CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 80
SEASON FINALE

Julia asked her sister Phila out for a quick lunch. Since Phila is off today, it is the perfect time for them to catch up. Julia has a lot on her mind that she wants to share with Phila. The church conference went well, and next year it will be held again at Khutso's church. Even though everything went well, Julia is not happy about how Khutso asked Nikky to bake for the church. Mnotho had already given them a donation for not attending, so she doesn't understand why Khutso said Nikky baked because she and Mnotho wouldn't attend. Mnotho's money was enough, that girl didn't have to interfere.
"You are having alcohol?" Phila asks, shocked, as Julia pours herself some wine into a cup. Even if her church members saw her, they wouldn't know she was drinking wine.
"I'm not…" Julia says dismissively.
Phila is the one who chose this restaurant for them. She told Julia that the food here is really good.
"Shouldn't you be excited about the launch party? I'm really proud of Bonga, he's so grown," Phila says happily.
Julia sips her wine.
"Yeah, I'm excited about it. However, I won't be organising anything or planning it. Mnotho hired someone to do it because he didn't want that girl he's dating to feel left out," Julia says, annoyed. She grabs the bottle of wine again and pours more into her cup, filling it up.
Phila looks at her with a frown.
"You mean his fiancée?" Phila asks, confused.
The waitress places their food on the table and leaves.
Julia nods.
"Yes, her. She's not Mnotho's fiancée, he was just lying," Julia says with a shrug. She doesn't understand why Mnotho lied or maybe he really does see a future with that girl.
"Maybe he is planning to marry her," Phila says with a heavy sigh. "It looks like you have a problem with her," she adds.
Julia frowns.
"Me… no!" Julia stutters. "I'm just annoyed that since she arrived in Mnotho's life, she just took over," Julia adds. Nikky's presence has been a thorn in her life. Her arrival is giving her sleepless nights. It reminds her of a secret she has been keeping from Mnotho.
Phila scoffs.
"So? What's wrong with that?" Phila asks suspiciously. "Are you jealous or something?" she adds.
Julia gasps softly, shocked.
"No, I'm not jealous of that fat girl," Julia says, then immediately regrets it after seeing the shocked look on Phila's face.
"No, I'm sorry, it came out wrong… I'm not fatphobic, it's just… she's young to be having that body. She's like three meals away from obesity," Julia adds, stuttering.
Phila shakes her head, clearly shocked.
"So, this is how you feel about me too?" Phila asks, a little hurt.
Julia quickly shakes her head, looking apologetic.
"No, no, it came out wrong. I'm sorry. I'm just stressed and annoyed," Julia says softly.
She picks up her phone and opens her gallery. She saved a family picture Bonga took with Nikky, Mnotho, and that junkie Mtho.
"Look," Julia says, handing Phila the phone. Phila takes it. "Bonga posted that picture and a bunch of others. He even captioned it 'parents.' I'm his mother," Julia complains.
Phila just stares at the picture, zooming in a little.
"They look beautiful though… and this girl doesn't look fat to me. I'm bigger than her," Phila replies, still staring at the picture. "She's gorgeous too. I need to know how she keeps her stomach so flat," Phila adds.
Julia scoffs softly and sips her wine. She isn't even sure she will eat. She has no appetite.
"Mnotho looks in love. In all these pictures, he's just staring at her," Phila says, handing the phone back to Julia.
Julia looks at the pictures one more time before slamming the phone on the table.
"Yes… he does look at her like she's something special," Julia says softly. She remembers when Mnotho and Nikky came to have dinner with them. His eyes never moved away from Nikky, not even for a second.
"You are jealous, and that's okay, but calling the poor girl names or being bitter is not nice, Julia," Phila says seriously. "He loves her and he chose her. You have no right to judge," she adds as she digs into her food.
Julia sighs, feeling more annoyed now.
"Because of that girl, Mtho is always hanging around Bonga. What if he gives my son drugs? Huh?" Julia says, fear and anxiety rising as the thought grows in her mind.
"That won't happen. He was in rehab. If they released him, it means he is healed enough to face the outside world. He will be fine," Phila says with a shrug.
Julia grunts softly. Her sister doesn't understand at all.
"Maybe Bonga should just move out and go stay in his apartment or one of the other properties Mnotho has," Julia continues. "That girl is also young… too young to be Bonga's stepmother. What is she going to help Bonga with? The youth of today go out, party, and deal with drugs. And Mtho loves that girl… what if they do substances together, and Bonga sees it and thinks it's cool? What if he ends up being an addict?" Julia says, her voice filled with fear.
Phila frowns, staring at her.
"Are you even hearing yourself right now? And why would Bonga leave and go stay alone? Won't he have more freedom then, since he will be far away from his father?" Phila asks in disbelief. "And Bonga is smart. He saw how Mtho was when he was an addict. He won't go down that path. Stop blaming that girl. Your jealousy is blinding you," Phila adds firmly.
Julia shakes her head. She knows Phila is slow sometimes, but she didn't expect her to be this blind in a situation involving her own nephew. And she is not jealous of Nikky or at least that's what she tells herself. She sighs heavily and sips her wine again.
"So, Bonga told me that his stepmother told him not to have a launch. She said it will cost money and waste time. She told my son to focus on rebuilding the company since he is a new owner and to gain trust from his employees and clients," Julia says in disbelief. "So I took Bonga's phone, and of course he saved that girl as 'stepmommy.' I called her and told her Bonga doesn't need her advice, and the launch will happen. And of course, she and Mtho ran to tell Mnotho," Julia adds, annoyed.
Phila giggles softly.
"And Mnotho put you in your place, of course," Phila says, not surprised.
Julia gasps.
"And sisi, the stepmother is right," Phila continues. "If Bonga bought this company, he has to prove himself to the workers. People get scared when a new owner takes over. They worry about their jobs. Clients also get nervous about trusting someone new with big projects. This is a construction company, for heaven's sake. It's risky, anything can happen. If Bonga doesn't get proper guidance, things can go wrong. So yes, Mnotho's fiancée was right. Just stop being jealous. Maybe you can even learn something from her," Phila says, tilting her head.
Julia stares at her, shocked by her tone and dismissiveness. She came here to be understood, not judged.
"Whose side are you on?" Julia asks sharply.
Phila sighs and puts her fork down, now looking serious.
"I am always on your side, you know that. But we are talking about people's lives here. If anything goes wrong… a building, a shop, anything handled by Bonga's company… and people get hurt, he will be held responsible as the owner. So he needs proper training. Yes, he has a degree in business, but I'm sure it doesn't fully cover construction management," Phila explains calmly.
"Exactly! He has a degree, and that girl doesn't. So Bonga should listen to an uneducated person?" Julia fires back quickly.
Phila's frown deepens.
"Sisi… is there something more bothering you?" Phila asks gently, her voice now softer. "Because I feel like there's more going on here than what you are saying."

Julia sighs deeply. Of course, there is something bothering her.
"So… after I called Nikky, Mtho came to threaten me. He was basically defending his new aunt. And somehow, he knows about Bangizwe and me… and I don't know how he found out. He even threatened me about Bonga's paternity," Julia says, her voice low.
Phila gasps loudly, almost falling off her chair.
"What? How did he find out?" Phila asks, shocked.
Julia shrugs, feeling her body go cold.
"I really don't know. Maybe he saw us… I don't know how. I'm so… so scared, Phila," Julia says. If this secret comes out, she will lose everything.
Phila whistles softly.
"But you did a DNA test. Bonga is Mnotho's son, so that part is safe. You'll have to tell Bangizwe to talk to Mtho and tell him that if Mnotho finds out you slept with Bangizwe, it will break the family apart," Phila advises.
Julia scoffs bitterly. She really doesn't care about the Mlambo family. She is just scared of losing Bonga.
"Bangizwe said we will talk. He will be here in Johannesburg soon. If Mtho gets stubborn… I guess we will have to silence him," Julia says, unashamed.
Phila's eyes widen in shock.
"Madam, you are talking to a cop. It seems like you are forgetting that," Phila reminds her.
Julia knows… but right now, she needs her sister.
"Phila, I'm telling you this as my sister, not as a cop. I'm in deep trouble here. If Khutso finds out, he will never trust me, and I love him. He loves me too, and his family loves me. Imagine if this comes out," Julia says nervously.
Phila shakes her head in disbelief.
"If it comes out, you will tell them what you told me. That you didn't know Bangizwe was Mnotho's brother, and you were young, and it happened once," Phila says softly.
Julia immediately looks down in shame.
"It didn't happen once, Phila… I lost count of how many times I slept with Bangizwe," Julia confesses.
"Jesus help me," Phila says, clapping her hands once. "Are you serious, sisi?" she adds in disbelief.
Julia nods, ashamed.
It all started right after Bouncy's death. She was confused, always crying, and Mnotho kept trying to find out what was wrong with her. But she kept lying to him, blaming her strict parents, and Mnotho believed her.
One night, Mnotho told her that his brother was coming to visit. She didn't expect to find Bangizwe in the back room. She was tipsy that night, a little drunk. Bangizwe looked more mature than Mnotho. Julia found him attractive… muscular, confident, and handsome.
They didn't get a proper introduction at first, just their names. Bangizwe thought she was just a girl staying with the old couple. They talked… their eyes met, there were small touches here and there and one thing led to another.
They ended up sleeping together right there in Mnotho's back room. It felt like an escape for her, a moment where she forgot everything she was going through. They almost got caught by Biyela, who came to fetch a charger he had borrowed from Mnotho.
Later, when Mnotho came back from work, he properly introduced them. Both of them were shocked… but the temptation and thrill didn't stop them. Even knowing they were brothers didn't stop them.
To them, it was just casual. No feelings. Just something they did whenever Bangizwe came to Johannesburg.
"But Bonga is Mnotho's son, not Bangizwe's. We always used protection with Bangizwe because he told me he had a fiancée back home. There were no feelings involved… we were just two people who needed each other at the time," Julia says softly.
"That's nonsense, and you know it," Phila says, annoyed. "You were acting all moral when I told you I wanted to date Mnotho because you didn't even love him. I could have been Mrs Mlambo by now, living in a mansion, a full-time housewife," Phila adds.
"Oh, come on, Phila. I needed Mnotho too. He was helping me financially. And how would that have looked? Both sisters dating the same man? Mnotho would never allow that. He was too serious and disciplined," Julia says.
It would have never worked. Their parents would have disowned them.
"When was the last time you slept with Bangizwe?" Phila asks seriously.
Julia sighs.
"The day I left Mnotho. Bangizwe came and asked me what was going on and why I wanted Bonga to be raised by another man. I was already seeing Khutso, trying to get to know him. We got into a heated argument… and then we slept together. I promise you, that was the last time. It never happened again. I chose Khutso, and I love him," Julia says.
Phila claps her hands again in disbelief.
Julia leans back in her chair and looks around the restaurant. Only a few tables are empty. Her eyes suddenly land on a familiar face. Her eyes widen, and she leans forward toward Phila, who is still complaining.
"Don't make it obvious… look on your left side. Mnotho's girl is here," Julia whispers.
Phila stretches her arms casually and looks. She spots Nikky. Then she turns back to Julia.
"Oh… this is the same restaurant where I saw Mnotho, the day he told me about his fiancée," Phila whispers back.
Julia stares at Nikky, who is busy on her phone. She notices shopping bags next to her and frowns.
"Spending Mnotho's money, I see," Julia says bitterly, picking up her cup.
"As if you never used Mnotho for money. What a hypocrite," Phila fires back.
Julia chuckles softly.
"Sisi, aren't you the one who used to go ask Mnotho for money too? Didn't he even beat up your baby daddy because he thought you were having an affair with him? So who is the real hypocrite here?" Julia argues back.
Phila shakes her head, her eyes drifting back to Nikky.
"It should have been me, not her… but it is what it is. She's gorgeous, even in person. No wonder you are jealous," Phila says bitterly.
Julia ignores her and keeps staring at Nikky, sipping her wine.
"Looking all perfect and innocent… maybe I should shake things up and see if Mnotho really loves her or not," Julia says with a smirk, picking up her phone.
"What are you doing?" Phila asks.
Julia doesn't answer. She scrolls down to a number she saved a long time ago.
She presses call and places the phone to her ear.
It rings and rings… before someone answers.
"Hello, Sthembile… long time," Julia says sweetly. "There's something I need to discuss with Lungani. It's about Bonga's business," she adds.
"Oh, Julia… How are you? Lungani is out of town," Sthembile replies, sounding surprised. "How are things that side?" she asks.
Phila's face freezes in shock.
Julia giggles softly.
"Oh, everything is good. Bonga has a company now, and I would like to talk to Lungani about it," Julia says smoothly.

•••

[DIAMOND]

I haven't been here for four months. Not that I didn't want to come… I just didn't want to see Nomvula and her husband acting like a happy family. It used to trigger me so much. It still does a little, if I'm being honest.
Nomvula didn't come this time. Sbo might come tomorrow, because tonight he has to follow Kholiwe, who has been dragging this whole thing for too long now. I really don't understand how they think. Sometimes I just sit and wonder what goes on in their minds.
They think they can just approach Mnotho, that man is scary. You can't just walk up to him and greet him like it's nothing. He reads people too well, and whatever you say or do, he will tell Nikky. So you have to be careful around him at all times.
On my camera, Sno looks very stressed. I can see it clearly. I don't know which president of which media house is coming to investigate Ndumiso's disappearance, but apparently that president called Sno personally. So my lovely sister-in-law is really going through a lot right now. And I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Right now, it's just me, my aunt Thembi, and Gog'Fihliwe. And Gog'Fihliwe still refuses to be called "Gogo" because, in her mind, she is still a young virgin. That woman will never change, honestly.
My whole right arm is sore. Minenhle shot me in my right shoulder, and I still can't use my arm properly without flinching. Even the smallest movement sends pain through me. At work, they gave me two weeks off. I'm hoping by the time I go back, I will be fully healed, or at least better than this.
I miss Nikky. I really do. She once made me the best soup I have ever tasted. It was simple, but it tasted so good, it healed my soul. I know if I ask my aunt to make it, it won't taste the same. Nikky has her own way of doing things, her own touch.
She said she will handle the Sylvia situation alone. And apparently, Sylvia agreed to go to the spa. Of course she wasn't going to say no to that. Who says no to being pampered?
I guess both Mnotho and I were wrong… or maybe we were not. I don't even know anymore. Everything feels confusing.
Why did Funani hide all of this from his wife and his other children?
Konke told me that all the policies at Y3 under Funani have one sole beneficiary… Nikky.
Only Nikky. And that worries me.
I really hope Sylvia never finds out about this. Because if she does… I don't even want to imagine what she might do.
She might even go as far as sending people to kill Nikky.
And that thought alone scares me more than anything.
I found a place for a vacation with Konke, nothing near the water. Imagine him getting one of his visions and then walking into the ocean and never coming back. No… I can't risk that at all. Not even a little bit. I'd rather stay far away from anything that can swallow him whole like that.
I need to rest now. That's what I do these days… just rest and try to heal.
"Whose expensive car is that?"
That's Gog'Fihliwe's voice. She just arrived now? I swear I heard her earlier. Maybe I was half asleep.
"That's Diamond's car," Aunt Thembi says, sounding excited. Shame… I took Konke's car and made it mine. "Bob drove us here and left," Aunt Thembi adds.
I don't even know why she insisted that we drive all the way from Jozi instead of just taking a flight. That was a long trip. But she paid for the petrol, so honestly, I'm not complaining.
"Wow, Diamond is working well then, driving such a car," Fihliwe says, whistling in amazement.
Shame… poor woman. She doesn't even know the full truth. Not even close.
My bedroom is close to the living room, and now I know I won't fall asleep anytime soon with all this noise.
"Yeah, Ma, it's not much, but we can't complain. We should appreciate the little we have," Aunt Thembi says gratefully.
Amen to that. Even if our "little" looks big to other people.
"So, since Ace is not feeling well, you are the one who will deal with all the work? Let me help you. I'll go get the goat that's needed," Fihliwe says, already taking charge.
Fihliwe is not a Sokhulu. She is actually Aunt Thembi's aunt. Their mothers are sisters, so she is the only elder who can step in and help when things like this need to be done. Especially now, with Ace not feeling well.
Ace should be the one dealing with all of this, since he is the only son left in the family. I guess my aunt will be the one to speak to the ancestors at the altar… to plead, to explain, to calm things down. Because Fihliwe can't do that part.
"Don't worry, Sbo will deal with the goat issue. I need help with making the traditional beer, and just cooking too. As you can see, it's just Diamond and me here. I doubt Nomvula will come," Aunt Thembi says softly.
I hope Nomvula never comes. I really do. I don't want to see her. She is the reason I am even here in the first place.
"Eish, this whole family needs cleansing. All of you. I know a healer who can help, especially since Ace is sick too," Fihliwe suggests.
I doubt any cleansing ritual will fix a heart like Nomvula's. That kind of hatred… it runs deep.
"Well, I guess Ace should come this side, but we will have to talk to the doctor first," Aunt Thembi says.
I just close my eyes, trying to block everything out.
I hear Fihliwe giggling softly.
"So… is Diamond seeing someone? I think I saw her ex-boyfriend from high school. He's back. And I know he is not doing well like Diamond, but I can feel there is still love there," Fihliwe says, still giggling.
You've got to be kidding me.
Ex-boyfriend from high school? Who is that even?
"Oh, Diamond is seeing someone, and she is very happy. I doubt she will be interested in that boy," Aunt Thembi says in a dismissive tone.
Thank you, Aunty. Because Fihliwe is already trying to play matchmaker.
"Oooh, that's good. So who is coming? Is that friend of hers coming too?" Fihliwe asks softly.
I frown.
Nikky? Coming here?
"Nikky? No. This is a family matter. She won't come. You know she would have been here if it was open for everyone," Aunt Thembi says.
How I wish Nikky was actually here.
"Mmmh… there's something weird about that girl…" Fihliwe pauses.
I blink, shocked.
What??
"Oh thank God, Mama, you are here too," a familiar voice cuts in.
Nomvula.
What is she doing here?
"Nomvula?" Fihliwe says, shocked too.
"Please, Ma… Thembi doesn't want me to talk to Diamond. I want to apologise to her, and I want her to drop the charges. She should get me arrested, not Minenhle," Nomvula says, her voice desperate and shaky.
"Nomvula, Thembi told me everything. About how you wanted to take Diamond's kidney by force, and how you were planning to harm her. Don't come here acting like a victim," Fihliwe says angrily.
Thank you, Gogo. Finally, someone is saying it.
I hear Nomvula sobbing loudly now.
"Please, Ma… I need Minenhle out of that place. She will lose her job too. Tell Diamond to drop the charges. I will even apologise to the ancestors, please," Nomvula begs.
Apologise to the ancestors?
I was the one who got shot.
"Nomvula, even if Diamond drops the charges, the management of that flat also has a case against Minenhle. For entering their property illegally and carrying a firearm. So Minenhle…" Aunt Thembi is cut off by Nomvula wailing loudly.
I sigh, annoyed and drained.
I don't have the energy for this. Not today.
I reach for my earphones, plug them in, and lie back properly. Let them talk and let them cry. Let them deal with their mess.
I just want to sleep.

•••••

Mnotho almost passed out when he saw Nikky in a lingerie robe, moving around the kitchen while baking his mint cake.
Nikky had promised him earlier that Bonga would be home very late. She had even mentioned a date outside, on the swing she had installed near the trees.
Now he understands.
After freshening up, Mnotho makes his way outside, shaking his head slightly with a smile. He silently thanks God that the walls around the house are high, and the trees are thick and tall. No neighbours will see his wife like this.
When he steps into the garden, he finds Nikky already sitting on the swing. It looks beautiful. A soft couch with little pillows and a throw, tucked perfectly between the trees. The long grass and flowers create a quiet, hidden space just for them.
Nikky is staring up at the sky, peaceful… like she belongs there, of course she does.
He walks closer, slowly, his eyes never leaving her.
He leans down and presses a soft kiss against her thigh.
Nikky shivers slightly at the sudden touch, her breath catching.
"I baked you your cake," she says softly, her voice low and gentle, but there's a playful tone hiding in it.
Mnotho lets out a quiet chuckle.
"I don't want that cake," he murmurs.
Before she can react, he moves closer, climbing onto the swing with her, caging her gently between his arms. He starts planting soft kisses across her face, slow and unhurried, as if he has all the time in the world.
"You are playing a dangerous game," he whispers against her ear, his voice low and warm. "What if someone saw you like this?"
He nibbles lightly on her ear, teasing.
Nikky doesn't answer. She just breathes slowly, her hands gripping the soft fabric beneath her.
His hand moves gently along her thigh, slow, careful, like he's learning her all over again.
"Let me take care of you," Mnotho whispers.
He slides the robe off her shoulders, letting it fall away, leaving her in the lingerie set.

Meanwhile, outside the gate, Bangizwe and Tshengisile successfully put in the right password and get inside the yard. Mnotho told them he's not home, so they decide to wait for him here.
They use the backyard to get into the house.
As Tshengisile walks quietly inside the house, Bangizwe pauses at the patio when he hears a soft groaning sound. He blinks rapidly, confused, then slowly makes his way toward where the sound is coming from.
He stops between the trees.
His eyes widen, and he gasps softly, quickly covering his mouth with his hands.
He can only see Nikky's face… but not the man she's with.
"Hawu… hawu… I got you," he whispers to himself, his eyes locked on her.
He wants to call Mnotho, but his phone is with Tshengisile.
He curses silently under his breath.
He needs to call Mnotho. He needs to show him how this girl is playing him.
The moment he turns around, his foot slips.
He falls straight onto his knees.
A loud cry escapes his mouth.
His eyes widen in shock.
He immediately regrets making that sound.
That man is going to see him.
Panicking, he tries to stand up quickly. He needs to go find Tshengisile and tell him about the disgusting thing he just saw.
But before he can move.
He feels someone standing right behind him.
His whole body freezes.
"Were you spying on me, Bangizwe?" Mnotho's cold voice says.
Bangizwe's eyes widen even more.
No. No.
He slowly shakes his head and lifts his face.
It's his brother.
"Hawu, Maphisa… I can explain," Bangizwe says nervously, his voice shaking slightly.