CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 52

[KUKHOKONKE]

Mr. Motha looks lighter, happier, calmer. That's what I get from his energy overall. While I'm visibly stressed here, thinking about everything, he seems completely at ease.
"You see? They are fast," he says softly, looking at his workers. Yes, they are fast. There are many people here, serious contractors and architects, plumbers, electricians, all of that, but I doubt they'll be able to finish this double-storey house in just four weeks.
"Sir, I doubt this will finish in four weeks. There's so much work here," I say, careful not to sound discouraging but trying to be realistic.
He giggles softly.
"Yeah, you are right. But you can't blame the old man for being ambitious," he says warmly.
I nod, taking in his energy.
"Why are you selling, sir?" I ask, going straight to the point.
He sighs deeply, tapping his cane on the ground.
"I'm thinking of going back home, to relax… not worry about businesses," he says. I blink, confused.
"And your family? Why don't you let them run your businesses while you are resting at home?" I ask, trying to understand his sudden decision to sell all his companies like this. I'm sure Molapo or Tsietsi, if he doesn't get them arrested, can handle things while he's home.
He laughs a little.
"Don't worry about them, Konke. I've already sorted all that out," he says happily. He really seems content, I won't lie. I just nod, afraid to push too hard because I can see he doesn't want to reveal much to me. I can't even tell him about that dream, because I know I'll get choked by my own saliva, again.
"Don't worry about the new owner. We're still busy with a few papers from his legal team. He will officially take over next month, and his management won't affect this project. We are dealing with your house now," he says, eyes fixed on the workers.
"I promised you and your ancestors that I'll build this house for you, for helping me out with Pule's case, so I am doing just that. Don't worry about it. Even if it takes a month to finish, it will be a beautiful home," he adds sincerely.
My shoulders drop a little, tension easing just a bit.
"You promise, after it's done, you will come back and see the house?" I ask, my voice a little lighter now.
He looks at me and smiles.
"I will, I promise," he says.
I'm holding him on that one.
"Well, I read the documents the lawyer gave me, and I'm impressed by the company," I say softly. I actually did go through the documents, it does make a lot of money. All businesses are stressful, but I think I can handle this one. I'll just need Khulekani to come to this side and assist me.
"Oh, that's really good. You don't have to add more materials now. Maybe the following year you can start adding some building materials. My plan was just to turn it into a big hardware," he says gently.
I nod in agreement. For now, I'll just stick to windows and cement, things like doors and paints can be added in the next few months.
"So, you are buying it?" he asks happily.
I sigh.
"Yeah, my girlfriend said I'd be stupid if I didn't," I say.
He laughs out loud, bouncing his head, and I can't help but smile at how genuinely pleased he looks.
"She's really smart," he says after composing himself. "I'll make sure you meet up with my lawyer and discuss this further. I do trust that you will turn this little company into something big in the future," he adds, sounding proud.
Yes, I will. I'll inform my whole family once everything has been finalised. I think I'll ask Fanele to come this side and help too, it will help us all build generational wealth for the whole family.
I glance at my watch. My lunch break is ending soon; I'll have to return to work.
As much as he shows that he's happy and at peace, I'm genuinely worried about him. Everything is happening so fast and so quickly, the building, the selling, it all feels like he's saying goodbye silently. I just wish I knew how to predict dreams, because I know deep down that fire, that house of his burning, means something serious. I'm genuinely scared.
.
.
.
I didn't go to see Mehluko. I dropped the call and ignored it completely. I don't even know why he keeps calling me. Whatever trouble he's in, he can look for a lawyer for himself. I didn't ask why he was arrested in the first place, and honestly, I don't want to know. I have enough on my plate already.
I've already sent all the documents related to Mr Motha's company to my lawyer. He's going to go through everything carefully and start with the transaction. The moment I sent those files, it all started to feel real. This isn't just talk anymore. This is happening.
I do have the money. That part doesn't worry me. What worries me is how low the price is. He's selling it for far less than it's worth, and that alone makes me uneasy. It feels rushed, like he's trying to close a chapter quickly and move on without looking back.
Still, I trust my lawyer to spot anything strange. For now, all I can do is wait and hope that I'm not walking into something I don't fully understand yet.
I open my laptop. I need to start drafting this resignation letter now.
I should trust Ndleleni. They will take care of me. They have already shown that. My life may feel dramatic at times, but things are moving. A home is being built. Soon, I'm going to own a hardware store. Diamond, my pillar of strength, is here. She's present in my life, reliable and supportive. When I look at everything like that, I realise I shouldn't be complaining. I should be grateful. Truly grateful.
Ndleleni is keeping all his promises.
So, even though I feel attached to this job, to this company, I know I need to let it go. I've grown here, learned here, survived here but this chapter has reached its end.
There's still the Zenzele issue. I'll go home and hear him out. I need to ask Babomncane to arrange a meeting with the Zungus and put this situation to rest once and for all. I'm tired of carrying it around like unfinished business.
Diamond needs my attention too. I can't keep going home every weekend just to deal with this mess. My life can't stay on pause forever.
A knock on my office door snaps me out of my thoughts.
I look up. It's Josh. He looks nervous.
I frown slightly.
"Hey," I greet him.
He walks in and hands me a phone without saying a word. I take it slowly, already sensing something is wrong. I look at the screen.
My eyes land on the pictures.
They're of me, sleeping in this office.
For a second, I almost laugh out loud, but I stop myself.
"Who took these pictures?" I ask, staring at the screen.
"One of the executives sent them to me," Josh answers quietly. "He got them from Paul."
I blink and look up at him sharply.
"Paul? How?" I ask, confused. Isn't that fool dead?
"Before he died, he sent them to that executive," Josh explains. "He was trying to build a case against you… so you could get fired."
I sit still, absorbing that.
Josh shifts nervously. Poor guy. He really wants me to stay here.
"I think they might use this against you," he continues. "I'm not sure yet, but there will be a board meeting soon. I just wanted to warn you before they ambush you… without you knowing what's coming," he adds
I stare at the phone again.
"And one of the employees also came forward," Josh adds softly. "They told Paul they once saw you passed out in the bathroom… and here in your office."
Honestly, I'm not even mad.
"It's bad, Konke," he continues, his voice heavy. "What if you get fired? My hands are tied. Even if I tell them it's probably your spirituality, they won't believe it."
They won't.
If Paul bad-mouthed me, and dragged other employees into this, especially people from my own department, it won't be easy to win. They'll think I was slacking, drunk, careless, anything but the truth.
I stand up and hand Josh his phone back. I already know what I need to do.
I start closing my laptop.
"Don't worry about it, Josh. I quit," I say calmly.
"What?" He looks shocked. "You can't."
I look up at him.
"I can't work here, Josh. You know that. I was already drafting my resignation letter," I say honestly. Ndleleni did say I would lose this job and now I see it clearly.
"So you won't fight?" he asks sadly.
"No," I say quietly. "I won't. They already have pictures, and people ready to testify against me. Let me leave in peace."
This chapter is closing.
My chapter in Y3, as a project manager.
And another one is opening.
To what I'm destined to be. A seer.
A guardian of past and future visions.
Someone meant to help people.
.
.
.
I'm done showering. I'll just take a quick nap, then wake up and start cooking. It's still very early.
Diamond is still at work too. She said she'll come this side and sleep over since Nikky went to her man.
I already drafted my resignation letter and sent it to Josh. I resigned with immediate effect. I don't have the energy for disciplinary hearings or back-and-forth explanations. I'm done with that company.
But they must not forget one thing, every month, I'm entitled to a portion from all the big projects I handled, projects that still bring them millions. I've already informed my lawyer about the resignation too, just in case they decide to go the legal route. That's how Y3 operates.
I throw my heavy body onto the bed.
I'm officially an unemployed man now.
I try to sleep, but before that, I reach for my phone to set my alarm. As I do, I hear commotion… a baby crying.
I frown and quickly sit up.
The crying continues.
Who has a baby in this complex?
I hop off the bed, thinking maybe the sound is coming from outside my door. But the moment I step out of my bedroom, everything shifts.
The walls change.
I'm no longer in my apartment.
I'm standing in a hospital corridor.
Bright lights, cold floors. The smell of disinfectant.
I squint my eyes, confused.
Why am I here?
I hear the sound of babies crying again. I turn to my left and see a baby ward. Through the glass window, I see a woman walk inside and stand next to a baby cot. Another woman follows her, wearing a hospital gown, dragging a drip stand behind her.
I move slowly toward the door and walk in.
The babies suddenly go quiet. The only one still crying is the baby they are standing next to. I walk closer and stand beside them. I don't know these women.
Unfortunately, I can't see the face of the woman in the hospital gown. It's distorted, blurred. But the other woman, I can see her clearly. She's wearing a long black dress and a black doek. Her face is hard, disgusted, like she doesn't even want to be here.
"Please, leave. Don't hurt my baby," the woman in the hospital gown begs. "We will leave and never come back," she adds, her voice shaking.
The woman in black laughs darkly.
"You can go," she says coldly, "but the baby is staying. She's family, right?"
My heart sinks. Who are these people? And whose baby is this?
"No," the woman in the hospital gown cries. "The baby needs her mother. As you can see, she's not okay."
"Well," the woman in black snaps, "she's not your daughter anymore. She's mine now."
I stretch my hand, trying to touch the woman in the hospital gown but the atmosphere shifts again.
Everything changes.
We're no longer in the ward.
We're in a different room.
A baby is making soft baby sounds now, calm, not crying. I see a woman roughly throwing clothes into a bag, like she's packing to leave in a hurry.
What is going on?
I walk toward the baby, who is sleeping peacefully. Next to the baby, I notice something wrapped in a piece of paper.
"You are leaving?" a cold voice asks.
I turn around.
The woman in black is here again.
What the hell is happening?
"Yes," the packing woman answers firmly. "I'm leaving. I'm going to raise my daughter alone, without anyone."
Now I understand. She must be the same woman from the hospital gown. Even now, I still can't see her face clearly. But the woman in black, I can see her face perfectly. She looks angry, vile, and full of hate.
"No," the woman in black spits. "You won't do that, sweetheart. You and that baby are not leaving Gauteng."
She walks toward the baby. The mother rushes forward and holds her back.
"I'll scream," the mother warns. "People will come."
In a split second, the woman in black slaps her hard across the face and pushes her to the floor.
"Please, leave her alone," the mother cries, struggling to stand up. "I'm leaving. I won't cause any trouble for you."
The woman in black ignores her completely. She looks at the baby with disgust and reaches for the paper lying next to the cot.
As she picks it up, the placenta slips out and falls onto the bed.
She laughs, low, menacing then picks it up.
The mother screams and charges at her, fighting desperately to get it back.
The mother screams and lunges forward, grabbing the woman in black by the arm.
"Give it back!" she cries desperately. "That belongs to my child!"
The woman in black clicks her tongue and pulls away, clutching the paper tightly in her hand. The placenta slips again, almost falling, and the mother reaches for it, her hands shaking.
"Leave me alone, bitch," the woman in black snaps.
They struggle, pulling and pushing each other.
"Please," the mother sobs, tears streaming down her face. "That's my baby's life. You can't take it. Please."
The paper with a placenta is with the mother.
The woman in black looks around the room, her eyes in fury. Her gaze lands on a glass vase standing on a small table nearby, filled with water and flowers.
Without hesitation, she grabs it.
"Wait!" the mother gasps.
The woman in black lifts the vase and strikes the mother on the side of her head.
The vase shatters as it hits her.
The mother collapses to the floor with a cry, glass scattering across the tiles. She tries to move, tries to reach for her baby, but her body fails her. Blood trickles slowly from the side of her head as she lies there, stunned and shaking.
The woman in black stands over her, breathing hard, her face cold and unbothered, as if what just happened means nothing to her.
"I warned you," she says calmly.
The mother groans, trying to push herself up, one arm trembling beneath her weight. Blood smears across the floor as she drags herself back, her eyes locked on the paper clutched to her chest.
The woman in black bends down quickly and snatches the paper from the mother's grip, tearing it free. The mother screams, reaching for it, but her hand slips.
She wraps the paper tightly around the placenta, twisting it until it's secure, her movements rushed but deliberate.
The woman bends down again, glaring at the woman on the floor, who is now bleeding profusely, barely able to lift her head.
"I'll make sure your legacy never continues," she spits.
Legacy?
What does she mean?
"No one will know about you," the woman in black continues, her voice low and venomous. "No one. It all ends today."
A dark laugh escapes her lips as she straightens herself and turns away.
Suddenly, the woman on the floor grabs her leg, fingers digging into flesh. Before the woman in black can react, the mother bites down hard, teeth sinking in with desperation.
The woman in black screams, staggering.
"Get off me!"
She kicks the woman in the face hard once, then again until the grip breaks. The mother's head snaps sideways, her body collapsing back onto the floor. Her hand slips from the woman's leg, fingers twitching weakly before falling still.
Breathing heavily, the woman in black looks down at her, anger flashing across her face once more.
She lifts the paper-wrapped placenta, waving it slightly.
"Her power lies here," she says coldly. "And it is in my hands now. Whether you live or not… I hold the power."
She turns away, and walks out banging the door leaving the woman bleeding alone on the floor.
I need to follow this woman.
She's stealing this baby's placenta… for what?
And who are these people?
.
.
.
The woman in black is standing near a river. I can see her clearly again. She is holding a bottle wrapped in a red string.
This is ritualistic.
Why would she steal a baby's placenta? And something inside me knows, the placenta is still inside that bottle.
I turn around slowly. I don't recognise this place. The air feels cold, unfamiliar. I walk closer to her. She is mumbling something under her breath, words too low, too fast. I can't hear a thing.
Can someone at least tell me who this woman is? Why did she harm that mother and steal something so deeply connected to that baby?
My eyes fix on the bottle. There is liquid inside, dark and thick. Without hesitation, she throws it into the river. It sinks quickly, swallowed by the moving water. She laughs out loud, loud and cruel, then turns away like nothing matters.
I need to stop her. I need to hold that bottle.
Maybe I can still help that baby. Maybe it's not too late.
I jump into the river. The water is freezing, pulling me down. I struggle forward, swimming hard, reaching out. The bottle is close now. Just a little more.
Suddenly, something tight wraps around my neck. It squeezes hard, cutting off my breath. I try to fight it, clawing at whatever is choking me, but it only tightens more. My body weakens. My vision blurs.
I see the bottle disappear into the darkness of the river.
"Konke! Konke!"
A voice breaks through. Someone is shaking me roughly.
I blink my eyes open and cough violently, gasping for air.
"Love, are you okay?" It's Diamond's voice.
I look around and realise I'm on the floor of my bedroom. Diamond is kneeling next to me, her face full of fear. I keep coughing, one hand gripping my neck as if whatever was choking me is still there.
Out of nowhere, there's a loud shattering sound.
We both jump.
"What's that?" Diamond asks as she stands up quickly and walks toward the balcony.
I push myself up and follow her.
She's standing still, staring at the floor outside. I look down too.
The plant has fallen.
The plant Cothoza gave me.
It's bigger now. Fuller and growing in a way that makes my skin crawl.
"Konke… what's going on now?" Diamond asks softly.
I stare at the plant, my heart racing, my thoughts are all over the place
"I really don't know," I say quietly.
And the truth is, I don't know what's going on at all.

•••

[MNOTHO]

I look around at the coffins, my hands buried deep in my pockets. I need the cheapest ones here, the cheapest of them all. I'm at Genesis Funeral Parlour, ready to plan these family members' funerals for what they did to Nikky and her father.
Rows of polished wood, gold handles, expensive ones. Too dignified and too respectful. None of them deserve this kind of farewell.
I notice one of the workers giving me a polite smile as she walks toward me.
"Good afternoon, sir. How can I assist you?" the lady asks politely.
I return the smile, calm and controlled.
"I need to know which coffins are the cheapest here," I answer, still looking around.
She lets out a soft giggle.
"Oh, I can't be sure a man like you would want to bury his loved ones in cheap coffins," she says lightly.
I stop looking around and stare at her.
"Oh, ma'am," I say coldly, "they are not people who deserve a dignified funeral. They should be buried like dogs."
Her smile drops instantly. She blinks, stunned.
"Oh… I.. I can show you the brochure. Please follow me," she says quickly, turning around.
I follow her into a small office. I take a seat, and she sits across from me, opening drawers, looking for the brochure.
"How's business?" I ask casually as she searches.
"I'd like to… I don't know how to meet the owners. I think we will need another branch where I'm from," I add calmly.
She shrugs slightly and hands me the brochure.
"I can't really say how business is going. I don't work here," she says gently. "I just saw you standing there without assistance and thought I should help."
She pauses. "I'm Pearl Zwane, by the way."
Zwane.
That name catches my attention immediately. I lean a little closer.
"Oh," I say smoothly, "I guess you're part of the family?" I ask with a warm smile.
She looks young. Maybe a sister. Or married into the family.
She nods.
"Yes," she says shyly. "I'm just a bride. I'm married to one of the sons here."
She blinks slowly, almost nervously. I hope she isn't getting ideas, I'm not interested.
I smile warmly anyway.
"Mmm, I see," I say. "Where are the owners then? Your husband? Or your father-in-law?" I ask.
My PI is still gathering all the information I need, but I couldn't resist coming here myself. I needed to see this place with my own eyes.
"Oh, they're out of the country," she replies. "They'll be back in about a month or so."
She hesitates. "Do you want to meet them? I can arrange that."
She's already tapping on the laptop.
"When exactly will they be back?" I ask calmly. "I'd really like to see them."
"I'm not entirely sure about the date," she says. "My husband, his brothers, and my father-in-law are the ones who travelled. They do this almost every time."
I nod slowly. Mmh… I see.
So I have time. Plenty of it.
Time to plan, time to prepare.
Time to make sure this revenge is done properly.
I'm a patient man. I'll wait for them to come back.
The bride won't help me much. I honestly thought I might meet one of the family members today. I quickly stand up, sliding my hands back into my pockets. Her eyes widen in shock.
"You're already leaving? I can ask the kitchen to make us something to drink," Pearl says, already standing up.
I shake my head slowly.
"No, I'm good. I'll come back again," I say in a low voice.
"And the funeral? You wanted coffins," she reminds me.
My eyes fall on the brochure again. I can't take it with me. Nikky cleans my study, cleans our bedroom, she will see it and get angry. I don't want to lose her. I'll plan this revenge without her knowing, completely.
I lift my eyes to Pearl. She's still shy, caught off guard, when she notices me staring at her.
"Don't worry, I will use your services, but I'll wait for the owners," I tell her calmly.
Timing matters. People are careless when they return, when they think everything is still the same.
"See you soon, Mrs Zwane," I add, then I turn away before she can say anything else.
Her whole life is about to crumble. This family will never be the same. In war, no one cares who is innocent, casualties are inevitable.
.
.
.
.
Bonga has been gallivanting with Mtho, at least he did fetch Nikky and brought her home safe and sound, as always. I've been thinking about Nikky's idea of taking the boys out for that father-sons bonding thing. Nikky didn't give me much information about the getaway with Diamond they're taking this Friday to Durban, so I'll have to get people to follow them discreetly, to make sure they're safe at all times. I'll also need to ask more about the guesthouse they're staying at.
Our little investigation with Diamond about Nikky's father is on pause or will resume after the manager comes back from his leave. At least we have something; we'll know what's really going on, and why Nikky wasn't listed. Is that man not her father? Has she been fed lies all these years? My heart aches just thinking about it. This will break her. Her life will fall apart once all this comes to light. At least her family isn't aware of this, because I have a feeling they would block Diamond from finding the truth.
It makes me even more curious about Nikky's mother. How could you lie like this? This is messing with my head.
A soft knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. Nikky walks in, carrying a cup of tea. I quickly close my laptop.
"I got you a cup of tea," she says the moment she reaches my desk, placing it next to me before dropping a gentle kiss on my forehead. I melt and smile.
"Thank you, Peaches," I say gratefully, picking up the cup.
"That's lavender tea, it will help you relax a little, maybe even sleep if you need to," she says softly, her eyes staying on me. "From now on, this will be your daily routine, no more beer or cold drinks at night," she adds, pulling the chair closer and sitting next to me. I can't help but feel how much she cares. I really want to give her the world.
"What?" she asks, tapping my shoulder. I blink, caught off guard, she'll see I'm tense again.
"About what?" I ask, holding up the cup tight. She's right though; I've read somewhere that drinking cold drinks isn't good, especially right before bed.
"You're giving me a sad look. The same look my dad usually gave me," she says. I frown, raising an eyebrow.
"Sad look?" I ask, curious, my heart pounding.
She giggles, shaking her head.
"Forget about it. Drink your tea. I need to soak my feet. Pinky was absent at work, something about being sick, fever or allergies, I'm not sure," she says, standing up.
"Really?" I ask, surprised.
"Yeah, I doubt she'll come tomorrow either," she says, walking away.
Pinky with allergies? This is the first I've heard about it.