*PROLOGUE*

*Ntaba*
Nhla : you look like a man ready
to get married my prince

I laugh

Me : get done , we can’t be late

Nhla : you’re so ready

Me : and you’re taking your
damn precious time

He finishes fixing his tie , and

we both get up

Nhla : I’m hoping I find myself

some woman there

He shakes his head

Me : can we just get me
married first , before you start
hunting for pussy ?

We laugh

I grab my suit jacket , and heads

to the door

I follow him
We go out , as I put my jacket
on

It’s a beautiful day , the sun is

out

I’ve never imagined this day ,

from when I was 15

And I knew I’ll marry her

But it has finally come to pass ,
and here we are today

The royal garden is full of guests

, and mostly it’s royal families

Nhlamulo leads the way , as we

enter and walk in the middle of
the chairs
We get to where the king and
queen , along with the royal
seer are

I look at my father , and he

smiles

He’s proud , and he’s wearing

that on his face

Nhla : just look at the flavours

around here
He whispers behind me , I
chuckle
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
Mom : you’re so beautiful

I really am , no lies

This royal gown suits my body

like a glove

Me : I can’t believe this is finally

happening , this day is finally
here
She smiles

Mom : Prince Ntaba has always

loved you , from when you were
still young . This is fate , you’re
his destiny

Me : I’m so happy

She stands behind me

Mom : it’s time , go marry the
love of your life

We both laugh , as I turn and

face her

We walk out , she’s holding my

gown

The way this place is so

beautiful , I cannot believe that
all of this is for me
My father welcomes us , and
they both walk besides me

It’s such a happy moment for

me , having both my parents
walk me down the isle

As we appear , everyone gets

on their feet . My mother
lowers the veil covering my face
I lift my head looking at Ntaba ,
he has one huge smile

I can’t help but blush

We finally get to them , my

father hands me over to him

They shake hands , my parents

move back

Ntaba : you look so beautiful

I look down smiling

He takes hold of both my hands

.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
He shakes his head , not
knowing what to say or do

The king hasn’t taken his eyes

off of him

We’re all just waiting for him to

start performing the ritual so
we can continue with the
ceremony

But it’s like Bhubesi doesn’t

know what to do

Nolwazi : what’s going on ?

There’s panic in her voice , but

not just her

Dad : Bhubesi !
He lifts his eyes , only to look
down again

There’s commotion , as there’s

growls and loud noises

We all look where they’re

coming from , and it’s
Mandlakazi

The Usuthu Kingdom seer

Dad : what’s all this ?

He asks looking at the Usuthu

king and queen

Mandlakazi : why are you not

telling them the truth ?

She says standing in front of

Bhubesi
Dad : what’s going on ?

Mandlakazi : this wedding

cannot continue

There’s gaps and shocks

I’m just confused , trying to

process all of this

Mandlakazi : do you want the

wrath of the gods to fall upon
this kingdom ? How can you
allow such to happen ?

Again , she’s addressing Bhubesi

. Who hasn’t said anything

Dad : King Luthando , an

explanation for this ?

I look at Bhubesi , even the king

and queen are just stunned
Me : I….I think we can take a
minute , away from everyone

Bhubesi gets up

Bhubesi : I’ll be in my hut

He grunts before he walks away

Nolwazi : baby what’s going on

?
I don’t know what to say , she’s
crying now

Me : I’m coming okay ? Don’t

worry , we’ll get married just
give us a few minutes

I peck her forehead , following

my father after Bhubesi

Nolwazi : Ntaba !
She calls after me , but I don’t
bother looking back

I get to the chamber and take

my shoes off

Dad : I demand to know what’s

going on ?

I sit down
Bhubesi : I do not appreciate ,
that woman coming here and
talking to me like that

My father sighs

Dad : what was she talking

about ?

Bhubesi : the princess is not the

prince chosen destiny
Me : what ?

Dad : wait…what do you mean ?

She was chosen when she was
13 , and we’ve known all long

Bhubesi : she was chosen ,

because his heart chose her too

My father sighs

Dad : this doesn’t make sense

Bhubesi : Ntaba is next in line to
be king , he cannot rule with a
heart that’s cold because he
was denied his love . That’s how
and why the princess was
chosen , but the ancestors have
chosen his destiny for him . And
it’s not with her

Me : who is the one that’s

chosen ?
He keeps quite

Voice : his daughter

We turn looking at her

Dad : this has to be some joke

right ?

Mandlakazi : no , your ancestors

have chosen his daughter as the
prince’s destiny . He cannot
marry the Princess before he
marries her , they’re not taking
away the one his heart has
chosen . But he must
acknowledge the one they’ve
chosen for him first

Bhubesi sighs

Dad : why don’t I know about

this ?
Bhubesi : I…..I didn’t know how
to tell you , please you have to
understand how hard this is for
me . That’s my daughter , I’m
your seer . I was just avoiding
talks

Mandlakazi : fix this , you might

be okay putting your kingdom in
danger . But I’m not ready to
put mine , the prince and the
princess will not marry until
he’s fulfilled the destiny his
ancestors have chosen for him

I don’t know what this is , but I

feel my heart falling to the pits
of my stomach
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 01*
*A WEEK EARLIER*
*Ntaba*
Nhla : you did good

I chuckle

Nhla : a whole multimillionaire

hospital !

Me : it was damn worth it

Nhla : the king must be proud

Me : for the fact that I’m back
home yes , everything else I
don’t know

We laugh

Nhla : oh but , come on ! How

many prince’s would do such a
thing ? I mean look at this , look
around you man . This is all you

I nod smiling
Nhla : this is a state of the art
hospital , worth being a private
hospital . But you’ve decided to
let it offer medical help for free
to the people of this kingdom

Me : good deeds

He laughs
Nhla : you’re too modest for my
liking , but I’m proud

Voice : Nhlamulo can you please

lend me my man

We both turn looking at her

Nhla : I am gone , I might find

myself a woman around here

I laugh as he walks away

There’s nothing my boy is ever
focused on , except women

Me : you look stunning

I hold her waist placing a kiss on

her lips

Nolwazi : I’m so proud of you

Mr Surgeon
I chuckle

Me : thank you for coming

Nolwazi : I wouldn’t miss this

for the world

Me : I’m happy , any chance I

can sneak you away ?

She smiles
Nolwazi : I must be back at
Usuthu by sunset

Me : baby !

Nolwazi : don’t sulk now , just a

few days and I’ll be all yours

Me : excited ?

Nolwazi : I cannot wait

Me : come here

I pull her for a hug

Me : I love you , I cannot wait to

make you Mrs Ndaba

She laughs

Nolwazi : oh baby it suits me

Me : it sure does my love , it
does . And you’ve been patient
enough

Nolwazi : it’s been years , but

it’s finally happening . And your
hospital is completed , dreams
and destiny accomplished

Me : definitely
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I place the bucked down

And my t-shirt is wet

It was a road from the river ,

and I forgot the lid
The bucket was full , and it kept
on dripping on me

Me : baba (dad)

It’s quite

I walk to my room , changing

the t-shirt . And I knock on his
door
Me : baba ukhona ? (Dad are
you in here)

No response

Me : ngiya ngena (I’m coming

in)

I open the door , and it’s not

locked . But he’s nowhere in
sight
I sigh

Walking out , I head to his hut .

And the door is opened

I take my shoes off , I get inside

crawling on my knees

His laugher welcomes me

Me : Bhubesi
I sit down on the grass mat

Me : I’ve been looking for you

Dad : I thought you’re still at the

river

Me : just got back

He sighs

Me : have you eaten ?

Dad : one of those days

Me : you’ve been in here since

morning , and you’re refusing to
see clients

He eyes darts away from mine

Me : is everything okay ? I’m

getting worried
Dad : when are you leaving ?

I feel like something is going on

, and he doesn’t want to tell me

But whatever is going on , is

taking a toll on him and he’s not
okay

Me : Monday or maybe Friday

He nods , and there’s a slight
worry

Me : but I won’t be going

anywhere , not while you’re still
looking like this

Dad : you worked very hard ,

and you’ve finally gotten a job .
Two years at varsity has finally
paid off
Me : there’s no one here to look
after you , the king offered you
go to the palace but you
refused

Dad : I’m only a royal seer , I

have no reason staying at the
palace like I’m some royal blood
. I’ll be fine here

Me : let me see that you’re fine

, and I’ll leave in peace
He smiles

But I’m not convinced

It’s been a month now , some

nights he even spends in this
hut

And it’s not because of work

Since from last week , he hasn’t
been wanting to see any clients

So what’s going on , has nothing

to do with his work

But I’m only a child , and I can

only ask him things to a certain
point

And I can’t bother my brother

about this
The two hardly even talk
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I look at my ring and smile ,
rolling it with my thumb

I swear in these years waiting

for Ntaba

At some point I thought we

would never get married
When he left , going to Cuba for
over 8 years studying to be a
doctor

I lost hope

I never thought he’ll be back ,

uplift the people of his kingdom

And still keep on his promise of

marrying me
But in just a week , I’ll be his
wife and moving to his kingdom

And with the way his father is

happy that he’s back

It’s only just a matter of time ,

before he takes that throne

And I’ll be crowned queen as

well
I mean , even his ancestors have
chosen me and approved

It’s basically just a done deal

I take my phone calling him , he

was a bit sad when I had to
leave

But I couldn’t spend a night at

his kingdom
My father wouldn’t be happy
that I’m not back home

Ntaba : Mrs Headlines

I laugh

Ntaba : bloody news , there’s

nowhere where they’re not
talking about us . And I must say
, you looked stunning . I look
like some power man , with a
beautiful woman on my arm in
those snaps

Me : baby stop

I’m not surprised he’s up this

early , and already on tabloids

Ntaba : this week better end

soon
Me : it will , it definitely will

Preparations have already

started

This is going to be one royal

wedding people will be talking
about for years and years
coming

We have gone all out

Lots of money spent , but then
it’s all worth it

I mean it’s not just some

wedding
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 02*
*Ntaba*
Mom : everything is coming
along well

I nod

Mom : what’s wrong with you ?

I look at her
Me : nothing , why ?

Mom : for someone that’s

getting married , you seem
somewhat

Me : mom please , I shouldn’t

be expected to run around
screaming that I’m getting
married
Mom : I don’t know , your
father was very happy that he
showed it

I laugh

Me : I’m not your husband , so

please my queen

Mom : whatever you say ….oh

hi Khwezi come in
I lift my eyes , looking at this girl
. She looks somewhat familiar

But I don’t think I’ve seen her

before

She greets , bowing her head a

bit

Mom : come sit down , let’s

have tea
I’m just starring at them , as she
pulls a chair and sits down
greeting

Mom : my hair is a mess , I

don’t know how I’m going to
manage when you leave

She smiles

Mom : oh I’m sad , your dreams

are taking my hairstylist away
Me : Nolwazi knows how to do
hair

I find myself saying , and for

what ? I don’t know

Mom : I don’t trust anyone with

my hair , except Khwezi

I don’t know , but I feel like that

sounded somewhat
Me : it’s just hair what does it
matter ?

Mom : other people sleep with

their hands between their
thighs , and that cuts hair

Women are dramatic

Nhlamulo walks in
Nhla : my queen

Mom : Nhlamulo

Nhla : let’s…..uhm hi

His eyes trail to this Khwezi girl

Khwezi : sawubona (hi)

Damn her voice !

Nhlamulo just seems so caught ,
mom catches on that and she
laughs

Me : let’s go

I get up , pulling him over his

shoulder

We walk out
Nhla : who….who was that ?

Me : I don’t know

I shrug

Nhla : I mean damn !

He stops walking , and looks

back
Nhla : wait….is she not
Bhubesi’s daughter ?

Me : uh I don’t know that

Nhla : the old man must tell me

very soon , like how many cows
he wants

I laugh
Me : you’re being an idiot right
now

Nhla : I am not blind , did you

see that girl ? She looks like
some black American with some
white mixes , I cannot believe
she’s one of us . She’s just
perfection

He makes motions with his

hand
Me : she’s black , just light
skinned . Don’t be stupid

Nhla : I don’t care , she’s gonna

give me cute babies . I can
already see myself as a father to
her kids , and Bhubesi will help
me with some strong herbs . So
first time I’ll knock her up , you
saw those eyes . Imagine my
daughter looking all sorts like
that
I look at him laughing

Me : you’re annoying me right

now !

We continue walking
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Lerato : where were you ?

I hand her a glass of drink

Me : at the palace

Lerato : oh

Me : I was doing the queens

hair , you know how she is

She laughs
Lerato : will she call you , every
now and then to come and do
her hair ?

Me : she must never , I won’t

come back that much

Lerato : that’s why I’m here ,

here is your key to your flat

She reaches in her bag , handing

me the key
Me : you’re a darling , thank you
you’ve saved me a trip . I asked
Vusi , and he said he’s not
travelling an hour to get my
keys

Lerato : no sweat , your brother

is something else

Me : I think I will leave Monday ,

I just have clothes only .
Everything else , will be brought
in once I move in

Lerato : you should have gotten

a furnished flat

Me : no , I like having my style

and my things the way I like and
prefer them . It’s no stress , I’ve
already spent a lot of money on
furniture
Lerato : I’m going to miss you

Me : Cape Town will do you well

, I’ll be surviving without any
friends

We laugh

Lerato : you need to bring your

social skills out , otherwise
you’re going to die of boredom
there
Me : well

I shrug

Lerato : are you going to attend

the royal wedding ?

Me : no !

She laughs
Lerato : why not ?

Me : it’s a royal wedding , and

only Royals are invited there

Lerato : your father is the royal

seer

Me : exactly , he is not me . If it
wasn’t for him , I would leave
Friday
Lerato : is he not okay ?

I nod

Me : yeah , and he’s worrying

me .

Lerato : did you talk ?

Me : I tried , but he was

avoiding it
Lerato : maybe it’s because
you’re leaving

Me : yeah maybe

I’m just worried cause it’s been

happening for a while now
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Dad : have you seen Bhubesi
around ?
I close my laptop and look at
him

Me : no

He sighs

Me : what’s wrong ?

Dad : he hasn’t been coming

around for a while
Me : a while ?

Dad : like three days

I don’t pay attention to these

things

I probably only pay attention to

Nhlamulo around here

Because he’s always around me

Me : the wedding is in two days
, he’ll probably be here

Dad : he has to

Me : do you need him ?

Dad : we have to talk , I need to

know if all is well . Even with the
ancestors

Me : oh
Dad : I’ll get a guard to call him

Me : uh…..where is his home

again ?

Dad : down the hill , by the river

Me : okay , I’ll go

He looks at me funny
Me : what ?

I chuckle

Dad : you will go there ?

I get up , grabbing my phone

and car keys

Me : yeah , this is my marriage .

So I do need to know as well , if
all is well
He laughs shaking his head

Me : believe what you want to

believe

I walk out , heading to my car

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 03*
*Ntaba*
I look around , and I see the hut
but it’s closed

And usually his huts , are always

opened
Even the one back at the palace

I head to the house and knock ,

the door opens

She just stares at me , and she’s

holding a broom

Me : hi

Khwezi : hi
I clear my throat

Me : can I come in ?

She moves away from the door ,

making way for me

I get inside , and my eyes land

on two suitcases

Me : is….is your father around ?

Khwezi : no

She moves the suitcases , I pull

a chair and sits down

Me : where is he ? My father
wants to see him

Khwezi : my father doesn’t want

to be disturbed , and he’s gone
to the mountains this morning .
He’ll be back after a few days or
so

She’s saying this , and not even

looking at me

Me : few days , like how long is

that ? I’m getting married in
two days , and as the royal seer
he’s needed

Khwezi : oh well I don’t know

I chuckle , just by her tone

Me : can you give me his

number then , I’ll call him . He
needs to come back

Khwezi : you think he took a

phone to the mountains ?

I shrug
Khwezi : there is his phone on
the counter

I dart my eyes and it’s there

Me : right

She turns and looks at me

Khwezi : I’m sorry , is there

anything else ?
I get up

Me : no !

We just stare at each other for

a few seconds

Khwezi : I was really busy before

you got here

I turn heading to the door , I

walk out
Just stunned

I’ve never just been addressed ,

like I’m some commoner

But she didn’t even bow

greeting me

Nor did she at least

acknowledge who I am , not
even once
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
Mom : are you ready ?

I smile , she sits down

Me : yes

Mom : I am going to miss having

you around
Me : this has been my home
forever , I’ll always come back
and visit you

Mom : will you have the time ? I

mean you’re marrying a prince
that’s a surgeon , and running
his own hospital . You’ll be a
queen once he’s crowned king ,
and you’ll have kids ….

I laugh
Me : I am not having kids

Mom : impossible , you’ll be

married . And soon , you’ll be
expected to deliver a child

I shake my head

Mom : what’s wrong ?

Should I be telling her ?

Me : uhm….Ntaba doesn’t want
to have any kids

Mom : what ?

I nod slowly

Me : he….he long said that ,

even when he came back . He
said kids are the last thing he
wants , so being a doctor and all
I’m sure he will take
precautions

She sighs

Mom : oh wow !

Me : yeah , so I don’t see that

happening unless he changes
his mind
I do want to have kids , but he
doesn’t . And I’m sure he will
take measures , to make sure I
don’t fall pregnant

He’s never hid that from me

I’ve always known , that he

doesn’t want to have any kids

Not even one

So I guess we’ll just have a
marriage , where there’s no kids
in it

If his family ever wants

grandkids , he will have to
explain to them why we’re not
having any

But he will also have to

understand the impact this will
have on his reign
What kind of a king will he be
without an heir ?

He will loose his throne , his

linage might just be thrown off

If that’s something he’s willing

to be okay with , then there
won’t be any kids here
Unless maybe after he’s king ,
he will see the need of us
having kids

Even just one will do

But as for me , even three I

wouldn’t mind . Because I’ve
always wanted to be a mother
Like from a very young age , it’s
just a pity I met a guy who
doesn’t want kids
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Nhla : what has you worried ?

I look at him

Nhla : you weren’t like this

yesterday
Me : yeah yesterday , today is
another day

He laughs

Nhla : are you getting wedding

jitters ? I mean you’re getting
married tomorrow

Me : it’s….you know that girl

was very rude
Nhla : what girl ?

Me : Khwezi

Nhla : who’s that again ?

I sigh

Me : the one you said is

Bhubesi’s daughter

He smiles
Me : get your mind out of the
gutter

Nhla : wait…..when was she

rude ?

Me : I went there yesterday ,

looking for Bhubesi . And she
was just rude
Nhla : no ways , maybe you
were your usual cold self . And
you scared her , she retaliated

Me : stop talking nonsense

Nhla : I don’t know her well , I

mean I cannot vouch for her
character

Me : yeah well it doesn’t matter

Nhla : but it’s bothering you

I just look at him

Nhla : don’t tell me you have a

wandering eye

Me : fuck no ! I would never

Nhla : good ! Because I still

want to have a word with
Bhubesi about his cows
I laugh

Me : good luck , but any man

that can give you his daughter is
out of his mind

Nhla : come on , don’t put me

down like that . I’ll act right for
a woman that’s worth my heart

Me : yeah….spare me
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 04*
*Nomakhwezi*

Lerato : take care of yourself my

friend
We hug

Me : I will

After a while we pull out

Me : and you be good in Cape

Town

She smiles
Lerato : definitely

I nod

Lerato : we call everyday

Me : no matter what

My dad comes out , he came

back this morning from where
he went
Tomorrow is the wedding at the
palace

I’m sure he’ll be going there

today , so I’ve decided to leave
today

Monday is far , best I leave

today and settle well
So that on Tuesday I’m well
rested , because that’s when I
start work at the restaurant

Dad : I love you

I hug him , he heaves a sigh

hugging me back

Dad : I love you so much , don’t

ever forget that . Just always
know that
Me : I love you

We hug for a while , until we

pull out

Me : take care of yourself for

me , and I’ll come see you
whenever I can . And if there’s
anything , I’m just a phone call
away
I look at him , and he’s darting
his eyes away from me

I swear it’s like he’s hiding

something from me

But I won’t ask again

If it was a must that he tells me

, I’m sure he would have long
said something
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Me : did you get a hold of
Bhubesi ?

He lifts his head

Dad : I was told he’s back

Me : did he come here ?

He shakes his head

I sigh

Me : it’s the wedding tomorrow

, the people from Usuthu
Kingdom will be here tonight

Dad : I know that

Me : and we haven’t gotten to

talk to your seer ?

I get up
Dad : if there’s something , I’m
sure he would be here to tell us
. So he’s not here , I guess
there’s nothing for us to worry
about

Me : I hope so

I walk out , taking my phone out

of my pocket
I make a call , after a few rings
she answers

Nolwazi : baby

I chuckle

Me : my love

Nolwazi : someone is eager and

cannot wait
Me : you have no idea , but I’m
just checking in

Nolwazi : I’m done packing ,

we’ll be leaving soon

Me : I can’t wait to see you ,

and finally have you as Mrs
Ndaba

She laughs
Nolwazi : you and me both love
, let me be done . I’ll call when
we’re on the way

Me : alright I love you

Nolwazi : and I love you

I drop the call

Looking around , seeing people

busy going around up and down
It’ll be a great day tomorrow
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I take my sneakers off , sitting
down on the single couch

The place is not bad , it’s more

like a bachelor pad

But it’s great for me

It’s not like I’ll be living with
anyone here

One of the waitresses at the

restaurant , is the one who told
me about it

And it wasn’t expensive as well

My furniture will arrive
tomorrow , and then I can settle
fine

And just put things into place ,

so I can rest for Tuesday when I
start work

I grab my phone calling my

father
Dad : Ntombi yam (my
daughter)

I smile

Me : I’ve just arrived , I travelled

safe

Dad : I’m glad….I’m glad

Me : are you at the palace

already ?
He sighs

I cannot help but be worried

about him even now

Dad : I’ll go tomorrow

Me : alright , let me go get

something to eat . There’s a
café across the street , please
eat
He laughs

Dad : yes I will eat

Me : okay , I love you bye

Dad : I love you

We drop the call , I get up and

place one of the bags down
I open it and take out sandals ,
grabbing a light jacket

And I walk out , heading to the

elevator going down

I’m just on the 5th floor

I get out , and it’s chilly . Cause

it’s already late
I run across the street heading
to the café

Seeing it’s not packed , I look

for a table and sit down

A waiter attends to me , and I

place an order

While awaiting my order , I call

Lerato after a few rings she
answers
Lerato : girlfriend

I laugh

Me : gosh it’s crazy ! I already

miss you

Lerato : I know right

Me : I…..
Voice : hi

I lift my eyes , and the smile

graces me

Lerato : who is that ?

Me : I’ll call you bye

She laughs I drop the call

Him : sorry to disturb you

Me : it’s …okay

Him : I’m Enzokuhle , can I

please sit down ?

I just stare at him , and he

chuckles causing me to smile

Me : sorry you can sit

He pulls a chair and sits down ,
placing his phone and car keys
on the table

Enzo : your boyfriend won’t

come in here and beat me up
right ?

I laugh

Me : guys still use that lame

pick up line ?
He chuckles

Enzo : ouch !

My order arrives , and he orders

the same

Enzo : can I have your latté , you

can have mine ?

Is he not strange ?
Enzo : I’m just cold , I was in
court and that place is freaking
cold

I nod smiling

Enzo : thank you

He takes the cup

Me : so you’re a lawyer ?
Enzo : yes , what’s your name
again ?

Me : I didn’t tell you

He laughs

Enzo : I’m asking now

Me : Nomakhwezi
Enzo : wow that’s….

He takes a few more sips , and

keeps quite

Me : old ?

He laughs

Enzo : no

Me : well
His order arrives , I take his latté
and one of his muffin

Enzo : what the….

I ignore him and eat

Enzo : you eat three muffins ?

Me : yes , I’m hungry .

He smiles , I lean down focusing
on my food
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 05*
*Ntaba*
It’s the big day today , I didn’t
even get to see Nolwazi last
night

I was somehow restricted in

seeing her , until today

So I’m eager to be seeing her , I

cannot wait to see her walking
down the isle
Without a doubt , I know she’ll
be looking stunning

Nhla : you look like a man ready

to get married my prince

I laugh

Me : get done , we can’t be late

My father was already on my
case , because we left and went
to get drunk last night

Nhla : you’re so ready

Me : and you’re taking your

damn precious time

He finishes fixing his tie , and

we both get up
Nhla : I’m hoping I find myself
some woman there

He shakes his head

I’m not even entertaining this

one , cause Nhla is not the kind
of man you want anywhere
near any woman

Unless she’s willing of course

Me : can we just get me
married first , before you start
hunting for pussy ?

We laugh

I grab my suit jacket , and heads

to the door

I follow him
We go out , as I put my jacket
on

It’s a beautiful day , the sun is

out

I’ve never imagined this day ,

from when we were 15

And I knew I’ll marry her

But it has finally come to pass ,
and here we are today

The royal garden is full of guests

, and mostly it’s royal families

Nhlamulo leads the way , as we

enter and walk in the middle of
the chairs
We get to where my parents
are seated , along with the royal
seer

I look at my father , and he

smiles

He’s proud , and he’s wearing

that on his face
Nhla : just look at the flavours
around here

He whispers behind me , I
chuckle

Of course his eyes are only on

the women around and nothing
else

.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I am done getting dressed , and
I look my best

I can’t wait to see Ntaba , I’m

sure he will be stunned seeing
me

Mom : you’re so beautiful

I really am , no lies
This royal gown suits my body
like a glove

Me : I can’t believe this is finally

happening , this day is finally
here

She smiles

Mom : Prince Ntaba has always

loved you , from when you were
still young . This is fate , you’re
his destiny . And even his
ancestors choose you for this ,
that’s why this day is happening
. He kept to his promise to do
this

Me : I’m so happy

She stands behind me

Mom : it’s time , go marry the

love of your life
We both laugh , as I turn and
face her

We walk out , she’s holding my

gown

The way this place is so

beautiful , I cannot believe that
all of this is for me
My father welcomes us , and
they both walk besides me

It’s such a happy moment for

me , having both my parents
walk me down the isle

As we appear , everyone gets

on their feet . My mother
lowers the veil covering my face
I lift my head looking at Ntaba ,
he has one huge smile

I can’t help but blush

We finally get to them , my

father hands me over to him

They shake hands , my parents

move back
Ntaba : you look so beautiful

I look down smiling

He takes hold of both my hands

He looks so handsome , I cannot

wait for our wedding night
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*

He shakes his head , not

knowing what to say or do
This is getting me unsettled ,
because now he seems like he’s
lost

And worse we’ve been looking

for him , he wasn’t available
now he’s here acting out

Bhubesi better not start with his

nonsense , not today
My father hasn’t taken his eyes
off of him

We’re all just waiting for him to

start performing the ritual so
we can continue with the
ceremony

But it’s like Bhubesi doesn’t

know what to do
Nolwazi : what’s going on ?

There’s panic in her voice , but

not just her . Even the guests
look somehow

Dad : Bhubesi !

He lifts his eyes , only to look

down again

I shake my head annoyed

Had he been available , he
would have seen if something
was wrong

Now he’s doing this ,

embarrassing us in front of
these guests

There’s commotion , as there’s

growls and loud noises . And it’s
a woman
We all look where they’re
coming from , and it’s
Mandlakazi

The Usuthu Kingdom seer ,

what is she doing here ?

Dad : what’s all this ?

He asks looking at the Usuthu

king and queen
Mandlakazi : why are you not
telling them the truth ?

She says standing in front of

Bhubesi

By the look on his face , he’s

annoyed by this woman’s
presence

Dad : what’s going on ?

Mandlakazi : this wedding
cannot continue

There’s gaps and shocks

I’m just confused , trying to

process all of this

I look at Nolwazi and she tears

up
Mandlakazi : do you want the
wrath of the gods to fall upon
this kingdom ? How can you
allow such to happen ?

Again , she’s addressing Bhubesi

. Who hasn’t said anything

Dad : King Luthando , an

explanation for this ?
I look at Bhubesi , even the king
and queen are just stunned

Me : I….I think we can take a

minute , away from everyone

Bhubesi gets up

Bhubesi : I’ll be in my hut

He grunts before he walks away

Nolwazi : baby what’s going on
?

I don’t know what to say , she’s

crying now

But just like her , I also don’t

know what’s going on
But I can see something is going
on , Bhubesi couldn’t perform
the ritual

And he wasn’t saying anything ,

so away from the eyes of
everyone I’m sure he will
explain what’s going on

Me : I’m coming okay ? Don’t

worry , we’ll get married just
give us a few minutes
I peck her forehead , following
my father after Bhubesi

Nolwazi : Ntaba !

She calls after me , but I don’t

bother looking back

I get to the hut and take my

shoes off
Dad : I demand to know what’s
going on ?

I sit down

Bhubesi : I do not appreciate ,

that woman coming here and
talking to me like that

My father sighs
Dad : what was she talking
about ?

Bhubesi : the princess is not the

prince’s ancestors chosen
destiny

Me : what ?

Dad : wait…what do you mean ?

She was chosen when she was
13 , and we’ve known this all
long . So what’s this now , what
are you talking about ?

Bhubesi : she was chosen ,

because his heart chose her too
. She’s not the one they’ve
chosen for him , he chose her

My father sighs

And I think I’m loosing my mind

right now
Dad : this doesn’t make sense

Bhubesi : Ntaba is next in line to

be king , he cannot rule with a
heart that’s cold because he
was denied his love . That’s how
and why the princess was
chosen , but the ancestors have
chosen his destiny for him . And
it’s not with her , she’s not the
ancestors destiny
Dad : what must happen now ?

He keeps quite

Me : who is the one that’s

chosen by them ?

And again he keeps quite

This is just frustrating , how are

we supposed to know when
he’s quite ?
Voice : his daughter

We turn looking at her

Dad : this has to be some joke

right ?

Mandlakazi : no , your ancestors

have chosen his daughter as the
prince’s destiny . He cannot
marry the Princess before he
marries her , they’re not taking
away the one his heart has
chosen . But he must
acknowledge the one they’ve
chosen for him first . If he
doesn’t marry her first , they’ll
all feel the wrath of the gods
and your Kingdom will perish in
his rule

Bhubesi sighs
Dad : why don’t I know about
this ?

Bhubesi : I…..I didn’t know how

to tell you , please you have to
understand how hard this is for
me . That’s my daughter , I’m
your seer . I was just avoiding
talks , and conflicts . This hasn’t
been easy for me , and it still
isn’t .
Mandlakazi : fix this , you might
be okay putting your kingdom in
danger . But I’m not ready to
put mine , the prince and the
princess will not marry until
he’s fulfilled the destiny his
ancestors have chosen for him

I don’t know what this is , but I

feel my heart falling to the pits
of my stomach
Nolwazi is going to loose her
mind

Mandlakazi walks away , and we

turn looking at Bhubesi

Bhubesi : I don’t understand

how this happened , I didn’t see
it I didn’t know until a month
ago . And I didn’t know how to
deal with it , I’ve prayed and
pleased but they’re not hearing
Me : does she know this ?

I remember the attitude she

had towards me when I went
there

Bhubesi : I will never tell my

daughter this , ever !

Dad : then what must happen

to my kingdom ?
The two stare at each other , I
sign looking down shaking my
head
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 06*
*Ntaba*
We have closed the hut doors

I don’t know what’s happening

out there

And I don’t even want to begin

thinking how is Nolwazi
Dad : so let me get this straight ,
for a month you have known
this and you kept quite . And let
us plan a wedding until the last
day ?

He nods

My feelings at just all over the

place right now

I don’t know what’s what

And quite frankly , I don’t know
where I stand at this moment

Dad : and why again ?

The old man is not happy at all ,

but I do understand him

We should have been told all of

this in time
And we could have come up
with a way to deal with it

Already now we have a wedding

, and we hear this now

So what must happen ?

Bhubesi : I’m just a royal seer

here , and you know we are not
of royal blood . Like I said , I
don’t know how this happened .
I asked the ancestors , and
they’re not saying anything . I
didn’t say anything because I
was scared , I was scared that
I’ll be accused . Why would my
daughter be the prince’s destiny
? Especially when he already
has a wife to marry

Dad : exactly , exactly my

question . Princess Nolwazi was
chosen very young
Bhubesi : by your son yes

Dad : what do you mean by him

? The gods granted this

Bhubesi sighs

Bhubesi : my king , you must

remember that when this was
done they had already met
once or twice . And the prince
had already taken a liking into
the princess , the ceremony was
done . And he was granted her ,
because they saw his heart . But
they didn’t choose her
themselves

For once , I see my father

defeated

Me : now what must happen

because I am marrying Nolwazi
?
Dad : can’t we appease ?

Bhubesi : I went to the veld ,

the mountains and the river .
They remained the same still

We all sigh

Dad : so it’s a must ?

Bhubesi : if he doesn’t marry
her , there’ll be no peaceful
union between him and the
princess . The marriage will be
nothing but a curse , and the
kingdom will perish in his rule

My father clenches his jaw

Dad : where is your daughter ?

Bhubesi : She….she’s not
around , she moved away
yesterday

Dad : what ?

He’s getting upset right now

Dad : is this a joke to you ? Are

you trying to shield her from
this ?
Me : no

He looks at me.

Me : he’s…not , I saw bags

when I went there on Thursday

He shakes his head

Dad : well she must come back

Bhubesi : I cannot…..
Dad : your daughter must come
back here , I am not loosing my
kingdom because of this . And
Ntaba will go ahead and marry
Nolwazi , just that there’s a
delay . I hope you know what
that means , your daughter will
marry him and that’s that . Do
not force to take measures , call
her back right this instant

He gets up
Dad : you won’t let us in such a
mess , and still let your
daughter leave . You knew
exactly what you were doing ,
so now she’ll come back .
There’s no running away from
this Bhubesi

He’s going on and talking like

I’m not even here
Me : I’m 26 , what exactly will I
be doing with two wives ? I
never said I want polygamy

He looks at me.

Dad : do you want to marry

Nolwazi ?

Me : I do
Dad : then you will do this , or
there won’t be any marriage .
I’ll say again so you two
understand me , I’m not loosing
my kingdom . Everyone will do
what’s needed of them right
now

This is crazy

Me : Nolwazi might not even

agree to this
Dad : she’s a royal princess , she
knows such things . And if she
wants you really , then she’ll
marry you still . After all she’s
the royal wife

He heads towards the door

And I’m left seated , just looking

down with a million thoughts
going through my mind
Right now he’s not giving
anyone , a chance to say
anything

So it’s his way or the high way

I guess if I don’t marry Khwezi ,

there’s no marrying Nolwazi
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*

Me : hello
Dad : I’m sorry to call you now ,
I’m sure you’re tired

I sit up straight

Me : is everything okay ?

He sighs

This is why I was worried about

leaving him alone
Dad : I….I need you to come
back , as in now today

Me : what….why ? What
happened ?

Dad : I can’t talk over the phone

, I need you here

Okay , he’s my father and all

But this !
I’ve been asking him to talk to
me for a month , and he’s been
shutting me out

Now I’ve left , and he wants me

back there . And can’t even say
why

Me : today ?

Dad : please
I sigh

Me : I have to start work

Tuesday

Dad : I….I know

I rub my eyes just getting

frustrated

Me : okay
Dad : thank you

He drops the call

I lean back down , taking a deep

breath
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Nhla : what was your father
talking about ?

I look at him
Nhla : he said the wedding is
delayed , possibly could be
done tomorrow

I sigh

I’m not surprised he left us , and

came out and said such to these
people

Me : of course he did
Nhla : Nolwazi cried so bad , she
had to be taken away

Now I feel like crap , I haven’t

gone to see her

Nhla : what’s going on ?

I look around , and it’s just us

Me : Lwazi is not my ancestors
chosen destiny for me

Nhla : what ?

I nod

Nhla : but how ? I mean you’ve

always known you’ll marry her ,
and she was chosen
Me : only because , I fell for her
the first two times I saw her .
My heart chose her , not them

He whistles

Nhla : no shit

Me : and you won’t belie who

they chose
I shake my head , I’m just
defeated really

And maybe I should just forget

about getting married

Nhla : wait…..so you know her ?

I nod

Me : Bhubesi’s daughter
He laughs , and quickly frowns

Nhla : come on no ! But that’s

my wife

Me : really ?

I just give him a bored look

Nhla : hey ! I chose her , and I

was ready to face the scary
Bhubesi for her
We laugh

Me : as if she would take you

with 3 baby mama’s , come on !

I shake my head

Nhla : why are you

judging….you know what ? It
doesn’t matter , but your
ancestors are fucked up . That’s
my wife , and they’re giving her
to you

Me : I never said I want her

Nhla : then what’s going on

happen now ?

Me : I can’t marry Lwazi unless I

marry Khwezi first , and…

Voice : what ?
Shit !

I turn and face her , she’s a

crying mess and still in her
wedding gown
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 07*
*Nolwazi*
My ears better be deceiving me

This better be some bad joke

Or a nightmare , one that I’ll

wake up from
And realise that I’m marrying
the love of my life

Nhla : let me give you space

He pats Ntaba’s shoulder and

leaves

Ntaba : baby….

Me : don’t call me that , who is

Khwezi ?
He just stares at me

Me : Ntaba !

I raise my voice

Ntaba : she’s……she’s no one

He sighs
Me : don’t lie to me , why are
you lying ? Ntaba why are you
doing this to me , on my
wedding day ?

He looks down

I tear up all over again , I’ve

never felt such pain and hurt

Me : please , tell me what’s

going on ? I’m loosing my mind
here and….please tell me what’s
going on

He sighs taking my hand

Ntaba : let’s go sit down and

talk , I want you to know that I
love you so much . And I’m still
marrying you , no matter what .
And if I have to make sacrifices
for that , then so be it . Unless
you don’t want to marry me
anymore
I look at him

Me : please lets talk here and

now

Ntaba : baby….

Me : please

Ntaba : okay , we didn’t know

this . Mandlakazi is the one who
brought it up , cause I guess our
seer was scared to say . Because
Khwezi is his daughter , and
she’s ….the one my ancestors
chose as my destiny

I let go of his hands

Ntaba : I’m so sorry , it doesn’t

mean you’re not my chosen
but….you’re just chosen by me
and not by them
I shake my head slowly , feeling
my chest close up

Ntaba : I have to marry Khwezi

first before I marry you , if I
don’t marry her this marriage
will be a curse and this kingdom
will perish under my rule

I place a hand over my mouth ,

muffling my cries
I thought I knew pain , but
this….this is worse than what I
thought I knew

Me : you’re…..you’re doing this

to me ?

Ntaba : baby….

He tries to touch me , I move

back
Me : how can you….

Ntaba : I’m not doing anything ,

if you think I’m lying then go ask
Mandlakazi . She’s the one who
came with this , and not us . I’m
just as distraught as you are ,
but it seems like there’s nothing
we can do . If I don’t marry her ,
my father won’t allow me to
marry you at all . He said he’s
not loosing his kingdom over
this , and believe me your seer
won’t allow us to get married
either . She said we can put our
kingdom in jeopardy if we want
, but she’s not doing the same .
So she will stop the wedding ,
the same way she did . I love
you , and I want to marry you
still .

Me : so I must agree to being a

mere second wife ?
Ntaba : second wife , you’re the
royal wife . Bhubesi’s daughter
is a commoner

Me : it doesn’t make this right

He sighs , walking closer he

wipes my tears off

Ntaba : I know that , but if we

want to get married this stands
in our way
Me : baby , I don’t want to
share you

Ntaba : you won’t

Me : how ? She’ll be your wife

and she’ll be here

Ntaba : I’m just marrying her ,

so we can get married . I won’t
care about her
Me : you promise ?

Ntaba : my wife is you , please

don’t let this stop us from
getting married

I shake my head , he pulls me

closer for a hug
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*

I had to hire a car , just to get

here early
It’s just after 12:00

And I drove like a mad person

on the way

I wouldn’t be surprised if I have

some tickets when I get back

I park the car , further from

others just near the gate
And I’m not dressed for a
wedding occasion , because
whatever is happening here has
nothing to do with me

I take my phone out , to call my

father

I don’t know where he is , but I

passed home and he wasn’t
there
Voice : come with me

I turn and it’s the guy I saw

when I came here to do the
queens hair

I just follow him , and we head

to the main palace

He opens the door to one of the

quarters , I walk in and he turns
walking away
It’s the king , my father and that
arrogant Prince

I look at my father , and I can

see he’s not okay

King Lelethu : Bhubesi excuse us

I don’t like nor do I appreciate

his tone to my father
Dad : can I please just talk to
her…..

King Lelethu : you had a whole

month to do that , and you
didn’t . So now I’m taking
matters into my own hands , no
kingdom of mine will perish at
the fate of others

My father turns and looks at me

Dad : I am really sorry , I wish I
had been a better father to you
. I’m sorry

He walks out , and I’m left

dumbfounded

He shuts the door , and I look at

these two

King Lelethu : thank you for

coming , please sit down
Me : with all due respect , I
don’t appreciate the way you
just talked to my father like he’s
a child . That’s an ancestral man
, you just addressed in that
manner my king

He pops his eyes

Me : I don’t know what was that

speech all about , but just for
talking to him like that best
believe you can lose your whole
kingdom . Please watch yourself
when you address my father ,
he doesn’t walk alone . And his
guides don’t take well to
disrespect , he’s not a royal
worker . He was chosen to be
your seer , he’s not your
employee . He does what he
was told by ancestors , don’t
treat him like he’s a servant
please . Even if he leaves your
palace and Kingdom , he will
still be a seer .

He sighs , as his son has a smirk

on his face

I sit down

King Lelethu : I….I will apologize

to your father , it’s just that I’m
under a lot of stress . This day
hasn’t gone the way it’s
supposed to have gone , and I
feel like had your father been
truthful we wouldn’t be here

Me : I’m sure he had his reasons

King Lelethu : so he says , and it

was because he was protecting
you

Me : from what ?
King Lelethu : from the fact that
you’re the ancestors chosen
destiny for the prince

I dart my eyes to him

King Lelethu : Ntaba was

supposed to get married today ,
to princess Nolwazi . Whom we
had always known to be his
chosen density , but their seer
made us aware that she’s not .
Your father knew it , he says it’s
been a month . And he’s kept it
to himself

I can’t believe what I’m hearing

right now

King Lelethu : these two cannot

marry , unless he marries you
first . I’ve already pleased my
ultimatum here , if you two
don’t get married Ntaba won’t
marry Nolwazi
Me : I want to talk to my father

Ntaba : we’re running out of

time , I still plan to continue
with my marriage

Me : then go ahead , like are

you hearing this right now . I’m
being forced into a marriage , I
don’t even want you
He chuckles

King Lelethu : you two figure

this out , I expect an answer
soon

He gets up and walks out

Ntaba : well either way , you’ll

just marry me . Because if I
don’t get to marry Lwazi , trust
me I’ll bother you . Or you can
just marry me now , and let me
marry her

Me : you must be out of your

mind

Ntaba : why are you making this

a big deal ? It’s not like you’ll be
my wife , or carry my surname .
Or be legally married to me , it’s
just for the ancestors . And
nothing else , after this you can
go on with your life
Me : what makes you think I’ll
marry you , even if it’s just for
ancestors? They’re your
ancestors and not mine , it’s not
me who needs you

He gets up

Ntaba : one thing I love , is that

you were raised by a seer . And
you know so much , so you’ll
understand this . Not only will
they ruin us here , but you as
well . According to them you
belong to me , do you think
they’ll just let you go on with
your life ? There will come a
time they’ll drag you back here ,
and your things will be a mess . I
can wait into getting married
right now , and maybe Lwazi
will leave me . But do you think
that will change how they’ve
chosen ? No , either way at the
end you’ll be a wife here . And
you’ll be forced to be a wife ,
wether you like it or not . Right
now , there’s someone to carry
that cross for you . We can
marry , and you go on about
with your life . While Lwazi
remains here and becomes the
wife . That works for us all

Bloody bastard

I get up
Ntaba : we’re still talking

I turn and walk out

Heading to my father’s hut , I

see him standing on the side

And he looks so far away , so

lost in thought
I can just imagine how this is for
him , and why he’s been the
way he’s been the past month

Am I not going to crush him

more , when I tell him I’m not
doing this ?

That I really don’t care what

happens , but I’m not marrying
Ntaba
My heart shatters as I look at
him , and just how distraught he
looks
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 08*
*Nomakhwezi*
Me : is it true ?

He looks at me , and his eyes

are not still

Me : what the king said , is it

true ?

He nods slowly
Me : why didn’t you tell me
baba ? (Dad)

He sighs

Dad : how do you tell your

daughter such ? You have your
whole life ahead of you , and
sharing a man is the last thing I
want for you . And man who’s
heart has already chosen
someone else , what will you be
to him ? I don’t want you
getting hurt

I lean against the wall , next to

him

Dad : that girl was long known ,

to be his . The ancestors never
showed anything else , even
about you they were quite . It
was only a month ago they
showed this to me , and I
couldn’t accept it . I was also
scared that I would be accused ,
as to why is my daughter the
one chosen . This hasn’t been
easy for me , as much as I let
things get this far . It pains me ,
that there’s nothing we can do.
I’ve tried , and things still
remain the same

This is one hell of a predicament

Me : but you know my problem

, I cannot marry that guy . In
fact I don’t want to marry
anyone , what happens when
they start wanting kids ? Won’t
they want them from me first ?

He holds my hand

Dad : there’s nothing wrong

with you

Me : will we get punished if we

don’t do this ?
Dad : if they don’t get married
it’s fine , but we know there’ll
come a time where you’ll be
needed . And there’ll be no way
to turn , you’re his chosen
anyways . Whether you get
married now or later , at the
end it just has to happen

I sigh
So he was right , and he knew
exactly what he was talking
about . I can’t believe this ,
cause I don’t want to lie

I don’t like that guy

Me : can I marry him and go on

with my life ?

Dad : are you considering to ?

I’m starting my life , I don’t
need all of this

And if I refuse , the burden I’ll

be putting on my father

It’s the only thing that pains me

here

Me : no one besides the

ancestors needs to know right ?
He nods

Me : so I can marry him ,

without the press and
everything else . Even the
guests , only his family and the
wives family will know ?

Dad : yes

Me : then that’s what we’ll do ,

and they better keep quite
about this . I don’t want anyone
knowing I’m that boys wife

He laughs

Dad : he’s older than you , don’t

call him a boy

Me : he annoys me , and I don’t

want him

I hope I don’t live to regret this

Me : go tell them , you can
prepare what’s needed and we
get this done with

Dad : right now ?

Me : yes right now dad , I have

to get back

He turns and looks at me so

emotional
Me : don’t make me cry , it’s
okay

I lean in for a hug , and he hugs

me back

Dad : I don’t want this for you ,

you don’t deserve this . You
deserve so much better , right
now they’ll just use you like
some sacrificial lamb . He’ll
marry the woman he loves , and
what about you ?

I pull out of the hug

Me : don’t worry yourself

I don’t want that guy

I don’t care what he does , or

who he loves
His father is a bully

And he doesn’t care about

everyone just his kingdom

But I won’t let them have

anything to say about my father

And well , I want nothing to do

with this marriage
If it means I marry him , and go
on with my life so be it

I don’t want fingers pointed at

us , for anything for that matter

Wether it be that how is it that

I’m the one chosen

Or that the kingdom is perishing

and it’s because of us
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
My mother hands me a glass of
water

I wipe my tears off

Dad : Mandlakazi what do we

do now ?

Mandlakazi : they cannot get

married , unless he marries his
chosen first . My king , we will
suffer a great deal . She will not
bare him any children , death
will rain upon both kingdoms .
Not to mention the suffering
that will come upon people ,
and sickness that will come
upon both lands

Dad : this is tough

Mom : did you talk to Ntaba ?

What is he saying ?
I shake my head

Me : I…..I think he wants us to

do it , to compromise just so we
can get married

Mom : what do you say ?

Fresh tears stream down my

cheeks
Me : I love him , I don’t want to
lose him but I don’t think I’m
also ready to share him with
another woman . What if he
ends up loving her more than
me ?

Mom : he loves you , even his

ancestors know his heart is
yours

Me : but ….
I sigh

Dad : at the end of the day , the

decision is yours . But I stand
with Mandlakazi , a marriage
that poses a threat to our
kingdom cannot happen . At
least we know and have a
solution for this , also they’re
not saying don’t marry him .
You just have to compromise ,
in marrying him while he
marries her

A knock comes at the door

Mandlakazi opens , and I hear

his voice by the door

But he’s not in sight

Mandlakazi : my princess , the
prince is asking for your
presence

I look at my parents

I don’t think I want to go out

there , still in my wedding dress

And I look like a mess right now

Mom : let us give you space

I nod , they both get up and
walk out with Mandlakazi

He walks in

He doesn’t have his formal

shoes on anymore , he’s
wearing sneakers now
He’s taken his suit jacket off ,
and his tie is loosely . His shirt is
folded on the sleeves

Me : baby tell me all this is a

dream

He sits down in front of me

Ntaba : I don’t know what to do

babe
Me : do you want to marry me
still ?

Ntaba : I do , more than

anything

Me : then…. Ntaba won’t you

hurt me with this woman ?

He shakes his head holding my

hand
Ntaba : I love you , I’ve been
with you . I don’t even know her
like that , how will I choose her
over you ?

Me : baby you’ll be married

Ntaba : just for the ancestors

and nothing else

He’s giving me hope right now

And I’m scared

I’m scared that I’ll take it , only

it’ll crash

Ntaba : we’ve spoken to her ,

she’s with her father now . She
doesn’t want this either , and
my father is saying no marriage
will happen unless I marry her
first . So if I don’t marry her , it
means we don’t get married
I look down

I can’t believe my fate , and

wedding is in the hands of this
woman

Me : marry her

I lift my head and look at him

Me : just don’t hurt me please

Ntaba : are you sure about this
?

Me : it’s not like we have a

choice , there’s nothing we can
do except this . I don’t want to
lose you , and I’ve long waited
to be your wife . And this
happens

I get up , and pace around

Me : I don’t understand how
this happened , it doesn’t make
sense to me

This is just a mess , a whole

mess
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 09*
*Ntaba*
We look at her

And I don’t know , but there’s

something about her
It’s the way she has her
responses

And how she addressed my

father about that situation with
her father

There’s fire in her

And she doesn’t seem like

someone who bows to anyone
else
I swear , she could tell us to go
fuck ourselves right now

Dad : have you decided ?

Khwezi : I will marry the prince

I sigh in relief

Cause the talk with Lwazi ,

might have gone somehow
She’s still digesting this , as we
all are

So she might have problems

with this , as time goes on

But now , if we get this

marriage done . Then we can
also get married
And see how we navigate and
move past this , or make it work

Khwezi : but this will be done

secretly , just for the ancestors
to be appeased and so they can
let the two marry . I want
nothing to do with him , I don’t
want to be called his wife . And I
certainly don’t want anyone
besides the two royal families
knowing anything about this
marriage , I’m not going to play
wife to him . And I won’t stay
here , after this is done I’m
leaving . I’m going back to my
life , I don’t want to be
bothered . I don’t want
anything from the royal house ,
I’m doing this to avoid talks
nothing else . So only do things
that are required by the
ancestors , so they can
recognise this and nothing else

Wow okay !
I doubt there’s any woman who
would say that

But she just did

Bhubesi : I have prepared for

the small ceremony , we’ll need
to slaughter just so we get the
bile . What they just need is her
being acknowledged
traditionally
Me : that’s fine by me

My father looks at me

Dad : so you’ll have a wife that’s

out there gallivanting , one
that’s chosen by your own
ancestors ? Without even any
proper proceedings being done
, in our cultural way . Like
paying bride price and such
Me : that’s what she wants ,
and we know where I stand . I
have Lwazi I’m fine

Dad : and who will be taking

care of her ?

I shrug

Dad : this…..
Bhubesi : my king , please get us
a goat . My daughter wants to
leave after everything is done

Father and daughter are

definitely not in our moods

My father looks at him and

sighs

Dad : at least let there be an

acknowledgement to this , get a
pen and a paper . I will also pay
bride price , however it is paid .
And that must be noted as well ,
as this marriage will be treated
as a traditional marriage . But it
shall also be acknowledged by
us , no matter how you two
want it to be done
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*

This thing taste bad , like very

bad
I hate that they have it
smothered on me

And now I have this disgusting

goat skin on my wrist

I’m annoyed , I don’t want to lie

The pain on my father’s face ,

he’s the reason why I’m doing
this
Even though he told me that he
doesn’t want me doing this

And that he doesn’t want this

for me.

But I want him to continue

living here , without the royal
family pointing fingers or
accusing him of anything
Bhubesi : you’re now a Ndaba
wife

He says and he’s not even

smiling

I swear if these people have

accepted this marriage

I applaud them , I guess they

don’t care much about it being
truthful or what
Ntaba helps me up

I’m quick to remove my hand

from his , he chuckles

Me : can I leave now ?

King Lelethu : you won’t even

spend a night ?
This man better not start with
me , already I’m annoyed of
how he spoke to my father

Me : no , the prince is getting

married tomorrow . He should
spend his night , comforting his
wife . I am sure she’s pained
and hurting , her husband just
married some commoner right
now on her wedding day

I look at my dad
Me : Bhubesi , please walk me
out

And it’s late now , I have to

drive for like 3 hours and a half

He bows , and takes my hand

This dress they even gave me is

big , I hold it on both sides as
we walk to the car I came with
Dad : I’m so sorry

I look at him with a smile

Me : I’ve forgiven you Bhubesi ,

please be okay

I pat his back getting in the car

Dad : drive safe

Me : I will , and I’ll call you when
I arrive . Please let your heart
be free , and don’t hold
anything . Do things accordingly
for them tomorrow

He smiles

Dad : I will , I promise I will

Me : okay , let me get going

We hug , I get in the car and
drive out

I dial Vusi , and it rings for a

while

Vusi : Ntombi ka Bhubesi

(Bhubesi’s daughter)

I laugh
Me : Nyana ka Bhubesi
(Bhubesi’s son)

He chuckles

Vusi : how is you and your

father ?

Me : oh , when are you coming

to see me ? I have tons and tons
to tell you , it’s been one hell of
a day for me
Vusi : who did you what ?

Me : the royal family

Vusi : Ohhh shit ! Are you

settled ? I’ll stop by tomorrow

Me : trying to be , but come

through .

Vusi : where are you this late ?

Me : driving back , I’m from the
village .

Vusi : but you left the village

yesterday !

Me : I know , I know but I’ll tell

you tomorrow

Vusi : alright , drive safe . And

let me know when you arrive
Me : love you boo

Vusi : where is the I ?

We laugh

Me : I love you

Vuyo : I love you too bae

I smile dripping the call

This damn thing smells , like

what can I use to wash it ?

I need to cover it , cause I can’t

be preparing food for people
with it

I even asked my father to cut

the fur down
I hope I’m done with those
people and they leave me alone
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Dad : this marriage agreement
between you two , is nonsense .
Trust me , I let it happen
because I don’t want to stand in
your way marrying Nolwazi . But
I’m telling you now it’s
nonsense , I’ve never seen nor
heard of such . You’re not the
first man to marry polygamy ,
and trust me the wife that’s
poured with bile is the one your
ancestors know and
acknowledge . What you and
Nolwazi are doing is a show off
wedding , a lot of things will
need Nomakhwezi . Her word
and approval is what will work
in this palace

I sigh

Me : you said it doesn’t matter

because Lwazi will be the royal
wife
Dad : of course , a royal wife
that’s just carrying a status

My father is arrogant and rude ,

now his tone has changed from
when he was saying this

I swear with Khwezi he met his

match , because he didn’t say
all of this to her
When she was coming down ,
and saying her mind about all of
this

And things were done her way ,

the ceremony was done in the
ancestral shrine

And no one was told about

what’s happening in there , my
father insisted he will pay
Bhubesi
A number of cows that was
written down , and of course
the talks of this were written
down

People were told , the wedding

will resume tomorrow . That
there’s been a slight change ,
but it’s still going on

And that’s that

Dad : I’m just telling you
anyways

And he walks away

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 10*
*Nomakhwezi*
Me : thanks

I take the cup taking a sip

Vusi : it’s not like you , being in

bed right now

I sigh
Vusi : what happened ?

Me : yhoh bruh ! A whole film

took place yesterday

Vusi : why do you have this ?

He points to the goat skin

I laugh
Just thinking of how I took
detergents last night washing it

The smell was just too

unbearable for me

Me : imagine me , your sister a

whole wife to the prince

He coughs

Me : don’t make a mess

He pops his eyes looking at me

Me : yesterday morning
Bhubesi wakes me up , and tells
me I’m needed in a hurry back
in the village . Me being me I
run back there , only to be
thrown with a bombshell

Vusi : what ?
Me : so the prince was to get
married yesterday to his
princess , only to be told that
the princess is not is chosen
destiny . You know these royal
people and their drama

We laugh

Me : so yeah , it turns out I’m

that chosen whatever of his .
And for him to be able to marry
the woman his heart has
chosen , he had to marry me
the destiny that’s chosen for
him by his ancestors

Vusi : wait…..

I take another sip

Vusi : you….you married Ntaba

?

Me : you know him ?

Vusi : well something like that

Me : well yeah I did ,

traditionally though . Not much
was done , just that they
slaughtered and I was poured
with the bile and had to wear
this thing . Bhubesi is to get
bride price though

Vusi : insane
Me : I know right ! But I told
those people I want nothing to
do with them or their son . And
that they better not bother me

Vusi : and ?

Me : and what ? I’m not their

property , and I’m starting a life
here . I’m not putting any of
that aside just for them
Vusi : dad knew about this ?

I nod

Vusi : wow !

Me : don’t lose it , he didn’t tell

them . The seer from the
princesses family , is the one
who told them . Apparently
Bhubesi was ready , to let things
go to ruin . He’s hurt , and
definitely didn’t want this for
me . He hasn’t been himself for
like a while , I could see
something was wrong . But he
wasn’t telling me , I guess this is
what was eating him

He sighs

Vusi : this is crazy , and I can’t

believe you also agreed to this
Me : well , if it’ll make you feel
better . I also can’t believe that I
did

Vusi : be honest , it’s because

you were saving dad drama
right ?

I nod
Me : but don’t tell him this , or
even make remarks . You know
how Bhubesi always says , kids
shouldn’t make sacrifices for
their parents or carry their
burdens

He nods

Vusi : but how is this marriage

going to work ? I mean this
whole thing
Me : Ntaba loves his princess ,
do you think I’ll subject myself
to such life ? Living with them
both , watching them love each
other and I’m just side-lined ? It
can never be me , hence we will
live like this . And I won’t be
regarded as a wife to that boy , I
don’t want to hear anything
about that

He laughs
Vusi : he’s older than you

Me : I don’t care , he should be

grateful he’s marrying his lover
today and all thanks to me .
Actually they all should be
grateful

He laughs shaking his head

Vusi : I missed a lot

Me : trust me , it wasn’t
anything worth it

Vusi : mhm , let’s go out and

have breakfast before I head
back to res

Vusi is at varsity doing medicine

, he’s doing his 4th year . And
we’re actually two years apart
Him and dad are the only family
I have , my mother passed away
when I was 4 years old

He’s much closer to me now ,

and we’ll see each other from
time to time hopefully

When I have time , and he’s not

busy much at varsity . He just
lives an hour away
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
I hardly got any sleep last night

And Lwazi didn’t want to talk to

me

She was just off

I tried to see her , and she said

it was cold outside cause it was
already late
I couldn’t go in the chamber ,
cause she was with her parents

And I called , she said she can’t

talk long cause she must get
rest

I don’t know

I was first to get dressed today ,

and be ready
Now I’m just waiting here , for
her to come

And I’m so nervous , I’m

wondering if she will come out
or what

Because I married Khwezi

yesterday , and after that I
didn’t get a chance to talk to
Lwazi
I don’t know how she’s feeling

Maybe she changed her mind

overnight , and decided she
can’t do this anymore

That she won’t share her

husband with no one

I’m nervous as hell

Nhla : calm down

I look at him

And my eyes dart to the guests ,

we’re just waiting for the bride

And there’s whispers around ,

I’m sure they’re all wondering
of what happened yesterday

And now this !

She should have come out
already

Me : maybe someone should go

check on them

Dad : no

I look at him

Me : people are…..
Dad : if she doesn’t come out ,
then maybe it’s for the best .
Surely she couldn’t have
handled being a queen

I sigh

It’s no use , because I know if I

say something else he will just
shut me down

That’s my father for you

It’s his word and no one’s

I can only pray and hope that

she is coming
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
Mom : we have to go , people
are waiting on us

I take a deep breath

I wasn’t sure whether to get
dressed this morning or not

I didn’t sleep a wink last night

I couldn’t even face my own

man , after knowing that he just
married another woman

And Mandlakazi said , she’s the

wife that’s been poured by bile
I honestly didn’t think that was
important , but apparently it is

She’s actually his wife

And I’m just going to be a legal

wife , because we’re having a
white wedding

I hold no power here , when it

comes to his ancestors
whatsoever
I swear if he wanted children ,
my children were never going to
sit on the throne

It was going to be hers

I’m not so sure about this

decision of mine

But maybe it’s fine , because I’ll

be the legal wife
I’ll be the one carrying his name
, so surely there I count

But I don’t know

Mom : if you don’t want to do

this , tell us now . It’s not too
late , don’t put yourself in a
situation you know you cannot
endure . We’re not kicking you
out of home , we’re not
abounding you . This is not a
must , you don’t have to

I heave a sigh shaking my head ,

I lift my eyes and look at her

Me : I can’t

She sighs nodding slowly

I hope that I haven’t

disappointed them
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 11*
*Ntaba*
I pull her zip down , trailing my
hands to her shoulders

I slide her dress across , and

slowly pulling it off down

Me : I love you

I lean over placing a kiss on her

cheek
Me : don’t ever doubt that

I trail my hands to her lower

waist , hugging her from behind

Me : thank you

I place a kiss on her neck , and

tilts a bit

Me : thank you for marrying me

, through everything . And I’m
sorry that your day was ruined
yesterday , and today wasn’t as
glamourous as how you wanted
and planned it

She sighs

Me : but I married you still , and

that’s what makes me happy

She moves and turns facing me

Lwazi : was…..was she there ?

Me : no

I know exactly what she’s asking

, and I don’t get why she would
ask me

The way Khwezi left yesterday ,

I’m not surprised she didn’t
come today
She made it clear

Me : get comfortable , I have a

surprise for you

She smiles

Lwazi : baby it’s our wedding

night , shouldn’t we be
consummating our marriage ?

I chuckle
Me : we’ll get to that , now I just
want to apologize about
everything that happened
yesterday . Amidst your doubts ,
I’m grateful you walked out and
married me still , not many
would have . But you’ve showed
me that we’ll get through
anything together

Lwazi : well what’s this surprise

?
Me : come you’ll see , wear
something warm and
comfortable

Lwazi : wow , okay . I can’t wait

She laughs walking to my closet

I chuckle shaking my head siting

down , taking my shoes off
At one point I thought she
wasn’t coming , the way she
took over 30 minutes before
she came out

Right there and then , I knew

she wasn’t sure about this like
before

But we got married anyways , I

was already telling myself it
won’t happen
Maybe when she sees that
Khwezi doesn’t care about us

Then she will be okay , knowing

she’s the only wife here
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
It took a lot for me , to admit
just how much I love Ntaba . I
probably love him so much that
it’s unhealthy
And that if this is how things
were meant and supposed to
be , then it’s fine

My mother thought I was giving

up , when I was actually saying I
can’t

I can’t be able not to marry him

, she thought that’s what I was
saying
I just hope that my decision , of
being here and doing this
marriage won’t disappoint them

I don’t see myself being with

another man

I love Ntaba to the core , and

he’s it for me

Having that woman not here ,

makes things so much better
The husband is mine , and
definitely not ours

He holds my hand and I smile

Ntaba : you like it ?

Me : baby , I love it

Girl just got spoilt with a Land

Rover
Me : thank you

Ntaba : you’re welcome

This is really a nice surprise ,

and I love it

Even though it came on the

night , we’re supposed to be
making love and all
But it’s worth it

And we have many nights

together
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Me : can I please have a latté
large , and a blueberry muffin

She nods with a smile , as I

reach for my purse to pay
Voice : and add a box of choc
chips cookies

The cologne is definitely

different today , it’s not the
same

I lift my head smiling

Me : are you stalking me ?

Enzo : the café is literally 10
minutes away from my firm ,
and 15 minutes away from the
court house

He hands the waiters his card

Me : I….

Enzo : mhm I know , but I got it

I sigh still smiling

Enzo : how have you been ?

Me : great , I cannot complain

Enzo : I’m suddenly being great

seeing you too

I chuckle

Enzo : let’s have a seat while

you wait for your takeaway
We look for a table and find one
, we sit down

Enzo : can I not leave again

today without having your
number ?

Me : for any particular reason ?

Enzo : I looked at my schedule ,
and I know I’m able to see you
for dinner Wednesday night

Me : that’s not an invitation

Enzo : no , it’s plans already in

motions . All I just need is you
there

He hands me his phone

Me : I’m probably gonna make
you run away anyways so it’s
fine

I punch my number in

And he laughs

Enzo : I’ll take my chances

Good luck to him

.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Mom : can we talk ?

I nod

Mom : how do you feel ?

Me : okay

Mom : and I’m sure you’re

happy that you’re married right
?
Me : very

She nods

Mom : and you know still , that

had Khwezi not married you .
You wouldn’t be married right
now

Me : okay…..what’s this now ?

Mom : just the wife your
ancestors chose for you , is
living out there god knows
where . Do you even have
means to take care of her ?

Me : take care of her what do

you mean ?

Mom : I mean , Lwazi will be

here spending your money .
Being taken care of , don’t you
think even Khwezi deserves the
same ? You bought Lwazi a car ,
does Khwezi have one ?

I chuckle shaking my head

Me : so you’re saying I should

take care of Khwezi financially ?

Mom : it’s the last you can do ,

because without her none of
this would have happened
Me : she said she wants nothing
from us , so I’ll respect that

I get up

Me : and Lwazi is not spending

my money whatsoever , she’s
being taken care of as a wife .
Because she chose to be and
remain here , this is not some
polygamy nonsense . Don’t
compare the two
She gives me a disapproving
look , I walk out
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 12*
*Ntaba*
Me : we need to talk

I pull a chair and sit down

Nhla : what’s up ?

Me : the penthouse is almost

finished , and I have to leave
cause I’m starting work at the
hospital
Nhla : oh yeah

Me : I need to fix something

though

Nhla : what ?

Me : and I’m doing this ,

expecting a client and lawyer
confidentiality
Nhla : okay , so this is a
consultation ?

Me : yeah so bill me for it

Nhla : alright

He opens his laptop , and press

on it a few times

Nhla : so Mr Ndaba what can I

do for you ?
He chuckles

Me : have you filed the

marriage as of yet ?

Nhla : mhm was about to get to

it , like later on

Me : I’m already married under

customary law , and I think you
know what that means
He raises his brow

Me : that’s the legal marriage ,

and it means it’s the marriage
that’s under community of
property . And most definitely
the only marriage that’s
recognised even by law

He nods , rubbing his chin

Nhla : mhm I have an ask ,
shouldn’t both your wives be
here for this ? Cause I don’t
think both of them are aware of
this

Me : no , I’m fixing my things

here . And I did not say I want
them knowing anything

Nhla : okay , do you want to

change that ?
I sigh looking at him

Me : there’s offshore accounts I

accumulated while I was in
Cuba , I don’t know how much
they would amount to . I want
you to create a separate
account , where those funds will
be in . And put it under Lwazi ,
under the case that everything
else though remains as it is
He pops his eyes

Nhla : like everything ?

I nod

Reaching in my pocket , I hand

him the agreement that was
made between the two families

Me : that counts right ? And

even in court it can hold up ?
Nhla : definitely

I sigh with a nod

Me : so you file that only

Nhla : as your lawyer , I’ll do as

you’ve asked . As a friend , don’t
you think Lwazi should know
about this ?
Me : no !

A knock comes at the door

Nhla : come in

This guy walks in

Nhla : Enzo , I’m busy with a

client

The Enzo guy chuckles

Enzo : hi

Me : sure

He looks at Nhla

Enzo : I’ve just gotten a

consultation for Wednesday
night , and well I have plans
then . So I’m asking you to
cover it for me
Nhla : what kind of plans ?

Enzo : the kind that I cannot

miss

Nhla : you’re ditching a client

for pussy ?

They both laugh

Enzo : more like securing myself
a wife , we can’t all be you

Nhla : you owe me for this

Enzo : mhm , I’ll find you a

fourth baby mama don’t worry

He walks out , as Nhla shakes

his head
Me : so everyone literally knows
your dirty laundry ?

He laughs

Nhla : Enzokuhle is my lawyer ,

he’s the one who was dealing
with the maintenance cases
from the baby mama’s

Me : alright , I think I’m done

here
Nhla : I’ll send you an email
when I’m done , so you get your
own copies

Me : sure
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
It finally feels and looks like
home

My furniture arrived and most

things
I’ve been up since 05:00

Clearing up , and putting

everything into place

At least Vusi helped me when

he was here

And I got a bit of things done ,

that helped a lot
So it wasn’t a lot of work to do
today

Now I can rest for tomorrow

My phone rings , I reach for it

waking to the fridge

Me : hello ?

I’m graced by a sigh

Enzo : please cheer me up , I
lost a case I feel like crap

I laugh , taking a bottle of water

out

Enzo : why are you being mean

again ?

Me : I really don’t understand

how do you get sad , that your
lies weren’t convincing enough
He chuckles

Enzo : lies ? Who said anything

about lies ?

Me : that’s what you do , you lie

for a living

We laugh , I sit on the kitchen

counter putting the phone on
loud speaker
Taking a sip of the water

Enzo : when it’s done for a good

cause , and a good reason you
really can’t be saying its lies

Me : mhm , whatever makes

you sleep peaceful at night .
Even killers believe , they kill for
the good of others . So what
can one say ?
Enzo : ah there’s no winning ,
especially today cause I’ve
already lost

Me : I don’t wish to be you

Enzo : mhm , can I pass by ?

Me : where ?

Enzo : your place

I laugh

Me : you’re taking chances , it

won’t work

He sighs with a chuckle

Enzo : right , actually just

anywhere where I can see you

I sigh
I don’t know what I’m doing to
this poor guy , all I know is that
it won’t end well

Enzo : so ?

Me : uhm…..fine !

Enzo : great ! I’ll see you soon ,

I’ll send you a location . Or you
can send me one , and I’ll come
pick you up . Whatever works
for you it’s fine by me

Me : okay bye

We hang up

I release a sigh
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*

I walk in the kitchen

I wake up very late today

We slept late last night , so I

overslept

I missed breakfast with

everyone this morning

I make myself a cup of tea , I

don’t see any maid in sight
And I’m hungry , who will make
me something to eat ?

Right now even fruit salad will

do

But the process of just doing

that myself

It’s hard , all my life things have

been made and done for me
I really have a problem with
doing anything for myself

Voice : my princess

I turn and look at her

Me : uhm….my queen

I bow a bit
We’ve never had an interaction
, where it’s just the two of us

Queen Nompilo : how are you ?

Me : I’m well , and how are you

?

Queen Nompilo : I cannot

complain

She smiles and just looks at me

Me : uhm….please , excuse me

She nods slightly , I put the cup

down and walk past her going
out of the kitchen

I don’t know

But that was very awkward !

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 13*
*TWO WEEKS LATER*

*Ntaba*
We’re having breakfast
together
And I don’t think there’s a
better time , than now to tell
them now

Me : there’s something I need

to tell

They all look at me

Mom : what ?
Me : we all know the reason
why I came back home , and
didn’t go to the UK . Even after
the job offer I got there

I sigh lifting my head

Me : I built the hospital , so I

can go and work there . Not just
for it to be there , so I’ve
decided that I’ll move closer
and start working at the
hospital
Lwazi : what ?

Mom : wait…..you’re leaving ?

I nod

Dad : and where will you be

staying ?

Me : there’s quarters there

Someone please remind me
why I’m lying right now ?

Yes there’s quarters at the

hospital

But I built a penthouse over

there , and I’ll be staying at my
penthouse

Lwazi : we didn’t speak about

this , but when are we leaving ?
We ?

Me : babe I’m leaving alone

Lwazi : what ?

Me : I’m…..

Lwazi : we’ve just been married

for two weeks , and already
you’re leaving . Not only that ,
but you’re leaving me behind .
Why ?

Me : will you be okay , staying

at the quarters ? Leaving your
chamber here in the palace ?

Mom : Ntaba why don’t you

have a house there ?

Mother knows best

Me : I’ll think about it , but for
now priority is starting work

Lwazi : please excuse me

She gets up and walks away

Dad : it’s at this point where

you get up and follow your wife

For what ?
Honestly people will act up ,
and they’ll have to be begged

Me : I’m still eating

Not my mother laughing

.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I’ve never been so hurt

Honestly marriage is not what I

thought it would be for me
I don’t know , but Ntaba and I
are not what we used to be

As much as he still loves me ,

does things for me and treats
me well

But something has changed , I

just can’t wrap my head around
it
Look now , I’m his wife . I’m the
first person , he should have
talked to about this

But I know nothing

And he speaks about it , in front

of his family just like that

How am I supposed to feel

about that ?
And why am I being left behind ,
while he’s leaving ?

He opens the door and walks in

I’m sure it’s been 45 minutes ,

since I long left the kitchen

And he’s only coming now

Ntaba : I’m sorry

He sits down

Me : what’s this ?

Ntaba : I should have told you

first….

Me : we should have spoken

first , and heard my take about
this . Because I am not happy ,
at all . I don’t understand how
you’re going to leave me here ,
and how long will it be again
before you come back ?

Ntaba : you know as a doctor , I

don’t have fixated hours . I can
be called in , anytime of the day
or night . The hospital just
opened , I don’t know how busy
we’ll get . That’s what will
determine my time coming back
, but this is just a three hour
drive
I shake my head

Ntaba : baby please , don’t tell

me you expected me to sit
around here and do nothing

Me : of course not , but I didn’t

expect to be left here alone

Ntaba : okay ! I will sit here then

, and look at you in the eye . Or
you’ll follow me and stay in
doctors quarters , and forget
this royal treatment there . We
can’t take guards , nor maids .
Everything you’ll have to do
yourself , you’ll drive and cook
even clean . Whatever you’re
okay and down for , it’s fine
with me . In the meantime I’ll
go pack while you think , and
you’ll tell me your decision

He gets up and places a kiss on

my cheek , going to the closet
I sigh

I’m left defeated I don’t even

know what to say right now
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Me : I’m going to be late

He smiles pecking my lips again

, his one hand moving to my
waist

I could run away , with the way

he’s just so close to me
His body is literally just pressed
against mine

Me : please leave

He chuckles

Enzo : I’m picking some good

luck

I smile looking down

Enzo : is it me ? Or you’re really
distant ?

Me : I’m….

I shake my head

Enzo : I make you feel

uncomfortable ?
I take a deep sight , avoiding
eye contact with him

It was a week ago , we went on

some date and he just initiated
a kiss before anything

I was caught off guard , but

from there that’s how this
relationship started
And Enzokuhle is amazing , it’s
just a pity that I cannot give him
the whole of me

Enzo : I won’t push okay ? Until

you’re ready

I nod

Me : we need to talk….
Enzo : babe don’t do that to me
, now I’ll be stressed out
throughout court . Is it
something I should be worried
about ?

Me : it’s about me , after that

you can decide if you’re good
with this relationship or not

Enzo : can we talk now , so that

at least I know what’s it about ?
Me : you have to leave , and I
have to open the kitchen now

He looks at his writ watch and

sighs

Me : kill them in court

I get on my toes placing a kiss

on his cheek , he tilts his face
my lips land on his . And he
pulls me for a deeper kiss
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 14*
*Ntaba*
Lwazi : I think that’s the rest of
it

I look at her , and I can tell she’s

been crying

I sigh shaking my head slowly

She’s not okay , I can’t take her

I guess she’s really not for me
going and leaving her behind

Me : come here

She looks at me

Me : baby

Lwazi : you have to leave , so

you can drive safe
Me : baby please come here

She stares at me for a bit , and

she walks over

I pull her hand , and she sits on

my lap

Me : I love you

We lock eyes
Me : I know you’re not happy
right now , and I’m sorry . I
could have done better , next
time I’ll consider that . I’m sorry
, please forgive me

She nods

Lwazi : please behave yourself

there
Me : without a doubt , I can
promise you that much and you
can trust me

Lwazi : I’m going to miss you

I pull her for a hug

Me : and I’ll miss you , I’ll call

everyday . And I’ll be sure to be
back , every chance I get . And
well , you should also come
over

She smiles nodding

Lwazi : I will

She pulls back , I place a kiss on

her lips

Lwazi : maybe as time goes on ,

you’ll get us a place there
Me : definitely , I will . It’s only
logical that a man be with his
wife

She smiles

At least I’ll leave and she’ll be

better , she won’t be in tears

Me : take care of yourself for

me okay ?
She nods

Me : and this is home , it’s your

home as much as it is mine

I hold her hand into mine

Me : and I know you’re going to

be fine with my parents , it’s not
like I’m abandoning you baby .
You’re my wife , I can’t do that
Lwazi : we’ll make this work

Me : we will , we survived much

distance before

Lwazi : I’m just glad this won’t

be for long

Me : yeah , I love you . Give me

a kiss
Lwazi : I love you

She leans over , giving me a kiss

.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
It was just sad

Having to say goodbye to him

Not knowing how long will it be

, before I see him again
It’s like he’s back home , but
he’s not here for us

It’s just those 8 years he spent

away from me all over again

I feel like this is dejavu

At least at first , I was home

with my family . People that I
know
I don’t know his family that well

And if this doesn’t work out , he

will have no choice but to come
and get me

Because I won’t stay in a place

where I’m not comfortable at

And he didn’t marry me for his

family
So I can’t stay with them for
long , while he’s living three
hours away from me

And his father is a very scary

man

I don’t think his mother likes me

, every time we talk I feel like
she’s mocking me in a way
I hope I survive , because this
whole situation is off for me
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I hand him his takeaway

I smile just seeing the way he is

Me : you’re here , because of

what I said right ?

He sighs
I slightly laugh

Me : listen , I’m sorry I stressed

you . I know the relationship is
new , I just think it’s best I be
honest already

Enzo : okay , I understand

Me : you didn’t have to come all

this way again
Enzo : I was checking in

I laugh

Me : you’re cute

He smiles

Me : tell you what , I’ll cook

dinner and you can come over
Enzo : that’s tempting , being
invited to come over

Me : but ….

He laughs

Enzo : you cook everyday , from

morning until noon . Take a
break , rather you come over
and I cook
Me : you cook ?

Enzo : don’t judge , you do this

for profession . I am self taught ,
from varsity

Me : right , still sounds great .

I’ll take it , you’re cooking for
me

He smiles
Enzo : I’ll see you later

He leans down giving me a kiss ,

and I kiss him back

Yet I’m still so uncomfortable

with this
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
I went to the penthouse first
And since the helper will be
starting tomorrow

I just left my bags

I had to come get something to

eat

I could have just ordered , but I

didn’t want to be in the
penthouse all alone just cooped
up
I answer my phone as it rings

Me : yeah

Nhla : you’ve arrived ?

Me : yes

Nhla : I’ll swing by , after court

Me : alright , I’ll probably be
back at the……

As I enter the restaurant , my

eyes trail to them

And he pulls back , they both

smile as he takes the takeaway
bag from her

He says something , and she

laughs
He turns and heads towards the
door , as she turns and walks
back

He passes through me , and he

doesn’t even notice me

Nhla : am I talking alone ?

Me : Nhlamulo , was your friend

talking about my wife . When
he said , he’s busy securing
himself a wife ?

Nhla : ah what ?

Me : that Enzo guy , was he

talking about securing my wife ?

Nhla : whoa….whoa ! Calm

down , and tell me what’s
happening . You sound pissed
right now
I walk in further pulling a chair ,
I sit down

Me : I swear if he knows what’s

good for him , he will stay the
fuck away from her .

Nhla : you’re getting angry right

now , and I’m still lost . Where
did Enzo and Lwazi meet ? Like
how do they even know each
other ?

Me : I’m talking about Khwezi !

Nhla : ohhhhhhh !

Me : did you know ?

Nhla : uhm no , he never told

me who she is
Me : well tell him to stay away
from my wife , I’ll fuck him up
so bad

I drop the call , a waiter attends

to me

Me : can you please call the

chef for me

Him : we have three sir

Me : Khwezi

Him : alright

He nods and walks away

I look at my phone as Lwazi calls

The way I’m so annoyed and

angry , I don’t even want to talk
to her
I let it ring , until it stops

Voice : good….

I lift my head and she frowns

looking at me

She attempts to walk away , I

get up grabbing her hand

Me : I don’t want to cause a

scene , can we talk ?
She turns and looks at me

Khwezi : no

Me : well , I want to talk

Khwezi : I don’t want to talk to

you , just leave me alone . I told
you people I want nothing to do
with you
Me : well too bad , you’re my
wife and you’re busy kissing
another man in public

She frowns

Me : like I said , I don’t want to

cause a scene . I just want to
talk , what time do you knock
off so we can go home and talk
?
Khwezi : you must be kidding
me , I’m not going anywhere
with you . And I can date
whoever I want to date

Me : is that so ?

She chuckles annoyed

Me : I don’t mind taking your

little boyfriend to task , tell him
you’re done . Or I’ll do it for you
I sit back down

Me : I’ll be waiting right here ,

until you knock off

She clicks her tongue walking

away
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 15*

*Nomakhwezi*
I am really getting tested

And I don’t even want to say ,

just how annoyed and pissed off
I am right now
Ntaba : get in the car let’s go
home

As I was walking out of the

restaurant , he was parked
there and waiting

And I have to pass past him

Me : I said I’m not going

anywhere with you
Ntaba : we can stand here , if
you think that’s fine

Me : what do you think you’re

doing ? People are looking at us
, you’re a man who’s barely
been married for a month . And
you’re seen standing with
women , have you no shame ?

He smiles
Ntaba : you’re my wife , you’re
kissing other men

Me : I am nothing of yours , has

your wife suddenly bored you
already ? Like it’s too soon , you
can’t be running after me like
this .

Ntaba : if you weren’t kissing

men , I wouldn’t be doing this
Me : what bothers you there ?
Does your wife know you’re
here running after me ?

He shrugs

Ntaba : you can tell her

Me : I told you and your family

that I want nothing to do with
you all
Ntaba : I don’t know about that
, I’m here and I’m not going to
be ignored

Me : oh we’ll see about that

He chuckles

Ntaba : mhm , I wasn’t kidding

with you . Tell that fool to stay
away from you , do it nicely . It’s
better if it comes from you ,
cause you’ll spare his feelings . I
won’t , I will fuck him up so bad
. Do us all a favour mami , turn
him down

I laugh

No actually I laugh

Me : wow , things must really

be so cold in your marriage
He smiles , so amused like I just
told a joke

Me : go back to your beloved

kingdom , this should still be
honeymoon phase . Honestly
you’re worrying me

Ntaba : shall we go ?

He opens the passenger door

Ntaba : this is nice and all lovely
to you

He chuckles licking his lower lip

Ntaba : I came here for work ,

and this is what welcomes me
here . I’m just being and doing
what any sane husband would
do really
No doubt I’m dealing with a
mental case

Ntaba : you decide , because

I’ve laid my cards . There’s no
fool that’s gonna fuck with my
wife

Me : it was very quick of you to

forget your actual wife
Ntaba : oh but , I’m looking at
her right now . Get in the car

I have to go see Enzo , I cannot

be here entertaining this one

The sooner he gets away from

me , the better

Me : give me the keys

I hold my hand out

Ntaba : what keys ?

Me : oh you just dished out

threats right now , surely you’re
not slow . Car keys

He chuckles with a smile ,

reaching for his back pocket

He holds the keys out

Ntaba : do you think you’re
going to drive my car ?

I grab them from him

Me : oh dear supposedly
husband , our car

He smiles , I shake my head

annoyed walking to the other
side
I get in , and he also gets in

Ntaba : just….

Me : please keep quite , you

really talk a lot and it’s annoying

He raises his hands up , I adjust

the seat and drive off

Ntaba : well can I at least tell

you where I stay ?
I side eye him

Me : for what ?

Ntaba : where are we going ?

Me : I don’t know about you ,

but as for me I’m going to my
place
Ntaba : I guess your place is
where we are headed then

He leans back on the seat

I put on some music , I’m loving

this car . Sports cars are the shit
!

His phone rings , he answers

Ntaba : yeah
He laughs

Ntaba : wait a minute , I’m busy

He listens for a while

Ntaba : mhm , I’m with

MaMthiyane here . I’m being
driven by the wife , you should
get married and stop fucking
around . It’s really a luxury
I side eye him annoyed , he
winks I click my tongue focusing
on the road

Ntaba knows how to rub people

off , I swear that must be his
speciality

Ntaba : I’ll see you tomorrow

before my shift
He drops the call , and leans
back in silence

I park by the gate as we get to

my place

Me : you should let me have

this car , like it suits me

He laughs , I get off he opens

the door
Ntaba : now….

Me : get away

I open the gate , closing it as he

approaches

Ntaba : are you being for real

right now ?

I don’t even turn back

Ntaba : mami , come on ! Like
this is being unnecessary

He’s the one that’s unnecessary

right now

That royal woman better keep

her man , they really shouldn’t
bore me

I didn’t agree to their nonsense

so they can follow me behind
He married his woman , now
what’s his deal ?

We had a deal

I’m keeping my end , I’m living

my life . And I haven’t wanted
anything from them

All they have to do is just leave

me alone
Like what can be so hard about
such a simple thing ?

I get in the elevator heading to

my floor

I open the door , taking my

sneakers off

I sit down on the couch , taking

a deep breath
I could use a hot bubble bath
right now

I grab my phone dialling his

number , it rings for a while
before he answers

Enzo : babe

I sigh
Enzo : wait …..you’re ditching
me ?

He laughs

Me : I’m tired , I’m bored and

annoyed . You coming or should
I come ?

Enzo : is it about the

conversation ?
Me : the talk ?

I laugh

Me : and there’s more

Enzo : now you’re worrying me

Me : let’s talk

Enzo : okay , I’m coming to pick

you up
Me : okay , let me shower first

Enzo : alright

We hang up , I get up heading

to the shower . I take a quick
one , just to refresh . And put
on a summer dress with sandals

Grabbing a light jacket

Not me closing the curtain , and
the man is still parked by the
gate

Like what nonsense is this ?

I stand still watching him , and

for like 10 minutes he’s still
there

It doesn’t seem like he’s going

anywhere
It’s been almost over an hour ,
since I left his car and he’s still
here

I’m sure Enzo is on his way

Now how do I tell him all this ,

and explain this whole
nonsense with this one here ?
Like not only that , but what I
initially wanted to tell him

Now I’m sure he’s definitely

going to run away

He’s not going to stand for any

of this
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 16*

*Nomakhwezi*
I sigh

My phone rings , I walk away

from the window and take it
Me : hi

Enzo : I’m at the gate

Me : I’m coming

I drop the call , grabbing my

phone heading out

I open the gate , as Enzo gets

out of his car
I go to him , not even paying
attention to this one in his car

Enzo : looking beautiful

I smile

Me : thank you

We hug
Enzo : shall we go ?

I turn back , looking at Ntaba

and he’s just staring at us

I thought he’ll look pissed or

something

But he just has a blank stare

Me : I….. there’s a situation

I look at Enzo

Enzo : what ? Who’s that ?

I shake my head annoyed

Me : he’s a bother , that’s just

angry and furious seeing me
with you

Enzo : oh !
We face each other

Enzo : an ex ?

Me : I wish

He looks at me confused

Me : he’s….let’s go talk

Enzo : okay
He opens the car door , as I’m
about to get in Ntaba gets out
of his car

Me : gosh !

Enzo : babe !

He walks over to us

I look at Enzo
Me : I’m really sorry about this

Ntaba : get in your car and

leave

He says to Enzo

Enzo : what ?
Ntaba : I did not stutter , you
heard me . Take your sorry
lawyer self , and leave

How does he know that Enzo is

a lawyer ? Do they perhaps
know each other ?

I hope I’m not missing anything

here
Enzo : okay ! I have no issue
with you , but clearly you have
an issue with me . So why don’t
we settle it man to man ?

Ntaba chuckles

Ntaba : man…..boy don’t piss

me off . Leave my wife

Enzo looks at me
Me : I’m not your wife

Ntaba : I wasn’t talking to you

Me : well I am talking to you

He looks at me and smiles

Ntaba : Mami you’re not going

to disrespect me like this , not
in front of this boy . Me and you
, are going to talk about this .
He turns his eyes back to Enzo
who looks so confused

Ntaba : He needs to leave

Enzo : what’s going on here ?

You’re married ?

Me : I’m not , his ancestors are

just full of shit . And this is what
I wanted us to talk about , cause
I wanted to explain this
situation to you

Enzo : well explain now

Me : okay ! Don’t raise your

voice at me

He sighs

Ntaba : why are we even still

talking about this ?
Me : no one is talking to you
here

Enzo : Nomakhwezi !

Me : okay , so this one here was

supposed to get married …

Enzo : is he not married to the

Usuthu princess ?
Me : I was still examining

Ntaba chuckles

Me : can we just get away from

him ? Cause he’s going to annoy
me , should we be talking about
this like this infront of him ?

He sighs
Me : okay fine , anyways as I
was saying . He couldn’t get
married , because I’m
supposedly his whatever wife
chosen by his ancestors . A
traditional ceremony of some
kind was done , and well
apparently that makes me his
wife . Of which I’m not , I did
not take his surname . I don’t
want him , I don’t even like him
. We’re living apart , I want
nothing to do with him . I told
him and his family , I only
agreed to doing whatever they
wanted , so they don’t put a
blame on my father because
he’s their royal seer

It goes quite

And I know , I probably messed

up that whole explanation thing
. All because this one is here ,
and smitten just pushing my
buttons
Ntaba : you’re a lawyer , and
I’m sure you know that a letter
of agreement for bride price
and everything else that goes
on with a traditional ceremony
being done bringing two
families together in terms of
marriage . It counts , and under
customary law she’s my wife

Enzo sighs
Ntaba : at least you can be very
bright in that , or I hope you are

Enzo looks at me , and his eyes

just betray him

This fool , has just gotten

through to him . And he
believes what he’s just heard

Enzo : was there anything

written down ?
I nod

And he nods as well , quite a

few times

Enzo : he’s right , under

customary law you’re his legal
wife . I’m not a home wrecker

Me : I’m really sorry , I wanted

to tell you this . He just caught
me before I could talk to you , I
didn’t want you finding out like
this . He got pissed seeing us
together in the restaurant , and
he brought his drama here . I
wanted you to make your
decision , based on what I tell
you . And decide for yourself ,
without his words

I look at Ntaba and he’s smiling

Me : I hate you
Ntaba : thin line between love
and hate mami

I turn and slap him , he holds his

cheek still smiling

Ntaba : mhm , you can leave

now . I think my wife and I are
fine

Enzo clicks his tongue

Enzo : go back inside , I want to
make sure you’re okay . And if
anything happens , I’m just a
phone call away

Ntaba chuckles

Ntaba : okay from what ? What

do you care about her safety ?
She’s nothing of yours
Enzo : oh well , we heard you .
Now you got what you wanted ,
and you should just be glad that
I respect the fact that the law is
favouring you here . Nothing
else , so don’t grow horns

Ntaba : you’re starting to annoy

me

Me : this is not a battle ground

Enzo : if he wants to turn it into
one , it can be one

Ntaba : don’t go there , I’ll blow

your brains right here right now
. You won’t disrespect me ,
regarding my wife . And still
have to talk shit to me

Enzo : what you gonna do about

it ?
Ntaba lifts his jacket , and
shows off his gun pointing it at
Enzo

My insides go cold same time

Me : what do you think you’re

doing ?

He looks at me , and I grab the

gun from him . The damn thing
is heavy
Ntaba : you’ll shoot yourself ,
stop with that

Me : oh really ?

I point it at him , and he smiles

with a chuckle

Enzo : Khwezi ?
I pull the trigger , he holds his
arm

Enzo : shit !

I throw the gun on the floor , as

Ntaba bleeds on his arm . I just
see blood

Ntaba : mami what’s wrong

with you ?
Enzo : are you okay ?

He holds my hand

Me : I’m so sorry Enzokuhle , I

really am . About this whole
drama , and you certainly don’t
need it . You deserve better ,
not a woman who brings such
nonsense and baggage . I’m
sorry , it’s best we end it right
here
I turn walking away , I leave
them there

That maniac better not shoot

that poor guy
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 17*
*Ntaba*
I’ve been standing out here , I
could have driven to the
hospital

And fixed myself

I thought she’ll open up , or

come check on me
That idiot left , as soon as she
was inside the gate

I ignore Lwazi’s call , and call

Vusi . It rings unanswered

I call him again

Vusi : what ?
Me : drop the attitude , give me
your sisters number or call her
and ask her to let me in

He sighs , I’m sure he’s annoyed

Vusi : I’m not your skivvy

Me : boy I didn’t say you are ,

just do it

He drops the call

Me : fuck !

I lean against my car , the bullet

is still inside of me

I don’t even want to move a lot

, because it might cause a lot of
damage

Lwazi calls again

Me : mhm

Lwazi : babe

She goes quite

Me : what’s wrong ?

Lwazi : you didn’t call

Women !
Me : I’ve been caught up , and
I’m still held up even now

Lwazi : oh okay

Me : it’s late , get some sleep .

And I’ll call you tomorrow

Lwazi : you should rest too , I’ll

….I love you
Me : yeah I love you

Lwazi : bye

She doesn’t drop the call , I

shake my head with a sigh
dropping it
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I grab my phone annoyed

Me : what ?
Vusi : why is that fool of a
husband of yours calling me ?

I sit up

Me : what are you talking about

?

Vusi : let him in , and I don’t

ever want him calling me again
Me : whoa ! Why would he
even call you ?

He goes quite

Me : Vusi ! How does Ntaba

have your number ?

Vusi : it’s a long story

Me : it’s middle of the night , he

sends you to bother me and you
do it . What business does he
have calling you ?

Vusi : what is he doing there ?

Me : oh it’s a long story

He sighs

Vusi : don’t do that

Me : well if you can , then so
can I

Vusi : how long has he been

there ?

Me : a while

Vusi : so you know he’s there ?

Me : what do you care ?

Vusi : I care because he called
bothering me

Me : oh well he bothers
everyone , it’s what he does
best

He laughs

Vusi : just let him in , before he

breaks in there .
Me : breaks in ?

Vusi : I’m even surprised he

hasn’t already

Me : Vusi how do you know

Ntaba ?

Vusi : yhoh ! Bye , let him in . Or

I’ll give him your number

He drops the call

I rub my eyes , getting off the
bed annoyed . I slide my
slippers on

I open the gate , and after a

while a knock comes at the door

How does he even know which

floor I’m on ?
I swear I’m dealing with
criminals here

I open the door , and he walks

in . Still holding his arm , that’s
still bleeding

Ntaba : mami you really shot

me , and left me out there to
bleed to death . And you slept ?
Like really ?
Me : don’t bore me

I close the door locking

Me : shouldn’t you be in
hospital ?

Ntaba : for what ?

Me : what are you doing calling

my brother , just annoying us
this late ?
He laughs

Ntaba : you and your brother

are inhumane , grab a first aid
kit and let’s fix me up

Me : you must be out of your

mind
My consciousness is eating me
right now , seeing that he’s in
pain

And I can’t believe I shot him

I’ve never even held a gun in my

life before

Ntaba : I will die because of this

bullet
Me : it’s on your arm , why you
making it sound like I shot your
chest ?

Ntaba : uh-uh , you’re all

gangster . I’m loosing blood

He sits down on the couch

Me : don’t you dare leave your

blood there
Ntaba : bring a scissor , or a
knife too

He leans back closing his eyes ,

and it’s like he’s loosing breath

Now panic starts , I can’t have

him die here .

I would go to jail , my father

would die of a heart attack
Lord !

What was I doing shooting him

?
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Her hands are shaking , she
looks scared

I’m fucking smitten right now

Me : hold steady , and just cut a

bit then pull it out

She swallows
Me : mami

Khwezi : stop calling me that ,

why don’t you take it out
yourself ? You should have gone
to hospital , you’re a doctor .

She gets up in panic mode

Khwezi : I….I can’t do this

Me : calm down , look at me

She closes her eyes taking a

deep breath and looks at me

Me : come sit here

I pat to my thigh

Khwezi : just go to the hospital

please
Me : I…..I lost a lot of blood , I
might pass out on the way there
. You can do this

Khwezi : you’re a doctor not me

, and they’ll know what to do
with you

Me : I’m….I can’t move a lot ,

the bullet might do damage .
And besides , they’ll want to file
a report of how I got a bullet
wound
She swallows , and I know that’s
my ticket

She shakes her head

Me : come on , come sit here

it’s okay

I hold my hand out , and she

slowly takes it
She sits on my lap , taking the
scissor again

Me : don’t even think about

what you’re doing , just do it

I dart my eyes to her , as she

cuts me up and pulling the
bullet out

Me : disinfect the wound first ,

then you can close it up
She sighs , but doing it anyways

Khwezi : I’m done

She looks at me , I smile

Me : thank you

She gets off me , and picks the

bowl
Khwezi : leave

Me : but….

Khwezi : you’re not spending

the night here

Me : how am I going to drive

with an injured arm ?

She sighs looking at me

Khwezi : the couch is your
friend

She turns walking away , and

comes back with a small blanket

Khwezi : don’t bother me , I

want you out tomorrow
morning

She walks away , leaving me on

the couch
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 18*
*Nomakhwezi*

My phone rings , I sigh turning

and grabbing it
Me : what ?

Enzo : someone is grumpy

I smile

Me : I didn’t see it’s you

Enzo : it’s alright , are you okay

? I’m just checking in
Isn’t he just sweet ?

And that arrogant man ruined

things for us

Me : I’m okay

Enzo : and ….is he okay ?

Me : you’re really asking me

about him ?
We laugh

Enzo : you shot a man , and I’m

worried . I’m a lawyer and I saw
such , I’ll be taken to task if he
reports you

Me : well don’t be , he had me

patch him up . So he’s fine , and
he won’t report anything

He sighs
Enzo : so he’s there ?

Me : on the couch yes

And just then , he walks out of

my bathroom . Just wearing his
briefs

I gasps , my jaw drops . Like I

am shocked , when did he get in
here ?
Me : uhm….thanks for checking
in on me . And once again….

Enzo : don’t worry about it , I

guess it just wasn’t meant to be
. I was too late , he’s very lucky .
If only I met you first , I’m sure
things would have been
different . He’s difficult , and I
doubt he would ever give us any
peace together
Me : yeah

Enzo : bye , you take care of

yourself . And we’re not
enemies

I laugh

Me : that’s…..that’s good to
know

Enzo : bye
He drops the call

I sit up looking at him

Me : what are you doing in my

bedroom ?

Ntaba : I was pressed , you

really don’t want to know how
painful is a throbbing dick in the
morning
I frown , and he laughs

Me : get out of my house

Ntaba : you have anger issues ,

you’ll have to drive me to my
house . Because ….

He points to his hand shrugging

Me : you’re really a bore

Ntaba : okay , can I have some
painkillers ?

Me : this is not a hospital

Ntaba : you can drive me there

I’m going to die young

And he loves tormenting me

Me : get out of my room , I’ll
gladly drive you out of my
house

I get off the bed , walking to the

bathroom passing him there
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I tossed and turned the whole
night

I thought his call would wake

me up
But nothing

Not even a missed call , nor a

simple text

I could be overthinking , but

then I feel like he’s changing

What could be so hard about

just picking his phone and call
me ?
I take my phone , but stop
myself from dialling his number

I call my mother

Mom : baby

I wipe my tears off

Mom : Nolwazi ?
Me : uhm …. I’m sorry to call
you so early

Mom : you’re worrying me , is

everything okay ?

Me : Ntaba moved , he has

started working at the hospital .
And I’m left at the palace

Mom : oh you don’t sound very

happy
Me : no , because I believe a
wife should be with her
husband

She sighs

Mom : did you tell him this ?

Me : yes , but he said we need a

place first . Because now he’ll
be staying at the doctor’s
quarters at the hospital , I can’t
go live with him there

Mom : and what seems to be a

problem ? Because it sounds
like he explained

Me : I just feel like I’m going to

lose my husband mom ,
yesterday he didn’t call the
whole day . And when I called
him , we couldn’t even talk for
more than 5 minutes
Mom : baby , marriage is not an
easy thing . And you’re married
to a husband that has another
wife….

Me : he said he doesn’t love her

, he has no business being with
her

Mom : I don’t know what to say

to you , but if you’re going to
take everything a man says you
won’t make it . Marriage is not
for the faint hearted

I rub my eyes

Mom : you need to be strong

Do I have the strength to be ?

But he promised me
I don’t even want to think of
Ntaba and that woman being
together
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
The penthouse is beautiful ,
actually it’s just stunning

If he had anything to do with

this , like the interior and décor

He sure has an eye

Ntaba : breakfast ?

Me : I’m not cooking for you , I

dropped you off . So please
leave me alone now , you
ruined my relationship . You
should be very proud of
yourself

Ntaba : I meant , me making

you breakfast . You’re always on
attack mode , it’s scary
Wonders never cease to amaze

Me : I thought your arm doesn’t

work

He smiles

Me : you’re really an idiot

I grab my bag
Ntaba : take the car

I look at him

Ntaba : you won’t get a taxi

anytime soon , and you’ll be
late

Me : if you think , you can lure

me in with materialistic things .
Then you have another thing
coming
Ntaba : lure…… I don’t know
what you think of me really

Me : you want me to take your

car , so you can keep running
after me like some sick puppy
dog

He chuckles with a smile

Ntaba : I’m following you all by
myself , I really don’t know
what’s your problem

I grab the car keys

Me : don’t call me , don’t come

to where I work . And stop
running after me , you won’t
get this car back

He smiles
Ntaba : okay , you wanted it

Me : mhm , don’t even think of

demanding it ke (then)

Ntaba : enjoy flexing

MaMthiyane

Something is wrong with this

man , like seriously wrong . He
always smiles , and laughs
making you feel like you’re an
idiot

It’s like he doesn’t take anything

serious

Just as long as it’s not said by

him

Me : stop addressing me with

your surname , it’s annoying
Ntaba : your anger is just really
love , there isn’t much to it

I don’t know , but I’m too young

for this

And I’ve entertained him

enough , for a whole night and
it was enough

I head out , getting in the

elevator going down
I walk out , getting in the car

He better not report it stolen ,

the guy has drama for days on
end . I can’t trust anything
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
Queen Nompilo : are you okay ?

I look at her

And for some reason , I feel like

she’s being genuine
Me : uhm….yes my queen

Queen Nompilo : okay , I’ve

assigned a maid to you

Me : a maid ?

Queen Nompilo : yes , she’ll be

your personal maid and help
you with anything you need
help with
Wow !

Me : thank you , so much . But I

…it really wasn’t necessary , you
really shouldn’t have

Queen Nompilo : oh I see you’re

struggling quite a lot , and I just
want you to have the life you
used to have . I mean , we can’t
fault you . Around here , we can
use our hands very well . And
we do things ourselves , but I
see you can’t it’s a struggle for
you . I’m just accommodating
you , nothing much

She smiles and turns walking

out

I feel like screaming , that was

just shade and I felt it
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 19*
*Ntaba*

He walks in , placing his car keys

and phone on the counter
I finish putting on my cufflinks

Nhla : what happened to your

arm ?

I smile

Me : MaMthiyane shot me

He pops his eyes

Nhla : what ?

I nod with a chuckle

Nhla : wait…..she shot you ?

Me : yeah , using my gun

Nhla : you’re lying

Me : no , I wanted to scare that

stupid boy I told you to tell to
stay away from my wife . She
grabbed the gun from me , and
shot me

Nhla : and you’re smiling , it’s all

fun and jokes to you . Like are
you impressed and smitten by a
woman who shot you ?

Me : don’t annoy me , not so

early in the morning . I didn’t
call you here for that
He sighs

Nhla : I’m just shocked , what if

she shot you and really hurt you
? Lwazi would never do such a
thing

Me : why are you even

comparing the two ? Yes she
would never , because Lwazi
would take whatever nonsense I
put her through

Nhla : and that’s your wife

Me : you’re not stupid , you

know she’s my wife just by
word

He sighs shaking his head

Me : and you better not have
fucked me up , I’ll get another
lawyer as a backup . Don’t try
me Nhlamulo

Nhla : come on ! When did this

conversation get there ?

Me : how do you get in having

favourites between them ? Are
you angry over Khwezi ?
Nhla : no….no , I take whatever I
said back . She’s your wife and I
respect that

Me : you better

Nhla : so I’m here to drive you ,

cause your arm is shot ?

Me : what do you care ? You

might just give me your two
cents opinion , I didn’t ask for
and doesn’t even matter

He gets up

Nhla : should I go down and

apologize ?

Me : MaMthiyane took the

sports car , and she probably
won’t bring it back
He laughs

Nhla : you bought that car a

month ago

Me : it doesn’t matter , she took

it . So while I wait for a new car
to be delivered , I have no
means of transportation

Nhla : yeah no ! The woman is

gangster , I give her that . She
could have asked for a new car ,
but she took yours . She knows
just how much this means , and
if the other hears she’ll be
shattered . Men are lovers to
their cars , so imagine your wife
taking your car . Now that
speaks volumes and it’s too
loud
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*

I’m just having a crappy day

today
And worse , I’m just not in my
moods

I spoke to Lerato and my father

Thought I would feel better but

nothing

Now I just wish I can knock off ,

and go home

I don’t even want to be here

And maybe , just maybe I
should have saved enough
money to get me started on my
restaurant

And I wouldn’t have to put up

with such things

My phone startles me as I wipe

my tears off
It’s a bank notification , of
R25 000

I’m shocked , like this is some

mistake . Because there’s no
way , that anyone can send this
much money

My phone rings while I’m still

holding it , and it’s the queen

A strike of fear
After everything that’s
happened the past few days

What if he told his family what I

did ?

I let the phone ring until it stops

I dial his number , I asked Vusi

for it this morning
Because I wanted to see if he’s
reported me or not

And if he was okay , I’m not

qualified like him to deal with
wounds

But I dealt one

Ntaba : MaMthiyane ?

I just break down on the phone

I think the fear of what I did , is
only coming at me now

And worse with the day I’ve had

at work

Ntaba : mami where are you ?

I shake my head crying , putting

my hands over my face
He’s panicking on the other side
of the phone

Ntaba : at least talk to me then ,

tell me what’s wrong ? But I
want to come and see you , so
tell me where you are

Me : did….you tell….your family

what….what I did ?
Ntaba : no , no I didn’t tell them
. What did they say ?

Me : your mother called….I was

scared to….to answer her call , I
thought….they know . That
maybe you….you told them

Ntaba : no , where are you ?.

I lift my head wiping my tears

off
Me : no , I’m okay

Ntaba : you know I can find you

on my own right ?

I drop the call

And I call the queen back , it

rings and on the third ring she
answers
Queen Nompilo : Khwezi

Me : my queen

Queen Nompilo : are you okay ?

Me : uh-uh , yes I’m okay

I nod quite too many times

Queen Nompilo : I’m glad to

hear that , I don’t mean to
disturb you . I sent you a little
something

She sighs

Queen Nompilo : it’s not much I

know , I’m still yet to speak to
the king about the royal house
giving you an allowance
monthly . I heard , that you
want nothing to do with us or
anything . But we’re your family
, and you’re one of us . We take
care of one of our own

I’m shocked

Me : the ….the money is from

you ?

Queen Nompilo : yes

Me : wow…that’s , wow ! I don’t
know what to say , but thank
you so much

Queen Nompilo : you’re

welcome baby , take care of
yourself . And don’t be a
stranger

We laugh

Me : I will
We hang up

And I laugh to myself , I did not

see this one coming

This queen is goals

I take a wiper and clean my face

, putting on just lotion . I have
no time to perfect it
I get out , walking back in the
restaurant

Suzie : Khwezi , are you okay ?

She’s the manager , and she

saw the incident that happened

Me : yes

Suzie : looks like you’ve been

crying , don’t worry about it .
Please take the rest of the day
off , you’ll fill the morning rush

Me : there’s no need

She pats my shoulder

Suzie : trust me , I understand

way so much better

She nods
Me : fine

I walk out heading back to the

car

Oh yes , I drive to work now

I get in and drive back home ,

I’m so annoyed as I enter the
gate there’s a car behind me
getting in as well
It’s the number plate

It can only be Ntaba who’s

driving Nhla’s car

We get out of the cars , and he

follows me inside in silence

Until we get inside , I take my

shoes off

Ntaba : why were you crying ?

Me : I’m going to need money
for gas , I can’t afford your car

He takes his wallet out , and

hands me his black card

Ntaba : use that , the pin is our

wedding date

Me : just for gas ?

He chuckles , I smile

Ntaba : I asked a question why

were you crying ?

Me : I thought you can’t drive

He sighs

Ntaba : well I can , when my

wife calls me crying
Me : it was nothing

I turn my back on him , facing

the cupboard

But I tense up as I feel his

presence behind me

He plants a kiss on my neck ,

trailing to my cheek . My whole
body freezes
Me : please don’t

Ntaba : I just wanna give you a

kiss

He places his hands on my

lower waist

I close my eyes , the way it took

me pretence every time Enzo
got closer to me or we kissed
I just cringe , as much as I know
that a kiss is harmless

Me : I’m positive !

I blurt out , opening my eyes .

And he lifts his head off of my
neck
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 20*

*Nomakhwezi*
His hands still on my waist

I’m just waiting for him to move

back and walk out of here
Even if I never see him again it’s
fine

I feared telling Enzo , and here I

am telling this one

I never even thought I would

tell him

Ntaba : turn around and give

me a kiss
He says leaning back down

I’m just wondering if he heard

me , or he thinks I’m lying or
joking

Me : did you…

Ntaba : I heard

He sighs
I move back a bit , and my ass
touches his crotch

I try moving forward , but he

holds me tight against him

With his one hand , he turns my

face to the side

We lock eyes , before his lips

graces mine
My heart is pumping so hard
against my chest

He slowly turn me and I face

him , his hands trailing down to
my ass .

He grabs my ass cheeks , I let

out a moan in his mouth

He pins me against the wall , his

hands trailing to my thighs
He fiddles with my zip , I hold
his hands trying to pull out of
the kiss

He doesn’t let go , I tilt my head

pulling out . He trails to my neck
, planting soft wet kisses

And that leaves me letting out a

slight loud moan
He finally gets the zip , his
hands overpowering mime

And he pulls the pants down ,

on one leg they come out

He takes my shirt off , I try

turning my face to look at him

His hands cup both my boobs ,

he deep groans rubbing on my
nipples
I throw my head back , as I just
feel pleasure

He picks me up into his hands ,

making sure I’m balanced
against the wall

I hear him unbuckling his pants

and his zip going down
Fear strikes and I feel like
pushing him off , but my body
betrays me

I feel him sliding my panty to

the side , rubbing his manhood
on me

Just the feeling I get

Me : ple…ase u…se a… condom

I stutter uttering those

It’s no use , we’ve gone far so

best we be safe for his sake

Ntaba : I don’t have it

He pushes in , as I try pushing

him off

Me : ple……
Ntaba : it’s okay

He shuts me up with a kiss , as I

feel his manhood opening and
stretching me up

I feel him inside of me , I swear

it feels like he’s poking my
womb

I place my hands on his arms ,

as he pounds in inside of me
Taking harder and fast strokes

The taping of him against my

bare skin , my ass cheeks on the
wall

His deep groans and grunts just

fill my small kitchen
He slows down , burying his
face on my neck and he deep
grunts

And I feel some watery thing

sliding down my thigh to my leg

His upper body shaking a bit ,

his deep strokes are just not
making me focus
He moves his head back
opening his eyes , and he looks
at me

We lock eyes , as I hold tight on

him . Feeling my lower waist
burning , with pleasure just
wanting to erupt

I move my waist meeting his

thrusts , my loud moans
betraying me as my whole body
start shaking against his
My loud moans suppressing
every other sound in here

My legs shake , as tears stream

down on the sides of my face

I close my eyes as I feel this

massive pleasure , tiring my
body out
As I calm down , bringing my
face towards him

He slowly lets me down ,

placing a kiss on a lips and my
forehead

He turns me around , I face the

wall holding onto it . With my
hands shaking like crazy
I feel him going inside of me , I
close my eyes feeling that pain

And he just pounds in , holding

my lower waist taking it from
the back

My ass cheeks just shaking ,

against his lower waist

He smacks my ass quite a few

times
I loose myself as I feel that wave
of pleasure again

I stand on my toes , bringing my

thighs together

He slides deeper standing still ,

as I moan louder my lower body
loosing balance
I tear up , as the wave of
pleasure takes longer than the
first

I feel so hot on my lower waist ,

I feel his hand rubbing on my
clit underneath as he fiddles for
it

I lean on the wall for balance

with my weak hands
As I squirt , with him still inside
of me

Me : Ohhh my god….Ohhh my
god , Mwelase stop !
Please…..please stop

My whole body fails me as I lose

balance , my toes failing to
balance on the wet floor now
He picks me up into a his hands
, walking to the lounge

He places me on the couch ,

placing a kiss on my lips

He brings me to the edge

I look at him , as he strokes his

dick
I shake my head , words failing
me

He leans down kissing me , and I

kiss him back lazily

Ntaba : just one last time , just

one

He lifts my legs to his shoulders

, and slides in with both of them
pressed together
I loose my breath as he loudly
grunts , my coochie lips
clamping his dick

He holds both my legs , as he

opens his reddish eyes slowly
staring deep into mine

Ntaba : oh fuck !
He trails his hand to my coochie
, rubbing on my clit with his
thumb

I hold to the side on the couch ,

just grabbing on anything for
balance

My lower body shakes , he

holds tight on my legs with his
one hand
I feel the wave of heat and
pleasure coming again

I shake my head , already

tearing up looking at him

Me : Mwelase
….please…..please I can’t…..I
can’t

He smiles , as I let go squirting

all over again
I close my eyes as more tears
stream down the sides of my
face

He deep groans grunting , I lift

my body slowly looking at him

And I’ve never seen such a sexy

sight my entire life
I lay back down trying to catch
my breath , my body feeling
drained

He slowly pulls out , parting my

legs . His manhood resting on
my coochie

It’s throbbing and dropping last

drops of his semen on my lower
stomach
Ntaba : ngiyak’thanda
MaMthiyane (I love you)

He smiles , I slowly close my

eyes

I don’t have the strength nor

the energy , I want to sleep

Ntaba : it’s wet here , let me

take you to the bedroom
Those are the last words I hear
from him , as sleep takes over
me
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 21*
*Ntaba*
Khwezi : that was stupid and
just reckless , especially from
two adults . And one who’s a
doctor , and is supposed to
know better

She leans over grabbing her

phone , checking the time I
think

Cause she puts it back

Khwezi : that must never
happen again

Me : why are you so angry so

early in the morning ?

She was worn out yesterday ,

and slept only woke up around
22:00

I finished her off , and we slept

That was fucking insane !

And she thinks I’ll ditch her

Khwezi : what if I infect you ? I

told you to use a condom

Me : but I’m fine

Khwezi : you don’t know that

And for the first time ever , I see
emotions on her face

Me : okay , I’m sorry

I face her well , seeing she’s

very serious about this and
feeling sad

Me : I respect you , and your

word . I’m sorry , I ignored all of
that like it doesn’t matter . But I
assure you , you have nothing
to worry about

Khwezi : you don’t know that

She sighs

Khwezi : I don’t want to go

around infecting people with
HIV , because it’s hell living with
that . I’ve accepted my life , and
myself the way I am . I don’t
want to put anyone else
through that , and I don’t want
to be the reason you have to
pop pills your whole life

Me : okay , I understand . And

I’m sorry mami , I really am

I feel bad seeing her like this

I mean she’s always telling me

off , so this is new
And I don’t like seeing her in
pain

Khwezi : we can’t do that again

She shakes her head slowly

Me : you’re overthinking this ,

you didn’t even want me to kiss
you because of your status .
And I’m sure you know , that a
kiss doesn’t do anything

Khwezi : that’s not the point ,

I’m sceptical about letting guys
near me because I fear what
happened between us . I lost
myself and couldn’t tell you off

Me : mami you let that idiot

near you
She gives me an ugly stare

Khwezi : don’t talk about things

you know nothing about

She sighs

Khwezi : I had to just bare

Me : well , I’m your husband .

We will be intimate , and
definitely kiss . You don’t have
to bare with anything , because
your status changes nothing

Khwezi : the stupid wife card

again , like I’m genuinely scared
right now

Me : under customary law , it’s

not stupid at all . While we’re at
that , you should know you’re
the only wife the law
acknowledges
Her silence tells me she already
knew that , that piece of paper
meant a lot

Just that she doesn’t want to

admit that she’s really my wife

Khwezi : you should get tested

Me : okay , I will but for your

sake
Khwezi : it doesn’t matter just
do it

Me : can I see your prescription

?

Khwezi : for what ?

Me : let me see it
She sighs , and turns to the
night stand . She hands me the
container

I smile

Khwezi : share the joke

Me : there’s none , but you’re

really stressed for nothing . You
did not infect me and you won’t
, this is undetected there’s no
way you can infect me

Khwezi : you don’t know that

Me : I’m a doctor , I can tell by

this container

She frowns

Me : surely that’s written on

your card
Khwezi : stop ! Just go get
tested

Me : I said I will

Khwezi : and I want to be there ,

I want to see those results

I chuckle
Me : you’re a bully , and you
have anger that’s just insane .
Just last night , you were
screaming Mwelase it was…

Khwezi : don’t annoy me

I laugh

She gets off the bed annoyed ,

going to the bathroom . I lay
back down
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I’ve never met such a man with
drama in my entire life

Sure the hospital is hella lavish

and all

It sure looks like a private

hospital

But why is his office so lavish ?

But what am I saying ?

He lives in a penthouse

Ntaba : done , sorry about that

I arrived and he was on call

I couldn’t come in the morning ,

cause I had to head the kitchen
at work
Me : get done with it

Ntaba : why do you have so

much anger ?

Me : I don’t have anger , you

just annoy me

He laughs , grabbing a testing

kit
A knock comes at the door

He sighs , putting the kit down

and he walks over opening the
door

A woman walks in

Her : sorry sir to disturb , you

have a call

She looks at me and back at him

Ntaba : as you can see I’m busy
, what’s the call about ?

Her : uhm….it’s ….it’s

She looks at me

Ntaba : I don’t have the whole

day , I have patients to attend
to
Her : it’s your wife

She says looking at him , saying

more like a whisper

Ntaba : there’s my wife

She looks at me confused

Ntaba : now if there’s nothing

else
Poor woman !

Me : I’m just a patient , we all

know his wife . The princess , I
men we read papers

I say with a smile , she releases

a sigh of relief

Ntaba : she’s lying , don’t

believe everything you read
He opens the door for her , the
confusion now on her face

She walks out , he closes the

door

Me : I swear there’s a demonic

sprit somewhere in there with
you
He laughs , grabbing the kit and
he walks over sitting down next
to me

He tears it up

Ntaba : you do it , just be gentle

with the needle . I fear pain

Me : says the one who was

pointing guns at people
He smiles

Ntaba : and who got shot ? I

fear you

Me : mxm prick yourself

Ntaba : I’m doing this for you ,

because I actually don’t care to
know
Me : for a doctor you’re very
stupid

He laughs

Me : it’s not a joke

I take the needle , wiping his

finger with a wiper

Ntaba : be ……
I just prick him , he flinches and
blood just flows

Ntaba : do you really hate me

this much ?

I ignore him , placing his hand

down . I press a cotton as soon
as the blood drops

He yanks his hand off , getting

up and he walks to his chair
I can’t believe he’s sulking over
such a small pain

We wait in silence , I’m first to

look at the results

I sigh in relief , seeing that he’s

negative . I didn’t even want
him to tell me the results ,
that’s why I said I’ll come . I
wanted to believe
Me : tests again after three
months

He sighs shaking his head

I get up

Me : I was born with it

He looks at me , with that I

didn’t ask you look
Me : just because you didn’t
find me a virgin , I don’t want
you thinking I’ve been whoering
around . You’re the second guy
I’ve ever slept with , the first
one was first year at Varsity and
he ran away after I told him I’m
positive

I turn walking out

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 22*

*Nomakhwezi*
Ntaba : wait….wait

He grabs my hand , and pulls

me back to his office
Ntaba : why you being like this ?

Me : what are you talking about

?

He turns back locking the door

Me : what…..

He grabs my hand , pulling me

closer to him
Me : come on ! Like re….

He shuts me up with a kiss ,

picking me into his arms

I gasps slightly

For someone crying that he was

shot , he sure goes around
carrying heavy things
He places me on his desk , I
push him off slightly

He pulls my skirt up , his eyes

not leaving mine

Ntaba : you’re draining , you’re

too much work . But I’m not
going anywhere , deal with that

I hold his hands

Me : just…..

He gets closer , rubbing his

thumb over my clit

Me : I’m going to get….wet , just

…..

His one hand trails to the back

of my neck , while he leans
down for a kiss
Parting my legs and he gets in
between , unbuckling his pants

Me : condom !

I hate that I’m already melting

Damn !

I need to be able to resist this

man , or else he will know he
just has to get between my
thighs

He rubs himself on me , I place

my hands on his desk

Me : can you just listen !

Ntaba : yeah

He says already pushing in , I

feel him stretching me apart
I swear , the way he stretches
me up makes me very scared

What if another man never fits

in there ?

Ntaba : should I stop ?

Stupidity comes in all forms

Ntaba : mhm , guess not

He didn’t want

And this is a hospital , he can’t

say there’s no condoms here

He starts thrusting in , I throw

my head back as he holds my
lower waist thrusting deeper in

I close my eyes , as I feel him

inside of me
There’s a slight pain , but the
pleasure is just too much
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I wipe my tears off

I don’t know if I’m overthinking

this , or what

But something is wrong with us

I’ve been calling , he’s not
taking my calls

The last straw was when I called

and he dropped the call ,
switching his phone off

I called his office , it didn’t go

through . I called reception and
he didn’t take the call , the
receptionist said he wasn’t in
but I felt like it was a lie
I rub my hands together taking
phone and calling him

It rings for a while before he

answers

Nhla : hello ?

Me : uhm Nhla , it’s ….it’s Lwazi

Nhla : hey , how are you ?

Me : I’m okay and how are you
?

Nhla : I’m okay , but you don’t

sound okay at all . So why are
you lying ?

Fresh tears stream down my

face

Nhla : talk to me
Me : have you seen him ?

Nhla : yes

Me : oh !

Nhla : what’s wrong ?

Me : I…. Nhla , I feel like we’re

drifting apart . He doesn’t call
unless I call , he….and since
yesterday he’s been ignoring
my calls

He sighs

Me : is there anything I should

know ?

I wipe my tears

Me : please , I know this is very

awkward….and that I’m putting
you in a very awkward situation
. But I just need to know , I
know he’s your friend . But
Nhlamulo , he’s my husband .
We just got married , he left me
here all alone . And he’s never
available for me , this is too
soon in a new marriage .

Nhla : okay….okay , I…can we

meet though ? But just know i
don’t want trouble
Me : so there’s something ?

He keeps quite

Me : Nhlamulo !

Nhla : I’ll come down to the

village , and we can talk

Me : okay , thank you

Nhla : alright , but don’t tell him
about this

Me : I won’t , I promise

Nhla : okay , stop crying . Some

fools are just not worth that

I chuckle

Me : bye
Nhla : I’ll see you in a few days

Me : bye

I drop the call

I call Ntaba , and it doesn’t go

through

Whatever is happening , only

God knows . But what’s a man
doing , living away from his wife
unless he’s cheating
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
She laughs

Lerato : what are you telling me

?

I sigh

Me : he’s an idiot
Lerato : something is wrong
with you

Me : no ways !

Lerato : friend , the prince has

looks and all . And well , any
lady would be lucky to have him
. Wena you’re busy fighting him

We laugh
Me : for real , I don’t get what’s
his deal is . I didn’t say I want
this , and I want to live my life .
Now he’s chased away my
potential , and I feel single again

Lerato : single how ? When you

have Prince Ntaba there

Me : oh !

I shake my head
Lerato : the funny thing , is that
deep down you knew and even
you yourself said to me you
were poured with bile there .
And there was an agreement , I
mean your father got bride
price . So you know you’re his
wife

Me : I’m not in denial

We laugh

Lerato : you’re in for a ride I’m

telling you , and the other wife
won’t like this

Me : don’t tell me about that ,

she better not bring her drama
to me . Because I’ll deal with
her , and she’ll be out of that
glorified kingdom before she
can even say royal wife
She burst out laughing

Lerato : you should have been a

guy , it’s really not healthy for a
woman to be this hard core

Me : he says I have anger issues

, but he’s brave enough to keep
poking me

She shakes her head smiling

Lerato : now I wish I was back
home , because I feel like I’m
missing out

Me : keep quite

We laugh , I pick my cup taking

a sip

I just needed to vent and

offload today
It’s crazy

This whole thing is crazy

I’m married to him , whether I

like it or not

But then again , there’s a

woman he married . Of which
he didn’t shy away , saying how
much he loves her
So what am I doing with him ?
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 23*
*Ntaba*
He looks at me

And it’s like something is itching

him , he just doesn’t know how
to spit it out

Me : what is it ?

He sighs
Me : just say it , we’re friends
after all aren’t we ?

Nhla : yeah we are

He chuckles

Nhla : how can you even ask ?

Me : so speak

Nhla : don’t get angry

Me : okay

Nhla : uhm….Enzo told me what

happened

Me : but what did he tell you ,

that I haven’t told you before ?

Nhla : let’s he honest with each

other , there’s no way you don’t
care about Khwezi
Me : so ?

Nhla : so what about Lwazi ?

The woman you loved from
when you were 15

I lean back on the chair

Nhla : I’m not interfering

Me : and you shouldn’t , love is
between two people

Nhla : and right now , that love

is happening between you and
this woman who slapped and
shot you in front of another
man . Like what kind of
disrespect is that ?

I chuckle
Nhla : honestly , you’re playing
with fire . And you let Khwezi
get away with a lot , something
I don’t think you would be okay
with if it was Lwazi

I observe him well as he speaks

Me : you’re her spoke person

now ?
Nhla : of course not , but I
wouldn’t be a true friend if I
keep quite while I see you
destroying a good thing you
have . Over someone who’s
hurt you , and probably will
never even see herself as your
wife

He gets up

Nhla : if I’m rubbing you off the

wrong way , I’m sorry . But you
need to know the truth , that
woman is just another bull . I
don’t see what kind of a man
would stand for that

Me : your pathetic lawyer friend

said that to you didn’t he ?

He sighs

Nhla : it’s not about him

Me : he did , because he knew
he himself couldn’t handle a
woman like Khwezi

He shakes his head

Me : well , he can never .

Because she needs a man and
not a pushover , now you don’t
lay your hand on a woman like
that . You don’t beat her , you
don’t raise your voice . You fuck
her , you just fuck her good .
I shrug

Me : but , if you know you can’t

fuck . Then of course , you’ll
want to make up for it in other
departments . That’s not me

Nhla : I tried

Me : I never asked you to

He turns and walks to the door

He turns holding the door

handle , looking back at me

Me : be very careful of what

you’re going to say next ?

Nhla : do your worst , you left

Lwazi on her own as if you
married her for your parents .
And you’re busy running after a
woman , you promised her you
don’t care about . She’s not an
idiot , she will figure out what
you’re doing . And when she
does , remember this day . You
gave that woman your car ,
while you own wife has never
even set foot inside it .
Remember how you’ve never
let Lwazi drive any of your cars
? But look at you now , my
friend even you must admit that
you’ve changed . Is it not
enough that she’s getting just
7,6 million from you ? When
you’re worth 5 times that , and
yet Khwezi will get everything ?
She’s the one carrying your
surname , and the one you’re
married to legally ? How is any
of this fair to Lwazi , when she
doesn’t even know ?

He walks out

I shake my head slowly

I grab my phone making a call

Vusi : what is it ?

Me : that lawyer friend of yours

, hook me up with him

Vusi : it’ll cost you

Me : are you mocking me ?

Vusi : I’ll tell him to call you

I drop the call

.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
My phone rings , I grab it

Me : hello ?

Voice : it’s Nhlamulo

Me : oh hi
Nhla : I’ll be coming the day
after tomorrow

Me : oh okay

Nhla : uhm…. We’ll have to

meet somewhere else , not at
the palace

Me : won’t that raise eyes ?

Nhla : to who ?

Me : I don’t know , people who

might see us together

Nhla : meeting at the palace , is

what will raise eyes

I sigh
Nhla : how will I explain , why
I’m meeting with my friends
wife when he’s not there ?

Me : yeah okay , you’re right

Nhla : I’ll call you , with a place

and time

Me : no problem

Nhla : bye
Me : Nhlamulo !

Nhla : yeah ?

Me : uhm….thank you for this

Nhla : you don’t deserve this ,

so don’t worry about it

His words really rub on me.

So it means Ntaba is really up to
no good there

Me : okay bye

Nhla : bye

I drop the call , shaking my head

Me : please don’t hurt babe ,

please don’t
I close my eyes , just hoping
whatever it is . We can get over
it , and work on our marriage
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Sipho : Mr Ndaba

We shake hands I sit down

Me : thank you for coming at

such short notice

He nods
Sipho : when a man like yourself
calls , one asks no questions

Me : mhm , a drink ?

Sipho : of course , it’ll be very

rude to decline

I call a waiter over , and he

orders whiskey
He takes his tablet placing it on
the table

Sipho : so what brings me to

your world ?

Me : I have a job for you

Sipho : I’m listening

Me : there’s funds I need access

to , but it’ll happen after a few
days . I want them transferred
to someone , with immediate
effect

He nods

Me : I’ll give you access to the

accounts , do what you do best .
And make sure they’re not
traceable , that they’ve been
moved
Sipho : how much are we
talking about ?

Me : a few millions ?

Sipho : alright , I wouldn’t

expect anything less . It’s
nothing I cannot do

Me : be discreet about it
Sipho : I’m a man of my word ,
my loyalty is with those who
have earned it . By now , I’m
sure you know I won’t flip you
over . You’re not just a man ,
this is actually an honour

Me : good , there’s something

else I need from you

Sipho : yes ?
Me : I need you to access some
legal documents for me

He lifts his head and looks at me

I dart my eyes looking around ,

just making sure no one can
hear us now
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 24*

*TWO DAYS LATER*

*Nolwazi*
I had to lie to the king and
queen

I said I’m just taking a walk , I

need some air

Because I feel cooped up in that

palace
All alone , day in and day out

Which wasn’t a lie completely

Because even they’re busy with

their duties

I have nothing else to do

I haven’t been myself , since

morning
Just scared of what Nhla will tell
me

Nhla : relax , you look tense

I smile

Nhla : I won’t do anything , I just

wanted a space that’s private

I nod
We’re at his house , it’s far on
the hill away from many houses
at the village

Nhla : you need something to

eat ?

Me : I don’t think I can stomach

anything , I’m just too anxious
Nhla : okay , well get
comfortable

He sits down , opposite me on

the couch

Nhla : just so you know , after

our talk I tried talking to him .
But he didn’t want to hear
anything , he didn’t even feel
bad
Me : uhm….you didn’t tell him I
called you right ?

Nhla : of course not

I sigh

Nhla : he will never know ,

unless you decide to tell him . I
don’t know how you’ll react to
what I tell you , or what you’ll
do about it
Me : is he cheating ?

Nhla : he’s with Khwezi

I pop my eyes , my jaw drops

not believing what I’m hearing

Me : what ?

He nods
Me : but….but how ? He said he
doesn’t want her , he …..he
promised me ! He damn
promised me

I tear up

Nhla : that’s….that’s not all

Me : what ?
Nhla : he has a penthouse there
, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s
moved in . He’s just been….

Me : wait….so he doesn’t stay in

the doctors quarters at the
hospital ?

Nhla : if that’s what he told you

, then it’s a lie . A year before he
came back , he started building
the penthouse there . He didn’t
buy it , he built one from
scratch

Me : no….no , please tell me

this is a joke

Nhla : I didn’t come here to lie ,

or tell you jokes . I talked to him
, cause I don’t approve of the
way he’s treating you

He sighs shaking his head

Me : but….what did I do to him ,
to treat me like this ? Why
didn’t he tell me , he wants her
now ? I would have left , and let
them be . Even after wasting 8
years of my life for nothing

I wipe my tears off

Me : he knew , they must have

agreed to this . That’s why he
moved , and left me here .
Because they wanted to be
there together , playing
husband and wife ?

I lean my head down

Me : wow ! I guess I’m the fool ,

the joke is on me . How could I
be so stupid , and think a man
will still choose me and be loyal
while there’s another woman in
the picture ?
Nhla : he….your marriage to him
is not filed , he tasked me to file
the marriage to Khwezi

I lift my head looking at him

Me : he what ?

He nods
Me : but…how ? We signed ,
and everyone saw us getting
married .

Nhla : these things are a process

, you signed but it’s not filed so
it doesn’t count

Me : where did he get papers to

file a marriage with her ?
Nhla : customary law , they
signed an agreement . The two
families , and bride price was
paid

I cannot believe this

Me : no….Ntaba can’t do this to

me , he just can’t !

Nhla : I don’t agree with any of

this
I tear up all over again

Me : why isn’t he just leaving

me ? Why is he doing this ,
ripping my heart apart like this ?

I feel like my heart will just stop

beating

I’ve never felt such pain

Me : I’ll leave him , I won’t
stand for this . After all the
sacrifices I’ve made and done
for him …and he does this to me
? It’s not okay , it’s not okay at
all . But it’s fine , I’ll leave him .
Clearly I’m not the woman for
him

Nhla : she shot him , what kind

of a woman would do that ?
Sure it was on his arm , and he’s
okay . But is that the kind of a
queen , this kingdom will have ?
Surely this village deserves
better

Me : she shot him ?

I’m beyond shocked right now

Nhla : she was busy with some

guy there , and he didn’t like it .
Things got heated up , and
that’s how she shot him
Me : wow ! But he’s still after
her , meaning he loves her that
much

Nhla : she’s a child of a seer ,

surely there’s something off
about this whole situation

I don’t even want to think of

what he’s saying
Me : I can’t….I can’t stand this

Nhla : if you leave him , you

walk away with nothing

I wipe my tears looking at him

Nhla : with Khwezi being the

customary law wife , she gets
half of his things if they divorce
Me : so….I’m not even in his will
but she is ?

Nhla : not yet

I look at him confused

Nhla : he asked me to file the

marriage , but I haven’t . I used
a file from a client , and just
changed things to his . The way
he knows them , so he doesn’t
suspect anything

Me : what do you mean ?

He sighs

Nhla : you deserve better , and

like you said you gave him years
of your life . He just can’t do this
you , and move on like it’s
nothing . With your permission ,
I can file your marriage . And
tear the agreement he gave me
, so you’re his one and only wife
. In that way , even if you leave
him you get to walk away with
half his things

Me : won’t ….isn’t that

committing a crime ?

Nhla : the law is law , and right

now he’s not being fair on you .
At least in this way , you’ll
console yourself

I look at him

Nhla : just think about it , but if

you say nothing I’ll be forced to
do what he told me to do . Now
he thinks I’ve done it , but in
actual fact I haven’t . But he’s
not a fool , and he might catch
on
Me : he’s your friend , why are
you doing this ?

Nhla : and he’s full of shit

I take a deep breath

I don’t want to lie , the pain I’m

feeling is just unbearable
I cannot believe , Ntaba is the
one doing this to me today

After everything we’ve been

through ?

Me : won’t we get caught ?

Nhla : trust me

Can I do this ?
But maybe it’s what he
deserves , after playing me for a
fool like this ?

I just break down , thinking

about everything Nhla told me.

Surely that Khwezi of his , thinks

I’m the biggest idiot ever .
Cause she’s there with a man I
claim to be my husband
Nhla : hey…..it’s okay , he
doesn’t deserve your tears like
this

He sits down next to me

Nhla : it’s okay

He holds my hand , I look at him

before laying my head on his
chest just crying
As he pulls me for a hug ,
rubbing my back

Nhla : it’s okay , let the pain out

. But don’t ever let him know ,
how much he’s hurt you . He’ll
feel like some man , and a real
man doesn’t hurt a woman he
claims to love like this . You
deserve so much better than
him , he’s not worth it

I lift my eyes looking at him

He wipes my tears , with his one
hand looking at me

He leans down , I close my eyes

as our lips touch

And his hand trails down to my

waist , the other rubbing my
back
I trail my hands to his back , as
he deepens the kiss
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 25*
*Nolwazi*
He’s pounding in , taking it from
behind

My hands holding on the coffee

table

My back is painful , because of

the way I’m just bending . It’s
just a bit uncomfortable
I lean back a bit accommodating
him better , just so I don’t feel
the pain on my lower back

Nhla : fuck you’re so nice !

He slaps my ass , and a sting of

pain graces me

I wouldn’t even compare , he’s

small . Way much smaller than
Ntaba
I’m sure he’s just a small , hence
these kind of positions

Just so I’m closed up , and I can

grip him well inside

After a few thrust , he pulls out

groaning loudly

I feel the wet liquid on my back

, surely that’s his semen
I turn back , sitting down

He lets go of his dick , and he’s

really small

He pecks my lips sitting down

Nhla : shit !

He smiles shaking his head

Nhla : I swear Ntaba is a fool ,
how can he cheat on such ?
Some guys don’t know what
they want

He nods

Me : you….you didn’t cum

inside of me did you ?

Nhla : no , and I’ll get you a pill

before I leave . I already have
way too many kids , I can’t have
more

Me : my….Ntaba doesn’t want

kids , so I cannot fall pregnant
at all

Nhla : don’t worry

I get up

Me : do it
Nhla : you’re sure ?

I nod

Me : yeah , I can’t have him .

The least I can have is his
money

He smiles

Nhla : consider it done

Me : it’s clear this marriage is
done , so what’s the point ?

Nhla : wait….so no regrets

about this ?

Me : it has already happened ,

we cummed even . So having
regrets , doesn’t help . And it
won’t take it back
He laughs slightly

Nhla : for what it’s worth ,

you’re the best I’ve ever had

I smile grabbing his t-shirt

Me : I need to leave

He nods
I wipe myself with it , taking my
clothes I put them on

Nhla : I’ll let you know , once

everything is in motion and
done . But don’t change on him
, still be the wife you were all
along . So he doesn’t suspect
anything

Me : don’t worry , I won’t give

anything away
Nhla : endure a bit , all those
millions will be worth it anyways
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I pull the fleece off , I look at my
phone and it’s him calling

I lean back wiping my tears off

The phone stops ringing

I sigh , closing my eyes taking a

deep breath
I swear that place is going to be
my end

I don’t even see how I can keep

working there

After the nonsense that

happened today

My phone rings again , I pick it

up
Ntaba : what did I do mami ?

I say nothing

Ntaba : if you can’t talk to me

over the phone , I’m coming
then

He sighs
Ntaba : I’m coming , and don’t
think you’ll make stand outside .
I’ll jump over

He drops the call , I lay back

down

I so wish my father was near , I

know talking on the phone I’ll
just be stressing him
Maybe I should go home , and
just be with him

I never thought , this work thing

will drain me like this

My phone rings , I just press the

gate monitor . And I get up ,
opening the door
Today I’m not in the moods to
be going back and forth with
Ntaba

I go back to the couch , covering

myself . He just opens without
even knocking

Talk about being rude

He walks in , and stands in front

of me
He narrows his eyes looking at
me

Ntaba : get up , so I can sit

Me : there’s another couch

Ntaba : MaMthiyane
I get up , and he sits down
bringing my head down to his
lap

Ntaba : what happened ?.

Why I’m crying again ? I don’t

know

Ntaba : look at me
He leans his head down , I look
at him . He kisses both my eyes ,
I laugh

Me : you’re being weird

Ntaba : I don’t want to see you

cry , unless if I’m the reason for
that giving your pleasure you
cannot contain

I frown
Ntaba : what happened ?

Me : at work , they….they’re
mean

Ntaba : you’re the meanest

person I know , so it’s more
than that

Me : that day you came here , I

was given a half day . So I did
disclose my status to the
manager , cause I felt it was the
right thing to do . So that day , a
chef cut herself . And me being
me , I was forward and tried
helping her . But the way she
just moved away from me ,
telling me I shouldn’t touch her
like that . I was hurt , and I
figured they know . I mean
Suzie probably opened her
mouth , and today they proved
it . I cut myself , and it wasn’t
even a big cut . But I did bleed a
bit , I took precautions .
Because I couldn’t handle food
with my bare hands after a cut .
And after that whole thing ,
they just changed on me in the
kitchen . No one wanted me
near food , it was just crazy .
And again , Suzie chose to give
me a half day

I shake my head , just feeling

hurt again
This probably wouldn’t hurt
anyone , but I live with this
stigma and I hate it when I’m
being treated like this

He takes my hand , and being

his stupid self

He peels off the patch , just

touching everything even the
blood that’s there
I’m so tired

I’m really tired telling him the

same thing over and over and
again

He holds my finger

Ntaba : those people are just

full of shit , why don’t you quit ?
Me : I can’t just quit my job , I
love what I do

Ntaba : yeah mami , but you can

always do it on your own .

Me : it’s not easy

He’s a royal child , just because

he built his hospital it doesn’t
mean we all can do that
Me : I want to own my
restaurant , something that will
just accommodate everyone .
Where you’ll buy a plate that
cost 800 with just 80 , classy yet
simple and delegate

Ntaba : and I still say you can do

that

Me : I wanted to work , save

and gain experience . Obviously
it’ll take me a few years before I
get to where I want to get to

Ntaba : you can find investors

Me : well , I’ve thought of that .

But that’s also another hard
work , I’ll need more than two
investors . And I’ll have to
convince more than that many
people , and who knows how
long it’ll take ? I might score
one , and they can pull out if it
takes me a lot of time before I
get another one

Ntaba : how much do you need

?

Me : a lot of money

Ntaba : how much ?

I laugh
Me : come down

He leans his face down , I

whisper to him . He moves back
with a chuckle

Ntaba : I won’t sponsor you

Me : I didn’t ask you

He laughs
Ntaba : write down a proposal ,
do your research . Have
something that’s written down ,
figures and everything . Set an
appointment , and I’ll hear you
out . And if I’m impressed
enough , and certain that you’ll
make it work . I’ll invest

Me : shut up !

He smiles
Me : you’re serious ?

Ntaba : yeah , I’ll rather be poor

and invest in your business .
Than have idiots make you cry

I’m thinking he’s kidding though

, not especially after I’ve just
estimated how much I’ll need
And he thinks on his own he can
invest ?

Like is he a billionaire ?

Me : how…..

Ntaba : uh-uh , don’t ask me

such things

He laughs hugging me so tight

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 26*
*Nomakhwezi*

He bores into my eyes , as he

places his hands on my knees
Just teasing , fucking my clit
with his manhood

I place both my hands on my

boobs

My lower back , slightly

shivering a bit

He doesn’t take his eyes off of

me , as he slides in with a deep
grunt
It’s a sight , just seeing him
loose himself like that

The more he slides in , and I feel

him inside of me

I feel the slight pain

No doubt , I’ll never appreciate

another dick inside of me
With this one , busy stretching
and opening me up like this

I close my eyes biting my lower

lip

He never goes all in , in one

time . He takes at least two
pushes to really be in

He doesn’t even fit , to go all in

He rubs on my clit , while he
thrusts on

I open my eyes staring at him ,

he darts his eyes to his
manhood

A few more thrusts , I lower my

legs . He looks at me with a
chuckle slowly sliding out
After a few seconds , he flips
me over on my stomach

Lifting my lower back , pressing

down my upper body

He cusses under his breath , as I

feel him attempting the first
slide
I let out loud moan , grabbing
on the sheets pushing my hands
forward

He stops , and it’s when I know

he’s in cause I can feel him

I swear it feels like my womb is

turning , there’s a burning
sensation on my lower stomach
As he starts thrusting in , and
his hands grab on my lower
waist

It’s a mixture of pain and

pleasure , and he damn knows
what he’s doing

That waist is flexing , so he

knows how to move it
And reach the right spots , and
he has me however he wants

He picks his pace up , I try lifting

my upper body

As I feel like he will shift my

womb , I’m burning it feels like
hell

I bite the sheets , as he brings

me further down with his arms
Slightly laying his back on me ,
and in this position he’s just in
deeper

I don’t think I’ve ever felt him

this deep inside of me

He deep groans and grunts , it’s

the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard
a man spit out
And I know he’s filling me up
with his semen , as he just
continues thrusting in

I don’t understand why I’m not

on the pill

Because he doesn’t want to use

condoms , so honestly I’m
playing reckless like he is
I turn my face to the side , I try
pushing him off he doesn’t let
go

I finally go down as my knees

shake slightly , he pulls out as I
lay flat on the bed

The wave of pleasure taking

over
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*

Khwezi : you should start taking

prep
I look at her

Me : what ?

Khwezi : you heard me

I chuckle

Me : why must it always be a

fight , after we make love ? Can
you just not let me be ?
Khwezi : not when we’re being
this careless

I sigh

Khwezi : right now , every

chance you get you’re getting it
on with a positive person .
We’re not kids , really we
should know better . If I were to
infect you , I would never
forgive myself . And I need to
get on the pill as well , I avoid
getting pregnant

What the fuck is she talking

about ?

I would kill myself if I haven’t

scored a son in there already

Me : I won’t stop making love to

you , so I think it’s best you just
get used to this . And stop
fighting me every chance you
get , I’ll starve

She looks at me

Me : and we both know , that

you’re in no position to infect
anyone

Khwezi : that doesn’t mean

anything
Me : okay then , it’s nothing

Khwezi : anything can happen ,

nothing is a guarantee . What if
something happens , and I
really do infect you ? Then what
?

I turn over getting on top of her

, pecking her lips
Khwezi : do you ever take
anything serious ?.

Me : I’m taking this serious

I kiss her

Khwezi : then please listen , I

don’t want to blame myself
over this . I can infect you

I smile pecking her lips

Me : then it’s fine

She frowns , I peck her again

Me : it’s fine , let it come . I’m

ready for it , and I’ll just take it

She sighs annoyed , trying to

push me off of her

I get off
Khwezi : no I am stupid ! But
you know what , you’re worse
than I am . Even I don’t come
close anywhere to you , worse
you’re the one who’s a doctor
and who’s supposed to know
better

Me : eh ! I’m not a doctor in my

marriage , I’m a husband . So do
you want me to say what ? It’s
not a lie , infect me it’s fine I’ll
take it

She gets off the bed

Khwezi : stupidity comes in all

forms

Me : I don’t know how I feel

about being called stupid

I chuckle
She looks at me , grabbing her
gown off the single couch and
she walks out

I lean back down , grabbing my

phone . And I have an email ,
it’s from Sipho

The man has been busy , he has

tracks covered and he’s looking
for loopholes
I call him

Me : yeah

Sipho : you’re available for a

talk ?

I lift my head

Me : you can talk

Sipho : while accessing those
legal files , I found something
very interesting

I sit up

Me : I’m listening

Sipho : you can even verify this

yourself , because you might
have a hard time believing it .
But he tried to screw you over
I chuckle shaking my head

Sipho : you called it

Me : yeah

Sipho : don’t worry , I have to

covered . It’s a good thing you
warned me , I was quick to
cover it . Both marriages were
not filed
Me : because he wanted to file
the one with Lwazi , I just know
that

Sipho : just thought I would let

you know

Me : sure

I drop the call

I don’t know what Nhla thinks
he’s doing , but he’s rubbed me
off

I just want him to chase these

ghosts he’s after , and I’ll end
him in one shot when he finds
out exactly what an idiot he’s
been
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*

His phone rings unanswered

I sigh , attempting to call again

But no !

He’s probably busy , and I’m

sure he’ll call if there’s
something to tell

He’s only been back a day

I’m just panicking where I am

right now
I didn’t even tell my mother any
of this

Because they would just want

me home , and end the
marriage just like that

With the way I’ve been made a

fool , I don’t want to walk out
with nothing
If Khwezi is the one worth of
getting his riches and not me.

Then he shouldn’t have

bothered me

Him coming back , he should

have gone to her

He sold me dreams and hopes ,

only to be the one crushing
them himself
It’s only fair I walk away with
everything

He can share that 7,6 million

with his beloved Khwezi

As that’s how much I’m worth

to him

My phone rings , and it’s him I

answer
Me : hi Nhla

Nhla : hey , sorry I was held up .

Let me fill you in
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 27*
*Nomakhwezi*
Suzie : we’re very sad to see
you go

I doubt

I thought about what Ntaba said

, and maybe I shouldn’t have
thought about it
Because here I am resigning ,
with immediate effect

Perhaps it’s for the best

I can’t take being treated like

that , just because of my status

When most people live with HIV

and they don’t even know it , at
least I’m better I know
Suzie : even though , you’re
leaving unexpectedly like this .
I’ll still give you , an outstanding
letter of recommendation

Me : I don’t want it , so really

it’s fine . The opportunity, was
fine while it lasted . I do hope in
future , you and your staff you
can learn to treat other people
with respect
She gasps , I grab my side back
walking out

I get in the car , and lean back

releasing a sigh

From here , I don’t know where

to

Maybe I’ll work on that

proposal
Or I’ll go back home , my father
didn’t kick me out of home

My phone beeps starling me

I lean over , grabbing it I check

the message

And it’s a bank notification of

7,6 million

Me : what the….
I know I’m not blind , nor am I
slow

I see this money , I see it . And

it’s a lot , I don’t know where it
comes from

It’s not even saying where it

comes from
I’m dealing with a lot of things ,
so now i have to stress and
worry about other people’s
money

Like what kind of a mistake is

this ?
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Sipho : and ?

I rub my eyes
Me : yeah you’re right

Sipho : and there’s been an

attempt to access those files
and file the other marriage

I chuckle

Me : he seems to be very busy I

see
Sipho : don’t worry , I’m way
ahead of him . And I’ve gotten
everything done

I nod

Sipho : and the money has been

sent , she got it already

Me : you’ve done a great job

He gets up
Sipho : it’s been a pleasure

We shake hands

Me : and I’ll keep you as my

lawyer , so bill me

He laughs

Sipho : this is an honour really ,

I’ll gladly take the job
I nod , he grabs his laptop bag
and walks out

I sit back down and sigh

People are fucked up , and you

think you can trust them

They turn , and stab you right in

the back
If Nhlamulo wanted Lwazi , he
could have just said

Maybe he’s still bitter that I got

Khwezi , as if she was his

Now this is probably revenge to

him

But he’s damn fucking with me

.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I’m at the bank

I just couldn’t stay , with this

much money

I don’t even know who’s it is , or

where it comes from

I thought by now , I would have

gotten a call from someone
cleaning it’s a mistake
And asking for the money to be
sent back

The lady that’s helping me ,

comes back and sit down

Her : I’m sorry , I took so long

Me : it’s okay , will you be able

to reverse the money back to
where it comes from ?
Her : unfortunately we cannot
do that

Me : what….why ?

Her : because it was directly

sent into your account , and
there’s no information
whatsoever about the sender .
We’ve checked , and there’s no
fraud happening
Me : okay , so what am I
supposed to do right now ? I
cannot use this card anymore ,
until I know who this money
belongs to . That’s if there’s
even money , because it could
just be a silly prank

She smiles

Her : there’s money really , we

checked and it’s there
I sigh

Me : can you make me another

card ? Close this off or
something , because I cannot
use this card . Next thing I’ll be
accused of stealing money and
whatnot

Her : uhm….I’m sure we can

work something out , and we
can transfer the funds you had
before these . Let me see

She gets busy on the computer ,

I’m not even paying attention .
My mind is racing with thoughts
, this doesn’t even make sense

Her : we can get you another

card , please give me your ID

I take it out and hand it to her

She focuses back to the
computer again

Her : okay….and the letter of

confirmation

I look at her confused

Me : confirmation of what ?
Her : it says here , your surname
has been changed from
Mhlongo to Ndaba

Me : what ?

I look over trying to see what

she’s talking about

And there’s the two surnames

on two different ID’s
Her : the ID you gave me is
Mhlongo

Me : because that’s my
surname

Her : and this one ?

I sigh shaking my head

It doesn’t make sense

Me : I don’t have a Ndaba ID ,
I’m not using that surname

Her : okay , this is a

predicament . Without a letter
of confirmation , I cannot make
you this account . Because I
need to verify if these surnames
have changed already , so we
give you a bank card with
correct details . I would suggest
you go to home affairs , and ask
for the letter
Now this is not a joke

How can I be using Ntaba’s

surname , when I’ve never
changed my surname to his ?

I’m confused right now

I take my things and get up

Me : thanks for your help

Her : you’re welcome

I walk out , with a million

thoughts in my mind

I really don’t know what’s what

now

I look at the time

And they close at 17:00 , at
home affairs

If only after 15:00 now

So maybe I can still make it ,

and get help

I just want to understand , how

my surname has changed from
Mhlongo to Ndaba
When I didn’t make that change

And I don’t remember signing

any document I didn’t know

So how is this possible ?

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 28*
*Nomakhwezi*
Tests come in all kinds

I looked at that lady like she’s

insane , when she said I recently
got married
And the changing of the
surname , is concluded

Like I don’t remember agreeing

to have a legal finalized
marriage with Ntaba

I don’t remember , saying I’ll

change my surname to his

I have never been so rattled like

this
Like how did this happen ?

I lean back on the seat , I don’t

even think I can be able to drive

I’m just shocked !

I got that letter , but I couldn’t

even go back to the bank
My phone rings , and it’s him
calling

Me : hello

Ntaba : where are you ?

Me : at home affairs

Ntaba : I’m coming

Me : I didn’t…..
And I’m talking alone , the call is
dropped

I lay back closing my eyes

This is no way , that anyone

wants to find out such
information about themselves
in this way

Why didn’t he tell me ?

That lady must have thought
I’m crazy

The way I said I’m not married ,

but then admitting to knowing
Ntaba and everything else

When she pulled that we’re

married under customary law , I
looked at her like the crazy one
As an agreement made by both
families , has been filed . So I’m
legally his wife

I felt like dropping dead right

there and there

This one went behind my back ,

and did this

And he’s never even hinted ,

like not even once
I don’t even understand how ,
without my consent or me
being present

I’m startled by a knock on the

window

It’s him

I bring the window down , and

look at him . I’m so bored
Ntaba : what are you doing ?
Close that window , get out

Me : for what ?

Ntaba : I’m driving us home ,

come on !

Okay , I let him be . Because

already as it stands , I have
enough to fight with him about
Let this not be one of those
things I fight him for

I open the door , getting out

walking to the passenger side

He gets on the driver’s side and

drive off

Ntaba : you’re angry I know that

, but please hear me out first
before you loose your cool .
You’ll probably kill me today ,
but hear me out first

I know I’m being dealt , even

when I see he’s driving to his
penthouse and I just keep quite
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
It’s hard , having to act like all is
well

When I know very well , that

nothing is well here
I wonder if the king and queen ,
know what their son is busy
doing there

While he left me here all alone ,

and even lied on top of that

He left with a purpose , and he

knew exactly what he does
doing
This is beyond betrayal

And it’s something , not even a

mere sorry can fix

After the wedding we had , all

those royals who were there to
witness it

Only to find out it’s a lie

Might as well be one , because
if I’m not acknowledged by law

Then what wife am I to him?

Ntaba played me , and I never

saw this one coming

Nhlamulo told me he’s almost

done , with the process of filing
for the marriage
I’ll just give Ntaba a month and
divorce

I won’t stand here for nonsense

He won’t know what hit him

He started this , and I’ll finish it

Had he kept his whoering ways

far away from our marriage , we
wouldn’t be here today
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
She walks back , from placing
the plates in the kitchen

She sits down , taking the

remote flipping over channels

Me : mami can we talk now ?

Khwezi : I don’t want to talk ,

but maybe you can explain to
me how I’m suddenly your legal
wife and using your surname .
That I even had to make a new
ID today

Me : it’s…..yeah I did that

Khwezi : I don’t know what is it

that you did

Me : there were no traditional

proceedings done , between my
family and the Usuthu people .
And there was no agreement
made on paper whatsoever ,
she wanted the white wedding
and those traditional
proceedings were going to
follow later . Before I moved
here , I reflected a lot on
everything that happened . And
I figured , there’s no way my
ancestors would choose a
woman for me when my heart
has already chosen unless
something is wrong . I asked
myself , what is it about her that
they didn’t see her worthy to be
my destiny ? Now I’m a lot of
things , I know that . But I
decided to just be obedient ,
and just do what’s needed of
me . I kept things from her , and
I refused that she comes with . I
met with Nhlamulo , and I asked
him to file our marriage with
the agreement my family made
with your father . And not the
one with Lwazi , because after I
reflected I figured we won’t
even get to do any of those
traditional things with her . So
not filing the marriage , just
made things easier . Because
it’s not there , and there’s no
paper trail or evidence that we
are married . Well except on the
tabloids , and people who were
there . What’s mine is yours ,
and that’s just how the law
views it cause of customary law
. I had some money in some
offshore accounts , I asked
Nhlamulo as my lawyer to bring
them together into one account
and they’ll be for Lwazi . In case
anything happens , because as
for you you’re the only one
that’s entitled to my estate . I
know Nhlamulo , I’ve known
him for years . And I know how
he works and operates , usually
it takes him close to a week to
finish paperwork
I chuckle shaking my head

Me : but he finished that one in

a day , and I’m many things but
not an idiot . I knew something
was a miss there , but I didn’t
ask him . He came around , and
didn’t shy away from telling me
exactly how he doesn’t think
I’m fair to Lwazi and everything
else . I got pissed and I was
annoyed , I got another lawyer .
And I had that 7,6 million sent
to you

She opens her mouth , dropping

the remote looking at me

Me : that’s the money I was

going to give Lwazi , or rather
she was going to get incase
something happens . But
according to Nhla , that’s not
fair and it’s not enough . I
figured , I might as well give it
to you . You’re my wife after all
, surely if my money is not fair
or enough for anyone . It’ll be
very much enough for you

Khwezi : wait…..so its enough

for me and fair for me ?

Me : use the money however

you see fit , Lwazi won’t be
getting anything from me now .
Maybe Nhla will give her
something , that’s enough and
fair . I mean , surely according
to him you’re the one who
deserved that . But it’s not your
share , it’s not part of my estate
. When I die you’ll get
everything that I have , because
there’s no divorce that will
happen here . I won’t even
mention that 50/50 thing

Khwezi : wait…..so you two are

not married at all ?
Me : no

Khwezi : she doesn’t know ,

does she ?

Me : she doesn’t , but I don’t

care . Nhla left . And he didn’t
say to me , but word says he
was seen at the village . I’m not
an idiot , he went there for her .
Whether they’re fucking each
other , or to tell on me and
everything else . Which is why
he didn’t even file for our
marriage , of which I asked him
to . Now I can’t trust him , I
won’t be surprised if he went
there to scheme with her and
take everything . I asked the
new lawyer to do everything for
me , and that’s where the
change of the surname comes
from . I didn’t tell you , I know
and I’m sorry . We bent rules
here and there , to get your
surname changed without you
Khwezi : if you’re not married to
that woman , then why is she
still there ?

I look at her and sigh

Khwezi : are you using me to

get to her ?.

Me : MaMthiyane , I can never

do anything like that
Khwezi : this whole thing you
just told me , is just a total mess
. And I don’t know how you’re
going to fix it , but do it

She removes the fleece

Khwezi : and how will she feel

now , not getting anything from
you ? You really shouldn’t have
taken that money
She laughs , grabbing her phone

And I have no doubt , she’s on

that money

Me : well then ….give her a

share if you want . As for me ,
she’s not getting anything from
me . That money is ours , even if
I die today I want you taken
care of for as long as you live
Khwezi : I should give her a
share from the 7,6 million ?

Me : I said if you want

She laughs

Khwezi : yhoh ! That’s my

money , your so called wife can
forget . That’s not happening ,
that’s my money
It’s just the laughter saying
“that’s my money”

Me : can I have my black card

back ?

Khwezi : I use that for gas , what

am I supposed to use now ?

I’ve never met a woman who

loves money like this one
And she be acting like she’s all
fine without it , but she actually
damn demands

Me : but you have money now ,

why do you like acting poor ?

She laughs

Khwezi : how do you think

millionaires remain being
millionaires ? It’s definitely not
by acting like they have money ,
or giving it away . They act poor
, so they keep having their
money . Don’t start with me , if I
give up the black card . You’re
going to give me a monthly
allowance of gas and…..

Me : no…..no it’s fine , keep the

card . Keep it

She smiles , picking the remote

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 29*
*Nomakhwezi*

I don’t know what’s the drama

about
But now I have to fetch my
medication here

Just because of Ntaba

As if there was something

wrong with going to the clinic ,
when there’s absolutely nothing
wrong
Me : did you have to change my
routine , like was it necessary ?
Coming here is distance

He smiles , walking closer to me

Ntaba : I just prefer you here ,

and me taking care of you . I’ll
even give you enough
medication , you don’t have to
come every month . You’ll come
after 6 months , when we have
to take your blood
Okay that works in my favour ,
but I won’t tell him that

He bites my lower lip , placing

his hands on my thighs

I move my head back , he

chuckles

Ntaba : what ?
I stare at him , he pushes me
slowly against his desk

Making sure I’m balanced , I sit

on top of it

Me : you wanted me coming

here for office sex ?

He laughs
Ntaba : no I didn’t but there’s
nothing wrong about that , and
besides we’ve done it once

Me : I’ll stop coming here , I

came for pills not this

Ntaba : yeah , I know . But

you’re here now , and I just
cannot resist you
I try getting off the desk , he
holds me

And he sits down on his chair ,

making me straddle him

He lifts my skirt up , now I’m

even regretting wearing it . And
it’s a thigh slit , so it’s all just
exposed on the side
He places his hands on my ass , I
feel his manhood slowly
growing underneath me

Me : you’re going to use a

condom right ?

I just wish he can hear me out ,

it’s crazy always having fear
when we have sex

Ntaba : no
Wow !

And for once , like for once he

tells me straight out

I move back getting off of him

Ntaba : now…..

Me : you just seem to be after

sex with me , well I’m offering it
. But of course it has to be on
your terms

I grab my bag

Ntaba : can you…..just calm

down

I don’t know why I’m getting

angry , but I was getting horny
and I so wanted him inside of
me
And all he had to do , was just
use a condom

But he acts like he’s allergic to it

I walk out , in a rush . Just

heading outside

I get into the car and drive out

After the talk we had

I’m fine , it’s no use fighting
things that you’ll never win

I’m going to focus on the

proposal , and have him invest
and I’ll start my restaurant

Those millions he just felt to

give me , are for spoils . I’m
going to enjoy this life thing
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
She came here horny

Hence she wasn’t fighting me

much , when I initiated

But then the damn condom

business

Whoever created those things ,

I damn hate !
Because they’re a constant talk
with me and my wife

And always at the wrong time

I open the door

And I smile at the sight that

welcomes me , she’s right at
home and settled
She didn’t go back to her flat ,
she came to the penthouse

And she’s wearing nothing , but

my t-shirt

It’s hiding her ass cheeks , but

those yellow thighs are just
exposed . I can’t help but stare

She’s walking barefoot

And the kitchen smells amazing
, I cannot wait to devour
whatever she’s making

I place my phone on the

counter , and walk over to
where she’s standing

Busy stirring a pan , I don’t even

know what it is she’s making .
But it’s smelling great , perks of
marrying a chef
I stand behind her , hugging her
from behind

I place a kiss on her neck

Me : I will never deny you what

you want

She sighs
Me : I’m sorry , I just don’t want
to use a condom . But it doesn’t
mean I don’t care about our
health , I do I really do

Khwezi : but …..

Me : I know , but I also know

that I’m big . And I cause you
pain , with a condom it’ll just be
worse . What’s the point of
making love , if one of us will be
in pain the entire time ? You’re
going to end up resenting sex
with me , because it brings you
pain and less pleasure

I trail my hand up to the boob

Khwezi : I’m scared

Me : I know , but you have

nothing to be worried about
okay ?
She lets out another sigh

Me : turn and give me a kiss

Khwezi : I’m cooking !

Me : I’m hungry too

I turn her slowly , and we face

each other
Me : I followed you home , so I
can give you what you came for
. But I’m over this condom talk ,
and I’m not seeking sex to you .
I’m always wanting you ,
because I just cannot get
enough . That’s just how sweet
you are , I’m not using you for
sex . And if I make you feel like
that , then I can stop . If it’ll
convince you , that I love you
for you and not sex . Also you
don’t have to paint me bad
when you want me , this is
yours . It’s all yours , take it
when you want . Don’t wait for
me to initiate sex , when you’re
horny and you want it just take
it . As much as I can fuck you ,
mami you’re allowed to fuck
your husband

She giggles , and before she can

even say anything , I lean down
giving her a kiss
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I pick up my blouse putting it on

As he lays down , gasping

Me : we can’t keep doing this ,

we’ll get caught

He looks at me

Nhla : we’ll be careful

Me :.I might lose out , in the
divorce if Ntaba finds out about
this

Nhla : he knows nothing , can

you just relax . Do you think if
he did , he would be quite ?

He chuckles

Nhla : trust me , I would be

dead
Me : you’re exaggerating , but
then maybe he’s just caught up
with his new love

Nhla : I’m not , what did you

think he was doing 8 years in
Cuba ?

Me : studying of course what

else ?
He shakes his head smiling

Nhla : you have no idea who

Ntaba is , trust me the last thing
I want is him finding out about
this . Or what I’m doing for you

I sit down on the bed , putting

on my shoes

Me : how far are you ?

Nhla : done , but I ran into a
slight problem

Me : what ?

Nhla : it bounced a few times , I

couldn’t access the files . But I
finally worked it out , and
everything is in place right now .
In a month , you’ll be a very rich
woman
I smile

Me : are you sure it’s really

done ? I don’t want any
surprises

Nhla : trust me

I nod

Me : I’ll see you

Nhla : I’m leaving tomorrow ,
come over if you can

Me : I’ll make a plan , I can’t

keep disappearing the queen
will be very suspicious

Nhla : noted , you’ll tell me if

you can come

Me : okay
If he’s busy whoering out there ,
well I might as well do what he’s
doing

And even if it’s with his friend ,

it’s fine

He deserves it , and he started it

I’m just following in his

footsteps
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 30*
*Nomakhwezi*
I try catching my breath , he
pushes in deeper

I just sink in lower on the bed ,

my body is seriously failing me

I can’t keep my eyes opened for

much longer

There’s no joint in my body

that’s not sore
I’m sweating like hell

My voice is drained , I can’t

even scream out or say
anything

My tears are my only hope right

now , being let go

He leans down , placing a kiss

on my lips
Me : p….

He deepens the kiss , I hold him

tighter just for a few seconds

Before I burst into a cry , letting

go of him as an orgasm hit me

I grab the sheets pulling them ,

crying my eyes out with loud
moans
He turns me around , facing him
. He plants a peck on my lips

I can’t stop shaking , as my cries

and moans quite down

Me : I….can’t…..I …..

I can’t keep still , I’m in so much

pain of pleasure
Ntaba : calm down , you don’t
want to pass out . Look at me

I look at him

Ntaba : you’ll pass out , calm

down

Me : I can’t…..please….I can’t
take….please stop

He smiles with a nod

Ntaba : I’m done I swear , it’s
just that you listen better when
I fuck you . Actually that’s the
only time you listen to me ,
because every other time you
tell me off . You’re getting
better though , we had
conversations back and they
went well

Me : I’m….
I close my eyes for a few
seconds

Me : I’m sorry….

I tear up , as he slowly pulls his

dick out

Ntaba : I know

Me : I’m sorry
He nods again

Ntaba : I know , now calm down

. Just take a deep breath , and
focus on me

He leans down , giving me a hug

. I hug him back , with a few
nods

And for what ? I don’t even

know
This man is drilling me , and he
knows it

I swear he’s going to kill me

I can’t take such drastic , and

excruciating orgasms

This damn bed is wet

And he just kept going on and
on , it was just a lot

He pulls out , giving me a kiss

Ntaba : ngiyak’thanda
MaMthiyane (I love you)

He smiles , i slowly close my

eyes

Ntaba : open your eyes

I throw my head back down on
the pillow with my eyes closed
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Me : really ?

I slowly get off of her

The sheets are wet , I can’t let

her lie here

Now I have to move her , and

change the sheets and all that
because she’ll get cold
I pull my briefs on , and pick her
off from the bed

The way she’s just throwing her

arms out , she’s passed out

She’s not even sleeping

I put her down on the couch ,

nicely putting her arms

I cover her up with a throw

And get busy changing the bed
sheets

When I’m done , I pick her up

again placing her on the bed

I tuck her in , giving her a slight

peck

I head to the shower , and take

a quick one
When I’m done , I put on
sweatpants

I grab my phone and laptop ,

sitting by the couch

I don’t wanna leave her alone in

here

I don’t know how long she’ll be

out for
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I pack my bag

The queen walks in , and she

looks around

Queen Nompilo : I’m sorry for

not knocking , the door was
opened . I just wanted to check
if you were okay

Me : I’m fine my queen

Queen Nompilo : what’s going
on with the bag ?

Me : I’m visiting my husband

She smiles

Queen Nompilo : I see , well let

me not keep you

I nod
Me : I probably won’t be
available for breakfast , I’ll leave
early in the morning . I want to
catch him before work

Queen Nompilo : hayhiii

kulungile sisi (no it’s okay)

She walks out

I continue doing what I was
doing

Nhla gave me the address to

the penthouse

And well I didn’t tell Ntaba

anything , I will just rock up
there

He won’t know what hit him

This is my way of now looking to
getting into that divorce

And he doesn’t even know ,

that his plan to side-line me has
backfired
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
My body is aching

My head is pounding

I look around , and I see him

sitting on the couch
I slowly sit up rubbing my eyes

The view to the city lights , tell

me it’s like very late

Me : you let me pass out

He looks at me with a smile

And I must admit , he looks so

cute when he smiles
Ntaba : mhm , I tried helping
you . But I guess you were too
worn out

He gets up walking towards the

bed , he sits down next to me

He leans over , and I’m first to

peck him caressing his cheek
and he chuckles
Ntaba : it’s amazing when we
just get along

Me : I’m tired , I’m really tired .

For whatever punishment that
was , please don’t do it again

He chuckles

Ntaba : it’s no punishment , I

just want my wife happy and
satisfied . I don’t want you
looking out there , when you
can get all sorts of experiences
here at home

I smile blushing

Ntaba : oh MaMthiyane !

Lord help me

Me : pray I’m able to walk

tomorrow , because if I can’t
you’ll carry me everywhere I
way to go to

He laughs

Ntaba : let me bring you food

He gets up , and I frown . He

laughs

Ntaba : just say it

I shake my head

He walks towards the door

Me : Mwelase , a kiss at least ?

He turns back with a smile

Ntaba : and you waited until I

got to the door , I gave you a
chance to say it
Me : come back

I’m sulking , I don’t want to lie

At this point , and this rate I just

don’t see myself with another
man

Where will I find a guy who will

fuck me until I pass out ?

I hold a laugh , at that thought

He comes back , and we kiss
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 31*
*Nolwazi*
I asked Nhla to help me , so I
can get in

He called Ntaba , and said he’s

coming so he should open for
him

And the gate is opened , I just

drive in
There’s no turning away right
now

It’s just after 09:00 , and it was

a long ass three hours drive

I get out of the car

And the pain that strikes me , I

cannot believe this man
He’s staying in such a place ,
you can just tell from the
outside that this is state of the
art

And he lied right through his

lips

I gather myself , holding my

tears in

This is it
I see a metallic black sports car ,
parked near the garage

I don’t know this car , he left

driving a Maserati and I know
he has a Jaguar . But I don’t
know this one

I chuckle to myself annoyed , so

he bought another car . One
that’s damn expensive
I press the door bell , taking a
deep breath . And the door
opens in seconds

I’m stunned by just the beauty

of this place as I walk in , my
eyes cannot keep still

And he comes , just wearing

sweatpants
He looks at me , and for some
reason I don’t see him shocked
or surprised to see me

It’s like he knew , or he

expected me to arrive

And his expression is really

hurtful

I swallow gathering myself ,

walking further in
Me : baby

I smile walking towards him ,

and he’s just staring at me

I lean over to give him a kiss ,

but he moves back

Me : what…..
I don’t know how much longer I
can hold on my tears , because I
am feeling pain and hurt right
now

Me : baby ! What’s this ? I can’t

kiss you now , like after so long
not…..

It’s the clicks of stilettos

catching my attention
My heart drops to the pits of
my stomach

I didn’t even think of the

possibility , that I’ll find her here

She finally comes to view

And I swallow the lump on my

throat , seeing her . I feel like
I’m in just rags , I didn’t even
put on make up
She looks stunning , and she’s
probably a size 30 or 32

The black formal dress that’s

below her knees , is fitting her
like a glove

Her weave is a 32 inch Peruvian

She’s wearing 8 inch red

bottoms
She looks like a million rand ,
some cooperation woman in
power

She just takes one look at me

Khwezi : hi

She walks to Ntaba , who has

moved away from me and she
plants a kiss on his cheek
He graces her with a smile

Khwezi : I’m going to the spa , I

booked an appointment . I’m
going to get pampered ,
because I need it . My whole
body hurts , I can’t function
really

He chuckles , holding her waist

with his one hand
Ntaba : I will kill any man that
looks your way

She laughs , patting his chest

Khwezi : before you do that ,

deal with this . I respect the
kingdom , because I’m not the
supposedly royal wife . I’ve
never went there and bothered
people , but here
She looks at me

Khwezi : I don’t appreciate it ,

your so called wife side chick is
disrespecting me . She’s dishing
something she won’t be able ,
to take back . I don’t want to
get used to , I told you royalty
or not I’ll fuck her up if she
brings me her drama . Now
what’s this ?
Ntaba : i...I didn’t know she was
coming , I’m sorry

Wow

He’s so sincere , it’s clear I’m

not wanted here

Khwezi : deal with it , and

maybe you should go and do
this somewhere else . I don’t
want you two ending up on my
bed , a motel will do . I won’t
fight with side chicks over my
own husband , I’ll take it up
with you . Put her in her place ,
next time I won’t be this nice .
This is embarrassing , and worse
than being desperate .

He’s so smitten , the way he’s

smiling and looking at her . He’s
never gave me that look , and
now I know he’s never loved me
Her words just pierce right
through my heart , I feel it
beating so fast like I’ll lose my
breath and just drop dead

I run out , bursting into a loud

sob

I get in the car in a rush , and I

drive out still crying

Tears blurring my eyes

I dial his number , and it rings
for a while before he answers

Nhla : Lwa…..

I just wail

Nhla : what’s going on ?

Me : he…..she’s there….he….
Nhla : wait….wait calm down ,
where are you ?

Me : I’m driving ….I’m ….I…..I

don’t…..

Nhla : stop the car , stop the car

now . You’ll cause an accident ,
you can’t be driving in your
state . Send me your location ,
and I’ll come find you
The car sways , I let out a
scream as other cars hoot at me

Nhla : damnit ! Stop the fucking

car now

He screams

My hands shake , I stop abruptly

hitting a small tree on the side
of the road
Nhla : Lwazi !

He shouts out calling

Me : I’m……please
come…..please

I lean my head to the steering

wheel

Nhla : send that pin now , I’m

coming
How can he hurt me like this ?
And such an embarrassment , in
front of her ?

I’ve never been told like that ,

she might have been saying
those things to him

But they were addressed to me

, I don’t know how I pick myself
up after this
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
He’s looking at me , like maybe
he’s expecting me to burst or
something

Me : I have to go

Ntaba : am I repaying you back

for booking your own
appointment ?
I smile , he chuckles

Ntaba : use the black card

Me : I did not fuck myself until I

passed out , see how funny I’m
walking ? My whole body is
numb , I need this spa
treatment . And as my husband
, it’s your duty and
responsibility really . You don’t
want me suddenly looking worn
out
Ntaba : okay , fine . I’ll send the
money

I place a kiss on his lips

Me : amazing things

I move away from him , heading

to the door
Ntaba : uhm….are you seriously
going to ignore what happened
?

I turn looking at him

Me : I told you to deal with that

away from here , I don’t go
around bringing people drama .
This morning you asked me to
move in here and you best
believe I am , this is my house .
I’ve never gone to the palace to
bother her , she can’t come
here no more . Make sure you
tell her that , and she
understands . I won’t hesitate
doing away with her , cause
that was just disrespectful .
She’s not even your wife , I
don’t have to entertain her . I
have morals and dignity , and
best believe I know my worth . I
won’t go around fighting for
you , I’ll fight you instead so you
know who’s husband you are if
you still need a reminder of that
. But I’m not kidding , she better
not annoy me again . She will
fucking regret it , and I’ll
personally send her back to
where she comes from . She
doesn’t have a place here or the
palace

Ntaba : I didn’t know she was

coming , but it’s clear Nhla told
her everything
Me : uh-uh , friends you keep

Ntaba : yeah….yeah but I’m

sorry

Me : it just must never happen

again , trust me I was very civil
with her . I minded my business
, and she wasn’t it . Hence I
won’t drag this issue , and make
a big deal out of it . Can I not be
pushed ?
I grab the car keys

Me : bye Mwelase , don’t forget

the money . I’ll have movers
bring in my things , later on or
tomorrow morning

He smiles

Ntaba : ngiyak’thanda njalo (I

love you still)
I walk out laughing

Men are just cute , when they

want to apologize and all .
They’ll just do whatever and
everything

But funny enough , I’m not

angry . And maybe a part of me
is happy she saw and found me
here
Because this nonsense they
were busy doing

It just wasn’t flying

Now he asked me to move in ,

and I didn’t hesitate agreeing

It just makes sense for me , I

don’t have a job anymore I pay
rent there . So I might as well
move out , and save my money
for the restaurant

I wanna look good , but I’m

feeling the heat . Last night
effects , are still effective

And I wish I could be in a gown

all day long , but I need my body
massaged
I could have called in home
services , but the air will do me
good
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 32*
*Nolwazi*
I put the cup down

Me : thank you , thank you for

everything

Nhla : what happened ?

He came and got me , I’ve

damaged the car . Even though
the tree wasn’t that big
The front took a knock

Nhla said not to worry about it

We’re at his apartment , we

came here after going to the
doctor

He insisted on me going there ,

just so we can see if I’m okay .
And I’m fine just there one
slight problem
I took a shower , and he made
me coffee

I can say my nerves are calmed

now , and I can even talk

Because when he got to where I

was , I couldn’t even utter a
single word

Me : she was there

Nhla : you saw her ?

Now I laugh , when I recall

everything that happened there

She didn’t make a fuss , or make

noise . The way she’s so calm ,
but stern it made me shiver

She didn’t try to fight me or

anything
Me : you know , what was
worse is that she was acting like
a wife to him . She walked in ,
and kissed him right there and
there in front of me . Like I
wasn’t even there , and she
spoke with him . It’s just how
she said , she’s never gone to
bother me at the palace , but
here I was there . So Ntaba
better sort this out , and it’s
better at a motel because she
doesn’t want us ending up on
her bed . She called me a side
chick like …

He clears his throat

Me : she was so sure of herself ,

I’m sure he told her my
marriage is not filed but hers

Nhla : at least you still have that

triumph card
He says not looking at me

Me : yeah , but I’ve never been

so embarrassed like that

I sigh

I look at him shaking my head

Me : I just…..I couldn’t stand

there any longer , I just ran out
I heave a sigh

Me : it hurt , I don’t want to lie

I’ve never felt such pain . You
told me this , but then to
actually see them together like
that

Nhla : Ntaba is a piece of shit ,

and he doesn’t deserve you .
Don’t worry , just a month and
you’ll show them exactly who
you are . And they shouldn’t
have underestimated you

I nod slowly

Me : I never thought he out of

all people would do this to me

He takes my hand into his

Nhla : don’t worry , it’s going to
end soon

Does it have to hurt this much ?

Nhla : what are you going to do

about …..you know ?

Me : I’m going to abort , I can’t

keep this baby . We were
supposed to be careful , and
you yourself said you can’t have
another child . If Ntaba hears
about this , I’ll lose out in the
divorce . I cheated and brought
a child

Nhla : okay , you know I’m okay

with whatever you decide . So
it’s fine

When we went to the doctor ,

he said I’m pregnant . I knew
there and there I’m aborting
His one hand trails to my face ,
he rubs his thumb on my lips

Nhla : let me make it better

I lean over kissing him , he pulls

my top off . I fiddle with his shirt
buttons
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I walk in , heading to reception

And it’s that lady from the last

time I was in his office

Me : hi

She lifts her head with a smile

Her : hi…uhm

Me : is he in ?
Her : Dr Ndaba ?

Me : there’s no other

She nods

Her : yes …..yes he’s in

Me : hold off all his calls , unless

someone is dying and it’s really
important that you disturb
Her expressions are just always
priceless

I smile , heading to the elevator

going to his office

I knock slightly at the door and

get in , without even a response

He’s sitting on his chair , holding

a small black box in his hand
Me : Mwelase

He lifts head and smiles

I walk over , he moves his chair

back . I sit on his lap , placing
my one hand on his back

My eyes dart to the box , and

it’s a beautiful single diamond
ring
Me : you look miles away

Ntaba : mhm

I kiss the side of his head

Me : I came to check on you ,

it’s like I knew you were not
okay

He smiles
Ntaba : I guess you can never
trust a person

I shake my head slightly

Me : look , maybe this was just

for the best . And you know
exactly who fed her information

He sighs
Ntaba : I don’t care , I’m not
even bothered . I just want you
to marry me still , I don’t want
to lose you because of this . My
only fear and worry now , is that
you might leave me because of
this

I lean down , placing a few

pecks on his lips

Me : I’m not going anywhere

He brings my face down , for a
deep kiss

Ntaba : feeling better ?

Me : very much

Ntaba : you’re not hurt ?

I shake my head
Ntaba : maybe I should check if
you’re really not hurt

I laugh

Me : for what ?

Ntaba : mhm , just to be sure

Me : my lips are swollen , I felt

that when I was touching down
there this morning . But that’s
that only , and they’ll calm
down

Ntaba : maybe I should examine

you

Me : you’re going to fiddle me

down there , and next thing
your crouch will be poking me

He smiles
Ntaba : marry me

I stare at him

He takes the ring out of the box

, taking my left hand he slides it
on my ring finger

Me : I’m married

He laughs
Me : you want me having a ring
, showing off for it ?

Ntaba : I want you to marry me

Me : but…

Ntaba : mhm no buts , trust me

on this

Me : okay
I lean down giving him a kiss ,
trailing my hands to his head
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Dad : it sounds serious

Me : it is , I’ll come home

tomorrow

Dad : but ….. the princess came

there , and you saying you’re
coming here

Me : like I said it’s important

Dad : are you two having
troubles ?

Me : I’m not having troubles

with anyone

Dad : are you running away

from her ?

Me : for what reason ?

He chuckles

Dad : alright , I’ll see you

tomorrow

Me : okay bye

I drop the call , walking back in

the bedroom
She’s sitting on the bed ,
wrapped in a towel lotioning
her legs

Me : please use this time , when

I’m away well . And make space
for your things in here

She smiles

Me : I was talking to my father ,

I want to go back to the village
and deal with this once and for
all . She’s a princess , and some
things need protocol to be
followed

She nods

Khwezi : she better not come

running here , thinking you’re
running away from her . I won’t
take any harassment from her ,
princess or not
Me : wait…..why do you think
I’m running away from her ?

She laughs

Khwezi : it’s just funny , she

came here for you . But you’re
going back to where she came
from

I chuckle
Me : because I want to be done
with this , I’m sure she’s okay
right now . She’s probably with
Nhlamulo , plotting and all

She shakes her head slowly

Khwezi : you’re chilled about

your friend betraying you , and
it scares me
I just look at her

Khwezi : whatever you do , I’m

way too young to be a widow .
And definitely not ready to be
visiting you in jail , so please

I smile

Khwezi : no like , I’m for real .

Don’t put me through that
Me : I won’t

Khwezi : if you were angry , I

would understand . But you’re
too calm , and it’s raising flags .
Friends or not , betrayal is
betrayal and it deserves
punishment . But it doesn’t
seem like you think so

Me : let’s go to bed , you’re

scaring me when you’re talking
like this .
She laughs getting up
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 33*
*Nolwazi*
It’s the next morning, and I
don’t know what I’m going to
do . I’ll go see a doctor soon

I slept at Nhla’s house

Nhla : here

He hands me a cup of coffee

Me : thanks

He sits down

Nhla : what now ?

I shrug

Me : what happened to my car

?
Nhla : I had it towed , and taken
to the mechanic

I nod

Me : you’ll give me ….

Nhla : don’t worry , I have it

covered

Me : you don’t have to

Nhla : I want to

I sigh

Me : maybe I should go back to

the village , or visit my parents .
Or can I file for divorce right
away ?

Nhla : it’s only been days , wait

a bit
Me : and in the meantime what
do I do ?

He sighs

Nhla : he’s gonna come after

me , that I know for certain . I
just have to expect him anytime

I look at him
Nhla : he will know , I set him up
with the whole I was coming
there and he should open . So
it’s clear I’m the one who told
you

Me : I’m…sorry

I shake my head slowly

Nhla : it’s okay , I should just

expect anything from here on
Me : if Ntaba is some person
you’re supposedly supposed to
be scared of , then why did you
do this ?

Nhla : for you

Me : wait it worth it ? Risking

your friendship , and as you say
that he will come after you
Nhla : when you get what’s due
to you , it’ll definitely be worth
it

I smile nodding

I just want to be done with this

whole thing

And start my life , I can never

settle for Ntaba no matter what
Khwezi is my downfall , and
she’ll know the man is hers

I’ll just be some inconvenience

.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Ntaba : come with me

I laugh

Me : no
Ntaba : my mother will be
pleased to see you

Me : I know

Ntaba : so let’s go

Me : what changed ?

He shrugs

Me : you were going alone

Ntaba : yeah , but I’m going to
miss you

Me : it’s just two days

Ntaba : come on , we live

together . We can’t be apart ,
it’ll be miserable

Drama !
Me : I just moved in , and like
you said I’m going to unpack my
things

He sighs

Ntaba : let’s find someone to do

that

Me : who ?
Ntaba : the helper can do that ,
and I’ll pay her extra

Me : no ! There’s no money
that’s going out to pay anyone ,
especially to do something I can
do myself

Ntaba : we’re going to be very

poor , if we keep being this
stingy
I laugh

Me : speak for yourself , my

bank account is very….

Ntaba : I’m leaving

I burst out laughing

The king and queen ruined this

child , he grew up alone without
any siblings
That’s why he’s this dramatic

Me : let me walk you to the car ,

call me when you arrive . And
please , buy something nice for
your mother . Tell her it’s from
me

Ntaba : give me money

I peck his lips

Me : use ours

He shakes his head smiling

Ntaba : I don’t know how I’m

going to keep up with you

Me : oh you’re going to be fine

I walk him out

.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
I didn’t even know what to buy
my mother , so I got her treats
and flowers

Dad : will we talk ?

Mom : don’t be jealous

Dad : well it’s clear , the

daughter in-law loves the
mother in-law it’s fine . But he
came here so we can talk
She laughs

Mom : you’re too old for this

Dad : she could have gotten me

even a cup

Mom : just listen to…..

Me : mhm ! Dad let’s go talk

This back and forth won’t end

Mom : well thank Khwezi for me

I nod

Mom : never mind , I’ll thank

her myself

Dad : yeah , but the allowance

comes from the royal house not
just you
Me : what allowance ?

I ask confused

Dad : I was persuaded that since

you don’t want to spend money
on your wife , the royal house
should support her financially .
Because she’s ours now

This is new to me
Me : with how much ?

Silence !

Me : anyone ?

Mom : I gave her 25K first , but

your father and I agreed on 50K

Wow ! And that’s my poor wife

Honestly her love of money ,
would raise so many red flags

But I think it’s just cute

She loves money , and she just

can’t help herself . But I also
know better , that she would
never use anyone for money

So she’s very genuine about

that , I’m sure without a doubt
Dad : let’s go

We walk out heading to his

study , we both sit down

Dad : what’s going on ?

Me : it’s a lot , things between

Lwazi and I won’t work . I didn’t
get the marriage filed , I used
the letter of agreement that
was done and married Khwezi
legally with it

Dad : what ?

I nod

Me : I want to do right by my
wife , I know we paid bride price
and everything . But I want to
give her a wedding ceremony , a
traditional wedding ceremony .
Where we’ll go and ask for her
hand from her father , and have
her given to us by her father
with his blessings and all . And if
he wants more cows on top of
what was paid it’s fine I’ll pay . I
want us to fetch my wife from
her home , and bring her home
the right way

I look at him
And in all my life , I’ve never
seen my father this proud

He nods with a smile

Dad : now , I can finally get off

that throne chair . Knowing that
it’ll be in great hands , with a
strong willed queen besides the
king . Because it’s not a king
that makes the kingdom , but
it’s the woman besides him
We laugh

Dad : I take it the Usuthu

princess is going back to her
home

Me : yes , we have to do things

right and return her . A lot has
happened , I don’t want her . I
want my wife , and only her .
Nhlamulo screwed me , and I
wouldn’t be surprised if Lwazi
turns pregnant and I’m said to
be a father to a child I didn’t
make

Dad : they’re cheating ?

Me : I really don’t care , she

showed up there where I stay .
And I’ve asked Khwezi to move
in , so I know Nhla is the one
who told her where I stay . And
I’m sure he’s told her
everything , and he didn’t do
anything I asked him to do as
mu lawyer . It was to
accommodate Lwazi , because
he tried filling the marriage but
he head too late and so it
bounced . Because I took
measures and precautions , to
make sure I’m not married off
to another except Khwezi . I
know we can’t just kick her out ,
so her people need to be told
so they can get their daughter
Dad : consider it done

I heave a sigh of relief

Me : I want this to be done , so I

can bring my wife home

Dad : I like this man I see , I am

proud of you my prince . A man
does this , you will rule these
people and they will not perish
Damn it feels amazing , just for
once making him proud that he
doesn’t shy away from saying it

Dad : I will let the Usuthu

people , and the sooner they
come the better . And I’ll
definitely send Bhubesi a letter

He laughs
Dad : he’s going to kill us I
swear

Me : we weren’t right at first ,

and just the way we did things

Dad : any father would be upset

I know

Me : but now , we’ll make

things right . I hope he hears us
, and it all goes well
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 34*
*Ntaba*
She smiles , I sit down on the
couch

Khwezi : your mother is lovely , I

didn’t think your father likes me

Me : come on ! He always
preferred you from the
beginning

Khwezi : the man is scary

Me : says who ?

She laughs

Me : but you’re mine just the

way you are

Khwezi : its great being claimed

We laugh
Me : it’s cold , why are you not
dressed ?

She’s just in a nightdress , and

it’s so short

Khwezi : I miss you

Me : I told you to come with

Khwezi : but I’m done , this is
home . There are no boxes
everywhere

Me : I’ll see you after tomorrow

Khwezi : so even tomorrow you

won’t come back ?

I shake my head
Khwezi : you’re in your chamber
right ?

Me : yeah

Khwezi : alone ?

I chuckle

Me : yes
Khwezi : good close the door ,
make sure it’s locked

I don’t ask questions , I just do

as I’m told . And come back
sitting down

Me : well….

She pulls the nightdress off

Me : mami !
She lays on the bed moving
back , spreading her legs just
exposing her coochie on the
screen

I want to say something , but

nothing is coming out

She rubs her tits , her eyes to

intensely focused on me
Her one hand trails to her
coochie

Me : fuck !

I lean on the armrest on the

couch

She flips her coochie lips ,

sliding her fingers between her
folds
Khwezi : I miss you

Her voice has gotten smaller

Khwezi : I wish you were here

Me : you’re tormenting me

Khwezi : tell me what to do , the

way you would finger fuck me if
you were here
She picks a pillow , balancing
herself with it

Khwezi : I’m listening Mwelase

Me : move your waist a bit

She slowly moves her waist

Me : rub on your clit

She trails her hand

Me : use your thumb , not just
any finger and rub slowly .
Make sure you’re stimulated
enough , you’ll feel the wetness
. How’s your clit feeling now ?

Khwezi : sli….. slightly hot

Me : and it’s hard ?

She closes her eyes moving her
head back

Khwezi : mhmm…..it’s hard

Her voice is trembling a bit

Me : use your wetness , to

lubricate your middle finger .
Don’t remove your thumb on
her clit , slowly slide your
middle finger in . Don’t be
rough , just take it in and out
slowly

Khwezi : mhm….like…this ?

Me : yes , just like that mami

She starts moaning

My dick feels like it’s about to

burst in these pants
Me : slide your index finger now
, let your middle finger
accommodate it . Flip them

I watch intensely , as she slides

in the index finger

Me : pick your pace a bit

She picks her pace , and moves

her waist according to the
rhythm of her fingers
She moves her thighs together

Me : press hard on your clit

with that thumb

My voice has gotten so deep

Her moans get louder , and she

lets out a slight scream as she
presses her thighs together
I watch her loose herself , as
she orgasms

I know torture , but damn this !

She lifts her head up and looks

at me with a smile

Me : open up , let me see

She opens her fold with her

fingers , and I watch slowly as
her cum trails down to her ass
cheeks

Me : mhm , MaMthiyane is this

what we do to each other ?

She laughs

Khwezi : I miss you Mwelase ,

come back home

She lays down on the bed

Me : take a fleece cover
yourself , you’ll get cold

She pulls it , and covers herself

Khwezi : you managed to fix

what you went there to do ?

Me : yes , we reached an
agreement with my dad
She smiles

Khwezi : that’s good , stay on

the call until I fall asleep

The things we do , for the

people we love
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
Another night spent here

And I still have no plan of what

I’m going to do
Or where I’m going to go

I don’t think I can still go back to

the village

I don’t know , but I just have

this fear tonight

And it’s like things are just going

to go wrong
I heave a sigh

I’m the only one stressed ,

Nhlamulo is here snoring next
to me
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Me : did you get it ?

Vusi : yeah
Me : good , I want it burnt down
to the ground

Vusi : we’ll leave nothing

Me : and make it seem like it’s

done deliberately , that
manager will take the fall .
Insurance shouldn’t pay

Vusi : I hear you

I drop the call , getting in my car
driving off
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 35*
*Ntaba*
I wrap my hands around her ,
and she moves startled

Me : it’s me

I say softly , planting a kiss on

her neck

She sighs
Khwezi : what….you said you
won’t be back until tomorrow

It’s after midnight now

Me : I know , I missed you

I kiss the top of her shoulder

She lazily laugh

Khwezi : you saw me fingering
myself , and you just couldn’t
handle yourself

She turns her head , I look at

her she smiles I smile back

Khwezi : Mwelase you drove

through the night for sex ?

Me : I wasn’t going to survive

another day
I trail my hand to her coochie ,
she turns pinning me down

Her eyes are so sexy , it shows

she’s just woken up they’re a bit
reddish

She straddles me

Khwezi : you’re insane

She giggles , trailing her one
hand to her back slowly stroking
my dick

Khwezi : mhm !

She bites her lower lip

seductively

Me : I wasn’t going to survive

another day , not after what
you did
She lifts her ass up a bit ,
rubbing my dick on her

Khwezi : am I wet enough ?

I trail my hand underneath her ,

rubbing on her clit trailing to
her open

Me : yeah , but be gentle and

slow . Don’t hurt yourself
She moves back , taking my dick
slowly inside of her

I groan , her facial expression

changes as she takes me further
in

She’s never done this , so the

pain is different . She closes her
eyes , taking out muffled moans
She breaths heavily quite a few
times

I cup both her boobs , rubbing

her nipples

Me : look at me

Her breathing is abnormal

She leans her head down ,
opening her eyes she looks at
me

Me : come forward , and take

deep breaths

She leans forward , taking long

deep breaths

I trail my hands to her ass

cheeks , I part them a bit
Me : this is how you do it

She laughs pecking my lips

Khwezi : no….you’re too big ,

I’m feeling the whole of you
inside me

Me : you’re filled , it’ll hurt

when you’re positioned straight
. It’s best you lean forward like
this

And she slowly moves her waist

, in circular motion

She lays her hands on my chest

, as her pace picks up a bit

I hold both her thighs , just

letting her do her thing
I won’t thrust underneath ,
cause I’ll hurt her
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
He pecks my lips , I move my
head looking at him

I can’t hold my laugh as I burst

laughing
Ntaba : you’re laughing ,
because you finished me at
dawn

I shake my head

Ntaba : you have no heart

Me : oh but I do , and it loves

you

The shock on his face

Just priceless

Ntaba : it’s amazing being loved

Me : more like insane , it made

you drive….

Ntaba : don’t mock me like that

, you tortured me and really it
was sad
I did say he’s dramatic

My phone rings

Ntaba : who’s calling you so

early ?

Me : it’s your mother

Ntaba : how do you know that ?

Me : I only have 5 people calling
me , and you all each have a
custom ringtone . So I know
who’s who

He laughs handing me my
phone

Me : keep quite

I answer the phone

Me : my queen

Queen Nompilo : he better be

there

I look at him and smile

Me : he is

She laughs
Queen Nompilo : why did he
leave middle of the night like a
thief ? He could have just said
he wants to go back to his
honeypot , no one was going to
restrict him

I laugh not being able to handle

myself

Me : he….he didn’t say he’s

leaving ?
He frowns

Queen Nompilo : whatever you

gave my son , I applaud you . A
man who can leave just like that
, and run back to his wife

Me : poor thing
He gets off the bed , so
annoyed and I just cannot stop
laughing along with his mother

Queen Nompilo : you should

have come with him , it would
have been nice to see you

Me : I’ll come very soon

Queen Nompilo : come
together , because it’s clear
you’ll also disappear

We laugh

Me : okay I promise we will

come

Queen Nompilo : not a problem

my baby , I just wanted to find
out if he left really coming back
home and not out there doing
shenanigans

Me : he’s home don’t worry

Queen Nompilo : okay , it’s still

early he can score some
breakfast . Bye

This woman !
She drops the call with a bang
of laugher

I’m left with shock

Ntaba : what did your friend say

?

I turn as look at him , he’s still

walking around naked
With his dick just dangling , and
I’m like for what ?

Me : your mother is naughty ,

and I wonder how she just
made you only

He laughs

I sit up checking my messages ,

and I have one from Vusi asking
to come see me
Me : Vusi wants to visit , I didn’t
tell him I moved . So is it okay if
he comes around ?

I ask not even looking at him

Ntaba : you don’t even have to

ask , this is your house . Your
family is welcomed here now
Me : mhm , thanks . But I still
have to ask or tell you , just so
you don’t see someone without
even knowing

Ntaba : okay , I appreciate that

I respond Vusi back , sending

him the address
I’m startled when I hear him
sing , and it’s horrible like very
horrible

I turn my head looking at him ,

and he’s still naked !

What do you know , he’s even

doing a little dance there

It’s so cute , but damn funny

Me : Mwelase what are you…..

He turns facing me , and it’s

even worse . I swear he was
better just showing me his ass
cause now this !!

His dick doing things , as he

dances raising his voice a bit
I swear I’m going to die of
laugher , as tears stream down
my face

I can’t even stop myself from

laughing , and he’s so sure of
himself and what he’s doing

If I don’t die right now , I still

have tons of lives
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 36*

*Nomakhwezi*
Ntaba left and went to the
hospital when Vusi arrived

I don’t even know , why he also

arrived this early
But it’s fine , I’m not
complaining

Vusi : this place is insane

We’re sitting by the porch , he’s

having coke and I’m having iced
coffee

Me : yeah
Vusi : this guy has money , I
can’t wait to finish and be a
doctor too

Me : you will finish don’t worry ,

but I’m sure he’s doing other
things on the side

Vusi : things like ?

He just looks at me so
suspiciously
Me : well business what else ?

He nods

He’s 26 , and he’s achieved all

of this , and I can attest that he
has money

Surely all that doesn’t come

from the fact that he’s a doctor
He’s been gone home since he
was 18 , and came back after 8
years

I doubt he earned that much

there

Maybe perks of being a royal

child have worked too

Hence I don’t solemnly believe

it’s all from just being a doctor
Vusi : okay , I hear you . So what
are you doing here ?

Me : I live here

Vusi : clearly , and does Bhubesi

know ? Cause it seems like
things have changed from last
time , and how he knew them ?

I shake my head no
Vusi : why haven’t you told him
? I mean he knows no relation
between you two , but today
you’ve moved together . So it
means things have changed ,
and I think it’s only fair you tell
him . So he doesn’t get any
surprises , I don’t mean it in a
bad way

Me : yeah you’re right , I know .

And I do plan on telling him , I
want to go home and talk to
him face to face . A lot of things
have happened , and I just can’t
tell him things over the phone .
So I’ll go home , sit down with
him and I’ll tell him . Cause
some things , will need an
explanation .

He nods

Vusi : alright that’s cool , just as

long as you tell him everything .
Just so he knows , I don’t think
he will have a problem .
Because he knows about this ,
and you’re married anyways

I nod , not my brother speaking

sense to me
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
I thought I knew what I was
doing

But I don’t
I don’t , and it’s just painful

I feel like I’ve messed things ,

like a whole lot

Now I’m stuck living here , I

can’t go back . And I don’t want
to go home

To this day , I still haven’t

gotten my car back
I asked Nhla what’s happening ,
but he didn’t give me a straight
answer

Now I don’t know what’s what

My phone rings , and it’s my

mother

I shake a bit , just looking at it

ring
What if Ntaba told his family ?
But that would mean he’s the
one in the wrong , and not me
right ?

I’m not the one who left with

lies , and chased another
woman breaking promises I
made

I answer the call

Me : mom

Mom : how are you ?

Okay , something doesn’t sound

off with her voice

It’s her usual , so I guess

nothing is wrong

Me : I’m good , how are you ?

Mom : I’m okay

She keeps quite

Me : I know you didn’t call for

no reason

She sighs
Mom : we got a letter from the
Ndaba's , do you know anything
about that ?

Me : no….what’s the letter

about ? What does it say ?

Mom : your father and I will

come there tomorrow

Me : the letter…..
Mom : bye

Just like that , she drops the call

on me

After everything that happened

, could Ntaba still be wanting to
do the wedding traditional
things ?
After side lining me like that ,
because according to him I’m
not even his wife
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I grab my phone answering the
call

Me : Bhubesi

He laughs

Dad : is all well ?

Me : yes , I cannot complain and
on your side ?

Dad : I’m just shocked

Me : by what ?

Dad : there’s two things here I

want to talk about

Me : okay
I sit up straight

Dad : I received a letter from

the royal family this morning

Me : mhm what letter ?

Dad : one asking , that they

would like to come here and
talk to the Mhlongo family
about you
Me : me….what about me ?

Dad : what they’re basically

asking , is that you be taken out
of your maiden home to your
marital home the right way

I pop my eyes

Me : Ohhhh
I didn’t know Ntaba was going
home for this

Dad : so there’s no way they

can ask such , unless you’re
accepted and regarded as a
wife there

Gosh !

Dad : what don’t I know ?

Me : I’m coming home , and
we’ll talk . There’s things I need
to tell you

Dad : don’t go out of your way

just for me

Me : it’s not , I long wanted to

come

Dad : okay
Me : you said…..there’s
something else

I’m even scared , but I’ll ask

because I want to know

Dad : I had a dream , with you in

a garden of corn and pumpkins

Strange !

Me : what’s that ?
He chuckles

Dad : are you pregnant

MaMhlongo ?

I choke on my spit like nobody’s

business

Dad : drink water

I nod like he can see me , I get
up walking to the kitchen

I grab the bottle of water from

the fridge and drink

Dad : are you okay now ?

I clear my throat quite a few

times

Me : yes
Dad : it’s okay , you’ll tell me all
this when you come home

I’m stunned

Me : is…..is that what the dream

means ?

He laughs
Like okay , I’m here going cold
and he’s laughing

Dad : the corn was too beautiful

, and fresh too . And the
pumpkins were really big , I was
there with you

Me : is it possible that….that
maybe it means something else
? Or maybe that it’s not for me ,
it’s for someone else ?
Dad : I wouldn’t have asked you
if I thought any of those things
you just mentioned

I sigh
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 37*
*Ntaba*
I get up walking to the kitchen

I empty the contents in the bin

I turn back , but something

catches my eye
I look clearly , and there’s like 4
sticks in here

I turn them all , and they’re the

same

I involuntary smile

I close the bin , and walk back to

the lounge

Now everything makes sense

The mood I found her in

I sit down next to her

She looks at me

Me : are you pregnant ?

I ask with a smile , but her stare

is so blank she’s not giving
anything away
Me : I’m going to be a daddy ?

Her eyes glisten , she pouts her

lips

And I cannot contain the joy I’m

feeling in my heart

Like I’m so damn happy

Khwezi : my dad called , he said
I was in a garden of corn and
pumpkins

I nod , holding my laugh in

Khwezi : I got those tests , and

all four came back with the
same results . I guess you left a
human being inside of me , I
mean all four tests can’t be
lying
Heh ! Bhubesi and his methods ,
but without him I wouldn’t
know I’m a father right now

I rub her flat stomach

Me : thank you

She places her head on my head

Khwezi : you’re happy ?

Me : you have no idea

She giggles , I peck her lips

Khwezi : lay here

I chuckle

Me : it’s already bonding time ?

She nods with a smile

I lay on the couch , my head

resting on her thighs reaching
her tummy a bit

She runs her fingers on my head

Khwezi : he also told me about

the letter from your family

Me : mhm
Khwezi : I think it’s best I go
home and talk to him , a lot has
happened

Me : a letter was also sent to

the Usuthu people , they said
they’ll come tomorrow . So I’ll
be needed there , because
when they leave they must take
their daughter with . Soon we
will be welcoming our wife
She laughs

Khwezi : when are we leaving ?

Me : tonight , I’ll drop you off

home tomorrow morning . Your
father can fine me it’s fine ,
we’ll sleep at the palace

Khwezi : okay
I’m glad we’re talking about this
, and she’s not flipping on me

Me : did you see that restaurant

you were working for burnt
down ?

She sighs

Khwezi : Vusi told me , and I

couldn’t believe it when I
checked . It’s just a mess
Me : mhm what do you English
people say , karma doesn’t miss
an address

She laughs

Khwezi : what Karma ?

Me : they treated you bad , look

at them now . And from the
word of things , it seems like the
fire was started deliberately .
And if that’s the case , someone
will be held accountable for it .
And well , insurance won’t pay

Khwezi : poor Suzie , and those

people who lost their jobs now

Me : poor ? Come on ! And it’s

better , because no one got
hurt so
Khwezi : yeah I guess that’s the
only better thing
.
.
.
.
*Nolwazi*
My mother’s call woke me up
today

And the woman wasn’t in my

moods

She just told me , I should be at

the kingdom today
I don’t know how I feel about
going back there

And why are my parents going

there ?

I can’t help but be fearful

And I still haven’t gone to the

doctor
So I’m going there with this
pregnancy

What if Mandlakazi exposes me

? Or worse Bhubesi ?

I want to abort I swear

But something inside of me just

is not at peace with this

Like this baby is innocent

Ntaba didn’t want any kids , and
I did . So what if this is my only
baby ?

Won’t I have regrets later on ,

when I can’t have any more
babies

And I remember this one I killed

?
I could take the money , go far
away and start my life afresh

No one needs to know , and I

don’t have to tell Nhla that I’m
keeping it

And right now , I’m just

conflicted . I don’t know what
to do yet

He’s adamant that I abort

Nhla : I won’t drop you close by
, you’ll have to walk

I nod

He’s driving me to the kingdom

, because my car is still not back

I asked him about it , but he

didn’t give me anything tangible
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Khwezi : wait…..

I look at her

Me : you’re beautiful , come in

I take her hand we walk inside

Mom : ah….you’re glowing

Dramatic such !

She gets up and they hug

Mom : something is different

about you

I clear my throat

Me : don’t crowd my wife like

this , hi dad
Dad : yeah

I laugh

Me : what’s up ?

Dad : nothing

This man can be a lot when he

likes

Mom : when did you arrive ?

Me : last night , we arrived late
and just slept . Khwezi just
came to greet , I’m taking her
home

Mom : oh , you should come

see me before you leave

Khwezi : I will my queen

Me : we have to go , I want to
be here when those people
arrive

Dad : be careful Bhubesi doesn’t

knock your teeth out when you
get there

Me : like for what ?

Dad : you’re very brave entering

his kraal like that
Shit !

So they see ?

Mom : Ohhhh I could tell

Me : okay….okay bye

I take Khwezi’s hand , she bids

them goodbye and we leave
Me : damn bloody village
people , nothing misses them .

She laughs

I drive her home , and park at

the gate

Khwezi : call me later , or come

see us

Me : I will come
She smiles pecking my lips

Me : MaMthiyane listen , when

we come to your home
tomorrow please don’t let your
father beat me

She laughs

Me : no like , on the real . If he

wants to beat me , cry act all
crazy . Just do anything that will
stop him from beating me okay
, faint if you have to

Khwezi : what the….

Me : mhm I’m scared of Bhubesi

, and I can’t fight your father off
if he fights me . And no one will
stop him , until he’s satisfied .
You’re my only hope , like
protect your baby daddy
She’s even crying the way she’s
laughing

Khwezi : why would my father

beat you ?

Me : I got you pregnant before

doing things right , you didn’t
leave your home as a wife . And
now you’re coming back with a
child , we should have fixed
things first . But this has
happened , I don’t regret cause
I’m happy . But a beating

I shake my head

Me : I will pay a cow for getting

you pregnant , tell him that

Khwezi : wow really ?

Me : yeah
I nod

Khwezi : wow , I love you when

you panic like this and you just
give in to anything

Me : you have my back right ?

Khwezi : yeah , leave before he

beats you for parking at his gate
Bhubesi better have mercy on
me
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 38*
*Nolwazi*
My parents are here

The king and queen with the

elders of the royal council

But I’m relieved not seeing

Mandlakazi and Bhubesi

Ntaba is here as well Nhla , I

don’t know what he’s doing
here
I was shocked seeing him walk
in

Because after he dropped me

off , he said he’s returning back

But few minutes after I arrived ,

he got here as well

Dad : King Ntaba we received

your letter and well we’ve
answered , but now we would
like to know why have we been
called here ?

King Lelethu : well , the prince

came to me with a very pressing
matter a few days ago . And I
felt that it needed to be
addressed like right away ,
because we can’t let it drag for
too long
I look at Ntaba , and he’s staring
at Nhla who has his head
bowed down

Dad : I believe we’re all here ,

and whatever the matter was it
can be addressed now

King Lelethu : yes , my prince

over to you . Because I’m not
the one who came to bare
these news
Ntaba : I could say , they should
speak for themselves . But
they’ll probably lie through their
teeth , so I’ll just say it . They’re
both here , they can tell if I’m
lying right here in front of you
all . That’s why I asked Nhla to
be here as well

He chuckles shaking his head , I

feel my insides turn
Ntaba : I left going to work at
the hospital , and I left Lwazi
back . And I won’t lie , I did
leave with intentions to get
Nomakhwezi . I felt somehow ,
that I was here at the palace
with Lwazi . A wife I chose
myself , while a wife chosen by
my ancestors is living out there .
I didn’t want to look like I’m
disobeying my ancestors , only
they know why they didn’t
choose Lwazi . And why she’s
not fit to being my chosen
destiny by them , and I can say
right now I don’t blame them .
Because I left and she turned ,
went and slept with someone I
called a friend and conspired to
get my riches

He smiles looking at me

As my parents gasps , and Nhla

rubs his hands together
Dad : my daughter could never
do such a thing !

I look down , tears blurring my

eyes

Mom : Nolwazi !!

Her voice is so stern , I shake . I

can’t even look at them
Ntaba : right now she could
even be pregnant with his child
….

I shake my head tearing up

Me : I’m….not , no I’m not

Dad : so it’s true ?

He roars
Me : I was hurt daddy , it was a
mistake …..I was just hurt ,
Ntaba promised ! He promised
me , he wouldn’t entertain that
woman . And he lied , he lied I
was hurt

Ntaba : sure I lied , but I didn’t

cheat . Khwezi is my wife , and I
was within my right to persuade
her however I wanted . I wasn’t
going to leave you out cold and
dry , I was going to give you 7,6
million . My own money , that
you had no hand in helping me
accumulate . But no , this one
thought to just use you . And
you were too cheap , and easy
to let him . I don’t know what lie
he told you , but you’re not
getting a cent from me . He
turned against me , and he was
my friend . You’re nothing to
him , but you thought he would
be true to you . The filling of the
marriage bounced , I’m not
married to you because I’m
married to Khwezi . Did he tell
you that your little plan didn’t
work ?

I look at Nhla , not believing

what I’m hearing right now . So
he also sold me lies ? And he
can’t even look at me in the eye

Ntaba : I really don’t want to go

back and forth with this , you
were going to be returned back
to your home the right way and
all . Because I saw this won’t
work between us , and I had
already taken you . But you
chose your way , I want nothing
to do with you . And best
believe you’re not getting
anything from me , not even a
single cent . Even that car I
bought you and you crashed it ,
he sold it so don’t even expect
it back
I feel my head spinning , I’m
loosing breath

Me : Nhlamulo….!

I say as a whisper out of breath

I just want him to say all this is a

lie , that Ntaba is lying . He
wasn’t just using me , that he
didn’t lie to me and sell my car
Nhla : I’m ..sorry !

Wow !

And sorry is the only thing he

can say

Dad : I don’t know what to do

with you , you’ve embarrassed
me . I’m even ashamed to call
you my daughter
He is annoyed , I’ve never heard
this tone

Dad : if you felt you weren’t

wanted here , why didn’t you
come back home ? Did we kick
you out ?

I shake my head no , with tears

streaming down my face
Dad : Why run after a man who
doesn’t love you , and strip
yourself naked like this !

He gets up

Me : I’m….sorry …..

I’m on my knees crying , I’ve

been lied to used and hurt .
Worse the embarrassment and
shame
Ntaba hurt me , Nhlamulo
played me and I was just a fool
to fall for all this

There’s no money , no marriage

. He even sold my car

Who the hell is this guy ?

King Lelethu : with that being

said , we will pay the cows to
appease . Because we did host a
marriage , and your daughter
was brought to our home . But
now , this is where all this ends .
Please leave with her , I don’t
ever want to see her anywhere
in my Kingdom . She’s been
banned

Ntaba : and she better leave me

alone , we have nothing tying us
together anymore . My wife is
pregnant , can she not come to
our house and bother us again .
Please

Did he just say she’s pregnant ?

Is there even anything worse

than hearing that ?.

When he didn’t want kids , all

along but suddenly he runs
after Khwezi she’s pregnant and
he’s all happy about that
I look at my parents , my
mother is so disappointed

My father is fuming with anger

I feel like my chest is burning , I

can’t take all this pain and
heartache

I’m feeling an excruciating pain

on my abdomen
I place my hand there , and
groan in pain as I wipe my tears
with the other hand

Me : oh…my….

I feel a warm liquid down my

thighs

Me : please…..oh….my ….my….
I fall down to the ground as the
pain gets worse

Mom : she’s bleeding , why is

she bleeding ?

Tears are blurring my eyes ,

now I can’t even see them well .
I close my eyes screaming in
pain

Nhla : she’s pregnant

The gasps and my father’s angry
voice are the last thing I hear
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Her family took her to the clinic

My Mother left with them

I honestly don’t care

Not after she lied to them that

she’s not pregnant
I didn’t know either , I was just
saying

But Nhla doesn’t have 3 baby

mama’s for no reason

He’s very fertile , and keeps

leaving his kids in every hole he
enters
There could even be more kids
than the three we know he has

So I figured , if they’ve been

fucking there were chances that
he left a kid in there

That’s the one thing he’s very

smart about doing

I take my phone and make a call

Voice : can we….

I turn and look at him

Nhla : I know you’re….

Sipho : Mr Ndaba

Me : give me a sec

I look at Nhlamulo
Me : don’t annoy me , get the
hell out of my face . And while
at it , take your flat ass out of
here

Nhla : man I’m…

I shake my head slowly

He sighs
I turn picking the call again

Nhla : I’m really sorry , I was

hurt that….

I walk away from him , my back

still turned on him

And if this is not message

enough , he will know soon

Me : sorry about that

Sipho : not a problem

Me : get on with what I told you

to do , strip him naked . He
must be left with nothing ,
because it’s the only thing he
has

I stop on my tracks

Sipho : understood
I drop the call

Voice : everything okay ?

I look at him as he approaches

Me : yes

Dad : I just saw Nhlamulo leave ,

and he was crying
I shake my head

Dad : are you ready for

tomorrow ?

Me : more than ready , as long

as Bhubesi won’t beat me

He laughs

Dad : I wish he does

He pats my shoulder walking
away
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 39*
*Nomakhwezi*
Dad : thank you

He takes the glass , I sit down

Dad : I see you’re well

I nod

Dad : what happened with work

?

I sigh
Me : sometimes I forget that
one can’t hide anything from
you

He smiles

Me : it’s not bad , I was treated

somehow cause of my status .
And I guess I wasn’t strong
enough to handle it , so I left
He nods slowly

Dad : what’s the plan now ?

I look down fiddling with my

fingers

Dad : I would say come back

home , but there’s a baby now .
Meaning a lot has happened
and changed
Me : yes

My head still bowed down

Dad : it’s him isn’t it ?

Me : it is

He sighs

Dad : how did this happen ?

How did it happen again ?

Me : I…. honestly I don’t know ,

it just happened . I guess he was
trying too hard , and I gave in

Dad : he’s treating you good ?

Me : yes he is
Dad : okay , and now his family
is coming tomorrow

Me : I….he said he wants to do

right

Dad : seeing that the princess is

carrying another blood , and
possibly stands to lose her life . I
guess it’s okay he wants to do
well , but will you stand the
heat of talks that will come and
follow after this ?
I look at him confused

Me : what….what do you mean

?

He sighs

Dad : let it be , but do you want

this ?

Me : wait…..will ….
I sigh

Dad : don’t worry about that

He’s just scared me right now , I

don’t want to lie

Dad : if you love him , and

you’re certain he’s going to be
good . You know I bless you
I smile briefly

Me : thank you baba (dad)

He nods with a smile

But my mind is on what he said

now
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*

I look at the time

My mother should be back by
now

But she’s not

And her phone is off

Knowing her , she won’t even

care to charge it if it’s flat

I make a call
Khwezi : Mwelase

I smile

Me : you still good ?

Khwezi : yes , I talked with dad

Me : was he angry ?

She laughs
Khwezi : I don’t know , Bhubesi
doesn’t give much

Me : I hope you’re just pulling

my leg , and trying to scare me

We laugh

Khwezi : don’t worry , I don’t

think he will beat you . Unless
it’s just out of fun for him
Me : if you say so , Vusi is
coming should he bring you
anything ?

Khwezi : he’s coming where ,

here ?

Me : yes

Khwezi : I don’t know that

Me : well I know and now I’ve
told you

Khwezi : how do you two know

each other ?

Me : I married his sister you

know , and that makes him my
brother in-law

Khwezi : don’t play smart with

me
Me : okay sorry , so ?

Khwezi : I’m okay , I think I have

everything

Me : okay

Khwezi : how did your talk go ?

Me : she fainted , and has been

taken to the clinic . I don’t know
what’s happening , and I don’t
want to know . My mother went
with her parents , I guess she’ll
tell us when she comes back

Khwezi : wait….she collapsed

cause you told the elders what
she’s been doing ?

Me : she’s pregnant , and she

was bleeding when they left . I
know she lost that baby
Khwezi : Mwelase !

Me : no , on the real . There’s

no way she will step foot in our
grounds with a baby that’s not
ours , and be spared

She keeps quite

Me : I’m coming
Khwezi : okay

Me : I love you

I hear giggles

Khwezi : I love you

Me : I’ll see you soon

.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Me : how did Ntaba know
you’re coming ?

He looks at me

Me : don’t just keep quite , like

what’s this relation between
you two ?

He sighs
Vusi : there’s none , I actually
don’t even like the guy

He frowns

Me : is that so ?

Vusi : yes

Me : but you call each other , I

didn’t even know you were
coming
Vusi : but it’s just common
sense , those people are coming
to ask for you . And as your
brother , your only brother
might I say I should be here

Me : yeah common sense , so

Ntaba just figured that out

Vusi : I may not like him , but

he’s not that slow . So yeah
He’s lying

He’s definitely lying

And no one between them will

tell me the truth of how exactly
they know each other

I don’t get what’s all the secrecy

about
Me : fine

I get up

Vusi : don’t be like this okay !

He gives me a side smile

Vusi : there’s really nothing

between me and the guy , it’s
not like we’re friends
Me : how can you be friends
when you don’t like him ?

Vusi : I won’t hide that fact , but

now you’re making it sound like
there’s something between us .
Like we’re buddies , and we
communicate . We tell each
other things , and all that

He sighs
Vusi : which is not true

Me : whatever you say

Vusi : don’t be like that , there’s

nothing really

I turn my back on him walking

away

Vusi : I heard I’m going to be an

uncle ?
I turn my head looking at him

Me : mhm , go ask Ntaba

He laughs , I get away from him

My phone beeps , and it’s Ntaba

saying he’s outside

So much for a man who doesn’t

want my father beating him
I grab a throw , just in case it
gets cold out there
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 40*
*Ntaba*
She sits down with a sigh

Mom : you’re ready to leave ?

I nod

Mom : your aunt will go with

Me : you’re staying behind ?

Mom : yes , I’ll see you when
you get back . Bring us our bride
back

I smile

Me : what’s wrong ?

She darts her eyes away from

me
Mom : it’s no…..

Me : don’t do that , I can’t be

stressed about you all day while
I should be focusing on what I
need to do

My dad walks in

Dad : let’s go
Me : what’s wrong with your
wife ?

He looks at her

Mom : okay enough !

She sighs

Mom : I just didn’t want to tell

you this , on your day like this .
And I think people would think
we’re being inappropriate and
all

Dad : what ?

Mom : it’s Lwazi

I went to see Khwezi last night ,

and came back very late

My mother was still not back

So we slept without knowing
anything

Dad : what about her ?

Mom : she’s…..oh she really was

pregnant

Dad : that girl lied through her

teeth , in front of the elders and
her own parents . She
disrespected us , and instead of
appeasing their kingdom .
They’ll have to cleanse mine ,
for their daughter getting
pregnant in my kingdom for
another man

This conversation is going south

now

This man is starting to get angry

Mom : she didn’t make it

Me : who didn’t make it ?.

Mom : Lwazi , she lost the baby

and died along

I frown in confusion

Mom : she was having a

miscarriage , at the clinic they
wanted to take her to the
hospital because of
complications and all . But she
didn’t make it

We go all silent , and it gets so

awkward as she keeps sighing
from time to time

I look at my father to save us

Dad : let’s go

I sigh in relief
Dad : we’re not postponing
anything , we’ll tell Bhubesi
what has happened . He will tell
us if we should postpone or not
, but either way we’re doing this

Me : uhm…. We’ll see you when

we get back , have some tea
and go back to bed

She faintly smiles

We go out

Dad : good riddance if you ask

me

Like really ?

Are we not supposed to speak

ill of the dead ?
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
Few of the family members
from my father’s side arrived
this morning

They’ve agreed not to make a

big deal out of this

This doesn’t need being made

some kind of a ceremony

We can do that at the wedding

Now it’s just to be given away
the right way , being
acknowledged as a wife to the
prince

I don’t want drama

And definitely money spent

unnecessary

Vusi : hi mommy ka pumpkin

I look at him annoyed

Dad told him the dream , and

he’s been calling the baby
pumpkin

He better not call my baby that ,

I will not like him at all I don’t
want to lie

These ugly names stick

Vusi : your in-laws are here

He hands me a bowl of soft

porridge

Vusi : you’re not angry at me ,

are you ?

Me : that would be a waste of

my energy
He laughs

Vusi : you can be hella mean

when you like

Me : do you think dad is going

to be nice to them ?

He laughs

Vusi : I wish he wouldn’t

Me : Vusi !

Vusi : for real , those royals are

full of nonsense

Me : I’m married to them

Vusi : mhm , I’ll see you

He walks out , I sigh

Now wishing I can call Ntaba ,
but I know I won’t be able to
talk to him until they’re done

Can they just not cause drama ?

.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Things sailed smoothly

In a way

As much as he’s not coming

hard at us
Or talking rude and all , and not
beating me . Which was my fear
, but he came at me okay !

He’s still cutting us , and we’re

damn feeling it . The way my
dad and uncles kept looking at
each other . It was insane

He asked for 19 cows for bride

price exactly , and 1 horse
So at first he was paid 9 cows ,
so now we paid the 10 cows
and the horse

And that’s for his daughter

alone

I then had to pay a cow for

getting her pregnant , and for
damages of the baby he just
wanted three cows
The man was steep , he didn’t
even want to hear anything
about reductions or deals

But I know every single cent I

paid , was worth it

Vusi : I want a cow too

We all look at him

Bhubesi : what ?

Vusi : I’m asking for a cow too

Bhubesi : a cow for what ?

We’re dealing with important
matters here

Vusi : this is important too

Bhubesi

This should be interesting

Vusi : so I want a cow , because
when this one is in the dogs
house . I’m the one who always
rescues him . He calls me to
plead his case , I think it’s only
fair

Wow !

I shake my head as the uncles

laugh
He bailed me once , just once
and I can’t exactly call it that

It’s when I asked him to ask his

sister to open up for me , that
time she shot me

Bhubesi : who tasked you to

play marriage counsellor ?

Vusi : he did
He’s just driving a bargain that
doesn’t hold anything , and he
knows that too

But I’m not doing this back and

forth with him
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
He smiles

I just wrap my hands on him

I’m so happy all this is done

How his aunt’s and uncles ,

welcomed me

It was just beautiful , seeing my

father that happy and proud

I’m glad they’ve done this , I

feel like it’s more for him than it
is for me
That man deserves everything
and more , for being the best
father I could have ever asked
for

I’m dressed like a bride indeed ,

with their royal beads on my
wrist and their royal way of
dressing their bride

I haven’t seen the queen

So much for not making a big
deal about this

But there’s people here in the

palace feasting and drinking

Me : Vusi said he scammed you

of a cow

We laugh
Ntaba : your brother is a leech ,
but I gave him his cow . Imagine
him saying , I cry to him when
I’m in the dog house

Me : this relation between you

two is just crazy

Ntaba : there’s no relation , we

don’t even like each other

Me : ah !
He chuckles

Ntaba : he doesn’t like me

either

These two are too suspicious

for my liking

Voice : my beautiful daughter

I smile turning facing her

Queen Nompilo : now I have
someone to gossip , and do
shopping with

We laugh

Ntaba : let the gossip be

contained

Queen Nompilo : gossip with

your wife , and you’ll know
everything we talk about .
There’s nothing that pillow talk
doesn’t expose

This woman !

I wanna be her when I grow up

Queen Nompilo : come with me

Ntaba : you came here to take

my wife away from me ?
She takes my hand , and we
walk away from him sulking
there
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 41*
*Nomakhwezi*
Ntaba : what has your eyes
hooked ?

I look at him

He gets in bed , and snuggle

closer to me
Me : it’s everything on tabloids
today , like these people just
never rest

Ntaba : who are they talking

about for a change ?

Me : me and you , you and

Khwezi . Suzie being under
investigation for the restaurant
fire , and well not your lawyer
fake friend loosing clients like
fleas
He chuckles , pecking my cheek
and the side of my head

Ntaba : what are they saying

about us ?

I smile

Me : oh nothing much , just that

I’m the new Mrs Ntaba Ndaba .
The new so called princess ,
these people are dramatic .
They went as far as calling me a
princess , just because I’m
married to you . Oh well not
forgetting right how , when
your supposedly wife dies

He chuckles

Ntaba : you’re married to a

prince , so you’re a princess
Me : mhm , but the death of
Lwazi is something else . And
some are trying to paint you
bad , the day your so called
“wife” dies you marry another

Ntaba : you said yourself

stupidity comes in all forms , my
PR will deal with that . It won’t
taint my reputation

Me : I see
Ntaba : don’t let it get to you
either , people will always have
something to say

Me : oh I don’t bother myself ,

but I swear Nhla must be feeling
the heat where he is

Ntaba : for loosing clients ?

Me : yeah , if only you could see
how bad it looks like it’s really
bad . And all this , in just a few
days . Some are even saying
he’s cursed

He laughs

I look at him

Ntaba : what ?
Me : are you responsible for this
?

Ntaba : me ? Like how ?

Me : I don’t know , but he

betrayed you . And you just let
him be , I don’t want to believe
that

He smiles
Me : this is you right ?

Ntaba : me what ?

Me : you’re the reason why he’s

loosing his clients like this

Ntaba : how can I possibly do

that ? Like how will I even do
that ?

Me : I don’t know
Ntaba : see

He gives me a brief kiss

Ntaba : you’re just being

suspicious of me , because I’m
not reacting to this . But I’m not
bitter , so I don’t care about
them
Me : well , I guess Karma is
dealing with him too

He laughs

Ntaba : yes

This is very strange

Maybe it’s just me and my

overthink mind , but something
is off here
Me : at this rate , he won’t have
a law firm in a month . He’ll be
forced to close down , well
that’s if the tabloids are not
exaggerating . But he’s loosing
clients , before court cases
they’re pulling out on him

Ntaba : can you put that down ,

honestly you’ll drive yourself
insane reading these things
I look at him

Ntaba : I’m just saying

I put my phone down , I don’t

want drama

And we’re leaving in the

morning , so I really should get
rest
It was nice being here and all ,
but I do prefer our lives away
from the parents
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
My father called me before we
leave

And if I knew it was because of

these people , I wouldn’t have
come here

Dad : what can we do for you ?

Mandlakazi : we know our
princess wronged you , and
your kingdom . And in knowing
everything , we know you were
right to ask that we take her
back home . But now she’s gone
, there isn’t much that can be
said .

Dad : I want my kingdom

cleansed

They sigh
Mandlakazi : accordingly yes

Dad : then after you do so , I

believe that will be the end for
us all

Mandlakazi : we ask that the

royal family be present when
we lay the princess to rest
Me : why she was nothing of us
?

The king gives me a stare

Me : she wasn’t , not legally

married nor even traditionally .
So why should we be at her
burial ? As for me , I won’t be
there . I don’t know about
anyone else
Mandlakazi : can we part ways
in a civil manner my prince
please , we’re not enemies nor
are we fighting each other

Me : who said anything about

that ? And why are you their
spoken person when you’re just
the royal seer ? You’re not
family , such matters don’t
involve you . She wasn’t your
child , I don’t understand why
you’re speaking for them
I look at Bhubesi , and he’s
looking at me intensely

Me : I meant her , I mean you’re

family I married your daughter
and I’m giving you’re a
grandson….

He frowns , I shut my mouth

Mandlakazi : I guess this seals
everything

I nod

Dad : yes , please go well

They get up , and walk out

Dad : can you do something

about him ?
Bhubesi : there’s no hope

They laugh

Me : wait ….you’re talking about

me ?

They keep quite

Me : okay bye

I get up walking out

Dad : let us come say goodbye

I ignore them going to the car

I leave them there bidding each

other goodbye

My phone rings as Khwezi walks

towards the car
And seeing it’s Nhla I’m
sceptical about answering

She gets in

Khwezi : answer your phone so

we can leave

I’m just staring at it

She shakes her head , I drive out
answering the call putting it on
loud speaker

Nhla : thank you for answering

Me : what do you want ?

He sniffs , and Khwezi pops her

eyes

It sounds like he’s crying

Nhla : I’m sorry okay , I know I
wronged you . I just got carried
away , and I thought I could get
away with the money she would
get . I just saw an opportunity ,
and I got greedy . I’m sorry , but
man the law firm is the only
thing that I have . Without it ,
I’m nothing and I have nothing .
You know I have three kids , and
my siblings that I have to
support
Me : why are you telling me all
of this ? As if I care

Nhla : I know it’s you

I side eye Khwezi

Nhla : I hurt you , I know just

how you retaliate….. you make
sure you leave everything in
ruins
M: ey….don’t give yourself so
much credit , you didn’t hurt
me

Nhla : come on ! I screwed you

over , and slept with your
woman even got her pregnant .
I know you would never let that
go , it doesn’t even matter that
she and the baby are dead . I
know you won’t just let me be
Me : well , you tried to screw
me and you failed . And best
believe , as soon as
MaMthiyane gave me a chance
. Lwazi was a thing of the past , I
don’t care about all of this
you’re talking about

Nhla : then please , get Sipho

off my back . I know you sent
him , and he’s destroying me
Me : well , you’re a grown ass
man . Deal with him

I drop the call

Khwezi : karma right ! And my

own suspicions .

I side eye her , she smiles

.
.
.
.
*INSERT 42*

*NINE MONTHS LATER*

*Nomakhwezi*
He hugs me from behind
placing a kiss on the side of my
face
Me : I missed you

He chuckles coming around , he

sits next to me

Me : you’re fresh for tonight ?

Ntaba : yeah , I wasn’t working .

Just was checking on a few
things
Tonight , we’re heading to the
hospital for the big birth of the
prince

Two days ago we went to the

gynaecologist , and got the due
date

Mr here likes being hands on ,

he doesn’t take chances with
this
So he’s delivering his own son

I didn’t even want to argue with

him about that

I just hope he’s ready , because

it’s one thing delivering babies
of strange women

Than when it’s your own

woman , he will be there seeing
his baby pop out of me
And he’ll be taking him out
himself

Ntaba : you rested enough ,

let’s go pack

Me : pack ?

Ntaba : your bag , and I don’t

understand to this day why
we’re packing today . Had you
not been going to the
restaurant all week along , the
bag would be ready now

Me : your mother and Lerato

packed

Ntaba : oh they did ?

He raises his brow

Me : yes
Ntaba : no one is packing for
our baby , let’s go and pack

I’m pregnant , but I think he has

the hormones

He gets up and helps me up

Me : I can’t wait for this baby to

pop out of me
He laughs

Me : and I’m hungry

Ntaba : I ordered food , it’s

coming

Me : thank you

We get to the nursery , and

there’s the bag packed
But of course , he takes the bag
and takes the clothes out

I sit down on the single bed ,

and watch him pack

He’s just dramatic !

And for no reason at all

Me : this is too much work for

no reason
Ntaba : we made this baby

And no one is disputing that

But I’m just happy at how he’s

embracing this father thing

With the crazy months we had

I got to work on that proposal ,

and he funded the restaurant
I don’t think it was my best , but
still he gave me the money

And we’ll be opening in a few

weeks

I can’t wait for that

And I’m glad my baby will be

here
I took my energy , and just
focused on that and my baby .
As well as the traditional
wedding that’s coming soon

I was in no hurry to do it ,
because we had the gifting
ceremony done

Which was the most important

thing for me
And it was when we did it , I
bought Ntaba a ring . So quite
frankly , even if we were to not
have the traditional wedding I
wouldn’t mind

The important ceremonies have

been done for me

I’m fully a wife there

The crazy talks about Lwazi’s
death and our marriage , went
on and on

Ntaba had his PR people

whatnot , busy doing damage
control

It ended up with the royal

family getting involved
Eventually everything died
down

Except for the Nhlamulo matter

, that they just don’t seem to
want to let go of

Even today

He lost his clients , and was

forced to close his firm
He owed the banks , and got
blacklisted

Most of his assets were

repossessed , like his car and
the apartment

I’m sure he even lost the house

he had at the village

A month ago , he committed

suicide
And that’s why they’re still even
talking about him even today

Ntaba couldn’t give a damn

And well I didn’t know the guy

like that , so yeah

Ntaba : that’s done

Me : food
He laughs

Ntaba : okay , let me check how

far they are

He takes his phone out

.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
I wipe the sweat off her
forehead
She still thinks I’m insane
wanting to deliver this baby
myself

But what better privilege can I

receive , than me delivering my
own son ?

I mean , this is an honour for

me

Khwezi : how long ?

Me : few seconds

She lazily smiles

Khwezi : are ….you not

supposed to be looking down
there , than checking on me ?

I chuckle
Me : give me a push when
you’re ready

The nurse is on standby already

I move over as she starts

pushing

It’s after three pushes , the

head comes out
Me : just give me one last big
push

She takes deep breaths , and

pushes once I take the baby

He cries , as I grab the small

sheet from the nurse wrapping
him with it

Me : you…..
Khwezi : ahhh….. something is
coming , I want to…..push again

I pop my eyes handing the baby

to the nurse

Me : oh shit !

I look at her , and she’s tearing

up

Me : okay , give me a push

She lifts her head looking at me

Me : now MaMthiyane

Khwezi : what…..ahhhhh

She lets out a loud scream as

she pushes and another head
pops
I’m fucking shocked right now ,
but I cannot afford to be
panicking right now

She pushes again twice , and I

grab the baby cutting the
umbilical cord

She lays back down drained ,

the nurse puts the first baby
down
While I hand her the other one ,
and he cries

She looks around the room , for

something to wrap him with

Khwezi : the …bag , there’s a

blanket

I look at the nurse

Me : look inside the bag

She opens it taking the small
blanket out , and wrapping him

I clean my wife up , and

stitching her

My heart is still beating like it’ll

pop
When I’m done , I look at her
holding them both . And one is
still crying

Me : what happened ?

She smiles

Me : where did the other one

come from ?
Khwezi : you’re the doctor , you
tell me

Me : oh shit !

I grab the chair

Me : what are we going to do ?

Khwezi : I don’t know about you

, but they’re hungry
Me : they need to bath

Khwezi : yeah you’ll do that

after , they’re crying now

I take the one that has quite

down

Me : like two really ?

She laughs , as the nurse helps

her to breastfeed
Me : I can’t believe this , he
doesn’t even have clothes

I look at him , and he even looks

bigger than his brother
.
.
.
.
*INSERT 43*
*Nomakhwezi*
The boys are sleeping , they’ve
bathed and had to share the
clothes now

Since there’s two , the queen

will bring us more clothes in the
morning
Ntaba said he’s not going
anywhere

I was just in labour for two

hours , and he was here the
whole time

I look at him , and he hasn’t

taken his eyes off of them

The happiness on his face , just

cannot be compared to
anything . I’ve seen him happy ,
but nothing like this

I’ve eaten and I’m full also , I

was very hungry after delivering
them

And he ordered me food

Me : your shock is really funny

He turns his eyes to me.

Me : I don’t know how many
times I’ve told you , that I feel
like there’s two babies in me

He sighs

Dad : I mean

He shrugs
Me : I could tell when they
moved and kicked , one is rough
and the other gentle . But you
said kicks are different

Ntaba : I know such cases

happen , but I just didn’t think
it’ll happen to us

Me : well it happened
Ntaba : our lives have changed
now

Me : you’re going to be a great

father

He smiles

Ntaba : thank you , thank you so

much . They’re so beautiful
He places a few pecks on my
forehead

Me : everyone is going to be
shocked

He laughs

Ntaba : let everyone have their

own turn , I had mine

My poor husband
Me : now we have to bring
another cot in the nursery , and
just get everything double

Ntaba : that room is not even

big enough , we might have to
change it

Now this is a lot of work , we

did not see coming nor
anticipate for
Ntaba : I’ll work on it , they’re
still young now . They’ll be
sharing with us so it’s fine

Me : we better not step on

them

He laughs

Ntaba : you better , you’re the

one who’s clingy to me
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
Vusi : so this is really pumpkin
and corn ?

Khwezi looks at him annoyed ,

and he laughs

Me : don’t annoy my wife

Khwezi : I blame his father for

this
Me : Vusi don’t call my babies
that

Vusi : they’re cute though

Me : well they don’t have ugly

parents

He puts the baby he was

holding down , the parents
came to see the babies and left
Vusi : what have you named
them ?

Khwezi : we don’t have names ,

we only had a name for one .
Now there’s two

We laugh

Vusi : mhm , at least their uncle

loves them enough . So you’ll be
calling them babies until when ?
Khwezi : until we find names ,
the parents were shocked too .
They didn’t even know how to
help us out with names

People were just shocked

finding two babies

Vusi : I’ll be here first thing in

the morning
Is he not insane doing sure with
the babies

Vusi : bye

Khwezi : bye , bring treats when

you come

Vusi : I’m going to buy clothes

for corn , he just ….

Me : shut up !
Vusi : come on ! The dude
doesn’t have clothes , I’m
coming to his rescue

He laughs going out

Khwezi : what kind of an uncle

do our kids have ?

I chuckle
Me : he’s your crazy brother
.
.
.
.
*Nomakhwezi*
I sit down on the bed

We got discharged today

I’m glad we’re home

The queen is here to help us

I’m glad Lerato is also around

She said she missed a lot of

things that happened

She wasn’t missing the baby

being born

I think she’s gunning for being

Godmother this one
Ntaba : don’t you want to sleep
?

He takes my slippers off

Ntaba : they’re fine , and with

your father

Me : he’s so hooked on those

babies

We laugh
Ntaba : get to bed let’s cuddle

Me : you’re not touching me for

4 months

He chuckles

Ntaba : give me 4 years it’s even

fine

I laugh
Me : anyone but you , you
would die

Ntaba : after 4 months , I’m

aiming shots for a princess

Me : you’ll carry her yourself ,

I’ve already popped two babies

He laughs , we move up and lay

next to each other
He holds me as we snuggle
cuddling each other

Ntaba : now this feels right

It sure does
.
.
.
.
*Ntaba*
She’s asleep now , and one
baby is sleeping as well . The
other one is still with Bhubesi
I’m with my father outside by
the balcony

Dad : what to do now ?

Me : the traditional wedding ,

she had already started pointing
a few things . So I think I know
what she wants

Dad : surprising her ?

I nod with a smile

Me : she has the restaurant

launch soon , I think we should
get married before then . I
know she’s like she’s already
married , so she doesn’t need
this . And I know she’s married ,
but I think my wife does
deserve a wedding ceremony

Dad : you’re doing good , you’ve

made me proud . I know I’ve
said it before , but I want you to
know . The fact that you
claimed the wife , that our
forefathers chose for you as
your destiny and you listened .
You’ll make a great king

He looks at me

Dad : despite everything that

has happened , with loosing
Lwazi the way it happened .
You’re here now , you’ve learnt
from the mistakes that you
made and the wrongs you did .
Do better to Khwezi , and which
is why I will be stepping down ,
and I know you’re ready for that
throne now . I know our
ancestors have made a great
decision , for the wife they’ve
chosen for you . And I want you
to stick with her , through it all
the same way she did with you
the past few months . Hold on
to this , there’s a very thin line
between destiny and fate

Now that’s a shock , I did not

expect him to vacate that
throne chair

But who knew , just choosing a

woman destined for me

I’ll be left a throne chair , now

this is another leap
.
.
.
.
*THE END*