A HEART REPLACED, chapter Twenty Five
NONHLAKANIPHO ’S POVShe's stunned that she let a guy deceive her so thoroughly - was she oblivious to the fact that he was married? Some men are incredibly skilled at manipulation, and she fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Just as she was developing deep feelings for him, she discovered the truth. For two whole weeks, she was trying to move on from the previous heartbreak, only to be played again. Menzi is a master manipulator, showing no remorse for his lies and exploitation. She's relieved she didn't lose her virginity to him, as she's heard stories about the strong emotional attachment that comes with it. After his deception, he posted a picture with his wife and baby boy, but she didn't have a heart attack because she's already moved on - he doesn't deserve her tears. Following that heart-wrenching week, she focused on her work, Pearl, and the twins, who are thriving. She regularly visits them when she has time or finishes early at the office, as her tasks have become more demanding, but she's capable of handling them. Today marks two months since she started working at Mbatha Company, earning her own income and living independently.
Her phone interrupts her thoughts, and she sees her father's name on the screen. What could he want now? Last week, he asked for money, but she's struggling to understand why. Her own earnings have plans and responsibilities, whereas her father receives a pension from his former company and his wife generates income from their flower and vegetable shop. She wonders what financial difficulties he could possibly have. Unless, she thinks, they're trying to exploit her for the Mbatha family's wealth. Her phone continues to ring, and she sighs before answering.
“Nonhlakanipho, what's going on with you? Why are you avoiding my calls?” her father, Bab'Thubana, asks, his tone irritated.
“I'm busy, Baba, what can I help you with?”
“Show some respect, I'm still your father,” he scolds.
“Baba, I'm busy. What can I do for you?”
“I've already told you, I need money, my daughter.”
“I don't have any money, I've told you before,” she replies firmly. “What's wrong with you? Can't you ask your husband for some money and send it to me?” Bab'Thubana asks, his anger rising.
“Father, I deserve respect. I'm not a puppet to manipulate. You arranged my marriage to this family, and I've upheld my obligations. If you want to maintain a relationship with them, stop pressuring me. If you need financial help, ask your friend Mr. Mbatha,” she says, ending the call. She takes a deep breath, wiping away a tear.
“Is everything okay?” Mkhuseli asks from the doorway, his presence unexpected. She wonders if he overheard her conversation.
“Y-yes, everything's fine. How long have you been standing there?” she stammers.
“I just arrived,” he replies, approaching her desk. His intense gaze makes her uncomfortable, suggesting he may have heard everything.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his eyes locked on hers. She nods, unable to speak.
“But you're crying,” he observes, his voice soft. She looks away, wiping her tears.
“I'm not crying,” she whispers, trying to convince herself.
The silence is broken when Mkhuseli gently takes her chin, his eyes still fixed on hers.
“You're not okay,” he says, his voice filled with concern. His hand shifts from her chin to wiping her tears, his eyes still bored into hers.
Mkhuseli's gentle touch and concerned expression make her feel vulnerable. She tries to look away, but his gaze holds her captive. “I'm fine, really,” she whispers, trying to convince herself more than him.
“I don't believe you,” he says softly, his eyes never leaving hers. “You're crying, and your voice is shaking. What did my father say to you?”
She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
“It's nothing, Mkhuseli. Just...family stuff.”
Mkhuseli's expression turns skeptical.
“Family stuff?” he repeats.
“That's what you said last time, and I let it go. But I won't this time. Tell me what's going on.”
His persistence makes her feel a little scared. She doesn't want to reveal the truth, but his kind eyes make her want to confide in him.
“He...he wants me to ask you for money,” she admits reluctantly.
Mkhuseli's expression changes from concern to shock.
“What? Why would he ask you to do that?” he asks, his voice laced with disbelief.
She shrugs, feeling a mix of emotions.
“I don't know. He just said he needs it, and I should ask you.”
Mkhuseli's eyes narrow.
“I'll talk to him,” he says, his voice firm. “You don't have to deal with this alone.”
She simply nods, and he helps her up, then envelops her in a warm hug. She hesitantly returns the embrace, surprised by his calm demeanor when she expected anger or frustration. He gently releases her, looks into her eyes, and says, “I don't want to see you cry again, okay?”
“Okay,” she replies softly, nodding.
“Promise me,” he asks.
“I promise,” she whispers.
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MKHUSELI ’S POV
Mkhuseli settles into his chair, sipping his whisky after pouring a glass. He knows he needs to visit Bab'Thubana soon, but he's not surprised by his intentions - he's been aware of them all along. What angers him is Bab'Thubana's attempt to exploit Nonhlakanipho for his own gain. Mkhuseli pulls out his phone and sends Bab'Thubana R120000, the amount he was trying to manipulate Nonhlakanipho into asking for. He sets his phone down, lets out a sigh, and gazes out the large glass window, his chair reclined.
The door swings open, and a boisterous voice fills the room. “Guess who's back?!” Cebisile, his PA, exclaims. Mkhuseli turns his chair to face him, a hint of surprise on his face.
“Aren't you thrilled to see me, Mr. Mbatha?” Cebisile asks, his energy infectious.
“Of course, I am. I'm just surprised you returned so soon,” Mkhuseli replies, raising an eyebrow.
Cebisile's grin falters, and he lets out a deep sigh.
“That's a story for another time. I'm just happy to be back, and I hope you haven't replaced me with someone else,” he says, his eyes sparkling with humor.
Mkhuseli chuckles and shakes his head.
“No one can replace you, my friend.”
Cebisile beams with pride and takes a seat.
“Before we dive into work, let me say, your wife is stunning,” he comments, eyeing Mkhuseli with amusement.
Mkhuseli blushes, and Cebisile teases, “Look at you blushing!”
Mkhuseli rolls his eyes good-naturedly.
“She's not my wife yet, but I plan to make her mine soon.”
Cebisile winks. “I'm sure you will”
“So, how was your trip?” he asks, curiosity getting the better of him.
“The trip was enjoyable,” Cebisile replies, his expression turning somber.
“But it didn't end well, and I'd rather not discuss it.”
Mkhuseli nods understandingly, knowing that Cebisile will share more when he's ready.
_____________
At Bab'Thubana ’s
He glances at his phone and notices a notification for R120,000. His eyes widen in surprise; this is far more than he expected Nonhlakanipho to send. He was anticipating around R30,000. But this? This is a small fortune! He can't help but smile to himself as he heads to the kitchen to share the news with his wife.
“Guess what, Mkami?” he says, beaming with excitement.
“What is it, Thubana?” MaMnguni asks, curiosity piqued.
“We're eating out today; no cooking needed,” he announces, still grinning.
“Why the sudden change?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
He shows her the notification on his phone, and her eyes light up. “Wow, your daughter finally came around?”
“I told you I'd talk some sense into her,” he replies, chuckling.
“You did well, Baba,” MaMnguni says, smiling. “So, which restaurant shall we try?”
“Your choice, Mkami,” he says, giving her a loving kiss.
“Mmmm, okay. Let me go freshen up,” she says, already heading out of the kitchen, leaving Bab'Thubana smiling.
He dials his daughter's number and she picks up on the second ring.
“Hello, my lovely daughter,” he says, beaming with pride.
“Dad, I—” she starts, but he cuts her off.
“Thank you so much for sending that generous amount, my dear!” he exclaims.
“What are you talking about, Dad?” she asks, sounding perplexed.
“Come on, don't play dumb! That R120,000 you sent is a small fortune! Your husband must really adore you to give you such a large sum,” he continues, showering her with gratitude.
Nonhlakanipho remains silent, utterly baffled by the conversation.
“What money are you talking about, Dad?” she might have asked, but he doesn't give her a chance.
He assumes she's just being modest and hangs up the phone.
“I'll talk to you later, dear,” he says, already heading to join his wife in the shower, eager to start their day out together.
To be continued…
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