A HEART REPLACED chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Twenty NineMkhuseli tosses and turns in bed, unable to sleep. He switches on the lamp and sits up, sighing as he reflects on his harsh behavior towards Nonhlakanipho. Visiting Londeka's grave had overwhelmed him, and his emotions had gotten the better of him. The thought of falling for Londeka's step-sister fills him with guilt. He needed time alone, which is why he returned home late, not wanting Nonhlakanipho to see him vulnerable.
He gets out of bed, puts on his sleepers, and heads to Nonhlakanipho's room. He takes a deep breath before knocking, but there's no answer, so he lets himself in. He closes the door and approaches Nonhlakanipho's bed, slowly getting in beside her. As he's about to close his eyes, he hears muffled sniffling and his heart races. He raises his head to find Nonhlakanipho's eyes still open, tears streaming down her face.
"Love," he whispers, but she doesn't look at him.
“Ngiyacolisa indlela engikhulume ngayo nawe (I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you),”he says, his voice filled with remorse.
“I wasn't in a good state, and my emotions took over. I shouldn't have taken them out on you. Please, love, forgive me.”The only response is Nonhlakanipho's sobbing, each tear piercing Mkhuseli's heart as he realizes he's the cause of her pain.
Mkhuseli gently slips his hand around her waist, guiding her to turn and face him. Fortunately, she doesn't resist, allowing him to tenderly wipe away her tears with both hands.
“Please, don't cry, love. I'm truly sorry,”he whispers, his voice filled with remorse. He softly brushes his lips against hers, followed by a deeper, more passionate kiss, which she reciprocates.
They share a lingering kiss, after which he pulls back, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. The room falls silent, the only sound the quiet calm between them.
“I need to confess something,” Mkhuseli says, his eyes locked on Nonhlakanipho.
“I visited Londeka’s grave and told her about us.” Nonhlakanipho’s gaze meets his.
“I felt guilty for loving you, her step-sister, and admitting that you’ve taken her place in my heart, even though her passing still hurts me.” Nonhlakanipho sighs, clearing her throat.
Mkhuseli continues, sharing every detail of his experience.
“But none of that justifies how I spoke to you earlier. I’m truly sorry, mama.” He apologizes, seeking her response.
“Please, say something, love.”
“I heard you, Mkhuseli,” Nonhlakanipho replies.
“I understand what you said, but I hated how you spoke to me downstairs.”
“I’m sorry,” Mkhuseli repeats.
“Will you always come home and yell at me when you’re overwhelmed or emotional, treating me like a child, only to apologize later and expect me to forgive you?” Nonhlakanipho asks, her tone skeptical.
“No, I promise it won’t happen again, my love,” Mkhuseli assures her.
“I swear, it was the last time I’ll speak to you like that.”
“I’m not sure I believe you, Mkhuseli,” Nonhlakanipho says, her voice laced with doubt.
“Please, believe me, mama,” Mkhuseli implores.
“I promise, I’m sorry.”
Nonhlakanipho exhales deeply. “Alright, I’ll forgive you this time, but if it happens again, I’m leaving for good,” she warns. Mkhuseli nods fervently.
“It won’t happen again, my love. I promise. I love you, Nonhlakanipho.” Nonhlakanipho’s face flushes as she replies,
“I love you too, Mkhuseli.” Mkhuseli’s face lights up with a smile as he kisses her, and they share a tender moment.
As they break apart, Mkhuseli says,
“I’m starving.” Nonhlakanipho giggles.
“Me too.”
“Let’s go enjoy the meal you prepared for us, then,” Mkhuseli suggests, getting out of bed and offering his hand to Nonhlakanipho. He sweeps her into his arms and carries her downstairs...
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Mkhuseli dreads Mondays with every fiber of his being, but as the CEO, he has no choice but to face the day. As he lies in bed, he gazes at Nonhlakanipho, still sleeping serenely after a wonderful night together. He feels grateful for apologizing and vows to never make her cry again, except for tears of joy. He smiles to himself, thinking about how he wants to make her happy.
He kisses her awake, saying, “Wake up, love, it's time to shower.” Nonhlakanipho whines, still half asleep, and Mkhuseli chuckles. He gets out of bed and says,
“Come shower with me, love.” But she resists,
“No, I'll follow after.” Mkhuseli knows she is shy, but he wants her to get comfortable with intimacy. She shouldn't be shy; I already know her body.
Mkhuseli scoops her up from the bed, saying, “No, no, I'm showering with you.
“Come.” She giggles, trying to wriggle free, but he holds tight. He gets to the bathroom, locks the door, Nonhlakanipho pouts, “I'm not showering with you.”
Mkhuseli smirks, already naked, and says, “Yes, you are, love. I'll help you out of those pyjamas.”
He looks at her naughtily, and she blushes.
“Come,Let's get you out of these pyjamas.”, he says, pulling her close and starting to undress her. He takes her hand, leading her to the shower, and they start showering together.
Mkhuseli arrives at the office to find everything organized and ready for the day, thanks to Cebisile's efforts. He has already taken care of some crucial files, making his job easier. As he takes his seat, Cebisile enters the room.
“Good morning,” he greets, his greeting unusually formal. Mkhuseli notices the change and responds,
“Hey Cebi, thanks for handling these files, you’ve really lightened my load.”
Cebisile smiles and nods, “No problem, I just did what I always do, right?”
Mkhuseli asks about the day’s schedule, and Cebisile fills him in.
“So, what’s the plan for today?”
Cebisile starts telling him the schedule of the day. After their that, He leaves the office, but his unusual gait can’t be ignored. He seems to be walking in pain, or is he just imagining things? He shakes off the feeling and begins his daily routine, starting with his work of the day.
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NONHLAKANIPHO ’S POV
She emerges from the boardroom, exhausted but triumphant, after presenting innovative ideas and showcasing creative strategies for upcoming projects.
As she enters her office, she's surprised to find Mkhuseli waiting for her, flashing a warm smile.
“Hey, when did you get here?” she asks, curious since she left him in the boardroom.
“Didn't you pass by Cebi's office?” he inquires, to which she rolls her eyes, recalling how Cebi's non-stop chatter had extended her visit.
“I hope he isn't stealing you from me, and you're not stealing him from me,” he teases, to which she laughs, finding his mock jealousy endearing.
“Relax, love, okay?” she reassures him, as he draws her close, his hands on her waist.
“You looked beautiful in that boardroom,” he whispers, making her blush.
“Thank you, Mr. Mbatha,” she replies, before he leans in for a kiss.
As they continue their affectionate conversation, filled with sweet nothings and tender moments, they decide to cap off their afternoon with lunch together. However, their time is cut short when Mkhuseli has to leave for a meeting, and she returns to her work, feeling a little wistful. After the workday ends, she hails a taxi and heads to Pearl's place, eager to spend time with her friend. She knocks twice on the door, and Pearl greets her with a warm smile and a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Hey, baby girl! You're positively radiant - Mkhuseli must be doing something right!” Pearl exclaims, making her laugh with her characteristic bluntness.
“Pearl, really? That's the first thing you say? Gross!” she playfully pretends to gag, and they both burst out laughing at the absurdity. Pearl continues, “I'm only saying it because I know the secret to your happiness - Khulekani had the same effect on me, and I'm still basking in the glow!”
She interrupts, “Pearl, spare me the details! I didn't come all this way to hear about your love life or how it's comparable to mine, Actually I'm here to see the twin .”
Pearl pouts dramatically, “Oh no, now Khulekani 's babieshave stolen my partner in crime!”
She chuckles and rolls her eyes, “Can you blame them? I'm their favorite Aunt Pearl, and I'm clearly the more fun option!” They share a playful laugh, and Pearl's eyes sparkle with amusement as they continue their lighthearted banter.
Pearl steps aside, allowing her to enter.
“Come on in, baby girl! I'm glad you're here. The twins are being their usual adorable selves.” She leads her to the living room, where the twins are laid.
“Let me go grab some refreshments,” Pearl says, exiting the room and leaving her alone with the twins. They are absolutely precious, and she can't resist their charm. She scoops up the little boy and showers him with affectionate kisses before gently placing him back down. Then, she picks up the baby girl and gives her a sweet smooch as well.
“Pearl, your little ones are quite the chunky monkeys! What's their secret?” she asks, curious about their robust health. Pearl returns with a tray of juice and muffins, chuckling at the question.
“Breast milk is their superpower – and honestly, they're getting too heavy for me too! Even Khulekani jokes about their rapid growth,” she says with a laugh, setting the tray down on the coffee table. She gently places the baby girl back in her playpen and takes a seat next to her friend on the couch, and they continue their conversation while snacking.
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