CHAPTER 1

Our breaths are quick as we try to calm down from the intensive workout we just had. I wish I can just roll to the other side and sleep it off but I know he is going to start talking, wanting to bond or whatever. I am not about that shit today. I am not cruel or anything. It's just that heart to heart conversations after sex arent a thing for me, especially when I know that it's all talk and no action.

"That was amazing, babe." He murmurs, kissing the top of my head and bringing me closer to him. He is very affectionate, I won't lie. There is just one problem with him and it always lead to my fights between us. When we are not having sex, we fight all the damn time, and what's frustrating is that we always fight about the same shit.

"I should leave before people notice something." I detach myself from the cuddle and climb off the bed. He sits up, leaning on the headboard and just stares at me as I put back my clothes on. He never says anything when I do this because his words are moot. Stuffing everything in my backpack, I zip it and walk out of the room without sparring him another glance.

×××

"You can't keep letting him do this to you. Honestly, it's draining, even for me. When are you going to end your suffering?" she asks and I huff, drying my body and quickly putting on some clean clothes.

"Mom, come on. This is my life and I am going to live it the way I want to. If I wanna keep sleeping with him, it's my decision and mine alone."

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. My mother is my best friend and we discuss everything. I mean everything. She is 15 years older than me, so we relate more than you can imagine. "Aren't you tired of this back and forth? Going to his place late at night and leaving during the devil's hour? How can you not be tired and drained from this kodwa mtanam?"

"If you had stayed at your place, you wouldn't be witnessing this back and forth."

We reside in a building that was purchased by the company I work for. It has 2 bedroom apartments. When you have signed a permanent contract with them, you get the apartment for free. Part of the company benefits. It actually falls under your name and the only thing you pay for is the utility bill.

My mother worked two jobs just to raise me and take me to the best schools in the country. My father didn't walk out on us. He was not married to mom and he was a business man. So when he died, he left some money for his 5 kids but it wasn't distributed because of the family feuds over dad's estate. The lawyer even rented dad's houses and sold his cars just to avoid wars. The money is in some trust. Not sure if it's still there.

After varsity, I got an internship with my current company and with the salary I was getting, I forced my mom to stop working and just relax while I spoil her rotten. Every hard working parent deserves that. She was born a busy bee, so she couldn't handle just sitting at home for 4 months. I opened a day care Centre for her since she loves kids so much and that's where she spends most of her time, if she is not meddling in my situationship life.

Because I wanted her closer to me but still had some privacy, I asked to purchase the apartment next to mine and the company agreed that I pay the bond for 5 years. That 5 years ended 2 years ago. So the apartment is under her name. I also bought her a car for her birthday last December and she couldn't stop thanking me.

She glances at her phone and smirks at me. "You are going to be so late but who cares because you're fucking..." "Mom geez." I reprimand her and she just pouts. I head over to the kitchen and collect my lunch bag from the counter. She can be a darling sometimes and she always makes lunch for me. A whole adult.

"Wait." her voice makes me halt as I am about to walk out of the apartment. "I need to go to Essenwood this morning and I don't wanna get stuck in morning rush. My car is still in service, so..." This is her version of borrowing. She never says please but then I would die if mom were to worship the ground I walk on just because I am financially stable and I take care of her.

"Fine. You're driving. I still have to review some CVs before lunch time. So this will give me a few minutes to do just that." We head out and climb into the car.

She drives off like a maniac and I just chuckle. My mom has taxi driver tendencies when she's driving, which is so unlike her because she is so petite and looks like a kind and polite lady. She will hoot at the other drivers and swear like a sailor when she likes. A crazy character, I tell you. We get to work 15 minutes earlier than my anticipated time of arrival. My very own Paul Walker.

"What time should I pick you up?" she asks giving me a cute smile. My mom is very beautiful. I wonder why she isn't dating. "I should be done at 5 but if something comes up, I will text you." she nods before driving off. Gods of Fast and the Furious, pleas protect my car.

×××

My boss is an asshole. We have an out of this world kitchen with a very expensive coffee machine, coffee fillers, coffee beans, all the works, but somehow he always expects me to bring him coffee from the Cafe opposite our building. I cross the road and enter the Cafe. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm muffins always get to me. Probably the reason why I won't lose weight anytime soon.

Bang.

I hit someone's chest and hot beverage spills on my sweater. Are you fucking kidding me right now?