Name: KEPT
Author: Nana writes

CHAPTER 6

KEPT

CHAPTER 6

NDYEBO DIKO

I remember how Mama would say life doesn't always go according to our plans. I never really paid that much attention to her and her little idioms. I had it all planned out. I would make sure I qualify to study at the boys high school in USA then study at Oxford University pursuing robotics engineering and I did graduating *** laude but I wanted more when I got accepted to study law I went in for it and here I am 6 years later the best in my field. At just 33 years old, I have made a name for myself, and my father couldn't be prouder.

I had told myself I would get married to the girl I love by the time I was 27 but here I am at 33 engaged but I didn't think my brother would play tricks on me like this. My relationship is hanging on by the thread because of this. I love Milani so much I never taught I would, but here I am still loving her even when she's mad as hell.

I turn to look at the girl Lilitha sitting on the passenger seat. My brother always boosted how gorgeous she is. I saw it too on the pictures he kept sending me, but he looks way more than beautiful now that I see her face to face.

She has these beautiful siren brown eyes the make up she has on with this weave thing makes her more beautiful. She turns to look at me with a frown on her face. I clear my throat, darting my eyes away from her. I rub my hands together, getting rid of the wetness in them.

She makes me nervous. She has such an aura, and that sunshine glows on both her face and eyes. She smiles sweetly at me before turning back to look outside the window.

Lilitha:How long have you stayed in the US?

Ndyebo: 17 years.

Lilitha:I was with Nzolo for 8 years but never saw you. You didn't even come to our wedding he was sad.

Ndyebo:I know that's why I made sure to sponsor your honeymoon. You seemed to enjoy it.

Lilitha:I did. I love traveling, and going to Ibiza was always a dream for me.

Ndyebo:Which other place would you like to travel to?

Lilitha:Spain and Hawaii.

Ndyebo:Paris?

Lilitha:I've been there countless times, so no.

Ndyebo:Mmmh. How's business?

Lilitha:Good. How long have you been back?

Ndyebo:2 years. I was at the funeral but you didn't see me. Then you decided to ghost my family.

Lilitha:I needed to be away from y'all. I probably would've gone crazy with the way your family felt sorry for me.

Ndyebo:Mmmh.

It becomes silent after that. ICC seems to be packed tonight. A butler gets her door as I get out, giving one of the men my keys. I take her hand on mine them walk inside the hotel. There are journalists at the lobby. We pass them without a glance. I get us drinks, and she leaves me to mingle.

"Baby."

I freeze when I recognize the voice. What is she doing here? She told me she wasn't coming because she didn't want to be humiliated when I took Lilitha instead of her. She smiles at me. I can't help but smile back at her. I love her. The thought of losing her scared me and her being in the same room as Lilitha.

Ndyebo:Milani, what are you doing here?

Milani:I came to support you, duh. You look handsome sthandwa sam.

She says, kissing me. I kiss her back. I can't help myself. We're disturbed by the start of the award ceremony. We find our sits. From where I'm sitting, I can see Lilitha. She's not paying attention to me, but she's in a full-blown conversation with the gentleman next to her.

"We all love a woman in power. A woman who thrives in business and is known for her style and influence. All around South Africa, ladies are talking about how she manages her business and the beautiful things she does for them. From beauty brands to stylish clothing and a little birdie told us she's venturing into property. The award for best upcoming businesswoman goes to Lilitha Diko!!"

The room erupts in applause. She gets up from her seat. You can tell she's nervous, and with grace, she walks up to the podium.

Lilitha:(chuckling) I did not expect this well, Milisa, wherever you are. Thank you for doing this for me. She's my business confident the one person who knows me more than my late husband ever did. Umh, what do I say? Thank you for recognizing young talent and encouraging us for our work. I want to thank my family for pushing me to pursue my dreams and thank God for always being there for me. Umh, I want to acknowledge indima edlalwe ngumyeni wam ongasekhoyo into shaping me to being the woman I am in the industry. Thank you.

She gets yet another round of applause walking away from the stage. I here Milani scoffing.

Milani:I can't believe they're giving awards to slay queens. What business does she own other than dishing out beauty?

Ndyebo:That's your sister wife. She owns a boutique with an online store. I'll take you there one of these days.

Milani:That's her? I know her. I saw her one time at the salon, the girl I told you about.

Ndyebo:I long told you to stop judging people.