CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 82
SEASON FINALE

Nomvula looks at the goat, her mind screaming at her to let it loose, to make sure it runs away. It's already late, and she knows she has to go to the healer on the mountain who can help her with the dilemma she's facing. Diamond has been ignoring her and avoiding her, and she knows Diamond won't back down. She has to do everything she can to help Minenhle.
"What are you doing?" a voice asks from behind, making her startle. She slowly turns around and faces Fihliwe, who is holding a cup of tea, stirring it slowly.
"Ma, you're awake? You should be sleeping," Nomvula says nervously.
Fihliwe just laughs quietly.
"Why aren't you sleeping? Planning to cut that rope?" Fihliwe asks, still stirring her tea. Nomvula gasps softly, staring at the ground. Of course, that's exactly what she wanted to do, but she didn't think she'd be caught.
Fihliwe laughs again and sighs.
"Don't be shy, Nomvula. I know what you're planning, trying to sabotage this little ceremony," Fihliwe says softly. Nomvula lifts her eyes, startled.
"Let's go inside. Don't worry, everyone is asleep," Fihliwe adds, and starts walking straight toward the house. Nomvula glances at the goat, quickly unties its rope, and follows Fihliwe.

Fihliwe gestures for Nomvula to take a seat. Nomvula nervously sits down while Fihliwe sits on the bed. Nomvula is still confused about how Fihliwe keeps stirring the tea but not drinking it.
"Ma, what do you want to talk about? I need to go somewhere," Nomvula says politely. She would love to chat, but she's on a mission.
"There's no need for you to go see that healer on the mountain," Fihliwe says softly, stopping her stirring and staring directly at Nomvula.
Nomvula frowns, confused about how Fihliwe knows about this. She knows very well that she didn't tell anyone about this trip.
"Don't frown, Nomvula. I know a lot of things, and I think we can help each other. We both want the same thing, getting rid of Diamond," Fihliwe says seriously. Nomvula's eyes widen in shock.
"Even though Ace never acknowledged Diamond as his daughter, she… Minenhle will always be under Diamond's shadow," Fihliwe adds, standing up and starting to stir her tea again. The sound irritates Nomvula, but since she is here needing help and also curious about why Fihliwe wants to get rid of Diamond, she decides not to complain.
"What do you mean?" Nomvula asks quietly.
"Yoh, you can't be serious asking that question. Diamond's life is doing extremely well compared to Minenhle's, and I know that troubles you, that a bastard child's life is moving forward smoothly while your first daughter's life is stuck. I'd be pissed too," Fihliwe says, giving Nomvula a wicked smile.
Nomvula looks down at her feet. Of course, she has wondered about this, why her daughters' lives feel stagnant while Diamond's life is moving smoothly.
"Look, I have something that can make Minenhle's cases disappear. It will be like Minenhle never committed any crime," Fihliwe says softly and sits next to Nomvula. "Ace needs a kidney, and you are 200% sure that Diamond is a match, right? Minenhle gets out of those holding cells, Ace gets a kidney, and you win. Your happy family comes back," Fihliwe adds, chuckling softly.
Nomvula looks at Fihliwe's cup of tea and slowly nods. She wants all of that. She wants her happy family back.
"What must I do?" Nomvula asks quietly.
Fihliwe giggles and finally places the cup on the table. She turns fully to Nomvula, her eyes now serious and dark.
"Diamond will marry someone powerful, that's what I was told. But we are not sure how powerful this person is. According to this prophecy, Diamond will change and help this family, the Sokhulus, to prosper," Fihliwe says.
Nomvula raises her hand politely, cutting her off.
"But if she is going to help our family, is that really a problem?" Nomvula asks curiously.
Fihliwe chuckles bitterly.
"You are supposed to be the matriarch of this family. Diamond will take that position from you and from Minenhle too, because I don't see her getting married either," Fihliwe says bitterly.
Nomvula's frown deepens.
"What?" she asks, shocked and in disbelief.
"Yes. Even if Diamond gets married, she will still be the chosen one to lead and help this family through that powerful man. And Diamond has a friend who turned into her only sister, Nikky. They are each other's protectors. That's why she was the one who was able to protect Diamond from getting killed by Minenhle. Every time we try to get close to deal with Diamond, that girl suddenly shows up out of nowhere," Fihliwe says, frustration clear in her voice.
Nomvula's mind starts racing even more.
"There was a time I tried to do something to Diamond while she was here with Nikky. The moment I got into the room, ready to strike, that girl woke up and glared at me… giving me a strange, cold look," Fihliwe adds, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Since she saw you, why hasn't she told Diamond?" Nomvula asks, now concerned.
"I really don't know. Because the following morning, she acted like she saw nothing. She was respectful to me," Fihliwe says softly.
Nomvula sighs deeply. She wants to trust Fihliwe, she really does but this story has too many holes.
"What's the plan here? Are we supposed to kill her or what?" Nomvula asks, getting straight to the point.
Fihliwe turns and smiles at her slowly.
"Of course… She will be our sacrifice. She will be our slave and work for us. Everything we need, she will go and find it and bring it to us. But just know… every sacrifice comes with a price," Fihliwe says smoothly.
Nomvula blinks, trying to understand.
"What do you mean?" Nomvula asks quietly.
"If we are going to kill and turn Diamond into our zombie, we will lose something too. Nothing big though, but I can handle that," Fihliwe says calmly, trying to reassure her.
Nomvula keeps quiet, deep in her thoughts. Her mind is racing fast. She imagines everything falling into place… she will become the matriarch of this family, her children's lives will be better, they will get everything they want, her husband will live, Minenhle won't go to prison for attempted murder. She wants all of this to work so badly.
"If I agree, I want Minenhle to have all of Diamond's fortunes. I want Minenhle to get that powerful man too. I want her to be so successful that everyone envies her," Nomvula says firmly, her voice filled with determination.
Fihliwe raises her eyebrows, impressed.
"Mmmh, I knew you had it in you. I'll make sure we find this powerful man. But after Minenhle gets out, after she goes through a proper cleansing ritual, and on Diamond's burial, we will do it. Minenhle will get all of Diamond's fortunes and life. And remember, even Diamond's bad luck and misfortunes, Minenhle will experience them too," Fihliwe explains slowly.
Nomvula doesn't care. She knows life is about balance. Nothing is perfect forever.
"And Nikky? Won't she be in Minenhle's life?" Nomvula asks curiously. Minenhle also needs a good friend.
Fihliwe sighs heavily, her face suddenly serious.
"I'm not sure about that. Every time I try to read that girl, all I see is darkness… like I'm not supposed to see her life. I tried once, and I almost burnt my whole altar. The same thing happens with this powerful man. I can't see his face, his bloodline, or his lineage. These two important people in Diamond's life… I can't connect to them at all," Fihliwe says, thinking deeply.
Nomvula grunts softly, not fully satisfied.
"So how will this switching work, if you can't connect with the people who are important in Diamond's life?" Nomvula asks, trying to stay calm and respectful.
"I guess we will find out on the day of Diamond's funeral. Both of them will be vulnerable and grieving. And Diamond will be able to lead us to this man if they are truly connected. Thembi told me Diamond is dating someone… my guess is that he is the powerful man," Fihliwe says confidently.
That sounds like good news to Nomvula. It gives her hope.
"So… are you in?" Fihliwe asks, her eyes serious and watching closely.
Nomvula nods slowly, then reaches out and gives Fihliwe a firm handshake.
"I'm in. So what's the plan?" Nomvula asks, her curiosity growing stronger now.
Fihliwe smiles, dark and satisfied.
"I'll give her tea to knock her out. Then I'll get my snake to sleep with her and drain her life force until she loses her breath," Fihliwe says wickedly. "And of course, the medical world won't know the cause of death. You will get the kidney and give it to Ace," she adds calmly.
Nomvula nods slowly, her mind already moving ahead.
"Since the ceremony is delayed and Diamond is on leave, I need to get that kidney fresh. I'll call the guys who were going to help us. You will knock Diamond out, then they will open her up and take the kidney," Nomvula says quietly, already forming a clear plan in her mind. She suddenly freezes as another thought hits her.
"Ma… Sbo and Thembi? How will we deal with them? And what if they consult?" Nomvula asks nervously, her voice slightly shaking now.
Fihliwe just laughs quietly, like it's nothing.
"Don't worry about those two. We will do this in the middle of the night. I'll cook and pour something into the food. And consulting? That will never happen," Fihliwe says confidently, as if everything is already under control.
Nomvula slowly nods, finally feeling relieved, even though something inside her still feels uneasy, she swiftly brushes it off.

•••

Konke's eyes are tired. He has been driving the whole night without stopping. The time shows 8 a.m. He spots a large tree, parks the car under it, and sighs heavily. He wants to sleep so badly, his body is begging for rest, but he can't allow himself to rest now.
He knows he needs to make sure Diamond is okay. That is the only thing on his mind right now.
He was able to reach her through a call earlier, and that gave him a little bit of relief, but it is not enough. Not when he keeps seeing things that don't sit right with his spirit.
He picks up his phone and types a quick text, informing her that he has arrived and telling her exactly where he parked. His fingers move fast, slightly shaky from exhaustion, but also from worry.
He opens the car door and steps out slowly, stretching his stiff body. He takes a long breath of fresh air, trying to clear his head, but the heaviness in his heart remains. The stillness around him feels too loud, almost like something is watching him.
He had already informed Khulekani about this sudden trip, and Nikky too. Nikky, who he was supposed to help with her father's policy matters and the issue of the key, and everything was starting to come together.
But now, all of that has to wait.
Because this situation, Diamond's situation is not normal.
It is dangerous, life-threatening.
And Konke can feel it deep inside him that something is coming. Something dark.
He runs his hand over his face, trying to stay focused. Right now, nothing matters more than Diamond.

After a few minutes, Konke spots Diamond approaching. His heart sinks the moment he sees her. She looks drained and weak like she hasn't slept properly in days. It worries him deeply.
He quickly walks toward her and meets her halfway, pulling her into a tight hug without even thinking twice.
"I was so worried about you," Konke says softly, holding her close, almost like he's scared to let her go.
"I'm okay… just tired, that's all," Diamond replies with a heavy sigh, her voice low and exhausted.
Konke slowly pulls away, but his hands remain on her arms as he studies her face carefully. His eyes are full of concern.
"You don't look okay," Konke says honestly, his voice gentle but firm.
Diamond exhales shakily and looks away for a second.
"You shouldn't be here, Konke. I need to do this alone… and the goat is missing," Diamond says softly as she removes his hands from her shoulders.
Konke frowns, confused and even more worried now.
"A goat went missing? No, Diamond… come with me. Let's go back to Joburg. I'll help you with a cleansing ritual," Konke says, trying to stay calm.
He already knows deep down… that this ceremony her family wants to do is not right. Too many things are going wrong. Too many signs.
"Konke, I need to buy another goat. I need to stay and do this ceremony," Diamond says, her tone dismissive but tired.
Konke doesn't like that at all. He shakes his head slightly, frustration and fear building inside him.
"Diamond, can't you see? You are not supposed to do this ceremony. Everything is going wrong. Now the goat is missing… and I had a bad vision about you… with a man," Konke says, his voice dropping as the fear becomes more real.
He looks at her seriously now.
"This is not normal, Diamond… something is very wrong here," Konke says softly. "Let's go. You shouldn't be stressing. Your shoulder is still painful, you need to rest and heal properly. I'll look after you," Konke adds, meaning every word. He will look after her, no matter what.
Diamond grunts loudly, clearly frustrated.
"Konke, just leave. I'll be fine. I just need to go to a farm and get another goat. Please leave, Konke," Diamond says, her voice sharp and irritated.
Konke sighs deeply, running his hand over his face.
"Diamond, I'm done begging you. Let's leave now," Konke says, trying to pull her towards the car, his grip firm but not rough.
"Konke, what are you doing?" Diamond snaps, now fully annoyed as she pulls her hand away from him. "I said I'm not going to Johannesburg. I need to do this ceremony. It is important for my future," she adds, her voice rising with anger and frustration.
Konke scoffs softly, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Future? You won't have a future if you keep staying here and forcing this ceremony to happen. Let's leave," Konke says in a firm, commanding tone, his eyes locked on hers, refusing to back down.
Diamond just glares at Konke.
"No, Konke, you can't just force me to leave with you. What's wrong with you? Why are you so aggressive?" Diamond asks, clearly annoyed. Konke is getting more impatient now, his frustration growing.
"Diamond, your life is in danger. You can't trust your family. That's why there is a delay in your ceremony," Konke says, his voice rising slightly.
Diamond chuckles softly, shaking her head.
"Really now? My family is the problem? Yes, Nomvula is here, but I've been avoiding her. My aunt and grandmother won't harm me, they are the only people here. Sometimes, you know, your visions can be wrong too," Diamond says, standing her ground.
That hits Konke hard. His jaw tightens, his eyes darkening with hurt and anger. He knows that sometimes his visions can be confusing but this? This is different. This is real. And now, hearing her dismiss him like this, it cuts deep.
"My visions are wrong? You think my gift is a scam?" Konke asks coldly, his voice low but sharp.
Diamond gasps softly, shocked by his tone.
"I didn't say it was a scam. I'm just saying most of your visions don't come true," Diamond replies with a small shrug, trying to brush it off.
Konke just stares at her, quiet for a moment, his mind racing.
"I know about your double life," Konke finally says.
Diamond blinks, confused, tilting her head slightly.
"What are you talking about?"
"I know about the heists. I know about the gifts you gave Nikky… the stolen phone and laptop. Does Nikky even know you gave her stolen things?" Konke adds, his voice filled with anger now.
Diamond's eyes widen in shock, her breath catching.
"The… day you came to the hospital… to ask…" Diamond trails off, remembering.
"Yeah," Konke cuts in. "I already knew. I was shown everything, Diamond. But I wanted to hear it from you. I gave you a chance. You avoided my question and instead told me we should go on a vacation so you could tell me the truth later," he says, shaking his head slowly, disappointment written all over his face.
He takes a step closer, his eyes not leaving hers.
"So now you think my visions are wrong? All I had to do was hold Nikky's phone… the one you gave her… and I saw everything. All your crimes with your crew, including Sboniso. It all makes sense now… how you unlocked that safe with just strings and needles. About Sne… Mehluko… you knew everything. You even went and stole from Mehluko," Konke adds, his voice heavy with everything he has seen.
He exhales slowly, trying to control his emotions, but it's clear he is hurt and angry.
"I saw everything, Diamond… everything you've been hiding."
Diamond just stands there, frozen, her eyes wide, her mind racing. No words come out. No explanation.
Konke sighs deeply, his shoulders dropping slightly, but his face still hard.
"I've been trying to save your life ever since I met you, but all you do is walk straight into danger," Konke says, his voice heavy with frustration and pain. "I almost ruined my gift because I was trying to save you. All I needed was for you to listen to me… to trust me," he adds, shaking his head slowly.
He lets out a bitter breath.
"But I guess you don't trust me. And what is a relationship without trust?" he asks, his voice turning colder now. "You always do the opposite, always. This is not the first time I warned you, but you… you just do as you please," Konke continues, his eyes locked on hers, disappointment clear in them.
He pauses for a second, then nods slowly as if accepting something painful.
"So, Miss Sokhulu… do what you want," he says, his tone now distant. "Go home… go back to that family that wants you dead… and die there. And I won't come to your funeral," Konke finishes, his voice firm and final.
Without waiting for her response, he turns around and walks straight to his car. His steps are fast, filled with anger and hurt. He opens the door, gets inside, and slams it shut.
Diamond just stands there, frozen, her eyes wide, her body still, trying to process everything he just said.
Konke starts the engine immediately and drives off without looking back. Not even once. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly as he drives, his jaw clenched. His mind is racing, his heart heavy. He hates what he just said, but he knows sometimes tough love is needed. Sometimes being harsh is the only way to wake someone up.
He exhales deeply. He knows he has done everything he could. He warned her. He showed her. He tried to protect her.
Now… It is up to Diamond.
He just hopes she listens before it is too late.
Konke reaches for his phone with one hand while driving carefully. He scrolls through his contacts until he finds Nikky's name.
Nikky… She might be his last option.
He stares at her name for a second, thinking.
If Diamond won't listen to him… maybe she will listen to Nikky.
Without wasting another second, he presses on her name, ready to call.

•••••

Mtho is at his laundromat. Now all that is left is to get all the equipment that is needed. By next month, this business will be running and making him money.
Bonga is with him, looking around and rumbling nonsense as always. Mtho's heart sinks as he thinks about Mnotho… the person who made all of this possible. Guilt eats at him slowly. He feels like he is betraying him by keeping this secret.
He knows how much Mnotho values loyalty and he is doing the opposite.
Bangizwe lied to his mother and told her that Mtho is under the influence, that he is accusing him of things he knows nothing about. Bangizwe made him look like a liar, like someone who wants to destroy the family again, just like before. He used Mtho's past mistakes against him.
And of course… His mother believed Bangizwe,not him.
His mother still thinks he is taking drugs, which is not true. He has been clean ever since he left rehab. Yes… sometimes the urge comes back, quietly, dangerously but he fights it every time. He ignores it. He pushes it away.
He wants to be a good person too.
He is tired of being labelled as a druggie all the time. He is trying to change his life but his own mother does not believe in him at all.
"Mamncane left, and Dad is moping around as if she won't come back," Bonga says, sitting next to Mtho.
Mtho frowns and looks at Bonga.
"Left to where?" he asks quickly.
He already knows Bangizwe wants Nikky to break up with Mnotho so he can push his own agenda. Now Mtho feels uneasy… scared even… that something might happen to Nikky.
"Mhlabuyalingana. She went to see Diamond," Bonga replies.
"Is she alone? Did Uncle call and check?" Mtho asks quickly, his voice tense.
Bonga frowns, looking at him suspiciously.
"You know Dad won't let Nikky go alone without security. She's safe," Bonga answers, but his face turns serious. "Is there something wrong?" he asks, concerned.
Mtho sighs softly.
There is something wrong… but he cannot say it.
He cannot tell Bonga that he thinks Bangizwe might be his father.
He cannot tell him that his own mother said he already caused enough problems in the family and that revealing this truth might break everything apart.
So he keeps quiet. He just stands up.
"Time to leave now," Mtho says and starts walking.
Bonga follows him, quiet this time.
As Mtho locks the doors, Bonga says goodbye and gets into his car, driving off. Mtho stands there for a moment, checking the locks again carefully.
And then, an idea forms in his mind.
DNA test. Maybe that is the only way to find out the truth.
His heart beats faster at the thought.
He quickly walks to his car, unlocks it, and gets in. He knows it will be easy to get both Mnotho and Bonga's DNA.
Yeah… he will do that.
As he starts the car, he suddenly feels like he is sitting on something. He frowns, shifting slightly. He reaches under him and pulls out a small plastic.
He freezes. His hands start trembling.
His breathing becomes shaky. He closes his eyes tightly.
He knows very well… he did not buy these drugs.
So how did they get here?
The urge comes back instantly… stronger this time. It creeps into his mind, whispering to him, calling him.
He holds the plastic tightly, grinding his teeth.
"You can do this, Mtho… focus," he says to himself softly, trying to stay calm.
He reminds himself how far he has come.
How hard he worked to get here.
But now temptation is right in his hand… so close, so easy.
He slowly opens his eyes.
His hand starts moving closer to his face.
Just a little, Just one time…
His phone suddenly rings loudly.
He jumps in shock, dropping the small plastic.
He gasps, breathing heavily, his heart racing.
He shakes his head quickly.
"No… no…" he whispers.
He takes his phone out of his jacket.
Unknown number.
He sighs and answers.
"Hello?" Mtho says.
Silence. No one speaks.
Only quiet breathing on the other side.
"Hello?" he repeats, more firmly this time.
Still nothing. No response.
He frowns and hangs up, tossing the phone onto the passenger seat.
His eyes slowly move back to the small plastic.
It is just lying there. He picks it up quickly, almost angrily this time.
He opens the car door and jumps out.
Behind the building, he spots a tap with a sink. He walks there fast, almost running. His steps are quick, determined.
He opens the tap, water rushing out.
Without thinking twice, he pours everything from the plastic into the drain.
He watches it disappear.
Gone. Just like that.
He keeps the water running and washes his hands again and again, like he is trying to wash away more than just the drugs.
His breathing slowly calms down.
He stands there for a moment… staring at the running water.
He did it. He chose himself this time.

•••

Diamond is in a daze. No one understands why she has been crying this much since the morning. Her eyes are swollen, her head feels heavy, and her heart feels restless. She has been trying to reach Konke, but his phone is off. She tries multiple times, over and over again, but she still can't reach him.
She wants to apologise. She wants to sit down with him and tell him everything, all the secrets she has been hiding. She just wants to see him again even if it's for a moment. She wants to say sorry properly.
She has been sitting on her bed, trying to pack her clothes, but something keeps stopping her. It's like an invisible force is pulling her back, not allowing her to move forward. She sighs softly, feeling drained, then slowly stands up and walks out of her bedroom.
When she gets to the lounge, she finds Nomvula and Fihliwe sitting on the couch, watching TV. They are sitting far from each other. Diamond walks slowly and sits next to Fihliwe, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
"Oh, my baby… stop crying now. We will buy another goat," Fihliwe says softly, trying to comfort her. Her voice is gentle.
Diamond just nods slowly, but deep down, she is not sure anymore about this whole thing. Everything feels wrong.
"Let me go get you some tea," Fihliwe adds, standing up.
Diamond nods again, quietly.
"Where's aunty and Sbo?" Diamond asks softly, her voice low and tired.
"I'm not sure. I heard them mentioning something about groceries. Looks like you'll have to stay a bit longer here and heal," Fihliwe replies calmly. "Should I dish up for you? So you can drink your pills?" she adds gently.
Diamond looks down at her hands. Her stomach feels tight, and the thought of food makes her feel sick. She knows she won't be able to eat anything but she nods anyway. Maybe the pills will help her sleep. Maybe sleep will silence everything in her mind.
She picks up her phone again and checks it.
No missed calls. No messages.
Her eyes fill with tears again.
She feels alone.
Just then, she hears the sound of a car driving into the yard. The sound makes her lift her head quickly.
Maybe it's Sbo and Aunty Thembi. As Diamond leans back on the couch, trying to calm herself, she suddenly hears footsteps approaching from outside.
"Knock, knock… Sokhulu family," a familiar voice says playfully.
Diamond quickly turns her head, her eyes widening in surprise. It's Nikky.
"What are you doing here? How did you even get here?" Diamond asks, her voice full of shock and relief at the same time. She doesn't even wait for an answer, she rushes forward and pulls Nikky into a tight hug.
Nikky giggles softly in her arms.
"Calm down… I'll answer all your questions," Nikky says gently, breaking the hug and holding Diamond by the shoulders.
Diamond looks at her properly now, her face softening. Seeing Nikky here makes her feel lighter, like some of the weight she has been carrying is slowly lifting.
"I'm so happy to see you," Diamond says quietly, her voice full of emotion.
"Diamond, here's your…" Fihliwe's voice comes from behind them.
But she suddenly stops mid-sentence.
The tray slips from her hands and crashes to the floor.
Her eyes widen in shock, her whole body starting to shake uncontrollably.
Diamond gasps loudly.
"Gogo! Are you okay?" she asks in panic, rushing towards her.
But Fihliwe doesn't respond. She just stands there, trembling, her eyes locked on Nikky like she has seen something terrifying.
Before Diamond can reach her properly, Nomvula quickly steps in.
"Let me take her to her room," Nomvula says quickly, her voice tense. She gently but firmly pushes Diamond aside and holds Fihliwe, guiding her away. Fihliwe is still shaking as Nomvula leads her out of the room.
Diamond stands there, confused and worried, watching them disappear down the hallway.
She slowly turns back to Nikky, her brows furrowed.
"What just happened?" Diamond asks softly.
Nikky just shrugs, equally confused, but her eyes linger in the direction Fihliwe went.