CHAPTER 84

CROSSING BOUNDARIES

CHAPTER 84
SEASON FINALE

[DIAMOND]

It has been weeks now since Konke disappeared.
We have done everything we could to find out where he is. All I know is that he was home when he disappeared. Yibanathi told me he left the house around midday to go pray at the river… and he never came back.
They think maybe the ancestors took him.
But Khulekani and I are not fully convinced. Konke told us that he would inform us when he is supposed to go underwater. So now I am confused and honestly, I am scared.
I really wanted to go to a healer and consult, just to check if he is truly underwater or if something bad happened to him. But I stopped myself. If nothing is being shown to his own family, I doubt his ancestors will show me anything.
I even asked Nikky if she had dreamt about Konke. He once mentioned that they shared dreams before, so I thought maybe it would happen again. But Nikky said she hasn't dreamt about him.
She only dreamt about me… sewing garments, doeks, robes all in different colours.
I don't even understand what that dream means. Nikky suggested I take a sewing class, just in case.
Maybe I should, because lately, I am always stressed and crying about Konke.
As for Snothando's situation, I haven't even read one of her journals. I haven't checked the cameras or the listening devices. That's how overwhelmed I am.
Sbo is the one handling everything.
They even went back to that forest with TK to double check… to look for Ndumiso's body, but they found nothing.
They also went back to Snothando's aunt to demand answers. And of course… She told them everything about what happened that night. The car was never found either, which makes sense. It was left in an abandoned mine. Some thugs probably found it, stripped it, and took it.
So now we are stuck. No body.
And No car. Just Ndumiso's gun and phone.
Sbo increased the ransom to 3 million after shooting Snothando's family members. He gave her three weeks to get the money.
And yes… Sno is stressed.
Her mother is still in the hospital recovering. Her aunt and cousin were discharged early because their wounds were not that serious.
The body was probably eaten by animals or maybe someone saw them dumping it and took it.
At this point, we will never really know.
As for Ace, he is doing a little better, according to my aunt. He is staying with her, and Nomvula is also there to help.
I don't even go visit anymore because of Nomvula.
After that incident with the snake back home, I don't trust her at all.
But Aunt Thembi keeps defending her, saying maybe I am exaggerating.
Nomvula has already gotten into her head too.
My arm and shoulder are still a bit stiff, but I can use them now. The pills really help with the pain, especially at night.
Nikky has also been helping me a lot… taking care of me, making sure I'm okay.
I was finally able to go back to work, only to find out that Nicole hired another assistant.
So now she has two assistants.
That new girl… Her name is Lillian.
She keeps trying to be my friend, and I find it very strange.
I have never made friends here. I don't even have most of my colleagues' numbers.
I know she is new and trying to settle in, but she can befriend anyone, not me.
Mr Shai was killed at his home.
Yes, he is dead. I won't lie… when I heard the news, I was happy.
Very happy. A monster is gone.
Because honestly, with the evidence Lillian and Nicole had against those girls, some of it clearly fake, he was going to get away with everything.
So him dying… feels like justice in its own way. Lately, my energy has been off.
I don't feel good being in this firm anymore.
Ever since I came back, I feel suffocated.
I don't know if it's because Nicole was ready to defend a rapist or if my spirit is just tired.
But I don't want to be here anymore.
I have been thinking about going to check out Latoya's firm, but something keeps stopping me.
And I also need to check my contract to see if I will be breaching it or not.

I walk towards my car with my lunch. I'm going to eat inside. I'm avoiding everyone here.
I hop inside and quickly lock the doors.
Thank God for these dark windows. Lillian won't see me and try to start a conversation.
I take out my phone and scroll through my banking app, checking my money and savings. I just realise that if that heist went well, my savings would have tripled by now.
I click my tongue. Fuck Tumi and Sika, honestly.
Sbo told me that after the heist, they left and disappeared. I'm sure now that they are rich, they see no reason to come back.
I frown as I look at my statement.
My rent was not deducted.
I quickly check last month's statement too.
Still no deduction.
"What's going on here?" I whisper to myself, confused.
As I'm trying to make sense of it, my phone buzzes with a WhatsApp notification.
Nikky.
I quickly open it and gasp loudly.
It's a picture of her, wearing a culinary uniform.
My heart jumps with excitement.
Before I can even process it properly, my phone starts ringing. It's her.
I don't even wait. I answer immediately, almost shouting.
"Why?! Why did you keep such a big secret?" I ask, my voice loud and emotional.
She giggles softly on the other side.
"I'm so sorry. I wanted to show you when I was sure I got in," she says, still giggling. "And I didn't want to jinx it. I even posted it on my status, but I blurred the school name," she adds.
"Oh my baby, I am so happy for you!" I say, my voice full of joy. "You did well by blurring the school name. We don't want people ruining this for you," I add quickly.
I can already imagine Sno boiling wherever she is.
"How did your family take the news? I'm sure they are happy too," I ask curiously.
She grunts softly.
"Only Ntobe, Letsatsi, and Sno saw the picture. I guess the rest will see it later," she says.
Of course Sno would be the first to see it.
I have a feeling she stalks Nikky's WhatsApp statuses.
"Well, Ntobe was asking how I managed to get into culinary school. I told her the truth, that Mnotho is the one paying," she adds softly.
Good. They should know.
None of them ever thought of helping Nikky go to culinary school.
"I hope they won't have a problem with it," I say.
"I really don't care if they do," she replies. "They must not ruin my happiness. I'm finally studying and doing what I've always dreamed of," she says.
But I can hear, there's a little sadness in her voice.
I sigh softly.
"That's true. And I'm really happy for you. This is your time to shine," I say sincerely.
I mean it. I always want to see her happy. She deserves it.
"And Sno? I think we should celebrate tonight," I add. I'll order food and drinks too. I want to see Snothando's reaction.
"Yeah, we can. My class is about to start now. I'll see you later," she says softly before hanging up.
I smile to myself like a proud mother.
I quickly scroll through my contacts until I find Sno's name. I press call.
It rings and rings… and finally, she answers.
"Hello, Diamond," she greets tiredly.
I almost laugh.
"Hey, I'm having a small celebration for Nikky tonight. I hope you are not busy. She wants you to be there," I say sweetly.
I hear her breathing heavily on the other side.
"I'll come. At the flat, right? Or at her mansion?" she asks.
There's bitterness in her voice.
Lol! She would love to see Nikky's mansion.
I smile to myself.
"At the flat. You can bring wine or champagne," I say.
And then I hang up.
.
.
.
I had to beg Zola to come here. She still hates Sno for what she did to Hlumelo.
Zola won't stay long because tomorrow she has to wake up early and go to work.
Of course, Sno came with her expensive champagne.
"Thank you so much for this," Nikky says gratefully, holding her glass.
"I know it's small. I wish you told me earlier about this. I would have organised a big party," I say, laughing a little.
Zola nods in agreement.
"True. I would have taken a day off too. We are working so hard now, especially since the clinic was extended," Zola says. "And I missed you so much. The clinic is boring now and Pinky is depressed too," she adds.
Nikky gasps loudly.
"Depressed? I thought you said she was getting back to her old self," Nikky says, shocked.
I roll my eyes slightly.
I still can't stand that Pinky woman. Honestly, I'm not even mad that Mnotho is busy dealing with her brothers and her ex-husband.
"Yes, she was… I think your… I mean, Mr Mlambo was not happy about that apology letter," Zola says before bursting into laughter.
Sno frowns slightly.
I can tell she has no idea what they are talking about. And she wants to ask.
But she holds herself back.
"Anyway… I'm glad you left, Nikky. Look at you now… you are finally in culinary school," I say, raising my glass.
I side-eye Sno.
She has that fake smile again.
The one I don't trust at all.
"I know… I'm actually glad too that I left. And I even have my driver's licence now. I just need a car," Nikky says, smiling brightly.
She looks so happy and free.
"So… when did you start your classes? And what's the name of the school?" Sno asks, sipping her drink like she's just being curious.
Innocent. Fake innocence.
"I actually started last week. And eish… the name is in French. It's so hard to say it," Nikky says.
I relax a little. Thank God.
But knowing Sno, she will probably search for every culinary school with a French name.
"And I don't think someone can just call them and try to mess this up for me. They are very strict at that school," Nikky adds.
Good. Very Good!!!
God is good!!
I raise my glass again, smiling.
The devil won't win this time.
"Mmh… it must be very expensive, hey," Sno says softly.
Zola frowns immediately.
"I doubt there's such a thing as a cheap culinary school," Zola says, a little annoyed. "I'm sure now, Nikky, you'll even get chances to work in restaurants," she adds kindly.
Nikky shakes her head thoughtfully.
"I'm not sure… but if one of the chefs asks me to assist, I'll do it. I don't think I want to work in a restaurant," she says gently. "I want to open my own little kitchen," Nikky adds with a soft smile.
I nod in agreement. I actually love that idea.
"That will need you to save a lot of money. Working in a restaurant is less risky," Sno jumps in again, sounding innocent.
Zola rolls her eyes, clearly irritated now.
"I think opening a kitchen is a good move. You don't have to start big, just take small steps," I say, backing Nikky up.
"Yeah… and restaurants are so stressful," Nikky adds. "I might even do an online kitchen. People can order and we deliver to them. I can use my outdoor kitchen, it's bigger and there's so much space," she says, sounding excited.
"Outdoor kitchen?" Sno asks, confused.
I laugh a little.
My phone suddenly rings.
Khulekani's name flashes on my screen.
My heart skips a beat.
I just know this is about Konke.
I quickly stand up, my movements rushed, almost knocking the chair slightly. I don't even explain myself as I step away from the table.
"I'll be back," I mumble quickly, already walking out.
I make my way outside, moving a little far from the flat so they won't hear me.
My hands feel a little shaky as I answer the call.
"Hello," I greet nervously.
"Hello, sisi. I hope you're well. I have good news," Khulekani says calmly.
I hold my breath.
"My father called and told me Konke is fine. He is going through his initiation. I just need to go home. There are things, as a family, we need to discuss. I won't be gone for long, maybe three days max," he explains politely.
I close my eyes slowly.
Relief washes over me.
Konke is fine. Nothing else matters.
All the fear, all the sleepless nights, all the worrying, it all fades.
"Thank you for informing me," I say softly, my voice calmer now. "I'll keep an eye on the hardware for you," I add.
"Thank you, sisi," he replies.
We say our quick goodbyes and hang up.
I stand there for a moment, just holding my phone, letting everything sink in.
Konke is okay and safe.

•••

Snothando and Sylvia's plan to ruin Nikky's dress didn't work out.
Since both of them have no access to Nikky's new mansion, it made everything harder. Sno is frustrated now. Most of her plans have been failing badly, and it's starting to get to her.
She stands under a tree absentmindedly.
They are at a private resort, and Letsatsi and Ntobe's wedding will start in two hours.
But her mind is not here.
Her mind is busy, plotting and thinking.
Planning the next move.
At the same time, she is stressed about the three million she has to pay the blackmailers. They even shot her mother, so she knows this situation is serious.
She tried calling Sphephelo for help, but he rejected all her calls. She knows Sphephelo has money, even though there is drama surrounding his family businesses right now.
That's why her mother told her to get time alone with Mnotho and blackmail him, so she can get the three million without touching her own money.
Sno exhales slowly. She is already dressed.
Her dress sits just below her knees, not too short, not too long… just perfect.
She looks beautiful, stunning, even.
There aren't many people invited, just close family and friends.
As she is about to walk away, she suddenly spots Nikky.
Her steps slow down.
Nikky is wearing a silky white gown.
Sno pauses, her eyes following her.
Nikky stops near a taxi. There's parking not far from the guest cars.
Sno's eyes widen. She gasps softly.
Mnotho steps out from the front seat.
He walks straight to Nikky, pulls her into a hug and kisses her.
Sno bites her tongue softly.
That should be her. Not Nikky.
She needs to meet this man.
Now!! And she wants to ruin this moment.
She slowly walks towards them, then stops for a second and fixes herself.
She smooths her dress and adjusts her hair.
She has been getting compliments the whole morning.
Surely… Mnotho will notice her.
A big car blocks her view for a moment, but she's close enough now.
She can hear them talking.
"I can't believe Diamond is your date," Mnotho says.
Sno smiles to herself.
Good, he sounds unhappy.
Maybe he doesn't like that Nikky came with Diamond.
Sno finally steps forward, putting on her sweetest smile.
Her voice turns soft, almost seductive.
"Hey, Nikky… I knew it was you. Everyone is looking for you," Sno says, lying without even blinking.
Both Mnotho and Nikky turn to look at her.
"Really? But I told Ma I'm just here to fetch my dress," Nikky says, as she takes the dress out of the taxi.
Sno's eyes shift to Mnotho.
But he is not even looking at her.
His eyes are on Nikky.
"By the way, Sno, this is Mnotho…"
"My husband," Mnotho cuts in smoothly.
Both of them laugh softly.
And just like that, Sno feels something shift inside her, annoyance.
But she keeps her smile.
"Well, I've heard a lot about you," Sno says, stretching out her hand for a handshake.
She wants to feel his hands.
His skin. Everything.
This man looks too good to be in his 40s.
Mnotho gently places his hand on his chest instead, bowing his head slightly in respect.
"I hope only good things," Mnotho says with a polite smile, his eyes already moving back to Nikky.
Nikky rolls her eyes and laughs softly.
Sno's smile stiffens. She didn't want a bow.
She wanted to touch him.
"Yes… only good things. I've been wanting to meet you, but my job is really demanding," Sno says softly, her voice slightly seductive.
"Maybe next time. Ntobe invited all of us for lunch after their honeymoon," Nikky says casually.
Sno doesn't like that, not at all.
She doesn't want "next time."
She wants now. She wants to be alone with him.
Mnotho chuckles, his eyes still locked on Nikky.
That frustrates Sno even more.
Why won't this man look at her?
"Baby, I have to go. Your mother-in-law might come this side," Nikky says, still looking at him with love in her eyes.
Sno's heart pounds with anger.
She hates this. Right there, in that moment, she makes a decision.
She will take this man. She will make him hers. Just like she did with all of Nikky's lovers and admirers.
"Okay… make sure you send pictures. I want to see you in that dress," Mnotho says softly, leaning in to kiss Nikky.
Sno's jaw tightens.
"Don't worry, I'll take her pictures," Sno jumps in quickly, forcing a soft laugh.
Mnotho finally turns to her and nods.
"Thank you, sister in Christ," he says calmly, before turning back to close the car door.
Sno's heart sinks at that name.
Sister in Christ?
Nikky reaches for Sno's hand and pulls her along. They start walking away.
Nikky doesn't even notice the anger boiling inside Snothando.
"He is handsome," Sno says quietly.
Nikky just giggles softly.
She doesn't answer.

Sno watches Nikky walking away to the room she shares with Diamond.
Her eyes follow her. That happiness… It irritates her.
Sno turns and walks to her own room, the one she shares with Futhi.
The moment she gets inside, she quickly closes the door and locks it.
She grabs a pillow and screams into it, her voice muffled but full of anger.
She throws the pillow across the room.
Her breathing is heavy.
Her eyes are dark.
"Why her? Why does she get to be happy and not me?" she says coldly, her voice shaking with anger.
She slams her fist on the bed. Very Hard.
"You don't deserve to be happy… never!" she shouts, her voice rising.
All the anger inside her starts building.
Turning into something ugly, something dangerous.
She stands still for a moment, trying to calm down… but she can't.
Her mind is already moving and planning.
She suddenly grabs her phone.
Makhosonke… the president of M Crown, once asked her to give him the contacts of people who were connected to Ndumiso.
Back then, she said no.
She said she didn't know anyone.
She smirks. Her mind is made up.
She will drag Nikky into this mess.
And she knows exactly what will happen.
Mnotho will find out.
And when he does… he won't trust Nikky anymore.
Slowly, Sno scrolls through her contacts.
Her finger pauses.
Then she clicks on Makhosonke's number.
Her smile grows cold and wicked.
"Let's see if you can get away with this, Nikky," Sno whispers to herself, her eyes filled with something dark.

•••

The wedding is going smoothly.
Sylvia is happy or at least she is pretending to be. Even though Letsatsi's mother is busy clinging to Nikky instead of anyone else, she had to swallow that and not make a scene.
Of course.
The whole Nkabinde family is here.
And of course, Nikky is the one making sure they are fed and taken care of.
Sylvia was never going to help them. Not even a little.
She is also annoyed that Nikky caught the bouquet instead of Futhi or Snothando.
She quietly curses under her breath, wishing that Nikky will never marry that man.
In her heart, she still wants Nikky with Sphephelo.
Across the venue, Sno is busy drinking.
Glass after glass.
She wants to get drunk enough to forget everything and just sleep. She is not in the mood at all, especially after Mnotho ignored her completely.
That still burns, hurts even.
She has also been trying to get Nikky drunk.
She needs her phone. She needs to get Mnotho's number.
Diamond, on the other hand, is just minding her business, watching people around her quietly.
Then suddenly, she spots Nikky rushing towards her, smiling widely.
Mischievous.
"What now?" Diamond asks, sipping her wine slowly.
Nikky giggles softly.
"I want to go see Mnotho now… and I need you to make sure my family, especially Mom and Babomkhulu, don't notice that I'm gone," Nikky says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Diamond gasps dramatically.
"Nikky… you want to go and do unholy things with Mnotho?" she says with fake disbelief.
She quickly looks around.
Everyone is busy. No one is paying attention.
"You can go… just make sure I get paid," Diamond teases, finally agreeing.
Nikky jumps happily and hugs her tightly.
"You are behaving like a teenager, jeez," Diamond says, laughing.
Nikky laughs too as she pulls away and walks off.
Sno notices everything.
The smile, and the excitement.
The way Nikky is leaving. Sno slowly places her glass on the table.
Her eyes move to Diamond, who is now focused on her phone.
Good! Sno quietly slips out of the venue without anyone noticing.
It's dark outside.
But there are lights around, enough for her to see.
She spots Nikky ahead.
Walking fast, sno follows slowly, careful and quietly.
She hides behind anything she can find.
Walls, Cars and trees.
Her breathing is soft and focused.
Nikky suddenly stops and turns around.
Sno quickly hides behind a tree.
She peeks carefully. Nikky gets into a taxi.
Sno exhales slowly in relief.
She wasn't seen, perfect.
But she still wants to know what's going on.
She takes a step forward and she slips.
Her foot loses balance.
She falls hard. Her body rolls down the ground. Once,twice. Again.
Until her head hits something hard.
Right at the back. Everything goes black.

Nikky leans in and kisses Mnotho, her lips soft but urgent. His hands move slowly under her dress, pulling her closer.
Mnotho lets out a soft groan before pulling away slightly.
"Wait… what if your family sees us?" Mnotho says, glancing nervously out the window.
His heart is racing, his blood is hot.
He wants her. He really wants her.
But fear creeps in.
Nikky doesn't answer.
She just pulls him back in and kisses him deeply again. Her hands move slowly, teasing, reaching for his belt.
Mnotho shivers slightly, a wave running through his body. He pulls back again, breathing a little heavier now, his eyes locking with hers.
"Peaches, look… I'll wait for you, and then we'll leave together," Mnotho says, his voice low and breathless.
Nikky frowns slightly.
She rolls her eyes and sighs softly, a small smile forming after.
"Okay… I'll go back and wait until everyone goes to their rooms… then you and I…" Nikky says softly, her voice dropping in a playful, seductive tone. She leans in and kisses him gently on the cheek.
Mnotho lets out a small laugh, shaking his head.
"I love you," Nikky says before hopping out of the car. She closes the door without waiting for Mnotho's answer, her heart still warm, still light. She walks, softly singing to herself as she heads back towards the venue, her heels clicking gently against the ground.
But then she pauses.
She notices Aunt Lunga and her mother arguing. Sylvia sees her first. Her face hardens immediately.
Nikky sighs softly and walks towards them, stopping just a few steps away.
"Where have you been?" Sylvia asks sharply, her eyes full of accusation.
"Leave the child alone, Sylvia," Lunga says, clearly annoyed, her voice firm.
"Nikky is ruining her sister's wedding," Sylvia snaps, glaring at her.
Nikky shakes her head slowly. She refuses to let her mother ruin this moment for her. Not tonight. Not when she was just happy seconds ago. She walks past them without saying a word.
A sharp, painful stab hits her lower abdomen.
Nikky gasps softly.
Her steps slows.
She tries to hold her stomach, her fingers pressing tightly as the pain grows stronger. unbearable.
"Ahh…" she groans, her voice shaking.
The pain doesn't stop.
It spreads, it takes over.
Her knees weaken beneath her.
And she collapses to the ground with a scream.
"Nike!" Lunga rushes to her side, panic in her voice.
Nikky trembles, her breathing shaky, her hands clutching her stomach desperately.
Then she feels it. Something warm.
Slowly… her eyes drop.
Blood flowing down her legs.
Her world goes silent.
Her lips part, trembling.
"No… no…" she whispers, her voice breaking, shaking as she tries to touch it, as if maybe… maybe it's not real.
"Oh, Nkosiyami…" Lunga gasps, her hands shaking as she sees the blood spreading.
"Sylvia! Go call Mbongeni! We must take Nike to the hospital!" Lunga shouts, her voice filled with panic as she tries to lift Nikky up.
"What's going on?" Diamond's voice comes as she rushes closer. "Why are you crying, Nikky…" She stops.
Her eyes widen in horror as she sees the blood soaking through Nikky's dress.
"Diamond, we need to take her to the hospital," Lunga says urgently, snapping her back to reality.
Diamond moves quickly, removing her jacket with trembling hands and wrapping it around Nikky. Nikky is crying now.
Soft, broken cries. She already knows.
She knows exactly what is happening.
And it is tearing her apart.
"Mnotho… Mnotho is outside…" Nikky says through her tears, her voice weak, desperate.
"Don't worry, we will call him," Lunga says softly, trying to keep her calm, even though fear is written all over her face.
"A… taxi…" Nikky whispers, her voice cracking, barely holding on.
"Okay… okay, let me go call him," Diamond says quickly, her own voice shaking as she runs off.
"Let's walk slowly, my child… slowly…" Lunga says gently, holding Nikky tightly.
Nikky tries to stand. But her legs feel weak.
Her body feels heavy. Her heart feels like it is breaking into pieces.
Each step is painful, each movement reminds her. Something inside her is slipping away.
And she can't stop it.
She can't save it.
Tears stream down her face as she leans on Lunga, her hands gripping her tightly.

Across the yard, Diamond is running as fast as she can, her heart racing.
"MNOTHO!" she screams, her voice loud and desperate. There's 3 taxis here.
Mnotho hears her.
He frowns. He quickly opens the taxi door and steps out.
"Diamond? What's…"
"IT'S NIKKY!" Diamond cries, grabbing his arm. "She's bleeding… we need to go now!"
Everything inside him freezes for a second.
"Bleeding…?" he repeats softly, like his mind is refusing to understand.
Then he runs. He just runs.
When he gets there, he sees her.
On the ground, crying.
"Nikky!" he shouts, his voice breaking as he rushes to her.
Nikky hears his voice.
She lifts her head slowly, her eyes filled with tears.
"Mnotho…" She cries softly.
He drops to his knees in front of her, his hands shaking as he touches her face.
"I'm here… I'm here, peaches… I'm here," he says quickly, panic all over his face.
His eyes drop.
He sees the blood.
And his whole body freezes.
"No…" he whispers, his voice low, filled with fear.
Nikky grabs his hand tightly.
"I'm sorry…" she cries. "I'm so sorry…"
That breaks him.
"Don't say that… don't say that," he says quickly, his voice cracking. "We're going to the hospital, okay? You're going to be fine… you hear me?"
She shakes her head weakly, crying harder.
"It hurts…" she whispers.
"I know… I know…" he says, his voice trembling as he carefully lifts her into his arms.
She cries out softly from the pain, holding onto him tightly.
Aunt Lunga quickly turns her head and looks behind them. Her eyes search desperately.
But she doesn't see Sylvia.
She doesn't see Mbongeni.
No one is coming. Her face hardens with anger and disappointment.
She knows. Sylvia didn't tell anyone.
Not even in a moment like this.