CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 70

Julia never loved Mnotho. She never truly connected with him at all. Mnotho was just 20, at the start of his job in the taxi industry, and Julia had already left uMlazi, running away from her strict family to Johannesburg, searching for the freedom she never had. Her life was wild, carefree, and reckless long before she met Mnotho.
She was 23 when they met. That night, Mnotho had been sent by his owner to the club to pick up drunk girls and boys and take them to their flats. Julia wasn't drunk, just a little tipsy. She had to be careful; she couldn't drink too much because she had an exam the next day.
When Mnotho came to fetch them, they hit it off immediately. They talked about where they were from, how they ended up in this big, dangerous city, and just shared their thoughts before the ride. Julia even helped her fellow party friends get settled in the taxi.
Before dropping them off, Mnotho asked for her number. Julia didn't think much of it and, without hesitation, gave it to him.
The following morning, Julia remembered very well, it was around 5 a.m. when she got a call from Mnotho. He asked if she could go out with him later that day, just in case he wasn't working. At first, Julia wanted to decline. She didn't really want to go out with Mnotho; he was just a taxi driver, and she knew taxi drivers were always on the road, and of course, the salary was small. That morning, she declined his request and went about her day at college.
Mnotho didn't call the whole day until later that night. He asked if Julia had thought about his earlier request to take her out. He told her he just wanted to know her better and maybe, who knows, something beautiful could come out of it.
Julia agreed. Free lunch? She couldn't say no to that.
The lunch date went well. Julia was curious why Mnotho was on lunch instead of working. Mnotho explained that the owner and the other drivers treated him like their younger brother and son, since he was the youngest. That's when Julia found out that Mnotho was younger than her, he was only 20, and she was 23. A lot didn't align for her. Mnotho was still a boy, just a taxi driver, while she was a college student wanting to live her life.
She didn't tell Mnotho her thoughts, and she also knew that her family would never approve of him the minute they saw him. But all of this worked out fine for her. Mnotho had a job, a taxi, and a place to stay. Having Mnotho by her side might take a little stress off her. She could even use Mnotho to her advantage.
So, after only three days of knowing each other, Julia said they could start by being friends first. Of course, Mnotho agreed. This was going to be the first girlfriend he would ever have since he arrived in Johannesburg.

Everything was going according to Julia's plan, of course. She lived her wild life partying and would ask Mnotho to fetch her. Mnotho would just do that, driving her to his place, a big backroom in some old couple place. Mnotho was the only one renting there. Julia loved that place, even though Mnotho dreamed of getting something bigger.
In a few days of knowing Mnotho, Julia realised how serious he was about life. He was always talking about building his family home, which bored Julia a lot. She just wanted to have fun, and she saw right there that Mnotho would never match her but she kept her thoughts to herself.
Julia saw that Mnotho's place could be hers too, not by taking it away from him, but maybe by sharing it. The money she got from her parents, that she used to pay the rent at her flat, she could spend as much as she wanted if she moved in with Mnotho.
So, that following night, she went to Mnotho's place. They had sex, and Julia agreed to be his girlfriend, not out of love, but for what she could get from Mnotho. Of course, Mnotho didn't know all this. He was happy to have a beautiful girlfriend like her, even with the age difference. Mnotho told Julia he would take care of her with the little salary he had.

Julia's wild life continued even after becoming Mnotho's girlfriend. Mnotho would give her money, help her with transportation, and offer her a place to stay if she didn't want to go to her flat. Of course, Mnotho worried about the way she lived her life, but Julia would shut him down, telling him she was young and didn't want to be tied down living a boring life.
Mnotho would warn her that the places she and her friends hung out were dangerous, but Julia didn't stop. She would even secretly sleep with one of her college classmates without Mnotho knowing. She hated how much he nagged, and on top of that, she didn't love him nor care about his feelings.
There was a time when Mnotho told Julia he would be going to North West for work. Some church people had hired him to take them there and bring them back on Sunday afternoon. That news was music to Julia's ears. Not seeing this serious boy for the whole weekend felt like a blessing from God.
Of course, Mnotho left a key for her to use his backroom whenever she had problems with her flat. Julia used that as her excuse, the flat didn't have hot water or electricity and Mnotho would tell her to come over. That was Julia's way of moving in with him.
That same weekend, when Mnotho went to North West, Julia packed all her things and officially moved into Mnotho's place.
The old couple didn't mind Julia being there, but their son did. He didn't like Julia at all and was overprotective of Mnotho. Julia soon found out he was a taxi driver too and that he always treated Mnotho as his younger brother.
That same weekend, when Mnotho went to North West for work, the son, whom Mnotho always refers to by his surname, Biyela, came and saw Julia moving in. He immediately asked why she was moving in and why she was trying to ruin Mnotho's life. Julia ignored him and continued with what she was doing. She didn't come there for Biyela; she was there for Mnotho, and it was Mnotho who had suggested this.
While Julia was packing her things into Mnotho's wardrobe, which they were going to share, she saw something that caught her attention, a bag with Mnotho's savings inside.
Julia was shocked when she saw so much money. It wasn't a huge amount, but to her, it felt like a fortune. She quickly went to close the curtains and the door, then sat down to start counting. It was R8 000. For a college student like her, that was a lot. She paused, contemplating what to do, should she steal it or not? But she knew that if she took it, Mnotho would immediately know it was her.
With a heavy sigh, she put the money back in the school bag and placed it neatly in the corner. Still, the temptation was there. She could already imagine herself spending it, letting her thoughts run wild with all the things she could buy. But first, she needed to know what this money was for. She would have to ask Mnotho.

While she was getting ready and packing, Julia got a call from her sneaky link, Bouncy. He was excited, calling to tell her he would come and pick her up so they could go out for drinks with friends. Of course, Julia wasn't going to say no, free drinks, fun, and, of course, some private time with Bouncy. She wanted to leave anyway; she didn't want to deal with Biyela's remarks, so she quickly finished getting ready for the night out.
When Bouncy and the others came to fetch her, Biyela had already left, and the old couple were asleep, so no one saw her slipping into Bouncy's car. The car was already full of energy, music blasting loudly, laughter and shouting filling the small space. Julia joined in, letting herself relax and enjoy, trying to forget about everything else.
Bouncy, predictably, was busy trying to touch her in the backseat. Julia giggled, pushing him slightly but secretly enjoying the attention. In all the chaos and excitement, no one was paying attention to the road. The car swerved sharply when Bouncy tried to avoid a pothole in the street. The tires skidded on the road, the music still loud, everyone shouting in panic.
Before they could react, the car rolled over multiple times, everything inside smashing and sliding. Julia felt herself being thrown against the seat, her hair flying into her face, screams mixing with the sound of metal and glass crashing. The world turned upside down, the smell of burning rubber and dust filling her nose. It was terrifying and chaotic, each second stretching longer than the last. Somehow, she clung to a part of the seat, bracing herself, until finally, the car landed on its side with a heavy, echoing crash.
Julia lay there for a moment, shaking, stunned, her heart racing. She could hear Bouncy groaning somewhere nearby and the muffled voices of friends trying to get out. Everything was broken, everything was chaos but she was alive.

No one died that night in the accident. They only had a few scratches on their arms and legs, but one of their friends needed serious medical attention for his leg. Bouncy came from a well-off family, so everything was handled quickly, no police were involved. All of them went to the hospital, got painkillers, and went home, except for the friend with the leg injury who had to stay a bit longer.
Julia went with Bouncy to his place that night. Despite the stupid accident, they had a wonderful night. Bouncy took care of her and made love to her, and Julia was over the moon. Of course, Mnotho had done the same for her, but it didn't matter, she didn't connect with him. Even sex with Mnotho was just something she did for the sake of it. That night, Julia started to fall for Bouncy. She spent the whole weekend with him, keeping her phone off and avoiding Mnotho completely.
And then, just two weeks later, Bouncy died from internal bleeding, caused by the same accident they had.
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Julia touches her scar absentmindedly and gets startled when Khutso touches her shoulder. She quickly raises her head, looks at him, and forces a small smile.
"Are you okay? Our guests are here. I'll bring the jar of juice. Go and welcome them," Khutso says before turning to fetch the jar of juice.
Julia wants to scoff so badly, but she decides against it. She knows exactly why Mnotho and that woman are here. That woman or Mtho, must have gone running to Mnotho, crying about the call she made. She was only trying to help Bonga. She wanted him to have that launch party for his company, and it will happen. No one will stop it. She will help Bonga plan it whether they like it or not.
She looks at her scones and decides to leave them in the kitchen. Mtho had been bragging about this "Malumekazi" and how she knows how to bake. Julia straightens her shoulders and steadies herself before walking toward the dining room. She wonders what is so special about this new woman. Mnotho has never done something like this before, bringing a woman here like she matters.
Julia freezes at the door.
Mnotho is staring at the woman with so much love in his eyes. His gaze is soft, warm, almost protective, while she speaks to him gently. Julia blinks rapidly, shocked by what she is seeing. She has never seen Mnotho look at anyone like that.
Mnotho finally shifts his eyes from his woman to Julia, and his expression turns cold instantly. The warmth disappears. Julia feels her heart sink slightly.
She steps closer and almost frowns as she studies the woman. She notices how young she looks. Yes, she is big, no, that's not the right word. She's chubby, soft, young and glowing.
Julia wonders if Mnotho is stuck in the past or something. Why has he fallen for someone younger? What is he trying to prove?
Mnotho clears his throat, making Julia gasp softly and quickly snap her eyes away from the girl. She hadn't even realised she was staring.
"Julia, hi," Mnotho says calmly. "This is Nikky, the woman you decided to be rude to on the phone," he adds, still calm but firm.
Julia notices Nikky gently nudging Mnotho, as if telling him to relax.
Julia wants to laugh at the whole situation, but instead she sighs.
"Nikky, this is Julia, Bonga's mother," Mnotho says softly to Nikky.
Julia notices it immediately, the difference in his tone. He is softer with Nikky, almost careful. But with her, there is distance. There is an attitude. And she feels it clearly.
"I'm back," Khutso says as he walks in with the jar of juice.
Mnotho and Nikky sit down. Julia takes a deep breath and sits next to Khutso, who looks a little too excited about this dinner.
"Thank you for welcoming us into your home," Nikky says, looking at both Khutso and Julia.
Julia notices how soft-spoken this girl is. Everything about her is soft and elegant. Her voice, her posture, even the way she smiles. It's something Julia was never like when she was young.
Julia knows this dinner is about the call she made. Khutso is not aware of it, and that makes her nervous. She knows how impulsive Mnotho can be. When he decides to speak, he speaks.
"I'm sorry about the call, Nikky. It was wrong of me," Julia says, trying to sound sincere.
Mnotho's eyebrows rise in disbelief.
"What call?" Khutso asks, confused, looking from one face to another.
Julia turns to look at him. She loves Khutso, and she doesn't want him to think she is acting out because Mnotho has found a new lover.
"Well, there was a misunderstanding about Bonga's launch party. I thought Nikky had told Bonga not to have it. It was just… a misunderstanding," Julia says, then turns and gives Nikky a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm confused," Khutso says again, frowning slightly.
"Well," Mnotho begins, leaning back in his chair, "Nikky was having a conversation with Bonga about the launch party. She suggested that maybe he should wait a little because it would cost a lot of money. After that conversation, Bonga ran to his mother and told her everything. And of course, Julia got angry, called Nikky, and told her to know her place in her son's life," he says, his tone slightly dramatic.
Julia scoffs softly under her breath. Khutso gasps and turns to look at her.
"Why?" Khutso asks, his voice still filled with shock.
Julia feels her heart sink. She hates disappointing him. She hates that look on his face.
"I know… anger took over me, and I said hurtful things," she says, then turns to look at Nikky. "I'm really sorry. Please forgive me," she adds, looking at Nikky almost desperately, hoping this forgiveness will end everything.
"Were you going to apologise if Mtho didn't tell me?" Mnotho jumps in.
Julia doesn't understand why Mnotho keeps speaking on behalf of Nikky. Nikky is right there. She can speak for herself.
"It's okay. I accept your apology. Let's just focus on dinner. I'm hungry," Nikky says softly, giving Julia a small smile.
Julia feels a little relieved, but she knows this is not over. She knows both Mnotho and Khutso will not just let this go so easily.
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Julia is in the kitchen, placing the dirty dishes in the sink. Even though Nikky had forgiven her, the tension was still there, especially from Mnotho.
Mtho is starting to be a thorn in her life. Sleeping with Bangizwe was a mistake, and she had no idea that Bangizwe was Mnotho's brother. Now Mtho knows. She wonders how the hell he found out. She needs to speak to Bangizwe about this. Mnotho will kill both of them when this news reaches him, and she knows firsthand how cold and dangerous he can become when he feels betrayed.
"Thinking about how to lie again?" Mnotho's voice startles her, and she almost drops the spoon in her hand.
Julia opens her mouth, then closes it. No words come out.
Mnotho places a cup in the sink. Julia looks at his face. There is no softness there. No calm. Just something hard and cold.
"I apologised, Mnotho," Julia says defensively.
Mnotho scoffs coldly.
"Khutso and Nikky are busy talking about church things, so I decided to come here so we can talk," Mnotho says calmly. "I hope you will never do that nonsense again, disrespecting my woman like that," he adds.
Julia scoffs silently.
"You mean someone the same age as your child?" Julia says irritably.
Mnotho's face hardens instantly.
"Don't start, Julia. I'm not here to discuss my wife's age. I'm here to tell you, do not ever think of disrespecting her again. She is part of Bonga's life, just like Khutso is part of Bonga's life," Mnotho says coldly.
"Look, you don't have to like her. You don't have to be friends with her. No. Just show some kindness and respect. That's all I'm asking."
Julia crosses her arms.
"And if I don't?" she asks quietly, challenging him.
Mnotho steps a little closer, lowering his voice.
"Then you and I will have a very serious problem. And you know I don't play when it comes to people I love."
Julia swallows hard, refusing to look away.
"This is not about the past, Julia," Mnotho continues. "This is about now. About Bonga. About the future. Don't create a war where there doesn't need to be one."
Julia looks at him carefully.
"And what if she creates one?" she asks.
Mnotho shakes his head slowly.
"She won't. Because she's not you," he says with a cocky smile.
Mnotho leans back slightly and sighs. "I'm not here to ask for your permission. Just don't ever bother Nikky again. Ever. You and Bonga can go on with that launch party. It's my money anyway," he adds.
Julia feels herself getting irritated. She scoffs softly.
"Bonga is my son, and I will do anything to see him happy. Your girl should stop giving advice when it's not needed," Julia says, her voice sharp with irritation.
Mnotho just laughs softly at her, and that laugh annoys her even more.
"Oh, my dearest mother of my child, have a lovely night. Hopefully we won't have this kind of chat again. Okay?" Mnotho says calmly before turning and walking away.
He leaves Julia standing there, fuming, her jaw tight, her thoughts racing.

•••

[DIAMOND]

It's been two days. I haven't heard from Nikky. She only sent that one text telling me she will deal with the investigation herself. I messed up, and I need to own up to it and apologise to her properly.
Since she's no longer working, I need to pass by Mnotho's place and check on her. I know she won't come to our flat. And I can't go to our flat anyway, since Konke warned me not to go there in case my stepmother sends her goons to snatch me.
I don't know if Konke has arrived or if he will arrive tomorrow. I miss him so much. And I know he knows that I went to Aunt Thembi's place. He is going to be mad. I need to know when he's arriving so I can prepare myself for that storm.
As for Aunt Thembi, I just need to meet her secretly, without Nomvula knowing at all.
This job is so demanding. I didn't think it would be this hard. The long hours, the pressure. And I still want to prepare for my board exams, then all of this happens. My father and his wife scheming. Even on his deathbed, he is still scheming.
I got a call from my sister, Minenhle, wanting us to meet. I declined. What if Nomvula sent her too? Nx.
I unlock the door. I need to shower and then drive to Mulbarton and talk to..
I freeze. Red petals. White petals. Scattered across the floor.
Candles. Red and white, lit softly.
A slow smile spreads across my face.
Konke is back.
I quickly close the door and lock it behind me. My heart starts beating faster, not from fear, but from excitement.
I follow the trail of petals toward the lounge. They form a soft path, leading me like a secret invitation. The air smells sweet, like roses and vanilla. The lights in the room are dimmed, only the candles glowing.
In the middle of the lounge, there is a romantic setup on the floor. A thick, soft blanket is spread neatly. Around it are large pillows placed carefully, their cases matching in soft white and deep red, arranged like little chairs facing each other. It looks intimate and private, like a small world made just for two people.
There's a low tray placed in the center with glasses ready, a chilled bottle resting in ice, and small bowls of strawberries and chocolates arranged neatly. Soft music is playing quietly in the background, something slow and emotional.
Everything feels intentional, thought out.
"Hey, you're back. I'm sure when you saw the candles, you thought I was about to perform a ritual and you were the sacrifice," Konke says with a playful smile.
I laugh softly, placing my bags and keys on the couch. I turn and hug him tightly, wrapping my arms around him like I never want to let go.
"Someone missed me," he teases.
I nod against his shoulder.
"I missed you so much," I say with a small giggle.
We slowly pull apart, and he gazes at me softly, his eyes scanning my face like he's making sure I'm really okay.
"I missed you too. And thank God you are alive and well," he says, still teasing a little, but there's relief in his voice.
I chuckle nervously.
He leans in and kisses me. It's long and passionate, slow and full of meaning. Not rushed. Just deep. His hands hold my waist firmly, like he needs to feel that I'm really here.
When he pulls away, he rests his hand on my cheek.
"Now go shower. Food will be ready soon, and we need to talk," he says gently.
Oh God, He knows.
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"I think we should wait a few minutes for the food… have some champagne," Konke says the minute he comes back from the kitchen.
I pop a strawberry into my mouth. Honestly? I'm not a fan.
Konke hands me a glass and sits comfortably next to me.
"I never took you out on a proper romantic night, or a vacation. We should do it before Ndleleni and the gang take me away," he says, chuckling softly.
He's not lying. And I'm shocked, I've never brought this up, never dared.
We sit quietly for a moment, just staring at the flickering candles.
"I'm really sorry," I whisper, voice trembling slightly. "I don't know why I went there… knowing my life would be in danger."
Konke squeezes my hand gently. "Do you want your father to… stay alive? Do you want him to at least notice you?" His voice is calm but serious, careful, like he's threading through my pain.
I bite my lip softly, looking down at the glass in my hands.
"Yeah…" I finally admit, the words almost breaking me. "I've always wanted him to notice me. To see me… to love me. I wanted him to tell me why he abandoned me. Why he wanted my mother to… to abort me." My voice cracks, and I sigh, taking a slow sip of champagne. "Ever since I can remember… he never cared. Even when I was sick, Thembi would call him… but he didn't care whether I lived or died."
Konke tilts his head, looking at me gently. "And your mother? When was the last time you saw her?" He squeezes my hand again, steady, grounding.
I take a deep breath, my chest aching. "I was fifteen, Sboniso and I found out where she worked, at some daycare, as a cleaner. I went there and told her who I was and she told me to leave. Never come back. Never look for her again."
I chuckle softly, but it's cold and dark. "I was stubborn… I went back once to look for Khanyisile, and she had already resigned and left. She was running away from me and I never bothered to look for her again."
I sip my champagne again, holding the glass tight.
Konke sighs softly next to me.
"I'm sorry, Thembalami… it must have been so hard," he says gently. "And it's okay to admit that you needed them… that you still need them. Everyone needs their parents. It's not weakness, it's part of healing."
My eyes sting. I blink rapidly, trying to hold back the tears. I had told myself I'd never cry over those people again, but the ache in my chest refuses to listen.
"Maybe… you should try therapy, or get a journal, and write all your thoughts and feelings about this. It might help," he suggests. Nikky had mentioned it once before, but I had brushed it off.
"I'll try, Konke… it's not easy. It's not easy at all," I admit softly. I feel the anger rising again at the mere thought of them, and I squeeze the glass like it might break.
Konke pulls me into his chest, holding me close.
"It's okay. Take it one step at a time. You're not alone, I'm here. You won't go through this alone," he murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.
I sigh shakily, nodding against him, letting a little of the weight slide off my shoulders.
"Don't worry… your dad might be fine, but he'll have to pay for his sins," Konke adds softly.
I raise my head, looking at him, confused. "What do…"
My thought is cut off by an over-beep from my phone.
"Oh, the kitchen is calling me," he says lightly, rising and heading to the kitchen. I frown, my mind racing. What the hell does he mean?
I pour myself more champagne and stretch my arm to grab my phone. Sbo's name flashes across the screen.
"Sbo," I answer, my voice slightly tense.
"Sho… I saw something at Snothando's house. She was burying something, and Nikky was there. I'm heading there to check what's going on," Sbo says.
I frown, blinking in confusion. "Did it look serious?" I ask, curiosity and unease twisting in my stomach.
"Yeah… it did. I also want to hear what they were talking about, her, her mother, and Nikky," Sbo continues softly. "Do you want to come? Snothando and her mother have left for KZN."
No. That won't happen. Sbo will have to handle this alone. What the hell did that gremlin bury?