Null 32

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Zinhle: happily ever

after?
Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

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Chapter 1
Finally! I am officially a holder of a bachelor of commerce in
accounting Degree from the university of Johannesburg. I swear it has
been one heck of a bumpy ride, I'm so grateful that i finally made it.
Today is rather a bittersweet moment for me, yes i am happy that i
have graduated but then it saddens me that this day didnt go quite
like we had planned, 2 years ago.
2 years ago, during my first year. On the first day of the second
term(April) as i was casually walking to the library, i bumped into this
amazing guy- who, at that time i was deadset on the idea that he was
my soulmate- it was a love at "first sight" moment.
2 weeks later we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend, Mulalo was
all that i have ever prayed for, it saddens me to later find out that i
was actually a rebound, after being with him for a solid 15 months.
Anyway, we had plans, we planned on spending this day together, we
went as far as picking matching outfits.
I am trying by all means to enjoy my moment and i pray i dont bump
into him. I honestly cannot wait until next week monday, I'm finally
moving to Cape town.
I got a bursary during my second year and one of the conditions for
my bursary is that after graduating i need to work for the company for
the duration at which they funded me for. Initially i didnt like the idea
but right now, even if it means moving half way across the world and
starting a new life, I'd definitely jump for the opportunity. I feel being

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away from joburg is definitely what i need to heal from everything that
has happened.
Well where are my manners, let me introduce myself, I am
ntomb'Zinhle Mnisi, I'm 21 years of age and a graduate, I'm going to
enjoy introducing myself like that, including the "I am a graduate"
part.
Anyway, back to the introductions. I am the last of 3 daughters to
Ntombifuthi Mnisi. And i am the 4 of 5 siblings to my Dad, Albert Zulu,
yes Thee Dr albert Zulu, the dermatologist.
My parents were both seperately married and i was born out of
wedlock, my mum passed on when i was 13 years old and eversince i
was raised by my older sisters, Thengi(35 years old) and Zinzi(32 years
old).
I have 2 amazing best friends who i met in varsity during our first year,
Mpumi(21 years old) originally from Pretoria and Phelo(20 years old)
originally from Joburg like myself.
I am Dark in complexion, i am a true definition of an african woman,
I'm a size 38 and i wear my afro like a crown. I enjoy reading and i have
a thriving passion for the world of accounting and finance, i am a firm
believer in God, a christian and a born again child of God, he is my
everything.
I'm a virgin, not because of my beliefs but it was a personal decision
to wait until marriage, i am single and I've only been in a relationship
once(with mulalo) which clearly never worked out.
I have dreams of running my own interior designing company, interior
design is on of my many passions and i would like to one day pursue
it.
I'm shy, an introverted but you would be surprised when i am with my
friends or sisters.

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Please journey with me as i take you through my life, will I ever find
my happily ever after? Stay tuned to find out
Chapter 2
Since my graduation ceremony was on Friday, I spent the whole
weekend packing for cape town. My dad has been so helpful
(financially of cause), he wanted to pay for my accommodation as
well, however, the company I am working for (Mazibuko and sons) is
sorting out accommodation for all of us who are part of their graduate
programme.
Today is Sunday, i am enjoying these last moments with my sisters

before my departure which is tomorrow morning, i am taking the first
flight out so that i can get to settle in since our first day at work is on
wednesday.
"So mntase, looking forward to the new city?" Thats my older sister
Zinzi, handing me my glass of orange juice before she sits down on the
couch opposite me.
"Haii i doubt she'll even survive the first night on her own, uZinhle
useyi ngane(Zinhle is still a child)" thats Thengi for you, my older sister
who has always been like a mother to us, i doubt that I'll ever grow up
in her eyes I'll always be a baby.
"Kahle sisi, I've lived at res for 3 years on my own, this is no different
to living at res" i take a sip of my delicious orange juice, i swear coffee
and orange juice are top tier drinks, these 2 are my go-to for any day.

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"Except the only difference now is that you are no longer a taxi away
from home" Zinzi can be such a pain, she always enjoys rubbing things
in.
Anyway the rest of the day was amazing, we spent time reminiscing
about uMa, spent time playing games with mt nieces and nephews
and also shared some of our childhood stories.
I am surely going to miss home, I'll miss spending time with my sisters
and most importantly the kids, i am very fond of kids.growing up, my
family would joke about the fact that i should be a preschool teacher
because of how i am so good with kids and how fond of me they are.
Well,my dad hasnt called to check up on me, which isnt new at all, we
dont really get along that much because his wife dislikes me so he is
somehow caught up in between.
I havent spoken to Mpumi and Phelo since the graduation ceremony,

my friends are both doing their BCTA full time at UJ while I'll be doing
mine via distance learning.
Monday morning, i am up at 4am, i take a shower and pick an outfit.

Well its towards the end of march and you know this can only mean
that the weather conditions are moving from warm to a bit chilly so i
opt for a navy blue skinny jean, a long sleeve orange crop top, black
airforce and a navy blue denim jacket. I tie my hair into a half puffy
bun and obviously i am going to lay those edges hunnny!!!

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I look cute for someone who will be sitting in a flight for about 2 hours
and then head straight to my apartment to just lock myself up. I am
that boring ey!
I would drive myself to the airport although dad said he'll have my car
delivered to me in cape town but he didnt tell me when it'll arrive,
along with some of my other things. So I've asked my churchmate who
has become like a brother to me to drive me to the airport using my
car. Bongani(the churchmate) is already outside waiting for me, such
a gentleman he is.
I bid farewell to my sisters, its a bittersweet moment, i have never in

my whole life lived a province away from my sisters, heck I've never
even left Johannesburg all on my own,but this is it,i am finally going to
start my own life, live my own dream away from the life i knew to be
home.
I am excited but sad that i am leaving without seeing my friends or

even seeing... Mulalo, yes he broke my heart, but i just can't help it, i
care about him and part of me still hopes that him and i will work out
someday.
The drive to the airport was shorter than i had anticipated, bongani is
such a chatterbox, we spoke the whole way. We finally at the airport,
this is it!
Chapter 3

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2 hours later, i am landing in cape town, the weather here is worse

than in Joburg, people are in their winter coats and boots, i feel so
underdressed!
After collecting my luggage, i uber to my new home, apparently the

place we are living in is just 10 minutes away from work, i am truly
going to love it here.
As soon as i get to the complex the security signs me in and i walk

towards reception, it appears i am the first of the 8 graduates to arrive
here so i get to pick my own apartment, i choose one with the best
view of the whole city. This place is huge! It's also very classy, top
notch honestly. The living room is themed with white and a touch of
grey, the kitchen has white built ins and all the appliances are black,
the bedroom has no linen, just white curtains and cream white built
ins, with an ensuit bathroom and 2 other bedrooms, the main
bedroom has an amazing sliding door with a nice view, i can already
imagine filling this balcony with fresh sunflowers.
I love love love sunflowers! They just have a way of brightening up my

day. I called my sisters to let them know that i have landed and
obviously they asked about the place and demanded pictures of my
apartment. Yes! MY apartment!
I decide to unpack my laggage, i have 7 suitcases with just my clothing

and shoes, after unpacking everything i take a nice,long and relaxing
shower.

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When i check the time, its just after midday meaning i spent almost
the whole morning just unpacking. Right now though, i am famished,
since i dont have any dishes and pots yet, or even any groceries, i
decide to order in.
I opt for a spicy seafood boil with some orange juice and a tub of
magnum chocolate flavoured ice cream. I am obsessed with seafood!
My food arrives and as soon as the smell of seafood hits my nostrils

my heart leaps for joy, i am so happy. I dig in and in no time i almost
finished the whole boil, i bought a seafood boil for 2.
Cape town is cold, even indoors, i switched on the aircon but it doesnt
seem to be doing the trick so i fetch my small throw blanket and start
catching up on "the real housewives of johannesburg" this has to be
my favourite reality show, I love how there's always drama among
these ladies, i believe the show is scripted but then again i enjoy every
minute of it. I cannot believe there are people out there who just live
to dress up and look good without sweating for the money they are
spending!
I am woken up by the annoying sound of my cellphone ringing, i

must've dozed off on the couch, whoever it is better have a very valid
reason for disturbing my princess sleep "hmmm"i say this without
even checking who's calling, "awao moGurl you cant be sleeping while
you're in a completely new city, dress up and turn up hunnnay!!" That
can only be Phelo!

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Phelo is your typical trust fund baby, he's the "mommy can I" type,he
completed the degree just because his parents pushed him to, He's
very bright though, he's your dean's list type of guy so he was funded
by a bursary and with his tuition fees his parents bought him a
Mercedes benz C63s! He was one of the few people i knew who lived
at "the campus", thats the new residence thats just behind campus
square.
He lives for partying and drinking, he's such a happy soul. "Phelo
ufunani kanti(what do you want)" i say this out of annoyance, those
around me know better than to wake me up from my princess naps!
"Ha.ana chommie you left without even telling us, i just wanted to
check if virgin mary is settling in well" he's very caring but always
teasing me about my choices. "Awwwww mngani thank you, i am
settling in just fine, the place is HUGE! Once everything is settled you
guys should come for a turn up weekend, each of you have bedrooms
here!!"
"Ahhhhh chommie plus I've never been with some fine ass cape
townian manzzzzz" Phelo loves his man like he loves his alcohol, we
call him "Nomadoda" well because of his love for me and also because
he's gay!
"Uqalile Nomadoda(here we go again)" i say while chuckling

"chommie I've got to go, I'll video call you tomorrow and you better
not be sleeping, i love you mammie" with that said he hangs up.

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I check the time on my watch and i realise its just after 9 in the
evening,i must've been jetlagged i didnt realise i was tired.
I watched a few more movies before dozing off again on the couch
since my beds are all still naked
Chapter 4
This morning i was woken up by a call from reception informing me
that there was a delivery for me, my dad finally delivered my car!!
Along with all my other boxes of books, hair products and photo
frames so i can finally get started with redecorating this place!!!
I am so excited, i finally get to live out my interior design passion in my

own living space. I am off the couch,opened the windows for some
fresh air, its just after 10 in the morning so i decide to take a long bath
with my bath salts which were just delivered, my body needed this
after involuntarily sleeping on this uncomfortable couch.
After my bath i pick an outfit, well its drizzling outside so i hope for
thick black leggings, a black "Gang" hoodie which has the word "gang"
written in white,I wear my white airforce, tied my hair into a neat bun
and didnt even bother laying edges today , I'm lazy so dont look at me
like that and besides, its not like I'll bump into someone i know. Perks
of living in a new city.
I grab my car keys, well let me introduce you to my baby, i drive a red
mercedes benz A45, Dr Zulu(My dad) bought it for me when i obtained
the bursary because that meant he wont ever have to pay any tuition
fees for me.

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There's a shopping centre that is close to my complex but it looks to

be having very limited stores so instead i drive to a bigger mall in the
white suburbs. First stop, is definitely Mr price home. I bought white
sheets, bedding and pillows(white just brightens up every room) and i
bought side lamps, and theres one cute colourful bedding which
comes with matching curtains, I'm taking that.
I then bought carpets for my bathroom as well as new blinds(white)

the apartment originally has brown blinds and for me, brown is too
dull.
Finally for my sitting room, i bought a large mirror to put on one side
of the dinning area, a nice A3 painting to put on the wall by the stair
case leading to the bedrooms. I bought flower pots, vases, a table
centre piece, the cute fluffy grey cushions for my couches and a nice
fluffy grey carpet for the sitting room, i spent an arm and a leg for
these things but lucky me, my dad is paying!!!
I head to Game store, bought a nice big glass coffee table which will
get delivered to my apartment later today, i bought pots and plates,
bowls cutlery, a toaster and everything kitchen related.
Finally, woolworths for groceries, my car is so packed by the time I'm

driving back. I am so exhausted but i need to unpack, cook and then
relax because tomorrow is the big day.
After unpacking and arranging everything in their designated places, i

am impressed, my house finally feels homey, to top it all off, i decide
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to cook my favourite meal, mutton stew and dumpling! Which fits

perfectly with todays weather.
By the time my butt hits the couch its already 8 in the evening and i
am having my delicious dinner while going through my social media
which is something i barely do, i go through twitter and there seems
to be nothing interesting, intergram, I always visit somizi's account
first to check out any of his new recipes because i enjoy cooking and
trying out new recipes.
He prepared oxtail, i am definitely trying this, it looks delicious and

anyway i have all the ingredients needed for it, except for wine. I go
onto my Facebook and i am so tempted to check on Mulalo's wall, he
has been posting a lot of pictures ey, one thing catches my eye though,
theres this one person who keeps commenting on his pictures but him
being so secretive, he never replies, I'm sure that, thats his girlfriend.
I wont lie, my heart aches everytime i think about what he did to me,
what he did to us, i hate love with all of my being, in fact i dont believe
that true genuine love exists.
I have lost my appetite so i put the food in the fridge, i transfer the
leftovers to different containers and pack it in the fridge. I head
straight to bed,i dont even feel like showering so i just set my alarm to
6a.m even though my shift starts at 8 o'clock and the office building is
literally just a 10 minute drive away.

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I didnt even plan an outfit, i just lost all my excitement, i dial Phelo's
number and it goes to voicemail, i try calling mpumi and hers rings
unAnswered, well let me just sleep this off
Chapter 5
"Beep beep beeep" the annoy sound of my alarm, i honestly thought
i was way past this stage when i left school,but clearly this annoying
sound is stuck with me for life.
Its 6am and i am up, i decide to clean up the house first since my shift
only starts in 2 hours, i clean up my bedroom, the ensuite and the rest
of the house,i mop the floors and dust the furniture. By 7h15 i am
done with both cleaning and preparing breakfast, i felt like having
something oily and greasy, so I prepared toast, eggs, bacon, grated
cheese, sausages and a large mug of strong black coffee.
After breakfast i take a timed shower because i know i can spend close
to an hour in the shower without even noticing. Today is my first day
at work, i need to make a lasting impression to both my colleagues as
well as my boss. I decide to wear a below the knee black pencil dress
with a V neckline, black stockings, red block heels and top it off with a
red coat, i tie my hair up into a neat bun then i lay my edges.
I take one final look in the mirror before driving off to work, sister calls
while i am driving and my phone is connected so i can talk to her while
driving.
Thengi:"Ntomb'Zinhle, ukahle?"
Me: "yebo sisi, ngikahle nina ninjani(yes sis i am good, how are you
guys?)"

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Thengi: "Nathi sikahle, uk'khala akusizi sisi, are you ready for your first
day?" She's making me emotional,this right here is something i wish i
had with my mom, a conversation with her before my first day at
work.
" i am excited sisi, i cannot wait" i say, "okay keh Ntombi, call me at
lunchtime and tell me all about your day okay? I love you, bye" with
that said we end the call, i am suddenly feeling very down and
emotional.
I get to the office building, park in the visitors parking and head in, the
receptionist shows me the boardroom saying that the management
would like to formally introduce us to Mazibuko and Son's.
As soon as i step in, i am shocked to find that the introductions have

already began, i am very socially awkward and i hate moments like
these where suddenly all eyes are on me, i squeeze myself between
the others and i opt to stand right at the back,i feel so embarrassed.
"Welcome Ms Mnisi, oh dont worry we were just about to begin with

the introductions, I am Mr Mazibuko Senior, the Founder of Mazibuko
& Sons" he says this with a deep voice, Mr Mazibuko Snr looks like he
is in his early 60s, he was part of the penal that was interviewing us
back in second year for the bursary selection procedure, i am shocked
to find out that he is actually the founder of this big oil deport
company.
"I am Sbusiso Mazibuko, the CEO of MS, i am looking forward to

working with each and everyone of you, I hope you all feel at home,
and may you always note that my door is always open feel free to

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discuss any queries or grievances directly with me if you feel so,

Welcome!" That must be Mr Mazibuko Snr's older Son, he looks like
he is in his early 40's although i commend him for his professionalism.
"Maqawe Mazibuko, CFO of Mazibuko and son's" okay short and

straight to the point, if i didnt know better i would assume that this
one was forced to be part of this, he isnt even dressed the pary, he is
wearing casual black skinny jeans and a white golf tshirt with a white
airforce!! He looks young and very sexy, but we need to keep things
professional.
"One of the Mazibuko brothers is currently out of town on business

and he is the one who will be incharge of heading the graduate
programme, he is basically your "boss"and hopefully you will get to
meet him before the end of this week, for now, our receptionist
PAballo will show you around and also you will be assigned to your
desks, the meeting is adjourned thank you all for making ot in on time"
that's Mr Mazibuko Snr dismissing the meeting.
Paballo, the receptionist is rather friendly, she had been so helpful,

she showed us around and it turns out all 8 of us are assigned to
different floors, this building has 13 floors and i am assigned on the
finance and accounting department ofcause meaning i will be working
under Mr Maqawe.
After the induction, its lunchtime(12h00) so i decide to go and sit in

my car, enjoy my lunch and give my sister an update on everything,
she is so excited for me you'd swear she was the one working for MS.
10 minutes before lunch ends,i walk back to my desk and start putting
up photo frames of my family, my mum, my dad and my graduation
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picture, "settling in already?, if i were you i wouldnt be putting all

those frames up, girls like you never survive in this department"
I look back only to be met by Maqawe with an evil smerk on his face...
Chapter 6
I turn back, not because i am unaware of who is standing right behind
me, but i turn back to confirm if he is actually talking to me and yep,
he's talking to me...
All my life I've allowed people to look down on me and always hid
behind my older sisters, but today, today it's time i stood up for
myself.
"Mr Mazibuko, i do not appreciate the way you addressed me" i say
this with a firm look, one thing i have learned from my dad is to always
keep this professional and to never allow emotions to get the better
of me.
"Oh cut the crap Miss, I heard how my dad has been going on about
how exceptional your results are and how you'll be a great asset, listen
here girl, you are not going to sleep your way to the top" I'm hurt at
the fact that he thinks so low of me, how could someone who doesnt
even know me, someone who has only met me today dispise me so
much, I'm truly heartbroken but i wont show it.
"Sounds to me like you feel threatened Mr Mazibuko JUNIOR?" i say

this with so much emphasis on "Junior" as a way to somehow remind
him of his position in this firm.
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"I am still your boss..." before he even goes further i jump in "i was
hired by Mr Mazibuko Snr, i just report to you and right now all i see
is a daddy's puppet who feels threatened by a young independent
woman who actually worked her way to were she is"
He was about to say something but again,i jump in "Listen here Mr

Mazibuko, unlike you, some of us had to actually go to school for this,
now had you worked for all that you have, you'd understand that i am
not about to let you take that away from me just because you feel
threatened, now if you would kindly excuse me, I need to settle in and
get started on the job i studied for"
With that said i dont even wait for his response,i turn my chair back to
facing my desk and i continue arranging my things on my desk, i hear
footsteps meaning he walked away after a few seconds of standing
behind me.
I dont want to lie, i am deeply touched by what had just happened, i

dont think i will survive this new life all on my own, at least if my sisters
were in the same province I'd drive home and cry my eyes out in their
arms, but here, i dont even have a friend to at least confide in.
Its 16h00, knock off time, i was caught up in my thoughts all along not
even noticing that i am the only one left on this floor, i pack my bag
and head to the lift. I get to the ground floor and find Paballo still at
her desk, i wave at her and she returns it with a warm smile.

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The drive to my apartment was short, i get in, head straight for the
shower, i cry my eyeballs out, i cant do this, I'm not happy, I'm lonely,
I just seem to always attract heartache and pain, i mean i have just
started this new job ,it was my first day yet i already feel like i dont
want to go back there.
This has been my life eversince back in school, i used to get bullied a
lot, especially high school, every place where i would set foot, kids my
age would make fun of my weight, maybe that's the real issue, maybe
I'm just too fat which makes me uglier and thats why people hate me.
I make a decision to start a weightloss journey, considering that I work

monday to friday i wont have time for gym so i decide I'll opt for a
healthy diet and i will check for protien shakes or pills, whatever that
will speed up the process.
After my shower I call my older sister, Thengi, i am closest to her since

Zinzi got married sooner and left Thengi and i at home we spent most
of our time together shes more like a mother to me. I told her
everything that happened today and as always she suggested that we
pray then she encouraged me not to give up. I told her about my
weight loss decision which she is completely against but i am doing it
regardless.
After my call with my sister, i go through my socials and i come across

a picture, a picture that stabbed my heart, Mulalo with a beautiful,
light skinned and petite lady, with the caption "til death". I am
shuttered, i guess i was never his type to begin with, it hurts more that
i dont even have any more tears left in me, i just stare at the picture

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until my heart hurts a little less than the first time i laid eyes on that
picture.
Today went worse than i had anticipated, but i am hopeful... I pray

then decide to sleep without eating,i dont have an appetite anyway.
Chapter 7
The rest of the week went on pretty much normal, this is how my days
looked like: work, home, tv and doze off, i cannot remember the last
time i had a proper meal, I pass out on the couch sometimes and i dont
even bother going to the bedroom, I've been feeling really down the
past few days.
Today is saturday, no work, i decide to lighten up my mood a bit with
some uplifting gospel music by Sbuh Noah.
I connect my phone to the sound system and blast the music loud, I
am playing Zundikhaphe this song has a way of making me feel his
presence again, in times when i feel at my lowest i know that God will
carry me through because that's exactly what the lyrics of the song
plead for.
While blasting Sbuh noah , i put my laundry in the washing machine, i
clean up the house, take out old food out of the fridge and wash all
my plates, i basically do what i havent done since my first day at work,
my place looks homey again.
I go out to hang my laundry, it very chilly today, i was hoping to go to
the mall and look for products suitable for my new diet. After hanging
the clothes i go to the kitchen to take out pork chops from the fridge,
which i plan on cooking for dinner with alfredo pasta.
While in the kitchen i hear my door bell, who could it be because i have
been a loner eversince i got here. When i open the door i am met by a

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very beautiful coloured lady, probably my age if not a year or two

older, she's very beautiful with a short afro and flawless skin.
"Hey, i heard the music blasting and i guess i was led by the spirit" she
chuckles nervously, I step aside signalling her to come in, she releases
a sigh of relief, i guess she was expecting that i would be rude or
unwelcoming.
I jog to the living areas and turn down the music, "hey, I'm Zinhle" i
say, while offering my hand for a casual handshake, she smiles taking
my hand into hers "I am Natasha, i live 2 doors away, Nice to meet
you" she then lets go of my hand.
"Would you like something to drink?" As i walk towards the fridge to
check what exactly do i have to offer an unexpected guest "i would
love to stay for longer but i left my daughter alone sleeping, if she
wakes me and I'm not there she'll throw a tantrum" we both laugh
lightly.
"I was actually here to ask if you would like to join us this sunday at
our church? The service only takes 2 hours and it's a walking distance
from here" she's speaking so quick you'd assume she's afraid I'll say
no or she's trying to convince me.
I smile"i would love to, thank you so much, I guess I'll see you
tomorrow?"
"Sure, be ready at 9h20 since the service starts at 9h30, that'll give us
10 minutes to walk" she smiles before walking out.
This is actually God's way of speaking to me, I think going to church is
exactly what i need with the way i am currently feeling...
Chapter 8
Its been a month and a half since my first day at work, it's so fulfilling
to wake up every morning to do what you love most,i truly enjoy

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working at M&S, we Got to meet our boss Mr Phenyo Mazibuko who

is the one incharge of the interns/graduate progamme.
I havent been seeking much of Maqawe around the office, which i am

grateful of, remember the diet i was so keen on starting? Well i havent
had the time to go to the small, i have been swamped with work.
My sisters and i talk almost everyday, well Thengi and i Talk every
single day while Zinzi calls sometimes. My dad and I chat mostly on
whatsapp because he cannot risk his wife eavesdropping on our
conversations.
Natasha and I have become so close, she's like a sister to me, and her
amazing daughter ,Jess has to be the most adorable 3 year old.
Natasha is originally from Eastern cape, she is coloured by she is raised

by her mother's family so she speaks fluent Xhosa, she came to Cape
town because she got a job here which can help her support her mum
back at home, she is a born again like myself thats why we get along
so well. Natasha does not know who Jessica's father is hence why she
is raising her on her own.
We spend a lot of time together and that has helped me a lot, i spend
less time overthinking when they are around.
Today is Tuesday, on friday Mpumi and Phelo are flying over for the
weekend, i am so excited i am counting down to friday, i truly cannot
wait. It's just after lunch and i have a meeting to attend thereafter i

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am good to go. The meeting is at Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, at

spur, its a lunch briefing with one of our clients.
I drive to the location and i arrive before Mrs Mngomezulu arrives, i

always want to make a good first impression, she walks in, well i
already know who she is from the little research i conduct before
meeting up with clients and potential clients, i wave at her to signal
her that i am the person she is looking for.
Well, she looks rather disappointed, i guess she was expecting

something different? Maybe?
Anyway, i stand from my chair and put my hand out for a handshake,
with the biggest smile plastered on my face. "Mrs Mngomezulu,
Goodday" she quickly forces a fake smile then takes my hand into hers.
We both take our seats, i order coffee and she orders a bottle of wine,
yes a bottle! Not even a glass? I mean this is a meeting afterall.
"If you dont mind me asking, where's Maqawe? I mean Mr M

Mazibuko? Isnt he the one handing our books?" She asks this while
gulping down the glass of wine in front of her then immediately
pouring more.
Oh so this is about Mr M, i should've known, "I am Zinhle Mnisi, i am

the new Intern in the finance and accounting department at
Mazibuko&sons, for the next 2 years, i will be the one handling your
books" i offer a warm smile but she does not return it.

23
"Nice to meet you Dear, can we postpone this meeting for tomorrow?
I'm just not feeling well right now, I'm sure you don't mind? Oh
ofcause you dont mind" shes now standing up, grabs her bag, puts 3
R100 notes on the table and walks out, just like that, there goes my
first client!
Anyway, since my meeting took shorter than anticipated, i decide to

shop around for a few things, i first go to woolworths for a bit of
groceries, then to clicks to get toileteries and cosmetics.
I might as well just look for slimming products, well i have been
pushing my trolling all around this store and i cannot seem to
understand any of these products or even differentiate between
them. "Everything okay Ms?" I turn back to see if i am the "Ms" that
he is referring to, much to my surprise....
Chapter 9
Before me stands a greek God. Tall and dark skinned, with dreamy
eyes, pink lips and a perfect white smile, bald headed with thick bushy
eyebrows, my am i even drooling over this stranger.
He's wearing a blue clicks shirt, black formal Chino pants and black
formal shoes, his name tag is written "Nhlakanipho" and below his
name it is written "shop assistant"... well i am brought back to reality
when he clears his throat, "Good day miss, is everything okay?, have
you found what you are looking for?" He says

24
Me: "hi, no, i actually dont know what to buy,i am looking for slimming
or diet products for myself but i cannot seem to choose the one that i
think would be best for me"
"Please come with me, right this way" i follow behind him and i get a
full view of his broad shoulders, you can tell that he visits the gym
frequently, he's not buff but he's well built.
He goes on and on about the benefits of each product and also some
of the complaints recieved from customers about some of the
products and finally he handed me a small box of bills which are for
decreasing my appetite, explaining how that will help me with my
weight loss.
After a good 15 minutes i thank him and i am ready to pay, i head

home thereafter. As soon as i get home i call Tasha, "nikuphi(where
are you guys)?" I say, "haiibo ntombi kutheni ungabingeleli(girl why
dont you greet?)" I chuckle,"uxolo sisi(sorry sis), where's my daughter,
i miss her so much"
"She's in my place with the nanny, i am working double shift today so

that i can get the sunday off" shame my friend is such a hardworker
and she would do anything for church or her daughter, "let me fetch
her, we can go for ice cream that way you dont have to pay the nanny
for overtime" i say, i mean its not like i have anything more to do.
"Thank you so much Zee, you have no idea how much this means to
me" let me end this call before Tasha Starts crying. I hang up and
change into something less formal.

25
I wear black sweatpants(from the men's section), i wear my yellow and

black "Gang" hoodie and a black and white airforce. I dress tomboyish
but honestly this look is so comfortable when you are a big girl like
myself.
As soon as the nanny openned for me, Jess jumped straight into my
arms and i started kissing her while she just giggled. Jessica is honestly
the cutest little human.
We first drop off the nanny at her place then drive to the mall, we get
ice cream, go to an arcade store, play games, take pictures and even
bought a few toys, as we were walking out of spur after buying
Jessica's burger, she tripped and fell, hitting her forehead and this
earned her a small cut on her forehead.
I am panicking! What am i going to say to tasha, Jess is crying so driving

to the hospital wont work, i rush to clicks and ask that they assist me,
while someone checks on her i find myself crying as well.
"Are you okay miss?" Its a familiar voice with a familiar scent, its
"Nhlakanipho the shop assistant" i try acting tough by just nodding
and looking away, one of the pharmacists walk towards me with
sleeping Jess in her arms, they've covered the cut with a plaster then
i had to pay for medication as well as for their assistance because it is
out of their job description.
I am shaking i cannot even carry Jess, "i can help you carry her to your
car if you dont mind" Nhlakanipho says, honestly i had even forgotten
26
that he is here,anyway i could do with some assistance, we walk to the

parking in silence, he puts her on her carseat,i buckle her up.
After buckling her up, i was hoping that Nhlakanipho would be gone
by now but he is still standing next to my car, i guess i owe him
appreciation for his assitance "Thank you,i truly appreciate your help"
i say and he returns this with a warm smile "she's very beautiful" he
blurts, "just like her mum", wait how does he know Tasha?, oh no he
thinks Jess is mine.
"She isnt mine, look i must go now, thanks again for your assistance" i
say this while opening the door to my drivers seat, "please take my
number so you can inform me how she is doing then i can tell you what
to do if she still wakes up in pain" i am hesitant but he means no harm
and i can easily just "lose" the number and life goes on right?
I take it and Jess and i Drove off.
Chapter 10
Well the drive home wasnt long, Tasha was home by the time we
arrived at the complex but Jess was still fast asleep. I had already
called tasha on our way here to inform her what had happened with
Jess and she was understanding although you could tell that this was
bothering her.
After dropping Jess off at Tasha's place, i got to my place, decided
against cooking today so i ordered pizza and dunked wings. While i
waited for my order i changed into my Pyjamas and watched
Catfish:the tv show. This show fascinates me, i just wonder how
people fall for a complete stranger, someone whom they've never
met, it really puzzles me.

27
My pizza arrived, i ate, drank orange juice and decided to call it a night,
anyway i have work tomorrow. The rest of the week went well, today
is friday and my friends are finally flying down to cape town for the
weekend.
I am super thrilled, we havent spent time together for over 6 months
now so this is definitely well deserved. I am on my way to work, i
decided to dress casual today considering that its friday. I opted for a
navy blue ankle grazzer Jean, a cream white casual blouse with a pair
of denim block heels and topped the look off with a torn denim jacket,
after work i think I'll go and buy fibre so i can braid myself, maybe
twists or boxbraids, natural hair demands a lot of attention honestly.
Ever notice how time seems to me moving slower when you are
looking forward to something? Thats exactly how it feels like today, I
have been checking the time almost every hour.
I am knocking off early so that i can wait for my friends at the airport,
they booked a flight for 12:00 so they should be landing here at around
14h00, its 13:45 so i decide to pack my bags, I'd rather go and camp at
the airport. I'm so excited!
I arrive at the airport at exactly 14h00. I decide to get a drink while i
wait for them. My phone rings while i am waiting for my drink
"Chomzito!!! We've arrived ukuphi?" Phelo never greets, thats just in
his nature.
"I'll meet you at the check out, I'm getting myself something to drink"
i say, before hanging up. I get my order, orange juice of cause and i
head straight to check out.
Mpumi spots me first the she runs to me, we embrace each other as
if we havent seen each other in years, I truly feel at home around these
2 crazy souls, my heart is leaping for joy, it saddens me that they'll
have to leave by the end of the weekend.

28
The drive to my apartment was fun, like old times, we had a mini
update session, on what's been happening in our lives and honestly
Phelo seems to be having nice life problems, Mpumi has found love
with one of our former lecturers who taught us accounting in first
year, that guy is real eye candy if you ask me! Me on the other hand, i
literally have nothing interesting to tell them.
We got to my place, we all freshened up and Phelo suggested that we
go for an early dinner since its just after 5pm then we can hit the club.
I dont drink so I am not looking forward to this, plus Natasha declined
the invite saying that she has no babysitter so i will be the only one
who will spend the whole night sober.
We went to this amazing seafood joint, i ordered a platter for one with
a virgin mojito while my friends ordered Lobster and crab legs with
beer on the side, apperently seafood goes better with alcohol, i let
them be.
"So, chomzito, when are you planning to try out this dating thing
again?" Mpumi asks, suddenly all the attention turns to me and they
are looking at me expectant...
"We spoke about this chomi, all that matters right now is my career
and this amazing seafood platter in front of me, those are the 2 things
that i am certain they'll never leave me" i say this while ducking my
crab into the garlic butter dip and wow this is super delicious.
After the amazing meal we had, we headed to this well known club in
cape town, we are in the VIP section, perks of having monied friends.
After an hour or so Phelo shouts "this section is boring, lets move over
to the general section" well he is shouting because the music is too
loud.
We all agree then move to the General section but its so packed we
are even struggling to find a table, until a guy comes up to us and asks
us to join them in their table, as we are seated, Phelo goes to the

29
dance fall and i can tell the alcohol in his system is already kicking in
while mpumi on the other hand is sucking face with one of the guys
here, i am now sitting awkwardly regretting why i even agreed to the
idea, i am casually taking sips of my cranberry juice but anyone can tell
that i am at the wrong place,i dont fit in...
Chapter 11
Saturday morning and i am all along in my apartment, Mpumi and
Phelo left with those guys we met at the club even after i tried
convincing them that it wasn't a good idea. It's 8h45 and i have been
trying to get ahold of both of them yet their phones keep ringing
unanswered.
I decide to clean up while blasting Dumi mkokstad on my speakers,
after cleaning i do my laundry then i cook, i make creamy pasta, sticky
ribs and green salad with diced strawberries. As soon as i am done
cooking I prepare coffee for myself since i havent had breakfast, i sit
down and start going through my phone only to notice 4 missed calls
from Phelo, i decide to text him "hey, whats up i saw your missed
calls" dont give me that look, Phelo and Mpumi are old enough to
make their own decisions.
A notification pops up on my screen "chomzito, the guys and i would
like to know if you are keen on joining us today for drinks?" This kind
of breaks my heart because what was supposed to be our weekend is
now gatecrashed by strangers that we've only met once. I decide
against it, I'd rather sit her and work.
"Chomz I'm not feeling well so I'll pass, be safe, love you" i sent that
then rented a movie on box office. I opted for my all time favourite
movie "me before you" i was first introduced to this amazing story
through the book which i read back when i was in my first year, then i
finally got to watch the movie and i fell in love with the storyline all

30
over again, love doesnt hurt, it's the people that handle it who give us
the wrong impression on love.
I must've dozed off because i am woken up by a knock, i am still in my
Pj's i just hope its Mpumi and Phelo, to my disappointment its actually
Tasha and Jess. "Hey sis, come in" i step aside making way for them.
We ended up enjoying the food i cooked and watching movies
together.
Sunday we went to church and still no sign of my friends. After church
while i was preparing for work, they both walk in, none of them even
bothered to knock. "Chomz, we are here to fetch our bags, our flight
leaves in the next 2 hours,that you for hosting us we had so much fun"
they look like they had the time of their lives, i hug each of them then
walk them out.
Well this weekend didnt go as i had expected...
Chapter 12
It's September 1st, my birthday is in 13 day's time. I have been
enjoying my stay in cape town, Natasha and I have become like sisters.
I still chat to Phelo and Mpumi but things aren't the same anymore
but i am okay with that.
Remember when i decided that i would like to get started on a

weightloss journey,well i decided against it, i have recently started
attending therapy sessions offered by the church that i attend and i
am slowly learning to love myself for who i am and i am also working
on healing from past hurt and trauma which is vital for my personal
health.
I am at my desk buried in my work when I get a call from reception

informing me that Mr M Mazibuko would like to see me. I drag my

31
feet, Maqawe still resents me, i honestly do not understand why but
he hates me so i try by all means to stay out of his way.
Great, his door is open, i knock softly before letting myself in "Mr M,
Good morning" i say, "Morning Ms Mnisi, please take a seat, i would
like us to discuss Mrs Mngomezulu, she isnt happy with the way that
you have been conducting your work, i would like to understand what
all that is about?"
Remember Mrs Mngomezulu? The lady that stormed out when she
found out that Mr M isnt the one handing the books anymore? Well i
have been picking up a lot of loopholes in their books which no one
can account for, hence she is complaining about my work.
"I have been looking closely into their books even from prior years and
it turns out that there has been a lot of mismanagement of funds
within the company and tones of money appears on the books but no
accompanying source documents and no one is willing to account for
it, therefore i have filed for an investigation to be conducted which
Mrs Mngomezulu abruptly disagreed therefore i was going to send an
audit report which clearly states the discrepancies"
He nodds is head, looking rather displeased with my findings, deep

inside my heart is happy, i deserve a pat in the back to cracking this in
my first year of work while it takes people years to be able to trace
mismanagemsnt of funds and fraud.
"You can leave the case to me,i will handle it" he says this then looks
back to his screen which i asume that is his way of telling me to leave.

32
"With all due respect Mr M,i believe i am more than capable to deal
with this investigation as i believe i was placed in this department in
order to deal woth such incidences" i wont let him dismiss me like that
on a case which i worked so hard to come up to.
"I will let the senior management know about this,then i will get back
to you" he looks really pissed. "There is no need, i have already sent
out an email and i have CC'd both you and Mrs Mngomezulu, have a
good day Mr M" i stand up and move my hips all the way back to my
desk, i am proud of myself!
Its knock off time and i decide to head to the mall, i need toiletries. I
start and woolworths to get snacks and then to Clicks, as i am shopping
around i feel as though someone is standing behind me starring at
me,when i look back i am met by a familiar face "you never called to
let me know how the princess is doing" he says this then sightly smiles
revealing his perfectly aligned teeth.
"I lost your number" well thats a lie, i threw it away intentionally, "well
let me put save it in your phone so that next time you wont lose it?"
He opens his hand signalling for my cellphone, well i let him be, its not
like i will call him anyway.
Oh wait,he dialed his number using my phone so that he can also have
my number,Great. He winks at me before waking off to back to his
duties, i dont know why i found that cute, anyway i continue with my
shopping then drive to the salon to get new braids, i opted for long
thick boxbraids
Chapter 13
33
A week later.
5 days before my birthday and i still have absolutely no plans, i tried
convincing my sisters to fly down for at least 2 days but unfortunately
Thengi has a confrence at work during the week of my birthday while
Zinzi says her husband is away on business so she is alone with the
kids. I guess I'll just opt for an indoor movie night, and probably cook
all my favourites, maybe even bake a cake.
Phelo posted a few pictures of him, he was here in cape town with one
of the guys we met at the club, we really dont talk much anymore and
unlike when this whole tension started, now i truly understand why
we drifted apart, school kept us together as it was something we
shared in common, now we lead different lives, I dont party or drink
so I probably bore them with my church stuff.
Tasha is seeing someone, this amazing guy from church, he is the head
of ushers and a very decent coloured Guy, he's probably in his early
30s and seems to be doing quite well for himself, has a nice car and
apparently lives in a more classy surbarb.
Its 7h00,i am preparing for work, i just came out of the shower when
my phone rings, my face lights up as soon as the caller ID pops up, its
my dad! "Morning Princess ka baba" my dad still treats me like a 13
year old, our relationship isnt like how a normal father and daughter
relationship should be like but i appreciate moments like these.
"Morning old man, i miss you, how are you" he chuckles at the old
man part, my dad always says he's aging gracefully, like fine wine or
mature cheesy, whatever that means. "I'm good baby girl, your gift

34
will be delivered on friday okay?, i sure hope you'll be home to recieve

it" i just got excited, at least theres something to look forward to, my
birthday is on saturday, today is Tuesday.
My conversation with dad was great,he actually asked about my

wellbeing, how work is like, how cape town is treating me, all that
confirmed to me that he wasnt in the same room with his wife. That
woman dispises me.
Its spring so i opt for an off the shoulder floral green dress which holds
my breast in place and then free flows from below my breast, it is
above the knee but you wouldnt notice that because its free flowing,
i wear yellow block heel sandals then match the sandals with my
yellow handbag, I decide not to tie my braids today. I look Great! And
i feel great!
The drive to work was amazing, i was blasting William Mcdowell "I
surrender". That song has been my prayer for the past couple of
weeks, I'm trusting God to help me with the Mngomezulu case, it's
very steep since my manager is not on my side but if God is for me
then who can be against me?
I got to my work station and immediately got started on the case, i

made a few discovers the past couple of days, it turns out that Mr M
is somehow linked to the money laundering which explains a lot, like
how he wanted to handle the case on his own and also how Mrs
Mngomezulu was not pleased to find out that he no longer handles
their books. Today i am putting the final touches to my report then by
the end of today i can email it to my manager,Mr M, my progamme

35
coordinator, Mr P and also the senior management before sending it

to The shareholders at Mngomezulu.
I have been working here for so long yet i spend time all on my own,
not because i want to, it's really difficult to try and socialise with
people when you're the boss's least favourite, everyone is trying to be
on the boss's good books.
This report is important to me so i work on it right through my lunch

time, a text pops up on my phone "have a great day" the text reads,
but I'm shocked, its not the text which shocks me but the contact
name which reads "future everything" i chuckle to myself
remembering that i allowed that guy from clicks to save his number
on my phone so clearly this message comes from him.
I promised to ignore him, I'm too focused on work to entertain any

guy. Its end of day and I am pleased with my report, i email it out to
every relevant party then I head home.
Chapter 14
Today is friday,meaning tomorrow your girl is turning 22!
My gift arrived at 6am, my dad bought me a personal diary engraved
with my birthdate and my name, a bouquet of sunflowers, a photo
frame which is A3 size, with my favourite picture of my mum, i cried
with i unwrapped this gift. The card reads:
"happy birthday princess, i know you enjoy writing your thoughts so i
thought i should get you something personalised, the sunflowers seem
to always brighten up your day, i want you to put these on your bedside
so that when you wake up every morning they brighten up your day,
your mum's portrait, i want you to put it somewhere where you'll never

36
miss it, somewhere you'll be able to see it at all times because that will
always be a reminder that you are never alone, she's with you always,
i love you princess, Happy birthday!"
My gift left me feeling rather emotional, this is very thoughtful, i am
so happy. Today i decide to wear a tight fitting casual dress with a v
neck, it is nude in colour and i pair it with pink block heels, and a pink
handbag, i tie my braids up into a bun then i wear gold loop earrings
to top the look off. I look cute!
I prepare a bowl of muesli and plain yogurt,not an ideal breakfast for
someone with a big appetite but i have to settle for this since I'm a bit
late for work.
As soon as i get to the office, Pabi, the receptionist informs me that
Mr Mazibuko Snr has called a meeting at the boardroom for the whole
department that i work in. Its in an hour's time. My instinct tells me
this is about the Mngomezulu case so I decide to use this hour to
polish up on facts and to strengthen the case with a bit of ensight.
Its time for the meeting,I'm the first one to arrive at the boardroom, i
grab a seat at the far end of the room, that's just who i am, i hate being
in a position which makes people notice me, i dont like being the
center of attention. People start filling in, then Mr Mazibuko Senior
walks in together with his 3 sons.
"Goodmorning, first i would like to apologize for keeping you all away
from doing what you came here to do but a very disturbing issue was
brought to my attention,our attention rather, by Ms Mnisi relating to
the books of Mngomezulu which i believe the whole department is
incharge of handling, i have forwarded the email to all of you and i am
sure that everyone has went through it?"
Everyone nodds in agreement, "great, i have called this meeting to
inform you that for the duration of the investigation, Mr Maqawe
Mazibuko will be put on special leave until the investigation is done"

37
what?! Every one of us looks shocked by the news, Even Maqawe

Himself
"Come on dad, who will take care of my duties while i am on special
leave for something which i clearly have nothing to do with" Maqawe
shouts, you can see the anger written on his face,this guy has a very
dark auro.
"The issue of your duties was next in the agenda, Ms Mnisi will be our
acting CFO for the duration of Mr Maqawe Mazibuko's special leave,
she will also be the one heading the investigation" there's a lot of
commotion in the room, i am caught up in my shock, how can i run a
department on my own? I mean i am fresh from varsity, i know
nothing about how things are done in the corporate. I cannot take up
such a huge responsibility, the success of every company depends on
their financial department.
"Ms Mnisi, will you be able to ?" Mr Phenyo Mazibuko,the head of the
graduate programme asks, I cannot even respond, my hands are
shaking, I'm sweating, I'm nervous,all eyes are on me, i nodd, wait! Did
i just nodd?!
Oh no no no! I cannot do this, i need to say something but i am tongue
tied, this is too much for me. Before i could regain my strength to say
something Mr M Senior beats me to it "Alright then, it is settled,
Meeting dismissed"
Seems as though i am stuck to this chair because i see everyone
walking out but i am still on my seat, Maqawe gives me a mean look
then walks out.
Phenyo walks up to me "are you okay?" He says while pulling the chair
next to me, i just nodd without uttering any word. "This is a great
opportunity, its also good for your CV, look i am not trying to convince
you to accept it, but i believe in you,this company needs someone like
you, i read the report you wrote, i am impressed, you still have a

38
chance to back down if you feel like this is too much for you" he says,
i nodd and smile at him nervously.
He stood up and said"Believe in yourself and remember my door is
always open" he then gave me a pat on my shoulder before walking
out.
I need to call my sister, i dont think i can do this...
Chapter 15
After the call with my sister,i felt a bit more motivated to take up this
opportunity, it is going to be a challenge considering that i am still
persuing my honours on the side but I can handle it. Its almost knock
off time and i am looking forward to spending the evening with Jess
since Tasha has a date with Justin this evening.
I spoke to Mr Mazibuko snr and i informed him that i will take up the
responsibility provided that he allows me to respect Maqawe's office
and continue working from my assigned desk for the duration. All is
settled, I'll be signing the contract on monday morning for now
though,i am leaving.
I wave at Pabi and as usual she returns this with her warm smile,
driving out i decide to pass by at ocean basket to get myself a seafood
boil for supper, i dont feel like cooking and with Jess around, I'll be
spending a lot of time playing dolls and watching cartoons.
I got home, placed the food in the microwave, changed into tights and
a baggy tshirt with my sleepers. Since its still 16h00 i decide to sit by
the balcony and watch the sunset, while reading this amazing novel by
Paulo Coelho- the alchemist.
I read 2 chapters then decided to just go through my phone, i snapped
a couple of cute selfies with snapchat, which is something i havent
done in a really long time, the last time i posted a picture of myself
was during my graduation.

39
I feel cute so i post the snaps on my whatsapp story. Natasha calls to

let me know that she is coming over to bring Jess.
I opened for them "heyyyy sis!" We embrace each other in a hug then
Jess jumps into my arms, she looks so cute in her pink princess dress.
"Hey baby, did you miss aunty Zee?" She nodds, honestly Jess is the
cutest.
Tasha left immediately after dropping Jess off, we first ate, then she
asked for ice cream, now i know better than to give a 3 year old ice
cream in the evening but in order to keep Jess happy we give her what
she wants.
We are sitting now watching Moana, it's just after 8 in the evening and
she's sleepy, but you know how kids are, she is fighting the urge to
sleep. Eventually she dozes off, i go and tuck her in bed then i start
tidying up, putting her toys away, washing the dishes and basically
putting my house back in order.
Now i finally get some me Time, i decide to go through my socials.
There's tons of whatsapp messages of people complimenting the
snaps that i recently posted. I replied to each and every message then
another text came in "i thought you'd never respond" it's from "Future
everything" I really need to change his name to Nhlakanipho , i mean
thats who he is anyway.
"I was kind of caught up in something"not that its any of his business
but i dont wanna appear as rude. "How was your day? How are you
doing?" I am flattered by this, no one ever asks about my day or even
about how i am feeling.
"I'm all good, i can't complain, my day was all good" he reads the
message then leaves it on bluetick. I decide to head to bed.
Next morning, i am woken up by a call from Tasha saying she's outside.
She bought me a pair of sleepers and an apron,i dont even know why
she'd get me an apron as if I'm some makoti or something.

40
Today is my 22nd birthday! My 10th birthday which i spend without

my mother and my first birthday which i get to spend on my own
without my siblings.
I woke up, took a shower and decided to wear gray sweatpants and a
white minnie mouse baggy t shirt, since its 10h00 i decide to clean up,
do my laundry before heading out to get a few ingredients in order to
cook all my favourites
After cleaning up, i prepare a farmhouse breakfast, with a side of
coffee, i havent had the time to prepare this for myself due to work so
i really deserve this.
I'm driving to the mall right now, i get to woolworths and start with
my shopping, i bought ingredients for green salad, alfredo pasta and i
bought lamb Chops, sticky ribs and snacks as well as tinroof ice cream.
I decide to get myself a bottle of non alcoholic wine, well I'm standing
here on the wine isle, I'm confused i dont even know which is which,
"what's the occassion" a familiar voice says this standing right next to
me, its him, it's Nhlakanipho, if i didnt know better I'd say that He is
stalking me, "by the way, happy birthday" he says then smiles, well he
must've got that information from my whatsapp story, i posted a
picture of the gift that my dad bought for me.
"Thank you" i smile then continue looking at the wines in front of me,
"you seem lost, did you find what you are looking for?" He is in his
work uniform so i assume he is on a lunch break.
I finally find what I'm looking for, take two bottles of wine ,i am doing
all this while Nhlakanipho stands there inspecting my every move, this
is so uncomfortable, he bids farewell then i continue with my
shopping.
I got home, cooked my meal and decided to watch a movie,i opted for
"everything,everything" its an emotional romantic movie with a happy
ending, I've read the book but I'd like to watch the movie as well.

41
My afternoon turned into a movie marathon, I've probably watched 5

movies since i got home...
Chapter 16
Its now around 19h00 in the evening, I'm sipping on my non-alcoholic
wine, while chatting with my sisters on whatsapp, I snap a few selfies
then post then on my story with the caption "PJ party for 1" then
immediately after posting it a text comes through "can I gate crash the
party please?" Thats from Nhlakanipho, i dont know this guy, for all i
know he might be some psycho killer, but then again I'm bored and
lonely i could do with some company so I'm taking the risk.
I send him my location instead of saying anything else, in about 10
minutes a call comes through from security and I approve that they
can let my visitor in, i run upstairs to change into something decent, a
pair of sweatpants and a t shirt which i wore earlier at the mall.
I hear a knock, i open the door to be met by Nhlakanipho in sweat
shorts, a vest and slippers, I've never seen him looking so casual. "Hey"
i smile while making way for him to come in,i lead him to the sitting
room "would you like anything to eat? Anything to drink?" He already
has my remote and he's switching through channels without even
paying attention to me.
"Sure, food please, do you have beer?" He is now looking at me, i
mean this guy, why on earth would i have beer if i dont even drink,
well he doesn't know that but anyway...
I just look at him in shock then he bursts out in laughter, i join in while
i walk to the kitchen to dish up for him. Earlier i made alfredo pasta,
sticky grilled ribs and onion sauted pork chops with a side of green
salad and leftover creamy spinach. I put the food on a tray, a damp
dish cloth on the side, a rinsed empty class and a jar of oros with ice
cubes.

42
I serve him the food, he prays then digs in. A man that prays! I'm
impressed honestly. While is eating i decide to go to the kitchen since
theres awkward silence as he eats and he's so focused on whats on
the news. "Zinhle" he calls out for me as he walks towards the kitchen.
" in here" i signal him.
He hands me the plate and wipes his hands with the dish clothe before
saying "the food was amazing, ngiyabonga mvuleni"(thank you
mvuleni, mvuleni is part of the mnisi clan names) he smiles before
walking back but then he stops and looks my direction "are you going
to join me or you'll just let me spend time on my own in your house"
he doesnt even wait for my response, he keeps walking.
I wash the plate then put snacks in a big bowl before heading back to
the sitting room. I sit next to him, we decide on watching a movie, but
we ended up chatting, laughing and basically getting to know each
other....
Chapter 17
I had an amazing evening with Nhlakanipho, i got to know quite a lot
about him and that made me a bit more comfortable around him. He's
28, originally from KZN, came this side in search for greener pastures,
He's the second child and have 3 other siblings, an older brother and
2 younger sisters. He is a sales floor assistant at clicks, he paints during
his spare time and he has a passion for economics.
He left at around 1am,honestly i can safely say i really enjoyed my

birthday,all thanks to Nhlakanipho Mabaso. Today is sunday and i am
headed to church, today i am wearing a yellow pencil skirt, a light
green floral off the shoulder bodysuit, and orange block heels, i let my
braids loose, which reminds me, i need to remove these, i miss my
hair. Before heading out, i snap a mirror selfie, which shows my full
length then post it captioned "church o'clock". Lately i really enjoy the

43
compliments i recieve whenever i post a snap of myself so i do it quite

often.
As i get to my car ready to drive to church, while connecting my phone

to the speaker, a message comes through "you look beautiful
maMnisi, have a great day at church" it's from Nhlakanipho, i find
myself blushing, i hate how this guy is slowly melting my icy heart,
after mulalo i promised myself to never even look at a guy's direction
yet here i am!
I arrive in church, the worship team is already singing, its amazing i can
feel God's prsence already. The Pastor preached about restoration,
something i never understood, he spoke about how God can take
away something which you hold dear to your heart if he feels that it
isnt good for you and he will restore what you have lost with exactly
what he believes you deserve, it will exceed your expectations and
when that time comes ,you'll understand why God had to take certain
things or people away from you. I feel uplifted, the past couple of
years I've lost a lover, I've even lost friends but after today, i am
trusting God because there's nothing too hard for him.
I drove home then decided against cooking since there's leftovers, i

start working on the case that i am investigating before recieving a call
from Nhlakanipho.
"Hello"
"maMnisi,uyaphila?"(maMnisi, are you good)
"I'm good thanks, how are you" i say
"Ngiyaphila nam, i need your help, how do I prepare the pasta that
you dished up for me yesterday?, i tried adding cream to cooked pasta

44
but it just doesnt taste like yours" i laugh at him, couldnt he order
alfredo pasta instead of cooking it for himself.
"Ungahleki mama, ngisize phela(dong laugh mammie, help me
please)" he sounds hurt shame, "come over,there's some of it thats
leftover, we can share" i say "alright I'm on my way" just like that he
hung up on me.
I continue with work until i hear a knock, "come in" i say while in the
sitting room,he walks in wearing black sweatpants and a black t shirt
with black and white addidas push ins. "maMnisi" he says as he sits on
the same couch as me, he smells amazing, i like how he calls me
Mamnisi instead of calling me by my name, so much respect.
I stand to go and heat up the food, dish up for the both of us and hand
him his tray while i put my food aside so that i can tidy up my pc and
the documents that are scattered on my coffee table.
"Your boss has a hand on this fraud, he is well aware of it and he wont
go down without a fight" he says,wait did he go through my work, well
he did say that he has a passion for economics so i understand his
interest in this case.
He goes on to saying "request to see his office footage from when he

was the one handling the books, isnt it that he met with Mngomezulu
on Wednesday, request the footage and listen to what was discussed,
check the duration of the footage, financial briefings usually take not
more than an hour if it is less than that it means one of them wasn't
doing their job properly"

45
I'm shocked, why is this guy working at a retail store when clearly he
could do so much more?
Chapter 18
I'm shocked... actually thats an understatement i dont even
understand how Nhlaka has so much intel on how things work in the
corporate when this person is merely just a shop assistant.
"Nhlakanipho, how?...how do you know so much?" I think only then
does it register to him that he has said a lot more than he should've.
"I think you should leave" i say this while standing up and walking
towards the door, suddenly i feel unsafe around this stranger in front
of me. He looks defeated but respects my request and walks out.
Nhlakanipho's POV
I can see i must've really shaken Zinhle with all that I've said so i wont
even protest, I'll just leave her to process everything first before even
contacting her.
You're also probably wondering how i happen to know so much about
the corporate... well let me introduce myself then you'll find out.
I'm Nhlakanipho Mabaso, 28 years of age and a holder of a degree in
economics as well as an MBA graduate. I have a passion for
economics. I have 3 siblings, an older brother and 2 younger sisters. I
am originally from KZN in Bergville, i come from a well off family, my
dad is a chief and my mum is a qualified nurse.
I am married with no kids, yes i know you're probably judging me right
now but this was an arrangement. I had to do it for my dad, I've always
lived in my dad's shadow,I've always lived to impress him until 2 years
ago when i decided to leave it all behind and go and start a new life
far away from what i knew, I decided to cut all communication with
anyone back home, i left without telling anyone, my Wife, Thembi was
away visiting her family and i took that as an opportunity to run, my
family didnt even bother looking for me which i truly appreciate.
46
I work at a retail store because i have no references on my CV, a 28

year old with no working experiences at all, hence why i cannot get
the job that i am qualifed for because of lack of experience so i keep
myself well informed about the financial industry hence why when i
saw what Zinhle was working on, i got overly excited and decided to
blab about forgetting that I'll probably just creep her out.
Truth is, I'm in love with Zinhle, i fell in love with her the moment i
layed my eyes on her, i remember every moment of it, her scent, her
shy smile, her cute chubby cheeks as she smiled, her clear caramel
skin, her rich fluffy afro. I haven't felt like this in a really long time, i
like the feeling i get when i am with her. Zinhle makes me feel like a
man, she treats me with respect, like how any Zulu man would like to
be treated. Around her i get to forget how much of a failure and a
coward that i am. But what happens when she finds out who i am?
What happens when she gets to know the real me? I dont think i stand
a chance with her, she'll probably go for someone in the same level as
she is, not some coward who works at a retail store to earn a living.
Zinhle's POV
After Nhlakanipho left, i tried watching TV to get my mind off things a
bit, since TV wasn't helping i decided to call it a night. I head to bed
since tomorrow is the contract signing i need to be fresh and ready to
take on the new post,which my dad is super excited about.
Monday morning,i am up at 6 am, i take a shower then head
downstairs to prepare breakfast, today i miss home so i decide to cook
white porridge, i add butter and sugar and honestly as soon as i
indulge i get the feeling of home, i miss being home with my family, i
miss being in a familiar environment, i truly miss breathing air that i
am familiar with.
After cleaning up and washing my dishes i go up stairs to get dressed,
while preparing i get a message from tasha saying she misses me and
she'll come and see me after work. I reply with heart emojis.

47
Today i wean my tight fitting pencil dress, red in colour, its a slight off
shoulder, pair it with black block heels, and i decide to wear a
doek(headwrap) because my braids dont look great anymore so i tie
my braids into a high bun, lay my edges then put a headwrap like how
lauryn hill wears it? You know how boomshaka used to tie their doeks?
Yep I'm rocking it like a real african queen today.
I take selfies, this has now become a norm, i guess i just love the
attention I'm getting from my facebook, whatsapp and insta friends.
Mulalo has been reacting on my posts quite a lot ey, but I wont even
entertain him he's not worth my time.
Driving to work i am blasting Joyous celebration - ukuhlala kuye, this
song uplifts me, its a song about giving glory to God and thanking him
for keeping me under his wing.
I got to work and it seems I'm earlier than usual, i head straight to my
desk, i start working on the final touches of my report, i decide to
gamble and take the risk of adding in what Nhlakanipho suggested and
hope for the best. A message comes through, its from Nhlaka:
"maMnisi, I'm sorry if i freaked you up but I'm available to answer all
your questions whenever you are comfortable enough, I'm sorry that i
freaked you out, good luck on your investigation,i know you'll do your
best,enjoy your day.
Your future everything"
I wont even respond to this... i am buried in my work until the board
meeting starts, i am at the boardroom ready to present my findings
just as the meeting is about to start, Maqawe walks in, i know i stood
up to him but he still intimidates me...
Chapter 19
The meeting went well although Maqawe is appealing the decision of
being removed at the CFO so instead of fighting him i decided against
taking up the position of acting CFO.

48
The board considers the route that Nhlaka suggested so i guess i owe
him some appreciation for his help. I make a mental note to call him
as soon as i get home. The rest of the day i am doing my work as usual
when Phenyo comes and stands by my desk without saying anything,
when i look up i am met by his eyes, weird....
"Mr P, Hey" i smile warmly, well thats me trying to break the

awkwardness. "Zinhle please, call me Phenyo, i was wondering, since
its almost lunchtime , would you like to eat with me? I mean i brought
more than enough?" Shame he looks so shy right now and he's trying
so hard to hide it. I find that really cute. I mean lunch with my boss
doesn't sound like such a bad idea right?.
"Sure i dont mind" i smile back, "great, see you at lunchtime, my

office" he winks and me before walking off. As he walks off i take the
time to actually admire his physical features, I've never really got to
look at him in that way, he's still my boss but i mean we all need a bit
of eye candy every now and then.
Phenyo is clean, dark skinned, like 12am dark, with thick pink lips, your
typical fuckboy fade haircut with dreadlocks, a gold tooth and he's also
well built, you can tell that he is a regular at the gym, he's insanely tall
though. He dresses well but honestly even if i was ready for dating i
wouldnt consider him, he's way above my league, he's also way older.
Anyway its lunchtime already, i pack my bag and head to Phenyo's

office, i find him there with his PA, "alright Gale, thats all for now we'll
continue after lunch" he addresses his PA while looking at me as i walk

49
in, i feel rather uncomfortable. His PA gives me a nasty look before

walking out, i wonder what that was about...
"Hey, grab a seat, i hope you'll enjoy this, i prepared it" he looks
pleased with himself as he opens the 2 lunchboxes in front of him. It
has hake fish, yellow rice, green salad and caslaw, it looks very
appetising. "It looks appetizing, I'm impressed" he smiles at my
comment, "may i bless the food for us?" Wow, a man that prays,
okayyyy!
He prays then we indulge, it's not bad for a guy, the hake could do with
a bit of lemon juice, its a bit on the dry side, the rice is a bit
undercooked. But overall it tastes great. "So what would you have
done with the second lunchbox had i declined this?" He chuckles a bit
and swallows first before responding, "i didnt think of that as a
possibility, i guess i would've eaten both the lunchboxes". I truly
enjoyed my lunch break,Phenyo is a chilled guy, he cracks jokes here
and there and i appreciate that for that duration we didnt get to
discuss work.
As i bid him farewell since lunch is over, when i am about to walk

out,Maqawe walks in "well this looks cosy" he says evil eyeing me, i
honestly wonder what on earth i ever did to this guy. "Qawe whats
your problem?" Phenyo asks looked rather annoyed. "I didnt mean to
disturb your little...date, i just came to drop this off" then he walks out
"Please dont mind him, he just feel intimidated by you" i smile at him
then walk back to my desk.

50
The rest of the day goes on just fine, knock off time already and I'm so
excited to get to spend time with Tasha and Jess.
As soon as i got home i took a shower, changed into leggings and a

crop top hoodie, it might be spring but its raining and a bit windy
today. I get started on unbraiding my hair. Tasha and Jess finally arrive
while I'm still busy unbraiding so Tasha offers to help.
"Sooo,you and Justin?" I ask, she's glowing, her face beams when i
mention Justin's name, my girl is in love! "Chomie he makes me so
happy, i cannot even describe the feeling, i never thought I'd ever love
again" one thing about Tasha, she's a very emotional person but she
tries so hard to hide it, right now her eyes glitter with tears, its tears
of joy for a change,i am happy.
"I'm so happy for you sis, i wish you guys nothing but happiness, you
deserve it" i get up and give her a tight hug and now the water works!
We are both in tears, Jess isnt even paying attention to us, she's
enjoying her cheese curls.
"Chomie he accepts my daughter, he loves her like his own, when he

talks about Jess you'd think he's talking about his own child" my friend
has met her soulmate, see i might not believe in love and happy
endings for myself but I get excited when someone close to my heart
experiences it. I mean we cannot all have soulmates right? Some of us
are meant to die alone i guess.
"Wena chomie, when are you going to get back on the dating scene
again? I mean you are beautiful and smart, you deserve happiness

51
too" i chuckle as i am about to respond to her madness we hear a

knock, well its probably the building maintenance people because i am
not expecting anyone.
I get up from the carpet, since Jess was unbraiding me, theres still
quite a long way to go with these braids. As soon as i open the door, a
familiar manly scent hits my nostrils, Nhlaka stands outside my door,
wearing grey sweat shorts, a white vest, white socks and push in, he
looks wet and its raining outside so i step aside and allow him in.
I lead him to the sitting room, Tasha knows about him but they've
never met. "Hey, I'm tasha, Zee's friend, you must be Nhlaka, I've
heard so much about you" oh my word! Tasha can be such a loud
mouth sometimes, i mean why would she say that!
Nhlaka looks at me with a smirk on his face before responding to Tasha

"its great to finally meet the mother of this cute little princess" he says
trying to take Jess from Tasha's hands but Jess refuses,we all laugh.
"Well we were just leaving, goodnight chomie" is she really going to

do this to me? I mean I'm a mess, my hair is half baids and half afro,
I'm not wearing a bra,my socks are not even matching, Tasha will pay
for this!
Nhlaka gets comfortable "so would you like anything to drink?" I ask
trying to fix my hoodie and my hair, he laughs lightly "coffee please,
I'm freezing" i prepare 2 cups of strong coffee, serve it to him then go
to the bathroom downstairs to get him a towel, "thank you" thats all

52
he says then we both sit in silence while sipping on our coffee,

watching Sofia the first, since Jess was the one watching TV.
Chapter 20
"Zinhle, I came here to apologize, it kills me that we went from talking
everyday to not talking at all,i cannot take this silence anymore" he's
not looking at me, this to me looks like a guilty person.
I dont respond, i just keep looking at him which is my way of signalling
him to go on. "I am Nhlakanipho Mabaso, a graduate from UKZN, i
studied economics then went on to doing my MBA, i dont have any
working experience thats why I'm working at a retail store" he pauses,
its as if he has more to say. He takes a sip of his coffee, I'm still starring
at him without saying a thing.
He looks at me then looks down, "i came to Cape town in search for
greener pastures, i came here to start a new life" we came here for
the same reason i guess.
"I thought I'm only here for work, until i met you, my reasons for
staying here changed, you gave me more reason not to go back to KZN,
I fell in love with you the very moment when i laid my eyes on you,
ngiyakthanda Ntokazi yakwa Mnisi( i love you)" he was looking down
as he spoke but when he said the last part, he stared right into my
eyes.
"I just came here to tell you the truth about who i am, what i do and
why i so happened to know so much about dealing with fraud and
mismanagement of funds, I'm sorry if I made you feel some type of
way, thats all i came here to say, I'll be out of your way now"
I havent said anything, i dont know what to say, I dont want him to
leave,but then again, but i promised myself to never allow this to
happen again, I'm not meant to be in love, this wont end well. He
walks out and i am brought back to the present when i hear the door
shut.
53
2 weeks later
Its a new month, work has been amazing, well the investigation was
dismissed when Mngomezulu decided that they'd rather cancel their
contract with us instead of allowing the investigation to proceed. I
guess that proves that my findings where actually correct.
Phenyo and i have been spending almost all our lunch breaks together,
we've become more like friends now, although people at the office
assume that we are an item.
I havent spoken to Nhlaka since the evening when he came to my
place. After he left, i gathered the little courage in me and sent him a
text telling him my reasons why i cannot be with him, i told him about
what happened with Mulalo and the promise and vow i made to
myself and God. He read the message but never responded, i was hurt,
but then again what did i expect?
Its a friday today, and again I've got no plans for the weekend, Tasha
is meeting Justins family over the weekend. I tried talking to her about
the pace at which their relationship is going, i mean thier less than a
year together but already he is playing daddy and she is meeting the
family. She bluntly told me to stay out of her business, so I'll step back.
"Zee lets go, uzoqedela masibuya(you'll finish up when we get back)"
one thing about Phenyo, he's very impatient, he said he has something
that he would like to show me so since its lunch time we are heading
out.
"finally! So we'll be driving in my car" another thing about him is that
he never asks, typical zulu man. Anyway we get into his car and drive
off, he switches on the radio and playing on his radio is isgcinci by
mduduzi ft big zulu. Its one of my favourite songs currently, i start
singing along then i notice that he's also singing along.
I'm shocked, he looks at me and smiles slightly then we continue
singing along with our bad voices, we laugh at each other as we miss

54
some notes to the song. It's a nice drive, its always refreshing to spend
time with Phenyo. We drive into an estate,at the gate the security just
waves at him meaning he's a regular here.
We are parked into a drive way, the house we are parked at his
beautiful, tuscan style and has a huge garden, the grass is green and
looks well taken care of, there's a small water fountain at the far end
of the garden, next to it is a nice big tree with a swinging chair, that
right there looks like an amazing outdoor reading space.
He opens the door for me "welcome to my humble abode" we both
chuckle "well modesty doesnt suit you" ,he helps me out of the car, he
has about 4 cars i think, today he came with the ford ranger, I'm short
so it's a bit difficult getting out of such a big car.
We walk in, this house is beautiful, it has cream white walls, nice
wooden ceiling and tiles but it could do with a feminine touch. As I am
busy admiring the house, "can i lead you to the patio, I'll be back in a
minute" he holds my hand and leads me outside, there's beautiful
braai area, a large swimming pool and a basket ball court,estates are
big, but i had no idea it would be this insanely huge.
Phenyo comes out as i am enjoying the cool breeze, he has his shirt
sleeves up and he is wearing an apron, looking very sexy if you ask me.
He's holding a tray with juice, crackers, fruits, cheese and biltong,
"please indulge in this while i put the final touches to our meal" he
smiles nervously then walks back to the kitchen.
After about 10 minutes of sitting alone i decide to go to the kitchen
and join him because well its getting a bit boring out here. I search for
the kitchen in this big house and i find him starring at what looks like
burnt pasta, he doesnt notice that I'm standing by the door, he looks
so frustrated i burst out in laughter and only then does he notice me,
he joins me and we laugh about his epic fail.

55
"I was trying to impress you with my mad cooking skills but you
couldnt stay away for long enough to allow me to finish" he says this
while trying to scrape the burnt pasta off the pot,i mean who on earth
burns pasta?!
"I guess ngibonile ukuthi(i felt that) you needed me in here" i continue
laughing at him. "How about we cook together, i mean we need to
head back to the office soon" i suggest, he looks at me as if he is a bit
disappointed by what i said.
"Sure, what would you like us to make madame?" He's looking
through the fridge waiting for me to respond, i push him away and we
laugh, i take out lamb chops, fresh rosemary, butter,garlic and
ingredients to prepare green salad, i prepare pasta with cheese sauce,
green salad, chops sauted in butter, rosemary and garlic. I ended up
cooking on my own while he sat and watched.
Finally dished up, we sat down and ate, say grace then we dig in,
"hmmmmm" he involuntarily says that with his eyes closed, he notices
then quickly snaps out of it, Phenyo is funny, we laugh about it.
"maMnisi, is there more food left?" This guy just dissed my cooking
though. "Did you not just say that i cannot cook?" I chuckle and he
joins in, i ended up dishing up more food for him.
As we were washing dishes, he accidently spilled his wine on my shirt
because he didnt notice that i was right behind him, I'm wearing a
white blouse with a peach skirt, both colours are bright so the wine
stain is visible.
"I'm so sorry maMvuleni" he is trying to whipe it off but that seems to
be making the stain worse, "Phenyo we are supposed to be heading
back to work, I dont think I'll have enough time to go to my place and
change into something else" I'm pancicking.
"Okay okay, relax, let me sort this out" he grabs his phone
"Hello Pabi, its Mr P, I'm here with Ms Mnisi,she's not feeling well so i

56
had to rush her to the home" he keeps quiet listen to the person on
the other end
"Dont worry, tell him that I will discuss this issue with him on monday,
if he gives you any trouble tell him to contact me" silence
"Alright thanks Pabi" he ends the call.
"Sorted, now we dont need to go back to work" he says "but what
about my clothes?" I'm close to tears, this is my favourite shirt, he sees
that i am sad "lets go upstairs and find you something to wear while
we put your clothes in the washer,how about that?"
Chapter 21
Phenyo said we'd go back to the office later to fetch my car before i
head home.
I'm a big girl so most of Phenyo's sweatpants dont fit me, i ended up
wearing his T shirt only since he's tall the T shirt is baggy enough, plus
i always wear tights under my clothes so I'm sorted, he changed into
shorts and a Vest with flip flops. I've never seen him ouside of his suits,
he looks great, he has a nice body, which is well complimented by his
coffee dark skin.
"How about we watch a movie, your pick?" He asks while walking
down the stairs he finds me sitting in the lounge and he sits right next
to me. "How about we watch "why did i get married?""
"Sounds depressing" he says this before he chuckles, i playfully hit his
chest and we ended up agreeing on watching that movie, as we are
watching it, there house phone rings meaning there might be
someone at the gate, he gets up, talks to whoever then comes back.
He looks nervous, "uhm Zee, my parents are outside" oh no! I'm
frozen, i dont know what to do or say, i go upstairs to check on my
clothes, he is following me, well lucky enough my skirt has drived up,
i wear it. "I'm sorry, i had no idea that they were coming" he looks

57
really nervous "no no its okay,I'll wait here while you go and sit with
them" he looks at me like i just said something foreign.
"maMnisi, if i have to drag you out of this room i will, you will go
downstairs with me and we will sit with my parents, plus uMazibuko
adores you" is this guy insane.
"Asambe(lets go)" i wont even protest, first of all I'm wearing a big T
shirt and Size 10 slippers but at least i have my skirt on.
"ndodana(son)" his dad greets him with a firm handshake, i am
standing next to Phenyo, looking down, this is embarrasing. "maMnisi,
it's lovely to see you again, knocked off already?" This is awkward, I'm
supposed to be at work, i am here with my boss's son who also
happens to be my manager. See,Mr Mazibuko Snr is barely ever at the
office so we dont get to see much of him.
"Cha baba, uMamnisi wasnt feeling well, so i thought i could fix her a
home remedy but she got worse as we were about to drive back to
work" his dad just smiles and walks towards the couch.
His mum stands and gives Phenyo a hug and a kiss on his cheek "boy
boy ka mama, uyaphila? You've lost so much weight Phenyo" this is a
cute sight, i suppress my laugh, Phenyo sees this and he smiles.
"Ma, this is Zinhle, she's a friend" she looks at me then back at him
with a smile, i put my hand out for a handshake but instead she pulls
me in for a hug, " i am Elizabeth, but you can call me maMazibuko, its
so lovely to meet you, your skin , your hair, umuhle mntanami(you're
beautiful my child)" i smile shly then they all sit down so I decide to
make myself useful and prepare something to eat for them, since
there's food left over from earlier.
I heat up the food and dish up for both of them, put it on a tray, put a
jar of juice and a warm dish cloth then i go and serve them, after
putting the tray down as i walk back to the kitchen. "Uyaphi
mntanami(where are you going my child)" that's Phenyo's mom, "oh,i

58
thought i should give you some space I'll be at the kitchen" she smiles
"nonsense, come join us" i sit on the couch opposite Phenyo, they
start digging into the food.
There's a bit of small talk here and there, they finally bid farewell after
about an hour or 2 of being here, Phenyo accompanies them out while
i wash the dishes and change back into my shirt, its late now i should
go home
Chapter 22
*Phenyo's POV*
My parents finally decide to leave, i can see that Zee was
uncomfortable around them and they kind of ruined my plans. "Boy
boy ingane lena(she's a child)" thats my mum, i sigh, i dont even know
what to say.
Zinhle has an effect on me, she challenges me, she's so driven and
focused, i find that really attractive,she knows what she wants and
she's not afraid to go for it, i love her confidence, she is confident in
her own skin, she dresses well and she's well mannered.
"Mwelase(clan name) i hope you know what you are doing, this girl is
too young" with that said she walks off to the car leaving me and my
dad standing on the veranda.
"I'm not pleased with this, she's young ndodana, she's 8 years younger
than you, you are going to distract her" see what i meant when i said
dad adores Zinhle? He thinks she has the potential to run a whole
company on her own.

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"Baba, weren't you the one that told us that it's better for a man to be
with a woman who's a bit younger? Isnt there a 13 years age gap
between you and Ma?" He sighs "this is different son, she's young, she
seems to be clueless about relationships while you are experienced,
you'll hurt her" he's probably right, I'm dont deserve Zee, she's soft
and loving, I'm just empty.
"Think things through before initiating a relationship with her, take

your time son" he gives me a pat on the back then walks to his car. I
guess he's right, if i really want to be with Zinhle then i shouldn't rush
things with her.
When i get inside the house i find her all ready and waiting for me by
the kitchen, i really dont have strength to say anything so i grab my
car keys and signal her that we may go.
The drive back to work was rather quiet, music was playing but none
of us spoke to the other, it took everything in me not to hold her hand
or look at her while driving, Zinhle is everything, everything that i
cannot have.
Zee's POV
Well even a stranger can tell that Phenyo's mood went all the way to
a zero after speaking to his parents, i dont want to even ask about it.
When we get to work, he doesnt even get come of his car, he just waits
for me to get inside mine before he drives off, well i guess this was just
a good day which took a turn for the worst.

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I got to my place, changed into my PJ's and started cooked, i made

chicken and rice. After cooking i ate then studied a bit, exams are
coming up, in case you forgot i am doing my honors via distance
learning.
I lost track of time, i realised its 3am already and I've been studying
since 7 in the evening. I pack my books and head to bed
*A month later*
I've had a rather dry couple of weeks, it was the same normal routine
throughout, go to work, get home, eat, check up on my family then
study. My exams went well, I also had shorter working hours because
of exams. My friendship with Phenyo kind of dissolved, maybe its
because of my exams and he avoids being a distraction.
Today is the 1st of December, i cannot believe that this year went by
so quickly. I'm getting my results around the 10th and only then will i
know whether or not to prep for my honours graduation, it's been a
tough year ,trying to juggle both work and school wasnt easy but i did
well with all my other tests and exams and hopefully the results are a
reflection of my hardwork.
Work has been a bit less hectic in the past couple of days, since most
companies are preparing for the holidays there's not much work for
us, only just making sure that all books are updated and balancing
everything that occured in the current year. Our company is closing on
the 15th then we'll open again on the 15th of January. I've decided to
take a break from studying for just next year thereafter i can consider
futhering or getting a new qualification.

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I'm so excited that in just a couple of days I'll finally get to see my
family again, i miss home. Its knock off time already, well i got my
salary yesterday but i didnt get the chance to go grocery shopping plus
i have nothing to cook so i drive to the mall. Started at woolworths, i
bought everything i needed in the food section, paid then went to look
for clothes, its been a while since i bought myself any new clothes.
What was supposed to be a mini shopping turned into me buying

almost every clothing item i came across, i even bought myself a swim
set. Now to clicks to get my toiletries. Well i cannot find the sanitary
pads that i usually buy, they're probably out of stock, this is a bummer,
I'm sensitive to other brands. Maybe i should ask, they probably have
the stock but they havent packed it or probably have it in another
branch.
"Excuse me,hi, could you kindly assist me I'm looking for a specific
brand of pads but i see the shelves are empty"
She looks at me and briefly smiles "good day mam, unfortunately I'm
just a sales floor assistant, I'm unaware of the availability of stock, can
i call the manager for you?" She's so polite, she also looks very young.
I smile back at her "i would really appreciate that please" she walks off
to whereever then i keep checking out other pads that are available if
it so happens that i cannot find what I'm here for.
"Mam, the manager will be with you shortly" then she stands next to
me, "Good day Miss, how may i assist you" thats voice again, the voice
that i haven't heard in months, the voice that I've longed to hear in a
really long time, my heart breaks at the thought of how things ended
before they even started.
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"Uhm... I, I'm looking for a specific brand of sanitary pads but i see the
shelf is empty so i was wondering if you could check if they're available
at any other clicks store nearby?" Well here i am looking nervous and
shaky, Nhlaka looks unfazed, his face is just emotionless. "No problem,
please come with me mam" i follow after him to what looks like the
managers office, when did he become the manager though?
He asked for the brand and checked "unfortunately it doesnt look like
there's any of these available close by, the only store that has 2
packets left is 3 hours away" well thats a bummer. I thank him before
walking out, the akwardness between us really broke my heart, but i
guess i asked for it.
I drove back home, when i got there I changed into my summer

pyjamas, then started cooking, today i felt like making oxtail and
creamy mash with cheesy brocolli on the side. I switched on the radio
since i cannot connect my phone because i needed to charge it.
As i was cooking, i hear a knock, wipe my hands then i attend to it, but
who could it be? "Hey, i came bearing gifts" he smiles for the first time
today, i step aside and allow him in. He hands me a clicks plastic bag,
when i check the content of the pastic bag, its about 4 packs of
sanitary pads, the ones that i use. I chuckle a bit ,"Ngiyabonga
Nhlaka(thank you)" he smiles back.
"Well let me get going, have a nice evening" i guess the good vibes
were short lived, he's back to his formal self again, he walks to the
door but stops midway then turns back to me, i dont know how or

63
when it happens but his lips crash into mine, at first i dont respond
because I'm still trying to comprehend what had just happened, I
finally respond to it when i felt his hands travel to my waist. His hands
move further below my waist until one hand reaches my butt cheek,
he squeezes it and lets out a groan, I feel my body reacting to this, but
i need to stop this, it feels so good though. I pull back immediately
when i feel his shaft poking through his sweatpants.
I'm looking down, i dont know if it is because I'm suddenly feeling shy
or is it because I'm embarrassed that my body reacted. "maMnisi,
please look at me" he's holding my chin, I'm still in his arms and this
feels great.
I eventually look up "I'm not him, it's unfair for you to judge me based
on your past experience, I'm a man and a real man knows when he has
found treasure, I'd never hurt you intentionally, let me in maMvuleni,
let me be the one to prove to you that true love is not a fairytale, let
me love you the way you deserve to be loved" I'm tearing up, I feel my
tears gush down my cheeks, he wipes them off with his thumb before
kissing my cheek as well as my forehead before pulling me to his chest.
I cry, for the first time since what happened between Mulalo and i, i
let it all out, I finally get to let out the pain that I've been feeling for so
long, Nhlaka just lets me be, he is not saying a word, all he does is just
kiss my forehead and rub my back, i needed this...
Chapter 23
I woke up in bed but i dont even remember how i got here or even
when i fell asleep. I think I'm woken up by the amazing aroma, it smells

64
like bacon and sausages. I got out of bed, wore my robe and walked
downstairs.
I am met by a shirtless greek God working his way around my kitchen,

i stand by the door and admire the sight in front of me, he turns back
then notices me standing there, he walks over to me with a smile and
embraces me in his bare arms "maMvuleni, sawubona(good
morning)" he tries to kiss me but i move back, he gives me a concerned
look.
"Morning breath, i havent brushed me teeth" i try to get out of his grib
but he tightens it a bit "princess, soon enough when you're Mrs
Mabaso you'll wake up to my morning breath everyday,so better get
used to this" then he plants a wet kiss on my lips, I expected more but
he moves back to his pots, i guess he wants me to beg.
"So what's for breakfast?" I'm now sitting on the high chair admiring
him as he moves around the kitchen. "Wait and see, My lady"
A few minutes later he places a plate in front of me it has eggs(sunny

side up),bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, grated cheese and fish
fingers. This is all too much for me "you know if i didnt know better I'd
think you're on a mission to make me gain more weight than i already
have" he chuckles as he hands me a glass of cold orange juice.
"I plan on doing so, but not through food babe, there are other ways"
he winks then we start eating. After breakfast we washed the dishes
together, i didnt want this to end, i wanted to call in sick at work but

65
Nhlaka wasnt having it, he straight up told me we cant skip work we

can always see each other later.
He showered downstairs as i was upstairs preparing. I'm dressed in a

tight fitting nude dress, with nude and see through pencil heels and i
tied my hair into a bun then laid my edges. I walked down to find him
sitting there waiting for me with a lunchbox in his hand.
"This is for you" Nhlaka hands me the lunchbox. How thoughtful, i

think I'm going to enjoy having him around "thank you so much" i
smile at him. We walk to the parking lot together, Nhlaka drives a golf
7 GTI which is red in colour, I'm sure girls go crazy over him. I feel a
flush of jealousy.
He walks me to my car "enjoy your day at work princess, i love you"

he kisses my forehead,opens my door for me then waits until i drive
off.
Nhlaka and i agreed to give us a chance and take things slow until i am
fully healed. I'm happy but part of me is still a bit afraid of heartbreak.
Work was okay, nothing much to be done really, i spoke to Nhlaka

during lunchtime and when i knocked off.
*a week later*
I passed! I have obtained my honours specialising in Taxation, I've
never been so proud. I've achieved so much in such a short space of
time. Graduation is on March 15th. Now i can finally start planning for
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that day. My dad is most excited about the news,my sisters cannot
wait until i get home so we can celebrate, I'm going home by the end
of this week.
Nhlaka and i have been inseparable, if we are not together then we're
texting and video calling each other non-stop, i honestly love and
appreciate the attention I'm getting. Today is wednesday and I'm
already back from work, i need to start packing I'll leave on friday
evening.
I changed into tights and a baggy T shirt with slippers, then got started
with packing. While busy arranging my shoes a text comes through
"what's for dinner babe?" One thing about Nhlaka is that he never
waits for an invite, he shows up whenever and one of my favourite
things is that he always comes bearing gifts.
"I'm feeling like pizza and wings" he responds with heart emojis, he's
probably on his way here so i go downstairs, tidy up, mop the floor
and hang my laundry outside. Theres a knock, I'm so excited but i dont
even understand why because i saw this person just yesterday. As
soon as i open the door i jump into his arms, he smells amazing, he
looks great too, looks like he went to the salon, his beard is freshly
trimmed and his bald head is well... bald as usual.
"Looks like somebody missed me" he walks in and places the food on
the kitchen counter. As i am dishing up he comes up behind me and
stands rather too close. He holds my waist and starts kissing my neck,
his hands move inside my baggy t shirt all the way to my bare breasts,
he moves his finger in circular motion around my nipple, this feel so
good i involuntarily let out a moan, he turns me around and kisses me
67
like life depended on it, his hands move down to my butt and he
squeezes it while pulling me closer to him. I feel his shaft poking me
so i pull back.
He smiles, his eyes have gotten smaller "hey Princess" he perks my lips
before letting go of me, the way my body feels right now is all foreign
to me. "maMvuleni letha ukudla phela(bring the food)" i guess he
noticed that i kind of froze on the spot that he left me in.
I serve him the food, "uhm,I'm gonna go and take a quick shower, I'll
be right down" he chuckles and nodds. I feel so sticky between my
thighs, this is all foreign,i dont understand what happens to my body
whenever Nhlaka touches me. After the shower i get dressed in a
below the knee dress and flip flops.
I remember that i have to tell Nhlaka that I'm leaving this friday.
"Mtungwa(clan name)" he smiles, this is the widest smile I've seen on
his face "yebo maMvuleni" i sit next to him "ngiyahamba(I'm leaving)"
well his face immediately changes "ngiya ekhaya(I'm going home) on
friday for the december holidays"
He keeps quiet and continues watching tv like i didnt just tell him
something important "mbulazi(clan names) please say something" i
see that this is softening him up a bit. "Babe kanti ubungasho ngani
sonke les'khathi(why didnt you tell me sooner)"
"I'm sorry, it slipped my mind" i say looking down "no Zinhle, you knew
that whether you told me or not there was nothing i can do about it
because your mind is made up angithi?" I keep quiet. "communication

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is important Zinhle and if you cannot communicate withme about

smalls things how will you be able to tell me about more important
things?" Well he has a point there.
"Ngiyaxolisa Mntungwa ka Mbulazi(I'm sorry)" he grabs his car keys,

"send me your flight details I'll drive you to the airport"he kisses my
forehead then walks out just like that....
Chapter 24
I'm packed and ready for joburg!! My dad will arrange for my car to be
brought home for me again, its 5 pm and my flight leaves in an hour,
I'm waiting for uMbulazi, we haven't spoken since the day he stormed
out, i cooked for him as a gesture of saying I'm sorry, i sent him my
flight details he didnt respond but he openned the messages.
I spent this morning with Jess and Tasha, Tasha was assisting me with
packing and cleaning up, I packed 3 bags but i still feel like I'm
underpacked if Thats even a thing.
I've been waiting for Nhlaka since 4pm i was actually hoping we'd have
lunch together before i go home but i guess i thought wrong. I tried
calling him but he isnt picking up.
"Babe i know i promised to drive you to the airport but I'm held up at
work, have a safe trip, i love you maMvuleni" this better be a prank, i
try calling him again and it rings unanswered. Well that hurts, but I'm
used to this anyway.

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I request an uber to the airport, as i was waiting for my flight someone

pats my shoulder, i turn back and to my disappointment its Phenyo,
well i was hoping it would be Nhlaka and we'd laugh about that sms
as if it never happened.
"Going somewhere?" He asks, flashing his smile. "Well I'm going home
for the holidays, where are you off to?" I ask. "I'm attending a friend's
wedding in Joburg, by the way, congratulations on your win! Well
done on bagging that honours qualification" i smile, I'm truly proud of
myself. "Thank you" i smile, we chat until its finally time to leave,
coincidentally our seats are next to each other.
The 2 hours flight was like a 15 minutes ride with Phenyo cracking
jokes, telling me about his childhood and his varsity days, he was your
typical fuckboy apparently, but you can tell by the gold tooth and the
way he dresses now.
Its evening already when we land and i want to surprise my family so

I'll uber home instead of asking someone to fetch me, "i booked a car
for the weekend, i wouldnt mind driving you home, its not safe to uber
at this time of the night" he's such a gentleman, i agree because truth
is, i was also a bit afraid of ubering at night.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" He asks. "Ah nothing really, i
guess spending time with the family" i say.
He keeps quiet we drive all the way to my older sister's house in
morningside sandton, we are now parked outside the gate, "would
you like to be my plus 1 for the wedding tomorrow?, i mean I'll
understand if you cannot make it" he looks nervous, i laugh and he

70
joins in. One thing about Phenyo, i get to be myself around him, i get
to be dumb and laugh at silly things while with Nhlaka even a small
joke somehow gets him all worked up.
I agree and he said he'll whatsapp me the details. He helps me offload

my luggage then i ring my sister's intercom. "Mthethwa residence"
thats my sister's husband, "Hey Bhuti, please open up its Zinhle" the
gate opens and i walk in, but Phenyo is right behind me holding my 2
other bags, but where is he going?!
I thought he'd leave the bags inside the yard then go but he's standing
with me waiting for someone to open the door,as soon as Thengi
opens the door she runs to be and embraces me with a warm hug, the
kids also run to be and now each one of them wants to give me an
update on what has been happening since i was gone. I'm getting
emotional,i missed this.
"Haii hambani niyolala nina(go to bed)" thats my sister addressing her

kids, they dont look too pleased about this but they took my luggage
and walked in. "Sisi, this is my manager,Phenyo Mazibuko" my sister
stares at him before she fakes a smile "so do you do this with all your
employees?, i mean driving them home at night?" But why is she
attacking him though? "Cha sisi, i only helped her because i was
coming to the same neighborhood and it's late for an uber" my sister
nodds. "should i fix you something to eat?" She addresses me, i nodd
and just like that she walks off leaving me with Phenyo.
"I'm sorry about that, she's very protective of me" Phenyo looks at me
and smiles. "I understand, i would to if i had such a beautiful younger
sister" I smile back shyly. I walk him back to his car and he drives off.
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As soon as i got into the house i found my sister in the kitchen so i sat
on the high chair as she prepared food for me "Ntomb'Zinhle" she
never calls me never calls me by my full name unless its something
serious so i wonder what this is about "sis?" Shes not even looking my
direction "umdala lomfana(that guy is old)" i know she's talking about
Phenyo, "yebo sisi, we are just friends and colleagues" she looks at me
then stares back at the plate shes dishing up.
"Just be careful not to mix business with pleasure, it never ends well"
she hands me a plate then walks out, well she's right, Phenyo is old
and he's my manager so i cannot pursue anything with him, plus I'm
with Nhlaka.
Chapter 25
Nhlakanipho's POV*
I was supposed to drive Zinhle to the airport today,but i recieved a call
from my younger sister letting me know that uMa has been asking
about me and that she isnt in the best of health but she was told not
to contact me, actually no one was supposed to tell me about my
mothers state. I totally understand why though, i decided to drive back
home soon after speaking to Zenande, my younger sister.
I love Zinhle, with all my heart but sometimes i feel as though she's
just too young and immature for me, I'm 28, I'm looking for someone
ready to settle, as much as i love her a part of me feels like she isnt
ready.
The drive home was worth it, i needed some time away from the city.
I arrived in bergville in the early hours of the morning, i havent spoken
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to Zinhle since the Sms i sent her, in fact i havent been on my phone
since.
I'm finally home, its 5am in the morning and it looks like everyone is
still asleep so i sit in the car and call Zenande "Bhuti" she's whispering
so that no one hears her "vula sengifikile(open I've arrived)" i cut the
call before she protests, i didnt tell her that i was coming.
She opened for me and i went and sat in the dinning room, this place
hasnt changed one bit, it feels great to be home, I've missed the
feeling of being around an environment which i am familiar with.
"Bhut'Nhlaka" thats my other younger sister Zandile, she's 23 and
Zenande is 21years. She looked shocked to see me, she rushes to me
and gives me a hug then she starts weeping in my arms, this breaks
my heart.
My sister's and i decide to prepare breakfast for the family before

everyone wakes up, we told the helpers to rest for the morning. After
setting the table, my older brother Nathi walks in, "Bafo" i say, he
looks upset, "i had to do it bafo, i had no choice" he embraces me in a
warm hug, i missed being home, after so long i finally let it all out, i cry
in my brothers embrace like a little boy,dad will probably chase me
away but it was worth it seeing my siblings again.
We sit around the breakfast table with my siblings as i tell them all
about my new life, what i do and where i live. While we were laughing
at Zenande's embarrasing first year experience my dad clears his
throat. "Nhlakanipho" i cannot read his expression, "sawubona baba"
I stand to greet him "ufunani laykhaya(what are you doing here)" i
expected this "ngizobona uMa(I'm here to see my mother)" he turns
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to my siblings with a questioning looking probably wondering how i

found out.
"Have you forgotten that you left here without any of us knowing,
you're no longer a part of this family" he is upset, really upset "baba
yehlisa ulaka(dad, come down)" thats my older brother, he has always
been the mediator. My dad walks out. "Dont mind him bhuti,he'll
come around" just then my dad walks in with Thembisile, my "wife"
she's weeping "do you know hoe much pain you've caused this young
lady?, she sacrificed her life to be with you only for you to run like the
coward that you are" those words broke my heart, I'll never amount
to anything in my dad's eyes unless i keep living in his shadow.
I should probably leave, it was a bad idea coming here anyway,

"Nhlakanipho mfanawam(my boy)" my mum's soft angelic voice calls
out for me as i am about to walk out, i look towards the stairs and i
see her, she has lost so much weight, the sight in front of me really
breaks my heart, i go up to her and she embraces me in her arms. We
both cry like someone died, i missed this, i missed her so much.
I help her down the stairs and she sits in her chair, before my dad walks
out my mum speaks "baba, izohlala pansi(come and sit with us)". Now
there's one thing about my dad, he would do anything for my mum.
He sits next to her and we say grace and dig in. Like old times. Thembi
keeps stealing glances at me, i guess i owe her an explanation she's
sitting next to me. My phone rings and the caller ID is "Zinhle wam"
with a heart emoji, Thembi steals a glance at it then looks down
probably hurt. I decline the call and we continue eating. My mum went
in for seconds i guess she enjoyed the food, she asks my dad to
accompany her as she wants to go and lie down a bit.

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"Lets go out for a walk bafo" my brother suggests, we go out to what

used to be our spot. "You know uMa hasnt sat with us on the table
since you left?" That breaks my heart, "the past couple of days she
hasnt been eating or speaking to anyone, we were all shocked when
she spoke to you and dad today, Bafo you really broke her heart when
you left" i dont know what to say.
"I had to do it bafo, i couldnt live under dad's shadow forever" my

phone rings again, its Zinhle "MaMvuleni" i pick up "Mbulazi,you've
been quiet" see what i mean, Zinhle is too soft, i would've expected
her to be upset with me but she's not "look maMnisi, I'm driving I'll
call you back" i hang up.
"Trouble in paradise?" My brother brings be back to the present.

"She's too young,too soft and way too understanding, i dont know
how to handle her" he chuckles, "maybe she's exactly what you need
to soften up that cold heart of yours" he's right, "but bafo, I'm afraid
that I'll hurt her in the process" he looks at me "if she loves you, she'll
stick around"
We spoke for a while with him telling me that he took a second wife
and how proud dad was when he did. Maybe i could also take Zinhle
as my second wife, she holds my heart but she's way too soft for me,
while Thembi is a bit mature and a bit more experienced as compared
to Zinhle.
But will Zinhle even agree to the idea?
Chapter 26

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Saturday morning,I'm on a video call with Tasha she's helping me pick

an outfit for the wedding, Phenyo said he'll be wearing a navy blue
suite with a white shirt and brown shoes, i dont know what to wear to
match that.
"Chom, wheres that white body hugging dress of yours? With a navy
blue lace print around your waist?" I totally forgot about it,"it probably
doesnt even fit me anymore"
Tasha:"well try it on" i look through my luggage, try it on and it fits like
a glove! Hugs me on all the right places and i love the length, its knee
high and is an off the shoulder design.
"Now what about the shoes chomie"i ask, "dont you have a navy blue
block heel?" I smile, Tasha is honestly my hero for the day. We spoke
a bit more before i hung up,Phenyo is fetching me at 12 and its 10 right
now meaning i have 2 hours before he arrives. I'm letting my hair loose
today, i decide to wash my hair and straighten it, it looks so much
longer when it is straightened, i tie it up into a low bun then add in
afro clip ins to make the bun look bigger, i lay my edges,I've added a
bit of gel so that my hair stays in place. I put a doek over my hair then
take a shower.
I've painted my nails and shaved my legs. "Dont you wanna be my doll
for the day?" Thats my sister, she's a pro when it comes to make up,
she's self taught but wow you'd swear she went to school for this, i
opt for a natural look, and boy oh boy do i look fiiine!
My sister helps me get into my dress, since its tight fitting you can
imagine the struggle of zipping it up, big girl problems right?
I'm here looking fine as hell. "I'm on my way" a text from Phenyo. I'm
suddenly nervous as if this is my first time hanging out with him. He
finally arrives. We walk out after he greeted my sister. He's such a
gentleman he opens the door for me then jogs to his side. The
wedding venue is in Foreways which is less than 15 minutes away from
morningside. Phenyo connects his phone to the radio and plays
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"isginci by Mduduzi Ft big zulu", thats the song he played the first time
we drove to his place. I look at him and smile, we both sing along, i
take a few videos and snaps of us.
We got to the venue and as i walked out he started snapping pictures
of me, now I'm very shy but i play along. Before walking in, he says
he'd like to go to the bathroom first. So i use this chance to check on
my man, he didnt answer his phone when i called this morning. The
conversation was rather cold, he just dismissed me saying he's driving.
Phenyo walks back to me "Zee, are you okay?" I fake a smile and nodd
"are you sure? We can leave if you want us to" such a gentleman "no
Phenyo,I'm fine, I'm just thirsty lets go"
We walk into the venue and before you can take a seat, you first need
to stand next to this big board that has the bride and grooms face in
order for your picture to be snapped first. We stood there looking like
couple goals.
We walked in and we were led to what looks like a bar since the
matrimonial hasnt started. While laughing at Phenyo as he disses me
for saying no to champagne "Zinhle Mnisi" i turn back, and wow i
couldnt believe my eyes "Mulalo mulaudzi, Hi" he's standing in front
of me with a very beautiful model type lady right next to him. "Meet
my girlfriend,Palesa" he says this looking quite impressed with
himself. "Hey, it's so lovely to meet you" i fake smile "so who is this
you're with?" He asks looking rather concerned "oh this is..." i didnt
even finish my sentence "Phenyo Mazibuko, her boyfriend" he doesn't
looked too pleased now, "oh nice to meet you, it was lovely seeing you
again Zinhle, babe, shall we?" And just like that he walks off.
I give Phenyo a questioning look and he just takes a sip of his whiskey
as if nothing happened. We are now sitting at the matrimonial venue,
it is a lovely outdoor setting. We are waiting for our bride to walk
down the isle, right then the saxophone player starts playing "this is

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why i love you" we all stand, and wow the Bride looks so breathtaking,
the dress, her make up, she looks amazing.
She gets to the front and the husband is tearing up, this is a beautiful
moment. They say their vows and as the groom speaks, Phenyo
squeezes my hand, i look at him and he smiles. The Brides vows make
me tear up abit, i feel Phenyo's thumb wiping the tears off my face.
Such a gentleman.
We get to the reception and food is served, Phenyo is being his usual
playful self trying to feed me beatroot knowing very well that i dont
eat it so we laugh and play around right as we are doing that they play
"isginci by mduduzi ft big zulu" Phenyo has taken his suit jacket off, he
stands up and pulls my hand to the dance floor, we start dancing, he
starts lipsyncing the song to me, i laugh at the parts he misses the
lyrics, we sing together we are just lost in our own little world until the
song ends and suddenly we hear people clapping hands, only then
does it register that we are the only one's on the dance floor. I am
flushed with embarrassment but Phenyo assures me that theres
nothing wrong with havig a little fun.
Mulalo kept stealing glances at me, i guess Phenyo noticed that
because he was all touchy touchy. As we were having dissert, his
dissert had more ice cream and i was busy compaining when suddenly
i felt his cold lips on mine, it felt so great, he's slow, he lets me take
charge of the kiss every now and again, its amazing. I pull away when
i remember that we are actually in public, he smiles at me and winks
making me even more shy.
Its time for the bouquet to be thrown so all of the single ladies go to
the front Phenyo whispers in my ear "ulindeni ungayi(what are you
waiting for? Go)" i laugh "marriage isnt for people like myself" he
laugh and kisses my cheek , "what do you mean when you say people
like yourself" as i am about to respond i feel something landing on my

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thighs. You wont believe this, the bouquet landed on me, everyone is
cheering then Phenyo decides to plant another kiss on my lips...
Chapter 27
I broke the kiss and everyone was cheering us on yet again. Mulalo
walked out looking rather pissed, with his trophy girlfriend practically
running after him, Phenyo looks pleased with himself. I got to meet
some of his varsity friends who are all married now, apparently only
Phenyo and Sphelele,the groom were the remaining bachelors in the
squad now Phenyo is the only one.
We stayed for longer and now its getting a bit chilly i guess Phenyo
noticed that I'm shivering a bit because i feel him putting his suit jacket
over my shoulders, then he plants a kiss on my cheek, Phenyo has
been all lovey dovey since the reception its probably all the alcohol
intake. I've been checking my phone hoping that Nhlaka would at least
send a whatsapp to check up on his girlfriend. Part of me feels like I'm
imposing myself on him, but he's probably not the type to constantly
check up on his lover. I decide to go through my facebook,it gets
boring spending time with people who drink when you dont.
Theres a post which Nhlaka is tagged on, its a very beautiful family
photo, and his siblings are also tagged on it,well he barely ever talks
about his siblings and I'm guessing he is quiet because he needed
sometime with family. I'm assuming he finally decided to go back
home, I'm proud of him, I'm happy that at least he's not somewhere
making love to another woman.
I decide to do a little stalking and go through each of the tagged
accounts, i dont know his siblings so this might give me an idea of what
type of people they are, you know should i end up as Mrs Mabaso one
day, i smile at the thought of being Nhlaka's Wife.
First its Zenande Mabaso, she's Nhlaka's younger sister i assume
because she's still in university, she's very beautiful and wow her

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fashion sense is top notch honestly. Then there's a Thembisile Ngema

Mabaso, I didnt know that Nhlaka had a sister who is married, I decide
to stalk her too, he tagged Nhlaka on almost all her posts. One picture
catches my attention though, its a picture of her and Nhlaka, she's
dressed in a full zulu wife traditional attire and Nhlaka is seated while
she is handing him a calabash. On the comments everyone is
congratulating them, for what? "Congratulations Mr and Mrs
Mabaso"
Ever felt your heart literally breaking? It feels like a sharp knife struck
right through my heart, so Nhlakanipho is married, this picture is from
4 years ago, how could he keep this away from me? Well he didnt
really lie to me but he didnt let me know either, and on the pictures
posted today, this Thembisile is next to him, they're holding hands,
initially i thought it's just a sibling thing.
"Zee, ukahle(are you okay)?, I've been calling out for you kodwa
awuphenduli(you aren't responding)" thats Phenyo bringing me back
to the present. I fake a smile "I'm fine" he gives me a very intense look
as if he's reading my expression. After what felt like forever he speaks
, "Asambe(lets go)" he doesnt even wait for me to respond, he takes
me hand and we walk to his car.
He opens the door for me, walks to his side then drives off. The whole
way there was silence, we've been driving for over 30 minutes now
and I'm very convinced that we arent driving to my sister's house.
"Siyaphi?(where are we going)" he looks at me and then back on the
road "you'll see". We finally drive into an estate in Midrand, Eye of
afrika not far from the mall of afrika.
We park at a drive way of this beautiful house."this is my dad's joburg
home" he walks out, opens the door for me then we walk in. "Would
you like anything to drink?, should i order something to eat for you?"
I nodd, "Zee you'll have to do more han just nodding, what would you

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like to eat?" I dont even know what i want "pizza" he nodds then leads
me to the living area.
He comes back with two cups of coffee, places them down on the
coffee table "I'll be right back" he jogs upstairs. He comes back down
wearing grey sweatpants and a white GANG hoodie with sleepers. One
thing I've learned about Phenyo is that he likes being comfortable
when he's in his own space. "Pizza will be here soon, i made you
coffee, just the way you like it, but with a little twist" we both laugh
lightly then indulge in the coffee , we sit in silence until the door bell
rings,he attends to it, he comes back with the pizza.
"Would you like to change into something more comfortable? I know
you like my T shirts and hoodies so you can have one all to yourself"
he smiles, i ended up changing into one of his hoodies and kept my
tights on, wore his socks and his push ins which are 3 sizes bigger than
my normal size 7.
"Wanna watch a movie?" I nodd, he picks "why did i get married?", i
look at him "what?" He exclaims "but we've watched that" he smiles
then sits right next to me "this time i wanna show you something" we
watched the movie while eating and obviously Phenyo being his goofy
self, I felt sleepy but he kept waking me up on some "wait i still have
to show you that thing" he didnt even want me to go to the kitchen to
drink water.
The movie gets to the part where they all attend Patricia"s award
ceremony and Mike sees Shiela with her new man, the Sheriff (Troy),
shiela has lost weight, she looks so beautiful in a body hugging dress
abd she also looks happier.
"See, this right here, this is what i wanted to show you, Zinhle I know
what happened earlier, I saw what was on your phone when you didnt
even hear me calling out for you, Zee stop going for guys like Mike,
they'll never know how to handle a woman like yourself, you're fragile
and you deserve an egg treatment, let me be your troy,let me be the
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one to fix your broken heart, let me be the one to love you right, i also
noticed how you tried to call him earlier but your mood changed after
the call, did he check up on you all day? Zee you dont need to beg
someone for the bare minimums, let me prove to you that real, honest
and genuine man still exist, please let me be that maMvuleni" I'm in
tears now, I'm hurt, I'm upset, I feel worthlesss, what if Phenyo does
the same thing also, what if I'm not meant to be happy. I'm crying in
his arms and this feels right, i feel safe, it feels like home, i dont want
him to let go of me
Chapter 28
I woke up in an unfamiliar room, it smells manly in here, I'm still in
Phenyo's Tshirt so then it registers that I'm in his bedroom, i check the
time, its just after 8am, Panic flushes over me, I should've been home
last night! I'm in trouble right now. Phenyo walks out of the bathroom
with a towl wrapped around his waist and another one in his hand,
he's using it to wipe the rest of his body.
"Hey you're up early" he's standing there smiling, i get out of the
sheets and look for my dress, I'm such a mess i slept with the make up
on, i look like a drunkard right now. "Zee kwenzakalani(whats going
on)" i dont even pay attention to him. "I'm looking for my dress
Phenyo, my sister is going to kill me,i was supposed to be home last
night but i slept out" he looks unfazed at all, he takes his lotion, and
starts lotioning his body.
"Phenyo please take me home" I'm defeated now because clearly he
wont pay attention to me. "Your dress is in the washer, it had make
up stains on it so i thought since I've got a few items to wash i can also
add it" he's sitting on the edge of the bed with his back towards me.
My sister is going to kill me, "thank you, but i need to go home now"
he looks at me briefly then continues with what he's doing, what's
going on with Phenyo, "so you'd rather risk your sister seeing you in
my clothes?, call her and let her know you slept over at a friend's

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house" well coming home in Phenyo's clothes would be like signing up

for my own death.
I called Thengi and told her that I'll be at Mpumi's place. I havent
spoken to them since they're cape town trip so i hope my sister
doesn't decide to call Mpumi. "Phenyo" he looks at me "hmmm", this
is honestly awkward "i would like to take a shower" he chuckles then
stands to face my direction "the bathroom is right there" he knows
exactly that this has nothing to do with the bathroom "i didnt bring
any clothes or toiletries" he smiles, "you can use mine, we'll get some
later before you leave" he walks over to me and plants a wet kiss on
my lips before leaving the room.
I take a shower then wear one of his T shirts, i found him downstairs
preparing breakfast, "what's for breakfast" he walks over to me and
embraces me in his arms, i know i kind of smell like him but wow this
man smells great,"a breakfast fit for a Queen, come" he leads me to a
high chair and we dig in. After breakfast we went out to sit by the
patio.
He takes off his T shirt and jumps into the pool, his dark chocolate skin
with water dripping on it is such a lovely sight to look at. "Zee come
and help me i cannot come out" i laugh but he looks serious so i go
over to him and give him my hand, only for him to pull me into the
water then he laughs, I'm so upset. "Awww ngiyaxolisa sthandwa
sam(I'm sorry my love)" he's trying so hard to surpress him laugh.
I step out of the pool then he follows after me "come on babe I'm
sorry" he engulfs me in a tight bear hug, "let go of me Phenyo" i try to
wiggle my way out of his grip, "not until you accept my apology" now
he's planting kisses all over my face "okay fine now let me go" he
laughs then lets go of me.
His phone rings and he goes off to answer it while i sit on the patio,
"babe, Sphelele needs someone to drive his inlaws to the airport, do
you want to come with me?" Phenyo clearly forgot that i dont have
83
anything to wear "what will i wear?, hamba(go) buy me something

nice" i smile and he smiles back at me, he jogs upstairs to get changed
i assume. He walks back down shortly, he looks good in navy blue
ankle grazer chinos and a white golf t shirt with a white airforce.
"Ngiyabuya uyezwa sthandwa sam(I'll be right back okay)?" He plants
a kiss on my sheet, my forehead then on my lips, "drive safely" he
walks off and when he gets to the door he calls out my name, "yes?" I
walk over to him "I love you" he doesn't even wait for my response,
he walks out.
What am i going to do in this insanely big house all on my own. I decide
to drop Nhlaka a text and probably block him if i get the guts to. I sent
him a long text about what i found out and how that made me feel.
About 10 minutes later he responds "we'll talk when you get back" no
apology or even denying it at least. I guess i should just break things
off with him. I respond with the "i think we should see other people"
type of text. He responds almost immediately "maMvuleni ngithe
sizokhuluma(i said we'll talk)" well I'm moving on,Nhlaka has proven
that he isnt worth it.
I decide to post some of my pictures and videos with Phenyo, the ones
we took yesterday. The compliments start flooding in, people asking
who he is, even Phelo decided to comment after not hearing from him
for months, i didnt respond.
Since i have the house all to myself, maybe i should cook plus the
fridge is packed with food. I opt to make creamy prawn pasta with a
side of tuna greek salad and bacon wrapped grilled chicken fillet. "It
smells great, i could get used to coming home to this" he wraps is arms
around my waist from behind, Phenyo is tall,when he's standing
behind me, my head goes just below his chest. "Whats for lunch my
love" he kisses my cheek "you just relax and sit down I'll be your chef
for the afternoon" he smiles and walks off to the sitting room. I dish
up and serve him. "This looks and smells amazing" i smile, we pray and
both dig in.
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I'm laughing at just how Phenyo has been digging into his food, he
wasnt even paying attention to his tennis match playing on TV. "Baby,
ngicela ungphakele(please dish up for me again)" i smile and dish up
for him again, "ngiyabonga baby, rest while i go and do the dishes"
We spent the rest of the day being our goofy selfs, playing around,
watching movies and you know Phenyo and his random kisses. The
drive home was lovely as always, i sure hope my sister isnt home.
Chapter 29
*2 weeks later*
Today is new years eve, Phenyo left on the Monday after the wedding
weekend, but honestly apart from missing his presence he makes it a
point that we talk every chance he gets, he video calls me every
morning. He's honestly an amazing partner. Him and his family spent
Christmas in their KZN home but he managed to send me a Christmas
gift. He bought me a jewelry set and a customised white airforce with
my name on it!
Well i didnt know we were getting each other gifts so i feel bad that i
didn't buy him anything. My sisters and i had an amazing christmas,
we spent the holiday at my mum's house in soweto, it was amazing
honestly even the kids enjoyed themselves, today my sister and her
kids are going to spend new years eve with her inlaws, Zinzi and her
family went on holiday so I'm stuck on my own on New years eve.
Phenyo is in KZN with the family. Its 7pm and I'm sitting her in my PJ's
going through people's statuses, people are living it up today.
remember when i posted pictures of Phenyo and myself? Well Nhlaka
decided to block me.

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While scrolling through people's statuses there's an incoming call

"Phenyo" pops up on my screen.
"Babe" i answer
Him:"sthandwa sam, you sound depressed on new years eve,whats
wrong?" He knows exactly whats wrong I'm spending the evening all
on my own.
"But i told you I'm all alone here" he chuckles "dress up and pack an
overnight bag, I'm outside, 5 minutes!" Then he hangs up
Phenyo better not be playing! I'm so excited I'm even dancing. I go

upstairs and pack after packing i get dressed in a white off the
shoulder body suit, blue ankle jeans a denim jacket and my custom
airforce sneakers. I look pretty, as I'm fixing my hair he calls again "i
swear if you dont come out right now I'm going to leave" Phenyo can
be very dramatic sometimes "okay fine I'm on my way!" I hang up, tied
my hair into a simple bun then layed my edges and applied lipgloss.
I walk out, he gets out of the car as soon as he sees me approaching,

he takes my overnight bag and puts it in the boot before attaching me
with a kiss, he has been drinking and he knows how much i hate the
taste of whiskey so I pull away, he laughs i guess he did that
intentionally.
He takes my hand into his while driving and kisses it "you look
beautiful sthandwa sam" he enjoys doing this, making me all shy
"thank you" I'm blushing, he smiles and continues driving with my
hand in his.

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We get to a lovely house in forways, there's about 6 cars outside, we

step out then walk in hand in hand, only then do i notice that we are
wearing matching shoes, couple goals i tell you! We knocked and a
beautiful lady opens for us, its actually the lady that was getting
married the other day. "Hey guys, welcome" she gives us both hugs,
I've learned at the wedding that her name is Chantell, "the guys are
outside in the patio" he says to Phenyo.
"Are you going to be alright without me?" He whispers in my ear,i

nodd and smile then he kisses my cheeks before walking off "Chantell,
take care of my woman" Chantell takes my hand and walks with me to
the kitchen where i get to meet the other ladies.
Chantell is our host-Sphelele's wife
Rori- Kat's Wife
Sindi-Andile's wife
Naledi- Sfiso's wife
They are all very friendly and welcoming, then there's another knock
which Chantell rushes to, she walks back in with a beautiful indian
lady, well the other ladies dont look too pleased to see her, "Zinhle
this is an old friend of our's Nadia,Nadia meet Zinhle,Phenyo's
girlfriend" she looks at me shocked before quickly covering it up with
a smile. "You look...young" she says this while eying me from head to
toe. "Nadia please we would like to have a peaceful evening" she
pours herself champagn and sits on the high chair while we slave
around in the kitchen. We take the salad bowls outside then my man
comes up to me.
"Sthandwa sam" he wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me, "i
missed you" i chuckle "but I'll be spending the whole evening with you

87
though" he gives me a mischevious smile. Our little moment was short

lived when Nadia walked up to us "Phenyo!, you look amazing,its been
a while" she pulls him into a very inappropriate hug. I leave them there
and find a place to sit,i opt to sit on one of the couches.
Phenyo comes and sits next to me, I somehow regret coming here, all
these people are grown up, I'm just a kid like Nadia said. "Are you okay
babe?" He whispers into my ear, i nodd and then its time to dish up, i
start with dishing up for Phenyo as the ladies dish up for their
husbands, "thats too much chakalaka, Phenyo doesnt like spicy food"
thats Nadia right next to me, i smile at her and continue dishing up
"Phenyo Prefers chicken over steak, he hates chewy meat" thats Nadia
again "well how about you dish up for him since you know everything
that he likes and dislikes?" I put the plate down and walk over to the
couch.
Phenyo walks over to her and it seems like they're arguing ,sindi comes
and sits next to me and hands me a plate of food. "Dont mind her,
she's just bitter that Phenyo finally found someone and left her booty
call ass" i thank her and dig in, so i guess Nadia was once Phenyo's
booty call. After sometime Phenyo comes and sits next to me, "I'm
sorry about that babe" he whispers in my ear, I smile reassuring him
that I'm okay.
"Can i have some food, ngilambile babe(I'm hungry)" i laugh, he joins

in now everyone is looking at us so i just excuse myself then dish up
for him,we end up eating from his plate. After eating music is blasting
and people are dancing. I didnt know that my man had moves! He pulls
me up to join him and i just move my hips because I'm hopeless!

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The count down starts, "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 Happy new year!"

Everyone is with their partner ,Phenyo pulls me into a kiss, he's even
grabbing my ass, i guess the whiskey did a number on him. "Happy
new year Sthandwa sam, to many more years together" he kisses me
again then embraces me in a hug.
Its late now; around 2am and Phenyo is sloshed, so I'm driving us
home. He's busy distracting me while i drive, rubbing my thighs and
telling me how much he loves me.
We finally arrive at his dad's place...
Chapter 30
When we got to his place i was feeling a bit hungry so i fixed myself a
sandwich then went to join him upstairs after eating. When i walk in i
realise he has a towl wrapped around him meaning he had just taken
a shower.
"Phenyo i need my bag from the car so that i can also freshen up" i say
"but you can just use my things and wear one of my T shirts though"
Phenyo must be kidding me right now "i dont have any underwear,
everything is in my bag,ngiyakucela babe(please babe)" he gets
dressed then leaves the room, hands me my bag then i take out my
toiletry bag and head to the bathroom for a shower.
After showering i walk out with a towl wrapped around my body, well
I'm a big girl so this towl is barely even doing it's job but anyway i walk
out and find Phenyo laying in bed facing the ceiling. I cannot get
dressed while he's still in here, "babe, I'd like to get dressed please"
he laughs then sits up, suddenly his eyes are glued on my thighs
"Phenyo Phuma(leave) i want to get dressed" he smiles, licking his lips
before walking out.

89
I lotion and get dressed in my PJs, i get into the covers, he comes back,
takes off his PJ top then joins me in bed. I tun to face the opposite
direction, he pulls me closer to him and starts kissing the back of my
neck, his hands move to my nipples, he squeezes and moves his finger
around my nipple, he flips me over now I'm beneath him, he kisses
me, this is different though, it's different from our usual kisses, it's
even making my body react, he moves to my neck, and to my stomach.
Right then it registers, i need to stop this.
"Phenyo..." i call out "relax babe, i wont do anything that you are not
ready for, trust me please" he continues planting kisses on my
stomach all the way until he gets a grip of my PJ pants, he removes
them together with my lace black underwear. He spreads my legs
apart, i try closing them again, i dont know what ths guy is trying to do
but no i wont let him. "Babe, trust me" he gives me an assuring look, i
cover my face and then allow him to spread my thighs.
I feel his tongue meeting my privates, this feeling is foreign, he keeps
working his tongue and wow this feels great, he's holding me down
while he keeps going i find my moans getting louder and louder, "susa
izandla babe(remove your hands)" i remove my hands from my face
only to be met by his smirk, he keeps going and oh my gosh i dont
know how to describe this feeling but I'm in another world, my body
vibrates as my body succumbs to the pleasure. He comes back up and
kisses me then lies down next to me pulling me to his chest, "I love
you Zee, with all my heart" I'm quiet, not because i dont feel the same
way but because I'm a bit embarrassed, my side of the bed feels a bit
wet how do i even tell him that.
"Uhm,Phenyo" i think he was about to doze off "yes my love" shame
he sounds so sleepy "uhm my...my side of the bed is a bit wet" he lets
out a lazy chuckle "it happens my love, it basically means you've had
your first orgasm, you reached climax" i nodd then lay my head on his
chest, we are off to lala land.

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*3 months later*
Its the beginning of March and things have been really great in my
life,Phenyo and I grow stronger everyday, we are truly inseparable. I'm
still a virgin, well partly but you know what i mean. Phenyo and i are
official, his family knows about us but Maqawe doesnt seem too
thrilled with the news. Today is saturday and Phenyo asked that i join
him on an evening dinner meeting with one of his potential clients. Its
5pm the dinner start at 7. I'm picking an outfit when my phone rings,
its an unsaved number "Zinhle hello" i pick up "hey Chomzito,its been
a while hey" oh its Mpumi.
"Hey, yeah it sure has been" this is weird i didnt think I'd ever hear
from her again "how are you? How's life that side? I miss you" oh i
should've known its one of those life update conversations "i miss you
more chomie but i have a meeting to attend can i call you back later?"
She sighs "sure no problem,bye"
I wonder what was that about. Anyway i pick a body hugging orange
dress, stocking,black block heel half boots and a light coat on top, it's
cold already this side. A message notification comes through from "my
love" babe I'm 10 minutes away, please dont make me wait. I love you
one thing about my man is that he hates waiting he's very impatient.
I tie my faux locs into a half bun then decide to wait for him
downstairs, i see his Range rover driving in. He walks out of the car,
comes to me and gives me a hug and a kiss, then opens the door for
me, that has actually become a routine. Lately i barely ever drive to
work,he opts to pick me up instead.
We get to the dinner and it appears we are a little late because we
find the client and his wife already there. "Apologies for keeping you
waiting Mr and Mrs Mogale" thats Phenyo, he gives the gentleman a
handshake and greets his wife. We get seated. "Now Mr
Mazibuko,shall we get straight to business?, before we do, this is my

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wife Angela" she smiles then goes back to whatever it is that she's
doing on her phone,she looks so uninterested though.
I order orange juice while Angela orders a bottle of moët. "Mr
Mazibuko,how would it benefit me to allow your firm to be incharge
of my accounting records?" Phenyo clears his throat "well Sir not only
are we the best in the country but we also run the financials of one of
the biggest companies in the country" this gentleman doesnt look
impressed, Phenyo is nervous i can feel it "I dont want to know about
your success as a firm i would like to know the benefits of working with
your firm" he clears his throat again.
I jump in "Well Mr Mogale, apart from what my colleague has already
mentioned, we also gaurentee a fair audit at rates that are lower than
most available firms, we have a reputation of maintaining clean audit
reports and we also manage to trace if there's any fraud or
discrepancy in the books, our work is done timely and our reports are
readily available to our clients at a time most convenient to them" Mr
Mogale smiles, Phenyo squeezes my hand, "im sold ,so when can i
come in to sign the contract?" Phenyo smiles at me then the meeting
goes on for another 30 minutes except now they're just going on
about soccer, politics and current affairs.
Phenyo tells me that we're leaving, we bid farewell to them. "Hey
Mazibuko, don't ever let go of her, she's a treasure" Phenyo smiles
seemingly proud of himself.
Chapter 31
*2 years later*
Life has been blissful, I've never been happier, Phenyo has literally
been my answered prayer, he has proved to me that i wasnt actually
asking for too much, i was just asking from the wrong people. My
honours graduation went well, I'm still considering doing my MBA
although work has been hectic. At the end of my internship i was

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employed permanently as a financial manager for Mazibuko and son's

but the Johannesburg division. I now get to work closer to home, I'm
renting an apartment in midrand which is closer to work.
Mpumi and I rekindled our friendship and lately we hang out quite
often, Phelo is living it up in cape town with his boyfriend. Mulalo tried
reaching out a year ago and honestly if he came before i met Phenyo
I'm sure i would've jumped for the opportunity to be with hin but
Phenyo makes me so happy i cannot imagine my life without him.
Although me moving to Johannesburg has put a bit of a strain on us
because of the travelling. Cape town and Johannesburg are very far
apart.
My sisters and i are closer than ever, we spend time a lot more now
that I'm back, Thengi is expecting a baby boy, we are all so excited, i
cannot wait to be an aunt again.
My dad has been trying to get my step mother and i to get along with
all failed attempts but I'm just grateful that my relationship with him
is still stronger than ever. It's my baby's birthday in a 3 days,he asked
me to join him and his family in KZN for the weekend and i declined, i
mean I'm still just a girlfriend i cannot keep spending time with his
brother's wives as if I'm one of them. Eversince i declined the invite,
he's been very cranky.
It's thursday today and I'm wrapping up before knocking off. My

phone rings, it's Mpumi "chomiza, what's up for the evening, i mean
ke long weekend" trust my friend to think about turning up even
during the week. Well tomorrow is a public holiday but still. "Chomie

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i cant, i need to gift shop for Phenyo's birthday" we keep chatting and
she tells me about her dramatic love life.
Aftet the call i pack my things and head home. When i get home i
decide to call my grumpy boyfriend, "baby, i miss you" i say that as
soon as he picks up, he sighs,"then come over for the weekend, I'll
book you an evening flight right away, please sthandwa sam" i guess
I'll have to ditch my sisters for tomorrow. "Alright let me get packing,
I'll see you in the evening, send me the flight details" i mean hr
sacrificed work for my birthday so this is the least i can do.
"Alright babe, see you later, i love you" he hung up. Well its march but
then KZN weather is always warmer so i pack more dresses and skirts,
i also add in one doek just in case I'm supposed to dress like a makoti.
Its 5pm and my flight apprently leaves in an hour.
I uber to the airport then board. I land in durban at 8pm, a car is

already there to drive me to the Mazibuko residence. I'm now
standing outside the gate. "Babe, I'm outside" he doesnt say anything
he hangs up and shortly after he walks out of the door looking yummy
as usual in shorts and a vest.
"Munt'wam(my person)" he embraces me in his arms "i missed you" i

say, "you smell great" i add, honestly he smells different or maybe its
because i havent seen him in a while. We walk into the house and it
seems everyone is here sitting around the dinning table.
"Sanbonani(greetings)" everyone responds and Sbusiso's wife comes

up to me and gives me a hug before helping with my luggage to

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Phenyo's room. "I havent seen you in a while, ukahle(are you good)?"
Thabile,sbu's wife asks, "I'm good sisi, thank you for asking" i smile
"well your man has been grumpy all day hopefully he'll lighten up since
you are here" we laugh as we walk down the stairs.
Dinner was nice, we ate then everyone bid farewell and headed off to
their bedrooms. I left Phenyo with his father. I decide to take a shower
while i wait for him, after that i get dressed in one of his T shirts then
get into the covers. He walks in just as I'm about to doze off.
"Usulele(asleep already)?" He asks while taking off his clothes, "no i
was waiting for you" he smiles "well let me take a quick shower I'll be
right back" he goes to the bathroom and i just sit there admiring the
amazing interior design of this house, this bedroom on its own is big
enough to be someone's living room.
He walks out of the bathroom butt naked and starts lotioning, he

notices that I'm dumbstruck, he laughs "what?" In the whole 2 years 4
months I've spent with this man I've never seen him butt naked, I've
only seen him in his underwear. I just decide to cover my face with the
covers and he laughs even louder. He joins me in bed, and we cuddle
up. "I missed you so much my love" he says pulling me closer to him,
"babe, what's your take on marriage?" Well thats very random, "i
think if both parties are ready then why not, especially emotionally
and mentally because there's actually more to marriage than the
glamorous wedding, its all about readiness" he kisses my forehead
"you're wise for your age you know that?" I playfully it his chest and
we laugh.
We spoke for the longest time, up until after midnightand i think i

passed out while he was still talking...

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The next morning i woke up and i was still in the arms of the man that
i love, this feels great, God can this just last forever please. I'm starring
at the sexiest most handsome man alive, Phenyo is everything a
woman needs, from the physique to facial features but my favourite
has to be his smile.
"Take a picture, it lasts longer" argh i thought he was asleep all along.
"I thought you were asleep" i plant a kiss on his soft pink lips, he
deepens the kiss and starts grabbing my butt, i pull back "we're in your
parents house in case you forgot Mr Mazibuko" i try to pull out of his
grip "so? Being in my parents house doesnt stop be from doing
anything but since you're such a chicken, I'll behave" we laugh, he lets
me go.
I take a shower and change into a floral maxi dress with flip flops, i tie
my hair up into a puffy bun then walk downstairs. I find the wives
already putting food on the table,now one thing about me, I'm lazy,
and I'm definitely not the type to wake up at 5am its now 8 am.
"Morning ladies, is there anything i can do to help" Thabile smiles at
me and shakes her head while Nkule,Maqawe's wife responds "no
madam, you can just sit and eat, judging by how that dress fits you,
clearly thats all you do" that really broke my heart, everyone comes
down for breakfast.
I sit next to Phenyo and we aay grace before we dig in, everyone is
eating over a light conversation but i cannot eat, just now I'll be judged
for having too much bacon on my plate because I'm fat. "MaMnisi, are
you okay?" That's Phenyo's dad asking "yebo baba" i take a sip of my

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juice but honestly i cannot hold this in anymore, it hurts so i ask to be

excused then i went to one of the bathrooms.
I'm such a softy i guess, i cried, maybe I'll never even fit in here, I'm
not like them, I'm below their league. "Babe, i know you're in here,can
i come in?" Phenyo on the other side of the door, crap the door doesnt
have a key, he budges in and finds me sitting on the toilet seat crying
he rushes to me "hey hey whats wrong? Babe?" He holds me in his
embrace and i just cannot stop the tears.
"Mama khuluma nami(talk to me)" i cant bring myself to say it to i just

keep crying until i feel better then wash my face and ask him to let it
go "i cant let it go, someone messed with you and i wont let it slide
like that" i guess i should just tell him, i tell him what happened and
he walks out without even waiting for me to finish, as soon as i
mentioned nkule's name he stormed out.
Suddenly theres commotion, coming here was a bad idea...
Chapter 32
I finally got out of the bathroom and Maqawe together with Nkule
were not in sight. I guess they left. I took my seat and i see Phenyo has
dished up for me, all my favourites. I look at him and he smiles.
"maMnisi, i would like to apologize on behalf of Nkule, her behaviour
was uncalled for, you're a guest here and therefore you're not
expected to assist the wives in anyway" Mr Mazibuko Snr utters.
"Ngiyabonga baba(thank you sir)" there's silence only the sound of

plates and forks. After breakfast the table was cleared. "Zinhle, can i
have a word with you?" Thats Phenyo's mother, Phenyo looks like he
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is about to protest but his mother gives him an assuring look, i wonder
what that was about.
She takes my hand and we walk to the tv area. " I'm going out soon for
some last minute shopping for Phenyo's birthday celebration, i dont
know if you'd like to join me? I also want to pass by the decor and
catering company to confirm a few things, I'm also not too sure if the
colours i chose for the theme are what your man would pick,i mean
you know him best" i smile, I'm honestly happy that she wants my
input on this.
"Yebo ma I'd love to come with you" she smiles, "kulungile keh(thats
fine) we'll be living in 2 hours so you can get yourself prepared" she
then walks back to the kitchen and i walk upstairs.
I find my babe laying in bed facing the ceiling. "Babe where's my

phone?" I last saw my phone last night before i fell asleep. "Ufanani
kuyo(what do you need from it)?" Trust Phenyo to ask the dumbest
questions sometimes "not that its any of your business but i wanna
check up on my sisters" I'm moving around this big bedroom searching
for my phone and he's sitting here not even helping me "you can use
mine mos there's no need to mess up the bedroom like this" haiibo is
this guy being for real right now? I'm upset honestly.
I just walk to the closet to pick out an outfit for my outing with
Phenyo's mother, as soon as i step into the closet Phenyo is right
behind me "ufunani manje lana(what do you want here)" what the
heck is wrong with Phenyo today? "Im looking for something to wear
whats wrong with you today?" And just like that he walks out, i
honestly dont understand whats up with him.
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I opt for a free flowing knee length off the shoulder nude dress, dusty
pink sandals and i just let my hair loose, its been a while. "Uyaphi
Zinhle?(where are you going)" this one must really be testing me, i
dont respond to him i just walked out of the bedroom. I'm upset, I'm
so upset, why am i being to being called by my birthname? What
happened to all those cute pet names? Whats wrong with Phenyo he's
suddenly so grumpy.
He doesnt even follow after me. I meet his mum already waiting for
me in the living room. "The driver is already here, we may go" she
smiles and holds my hand. Now this woman here dresses like your
typical first lady vibes, she's dressed in a lemon 'two piece', baige
stockings and hat to match that.i honestly feel underdressed.
We finally get to the mall, the drive was shorter because now we're in
their Durban(zimbali) home which is much closer to everything
basically. "So we'll start with the decor people" we get there and they
welcome us in "so initially i had picked peach and grey what do you
think?" She's looking at me now,honestly Phenyo's mum is putting me
on the spot and I'm not even in the mood for this,I'm not in the mood
for anything honestly.
"Since the celebration is in the evening,i was thinking what about

black and gold?" She smiles, this woman has the warmest most
welcoming smile honestly "why didnt i think about that? Thats
geniuse!" The lady next to us shows us different table centerpieces,
table cloths, cultery and basically everything that's associated with the
theme colours we chose. After what felt like forever we are already
off to the caterers.

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"I thought we'd have an african cuisine menu seeing that Phenyo
enjoys his african food" well he enjoys that once in a while
honestly,Phenyo is all about fine dining. "How about 3 course?" She
agrees, this woman has been agreeing to basically everything I'm
suggesting. We finally decided that we'll have platters for starters
then the main will be a seafood baffet,dissert will be Phenyo's
favourite caramel tart.
"Oh can we quickly pass by diamond Merchants, i want to confirm

with Phenyo's gift will be delivered on time tomorrow" thats like the
most expensive jewlery store, I've never been into that store mainly
because, I'd probably buy a pair of earrings with my whole salary. "I
bought him something personalised and embroidered, i hope he'll like
it" she smiles "oh ofcause who wouldnt appreciate a gift from
diamond merchants!" She laughs lightly before we make our way in.
They seem to know her quite well they all greet her and she introduces
me. "So is the gift ready for delivery?" She's talking to a lady whom i
assume is the manager.
I'm just here lost in the beautiful jewlery and rings, "try it out" she
stuttles me because i was so lost in this beautiful diamond ring, i smile
"no ma, i dont thats a good idea" she smiles "you know when my
husband finally proposed, he already knew which wedding ring i
wanted because i would always drag him to American swiss to fit the
exact same ring everytime we went shopping" i laugh "try it mntanam"
i guess it wouldnt hurt to try it out. The lady finds me one that she
assumes would fit me perfectly, i try it on and wow like a glove!. It
looks so great on my hand and my orange acrylic gel which i applied
on my own nails compliments the ring perfectly. We take it off the
continue with a few arrands.

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I ended up buying something to wear tomorrow evening, i picked a

long black maxi dress, I once saw this dress worn by the Nomcebo on
the Jerusalema music video so i love it. Paired it with a gold strappy
block heel.
We finally headed home, it was around 4pm, Phenyo,Sbu and their

father werent home, Thabile, sbu's wife is also not home so i decide
to cook i mean what else will can i do. I make chicken stew with
basmati rice, caslaw, green salad, creamy spinach and chakalaka.
Phenyo's mum walks down wearing her tracksuits and slippers.
"Zinhle, you cooked, i was just about to do so since Thabile is out with
Nkule" she smiles and sits on one of the chairs, I'm now transferring
all the food into different bowls so that people can serve themselves.
"Ma would you like anything to drink" she smiles "no mntanam even
if i did, I'm not about to slave you around, Phenyo would kill me" we
both laugh.
Everyone finally came back including Nkule and Maqawe. She just
greeted, no apology whatsoever,not that i expected it. We sit around,
say grace then start diging in, I'm nervous what if the food is too spicy,
or too salty , or too oily. Phenyo notices this because he whispers into
my ear "relax" then gives me an assuring smile.
Looks like everyone enjoyed the food, Maqawe went in for seconds
and they couldnt stop complimenting my cooking, Phenyo had a Proud
smile on his face. Well I'm still mad at him
After clearing the table we all headed to bed, i still couldnt find my
phone, I have all reason to believe that Phenyo has all to do with the
sudden disappearance of my phone..
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Chapter 33
Finally! Today is Phenyo's birthday, he's turning 32 years but wow this
man sleeping right next to me looks nothing like 32 years. I'm still
upset and he hasnt apologized but I'll put that on hold for today. He's
still asleep, i plant kisses all over his face, he opens his eyes with a faint
smile on his face. "Good morning birthday boy" he pulls be back into
his arms "morning maMvuleni wam" he kisses me, i swear this kiss
made me forget the reason why i was even upset with him in the first
place. There's a knock even before he can take off my pj shirt.
See you're probably wondering why Phenyo and i havent done the
deed since, well everytime theres always something that will interrupt
us, then after dealing with whatever it is, I'm no longer in the mood
for it so we just let it go. It really frustrates him when these minor
interruptions happen. When we are in cape town his brothers always
show up unannounced or his friends need help with something and its
urgent. In KZN i dont even entertain the idea because this is his
parent's house.
He gets off me then attends to the door He's half naked "Sbu
ufunani?(what do you want?)" Yeah he's annoyed. i decide to take a
shower while he is busy with his brother. After my shower i find him
doing the bed. I'm wearing my gown. I take out his birthday gift and
hand it to him "happy birthday my love" he sits down on the bed and
starts unwrapping the gift i bought him a wrist watch and wallet which
is embroidered with his initials and surname and i also bought him an
A3 portrait of a picture we took together which is one of his favourites
and a journal, the journal is made up of our pictures then i also wrote
32 reasons why i love him.

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He's tearing up, my baby actually has a soft side, he pulls me to sit on
his lap before attacking my lips with a slow and passionate kiss. While
kissing i feel his hand moving up my thigh, I'm naked underneath this
gown, but i let him continue with it. He stops, I'm not happy but again,
this is his parents house.
"Thank you so much my love, this has to be by far the best birthday
gift I've ever recieved, i love you maMvuleni wam, and I'm grateful to
have you"
We kiss before he decides to also take a bath, when we get downstairs
its so busy, the caterers are moving around, the decor people are
preparing outside in the garden and everyone else is having breakfast.
There are kids here one looks like Qawe, she's probably 5 years old,
the other 2 boys look like Sbusiso. We join them and everyone
welcomes Phenyo with birthday wishes "happy birthday
babomncane" the boys say "happy birthday babomkhulu" the girl
says, she rushes to sit on Phenyo's lap. She looks at me "hello,my
name is Enhle" she's so adorable "hi Enhle, I'm Zinhle"- "Aunt Zinhle"
thats Phenyo adding in "nice to meet you Aunty Zinhle, your hair is so
pretty" i smile at her "thank you,you're also pretty" she smiles shyly
"can i sit with aunty Zinhle?" She's pleading with Phenyo the
excitement on her face when Phenyo nodds is just priceless.
We all continue eating while she's on my lap eating from my plate then
after breakfast Thabile and Nkule clean up "Aunty Zinhle can you
please help me to make my dolls hair look at pretty as yours?" I nodd
while lightly chuckling. She pulls me upstairs to her room and this
basically turned into a playdate with enhle because we spent some
time playing dolls and having imaginery tea. We finally walk down
stairs for a snack .

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"Mommy can i please stay here with Aunty Zinhle for a few days"
Nkule looks at her with a smile "no baby, aunty is going back to work
soon" she takes Enhle from my arms then smiles at me and mouths a
"Thank you"
Its 4pm and now everyone is off to prepare themselves for the
celebration. I got to Phenyo's room and found him pacing around the
room looking nervous, "babe, are you okay?" He looks up at me and
gives me a nervous smile. He looks great in a black slim fitted italian
double breasted suite which has tight fitting pants, a white shirt and a
white airforce, my mans even smells like a million dollars.
I take a quick shower and change into my dress and heels. I tie my hair
into a half bun then lay my edges. Theres a knock Phenyo attends to it
"uyakufuna uThabile(Thabile is looking for you)" i follow after him to
the door "sisi, please be my doll for the day? I swear I'll keep it
minimal" she's giving me pleading eyes how can i even say no "sure
why not" i smile then she hugs me out of excitement. Phenyo is chased
out of the room and then she works her magic. We both step out. It
seems everyone is already at the garden.
Thabile goes to the kitchen so i walk out on my own, i scan around for
my man and i spot him with Sphelele and Andile. I go over to them
"hey guys, i didnt know you were coming, how are you?" They smile
"sikahle maMnisi(we are good), you look great" thats sphelele.
Phenyo is being unusual today, he hasnt even touched me and anyone
that knows us knows that we never stand next to each other without
holding hands.

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I excuse myself, i walk over to the mini bar set up and grab a glaas of
orange juice. "Attention everyone may we take our seats" Sbu is the
MC. Phenyo is sitting on those big couches while I'm sitting with the
rest of his family. The programme goes on with speeches from friends,
family, cousins, aunts, uncles and his parents. Finally its time for
Phenyo to say a few words before we wrap up the formalities.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate this special day with me. I'd like
to thank my mother for making this all possible, I'd like to thank my
brothers for making me look great today, they are the masterminds
behind this outfit. I'd like to thank my dad, for everything, the
guidance and for always being my support. I'd like to thank my friends
for coming and also the past couple of day's havent been the easiest
for me but they've truly supported me, last but not least, I'd like to
thank my amazing partner, my pillar of strength, I'm so grateful to
have met someone as amazing as yourself maMnisi, and that's why i
bought you this gift"
He walks over to where I'm sitting, holds my hand as i stand then he

goes down on one knee, what is Phenyo doing, I'm teary already,
"maMvuleni wam, I've loved you since the very first time i laid my eyes
on you,from that day i knew that i had to make you my wife, you've
changed my perception on life, you've given me something to look
forward to every single day, ngiyakthanda maMvuleni omuhle, ngicela
ungishade(i love you, would you please marry me?)" I'm a mess, make
up was such a bad idea.
I cannot even utter words so i just nod then he slides it in, it fits
perfectly, he gets up and attacks me with a kiss. Today is officially the
best day of my life

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Chapter 34
Happiness is an understatement, the photographer is snapping
pictures of us, i dont even pay attention to stricking poses, I'm just so
happy. I didnt expect this at all. The evening goes on with everyone
dancing and drinking. "Let's disappear" my babe whispers to me,he
didnt even wait for my response he dragged me upstairs, we got to his
bedroom and as soon as i shut the door he was all over me. The kiss
was different,not the usual slow and passionate, I'm not about to give
it up while people are downstairs having the time of their lives,i pull
away and he smiles at me.
"Thank you maMvuleni wam, i love you future Mrs Mazibuko" he says
"i cannot imagine my life with anyone else but you, you complete me
mwelase, i love you more my babe" he pulls away and walks to the
closet
"So about your phone..." see i knew it!i knew that he had something
to do with it, "I'm sorry sthandwa sam, i had to do it, we sent a letter
to your family yesterday and since i planned to propose today i didnt
want your family ruining the surprise for me by asking you about the
letter" Phenyo is very sneaky, "how did you pull this off babe?, what if
i said no? I mean my family already recieved the letter" he laughs "well
there was no way you can say no to all of this" he says while pointing
at himself head to toe.
This man of mine is crazy honestly, we laugh "thank you mwelase, for
all of this, i mean today was supposed to be about you yet here we are
celebrating our engagement" i kiss him. "Now that you've forgiven me,
here's your phone" he hands it to me then leaves the room.

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I have tons of missed calls from my dad, my older sister and Mpumi. I
decide to call Thengi "sisi" i dont know what to say, I'm shaking " Zinhle
why werent you taking my calls?" This is exactly what i was avoiding "i
misplaced my phone sisi, i only found it just now" i know she wont buy
that story but technically, it's the truth "thats a lie, but anyway we
recieved a letter from the Mazibukos, its about time that guy did right
by you!" I guess shes happy so i losen up a bit "i didnt even know about
the letter, i only found out today when he proposed" i told my sister
all about this evening and promised to send her pictures before
hanging up.
I take a picture of my engagement ring then post it on my whatsapp

story. Phenyo also updated his whatsapp story with some of the selfies
we took with his phone, with captions like "she said yes" , "future Mrs
Me", "maMvuleni wam"
I decide to put my phone away and go back downstairs. The party is

still going and its almost 22h00. "I have an idea, lets go" Phenyo is a
bit tipsy so i dont trust any of his ideas but i follow his lead. We go out
to the driveway and he unlocks his Jeep. He opens the door for me
and goes to his side. We drive off. "Baby siyaphi?(where are we
doing)" he has a mischievous smile "you'll see"
We get to a beautiful hotel, i wonder what he is up to. "We are

here,lets go" we walk in hand in hand, "Mr Mazibuko, your
presidential suite is ready, to your specifications, please come with
me" we follow the beautiful lady as she leads us to our suite.

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"Welcome to PalmHotel. Enjoy your stay." As soon as we walk in,the

lights are off, there's scented candles all around, rose petals on the
floor some are on the bed, with a ice bucket that has what i assume to
be champagne with 2 champagne glasses. He's behind me busy
nibbling on my neck "why dont you take a shower while i add in the
final touches" he says this with a kiss after each word he utters.
I nodd and head to the shower, after my well deserved shower i grab
a towl and wrap myself with it. I walk out to find him sitting on the
edge of the bed facing the direction of the bathroom with a body
lotion container in his hands. He signals me to come closer, removes
my towl slowly with his eyes not leaving mine. He starts with lotioning
my arms, down to my breasts while slowly massaging them, he
continues then signals me to put my foot on the bed then he starts
lotioning it, then the other one. Now hes lotioning my thighs and
slowly massages my butt cheeks, I'm trying so hard to remain
composed but my body wants more of his soft touch.
He stands then starts kissing me, slowly, passionately yet with so much
hunger in it, he slowly makes me lie down on the bed then he
undresses himself, again, his eyes not leaving mine. He's only left with
his boxers on, he gets back to kissing me, goes down to nibbling on my
neck, then massages my breasts while moving further and further
down, he starts kisses my inner thighs and before i know it his lips
meet my privates.
He devours it like life depended on it, I'm trying to surpress my moans

"let it out babe,let it all out sthandwa sam" those words push me to
the edge, i feel my toes curl, I'm holding onto the sheets for dear life
before a wave of pleasure flushes over me and i let out a loud moan.

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While still on cloud nine,i feel him inserting his finger, i tense up a bit,
i guess he noticed it "relax my love" he keeps motioning his finger until
pleasure starts building up again, he notices that from the way I'm
moaning uncontrollably, he inserts a second finger and just as I'm
about to reach climax, he pulls out then gets back up, he starts kissing
me again as he simultaneously tries to remove his boxers.
He positions himself "this will hurt a bit but i promise to be gentle, at

any point if you feel like you cannot bare the pain, please let me know
and I'll stop okay nunu?" I nodd, he starts kisses me again and tries to
push his shaft in, he keeps going slowly until the tip is in, this is the
most excruciating pain I've probably ever felt.
Tears are streaming down my face, he keeps wiping them off and
kissing me "should i stop?" I shake my head , "nunu say it, should i
stop?" Tears are still streaming down my cheeks "no, dont stop" he
smiles slightly then wipes my tears again before pushing his shaft
further in, he keeps kissing me up until he lets out a groan then he
starts motioning slowly but stops for a while "shit MaMvuleni what
are you doing to me" he squeezes my breasts then increases his pace.
Now all the pain is mixed with pleasure, now I'm crying because this
feels so good, i even find myself asking him not to stop, " I'm about to
climax babe" i guess saying that queues him to increase the pace then
he keeps going and going until my moans and his groans are in sync,
we reach climax together then he kisses my forehead then my lips
before pulling out and laying down next to me.
"Ngiyabonga sthandwa sam, i love you and I'm grateful for this gift"
he pulls me into his arms "i dont wish to have it any other way babe, i
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love you more" I'm about to doze off "you know i think I've found my
new addiction" i chuckle faintly "which is" he smiles "maMvuleni
omncane(little maMvuleni)" first I'm confused before i see him point
at what he is referring to, I've never laughed so much all day, my
fiancee is insane honestly...
*this chapter was purely based on my imagination and also from some
of the books I've read, bare with me guys,I'm inexperienced when it
comes to such, i do hope you'll enjoy it..*
Chapter 35
Its 10am and I'm still in bed, in my fiancee's arms. Last night was
amazing, but it's a bit painful down there, Phenyo kept me up all night
but I'm not complaining. He's still fast asleep. I take the time to reflect
on the past few days. I'm soon to be Mrs Mazibuko, I'm a woman now,
I'm with the man of my dreams. I'm so grateful to God for all these
blessings, if anyone came up to me 3 years ago and told me that I'd
meet someone who would be my happy place i probably would've
laughed in disbelieve.
Yesterday was Phenyo's evening which was also technically mine yet
I'm sleeping comfortably in a hotel bed when I'm supposed to be at
the Mazibuko home helping them with cleaning up. "Babe vuka(wake
up)" i try shaking him to wake up, he groans "what's wrong sthandwa
sam?" Listen to him sounding so relaxed. "We need to go, i should be
assisting the other wives with cleaning up" he chuckles, "don't worry
about that"
Is he even hearing himself right now? "Babe what impression are we

giving to your family? That I'll be the type of wife that always wants

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people to work after her?" He grins then pulls be closer to him "i like
how you're referring to yourself as my wife, it sounds so great even
saying it MY WIFE" he then plants a wet kiss on my lips. "Since you
want us to leave so bad, lets go and take a shower then"
I dont like the idea of showering with him, mainly because I'm still
getting used to him seeing me naked. I feel like the more he gets too
see me naked is the quicker he'll notice my flaws. I mean when I'm all
dressed up its difficult to notice my flappy belly but now my whole
body is out there i just wonder if he still feels the same way now
"maMvuleni, are you okay?" He brings me back to reality.
"I'm fine my love" i fake a smile, he gives me an intense look "we hide
things from each other now?" Trust Phenyo to put you on the spot. I
dont answer him i just keep quiet trying so hard to avoide eyecontact
with him. He touches my face then pulls me in for a kiss, a slow
passionate kiss then he pulls away. "Now let me ask you this again, are
you okay my love?" Then just like that the water works start, I'm in
tears, he pulls me into his arms. "Khuluma nami mama(talk to me)"
how do i do it? How do i tell him that I'm not comfortable with being
naked around him, someone who's soon to be my husband.
"I just dont think i can take a shower with you, i feel like the more time
i spend naked around you is the more you'll notice my flaws and
realise that I'm actually not good enough" he sits up and pulls me to
sit up as well, holds my hands into his "i thought we spoke about this,
I'm not like him babe, i was attracted to you when i first saw you and
i knew exactly what I'm going for, I approached you knowing the type
of body you have and that type is my type, I love you babe, every inch
of you, and trust me how i feel about you can never be changed by

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anything, in fact part of the reason why i love you so much is because
of that gorgeous chubby body of yours, now this ends today okay? In
fact i cannot wait until we get our own place so you can walk naked
the whole time" he smiles and i blush. I'm truly blessed.
We took a shower together which turned into a make up session. After

the shower we got dressed in the same clothes we wore yesterday.
"Should we order breakfast?" He asks, I'm standing in front of the
mirror fixing myself he comes behind me and wraps his arms around
me. "No babe, we'll eat when we get to your home" he kisses my
cheek then goes out to the balcony, he's on the phone.
After fixing myself we head out, the drive back home, i was so nervous
i dont know what reaction i should expect from the people we left at
home. Along the way Phenyo was playing maskandi music, he does
that every once in a while and initially he never struck me as the type
to listen to maskandi.
We drove into the yard and he parked on the driveway, he was about
to open his door i stopped him "ngiyasaba(I'm scared)" he laughs
"scared of what manje babe?" I'm annoyed now because he cannot
stop laughing "they'll know what we were up to" in as much as I'm a
woman now, I'm not comfortable with making obvious to people that
i was having sex. He finally calms himself down "all the people in there
are married and they've been doing this eversince, babe lets go I'm
hungry" he walks out of the car still laughing his lungs out.
I'm annoyed that i dont even wait for him to open the door for me,i
open it then slam it shut. I leave him outside then walk into the house,
i hear voices coming from the sitting room, everyone is seated having
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breakfast. I walk in and greet "sanbonani(good morning)" everyone

greets back "where did you guys disappear to last night?" Thats
sbusiso asking "Sbusiso" his mother repremands,he starts laughing
also, then Phenyo walks in, now him and Sbu are laughing at
something. I excuse myself then go to Phenyo's room.
I change into a free flowing skirt and a white vest, i plait my afro then
wear a doek over it. Phenyo walks in with a tray of food, "i brought
you breakfast" he says playing it on the sideboard. I dont even look at
him, i continue with scrolling through my phone. "Come on babe, I'm
sorry" he comes and sits next to me "ngiyaxolisa sthandwa sam (I'm
sorry)" he kisses me all over my face then squeezes me into a bear hug
i end up laugh and he joins in,i ate then went downstairs with the
dishes while he stayed in the bedroom to change.
I got to the kitchen found Thobile with maMazibuko. I greeted then

started washing the dishes i was using "so how was your first night as
Mrs Mazibuko to be?" Thats maMazibuko asking, i look at her and
smile "it was great ma, thank you for asking"
They update my on how the rest of the evening went and I'm laughing
this whole time. Later in the day Phenyo drove me to the airport,
maMazibuko made me promise to come back and visit her. I had an
amazing weekend, its just sad that i have to leave my man behind, i
wont be seeing him after the lobola day which my dad has to finalize.
The mazibuko family suggested next weekend but my dad needs to
either agree to the date or set a different date.
Chapter 36

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It's been a month since Phenyo and i got engaged, his family came the
weekend after his birthday to pay lobola and I'm glad my uncles didnt
give them a tough time. They paid lobola and this coming weekend we
are going to KZN bergville where i will be introduced to the ancestors
and there will be a gifting ceremony where my family will bring gifts
for the Mazibuko's. I last saw my hubby last week and to be quite
honest i miss him, lately I'm too needy, i hate the distance between
us.
Since Phenyo is working at the KZN branch, i applied for a post

available in an auditing firm in durban,that way i can move in with him.
Today is Thursday, I'm heading to KZN with my family tomorrow
morning, we booked a guest house and literally every member of my
family is coming with, so my dad had to buy plane tickets for almost
the whole family.
Today after work I'm going to fetch my dress which I'll be wearing on
saturday,it's a tight fitting urban zulu print , off the shoulder dress,the
most dominant colour is red, my mother's side of the family agreed on
wearing swazi print attires, same material but different designs since
my mum's side of the family are swatis and my dad's family obviously
chose to wear their zulu traditional attires.
Its knock off time and I'm driving to Nthabi's warehouse,my dress
designer. I got there and the store is closed, i guess I'm late, but when
i check the time its 17h00 and we agreed that I'd be here at 17h15. I'm
panicking. I go back into my car and decide to call my hubby. "Babe"
he picks up on the third ring. "Phenyo, Nthabi isn't open today and i
was supposed to fetch my dress for saturday, what will i wear?, what
will your family think of me?, maybe we should cancel maybe we..."

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I'm crying now which has been happening quite a lot since we started
preparing for this day. He cuts me off "relax babe, she sent us both
emails saying that she delivered the dress at your sister's place since
she has a wedding to decorate this weekend and she had to leave
sooner than expected" i let out a sigh of relief "alright thank you babe"
he chuckles a bit "where would you be without me, babe please relax,
everything will be fine and my family should be the least of your
worries, i love you maMvuleni wam, I'll call you as soon as i knock off
okay? I love you" he's so sweet "i love you more mwelase wam" then
we end the call.
*friday morning*
I'm woken up by people singing and ululating. My sisters and i packed
everything last night and apparently some of my male cousins decided
that that'd drive instead of taking a flight so that means they'll come
with most of the bags. I got up and since we are at my mum's house
in Soweto, there's no ensuite so i take my toiletry bag and head to the
bathroom,my cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces nephews, everyone is
moving around the house they all congratulate me but I'm just trying
to get to the bathroom.
After my shower i get dressed in a 3 quarter summer dress and a doek

over my hair, i bought a bob 8 inch brazilian lace weave which I'll
probably only wear tomorrow. My cousin, Thando is a make up artist
and so she's the one who'll prep my face. I only have 4 bridesmaids,
well tomorrow is technically a traditional wedding vibe. My
bridesmaids are Mpumi ofcause, my cousin Thando the make up
artist, Buhle my other cousin and Ayanda, Thengi's oldest daughter
she's 18 years old. They'll all be dressed in zulu traditional attire with
white skirts since according to my dad I'm still a virgin because I'm
marrying my first.
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Also Phenyo had to pay for "deflowering" and his family was shocked
to find out that i was a virgin. We are ready to go its 11h00 our flight
leaves at 13h00 so we sit and eat before driving off to the airport. We
board the plane. At 2 oclock we land and head to this big guest house.
I decide to find a room and sleep, I'm jetlagged but as i was about to
drift off to lalaland my phone rings arggh i dont even bother to check
the caller ID.
"Hmmmm" i say out of frustration, "hey Chomie, sorry for waking you
up, its Phelo" oh bad Timing, "hey chomie, are you good?" He chuckles
a bit,he doesnt sound like his bubbly self though "I'm good chomie you
know me, Congratulations friend!" He tries to be himself but no
something is just not right, i know we havent spoken in a really long
time but i can feel it. "Chomiza whats wrong?" He sighs "I miss you
chomie, it saddens me that i got to find out about your wedding from
Mpumi" he keeps quiet, i dont even know what to say so i also keep
quiet.
"Anyway, i broke up with Jade,the guy from cape town, I'm sorry that
i allowed a guy to break our friendship, enjoy your big day chomie"
now i feel bad "alright chomie thank you" we end the call.
Well this isnt really a wedding it's a traditional ceremony hence why i
didnt invite everyone close to me. Tasha and Justin will come through
tomorrow morning and I'm so happy, i truly miss Jess, she's a big
preschool girl now.

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Phenyo video called while i was asleep so i decided to just get up since
no one wants to see me sleeping today. My cousins and Mpumi came
to my room and we just chilled until it was dinner time. We had a braai
then after dinner people started drinking and dancing so i sneaked to
my bedroom to rest a bit.
I think an hour into my sleep, Phenyo calls again, i guess i clearly wont
sleep tonight...
Chapter 37
*Saturday*
I was woken up by my cousins and sisters singing wedding songs. I'm
happy,not only because this day has finally come but because i dreamt
of my late mother and she looked so happy.
It's 8h00 and the ceremony is scheduled to start at 10h00, Phenyo has
been calling me for the whole night i even decided to ignore his calls.
I take a shower then walk out with a towl wrapped around my body,
my cousins and sisters are sitting here all dressed and ready. "Chomiza
i bought you something that you should wear under that dress" thats
Mupmi,she hands me a box the size of a regular shoe box.
I unwrap it and oh my word, its a red lacy lingerie, I've never worn this
ever in my life, all the girls suggest that i try it on so i take it then walk
back to the bathroom and wear it , i must say i look good in it, i love
what it does to my breast, and i like how it is strapless. I walk out and
they all cheer. They help me into my dress then Thando helps me with
my weave, she straightens it then my face,i always play it safe with a
nice natural look. Topped this look off with read matt lipstick and red
strappy block heels. My aunt walked in with isiqolo(a zulu "hat" which

117
is worn mostly by zulu wives) it has a piece of animal skin then it has
beads, i wear it over my weave.
My dad walks in and asks that we be left alone. "Ntomb' ka

baba(daddy's girl)" i smile "yebo baba(yes dad)" he looks at me with a
smile "I'm so proud of you my baby, the life you've built for yourself,
the independent woman that you've become,I'm also very proud that
you are getting married out of love and not as a means to get a better
life, you've achieved so much nana and daddy is so proud, i want you
to know that no matter how many qualifications you obtain, no matter
how many kids you bare and no matter how far in the world you live,
always remember that you'll always be my little girl and nothing will
ever change that, not even the new surname will change that. I love
you nana and i always want whats best for you, if that boy ever breaks
your heart, I'll make sure he regrets it for the rest of his life" he kisses
my forehead then wipes a tear off his eye "your mum would be so
proud of you, umuhle(you're beautiful) you remind me so much of
her, i bought you something"
I'm trying so hard not to cry as this might ruin my make up and Thando
won't be pleased at all my dad takes out a small box "here, this is
yours" i open it and its a locket with my mum's picture (a locket is a
necklace with photo) okay screw this the water works are falling, my
dad tries wiping my tears off but he's also tearing up "you see now
Thando will hate me for this" we both chuckle "okay baby, let me call
them back in so they can fix your make up, its almost 11 we are late
already, i love you Ntomb' ka baba" he kisses my forehead then walks
out.

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Thando fixes my make up then we are all rushed out. We walk out
while everyone is singing, I'm happy, this is it, its finally happening. My
dad hired my favourite car to drive me to the Mazibuko residence, a
G63. I feel like a queen.
We get to the Mazibuko residence, the gate is closed,before i could

get out of the car, my aunt comes and covers me with a blanket over
my shoulders. We stand at the gate and sing while my uncles and
Phenyo's uncles deligate. Finally after what seemed like forever,we
had to pay a fine for arriving late then the gate was opened, women
are ulelating, men are whistling and doing the zulu traditional dance,
all this while I'm facing down because according to the peptalk my
aunts gave me, I'm not supposed to look around.
While everyone is still singing, his scent is the first thing i pick up
before his hand reaches out for mine. My aunts will forgive me i need
to see my man. I look up and he smiles,he looks surprised a bit though.
I smile back at him then we walk in, everyone else goes and sits by the
wedding setting under the stretch tent while I'm taken into the house
by Phenyo's mom along with other women whom i assume are his
aunts.
They first sat down with me and told me the do's and dont's of being
a bride before helping me change into another dress that the
Mazibuko's bought for me which is purple together with a matching
doek, i change into traditional flipflops to match that. Then we walk
out with them singing "umakoti ungowethu". Never in my life have i
ever imagined myself getting married, but its happening and I'm so
happy.

119
Phenyo and i are taken to a small hut where they joined us and burned
incense as a way of informing the ancestors of the new addition to the
family. We walked out of the hut holding hands. He looks at me and
smiles "you look so beautiful today, the hair and make up... wow
babe" oh thats why he looked surprised earlier "ngiyabonga sthandwa
sam(thank you my love)" he stops walking and holds my hand "thank
you maMvuleni, thank you for agreeing to be my wife, trust me you'll
never regret this" he kisses my cheek then his aunt appears "weeh
Phenyo, what are you doing? People are waiting for you inside the
tent" we chuckle and keep moving like little kids caught doing
something they shouldnt be.
We get to the tent and the part of the ceremony known as umembeso
starts, its basically a gifting ceremony, gifts from my family to the
mazibukos. We hand gifts while each recipient dances and sings its a
nice ceremony until its my turn to show the family how well i will take
care of my husband. Now this is how it works, i need to pretend to be
washing my husband's feet, helping him brush his teeth and
pretending to wash his face. Now he needs to lay down in bed then
my family will whoop him as a way of waking him up because a man
that sleeps cannot provide for his own.
I felt sorry for my hubby when they all started whooping him. Its finally
time to eat, Phenyo's mom gave me strict instructions not to eat food
that is served to me and also to dish up for myself and my husband. I
do so then serve my man, we start digging in. After lunch it was
basically a party now, with music banging and people drinking.
Phenyo'a friends are also here with their wives, Sphelele was Phenyo's
right hand man. I forgot to tell you guys about how sexy my man looks.

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He's dressed in full zulu traditional attire, he's shirtless, wearing

ibheshu and the zulu traditional shoes. My man is hella fine! I've been
drooling since this day started.
Its late now and my family is leaving, I need to stay behind for the rest
of the week and perform wife duties before going back to work and
lucky for me my husband isnt going anywhere either.
Phenyo's mom showed me to Phenyo's room, now since we are not in

the city, all rooms are outside the main house, Phenyo's room is
basically like a house, has a bedroom, a bathroom and a sitting room.
I put my bag down the head to the shower, i left him with his friends
so that i can get some sleep. I get back into my lingerie just to tease
my husband.
I dozed lff whe waiting for my husband. I feel cold lips on my neck, I'm
so tired but he's so persistent. "This looks good on you" i know he's
referring to what I'm wearing, i grin a bit. He gets into bed and turns
me to face him, he starts kissing me and i can taste the alcohol. He's
gentle as always and just like the very first time, i enjoyed every
moment of our love making. "I love you Zee" he pulls me into his arms
before we both pass out.
Chapter 38
*two weeks later*
The makoti week was quite hectic, i had an issue with waking up early
but my husband was so supportive, he'd make it his personal
assignment to make sure that i am up on time. Sometimes my hubby
would help with breakfast before everyone else wakes up. The
workload increased as the other 2 wives had to leave and i was left

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with all makoti duties to myself, but I'm grateful that the love of my
life was by my side all along.
I'm back in Johannesburg, in as much as i want to always wake up next

to my husband, i still need this job. Last week i recieved a call from VA
auditing, the firm which i applied in, the one in durban. They've
scheduled my interview for tomorrow(Tuesday) and since I'm
currently based in Johannesburg they've arranged for my interview to
take place in their Johannesburg offices.
I'm truly excited but also a bit nervous. Excited because I'll finally move
in with my husband but nervous because what if i dont get the job,
what happens thereon?
Today i am working half day because i have a doctor's appointment. I

think its time i took contraceptives, my husband is against the idea of
using protection but the dude also doesnt want to pull out, now it is
for my own good to get on a contraceptive ofcause without him
knowing about it. I got referred to this doctor by Mpumi and honestly
i feel uncomfortable having to discuss my sex life with someone, I've
never done this.
My husband was here for the weekend and we spoke about a white
wedding, honestly i feel like that's every girl's dream, I've always
imagined how my wedding would be like from a very young age so we
agreed on it and my amazing hubby said that i should start
planning,thats not the best part, the best part is that there's no
budget!!

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So today after my doctors appointment, I'm meeting up with Phelo at

mike's kitchen so that i can formally ask him to plan my wedding
because i mean we all know he has always wanted to do this for me
and i trust him.
I'm driving to the doctors appointment listening to Tasha cobbs,

today's weather is good for staying in , it's been drizzling all day. I get
to the doctor and I'm just on time. Doctor smith takes me through the
different contraception methods and i opt for pills, i mean with an
injection i might forget to come or Phenyo might find out,but with pills
there's always a way of hiding it.
I had to first take a pregnancy test, apperently its standard procedure.

Then he issued me with the pills. I drove off, maybe i should stop by
the mall and get vitamins, so i can switch the containers of the
contraceptive with the vitamins, that way hubby dearest would think
that these are just your regular vitamins.
While driving to meet up with Phelo,my phone rings , its my sister.

"Thengi wam" she chuckles "Zinhle,we miss you" i havent seen them
since the ceremony in KZN , "i miss you more, since I'm on my way to
sandton to meet up with Phelo, I'll drive by" i also miss my sister's
cooking "okay then see you later" she hangs up.
I get to Mike's kitchen and yep you guessed it, Phelo is nowhere
insight. I ask for a table for two then order coffee. He walks in looking
porsh as always. I get up to give him a hug, he's not like his usual self,
he's too reserved.

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"Chomie, o sharp?(are you okay)" i ask concerned. He gives me an

assuring smile "I'm good chomiza, look at you! You're even glowing" i
smile, "I'm happy chomie, Phenyo makes me so happy" he smiles at
me "I'm glad you finally found someone" he orders and then we sit in
awkward silence, its awkward since we havent spent time together in
years now. "Chomi please be my wedding planner" i blurt out, his face
beams and he screams a bit, drawing attention to us, yeah this is the
Phelo that i know "Chomiza! You dont need to ask me twice, I'm game
for this!" He gets up and squeezes me into a hug.
We chill and talk more about the ideas he has, I'm just happy to have
my friend back. After our date, i drive to my sister's place, its around
5pm when i get there. Great her car is on the drive way meaning she's
home already. I knock once before i let myself in "honey! I'm home" i
say hysterically. My nieces and Nephew come rushing down the stairs.
"What did i say about running?" Thats my sister appearing from the
kitchen. They pay no attention to her.
"Aunty Zee" they all embrace me in hugs and kisses before they all
start giving me a life update , they're talking all at once before their
mum reminds them that they have homework to finish. Shame i need
to fetch them over the weekend.
"Sisi" i give her a hug, "look at you glowing" she says, what is it with
everyone mentioning my glow?!
We chat and catch up while i help her with pealing and chopping. I get
a text from hubby "I've just landed, on my way to your place" i cannot
hide the excitement. "Zinhle what is it?" My sister asks "well Phenyo
is here so i have to get going, bye sis" i say while taking my bag, she

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laughs "wait! Let me dish up for you then" my sister is such a lifesaver.
I live there with 4 containers with rice, beef stew and salads.
I drove back like a maniac, i got to my place and quickly took a shower
then changed into a dress. I quickly transfer the food out of the
containers into the pots so it looks as if i cooked. He walks in while I'm
washing dishes.
I run into his arms, he smells so great, i missed him. I kiss him with so
much passion, he grabs ahold of my body pulling me closer to him. He
lifts me up and carries me to the bedroom. I know i saw him just
yesterday but i cannot get enough of this man. We got to the bedroom
and you know what happened next.
We took a shower then had dinner together. Apparently he came back

to help me prepare for my interview, he briefed me on what i should
know and also hinted me on some of the things i should and should
not do.
Chapter 39
Its been 2 days since my interview, it went quite well but I'm nervous,
my husband has been around since the week started but this weekend
he needs to fly back to durban to catch up on work. I honestly hate
this set up where i only get to see my husband occassionally.
The auditing firm that i applied at informed me that i should expect

communication within 5 working days regarding the feedback of my
interview. I'm at work, Phelo has been sending me decor ideas for my

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wedding. I'm stuck between choosing rose gold and white or

peach,grey and white. My husband does not even want to give an
input on the preparations.
As i am scrolling through my laptop screen looking through decor

ideas, my personal phone rings "Zinhle Hello" it's a landline number
"Goodday Ms Mnisi, you're speaking to Jodine, the HR manager of JC
auditors, we are pleased to inform you that your interview was
successful and we would like to invite you to review the contract on
monday" excited is an understatement, I'm beyond happy to hear this.
We further discuss the time and venue for monday and we end the
call.
I message my husband right away, he's probably busy with work and
so I'll tell him all about it when i get home. After work, i drive to the
mall to buy something for dinner, it's friday and i honestly do not feel
like cooking. I decided to buy woolworths full chicken and green salad.
When i got home i found my husband all dressed up in one of his navy
blue slimfitted italian double breasted suit and brown shoes,he has a
fresh haircut and he smells great "mwelase, you look great,whats the
occassion?" I ask, planting a kiss on his cheek, he chuckles at the fact
that i tiptoe whenever i try to kiss him, that's how short i am.
"Well i figured that my beautiful wife would be too tired to cook, i

mean its been a hectic week for you so i booked us a table at your
favourite seafood restaurant" I'm speechless, Phenyo constantly
proves to me that i wasn't actually asking for too much, that there was
always someone out there who would be willing to go all out for me.

126
He notices that I'm getting a bit emotional "hey, come here" he pulls
me into his arms, my safe haven, my home.
I go upstairs to freshen up. I opt to wear a black tight fitting long sleeve
dress, with nude pencil heels and i tie my hair into a low bun, i apply
nude lipstick and I finish the look with a black clutch bag. As i walk
down the stairs,my husband is standing there looking at me with so
much admiration, the love is so visible in his eyes, I'm truly blessed.
"Shall we?" He smiles taking my hand into his "we shall" i smile at him
then we walk out while he tells me how beautiful i look. We are driving
in my car which he utterly hates,he says it's a small car and mercedes
benz was merely just trying to accommodate rich kids by making a
sports car which went wrong. He's driving, he connects his phone to
the radio. The first song that plays is mamela by Micasa, one of my
current favourites.
We both starts singing along to it, i snap a few videos and pictures of
us, I'm truly happy. I swear I'm married to my best friend. I cannot
believe i get to be so carefree and happy without the fear of coming
across as too much to someone.
We get to foreways and he parks, walks out then opens the door for
me.that has become a norm, no matter how upset he is, he never
stops doing it. We walk hand in hand. "Umuhle sthandwa sam(you're
beautiful my love)" he's so random, "thank you mwelase wam" we get
in and we are led to our table. We order then our drinks are brought,
i ordered orange juice and I'm surprised that he also ordered
appletiser.

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"I bought you something" he hands me a small black box "i hope you'll
love it" i smile at him, i open the box and there's a beautiful diamond
necklace " it's so beautiful, thank you so much Phenyo" he smiles "haii
maMvuleni dont even think about crying now no" i laugh lightly, he
knows me too well, I'm such a cryer.
"So how's it going with the wedding preparations?" I smile, I'm

genuinely happy that he is showing interest "well so far I'm stick
conflicted with the theme colour of the day, Phelo sent through a few
ideas but i cannot seem to decide" our food comes and we start
digging in "then use all those colours if you cannot choose" why on
earth did i even expect this guy to give me some constractive advice
when it comes to the wedding planning.
I just laugh it off and we talk about random things like where I'd love
to travel to, and i finally got to tell him that i got the job at JC. He's so
happy for me. The evening went great, i truly enjoyed myself. We are
now driving back home and I'm honestly exhausted but i enjoyed
myself
Chapter 40
*a month later*
I've signed my contract with JC auditing, officially moved to durban
after serving my 2 weeks notice with M&S. I've been in durban for 2
weeks now and since I'm only starting my new job tomorrow, the past
2 weeks have been a bliss. My husband even suggested that i just
become a housewife because he has been enjoying having me around,
my routine for the past 2 weeks was to wake up before my husband,
prepare his clothes, make breakfast for him, prepare a warm bath just

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before he walks up then while he takes a bath, i tidy up around our

bedroom then once he's all ready for work, i serve him breakfast.
I used to occassionally bring him lunch at work and I'd show up
unannounced. I feel like the past 2 weeks have really drawn us closer
as a newly married couple, I'm honestly enjoying this 'honeymoon
phase' i sure hope it lasts longer.
I'm alone at home, my husband is off to work, its a Tuesday today.
You're probably wondering how the wedding preparations are coming
along? Well its a nightmare, I'm literally just a bystander, i am
expected to agree with everything Phelo suggests, this has basically
turned into his dream wedding, there was a huge fuss around the fact
that i chose rose gold and white instead of all the colours that he
suggested. My husband isnt pleased with this and told me that if i dont
address my concerns with Phelo then he will do it for me and it might
not be nice.
I barely ever have anything to do here besides watching tv, reading
magazines and novels or just looking up cute wedding ideas. Since it's
almost my hubby's knock off time, i decided to get started on
preparing dinner,well Phenyo is a huge fan of my cooking, i dont know
if its because he loves me so much that he would feel bad for criticizing
my cooking but my sisters always complained that i cook bland food
thats why recently i went to this idian spice shop around here and
bought a few spices to try out.
I decide to prepare fall of the bone leg of lamb, reduced in red
wine,with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and boiled asparagus. It
scares me how relaxed i am about my first day of work. When i think
back to how nervous and excited i was about my first day at M&S,
today is honestly nothing like that.
"maMvuleni" hubby is home, he comes over to my side of the kitchen
counter and wraps is arms around me then kisses my cheek, "how are
you?,how was your day?" He asks "ngiyaphila mina(I'm good), but you
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dont look too good, how was work?" He sighs before undoing his tie
and walking over to take a seat on the high chair. "Its hectic, we are
still looking for a replacement for you and it's difficult finding someone
competible for the job" he looks really exhausted shame, as for the
issue they're faced with, i have nothing to say honestly. "How about i
dish up for you while you go upstairs and freshen up" he smiles faintly
"where would i be without you"
The rest of the evening went well, although after dinner, Phenyo
headed straight to bed. I feel like there's something else on his mind
besides the replacement issue.
*Tuesday morning*
I woke up and prepared for my husband as usual thereafter i got ready
for work. Since first impression lasts, i want to look as professional as
possible so i wear a knee length black pencil skirt, a white blouse and
black block heel sandles, i tied my hair into a low bun and added clip-
ons to add a bit more volume to the bun. Walking out of the closet my
husband stops what he's doing and glances at me "isn't that skirt a bit
too much for work?" And here i was thinking that he is about to
complement me. "What do you mean Phenyo?, I mean its black and
its knee length so whats 'too much' about it?" He is upset but tries to
control himself, usually when he's upset he grinds his teeth. "Just
change into something less revealing please" he says this with a bit
more exclamation in his tone, one thing about my husband, he never
raises his voice at me.
I just grab my hand bag and my laptop bag then walk out, I'm really
not about to let him ruin my first day at work. I got to the office
building just on time, it's 8 o'clock on the dot. I walk in to reception
and I'm led to the HR person that will induct me before i get started
on the day's work. "Good morning Ms Mnisi, welcome to JC auditing,
my name is Clara, i work for JC HR and i will be taking you on a tour of
the building before showing you to your office, please come with me"

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I follow behind this beautiful white lady. I must say, this firm is big and
i feel like I'm taking a much greater responsibility as compared to one
that i had back at M&S. But it's good for my CV. "Lastly, there's a
request from the CEO, he would like to meet you and to personally
show you to your new office" thats odd, and it has just dawned to me
that i know nothing about their CEO because the website still shows
the former Mr Johnson but apparently there's a new CEO in town.
Clara leads the way to the CEO's office, the door boldly reads "DR N
Mabaso" below that it reads "Chief executive officer" Clara knocks
lightly before a bold voice commands us in, when the door swings
open, i couldn't believe my eyes...
Chapter 41
I'm still dumbstruck when "Dr Mabaso" finally speaks "Ms Mnisi,
welcome...thank you Clara, I'll take it from here, please close the door
on your way out" Clara smiles briefly at me before walking out.
"Ms Mnisi, please take a seat" is he really going to pretend like we

don't know each other or is he just trying to maintain professionalism?
"We are glad to have you as part of our team, I'm sure Clara has taken
you through the whole building i just wanted to formally welcome you
to JC auditing" he smiles at me, more of a smerk i must say.
"Thank you, yes I've seen the whole building and I'm impressed" i
guess I'll just play along. He sits back on his chair and stares at me
intensely. None of us speaks for a good 5 minutes while he is intensely
starring at me,I'm just admiring his office, the furniture, the theme,
it's very beautiful, I'd one day love to have something like this for
myself.

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"Zinhle, how have you been?" He finally speaks. "I've been good
Nhlakanipho, how have you been? How are things with your family?,
i see you've done well for yourself" he smiles proudly "my family and
I are fine, I'm working under my dad so all this isnt mine" he stands up
from his chair. "Please come with me to your office"he leads the way
and it turns out my office is on the same floor as his, 5 doors away
from his office to be precise.
"I hope you like it, more of your furniture and stayionary will be
brought in before end of day today, please familiarise yourself with
the company website and the policies, tomorrow you'll meet the
person whom you'll be working under" I've been nodding the whole
day, I'm truly impressed, my office is so big and it has an amazing view
of the city, I'm honestly going to enjoy working here.
"Have a good day Ms Mnisi " with that said he walks out. I immediately
start putting up my picture frames on my desk. A picture of myself
with my whole family on graduation, a picture of myself on the day
Phenyo's family came to pay for lobola and also a picture of Phenyo
and myself when he proposed. My husband hasnt called me today, it
really stresses me when he is upset so i try calling him.
It rings unanswered, he's probably busy or in a meeting. I start

familiarizing myself with JC auditing, everything there is to know about
their clients, their reputation,basically everything, and only then do i
find out that Nhlakanipho's dad is the Majority shareholder of this
firm.
The rest of the office furniture was brought and i get to arrange things
to my liking, I'm honestly going to need fresh flowers to bring a bit of
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brightness into this place. Its lunchtime and lucky for me now i dont
need to go to the cafeteria and eat with everyone else, i have my own
office so i move to the couch and eat my lunch while scrolling through
my phone. I notice that hubby is online on whatsapp so i drop him a
heart emoji, he replies back with the same then goes offline. I'm really
worried about Phenyo.
My phone rings as I'm packing away my lunch container. Its Phenyo's

mum, i havent spoken to her in a while now. "Sawubona
ma(greetings)" i answer "Makoti, how are you?" Honestly i dont know
if i should tell her how I'm actually feeling or to just deal with my
marital issues on my own "I'm good ma, how are you?" I lied, its for
the best. "I'm also good, listen i was wondering if you can your
husband can come over this weekend, i miss having all my children
under one room" i chuckle "no problem ma, I'll speak to Phenyo about
it" i say, "oh don't worry about him I've already spoken to him, he
asked that i first get approval from his wife, if i didnt know better I'd
say you fed my son love potion" we laugh lightly then she goes on to
asking about how the wedding preparations are coming along and
ended up telling me about the drama going on between the ladies
society from her church, I've been laughing nonstop until there's a
knock. "Ma I have to go, thank you for the call, please greet baba for
me" i bid farewell before hanging up.
"Come in" Nhlaka walks in, he is dressed well,I'm only taking note of it
now, he's wearing a while T shirt, black checkered pants with versace
black grained leather loafers. He walks over to my desk. "I came to let
you know that you can take the rest of the day off since your job
officially starts tomorrow" i smile "thank you" he stares at me
intensely then "you're welcome" before he walks out.

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Nhlaka is still a bit creepy but anyway who cares? Right now all that
matters is driving to my man's workplace with lunch so we can talk. I
drive to his favourite italian resturant then bought him his favourite
pasta and cranberry juice. When i got to M&S, i greeted the lady at
reception before taking the lift to my man's office. I dont knock, i just
budge in,his assistant is there.
She's barely even wearing anything, her skirt is too tight and a bit too
short, her blouse is barely buttoned up, i dont like her. I greet her then
walk over to my husband, he smiles "Its as if you knew that i havent
eaten" i smile "It's callee wifey instincts" he laughs, I'm glad that his
mood is a lot better than it was this morning.
"Ma called" i say "oh i know, she told me that you agreed" he says
paying no attention to me, he's giving his meal all the attention it
needs. Once he's done eating he takes a sip of his drink, i think now is
the right time to talk about what happened this morning.
"Mwelase, what happened this morning" he sighs, "I'm sorry babe, i

really didnt mean to snap at you like that" he says, pulling my hand
into his, "i know that you are sorry and i forgave you even way before
you said it, but what i wanna know is why?"
He pulls me over to sit with him on the couch, "i did a bit of research
on the company you are working for and i found out that that ex of
yours is ths current CEO, insecurities flushed over me because i
practically stole you from him" he's looking down, "i don't get it
Phenyo, i married you at the end of it all, i chose you and I'll keep
choosing you now i dont understand why we would let a none factor

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come between us like that, i thought you said that we talk about
things, i really dont appreciate how you snapped at me" i say
"I'm sorry babe, i should've told you" he says. "Well he's married and
so am i, so really there's nothing to worry about here" i smile at him,
he kisses my cheek, "how about we go home and prepare dinner
together, it's been so long since i last cooked" he says, well he isn't the
best cook, i still remember the first meal he ever prepared and
brought for me at work back when we were in cape town, it wasn't so
good.
We pack his things "we'll drive in one car, you'll get yours tomorrow
morning" i dont even protest, he hates my car anyway. We drive off.
When we get home i head to the shower immediately. After my

shower as i am picking out something to wear in the closet, my phone
rings "babe! Please answer it for me" i shout from the closet "where
is it?" He asks "in my handbag" i opt for a pair of leggings with a baggy
t shirt and slippers.
"Who was it?" I ask, he has something in his hand, its a paper, and he
isnt even answering my question. He looks up at me then stares at me
for sometime before handing me the paper that he has been holding.
Shoot! Its my prescription for the contraceptive pills, see the doctor
I'm seeing here in durban doesnt offer the pills, but writes you a
prescription so you can buy the pills over the counter at a pharmacy, i
was hoping to go and get them today after work but then i had a
change of plans.

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How do i even explain this to Phenyo, he looks upset....
Chapter 42
I'm frozen on the same spot, I'm facing down,i dont even know what
to say, "Zinhle yin lokho(whats this)?" He says, trying as hard as
possible to keep his cool. I'm tongue tied, "Zinhle I'll ask you this for
the last time, what is this?!" He shouts, I'm stuttled.
I face up immediately to be met by his angry face with blood shot red
eyes. I'm shaken, I've never seen this side to him. I feel fresh warm
tears streaming down my face. He notices this but keeps his mean face
on. "I... I'm sorry Babe, i wanted to tell you, i just didnt know how to"
i say, with hiccups, i cannot even control my tears.
"How long?" He asks, i face down again, "Zinhle, how long?" He asks
again "a month after we started having sex" i sniff in between my
words. He walks over to his sideboard, takes his car keys and cellphone
and then walks out without saying anything.
I breakdown, well i knew this was eventually going to happen but then
again I'm not ready for a child, I'm too young and also I've just started
working my dream job, i have nothing under my name as yet so why
would i want to bring another life into this world.
I cry, change into my PJ's and get into bed, i cry until i finally doze off.
I'm woken up when i feel cold hands warm their way around my waist,
i move closer and he cuddles me up, i fall asleep safely in my husband's
arms.

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The next morning i woke up alone in bed, took a bath then prepared
for work. I'm wearing black chino pants, a red button up blouse and
black pencil heels. I comb my hair up, tie it into a high bun,lay my
edges and wear gold loopy earrings finished the look off with red
matte lipstick. My eyes are very puffy, its day's like these where i wish
i knew how to apply make up.
I drove to work listening to radio 2000. I got to the parking lot, prayed
then walked in. I got to my office and found a beautiful dark skinned
lady waiting for me outside my door. "Good morning, you must be Ms
Mnisi, I'm Lethabo, I'll be taking you through our financials and just
briefing you on what is expected of you, i was working as an acting
financial manager until we found you of cause so today I'm handing
everything over to you" she says, i open my office door then we both
walk in "its lovely to meet you Lethabo" she smiles revealing her
perfectly aligned teeth "likewise Ms Mnisi"
For about 4 hours Lethabo and i worked through the handover and
this is basically more or less the same thing i did at M&S. She finally
left my office at lunch time. I dont feel like eating so I'll just work
through lunch.
While busy i hear a soft knock "come in" , Nhlaka walks in wearing a
formal slim fitted bargandy suit, he's carrying a paper bag in one hand
and two coffee containers in the other. "I come bearing gifts" he
smiles before pulling a chair. "I was actually hoping to use this time to
catch up on work" i say, he smiles "well you can drink your coffee and
I'll sit here and watch you while you work" he says this while getting
comfortable. I just chuckle lightly and close my laptop.

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We ended up catching up,he told me about how him and his wife are,
he has a daughter now, she's a year old and they've moved to durban
with Thembi. After lunch he left then i continued working.
I honestly dont feel like facing Phenyo today so i decide to stay for an
extra 2 hours, my normal knock off time is 5pm so I'll leave here at
7pm. "I thought you'd be home by now" Nhlakanipho brings be back
to the present, I've been buried in work that i lost track of time, when
i check the time on my phone its after 8pm and i have 5 missed calls.
Shoot! "I should leave" i say quickly packing my things and rushing off,i
leave him standing there by the door.
I drove home like a maniac, i wonder what hubby ate for dinner. I got
home then found him in the living room watching the news. This is
basically how our apartment looks, the dinning room and sitting area
are sort of like an open plan, so when you enter through the kitchen
door, you get to see exactly whats going on in the sitting room. I walk
over to the sitting room, "hi" i greet him, he doesnt even look up. He's
just glued to the screen.
I decide to let him be,i go upstairs and take a shower, coming out of
the bathroom i find him sitting on the edge of the bed. "So you knock
off at 8pm now?" He asks "I needed sometime to catch up on work, i
lost track of time" he stairs at me, then pats the bed signalling me to
come and sit next to him.
"Now we are going to talk like two adults, no crying, no shouting and
definitely no lies, okay?" He says while looking at me expectantly. I just

138
nodd "i said like adults" i guess he's referring to my nodding "yes" he
takes my hand into his, when he does that, i know it's about to be real.
"Why did you do it behind my back?" He asks, "i didnt think you'd
approve of the idea considering we just got married and you're not
getting any younger" he pulls my chin up so that i can face him.
"Did we not agree on being vocal about everything? Did we not talk
about the importance of communication?" I'm now looking at him in
the eyes which I've been avoiding all this time "I'm so disappointed
that you think i married you so that you can bare kids for me, there's
more to marriage than just having kids" he really does look
disappointed, that breaks my heart.
"I'm sorry babe, i just started my career and i didnt want anything to
be of hindrance and i think i might have been inconsiderate of your
feelings when i made the decision" he nodds "so whats the way
forward now?" I ask
"You can continue taking the pills until we are both ready to start a
family, i just got upset at the fact that you didnt tell me" i nodd, he
brings me to sit on his lap "i love you babe, and i hate it when we fight,
your happiness is my priority" he kisses my cheek then brings me
closer to his chest.
Chapter 43
*3 months later*
My white wedding is in exactly 3 weeks from now, we found a nice

venue in Johannesburg, the Munro Boutique Hotel and we've finalized
everything from the dress, to the menu, the guest list of 500 guests,

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initially i wanted something small and intimate but both my family and
Phenyo's family disputed that so i had to increase my guest list from
150 to 500. The theme of the day is rose gold and white, my dress is
ivory white, it's a body hugging dress so lately I've been trying to
watch my weight.
My husband will be wearing a black dux while his groomsmen will be

wearing fawn suits and my girls will be wearing rose gold dresses,
same material but designs of their choice.
Nhlakanipho has been rather too friendly for my liking. He has met
Phenyo only once but he always indirectly hints that Phenyo isnt good
for me. He barely ever talks about Thembi and he occassionally has his
ring on, which is odd but I'm one person, i never ask about people's
private lives because i dont appreciate it when someone else does so.
Today I'm home sick, i havent been feeling well, it's probably because
of the new diet. My husband has no idea that i called in sick at work
today since he always leaves while I'm preparing for work. I'm dizzy so
i havent had anything to eat, I've been laying down on the couch with
my water bottle. The dizziness and blurry vision has been going on for
a while now.
I only told Tasha about how I'm feeling and she advised that i go visit
the doctor but honestly i hate doctor's offices. I decide to take a nap,
hopefully I'll wake up feeling a lot better. I woke up feeling better, i
decided to order a burger, fries and onion rings from spur with a large
cup of orange juice. My food arrives in a few minutes, as soon as i open
the container i suddenly dont feel like eating this, in fact it doesnt even
look appetising.
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My phone rings as I'm looking for something to eat in the fridge

"maMvuleni wam" thats my husband, "mwelase" i respond "I'm at
your workplace..." shoot! I should've known he'd bring me lunch, he
randomly does that lately, "i wasnt feeling well so i called in sick" i
know I'm up for a long lecture. "And you didnt see it fitting for you to
let me know?" He's snappy, i dont get it though why is he snapping. "I
didnt want to stress you out mwelase, I'm sorry" i say, my voice is
breaking,why am i crying now. "Sthandwa sam, its okay dont cry now,
I'm on my way, I'll come and take care of you okay?" I nodd as if he
can see me, i guess he figured that out because he told me how much
he loves me before hanging up.
I decided to just drink my orange juice and go back to taking a nap. I'm
woken up by my husband kissing my cheek. "Hey sleepyhead" i smile
and sit up, he pulls me into his arms, "so are you going to tell me what
made you cry earlier?" He asks while kissing my forehead, and just like
that I'm crying again, how do i even tell him that i dont know why I'm
suddenly so emotional? He's still in his italian suit and here i am filling
it with my snot and tears. He just keeps rubbing my back and i
eventually pass out again.
I wake up covered with a blanket. I think I'm woken up by the amazing

aroma that fills the house. My hubby walks over to the sitting room
looking all sexy with an apron on, "you're finally up" he plants a wet
kiss on my lips. "I made dinner, your favourite prawn pasta" i smile, i
dont think I've ever been this excited about food before.
I stand then we both sit on the dinning area while my hubby serves
the food, "it looks amazing" i say, he smiles proudly, we say grace then

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dig in, its so delicious I'm even wondering if he actually cooked this on
his own "so i saw the meal you ordered,you didnt touch it, why?" He
asks, "i was just not feeling like it anymore" he just nodds then we
continue eating while he tells me about how his day went. I cleaned
out my plate "babe" i call out "sthandwa sam" he says expectantly
"can i please have more?" He chuckles a bit "i thought you said you're
watching your weight for the wedding"
Insantly my heart sinks, i feel tears threatening to fall, "are you

implying that I am fat?" Now the tears are flowing, my heart aches....
*Phenyo's POV*
Someone better tell me what's going on with my wife, she's a ticking
time bomb, she cries over everything. I mean i was just pulling her leg
just now and all of a sudden she's crying because i apparently said
she's fat. "No babe, i was just pulling your leg, I'm sorry" i stand up
from my chair and give her a hug until she hushes. "Let me get you
your food I'll be right back" i take her plate then walk to the kichen.
"Bring my burger as well" she shouts from the dinning room. What's
going on with my babe though, unless....
Unless my plan succeeded. Back when i found out she was on

contraceptives, i decided to find pain meds that look similar to her
contraceptive pills then switched the two, she obviously has no idea
that i did that, it was over a month ago. Truth is, I've been trying to
score for months now, dont look at me like that, I'm not getting any
younger and some of my friends already have 2 to 3 kids.

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Suddenly excitement washes over me as i think of the possibility that

my wife might actually be pregnant. I serve her with the biggest smile
on my face "and then? You seem happy" she says. "Well I'm just happy
that you enjoyed my cooking that you even asked for seconds" i lie,
she smiles before digging into her food and forgetting that I'm right
next to her.
This has to be the happiest day of my life, i know it has not been
confirmed yet, but oMwelase dont shoot blanks. After dinner we
headed to bed, she's so needed she wanted me to cuddle her until she
falls asleep, which usually she hates because she says its too hot to
cuddle.
The next morning i decided that I'd also skip work just to take care of
my wife. I woke up early and prepared breakfast, one thing about me
I've never been a typical romantic guy, i dont know how this whole
'breakfast in bed' setting actually works but its true when they say true
love has a way of changing people.
I prepared oats, fruit salad and a full on greasy english breakfast, make
eggs just how she likes them -scrambled with dry parsley and grated
cheese with a cup of coffee. I put everything nicely on a tray then head
upstairs, i find her peacefully sleeping which is odd because she's
usually up around this time.
"Wake up sleepyhead, i made breakfast" i try waking her up by

planting kisses all over her face, she smiles while her eyes are still
closed "come back in bed" she says, "vuka babe(wake up) i made
breakfast" she instantly shoots her eyes open then sits up.

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"What did i do to deserve this 5 star treatment?" She asks while fixing
a pellow to place the tray on. "You're my wife, you deserve this" i had
her the tray, well the look on her face says she doesnt look too
pleased. "Whats wrong sthandwa sam?" I ask a bit concerned by her
reaction. "Something smells offish here" i move closer and sniff the
food, "it smells just fine to me" she quickly moves the tray aside before
running to the bathroom....
Chapter 44
My husband walks in as i rinse my mouth, "sthandwa sam, dont you
think we should visit a doctor" i just look at him blankly, I'm fine, if he
didnt decide to cook rotten food i wouldnt have thrown up. "I'm fine"
i leave him standing there and go back to bed into the covers, he
comes and joins me in bed. He turns me to face him then he kisses my
forehead. "I'm sorry" he says, he actually keeps talking but I'm so
sleepy i pass out.
I woke up and checked my phone, its 1pm and I'm still in bed, i fix the
covers then head to the shower, i get dressed in sweat pants and one
of hubby's T shirts with slippers. I go downstairs to look for him. He's
sitting in the living room watching a movie, i cuddle myself next to
him. "How are you feeling?" My husband is so caring, one of the many
things i appreciate about him.
"I'm hungry" i blurt out, he chuckles, "how about we order in today?"

See, I'm honestly married to the most amazing man. "I feel like
mcDonalds today" he looks at me shocked,well thats because I'm not
a fan of McDonald's beef burgers, they're tasteless and not filling at

144
all. "Babe you still dont seem okay, when are you planning on visiting
the doctor?" Here we go again.
"You know what, if it'll get you off my case then you can drive me to
the doctor right now" he chuckles "I'm not fighting babe, i was just
suggesting" i stand and wear my shoes "lets go" he raises his hands as
a sign of surrendering before taking his cellphone and car keys. We
drive to one of his friend's who has a private practice. Doctor Khuse.
We get there and sit in the waiting room, I'm really hungry but I'm kind
of upset so i wont tell Phenyo that I'm hungry, I'll just suck it up. It is
finally our turn to consult. "Bafo, maMazibuko, niyaphila(are you
good)?" Dr Khuse welcomes us in. We take a seat. "So how may i help
you today?" He asks, as i am about to answer, my dearest husband
jumps in "my wife hasnt been feeling well lately" he says, doctor khuse
turns to me "what seems to be the problem?" Again my husband
jumps in before i could even say anything, I'm annoyed now but i dont
wanna show that next to his friend.
He goes on and on telling the doctor about my mood swings, my

sleeping patterns and my eating habits, he's telling the doctor even
things that i dont pay attention to. "When was your last period
maMazibuko?" He asks "well I'm on contraceptive pills so my periods
are irregular and they dont occur each month" Phenyo has been
smiling like an idiot here next to me.
"It is standard procedure that we perform a pregnancy test before i

can prescribe any meds for your dizziness and blurry vision" he takes
me to another room, hands me a glass looking thingie and explains
what's expected of me, he dips the test into my urine then we walk
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back to the other room. Him and Phenyo are having small talk while
I'm thinking of the possibilities of me being pregnant. What happens
if I'm actually pregnant? I mean I'm not officially Mrs Mazibuko. I'm
panicking now and I'm trying by all means to calm myself down.
"Babe, you're sweating, are you okay?" My concerned husband asks,

the doctor stands to give us space, he comes back holding the test.
"Congrstulations Mr and Mrs Mazibuko..." thats all i heard before it
was lights out for me.
I wake up in an unfamiliar room, it smells like pills and its very cold
here. I turn my head and notice my husband standing by the window,
its evening already. I try to sit up before something falls from the bed
which stuttles him, he rushes over to me. "My love, you're up" he
helps me sit up before helping me with sipping water. "How are you
feeling?" He asks while brushing my hair, he looks really worried. "I'm
fine, my body hurts but I'm fine" i say "well the doctor said i can take
you home as soon as you are up, he gave up prescriptions for your
vitamines and i think it's best you dont go back to work for the rest of
the week" i keep quiet.
"We are 3 weeks pregnant sthandwa sam" his face lit up when he said
that, i dont say anything i just smile "I'm hungry" he looks
disappointed then helps me into my shoes before we walk out hand
in hand.
The drive home was rather quiet, he didnt hold my hand like he usually
does. When we got home he went straight upstairs while i prepared a
chicken mayo toasted sandwich for myself, after eating i head to bed.

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My husband is in the shower and so i just change into my nightdress

then get into the sheets.
He gets back from his shower then joins me in bed, only this time he
faces the other direction, he doesnt even kiss my forehead as he does
every night. He doesnt even cuddle me up even though i protest
because its too hot, tonight there's none of his random cheesy jokes.
I feel tears fall, i try by all means to make sure he does not hear me. I
finally fell asleep.
The next day i woke up and he was gone to work already. I dont know
this side to Phenyo and i have no idea how to fix this. I decide to call
his mother.
"MaMnisi, how are you?" She answers "ma, I'm okay, how are you?"
She sighs "i cant complain my child I'm okay" she keeps quiet, there's
awkward silence for a few seconds until she speaks up "what is the
matter Zinhle?" She asks, "its Phenyo, he's upset, he's acting unusual,
he was so excited when he found out that I'm pregnant but i just
dismissed him, i couldnt share in on the excitement and that really got
to him"
She starts ulelating, I'm guessing to the part where i mentioned that
I'm pregnant "congratulations maMvuleni, i can hear that you have
other concerns regarding your pregnancy, talk to him about it, work
on accepting the pregnancy because the baby is coming anyway,
embrace the journey and make sure you enjoy every moment of it.
Speak to your husband" see thats one thing i appreciate most about
my mother in law,she always knows what to say.

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We continue talking more about how the wedding final preparations

are going before she hangs up. I decide to dress up and deliver lunch
for my hubby. Its been a while since i wore jeans and seeing that i
might have to say goodbye to them for a couple of months i guess
today is a good day to dress up. I wear my ankle grazer navy blue jean
with a white off shoulder crop top, a denim jacket and see through
block heels, i wear my bob wig then apply matte purple lipstick.
I'm driving my husband's ford ranger which is officially my second

favourite, i drive to the mall first. I get to woolworths and buy snacks
and drinks for our "mini celebration" then to nandos to buy a meal for
2. I drive to his workplace and I'm just in time for lunch.
I knock and he commands me in "special delivery for a daddy to be"

he looks up from his laptop then smiles faintly. He stands from his
chair and walk over to me, "you look beautiful" i smile, he plants a kiss
on my lips " I'm sorry.." i cut him off before he goes on "no I'm sorry,
I'm sorry for being so insensitive about the issue, I'm just really
worried about my career , i just started a newjob, which pays better
ans already I'm pregnant, I'm not even officially your wife but
already..." he shuts me up with a kiss.
"See i know this is the ideal time to be expecting our first child, but its
happening and we should embrace this, I'm sorry you had to go
through this so soon but I'm glad you are carrying my first child, i
wouldnt have had it any other way" i smile.
We sit down and eat, with a lot of laughter, Phenyo has been
suggesting weird baby names. He wants to name my child after his late

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grandparents. He's also hoping for a baby girl, well i secretly hope its
a girl as well.
After his lunch break ended, i drove home then decided to call my
sister and let her know. She was also very excited, but gave me strict
instructions not to post about it or tell friends yet as its still early
stages. With everyone around me so excited, its rubbing off on me,
I'm looking forward to the next 9 months of carrying my precious
cargo...
Who knew that one day I'd be married to the man of my dreams,
expecting my first baby and working the job of my dreams?
Chapter 45
Its the week of my wedding, monday to be precise. I'm flying to Joburg
this evening. Phenyo isnt happy with the fact that I'm leaving even
though he'll get to see me on saturday. He's been very clingy lately,
not that I'm complaining though, I'm enjoying the attention.
I'm at work, starring outside, its raining and i cannot help but worry
about the weather in joburg for this saturday. I had to get a completely
new dress, a princess design since my sister as well as phenyo's
mother think that it wouldn't be a good idea for me to wear something
that hugs my body as certain people can tell if someone is pregnant
even without seeing the baby bump, and apparently its not good for
anyone to know how far long i am.

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I dont like this new dress, it took a lot of convincing from my huaband
and the designer for me to finally agree to it. There's a knock and i
already know its either my PA, Amanda or Mr CEO himself. Nhlaka and
i have grown really close for the past couple of months, i can safely
say that him and i are friends now. Although he knows nothing about
what goes on in my life, not that I'm hiding anything from him, but I'm
one person who just never discusses her personal life with anyone
besides my older sisters.
He walks in, "lunch?" He asks while waving food paper bags that he
has in his hands. I smile,i must have been so lost in my thoughts i didnt
even notice it was lunchtime already. "What are we having?" He
bought us prawn pasta. "There you go" he hands me a container,as
soon as i open the container, the bad smell of cheese hits my nostrils,
lately i somehow hate dairy products which is odd because cheese was
once my favourite.
I quickly close the container without alarming him. "Are you okay?"
Oh shoot, he noticed that. "Yes I just remembered i have some work
to finish up, I'll have this later" i lie. He gives me an inquisitive look.
"Well I'll sit here and watch you work while i eat" he opens his food,
the smell just put me off so i rush out to the nearest rest room. I threw
up then rinsed my mouth. This is honestly going to be the worst 9
months of my life!
I contemplate working back into my office because I'll have to answer

Nhlaka as to what actually went wrong. I fix myself then walk in, he's
sitting on his chair unphased at all. I sit and get busy with my
paperwork.

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5 minutes into the comfortable silences he speaks "so how far long are
you?" I cannot even conceal my shock, "what?" I ask, "you heard me"
he looks angry, upset, but he's trying so hard to hide it. "2 months" i
lie. He nodds, packs his food, stands and walks out.
I throw the food out. Worked for another 2 hours before knocking off.
When i got home my husband was not around so i freshened up, wore
my Adidas black tracksuits with my white airfoce. I decide to cook for
my husband. While I'm still busy cooking Phenyo finally arrives, i rush
to him and immediately wrapped my arms around him, he chuckles
then kisses my forehead,"sthandwa sam, it smells great in here" i
smile then turn back to my cooking.
Its 17h45 and my flight leaves at 6, my husband is driving me to the

airport while playing "our" song. Isgcinci by mduduzi ft big zulu. We
start singing along to it, i hope he added it to our wedding playlist since
he is the one in charge of it. We finally arrive. "I've gotten so used to
waking up next to you, i dont know if I'll be able to survive this week
on my own" thats my clingy husband sulking, i smile "it's just 4 days
babe, 4 days then I'll be right next to you forever" i say , he pulls me
into his arms "forever huh?" I blush while nodding my head before he
smashes his lips onto mine.
Chapter 46
*wedding o'clock*
I have been standing in front of this mirror for almost 10 minutes now,
not only am i admiring the transformation that my designer, hairstylist
and make up artist have done but also reflecting on the past couple of
years, how i met my husband in the most random way, who would've
thought that almost 3 years down the line I'll be all pampered up and

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ready to walk down the isle to marry the man of my dreams who i met
initially as my manager.
I'm so grateful for how things turned out, i honestly used to dispise
Mulalo, i used to hate him for not loving me the way that i deserve to
be loved, i was broken when he left me, but today, If i had the chance,
I'd thank him. If he was still in the picture, i probably would've rejected
the cape town offer, i probably would've missed my chance at
advancing my career and i definitely would've missed my chance at
love- pure, unscripted, unconditional, vast, genuine love.
I'm looking at my reflection on this mirror and i honestly couldnt be

happier, I look like a plus size doll. My face, my hair, my dress and most
importantly the glow!. I'm dressed in a Cinderella design, slight off
shoulder, ivory gold dress which has a sweetheart neckline but joined
with white lace to create the sleeves and the slight off shoulder design,
the sleeves are 3/4 length. My hair, an elegant, low natural afro bun
which fits my vail perfectly and my dramatic self needed a crown to
top off the Cinderella look.
Today i allowed my make up artist, Thando to do her job without any

input from me. My facebeat is apparently called a "natural glam look".
I decided to wear the locket that my dad bought for me with my
mum's picture inside.
My heart breaks when i think about her, its every girl's dream to have
her mum on her side through every miletone. My graduation, getting
my second belt and now I'm about to marry the man of my dreams,
soon I'll give birth to my first child, all these moments are times where
i wish maMnisi was still alive. I can imagine how she'd ulelate and sing.
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Her beautiful innocent smile. Her apple eyes. I miss her everyday, but
i know she is with me always in spirit.
"I love you and i miss you ma" i say while looking at her picture in the
locket. My sister Thengi walks in "here's our beautiful bride" she walks
over to me and notices the locket, "we all miss her" she says while
rubbing my shoulder "but nana(what my mother used to call me) she
is with you, always, she's also very proud of the woman you've turned
out to be, strong and driven just like she raised you to be, now dont
ruin your make up your man is waiting for you down the isle" she hugs
me then we chuckle before she walks out.
My bridesmaids budge in with my dad following after them,

"mamncane(aunty) we need to go, uncle Phenyo is getting impatient"
thats Ayanda laughing as she says that. I just smile , "Chomiza you look
great" Mpumi says as she fixes my dress, my dad walks over to me and
smiles while she puts the vail over me. "It's time" my dad sheds a tear
while he says this. "Let's do this!" I say trying to lighten up the mood
before everyone starts crying.
The matrimonial is an outdoor setting but under a glass marque. There

are peach as well as rose gold flowers decorating the place. My
bouquet is also pink,peach and rose gold fresh flowers.
My page girl is Jess, Natasha's 5 year old. She walks in first in a fairy
dress with her mother by her side as my maid of honour, then the girls
all walk in there after. Dr Tumi starts singing "Someone like me", thats
my que, its finally time to walk down the isle for the first and hopefully
the last time. This is my favourite gospel song, and what better time
than this to give glory to the one that deserves it most, God loved me
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at times where i couldnt even love myself and to top it all off he
blessed me with a partner that loves me even in days where i feel that
i am not worthy of love.
I'm overwhelmed by all the attention but inside I'm singing along to Dr
tumi. I look up for the first time, my dad and i are now at the centre of
the marque. My husband stands a bit far from us, he's wearing a black
itailan slim fitted tuxedo. He's wiping tears away, now I'm also tearing
up a bit.
We finally get to the alter where my dad officially hands me over.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered today to join Phenyo Mazibuko and
Ntomb'Zinhle Mnisi in holy matrimony" the pastor says then goes on
about explaining marriage as a covenant between myself, God and my
husband.
"Do you, Phenyo Mazibuko take Ntomb'Zinhle Mnisi to be your

lawfully wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her,
to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health,
forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?" I look at my
husband expectantly.
Phenyo: "I Do!" It comes out as more of a shout then it is an

exclamation then the guests laugh.
Pastor:"ntomb'Zinhle Mnisi do you take this man to be your husband,

to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to
comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all

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others, for as long as you both shall live?" My husband winks at me

and i chuckle a bit "i do"
Natasha and Jess bring the rings forward, the pastor blesses them "i
will now let each of you speak your vows from the heart" he says
handing Phenyo the ring first.
"Sthandwa sam, my rib, I'm so grateful to have met you at the time
when i did, you came into my life and gave me a reason to wake up
every morning, you changed my perspective on life, you introduced
me to something that was foreign to me-true love. I knew nothing
about love until the day i laid my eyes on you, in that moment i knew
i had to make you mine because of the effect you had on me, and until
this day i can proudly say, my love for you is nothing compared to how
it was when i first saw you, my love for you grows each day, every
moment when you smile,every moment when you pout your lips
because you're upset about something, every moment when you raise
your eyebrow because I've said something stupid ,i love you Zinhle, I
loved you from the moment i first laid eyes on you and i vow to love
you for as long i live, with this ring, i make a vow that I'll love you until
my last days, that i will grow old with you, that I'll always be by your
side and lastly that I'll by right by your side as we raise our soccer team
together"
I am tearing up and laughing at the same time, the crowd joins in on

the last part, his friends cheer him on for the last part of his vows. Its
my turn now and I'm afraid that I'll cry.
"Mwelase wam, thank you, thank you for coming into my life at a time
where i didnt believe in love, thank you for changing my perspective
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on love, thank you for showing me that I wasn't actually asking for too
much, i was just asking for it at the wrong places. Babe eversince you
came into my life I've been at my happiest, my heart has found a home
in you Mwelase, I'm happy to call you mine, I'm happy to come home
to your nagging and complaining, I'm happy to come home to your
undercooked food or salty meals. I love you mwelase and I plan on
growing old with you, thank you for choosing me and thank you for
contantly standing by my side. My biggest cheerleader, my love, my
best friend, my soulmate, my hearts keeper. With this ring, i promise
to love you, i vow to respect you, i vow to never let anyone else take
your place in my life. I thank God for you, when i look at you, i see
God's grace personified, God's undying love for me in human form, he
made you just like how i asked him to, you are my answered prayer. I
love you babe"
I'm tearing up already and i know for a fact that Thando will kill me
after this.
"By virtue of the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you Mr and
Mrs Mazibuko, you may kiss your bride." Phenyo doesn't even wait to
be told twice. Already he has his hand on my lower neck and the kiss
is short because we are respecting the elders.
Chapter 47
We walk down the isle for the first time as Mr and Mrs Mazibuko. The
drive to shepstone gardens was short, this is the venue where we will
be capturing our wedding pictures. It's a nice garden with a water
fountain. We posed for pictures of just us, us with our bridesmaids and
groomsmen, us with our best man and maid of honour then a few with
our immediate families being maMazibuko, bab'Mazibuko, My dad
and my older sister.

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After the picture moments we finally get to drive back to the venue
for the reception. We are sitting at the back seat of his range rover.
"I'm famished" i say while he's busy snapping pictures with his phone
he chuckles "hang in there my love, you'll eat soon" he chuckles while
rubbing my belly which isnt even visible yet.
We finally get to the reception venue, everyone is seated already its

time for him and i to walk in, he helps me out of the car, helps me fix
my dress before planting a wet kiss on my lips. I smile, my husband is
so caring, I'm truly blessed. "Let's go babe" he exclaims. When we walk
in Vusi Nova starts singing "ngikuthandile". He knows how i feel about
this song, i guess he listened to all the times were I'd go on about
Mulalo's fake promises and this was the exact song that my ex and i
agreed I'd walk down the isle on.
We walk in hand in hand, he's waving and greeting everyone but I'm
facing down, shy as always. We get to the front then he pulls a chair
for me before he sits right next to me. Phelo is also our MC, he's very
well spoken.
Its time for speeches and to be honest my mind isnt even here
anymore, I'm hungry,I'm just imagining the smell of fresh hot zinger
wings with a side of cold ginger beer. "Ngilambile mwelase(I'm
hungry)" i whisper into my husband's ear, "I'll make a plan" he
whispers back with an assuring smile.
We sit for another 20 minutes and honestly I feel like crying, my sister
notices that I'm not okay and she walks up to me "are you okay?" She

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asks "ngilambile mina sisi(I'm hungry)" she pats my shoulder and walks
to the direction of the kitchen.
She's soon followed by the waiters and waitresses with the starters in
their hands. I smile at her and she winks, so since we are all indulging
in the starter, in the background the dj plays Kenny G's music, relaxing
saxophone jazz.
I finished my plate and also ate off of my husband's plate. After

starters it was time for our first days and honestly right now sleeping
sounds like a better idea. We stand,walk to the center of the venue
and all attention is on us again, the DJ plays our song, yes OUR SONG!
"Isgcinci by mduduzi ft big zulu" I smile at my husband in amazement
and he hits back with a proud smile.
We dance while he sings to me, I have my head on his chest, thats how
short i am, even in high heels. After what seemed like eternity the
music stops and we move bacm to our seats while everyone cheers.
The main course is brought and we start digging in while they play bra
Hugh Masikela on the background. After the main it was finally time
for the bouquet. The dj really hyped me up for this moment by playing
"Mamela by Micasa" i do a little dance as i walk to the dance floor with
all my girls hyping me up, when i turn around i notice my husband
filming this, he smiles at me. I threw my bouquet and it landed on
some beautiful white lady whom i assume is someone's plus one
because i dont know her.

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Dissert is served and honestly I've outgrown my love for ice cream so
i didnt feel like having dissert. My husband walks over to the MC, it's
probably regarding his playlist. After some time, the MC announces
that the groom would like to say a few words.
Phenyo:"thank you all for joining us today, I'm so grateful for each and
everyone who had a hand in making today a success. Babe, i have
something for you, take this as my wedding gift to you" I stand from
my chair and walk to where he is standing, he hands me a small box
which i assume probably has jewelry.
I open the box but i dont understand, the box has keys, i look up with
an inquisitive look, he hands me an envelope "these are keys to our
new home, these are the documents, already has my signature, it just
needs yours" I'm speechless, I'm tearing up, he pulls me into his arms
and the crowd cheers as we walk back to our chairs while the dj plays
some music.
"So when would you like to move in" my husband asks me while in still
trapped in my thoughts, I'm still shocked. "Baby how did you pull this
off" he smiles "well I'm a man of many talents". Not only am i now Mrs
Mazibuko but I'm also a homeowner all these two titles wouldnt be
mine had it not been for my amazing husband.
Chapter 48
*5monthslater*
My husband and i moved into our new home after the white wedding
and i finally got an opportunity to explore my interior design passion.
I'm finally done with redesigning my kitchen. We have decided to put

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the housewarming idea on hold until pur tiny pumpkin is born.

Speaking of which, my baby is growing and healthy, although i dont
like what this pregnancy has done to my image, i no longer wear heels
to work because of my swollen feet, everything on my face is just
huge, my skin isnt as clear and flawless as it was before.
Work has been okay, Nhlaka is still a good friend. Things between my
husband and i have been okay, just okay. Since the new year started,
he has been overly busy with work, his excuse is that this year they've
selected more graduates for the programme as compared to previous
years so he has a bigger responsibility. We barely spend time together,
he's just so distant and for my pumkin's health I've decided to avoid
all this and focus on delivering a healthy baby.
He used to have an input on my home design ideas but lately he just
tells me to go ahead and do what i think would work, I havent told
anyone about the tension between my husband and i because a part
of me is hoping that he'll come around. We were supposed to get
started on designing pumpkin's bedroom this weekend. We agreed
that we dont want to find out our baby's gender until birth.
"Earth to Zinhle" I'm brought out of my thoughts when Nhlaka snaps
his fingers in front of my face. I look up at him "Penny for a thought?"
He asks while pulling a chair. "It's just work nothing much really" i lie,
well i honestly dont find it appropriate to discuss my marital problems
with him, mainly because him and I were once a thing.
He stares at me intensely "think about it as you venting out to a friend"
he says, as if he was reading my thoughts. I start letting him in on what
has been going on in my marriage, the more i open up about it is the
more i realise how much this has been weighing down on me
emotionally. Nhlaka sits there and just listens, he doesnt say a word,
he simply just listens, which i truly appreciate. I hate people that pity
me, thats why i barely ever open up, because people feel sorry for you
or even feel the need to give you advice.

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After sometime he stands and walks to my side of the desk, helps me

up then pulls me into a hug, for the first time in a while i actually let it
all out, I'm a newly wed, i should be having the time of my life, i mean
I'm only in my mid 20s yet already my marriage has problems. I cry
until i just cannot cry anymore. Nhlaka hands me a box of tissues then
he walks us to the couch in my office.
We sit like that for a while until i clear my throat "I'm sorry for ruining
your shirt" he smiles lightly "theres no need to apologize" he stands
as well, then just like that he walks out. I've actually gotten used to his
weirdness.
I sit back on my chair and continue with work, lately I'd rather work
until late than go home to that big house only to spend hours all on
my own. Its 19h00, Nhlaka walks into my office "it's late Mrs
Mazibuko, you should get going now" i smile lightly. "You're in no state
to drive, I'll drive behind you until you get home so that i can ensure
that you arrive home in one piece" he says while packing my bags for
me, we walk out with him telling me about how he isnt looking
forward to his house since his whole family came over for the week.
As promised he drives behind me until i get home then he turns back,i
drive in and notice that the lights are on meaning today he decided to
come home early. I take out my bags from the passenger's seat then
walk in, i find him the kitchen. "Hi" i greet and i dont even wait for a
response, i walk upstairs. After my shower i change into a nightdress
then get into the covers. Since today i dont feel like TV, i decide to read
a book. I'm currently reading the alchemist by Paulo Coelho,one of my
favourite authors.
While reading my book, he walks in and puts a tray beside me, "dinner
for 2?" He smiles nervously, i nodd then smile back, he hands me the
food then we dig in, there's silence, comfortable silence. After eating
i attempt to stand up to go and downstairs but he offers to take the
dishes.

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While he is downstairs his phone rings, the caller ID is written

"Vannessa" I'm contemplating whether or not to answer it, i decide to
answer it "hello" *silence* "hello" then just like that the person on the
other end hung up.
But i cannot put this thought to sleep, who is this Vannessa? And why
is she calling my husband at 20h00 in the evening. I decide to go
through his phone to find out, because if i dont do this, then my brain
will explode!
His phone doesnt have a security lock, i go through his messages and
this Vannessa chick is first on the list. But their conversations are one
sided, Vannessa is sending all the text messages , messages like " dont
bring lunch today" and "are you in your office?" But my husband does
not reply to any of the messages. So i decide to check the call logs and
this proves my suspicion, he responds via phone call to all the text
messages.
So my husband is having an affair, i dont know how to take this, i
decide to leave the messages from vannessa open, i take my pillow, a
blanket and my phone then head to the guest bedroom. I lock the door
then cry myself to sleep, 5 months into it then this happens? I guess
happy endings are just meant for fairytales.
*next morning*
My alarm sounds, i get up, open the windows, make the bed, take a
shower then head back to our bedroom. I head straight to the closet,
i can hear the shower running meaning he's in there, i get dressed in
a free flowing dress with a pair of semi flat sandals, i tie my faux locs
into a high bun.
As i walk out of the closet, he was about to lotion "babe" he speaks, i
look at him blankly, "can we talk?, please" he says walking towards
me, I grab a luggage bag then walk back to the closet, i pack a few of
my clothes. "Baby please i can explain, if only you could just hear me
out"
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After packing i go back into the bedroom. "Listen Phenyo, we'll talk,
I'll give you a chance to explain, just not now, pumpkin's health is most
important to me and I'm trying by all means to avoid any stress" i say,
well we call my baby tiny pumpkin because of his/her weight,
according to the doctors, my baby is big but we according to the
sonogram all we see is something as tiny as a bean hence why we call
my baby Tiny pumpkin. Stress can lead to high blood pressure which
can affect my baby during delivery as he's/she's already big this might
distress him/her.
He goes down on one need "baby please dont leave, I'll fix this, just
please dont go, let me explain, give me some time please my love" I'm
in tears now, he promised, he promised to never break my heart. I
look at him and my heart shutters even more. I grab my luggage
bag,my laptop bag and my handbag then i walk out with him following
after me. Truth is, i dont even know where i am going to live, but as
long as its away from him and his family. I'll figure that out after work,
i drive out of the yard and head to my workplace.
Chapter 49
I got to work then headed straight to my office. Its 7h15 and my shift
only starts at 8 but I'm already burried in work. While busy,Nhlaka
walks in, he has a tendancy of just letting himself in. "I heard you were
in earlier than usual so i brought breakfast" i smile "thank you" he
hands me a paper bag with fresh butter croissants and a large cup of
tea since i cannot have coffee with fruit salad on the side. I dig in
immediately, he sits there. Apparently he enjoys watching me eat.
After my very filling breakfast i flash him a smile "thank you" i say, "you
know it's always my pleasure" we sit in silence "your eyes are puffy
and red, are you okay?" He asks, i let out a sigh "wanna talk about it?"
He asks, i just look away. "Whenever you wanna talk you know where

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to find me" he stands and walks to the door but stops in his tracks.
"Oh and we are going somewhere during lunchtime so please prepare
yourself for that". I chuckle feeling defeated.
I recieve an email regarding the parenting classes that my husband

and i signed up for, we've only attended once together, then i
attended 3 of them on my own so i stopped going because it's sad
being there alone while everyone else is there with their husbands or
partners. The email is regarding non-attendance. I just ignore it and
continue working.
There's a delivery guy at my door, he has sunflowers and a box of

chocolates with him. "Mrs Mazibuko, special delivery" he says,i smile
at him "i cannot accept that, please send it back" i hand him R300
which i assume thats how much these things are worth.
Its lunchtime,nhlaka comes knocking then we walk out with him

holding my hand which is apparently his way of preventing me from
falling. He's different compared to the time when we were together,
he's lighter and less tensed up, he laughs more and jokes around
more. We get into his car and he's playing old skool hip hop, i give him
an inquisitive look, he chuckles "what? Ngimdala mina(I'm old)" we
both laugh.
He drives for about 20 minutes before we get to this nice park with
beautiful flowers and a nice little water fall. He takes out a blanket on
the back seat then puts it down for us to sit before taking out a picnic
basket. It has snacks and drinks. We sit "so i brought you here because
this is where i usually come whenever i have a lot on my mind and

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whenever I'd like to clear my head, away from everyone, just me and
nature." He says.
I must say, this is a very peaceful place, we sit in silence "he'll come
around" he blurts out "trust me" he adds, how do i even tell him that
my husband is cheating on me? How do i even begin to explain the
pain that this has brought to me, i feel his thumb wiping mt falling
tear. "He is cheating on me" i say, i can see him clenching his jaw, i
guess he did not expect this. He doesnt say anything we just sit and
eat in silence then we pack away and drive back to work in silence.
It's knock off time now so i pack my bags and drive, drive to where? I
dont know....
*Phenyo's POV*
I've been sitting on my desk looking at these sunflowers here, she
rejected my gift. I really messed up. But it's not what you think.
Vannessa is one of the graduates we recruited this year. She's young,
21 years and originally from Joburg, she has shown an interest in me
eversince she arrived here, apparently someone poisoned the
graduates that I'm always after new graduates that join this place and
as a result I'm married to a former graduate programme intern.
She's been on my back eversince the first month she joined the firm.
She suddenly wears skimpy outfits all in the pursuit to impress me.
Not once have i given her an impression that i like her. Recently,I've
been working organising my wife's birthday, I'm doing this on my own
because i cannot risk someone telling her, hence why I'm always home
late.

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Honestly nothing is going on between Vannessa and i, she once kissed

me but to avoid her getting dismissed i decided to let it slide which
gave her an impression that I'm actually into her. Initially when she
joined the firm i thought she just needed a mentor and a friend and as
a result we'd have lunch together and sometimes in my office,i guess
that as well might have given her the wrong impression. My wife is
upset and she left all because of the Vannessa chick so maybe i should
just set the record straight by reporting her inappropriate acts to HR.
I've sent HR and email, right now I'm tracking my wife's car and it looks
like she's driving and she's been on the road for 30 minutes now. I
tried calling her and it seems she has blocked my number. She finally
stops at Amero Hotel, it's about 15 minutes away from here, i dont
know whether to go there or not. My dad is the only one who can help
me with this situation.
I leave the office and drive to my parent's house. I walk in and find
mum in the sitting room drinking tea and sewing. "Phenyo" she says a
bit stuttled "ma, how are you?" She smiles "i cannot wait for my
grandson" she says while waving whatever she's knitting in my face, it
looks like blue baby socks, i chuckle "ma, what if its a girl" she frowns
a bit, i laugh "awuhambe la(get away)" she says throwing the remote
at me.
I run upstairs to dad's study. I knock lightly before he lets be in

"Mwelase" i say "ndodana(son)" i sit down, he pours himself a glass of
whiskey, "what brings you here" i sigh "baba i messed up" i say he
stares at me for sometime "umenzeni uZinhle(what have you done to
zinhle)?" I look down in shame, i might have not slept with vannessa

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or even had an affair with her but the way this has affected my wife, i
honestly wish i had put a stop to it sooner.
I tell my dad what happened. "So you let her walk out of the house
with her luggage?" He looks at me looking rather upset "what would i
have done baba? UZinhle is stubborn" i say. "Well boy, you never let
your wife walk out of the house, rather leave instead of letting her do
it, especially in her condition, what if something happens to her while
she's out there, Phenyo it's time you become a man now and stop
acting like a small boy,you're a husband and a father to be"
I guess he's right, "I'll discuss this with HR, this Vannessa girl has to go,
she's clearly troublesome" he then takes his phone "makoti" *silence*
"i called to invite you over for dinner tonight" *silence* "alright sisi,
see you later" he hangs up.
Now this is your chance to fix your mess, Zinhle will come over later
and your mother and i will give you space to talk things out, pray that
this girl forgives you or else I'll break your bones, she doesnt deserve
this, especially in the state that she is in.
Chapter 50
My father inlaw barely ever calls me, I'm quite sure that my husband
put him up to this. But since I'll be spending the night at a hotel room,
i could do with a nice home cooked meal. I get to their estate and park
in the driveway, it's a bit chilly outside and I'm wearing a sleeveless
dress. I've changed into slippers because pumps get uncomfortable at
times and also they make my feet sweat and it all becomes smelly,
thats the very same reason i stopped wearing pumps back in varsity.

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I walk to the door and ring the bell, my mother in law opens the door
"Zinhle, its cold out here and you're not even dressed for the weather"
she says making way for me to come in, i just smile briefly, she leads
me to the sitting room where i found my father in law sitting next to
the fire place reading a newspaper, great my cheating husband isnt
around.
"Makoti" he greet "yebo baba" i say while taking a seat, "ukahle(are

you okay)?" Well something tells me that he's asking me this but he
already knows what my response will be, or he already knows what's
going on. I just nodd, Ma comes with a tray and places it in front of
me, she rushes upstairs and comes back with a small blanket, she
hands it to me "here you go, it's cold" she hands it to me then pours
me a cup of green tea, i hate the bitter taste but she assures me that
it'll protect me from catching a cold after spending some much time
outside in this cold weather.
We sit in silence while i occassionally take sips of my bitter tea. After

sometime, Ma lets us know that dinner is ready, we sit around the
table, say grace, then we dig in. As I'm still enjoying my samp and beef
stew, a familiar scent hits my nostrils, he clears his throat. A part of
me wants to stand up and leave but that's disrespectful to uMa
noBaba plus my baby seems to really be enjoying this meal. So i look
up at him then back to my food.
After dinner, i stand to clear the table but uMa declines, she takes the
dishes and goes to the kitchen, Baba says he has some work to finish
up so he goes to his study. I'm now left with Phenyo, I knew this was
all part of his plan.

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"maMvuleni" he says, although he's not looking at me, he's looking

down. I just stare at him blankly, the thought of him being with
someone else really numbs me. "It's not what it looks like" i dont say
anything, not because i dont have anything to say, I'm trying by all
means to prevent myself from breaking down, my baby deserves a
healthy and happy mum, so I'm trying by all means to stay calm.
He goes on to explaining how he met Vannessa and what happened,

all the way to how she kissed him. You know i really wanted to find
out the truth, now i regret it, i regret my desire to find out what
actually happened because this hurts more than knowing that he
cheated, she kissed him yet he didnt report it, he's protecting her, why
is he protecting her? Could it be that he feels some sort of attraction
to her?
He rushes to my side and wipes my tears, i want to tell him to stop, i

want to tell him not to touch me but right now i just need him to hold
me. It's crazy how love works, the same people that hurt us are usually
the only ones that can take the pain away.
"Let's go home" thats the only thing i managed to say, he doesnt wait
for me to tell him twice. He rushes to inform his mum that we are
leaving. We walk out hand in hand. We decided to leave his car since
its already in the garage and he'll drive us home in mine. The drive
home was silent. We got home and i didnt even wait for him to open
the door for me like he usually does.
I take my luggage bag with me. I head upstairs then went straight to
the bathroom to take a shower. After sometime,i walk out, grab a towl
and walk back into the bedroom. He's sitting on the edge of the bed. I
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walk to the closet and grab one of his t shirts. After getting dressed in
his t shirt i get into the covers. He takes off his clothes and also joins
me, he pulls me into his arms, and yet again tears are flowing like a
fountain.
I really want this to go away, i want to feel better again , i want to

believe that my husband only has eyes for me. "Phenyo" i call out for
him "babe" he responds "take the pain away, please" he then smashes
his lips on me, planting a wet kiss, it gets heated in no time but he is
in no rush, he goes down and nibbles on my neck, while his hand
makes it's way to my right boob, he moves his finger in circular motion
around my nipple, he continues nibbling on my neck then slowly goes
further and further down. He starts planting wet kisses between my
thighs, i finally feel his tongue against my privates. I involuntarily let
out a moan, he keeps going and i can feel my pleasure build up, as my
moans get loud, his motion increases, as i draw closer to my climax, i
feel his finger making it's way in, that alone just pushes me to the
edge, my toes curl, my holding on to the sheets for dear life, before
letting out a loud moan.
He gets back up and kisses me while positioning himself, he lets

himself in slowly. "Look at me" he says, i open my eyes to be met by
his. He starts motioning slowly, part of me wants him to increase the
pace but this feels right, it's like our souls are reconnecting by every
motion, i feel tears streaming down my face, he keeps wiping my tears
while whispering to me how sorry he is. He increases the pace before
we climax together.
We are now laying in bed, with me between in his arms. I cant lie, it
hurts and i cant let this thing eat me up any longer. "Why are you

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protecting her" i blurt out. He sighs before sitting up "I thought you'd
say that, babe listen, I'm not protecting anyone here, all that I'm doing
is avoiding any drama that might come after reporting this to
management, this girl can drag my name down just because i turned
her down, besides, she's too young, when i look at her i see a child"
I'm assuming the last part was his way of reassuring me.
I dont think I'll ever heal from him, I've never believed that i deserve
happiness or anything that is as close to perfect as what phenyo and i
have so i really took a hard knock from this Vannessa saga. "I think we
should see someone" he turns to look at me as if I'm crazy "why do we
have to let in a 3rd person into our marital affairs?" He says, it's a bit
more exclaimed as if he's shouting but trying by all means to keep his
cool.
He stands and wears his boxers, "we cannot always deal with our
issues on our own, sometimes we need professional opinions" at this
point i should probably just give up, the past couple of years I've
learned that it's quite difficult to try and convince my husband.
He takes his cellphone and walks to the door, "I'll be in the study, don't
wait up" he says that before slamming the door.
Chapter 51
Its been a month since the vannessa saga, my husband and i are
getting better. Baby steps right?... speaking of which, we've started
decorating our pumpkin's nursery, that has honestly been some sort
of therapy for us, its where we get to bond and talk without bitting
each other's head's off.

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We've went back to attending the parenting classes together and it

has been amazing even though sometimes my husband seems bored.
Vannessa was apparently moved to the Johannesburg branch,
between you and me, I'm still not 100% comfortable with the whole
issue but I chose to let it slide, for my baby's health.
We've started brainstorming baby names, my husband made it clear

that no child of his will have an english name because apparently
nguni names remind them of their roots until I actually suggested that
if pumpkin is a boy then we can name him Phenyo Junior,he's 100%
for the idea, in fact he's actually hoping for a baby boy.
Mpumi is engaged, yes! And because of work, i couldn't celebrate this

with her. Tasha is trying out for a baby and it's been weighing down
on her as it looks like one of them might be having complications and
it doesnt make it any easier that I'm pregnant.
My sisters will be coming over for my birthday. Its in 2 weeks and i

honestly don't have anything planned. I'm tired already at 6 months.
My husband is at work and I'm off from work today. I've been on this
couch since my husband left and it's already 12 midday. All i ever want
to do is stuff my face with food. I've stopped driving myself around
because Phenyo says i need to quit doing anything that strains my
body,whatever that means.
I feel like going out to buy more decorations for pumpkins nursery, I'll
just uber to the mall since hubby dearest is at work. I take a quick
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shower, get dressed in a free flowing brown maternity dress with push
ins, tied my hair into a half bun, laid my edges then took a bag that
matches my shoes. It's really difficult to dress up during pregnancy,
but honestly i still try by all means to put some effort in my outfits.
Before requesting a ride i first send my hubby a text informing him

that I'm headed to the mall. He responds saying that he'll be here in
10 minutes,but i mean I told him that I'd request an uber. Anyway as i
wait for him i decide to get a snack, i have a huge obsession over
apples and almond butter lately, weird how i used to hate any nutty
butter from a young age but lately I'm obsessed.
I slice my apples and dip them into the almond spread, Heaven i tell
you!
My husband enters while I'm still having my foodgasm moment. "Mrs
Mazibuko" he plants a kiss on my cheek,well thats because he cannot
stand the smell of almond butter. "baba ka pumpkin" he smiles
proudly, he likes it when i call him that. "Let me rush upstairs and
change I'll be back now now" he is in his 3 piece navy italian double
breasted suit.
I finish my snack and decide to tidy up, my husband comes down

looking hella fine in a pair of blue ripped jeans, a navy casual buttoned
t shirt with rolled up sleeves and a black airforce. But then i hate this
haircut, Phenyo is almost 33 years old yet he's still rocking hairstyles
for guys my age, thats why he's attracting kids. According to me a real
man should be bald headed.

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"This dress looks good on you makaPumpkin(pumpkin's mother)" i

smile, but deep down i know he's just trying to be nice, nothing ever
looks good on me lately. We drive out in his range rover. He connects
his phone so he can play some music. He plays a song I'm familiar with
because everyone is currently jamming to it, its "dinaledi" I'm just not
sure who the artist is but this is a really nice song.
We get to the mall and walk in hand in hand. The first stop is a baby
store of cause. I was so tempted to buy pink decorations,they're just
so adorable honestly but we had to stick to grey, white and yellow.
After getting everything and arranging for things to be delivered to us
tomorrow we went to woolworths for some grocery shopping.
We get to the bread spread isle. "I still dont get how you can stomach
this almond spread" he says while chuckling, "well you should ask
pumpkin because I'm not the only one enjoying it" while we're still
laughing someone calls out my name from behind us, we both turn
and before it registers, this lady wraps her arms around me in a tight
hug. "Zinhle, look at you girl!" She says, but I'm still trying to put my
finger on it, i cannot recall who she is.
"Mbali? High school?" Oh then it clicks "Mbali Mthembu!" I say

returning the smile and trying my all means to hide my shock. She's
one of the girls that used to bully me in high school, i was always the
nerd, got good grades and every teachers favourite so people always
used my weight as a way to bring me down which worked quite well
honestly.
"Look at you! All grown" she says i just smile at her "so who's this?
Your brother?" She asks while eying my husband like he's the last
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piece of meat left on the braai stand . "Oh no he's..." before i could
finish, hubby dearest jumps in "Phenyo Mazibuko, Her HUSBAND" he
puts so much emphasis on the last part. She looks shocked, "oh wow
Zinhle, we should catch up sometime,here's my number, you can even
come by to my salon so we can see what we can do about your hair,
bye now" she quickly walks off.
After paying at woolworths we decide to grab something to eat, I'm

craving for a seafood boil so we buy it as a takeaway, my husband opts
for a shrimp pasta. On our drive home "are you okay maMazibuko?"
My husband asks while rubbing my thigh with his other hand on the
wheel. I sigh "I'm alright babe" he stares at me briefly then back on
the road "We'll talk about it later then" he says. Well we've come to
an agreement that none of us sleeps upset or sad, we will talk about
it and move on from it before sleeping, hence why he says we'll talk
about it before bed.
Chapter 52
I'm woken up by the annoying sound of my alarm. I dont even
remember setting an alarm since my husband saw it fit for me to apply
for early maternity leave. I basically work from home now, at my own
pace thats one thing i love about this.
I turn to my husband's side of the bed and its empty, but there's a
sticky note attached to his pillow "good morning my angel, happy
birthday" i totally forgot! Today is my 25th birthday. I've truly come a
long way.
I get out of bed, tidy up around the bedroom then go for a relaxing
bath. After my well deserved bath, i wear leggings and a baggy t shirt,
I'm bigger now so hubby's shirts dont fit me anymore. I walk
downstairs and to my disappointment my husband is no where in
sight.

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I whip myself a nice english breakfast, fruit salad, plain yogurt and a
glass or orange juice. Today i feel like sitting outside by the garden. I
indulge in my breakfast,while eating a message notification pops up
on my screen. It's from Thengi "happy birthday mntase, unfortunately
we will no longer be able to come, something came up at work and
Zinzi has to stay with all the kids, enjoy your birthday we're sorry"
I cant even hide it, I'm sad. This will be the most boring birthday
without my sisters but what can i say? I mean I'm the one who chose
to move to another province. After eating i decide to clean my house,
my husband would kill me for this but i need something to do i cannot
sit around all day. I put on some music, today i feel like some Ntokozo
Mbambo. While singing my lungs out, my phone rings "hello" i answer
without checking the caller ID.
"Ntomb' ka baba" I've never been so excited to hear from my dad
"baba!" I exclaim "happy birthday princess, unjani umzukulu(how is
my grandchild)?" He remembered, I'm so happy "hawu baba its my
day this is no time to ask about your unborn grandchild" he laughs, we
talk for sometime before he lets me know that duty calls so we cut the
call.
After cleaning up i decide to cook , my husband hasnt even called, I'm
a bit sad. An sms comes in while I'm cooking "babe, uMa invited us
over for lunch, please get ready I'm on my way"
I guess i should just forget about cooking, i switch the stove off and
walk upstairs to freshen up. I take a quick shower and get dressed in a
royal blue maxi dress with army green push ins and i opt to tie my hair
in a doek that matches the dress, I mean its just lunch after all, i wear
gold loopy earings and some lipstick, i did say that i still put effort to
my outfits.
My husband walks in while I'm still fixing my doek, he stands leaning
by the door frame, "izinto zam madoda" he says smiling proudly, i turn
back and smile, he starts snapping pictures of me, i pose while he does
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this. After sometime he goes to the closet to change, he comes back

looking rather fine! He's wearing slim fitted checkered navy blue 3
quarter pants, a while buttoned up t shirt with rolled up sleeves and
brown formal shoes, he even smells great. This sight in front of me is
honestly turning me on.
I guess he notices the change in my mood because he walks towards
me with the most mischevious smile,he wraps his arms around me
before planting a wet kiss on my lips, when the kiss gets heated he
pulls away then whispers to me "we'll finish up later" then he walks
out just like that!
I fix my lipstick, grab my bag the follow behind him, i find him already
in the car waiting for me. He walks out to open the door for me, i hop
in then we drive off. "By the way you're really rocking this doek vibe"
he winks at me, i smile like a lovestruck teen "thank you" he kisses the
back of my hand then focuses on the road.
"You know I've been thinking, we never had a honeymoon and you
never even mentioned it" he says, well in all honesty i dont see the
need to go away for a couple of days just because you just got married.
I love travelling but i wouldnt want to do it all in the name of being a
newly wed. "How about we go somewhere this weekend?" He
suggests, that actually sounds like a good idea "I'd love to, but a road
trip sounds better" i say,he smiles "then I'll get to be your personal
photographer along the way" he chuckles, i smile "you know i
wouldn't say no to that" i say "we first need to get approval from your
doctor" here we go again, my husband runs everything through my
doctor first, on every appointment Phenyo asks the doctor if its still
okay for us to continue having sex and i have to sit there and listen to
a doctor giving an opinion about my sex life.
"So where are we going?" I ask, trying to move the conversation away
from involving my gynae because it always ends in a huge argument,

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he always says that i dont know anything about being pregnant so he

doesnt want to take risks.
"We can go to limpopo, I've only been there on business, I've heart it's
a nice place for a relaxed holiday away" he says, i nodd and smile. We
finally drive into his parents house, so many cars though,this must be
a big lunch "why is there so many cars though ?" I ask as he switches
off the engine.
"Ma had a prayer meeting with the church ladies so i think it might
have taken longer than usual, lets go" he's lying to me, when my
husband is lying he looks at everything else but the person in front of
him.
He walks over to my side and opens the door for me, we knock before
my husband let's himself in, "surpise!" I'm shaken a bit but i calm
myself down while looking around, "Thengi!" My sisters made it so
they actually lied to me "Chomie!" Phelo and Mpumi are also here,
along with Mpumi's fiance. Its actually just family with my 2 friends
and also Phenyo's squad. "Happy birthday makoti" thats my mother in
law pulling me into a hug "can we still her a bit" my friends say while
pulling me upstairs.
"So you guys didnt think it would be fitting to at least hint me" i ask
while we walk into one of the bedrooms "and ruin the surprise? Ha.a
wena!" Thats Phelo for you. They help me change into a white short
tunic dress, a jellow flower crown, yellow strappy sandals. "Whose
idea was this?" I ask while they both struggle with tying my sandals.
"Its all your husband,we just got invites" I'm truly impressed and very
grateful.
We walk out and only then do i notice that there's a theme, everyone
is in yellow and white. I'm pulled towards the garden where there's a
nice setting, there's a small stage with one white couch and behind
the couch theres a huge board with yellow and white balloons on the

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boarders , it's written "happy birthday mommy to be" I'm led to the
chair and i cannot help it, tears start flowing down, this is all too
overwhelming.
My husband comes up to me, wipes my tears with his thumb before
kissing me "happy birthday my angel" I smile in between my tears
"now let me go and fetch your gift while i leave you ladies to enjoy"
he kisses me once more before walking out with his brother and
father. We havent really heard from Nkule and Maqawe in a while
now, i wonder whats up.
Anyway, the party goes on and its like a mini baby launch/baby shower
and birthday celebration. Everyone bought gifts for me as well as for
pumpkin. The ladies even made me dance a bit. Now we're eating,
we're having rice, grilled chicken, braai'd steak and salads. My
husband is finally back with my gift.
He walks up to where I'm seated "here you go my love" he hands me
a small box,now I'm nervous to open it because the last time i recieved
a small box from my husband it had house keys inside so I'm worried
about what might be inside this box today. "Open it!" He says with his
proud smile. I unwrap the box with everyone looking at me
attentively.
I open the box and wow i cannot believe my eyes, its car keys, not just
any car but Mercedes-Benz car keys. I'm looking at him waiting for an
explanation "follow me" he takes my hand into his,everyone else
follows after us, on the other side where all the cars are parked.
There's a car that is covered, "go ahead and unwrap your gifts
maMazibuko" I'm in tears right now, i walk towards it and remove the
cover and OH MY WORD a red GLE coupe 2020 model! I'm crying now,
hysterically. "Phenyo?!" I look at him waiting for answers.
He just walks to me and gives me a hug, "happy 25th birthday my wife"
words fail me, i just continue crying while everyone else comes closer
to see the car. The number plate reads "Mrs M 1" i look at my
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husband "the number plate?" He smiles proudly "well this is the 1st
of many" he plants a forehead kiss.
chapter 53
*3 months later*
I'm tired, I've been tossing and turning on my bed since this morning
when my husband left for work, I'm ready to pop. I was due to give
birth a week ago but pumpkin said no my mother in law declined when
the doctor suggested that a c-section should be performed or at least
induced labour. My mother in law believes that this child belongs to
the ancestors and he/she will come at the right time. Even though i
dont believe in anscestors i had to obey as a makoti.
My back hurts and I've been having lower abdominal pains which feels
much like period pains. Hubby is at work and honestly i could do with
a back rub. I decide to go and take a shower maybe that'll help. After
my shower i feel a lot better, i wear a free flowing dress and flip flops,
its 4pm so i should probably get started with dinner. I prepare pap,
beef stew and cabbage. After cooking i dish up for myself then eat in
front of the TV.
"makaPumpkin" thats my husband walking in, i stand a walk up to him,

"how are you feeling now" he asks, "well the back pain is still there
but the abdominal pains have stopped" i walk to the kitchen then dish
up for him.
We spend sometime watching tv before i decide to leave him and

head to bed, the back ache starts as soon as i enter into the bed

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covers. I lie on my back hoping that it'll get better until i eventually
doze off.
I'm woken up by a sharp pain in my lower abdomen "Ahhh!" I scream

in agony involuntarily so. "Phenyo, wake up" i try to shake my husband
"hmm, what is it?" He asks while stretching himself. "The pains,
they've started again, much more intense now" he gets up and quickly
gets dressed, he helps me into my gown then grabs the baby bag
before he rushes out only to remember that he actually left me in the
bedroom.
He runs back up and helps me out slowly, i try the breathing technique
that they taught us in parenting class but it isnt working. My husband
is drying like a maniac. We get to the hospital and I'm wheeled in by
the nurses, my husband isnt allowed into the ward.
*Phenyo's POV*
I am freaking out, my wife is in there screaming her lungs out and
these people are telling me that I'm not allowed in. I decide to call my
mother, shes the only one that can calm me down at this point "ma,
she's in labour" i say as soon as she answers "okay I'm on my way "
then she hangs up.
I'm pacing up and down, my mother walks up to me and engulfs me in

a hug, my dad pats my shoulder and sits down. It's been hours now,
no one has said anything to us, i cannot think straight what if
something goes wrong, what if i lose one of them in there. I'm pacing
until it hits me,Zinhle always prays when she's in a tough situation,
now i cannot remember the last time I've ever prayed but today I'm

181
going to do it because the thought of losing my wife and child really

freaks me out.
As I'm praying inside, the doctor walks out. "How's my wife, how are
they?" He sighs, "this was one of our toughest deliveries yet, the baby
was distressed but we managed to deliver a healthy baby. Both the
mother and child are well and healthy" these are the best news I've
probably heard all year. My mum is praising my anscestors and my dad
is next to me giving me an assuring smile "congratulations Mr
Mazibuko you're now a father to a healthy baby girl"
Then the doctor walks back into the ward. My mother englufs me in a
hug, I'm happy,i know my wife is happier.
*Zinhle's POV*
I'm so exhausted, i could sleep for days. But my excitement wouldnt
allow me to sleep, I'm a mother now, to a cute chubby baby girl, my
princess!
My husband and the inlaws are finally allowed in to see us, my

husband walks over to me and plants a wet kiss on my lips "thank
you!" I smile at him "thank you for carrying my precious cargo" i laugh
lightly while mother in law joins in. "Congratulations maMnisi"my
father in law says, i just smile, the nurse walks in and hands me my
princess so that i can learn how to feed her.
"So what are we naming her?" My husband asks while he's snapping
pictures,he sheds a tear. "Ntandoyenkosi..." i say, my husband comes

182
and stands next to us, "Ntandoyenkosi Thandolwethu Mazibuko" he

says....
Chapter 54
*1yearlater*
Ntando is a year old now, it has been an amazing journey with my
princess, she grows more and more to be like me. She's honestly the
cutest, hair like mommy's(if not better) , chocolate skinned like daddy,
cute pouty lips like mummy and busy eyebrows like daddy.
Sitting her while breastfeeding my princess i get to reflect on the past
5 years. It has been quite a journey, I met the love of my life, I got my
honours qualification, i became someone's wife, and I'm now
someone's mother. Indeed God really has a way of making things work
for the good of those that love him.
I'm still grateful for how things turned out with Mulalo, I'm most
grateful for how things turned out with Nhlaka. I'm everso grateful to
have crossed paths with the Mazibuko's because in the process i got
to meet my missing piece, i got to meet my soulmate.
Phenyo walks in and beings me back to the present, Ntando
immediately jumps off from my lap and into her dad's arms, these two
are inseperable. I'm watching them as they play and i cannot stop
thanking God, my own little family, who knew that one day I'll be as
happy as i am, who knew that one day I'll meet someone who will love
me past my flaws, someone who will laugh at my silly jokes and enjoy
my company even when i just simply want to me left alone!
"Mama" Ntando slaps my cheeks with her tiny fingers, I give her a firm
look because she knows how much i hate it when she does that she
kisses my lips and says "i love you mommy". I melt instantly, it's
honestly the little things that I'm grateful for.

183
Natasha finally managed to conceive. Mpumi is currently planning her

wedding,Phelo is pursuing a qualification in events planning. My
sisters are still happily married with Thengi now a matron of the
hospital she works at, Zinzi is still living it up as a housewife. My dad is
still healthy and happy, we've grown closer than we were before.
Nhlaka divorced Thembi and he has filed a resignation, he's moving to
the UK to work for one of the big 4 accounting firms.
Me? Well I'm still happily married to my amazing Husband, he is now
CEO of mazibuko & Sons, I'm still working my 9 to 5 job but I've
recently started working on starting my own interior designing
company named "ThandoNtando designs" , yes i named it after my
daughter. I'm blessed beyond measures.
5 years later, i am a mother, a wife, a holder of bcom honours in
accounting and founder of ThandoNtando designs. I am Ntomb'Zinhle
Mazibuko and I have found my happily ever after!
THE END
Thank you so much for the love, thank you for interacting and most
importantly thank you for taking your time to read my work.this Was
my first work and hopefully by the grace of God this is the first of
many amazing books. I appreciated each and every one of you guys,
the comments, the votes, the interaction. I'm immensely grateful.
I.G:Z.amakhuzeni
FB:Zamakhuze Zikalala

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1

Zinhle: happily ever

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

Today is Sunday, i am enjoying these last moments with my sisters

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

I havent spoken to Mpumi and Phelo since the graduation ceremony,

Monday morning, i am up at 4am, i take a shower and pick an outfit.

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

I bid farewell to my sisters, its a bittersweet moment, i have never in

I am excited but sad that i am leaving without seeing my friends or

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

2 hours later, i am landing in cape town, the weather here is worse

After collecting my luggage, i uber to my new home, apparently the

As soon as i get to the complex the security signs me in and i walk

I love love love sunflowers! They just have a way of brightening up my

I decide to unpack my laggage, i have 7 suitcases with just my clothing

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

My food arrives and as soon as the smell of seafood hits my nostrils

I am woken up by the annoying sound of my cellphone ringing, i

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

"Uqalile Nomadoda(here we go again)" i say while chuckling

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

I am so excited, i finally get to live out my interior design passion in my

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

There's a shopping centre that is close to my complex but it looks to

I then bought carpets for my bathroom as well as new blinds(white)

Finally, woolworths for groceries, my car is so packed by the time I'm

After unpacking and arranging everything in their designated places, i

to cook my favourite meal, mutton stew and dumpling! Which fits

He prepared oxtail, i am definitely trying this, it looks delicious and

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

As soon as i step in, i am shocked to find that the introductions have

"Welcome Ms Mnisi, oh dont worry we were just about to begin with

"I am Sbusiso Mazibuko, the CEO of MS, i am looking forward to

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

discuss any queries or grievances directly with me if you feel so,

"Maqawe Mazibuko, CFO of Mazibuko and son's" okay short and

"One of the Mazibuko brothers is currently out of town on business

Paballo, the receptionist is rather friendly, she had been so helpful,

After the induction, its lunchtime(12h00) so i decide to go and sit in

picture, "settling in already?, if i were you i wouldnt be putting all

"Sounds to me like you feel threatened Mr Mazibuko JUNIOR?" i say

He was about to say something but again,i jump in "Listen here Mr

I dont want to lie, i am deeply touched by what had just happened, i

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

I make a decision to start a weightloss journey, considering that I work

After my shower I call my older sister, Thengi, i am closest to her since

After my call with my sister, i go through my socials and i come across

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

Today went worse than i had anticipated, but i am hopeful... I pray

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

very beautiful coloured lady, probably my age if not a year or two

Written by: Zamakhuze Zikalala

working at M&S, we Got to meet our boss Mr Phenyo Mazibuko who

I havent been seeking much of Maqawe around the office, which i am

Natasha is originally from Eastern cape, she is coloured by she is raised