CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 57

[DIAMOND]

My mind is not here.
I wish I could tell the driver to turn the car around so I can go and see Konke. I'm worried about him, deeply worried.
He is all alone.
He is stressed, blaming himself for not being able to save Mr Motha, even though he saw the outcome in his dream. He keeps saying he should have pushed harder, should have done more. But I told him the truth there was nothing he could have done.
Mr Motha had planned this for a long time.
He sold all his businesses, everything he owned. He had already planned his exit. This was never in Konke's hands.
Konke also told me something that scared me. He said when he went to the police station about the Sne case, he suddenly went mute. His voice disappeared. I don't know what really happened there. He only said he was helping someone, and then his voice was gone.
I wanted to ask more questions. I wanted to go and see him.
But Nikky told me it was time to leave, time for our trip. So I left… without seeing Konke.
That's why my mind won't rest. That's why my heart feels heavy.
"Come on, you should be excited for this trip," Nikky says from beside me, snapping me out of my racing thoughts. "You didn't even touch your drink," she adds.
My eyes drop to the glass in my hand.
She's right. It's still full.
We're sitting in one of those luxury seven-seater SUVs. Nikky told me Mnotho organised the transport. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if he placed a tracker on it, just to know where we are at all times.
"Still worried about Konke?" she asks softly.
Snothando is busy on a call, talking about her artists and work stuff. Sboniso will plant those devices tonight. Finally.
I sigh, my heart aches.
"Yes," I say quietly. "I am. He's alone."
And it hurts knowing that.
Knowing he is heartbroken, knowing he is stressed. And knowing I'm not there with him.
"Have you called him to check on him?" Nikky asks softly.
I shake my head.
"There's no service on this side. I can't make a call," I say quietly. I don't even know where we are anymore. Just darkness outside, tall trees, and a long road that feels endless.
"He will be okay. Stop stressing yourself. This is your moment to be happy, to celebrate," Nikky says.
I know she's trying to make me feel better. I really do. But it's not working at all. I don't feel like celebrating even a little, not when the man I love is in pain and carrying everything alone.
At the same time, I don't want to disappoint Nikky. She planned all of this for me. She put effort into it. The least I can do is try to be present, to show appreciation and gratitude, even if my heart is somewhere else entirely.
Sno finally finishes her call and moves closer to us. She takes a seat next to us, smiles widely at me, and winks. This gremlin. I haven't forgotten about our last encounter. She's lucky I'm not in the mood to deal with her remarks today.
"By the way, how did you hire such an expensive car?" Sno asks curiously, looking around.
I was waiting for this question. I take a slow sip of my wine.
"A girl doesn't tell all her secrets," Nikky says teasingly.
Sno scoffs in disbelief. Does she really think Nikky must explain every little thing happening in her life? Even I don't know everything that goes on in Nikky's world.
"Come on, I'm just curious. First the guesthouse, now a luxury car? Did you get a raise?" Sno asks.
Nikky rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, I got a raise. Our clinic will be operating 24 hours now," Nikky replies. She once mentioned this to me.
"For all this though? Or did you use your savings?" Sno asks again. She keeps digging, clearly wanting to know where Nikky's money comes from. "Or has Ndumiso already given you a job?" she adds.
I frown and look at Nikky.
Who is Ndumiso?
"Who is Ndumiso?" I ask curiously.
"He's Sno's friend, or colleague. He wants me to cook for him. He's hosting a brunch," Nikky explains, first looking at me, then turning to Sno. "And no, we haven't met yet. We're supposed to meet this Saturday, and I haven't accepted his offer," she adds.
Sno's colleague?
Sno gasps dramatically.
"Why? He will pay you well. Better than your job anyway. He has money," Sno says with a shrug.
I huff softly.
"Nikky, if you feel like you can't accept his offer, don't force yourself," I say gently.
"No one is forcing her. I'm just saying she'll make more money with this gig, that's all," Sno replies, sounding a little defensive.
I already know why Sno introduced Ndumiso to Nikky. One day, Sno will go around saying she helped Nikky, that she was such a good friend. Both Sno and I know that's not true. Ndumiso might genuinely need someone to cook for him, and he might pay Nikky well, but Sno never does anything out of the goodness of her heart.
She shouldn't even be here. I wasn't planning to invite her to this trip, but we need evidence of her nonsense. Keeping her distracted is part of the plan.
"Please, let's stop talking about Ndumiso," Nikky says cheerfully. "We need to make this trip one to remember."
I force a small smile, hoping it becomes a trip I remember, even though my heart is somewhere else.
.
.
.
We have arrived. Sno and Nikky rush to their rooms the moment we step inside. We are exhausted and drank way too much in the car. All I want now is a shower and sleep.
The driver was fast, to be honest. I didn't even think we would arrive at this time. It's just past 11 p.m. I know Konke is probably not sleeping yet. Let me try to call him.
I scroll through my contacts and press call.
It rings. Rings again.
Then it goes straight to voicemail.
I frown slightly and try again. Once more, it goes straight to voicemail. A deep worry settles in me now. I try calling him one last time, but it rings and goes to voicemail again.
Oh my God. My thoughts start running in every direction, jumping to the worst possibilities. What if he's hurt? I once read that people like Konke, going through such a heavy spiritual journey or awakening, sometimes struggle deeply. Some even become suicidal.
I gasp softly, my pulse racing.
What if he…?
No. No. He wouldn't do that. I shake my head quickly. He's probably just asleep. Tired and drained. That must be it.
"Dee," someone says softly, shaking me.
I jump slightly, almost dropping my phone. It's Nikky.
"Are you okay?" she asks, her voice full of concern.
I nod and give her a small smile.
"I'm okay. You just startled me," I say quietly.
She shakes her head slowly.
"You are not okay, Diamond. I can see it. Your mind is not here at all," she says. Of course she notices.
"No, I'm okay. Just a little distracted," I say quickly.
She doesn't look convinced.
"Wait here. I'll be back," she says before walking off.
I sit on the edge of the bed, phone still in my hand, and wait.

After a few minutes, she comes back holding a small square box. I blink, confused.
"Here is your gift. I was going to give it to you tomorrow, but I can see your heart is not here," she says, placing it next to me.
"No, Nikky…" I start, but she raises her hand, stopping me.
"You're worried about Konke, and I understand that," she says softly. "But I can't keep you here. There's nothing you're going to enjoy when your heart is somewhere else." She sighs deeply. "I'm hurt that I planned all this for you, for us, but it's fine. You can go back and see if Konke is okay. I don't want us to fight tomorrow because of this and end up resenting each other over something so small," she adds.
I open my mouth, then close it again. No words come out.
"Don't open the gift now," she continues gently. "You'll open it when you get to Joburg. And don't worry, I won't be mad at you. I'll stay here with Sno."
That's what scares me the most, her and Snothando alone.
"Sno?" I whisper.
"Yeah. I doubt we'll even do anything fun," Nikky says dismissively. "She's always stuck on her job."
She's right. Sno was on her phone the whole time in the car. And as much as I hate leaving Nikky here alone with Sno, I need to go see Konke. I would never forgive myself if something happened to him, knowing I could have avoided it.
And leaving Nikky here alone after planning all of this just to celebrate my promotion hurts more than I want to admit. She put so much thought into this trip, every detail chosen with me in mind. Walking away now feels unfair, almost selfish.
I'm torn between two people I love the most, pulled in opposite directions, unsure of which choice will hurt less. No matter what I do, someone I care about will be left behind, and that thought refuses to leave me alone.

•••

Snothando is the first to wake up. She wanders around the guesthouse, frowning, curiosity written all over her face. She cannot understand it. How does Nikky pay for all of this? Admin assistants do not earn much, or at least that is what Sylvia says. As she walks, she is already planning how she will tell her mother about this later. A dark chuckle escapes her lips. She knows Sylvia will not be pleased with Nikky spending money so freely.
When she steps into the kitchen, she is surprised to find Nikky already there, quietly sipping her coffee. Sno had hoped for a calm, silent morning in the kitchen before dealing with Nikky and Diamond, but she forces a smile anyway.
"Nike, what are you having?" Sno asks softly, her head still aching from last night's drinking.
"I'm having coffee," Nikky replies gently. "I'm too lazy for breakfast. I think I'll go find a restaurant instead."
Sno frowns slightly as she pours herself a cup of coffee. She had expected Nikky to make breakfast, and now the idea of going hungry irritates her.
"A restaurant? But you bought groceries… why don't you make breakfast?" Sno asks, tilting her head innocently, trying not to sound annoyed.
Nikky shakes her head and stands up.
"I'll go out and explore the place. Maybe I'll cook later, or tomorrow," she says softly.
Sno almost rolls her eyes but stops herself. She wonders if she should invite Ndumiso later. She does not understand why he is dragging this out. This is not like him. Once a payment is done, Ndumiso usually comes to collect without delay. But now, he is taking his time. If he does not wake up soon, Nikky might slip through his fingers. The thought irritates her deeply.

She wanted to call him and ask what was going on. She didn't like this situation at all.
"By the way, Diamond left. Something needed her back in Joburg. I guess it's just the two of us now," Nikky says as she washes her cup at the sink, doing it absentmindedly.
Nikky doesn't see the wicked smile that slowly spreads across Sno's face.
"Oh no, why? What happened? Should I call Sbo?" Sno asks, acting worried and concerned.
"No! Don't call Sbo," Nikky says coldly, her voice sharp.
That makes Sno even happier. Nikky is still hurt because of Sboniso. Sno looks at her phone, tempted. Maybe she should call Sbo later, just to tease Nikky a little. Just to poke the wound.
"I guess we can both go explore the place, then come back, cook, and later go sit by the beach," Nikky says, finally turning to look at Sno.
Sno almost chuckles. She knows very well that this trip was meant for Diamond. Diamond only. And now that her friend has ditched her, Nikky expects her to step in and replace Diamond? To follow plans that were never meant for her? No. Absolutely not.
She puts on a sad face.
"Eish, I forgot to tell you… I can't go out with you today," Sno says slowly. "One of my artists is attending a big event here in town. I need to check if everything is in order. I don't want any mistakes."
She lies smoothly, without blinking. None of her artists are in Durban. There is no big event. Not today.
Nikky's eyes widen.
"Come on… I'll have to go alone now? You see, Diamond isn't here either," Nikky says softly, her voice carrying a little hurt.
It doesn't move Sno at all. In fact, it makes her feel good. Knowing that Nikky will be alone, vulnerable, with no one she knows in a city she is unfamiliar with, brings her a strange comfort.
Sno stands up. The coffee suddenly tastes bitter. She wants to shower and leave. Maybe she'll go to one of her rich friends who owns a private villa in uMhlanga.
This guesthouse is beautiful. Quiet. No close neighbours. A stunning outdoor jacuzzi facing the sea. It is gorgeous.
But no.
In Sno's book, Nikky does not deserve happiness. She does not deserve peace or joy. Yes, she is angry that Nikky is staying in such a beautiful place, but knowing that Nikky will be here with a broken heart is enough to calm her spirit.
That alone brings her comfort.
"Nike, I have a job, you know that," Sno says firmly. "I can't just ask for a day off like you, whenever you want."
Nikky had mentioned in the car that she got a day off for Monday. Sno didn't care to hear the rest of the story. She didn't care why or how. It meant nothing to her.
"But then why did you come?" Nikky asks, clearly confused. "You should have said you wouldn't make it. You knew you were busy."
Sno finally rolls her eyes, no longer pretending.
"Come on. I wanted to be part of the trip too," she says casually. "I won't stay long. I'll be back tonight. I won't even leave with my bags," she adds with a shrug, like it's not a big deal at all.
Nikky just stares at her, shaking her head slowly, disbelief written all over her face.
"You're an adult. Do whatever you want to do," Nikky says flatly before turning around and walking away.
She leaves Sno standing there, gasping softly in surprise.
"Dramatic much," Sno mutters to herself as she heads toward one of the bedrooms she has chosen.
All the bedrooms have their own bathrooms, which works perfectly for her. She doesn't want to bump into Miss Perfect any more than necessary.
The moment she steps inside the room, she pulls out her phone and scrolls quickly until she finds Amanda's contact. She presses call and lifts the phone to her ear.
It rings for a moment before Amanda answers.
"Hey, sweetie," Amanda says happily. "What a lovely surprise," she adds, clearly shocked.
"I know. I'm in town," Sno says softly as she walks toward the bathroom. "I just wanted to ask if you're home. I want to come by."
"Yeah, I'm home. You can come," Amanda replies. "One of your events again?" she asks curiously.
Sno sighs deeply. She wishes that were the case.
"I wish. Nike is the reason I'm here," she says bitterly. "She booked us a guesthouse, but her friend ditched her. Now she wants me to be a rebound."
Amanda laughs loudly.
"Lol. Miss goody-two-shoes has money now?" Amanda asks, still laughing.
"I doubt it," Sno snaps. "That bitch has no money. I'm sure she got a discount or put herself in debt. She couldn't even help her mother with such a simple task, so no, she doesn't have money."
She frowns, suddenly remembering that she should have told Nikky about helping Sylvia when Nikky failed to do so. The thought irritates her.
"Ugh, come this side, sweetie," Amanda says. "Leave that cheap bitch alone. I don't even know why you're still friends with her after everything she's done to you."
Sno sighs softly.
"I'm punishing her," she says calmly. "I'll call Ndu to come here. When she's alone and not aware, Ndumiso will come and do what he's good at," she adds, clicking her tongue.
"Woah. Ndumiso?" Amanda asks, shocked. "Isn't that a bit extreme?"
Sno's face hardens. Extreme? That's not extreme at all.
"I'll tell you more when I see you," Sno says before hanging up.
She sighs again and quickly sends a short text to Sylvia, hinting about Nikky spending money recklessly. After sending it, she switches off her phone. She doesn't want to deal with Sylvia. She doesn't like that woman at all.
Actually, she hates the entire Nkabinde family.
If they hadn't interfered… if Sylvia had broken up with Funani and never gone back to him… Snothando would have been an Nkabinde. Funani's daughter. She would have been raised by a loving father and a proper family.
But no.
Sylvia had to get pregnant with Nikky and steal Funani away from her mother. Just a few more months. Her mother only needed a few more months to make sure she got pregnant too, with Funani as the father.
But it never happened.
Instead, Sno was stuck. Stuck with a horrible, cheating drunk of a father. And all of it, in her mind, was because of Nikky and Sylvia.
She would have been Nikezinkosi.
She would have been Nike.
But that bitch stole her life, the life her mother had planned for her.
Six months after Sno's mother gave birth to her, she went to the Nkabinde family. She stood at their gate with hope in her heart and desperation in her eyes. She told them that Sno was Funani's daughter.
They didn't believe her.
The Nkabindes demanded a DNA test. They needed proof, not stories or tears. When the results came back, they crushed everything. The test showed that Sno was not a Nkabinde.
Just like that, her mother's dream of a happy family died.
There were no apologies. No second chances. The door closed, and they were sent away like strangers who had never belonged there in the first place.
From that day, everything changed.
In Sno's mind, there was only one truth, if Nikky had never been born, that life would have been hers. She would have carried the Nkabinde name. She would have been loved, protected, chosen.
She would have been Nike.
Instead, Nikky took her place before she even had a chance to exist properly.
So Sno promised herself something long ago. She would do everything in her power to take back what was stolen from her. Every piece of happiness Nikky thought she deserved.
And when she is done taking everything from her, Nikky's life is next.
.
.
.
A wicked smile spreads across her face. The thought excites her, she wants to go now, this very moment, and tell Nikky about her helping Sylvia. She is sure it will shake her. Without wasting time, she walks out quickly, heading straight for Nikky's room.
The moment she steps inside, she pauses.
Nikky is smiling at her phone, giggling softly, clearly lost in whatever is on the screen.
Who is she talking to? Sno wonders, irritation creeping in before she forces herself to move closer.
"Mmh, you look happy," Sno says, carefully controlling her tone so it doesn't sound sarcastic.
Nikky lifts her head and looks at her, rolling her eyes slightly.
"Zola sent me a funny video," Nikky answers softly. Then, without much interest, she adds, "How can I help you?"
"Well, your mother called," Sno says with a casual shrug. "She said the pastor from the church passed away. Since you couldn't help, she asked me to step in."
Nikky squints her eyes, studying Sno for a moment.
"You're the one who got the catering?" Nikky asks.
Sno nods, her lips curling into a calm, satisfied smile.
"Well, good for them," Nikky says, her voice flat and uninterested. "If you don't mind using your money to help that church, that's your business."
The response throws Sno off balance.
"So… you're not mad?" Sno asks, confusion slipping into her voice.
Nikky lets out a small laugh as she reaches for her toiletry bag.
"I don't care, Snothando," Nikky says honestly. "I'm here to enjoy my money and have a lovely weekend, especially since both my friends ditched me."
She walks toward the door, then pauses and turns back.
"Oh, and thank you for helping out," Nikky adds with a smile. "At least I don't have to slave for that church. You're the best, my friend."
With that, Nikky walks off.
Sno remains standing there, stunned. Irritation burns quietly beneath her skin. This was not how it was supposed to go. Not at all.