A HEART REPLACED - A HEART REPLACED chapter Twenty Eight

A HEART REPLACED chapter Twenty Eight

As the warm sunlight caresses his face, Mkhuseli slowly awakens, his eyes fluttering open to gaze at Nonhlakanipho sleeping serenely beside him. His body still aches from the previous day's passion, but a gentle smile spreads across his face as he recalls the unforgettable experience. The sun's rays dance across her skin, illuminating her natural beauty, and he can't help but feel captivated. Yesterday was a day he'll always treasure, and he knows he's irreversibly enthralled by her charms.

With a tender kiss on her forehead, Mkhuseli rises from the bed, heading to the mini shower to refresh himself. As he steps out he puts on his yesterday's clothes when he finishes fixing himself, he gazes out the glass wall, lost in thought, but his attention is drawn back to Nonhlakanipho, still slumbering peacefully. He knows she must be exhausted, but they can't linger in bed all day. He approaches her, watching as she struggles to open her eyes, her adorable expression making him chuckle.

“Good morning, love,” he says, his voice filled with affection. She shyly glances at him before quickly looking away, and he teases her,

“Are you shy? How cute.” He gently holds her face, making her meet his gaze, Mkhuseli's lips brush against hers, but she gently pushes him away,

“Mkhuseli, I haven't brushed my teeth yet,” she whispers.

“I don't mind,” he replies, his voice husky, as he leans in closer, his lips inches from hers, and steals another kiss.

“You're my girlfriend now, love; we'll have to love each other even in the morning, without makeup or fresh breath,” he teases, his eyes sparkling with affection. She playfully shakes her head, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment.

Nonhlakanipho shakes her head, playfully rolling her eyes, and Mkhuseli smirks,

“How did you sleep?”

“As if you let me sleep,” she replies with a laugh, and he grins mischievously.

“Do you blame me, though? You're too tight and warm...” She silences him with a gentle hand on his mouth,

“Okay, that's enough.” He laughs, knowing he's pushed her buttons.

“Alright, love, time to get freshened up so we can head out for breakfast,” Mkhuseli says, his voice gentle but encouraging. “What about the chef?” Nonhlakanipho asks, her voice muffled by the sheets she's wrapping herself in.

“He’s got another commitment this morning, and besides, I only hired him for last night’s dinner,” Mkhuseli replies, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckles, shaking his head watching her wrapping the sheets around her. Nonhlakanipho nods, the sheets still wrapped around her, and heads towards the shower, leaving Mkhuseli to his thoughts.

Nonhlakanipho finishes dressing, while Mkhuseli tidies up the bed. He can't help but smile as he notices her walking with a subtle limp, a testament to their passionate encounter. He takes her hand, and they exit the hotel restaurant, driving to a nearby eatery renowned for its exceptional breakfast. Upon arrival, they're greeted by a waiter and seated at a cozy table. After ordering, they engage in light conversation as they await their meal. Once their food arrives, they savor their breakfast, occasionally exchanging sweet nothings.

“Babe?” Mkhuseli says, his voice tender.

“Mhhh?” Nonhlakanipho responds, her eyes cast downward. “About yesterday, I want to ensure we're on the same page. I don't regret what we shared, and I meant every word I whispered to you,” he confesses, his eyes locked on hers. Nonhlakanipho's cheeks flush as she recalls the intimacy they shared. She clears her throat,

“I...I don't regret anything either, and I meant what I said,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper. Mkhuseli's face lights up with a warm smile as he takes her hand, his lips brushing against her knuckles.

“Thank you for entrusting me with your innocence, love,” he says, his voice filled with gratitude. Nonhlakanipho nods, her cheeks deepening in color.

“Are you still in discomfort?” Mkhuseli asks, his brow furrowed with concern.

She nods, “I am,” she admits. Mkhuseli offers a reassuring smirk, “You'll be fine as the day goes on.” As they finish their meal, Mkhuseli asks,

“Shall we stop at the mall?”

Nonhlakanipho declines, “Let's head home straight; I need some rest.” Mkhuseli nods, settles the bill, and they depart the restaurant, driving off into the morning sun.

.

.

.

Mkhuseli gently rises from bed, having cradled Nonhlakanipho to sleep. He changes into fresh clothes and departs the house, loading his car before stepping out. With a heavy heart, he walks towards the cemetery, approaching Londeka's tombstone. He stands before it, collecting his thoughts.

“My wife,” he whispers, his voice trembling.

“I’ve come to visit you today, after a long time.” He pauses, struggling to contain his emotions. “I’ve been avoiding this visit, not due to busyness, but...guilt. I feel guilty for loving your sister, Nonhlakanipho. You never approved of our parents’ arrangement, and I know you weren’t fond of her either.”

Mkhuseli wipes away tears, his voice cracking.

“I’ve tried to fight this feeling, to run from it, but I couldn’t escape. The more I was around her, the more I loved her. She’s intelligent, innocent, and strong-willed – the first woman to intimidate me. I loved arguing with her, and I admit, I love her. I still love you, Londeka, but she’s taken your place in my heart.”

He takes a deep breath, his words pouring out.

“I’m sorry if this hurts you. I’m being honest, Londeka. I don’t know if you’re happy or angry, but I ask for your blessing. Bless my relationship with Nonhlakanipho. That’s all I wanted to say. Rest in peace, my love.”

Mkhuseli turns away, his heart racing, and returns to his car. He lets his tears flow freely, his head on the steering wheel, eyes closed in anguish.

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NONHLAKANIPHO ’S POV

Nonhlakanipho awakens, finding herself alone in bed. She rises and heads to the shower, refreshing herself before dressing in comfortable clothes, though she plans to change into pyjamas soon. Feeling revitalized, she can't help but think that if she had known Mkhuseli's passionate advances would leave her so exhausted, she might have resisted. A sly smile spreads across her face as she acknowledges her newfound relationship status - who would have thought?

As she prepares dinner downstairs, she engages in a lively video call with Pearl, sharing every detail of her encounter with Mkhuseli and confessing how much she enjoyed it. Pearl offers enthusiastic support, and they continue chatting as Nonhlakanipho tends to the simmering pots on the stove.

Nonhlakanipho has been passing the time watching TV, but now she's bored and missing Mkhuseli. It's already 19h45, and he's not home yet. She tries calling him, but his phone rings unanswered. She attempts again, but there's still no response. Maybe he's on his way, she thinks.

.

.

Unbeknownst to her, she dozes off. When she wakes up, she hears the door opening and quickly sits up. Mkhuseli is finally home, and it's 22h00.

“Hey, babe, I fell asleep waiting for you,” she says, getting up to greet him.

“Should I serve you dinner? And where were you held up?” she asks, heading to the kitchen but stops when she notices Mkhuseli's unusual behavior.

“Mkhuseli, are you okay?” she asks, walking back to him, concerned by his red, tear-stained eyes. But before she can get an answer, Mkhuseli snaps at her.

“Can you stop with the questions? Can't I come home whenever I want?” he says loudly, his tone shocking her.

“Mkhuseli, I...” she tries to speak, but he raises his hand, silencing her.

“Leave me alone, please.” He walks away, leaving her standing alone, bewildered, and hurt.

She wipes away a tear, turns off the lights, and heads to her room. Changing into pyjamas, she gets under the covers, unable to shake off the encounter. What's wrong with Mkhuseli? Why was he so mean to her? Only he knows. She closes her eyes, drifting off to sleep, her mind racing with questions.