Tholanez writings

I have learned that family gatherings are never just about food. They are about questions I did not ask for. They hold opinions I did not request. They carry a future I am expected to deliver on time, like a business contract.

"Mapaseka," my mother called as soon as I stepped into the yard. "O kae monna? Where is your man?"

I smiled politely. It was the kind of smile I had perfected over years of boardroom meetings and uncomfortable family events.

"Mme, I don't have a husband or a man in my life," I said.

She clicked her tongue before I even finished speaking.
At your age? Mapaseka, you are not a child anymore," she said.

I took a deep breath. The smell of cooked meat and traditional food filled the air. It did nothing to calm the tightening in my chest.

Inside the house, my aunts were already seated like judges in a courtroom. I could feel their eyes scan me the moment I entered.

"Ah, here she is," one of them said. "The successful one."

They said the word "successful" like it was a curse.

I greeted them respectfully. "Dumelang, bomma," I said.

They responded, but their eyes did not soften.

Soon, the questions started. "So, when are you getting married?" one asked. "And children?" another one said. "You know time is not on your side, Mapaseka," a third one added.

I sat down slowly. I placed my handbag beside me like a shield. I had faced million-rand deals, difficult investors, and boardroom politics. But nothing prepared me for a group of women discussing my womb like it was a community project.

"I am focused on my business right now," I said calmly.

My aunt laughed. "Business does not sleep next to you at night," she said.

That line made everyone laugh. Everyone except me.

I smiled again. But inside, I felt something crack. The truth is, I am not avoiding love. I am avoiding disappointment. I have been there before.

Kabelo. Even his name still feels like a shadow. He was everything they said I should want. He was educated, polished, and charismatic. He was the man everyone in my family approved of. But behind closed doors, he taught me something painful. He taught me that perfect on paper does not mean safe in reality.

"Mapaseka," my mother said again. Her voice was softer this time. "We are not getting younger. You are building a company, yes. But who are you building a life with?"

I looked down at my hands.

A life with someone. The idea sounds simple when people say it slowly. But for me, it feels like walking into fire without knowing if it will warm you or burn you again.

"I am not against marriage," I finally said. “I don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
My cousin whispered something and laughed. I heard it. "Maybe she is too picky," she said.

That word follows me everywhere now. "Too picky." As if wanting peace, loyalty, and honesty is asking for too much.

Later that evening, as the sun started to set, I stepped outside to get some air. The sky over the yard was turning orange. It was soft and beautiful, like it had no idea what pressure lived inside this house.

My mother followed me. She stood beside me quietly for a moment before speaking.

"Mapaseka," she said gently, "I am not your enemy."

"I know, Mme," I said.

She sighed. "We just want you to be happy. We want you to have children. We do not want you to be alone when you are old," she said.

I nodded slowly. "Ke a utlwa, Mme.” I said.

But what I did not say was this: I am already alone, even when I am surrounded by people. No one here understands what it feels like to be successful and still feel incomplete.

As I drove back to my house that night, I kept replaying their words in my head. "Too picky." "Too late." "Too focused on work."

At a red light, I stared at my reflection in the rearview mirror.

"I am not too anything," I whispered to myself. "I am just not willing to settle."

The light turned green. I drove forward into a life that everyone says is full. But sometimes, that life feels empty in the quietest way. But tonight, I only knew one thing. I am Mapaseka Mokoena. And I am not ready to be rushed into love. Not even buy my own family.

https://novelsbytholanez.blogspot.com/p/umaqondana.html

Chapter 1: The Shisanyama Confessions

The smoky aroma of flame-grilled meat filled the air as the four women sat at their usual spot at Mzoli’s, their favorite shisanyama in Soweto. The lively chatter of patrons, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic beats of amapiano music created the perfect backdrop for their weekly catch-up. Buhle, Lerato, Zee, and Thando had been friends since university, and their shisanyama dates were sacred a time to vent, laugh, and remind each other that they weren’t alone in the chaos of life. Buhle, the ever-elegant lawyer, adjusted her blazer and sighed as she picked at her plate of grilled chicken.

Buhle: “Guys, I’m tired. Like, really tired. I’m killing it at work, but my love life is a disaster. I’m starting to think I’ll die alone with my cat and my case files.”

Lerato, the stylish fashion designer, rolled her eyes.

Lerato: “Please, Bee. You’re not even trying. You’re too busy being a boss lady to notice the men falling at your feet.”

She took a sip of her drink, her face lighting up.

Lerato: “Speaking of men, have I told you about Sabelo? This man is everything. He’s handsome, he’s ambitious, and he treats me like a queen. I think he might be the one.”

Zee, the social media queen, nearly choked on her meat.

Zee: “The one? Lerato, you’ve been dating him for what, two months? Slow down, sis. Men like that are usually too good to be true.”

She wiped her hands and pulled out her phone.

Zee: “Speaking of terrible men, let me tell you about my date last night. This guy took me to that fancy restaurant in Sandton, right? The one with the R500 steaks? Guess what he ordered. Tap water. Tap. Water. Not even sparkling. Just plain, free tap water. And he had the nerve to ask me to split the bill!”

The table erupted in laughter as Zee dramatically reenacted the scene, her animated storytelling earning a few curious glances from nearby tables.

Zee: “I posted about it online, and you won’t believe it, it’s gone viral! I gained, like, 10,000 followers overnight. People are calling him Tap Water Thabo.”

Thando, the quiet nurse, chuckled softly but quickly grew serious.

Thando: “At least your date showed up, Zee. I’m over here playing hide and seek with a married man. Mlungisi keeps promising to leave his wife, but every time I bring it up, he changes the subject. I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.”

The table fell silent for a moment, the weight of Thando’s confession hanging in the air. Buhle reached over and squeezed her hand.

Buhle: “Thando, you deserve better. You’re smart, beautiful, and kind. Why are you wasting your time on someone who can’t fully commit to you?”

Thando shrugged, her eyes downcast.

Thando: “I don’t know. It’s complicated. He says he loves me, and I believe him. But sometimes I wonder if I’m just fooling myself.”

Lerato leaned in, her voice softening.

Lerato: “Love shouldn’t be this hard, sis. If he really loves you, he’ll leave his wife. Period.”

Zee nodded in agreement.

Zee: “And if he doesn’t, you need to leave him. Life’s too short to be someone’s side chick.”

Buhle raised her glass.

Buhle: “To better love lives and fewer tap water dates.”

The women clinked their glasses, their laughter ringing out once again. But beneath the surface, each of them carried their own worries. Buhle’s loneliness, Lerato’s blind faith in Sabelo, Zee’s growing unease about her ex, and Thando’s risky affair all of it simmered beneath the surface, waiting to boil over. As the sun set over Soweto, casting a golden glow over the bustling shisanyama, the four friends made a silent pact to always have each other’s backs, no matter what. Little did they know, their love lives were about to take dramatic turns that would test their friendship and their resilience in ways they never imagined.

Chapter 2: Sparks and Suspicion

The city of Johannesburg buzzed with energy as the sun dipped below the skyline, casting a golden hue over the towering buildings. For Buhle, Lerato, Zee, and Thando, the night held different promises some exciting, some dangerous, and some downright unpredictable. Buhle adjusted her sleek black dress in the mirror, smoothing out invisible wrinkles. The high profile networking event at the Sandton Convention Center was the talk of the town, and she wasn’t about to miss it. As a successful lawyer, these events were part of her job, but tonight, she hoped to unwind and maybe just maybe meet someone interesting.

The venue was a sea of power suits and designer gowns, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and ambition. Buhle grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and mingled, exchanging polite small talk with colleagues and clients. Then she saw him. Vusi Dlamini stood near the bar, his tailored suit hugging his broad shoulders perfectly. He had an air of confidence that was magnetic, and when their eyes met, he flashed her a smile that made her heart skip a beat. Before she could look away, he was walking toward her.

Vusi: “I don’t believe we’ve met,”

he said, his voice smooth and deep.

Vusi: “I’m Vusi.”

Buhle: “Buhle ”

she replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, his gaze steady.

Vusi: “Buhle, beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

he repeated, as if savouring the name. She laughed, brushing off the compliment, but she couldn’t deny the flutter in her chest. They talked for hours about work, travel, and their shared love for fine wine. Vusi was charming, witty, and effortlessly confident. By the end of the night, he had her phone number and a promise to take her out for dinner. As she left the event, Buhle couldn’t stop smiling. For the first time in a long time, she felt a spark of hope.

Lerato sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the diamond bracelet Sabelo had gifted her earlier that day. It was stunning, but something about it felt off. He had handed it to her with a kiss and a vague explanation about a big deal he had closed. When she asked what kind of deal, he had brushed her off with a laugh.

Sabelo: “Don’t worry your pretty head about it, baby,”

he had said.

Sabelo: “Just know your man’s a hustler.”

Lerato wanted to believe him. She really did. But her friend’s warnings echoed in her mind. Zee had called him too good to be true, and Buhle had pointed out that he never talked about his work. Still, Lerato pushed those thoughts aside. Sabelo was ambitious, that’s all. And ambitious men were mysterious. Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a text from

Sabelo: “Thinking of you. Let’s meet tonight. I have another surprise for you.”

She smiled, her doubts momentarily forgotten.

Lerato: “Okay, hustler, I’ll see you tonight.”

she typed back. Zee scrolled through her Instagram notifications, her lips curling into a smirk. Her Tap Water Thabo post had blown up, and her DMs were flooded with messages some funny, some

creepy, and some just plain weird. But one message caught her eye.

Mandla: “Tap water? Really? I would’ve at least sprung for sparkling.”

The message was from Mandla, a shy accountant whose profile picture showed him in a suit, looking awkward but endearing. Zee chuckled and replied:

Zee: “Sparkling? Wow, look at Mr. Fancy over here.”

They bantered back and forth, and despite herself, Zee found him amusing. When he asked her out for coffee, she hesitated. He seemed nice, but nice was boring. Still, she agreed. What did she have to lose? Their coffee date was fine. Mandla was polite, a little nervous, and talked way too much about spreadsheets. Zee tried to keep the conversation lively, but by the end of it, she was counting down the minutes until she could leave.

Zee: “Thanks for the coffee,”

she said as they parted ways.

Mandla: “Anytime,”

Mandla replied, his smile genuine. Zee sighed as she walked to her car. He was sweet, but sweet wasn’t enough to keep her interested. Thando stared at her phone, her finger hovering over the send button. The text she had typed was risky flirty, suggestive, and definitely not something she should be sending to a married man. But something about the thrill of it all made her hit send.

Thando: “Wish you were here with me instead of her. ”

She held her breath, waiting for a response. When Mlungisi’s reply came through, she felt a rush of excitement.
Mlungisi: “You’re killing me, Thando. You know I’d rather be with you.”

She smiled, but the smile faded as she thought about his wife. Thando knew what she was doing was wrong, but she couldn’t help herself. Mlungisi made her feel wanted, and that was a feeling she wasn’t ready to give up. Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a photo from Mlungisi a selfie of him in his car, his tie loosened, his smile mischievous.

Mlungisi: “Thinking of you,”

the caption read. Thando’s heart raced. She knew she was playing with fire, but for now, she didn’t care. As the night deepened, each woman found herself drawn further into the complexities of love, desire, and danger. Buhle was swept off her feet by Vusi’s charm, Lerato ignored the red flags with Sabelo, Zee dismissed Mandla as too boring, and Thando grew bolder in her affair.

Chapter 3: Crossroads and Complications

The city lights of Johannesburg glittered like scattered diamonds as the four women navigated their increasingly tangled love lives. For Buhle, Lerato, Zee, and Thando, the night brought moments of joy, doubt, and danger each step forward leading them closer to the edge of something they couldn’t yet see. Buhle stepped out of her car and onto the red carpet leading into The Ivory Room, one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive five star restaurants. She smoothed her emerald green dress and took a deep breath, her heart racing with anticipation. Vusi had promised her an unforgettable evening, and from the looks of it, he wasn’t exaggerating.

He was waiting for her at the entrance, looking every bit the dashing businessman in his tailored navy suit.

Vusi: “You look stunning,”

he said, kissing her cheek.

Buhle: “Thank you,”

Buhle replied, her cheeks flushing.

Buhle: “This place is incredible.”

The restaurant was a masterpiece of modern elegance crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows, and a live pianist playing softly in the background. They were seated at a private table overlooking the city skyline, and Vusi ordered a bottle of vintage champagne without even glancing at the menu. As they ate, Buhle found herself captivated by Vusi’s stories, his travels, his ambitions, his love for fine art. But whenever she asked about his business, he deftly changed the subject.

Buhle: “So, what exactly do you do?”

she asked, sipping her champagne. Vusi smiled, his eyes twinkling.

Vusi: “A bit of this, a bit of that. I like to keep my options open.”

Buhle raised an eyebrow.

Buhle: “That’s not really an answer.”

He chuckled, leaning closer.

Vusi: “Let’s just say I’m a problem solver. People come to me when they need things done.”

The vagueness of his response nagged at her, but she pushed the thought aside. He was charming, successful, and clearly into her. What more could she want? As the night ended, Vusi walked her to her car, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back.

Vusi: “I had a great time tonight, let’s do it again soon.”

he said. Buhle nodded, her smile genuine.

Buhle: “I’d like that.”

But as she drove home, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered: What is he hiding? Lerato stared at the pregnancy test in her hand, her heart pounding. Two pink lines. She was pregnant.
A mix of emotions washed over her excitement, fear, and a flicker of hope. She and Sabelo hadn’t been together long, but this could be the start of something beautiful. Right? She called him, her hands trembling.

Lerato: “Sabelo, we need to talk. Can you come over?”

An hour later, he was at her door, looking as handsome as ever. But when she shared the news, his reaction wasn’t what she expected.

Sabelo: “Pregnant?”

he repeated, his voice flat. Lerato nodded, searching his face for a sign of joy.

Lerato: “Yes. I thought you’d be happy.”

Sabelo ran a hand through his hair, avoiding her gaze.

Sabelo: “This is… a lot, Lerato. I mean, we’re not even married. What are we going to do?”

Her heart sank.

Lerato: “I don’t know. I just thought… I thought you’d be excited.”

He sighed, pulling her into a half hearted hug.

Sabelo: “I am. It’s just… a lot to process, you know?”

Lerato forced a smile, but inside, she felt a growing sense of unease. Was this the man she wanted to build a future with? Zee sat across from Mandla at a cozy coffee shop, trying to stifle a yawn. Their date had started with promise Mandla was polite, punctual, and had even brought her a small bouquet of flowers. But as the conversation dragged on, Zee found herself struggling to stay engaged.

Mandla: “So, yeah, that’s how I optimised the company’s quarterly budget,”

Mandla said, his eyes lighting up.

Mandla: “It was a game-changer.”

Zee nodded, feigning interest.

Zee: “Wow. That’s… impressive.”

Mandla beamed, clearly proud of himself.

Mandla: “Thanks! I’ve always loved numbers. They’re so… predictable, you know?”

Zee forced a smile.

Zee: “Yeah. Predictable is… great.”

By the end of the date, Zee was counting down the minutes until she could leave. As they said goodbye, Mandla looked at her hopefully.

Mandla: “I had a great time. Maybe we could do this again?”

Zee: “Sure. Maybe.”

As soon as she got home, she pulled out her phone and posted a cryptic tweet:

Zee: “Just had the most boring date of my life. Mr. Boring, if you’re reading this, please stick to spreadsheets.”

Within minutes, her followers were flooding the comments with laughing emojis and memes. Zee chuckled, but deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being too harsh. Mandla was sweet, after all. Just… not her type.

Thando’s heart raced as she stood outside Mlungisi’s house, clutching her handbag. His wife was away for the weekend, and he had invited her over a risky move, but one she couldn’t resist.
The door opened, and Mlungisi pulled her inside, his hands immediately finding her waist.

Mlungisi: “I’ve missed you,”

he murmured, his lips brushing against her neck. Thando melted into his embrace, the thrill of secrecy overshadowing her guilt. But as they sat on the couch, her eyes wandered to the family photos on the wall, Mlungisi, his wife, and their two children, smiling happily. A pang of guilt shot through her, but she pushed it aside.

Thando: “Do you ever think about us?”

she asked softly. Mlungisi hesitated.

Mlungisi: “Of course I do. But you know how complicated things are.”

Thando nodded, but the doubt lingered. Was she just a distraction to him? Or was there a future for them? As the night wore on, Thando couldn’t shake the feeling that she was playing a dangerous game one that could end in heartbreak… or worse. Buhle was drawn to Vusi but wary of his secrets. Lerato faced an uncertain future with Sabelo. Zee dismissed Mandla as too boring, and Thando risked everything for a love that might never be hers.

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Facade

Buhle sat across from Vusi at The Sapphire Lounge, one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive rooftop bars. The city lights sparkled below them, and the soft hum of jazz music filled the air. Vusi had spared no expense caviar, champagne, and a private table with the best view in the house.

Vusi: “To us,”

Vusi said, raising his glass. Buhle clinked her glass against his, smiling. But as the night went on, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Buhle: “So, Vusi, you never really told me what kind of business you’re in.”

He chuckled, leaning back in his chair.

Vusi: “I’m a man of many talents, Buhle. Import, export, investments, a bit of real estate. Why do you ask?”

Buhle: “Just curious, you’re always so vague about it.”

she replied, sipping her champagne. Vusi’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes irritation, Defensiveness.

Vusi: “I like to keep my work and personal life separate, besides, tonight is about us, not business.”

he said smoothly. Buhle nodded, but the nagging feeling persisted. Later, as they danced under the stars, she tried to push her doubts aside. Vusi was charming, attentive, and clearly adored her. So why did she feel like she was missing a piece of the puzzle?

Lerato sat on the couch, her hands resting on her still flat stomach. The pregnancy hormones were wreaking havoc on her emotions, and Sabelo’s distant behaviour wasn’t helping. He had been coming home later and later, his excuses growing flimsier by the day.

Sabelo: “I’m just stressed, baby, work is crazy right now.”

he would say whenever she confronted him. But Lerato wasn’t convinced. She had noticed the way he avoided talking about the future, the way he flinched whenever she brought up the baby.

Lerato: “Sabelo, we need to talk.”

she said softly as he walked in the door, He sighed, dropping his keys on the table.

Sabelo: “Not tonight, Lerato. I’m exhausted.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

Lerato: “You’re always exhausted. When are you going to make time for us? For our baby?”

Sabelo ran a hand over his face, his expression unreadable.

Sabelo: “I’m doing my best, okay? Just… give me some space.”

Lerato watched as he disappeared into the bedroom, her heart heavy. She wanted to believe him, to trust that he was just stressed. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Zee scrolled through her Instagram notifications, her stomach sinking as she saw another comment from Sipho.

Sipho: “Still making fun of people online, Zee? Some things never change.”

She blocked him immediately, but the damage was done. Sipho’s passive aggressive remarks were getting under her skin, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was watching her every move. Her phone buzzed, and she jumped. It was a message from an unknown number:

“Sipho: You can’t block me forever, Zee.”

Her heart raced as she deleted the message and blocked the number. But the unease lingered. Sipho had always been possessive, but this was different. This felt dangerous. Zee grabbed her laptop and started researching how to file a restraining order. She wasn’t going to let Sipho ruin her life not again.

Thando stared at her phone, her finger hovering over the send button. The photo she had taken was risky a suggestive selfie meant only for Mlungisi’s eyes. But she couldn’t resist. She hit send and waited, her heart pounding. Moments later, her phone buzzed with his reply:

Mlungisi: “You’re killing me, Thando. You know I can’t focus when you send me things like that.”

She smiled, but the smile faded as she thought about where he was a family event with his wife and children. The guilt gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside. Mlungisi loved her, not his wife. Right?
Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a photo from Mlungisi a selfie of him in the bathroom, his tie loosened, his smile mischievous.

Mlungisi: “Thinking of you,”

the caption read. Thando’s heart raced. She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but the thrill was intoxicating.

Chapter 5: Shadows and Secrets


Buhle rolled her eyes.

Buhle: “Oh, here we go. You’re just jealous because I’ve moved on.”

Siya: “This isn’t about jealousy,”

Siya insisted.

Siya: “Vusi is involved in some shady business. Illegal stuff, Buhle. I’m worried about you.”

She scoffed.

Buhle: “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Vusi is a successful businessman. Just because you’re not doesn’t mean you get to trash him.”

Siya sighed.

Siya: “I’m not trying to trash him. I’m trying to protect you. Please, just be careful.”

Buhle hung up, her heart racing. She didn’t want to believe Siya, but his words echoed in her mind. Was Vusi really involved in something illegal? And if so, what did that mean for her?

Lerato sat at the shisanyama with her friends, her hands resting on her stomach. She had just shared the news of her pregnancy, and the table erupted in excitement.

Zee: “Oh my gosh, Lerato! Congratulations!”

Zee squealed, hugging her.

Buhle: “This is amazing,”

Buhle said, her eyes shining.

Thando: “You’re going to be such a great mom.”

Thando smiled, though her expression was tinged with concern.

Thando: “How does Sabelo feel about it?”

Lerato’s smile faltered.

Lerato: “He’s… adjusting. You know how men are. They need time to process these things.”

Her friends exchanged worried glances.

Buhle: “Lerato, are you sure he’s on board? He hasn’t exactly been the most supportive lately.”

Buhle said gently, Lerato nodded, though her heart wasn’t in it.

Lerato: “He’ll come around. He’s just stressed with work.”

But as the conversation moved on, Lerato couldn’t shake the feeling that her friends were right. Sabelo’s lack of enthusiasm was a red flag, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could ignore it.

Zee sat on her couch, scrolling through her Instagram feed. She had been avoiding her DMs since Sipho’s last comment, but curiosity got the better of her. When she saw his latest message, her blood ran cold. “You’ll regret ignoring me.” She blocked him immediately, but the fear lingered. Sipho wasn’t just angry he was dangerous. That night, Zee double-checked her locks and set her alarm system. She wasn’t taking any chances. As she lay in bed, her phone buzzed with a message from Mandla:

Mandla: “ Hey, just checking in. Everything okay?”

Zee hesitated, then typed a reply:

Zee: “Not really. My ex is being creepy. I’ll tell you about it later.”

Mandla’s response came quickly:

Mandla: “Let me know if you need anything. I’m here for you.”

Zee smiled, though her heart was still racing. Maybe Mandla wasn’t so boring after all. Thando sat in her car, her hands gripping the steering wheel. She had just received a call from an unknown number, and the voice on the other end had chilled her to the bone.

Man: “Stay away from Mlungisi, his wife knows everything.”

She had hung up immediately, her heart pounding. How much did Mlungisi’s wife know? And more importantly, what was she going to do about it? When she got home, she found a business card tucked under her windshield wiper. It was from a private investigator, and on the back was a handwritten note: “You’ve been warned.”

Thando’s hands shook as she dialled Mlungisi’s number.

Thando: “We need to talk, your wife knows.”

she said when he answered. There was a long pause on the other end.

Mlungisi: “I’ll handle it, just stay calm, okay?”

Mlungisi said finally. But as Thando hung up, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to spiral out of control.

Buhle sat in her office, staring at her phone. Siya’s message had come through an hour ago, and she couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Buhle, we need to talk. It’s about Vusi.”She had ignored it at first, but when he called her three times in a row, she finally answered.
“What do you want, Siya?” she asked, her voice sharp.
“Buhle, listen to me,” Siya said, his tone urgent. “I’ve heard some things about Vusi. He’s not who you think he is.”
Buhle rolled her eyes. “Oh, here we go. You’re just jealous because I’ve moved on.” “This isn’t about jealousy,” Siya insisted. “Vusi is involved in some shady business. Illegal stuff, Buhle. I’m worried about you.” She scoffed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Vusi is a successful businessman. Just because you’re not doesn’t mean you get to trash him.” Siya sighed. “I’m not trying to trash him. I’m trying to protect you. Please, just be careful.” Buhle hung up, her heart racing. She didn’t want to believe Siya, but his words echoed in her mind. Was Vusi really involved in something illegal? And if so, what did that mean for her?

Lerato sat at the shisanyama with her friends, her hands resting on her stomach. She had just shared the news of her pregnancy, and the table erupted in excitement. “Oh my gosh, Lerato!Congratulations!” Zee squealed, hugging her.“This is amazing,” Buhle said, her eyes shining. “You’re going to be such a great mom.” Thando smiled, though her expression was tinged with concern. “How does Sabelo feel about it?” Lerato’s smile faltered. “He’s… adjusting. You know how men are. They need time to process these things.” Her friends exchanged worried glances. “Lerato,” Buhle said gently, “are you sure he’s on board? He hasn’t exactly been the most supportive lately.” Lerato nodded, though her heart wasn’t in it. “He’ll come around. He’s just stressed with work.”
But as the conversation moved on, Lerato couldn’t shake the feeling that her friends were right. Sabelo’s lack of enthusiasm was a red flag, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could ignore it.

Zee sat on her couch, scrolling through her Instagram feed. She had been avoiding her DMs since Sipho’s last comment, but curiosity got the better of her. When she saw his latest message, her blood ran cold. “You’ll regret ignoring me.” She blocked him immediately, but the fear lingered. Sipho wasn’t just angry—he was dangerous. That night, Zee double-checked her locks and set her alarm system. She wasn’t taking any chances. As she lay in bed, her phone buzzed with a message from Mandla: “Hey, just checking in. Everything okay?” Zee hesitated, then typed a reply: “Not really. My ex is being creepy. I’ll tell you about it later.” Mandla’s response came quickly: “Let me know if you need anything. I’m here for you.”
Zee smiled, though her heart was still racing. Maybe Mandla wasn’t so boring after all. Thando sat in her car, her hands gripping the steering wheel. She had just received a call from an unknown number, and the voice on the other end had chilled her to the bone. “Stay away from Mlungisi,” the man had said. “His wife knows everything.”She had hung up immediately, her heart pounding. How much did Mlungisi’s wife know? And more importantly, what was she going to do about it? When she got home, she found a business card tucked under her windshield wiper. It was from a private investigator, and on the back was a handwritten note: “You’ve been warned.” Thando’s hands shook as she dialed Mlungisi’s number. “We need to talk,” she said when he answered. “Your wife knows.” There was a long pause on the other end. “I’ll handle it,” Mlungisi said finally. “Just stay calm, okay?” But as Thando hung up, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to spiral out of control.


Chapter 6: Cracks in the Mirror

The morning sun spilled over Johannesburg, but for Buhle, there was no warmth in its glow. She sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection. Her phone buzzed Vusi’s name flashing across the screen. She hesitated, remembering Siya’s warning.
Vusi: Dinner tonight. Don’t be late. I have a surprise for you.
Buhle’s stomach twisted. A surprise. That could mean anything.

Lerato gripped the steering wheel, her eyes locked on Sabelo’s car a few meters ahead. She had told herself she wasn’t the type to follow a man but tonight, her instincts screamed otherwise.
When he turned into the dimly lit parking lot of an upscale club, her stomach knotted. She killed her engine and stayed low, watching as Sabelo stepped out, glancing around nervously before heading inside.
Through the windshield, she spotted him greeting four men at a private corner table. Their conversation seemed intense, hands gesturing, heads leaning close.
Her phone trembled in her hand as she called him.
“Hey, babe. Where are you?” Her voice was calm, masking the anxiety boiling inside.
“I’m still at work,” he replied smoothly. No hesitation. No stumble.
Lerato’s chest tightened. She hung up without responding, staring at the club’s glowing entrance.
Why was he lying? And who were those men?
A chill ran through her. Whatever Sabelo was involved in, it wasn’t good.

Chapter 7: The Edge of the Abyss

Buhle sat in Vusi’s car, her heart pounding as she stared at the folder in her hands. It was labeled Confidential, and she had found it tucked under the passenger seat when she dropped her earring.
She glanced at the door of the restaurant where Vusi had gone to grab takeout. He would be back any minute, but she couldn’t resist the urge to look inside. The folder was filled with documents, bank statements, contracts, and what looked like offshore account details. Her stomach churned as she scanned the pages. There were names she didn’t recognise, large sums of money, and references to investments that sounded anything but legal.

Vusi: “What are you doing?”

Buhle jumped, slamming the folder shut. Vusi stood at the open car door, his expression unreadable.

Buhle: “I—I dropped my earring, I found this folder under the seat. What is it?”

she stammered, holding it up. Vusi’s eyes narrowed as he took the folder from her.

Vusi: “It’s work stuff. Confidential, like it says. You shouldn’t be going through my things, Buhle.”

She felt a flicker of anger.

Buhle: “I wasn’t going through your things. I found it by accident. But since we’re on the topic, what’s in there, Vusi? What are you hiding?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Vusi: “You’re overthinking this. It’s just business. Complicated, boring business. Can we drop it?”

Buhle wanted to press further, but the look in his eyes stopped her. There was something cold, almost threatening, in his gaze.

Buhle: “Fine, Let’s just go.”

she said softly. But as they drove home, Buhle couldn’t shake the feeling that she was sitting next to a stranger a man with secrets she wasn’t sure she wanted to uncover.

Lerato stood in the living room, her arms crossed as she faced Sabelo.

Lerato: “I saw you at the club, Sabelo. Don’t lie to me again.”

Sabelo sighed, his expression one of exaggerated patience.

Sabelo: “Lerato, I told you, it was a business meeting. Why are you so paranoid?”

Lerato: “Paranoid?. You’re the one lying to me! You said you were at a meeting, but you were at a club. With your friends. Don’t tell me I’m imagining things.”

she snapped. He stepped closer, his voice softening.

Sabelo: “Baby, you’re pregnant. Your hormones are all over the place. I get it. But you need to trust me. I’m not lying to you.”

Lerato’s eyes filled with tears.

Lerato: “Then why do I feel like you’re hiding something? Why do I feel like I can’t trust you?”

Sabelo pulled her into a hug, his tone soothing.

Sabelo: “You’re overreacting. Everything’s fine. I love you, and I’m here for you. That’s all that matters, right?”

She wanted to believe him, but his words felt hollow. Still, she nodded, burying her face in his chest.

Lerato: “I just want us to be okay,”

she whispered.

Sabelo: “We are,”

he said, kissing the top of her head.

Sabelo: “We’re more than okay.”

But as Lerato clung to him, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was losing herself and the truth in his lies.

Zee stood in the parking lot, staring at the note on her windshield. The words were scrawled in bold, black letters:

“ I’m always watching.” Her hands shook as she crumpled the note and threw it to the ground. Sipho was escalating, and she didn’t know what to do. Her phone buzzed with a message from

Mandla: “ Hey, how’s it going? Want to grab coffee?”

Zee hesitated, then typed a reply:

Zee: “Not today. I’m dealing with some stuff.”

Mandla’s response came quickly:

Mandla: “Anything I can help with?”

She stared at the screen, torn. Part of her wanted to confide in him, but another part was afraid of dragging him into her mess. Before she could reply, another message popped up this one from an unknown number: “You can’t hide from me, Zee.” She blocked the number, but the fear lingered. Sipho wasn’t going to stop, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep pretending everything was fine. Thando sat on her couch, staring at her phone. The second warning message had come through an hour ago, and it was even more chilling than the first. “You’re playing with fire.” She had no idea who was sending these messages, but the timing was too coincidental. Mlungisi’s wife knew something or at least suspected something. Her phone buzzed with a call from Mlungisi. She hesitated, then answered.

Mlungisi: “Thando, we need to talk, my wife… she’s asking questions. I think she knows.”

he said, his voice tense. Thando’s heart raced.

Thando: “What are we going to do?”

Mlungisi: “I’ll handle it,”

Mlungisi said.

Thando: “Just… stay low for a while. Don’t contact me unless it’s an emergency.”

She nodded, though he couldn’t see her.

Thando: “Okay. But Mlungisi… be careful.”

Mlungisi: “You too,”

he said before hanging up. As Thando set her phone down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to explode. She was playing with fire, and the flames were getting closer.