen in place, like I'm not allowed to interfere. Like I'm only meant to watch.
Suddenly, the woman lifts her head.
Her eyes lock onto us or rather, onto the boy.
Fear washes over her.
"That's…" my breath catches.
"That's Mr Motha's wife."
The maid panics instantly, turning and rushing back into the house without a word. The woman steps forward anxiously, her movements frantic now.
The boy bolts. He runs fast.
The woman runs after him, calling out, panic in her voice, disappearing around the corner of the house.
And just like that, they're gone.
My heart pounds fast as I stand there, helpless, watching the scene unfold like a twisted movie I can't pause or rewind.
Whatever happened in this house, it's far darker than anyone wants to admit.
This wasn't random, this wasn't imagination.
This was a memory, a real moment.
Something that was never meant to be seen.
And somehow,I was just invited into it.
Caught right in the middle of it.