CHAPTER 2
Alakhe Zulu
Alakhe leaned back in the luxurious car's leather seat.
"I don't get why Father still trusts Simo."
Nkonzo's eyes narrowed. "Because he's useful. For now."
Their driver navigated through the city's vibrant nightlife, pulling up to the exclusive club, "Eclipse."
As they stepped out, the bouncer nodded in recognition. "Gentlemen, welcome back."
Inside, the pulsating music and dim lighting washed over them. Alakhe and Nkonzo melted into the crowd, anonymous among the beautiful people.
Alakhe ordered drinks at the bar.
"We need to take care of him. He's a liability."
Nkonzo's gaze scanned the room. "I agree. But Father's not ready to let go."
Alakhe 's jaw clenched. "We can't wait forever. Simosethu's... unstable."
Nkonzo's voice dropped.
"You think he's capable of turning on us?"
Alakhe's eyes locked onto his brother's.
"I think he's capable of anything."
As they sipped their drinks, their conversation turned to their own ambitions.
"We need to position ourselves for the takeover," Alakhe said.
Nkonzo nodded.
"Father's aging. It's time for new blood."
Their laughter blended with the music, lost in the sea of revelers.
.
.
.
Simo sat at his desk, scrutinizing the financial reports in front of him. His mind focused on the numbers, analyzing every detail.
The office was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
"Sir, your father wants to see you,"
his assistant's voice came through the intercom.
His gaze lingered on the reports for a moment before he responded.
"Tell him I'm on my way."
He rose from his chair, adjusting his cufflinks.
As he walked to his father's office, his thoughts turned to the upcoming meeting.
What did his father want to discuss?
The door to andile's office was open, and Simosethu entered, his expression neutral.
"Father."
Andile looked up from the papers on his desk, his eyes piercing.
" we have an opportunity. A partnership with Mabuza's organization."
Simo's interest piqued. " Mabuza? The billionaire?"
Andile nodded.
"Yes. He's willing to invest heavily in our family's business."
Simo's mind began to spin with possibilities.
"And what does Mabuza want in return?"
Andile's expression turned serious.
"His daughter, Ayakho, will marry you."
Simo's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing.
A marriage of convenience.
To secure the family's future. Can't his life already get better.?
Simo's expression turned cold. "No."
Andile's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"I won't do it," Simo said, his voice firm.
"I won't marry someone I don't know, especially for business."
Andile's face darkened.
"You'll do as I say. This partnership secures our family's future."
Simo's jaw clenched. "I refuse."
" I hope you wouldn't want your brothers to know your secrets."
Simo's eyes hardened, his jaw clenched. "You're blackmailing me?"
Exactly what kept him in their lives privately. To be there for those two.
Andile's face remained impassive.
"Call it motivation. You'll marry Ayakho or..."
He paused, letting the unspoken threat hang in the air.
Simo's expression twisted in disgust.
"You'd ruin my brothers' lives, destroy our family, just to seal this deal?"
Andile's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'll do whatever it takes to secure our legacy. You're not the only sacrifice."
Simosethu felt a cold sweat trickle down his spine.
He knew his father's ruthlessness, but this...
"Alalhe and Nkonzo have nothing to do with this," he protested.
Andile's smile was a thin, cruel line.
"Everyone has a price. Yours is Ayakho"
Simo's vision blurred, his thoughts racing.
He could refuse, but at what cost?
His brothers' futures, his family's well-being...
The weight of responsibility crushed him.
"Fine,"
Simo spat, the word tasting bitter. "I'll do it."
Andile's expression didn't change, but a hint of triumph flickered in his eyes.
"Good choice. You'll make a fine husband."
Simo's gaze dropped, his heart heavy with resentment.
He knew he'd just sold his soul.
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