Combustion by Thandi Moagi

All rights reserved copyright ©️ Thandi

Moagi 2024

ONE

SNEGUGU DLAMINI

Not this again, I sigh as the cashier looks at

me like I've just committed the worst sin in
the world.

"Please try again," this is so embarrassing,

the supervisor is standing with her arms
folded to her chest ready to void other
items. I look behind me and the queue is
longer than a few minutes ago.

"Decline," oh my gosh, I look down

defeated.

"Here, please swipe my card," I looked up

and it's my boss Byron Smith, I'm so
embarrassed right now but I don't have the
luxury to refuse his kind gesture or let my
pride get in the way. I need these items, my
little sister is going on a school trip.

"Thank you," I say looking down and he

nods. I take my plastic and attempt to walk
out of the store but he stops me on my
tracks.
"According to my watch your lunch ended
20 minutes ago." My heartbeat accelerates,
I'm shit scared because I can't afford to
lose this job. My sister and I depend on it.

"I'm sorry Mr Smith, I had to get......" he

interjects.

"I'm not interested in your excuses. Follow

me, I'll give you a ride back to work." He
says walking away with his long strides. I
find myself literally jogging after him just to
catch up. It's just 10 minutes walk to work
from the mall but I was not about to refuse
the ride back to work. He is the CEO and
very much has the power to fire me without
thinking twice. We get inside his mercedes
Benz G-wagon and drive off, his car smells
of his cologne mixed with a bit of marijuana.
His phone ring and he answers, whatever
the person is saying on the other side must
not be pleasing because he looks mad as
hell. He does a dramatic tire screeching u
turn and drives off in high speed while still
speaking on the phone. He hangs up and
sighs.

"I need to go somewhere," my heart is

beating so fast and at this moment I don't
know what to say.

"Uhm.."

"Shut the fuck up I need to think!" Yoh lo

mlungu.
We drive for a while until we get to some
abandoned building and he parks the car.

"Stay here I'm coming," he says climbing

out of the car before I cam say anything.
Cleo, my friend and colleague must be
worried about me because I left my phone
in my locker. I am a cleaner at Smith
attorneys while she is the receptionist, I sit
still like a good girl waiting for him to come
back.

Two hours later.....

This man hasn't come out, I feel suffocated

inside the car and i have no idea where the
hell am I. I decide to climb out of the car
and follow the direction he went in, who
knows? Maybe he might be in trouble or he
forgot that he left someone in his car. I walk
closer to the building and I come across a
door, I open it and get inside a the dusty and
dim building. I walk further in until I hear a
man groaning. I rush to follow the sound
thinking that it's Mr smith. I slowly tiptoe
following the sound until I spot a white man
tied up to a chair and three other white men
including my boss standing looking at the
guy. Mr smith is pointing a gun at the man
and he fires four shots on the man tied to
the chair causing me to let out a slight
scream covering my eyes with my hands.

"Didn't I say you should stay in the car?" He

shouts causing me to look up, his crisp
white shirt is now stained with blood and
his knuckles are bleeding. It looks like he
was giving that man one hell of a beating
before shooting him in cold blood.

"She saw you kill him Blaze, she has to die."

One of the guys says, he looks familiar. I
think I've seen him visit Mr Smith a couple
of times at his office.

"I won't say anything I promise please, I'm

all that my sister has in this world. Our
parents died two years ago, I'm her only
parent." I say visibility shaking and crying.

"Next time I tell you to do something, you

do it. Am I clear?" I nod vigorously as he
drags me back to the car and drives off.
"Grab your bag, I'll take you home," he says
parking the car at our workplace, he fiddles
on his phone clearly he is not coming inside
the building.

"Where have you been? Cleo says

switching off the computers, it's already
knock off time.

"I'll explain tomorrow," I say running to the

lockers. I'll have to think of a lie tomorrow to
tell both Cleo and my manager Mosala.

He parks his car outside my home, I climb

out and wave awkwardly. He just stares at
me like I'm retarded, i hurry into the yard
and I dare not turn.

"Ahhh sis Gugu where are my things?" My

little sister says as soon as I open the
kitchen door, snap! I must have left them in
the car. I rush out and collide onto a rock
hard chest almost falling but the murderer
catches me.

"Are you okay?" I stuttered seemingly I

forgot how to talk.

"You forgot this," he says holding up the

checkers paper bag.

"Thank you," I say taking it.

"Hello, are you my sister's boyfriend?"

"No! I mean no," she giggles taking the

paper bag from my hand.

"She's single and she's still a virgin you

know," can the earth just swallow me now?

"I'm sorry Sir, my sister is suffering from a

no filter syndrome coupled with
forwardness syndrome." He darts his eyes
from my loud mouth sister and he looks at
me intensely.

"Remember what I said," he says and I nod.

"Uhm this is my boss Mr Byron Smith," she

gasps.
"Your boss? Is this the white man you have
a crush on?" My eyes pop.

"No! She's...." he shakes his head and turns

walking away, my sister and I stand there
watching him until he gets into his car and
drives off. What a day I've had and thanks to
my sister it just got worse.

TWO

SNEGUGU
I don't think I can ever go back to Smith
attorneys after what I witnessed and my
loose canon of a sister literally telling my
boss that I had a crush on him made things
worse.

"Aren't you going to work?" She says

barging into my bedroom.

"No I'm not, I'm actually going job hunting

today." She frowns before bursting into
laughter.

"This is not about what I told your boss

yesterday about you having a crush on him
right?" I sigh.
"No," she sits on my bed.

"Hai maan Zamo aren't you late for your

field trip?" She sighs.

"Sisi you can't just quit your job, you know

we need the money."

"I know baby but I'll figure something out,

something happened at work that just
made me feel unsafe so I can't continue
working there." She frowns

"Unsafe?"

"You will be late Zamo," she looks at me for

some time before getting up, I know my
sister. This conversation is not over, she will
pester me until she gets a satisfactory
response.

After Zamo left I decided to write a

resignation letter and send it via email.
Later in the day I decide to go job hunting in
town, I drop off my CVs at a couple of
restaurants and retail stores.

"Hey beautiful," I roll my eyes upon hearing

that voice.

"Mdu," he licks his lips and flashes a smile

showing off his gold tooth.

"Hau muhleza, what's a girl like you doing at

a place like this?" I scoff, Mdu lives in my
neighborhood. This guy doesn't know how
to take a hint, he has been asking me out for
years now.

"Mdu I'm not in the mood for your

nonsense, I'm busy handing out my CVs,
I'm looking for a job and standing here won't
help me with anything."

"Well you're in luck because they're looking

for a waitress at the restaurant I work at," I
squill with excitement.

A week later.......

BYRON/BLAZE
My brother Jerome walks into my office...

"Don't you have a job?" I say bored.

"Well I wouldn't be here if your father

wasn't breathing down my neck."

"About what now?"

"Wilson," I chuckle.

"He's dead he must get over it." He

chuckles.

"You know dad was very fond of him right?

And it's not helping that his daughter is now
an orphan."
"Which is why you should marry her," my
father says walking in and I chuckle.

"And why would I do that?" He grabs a chair

and sits.

"I'm out," my little b*tch of a brother says

literally running away.

"Dad I have to go to court in a few minutes."

"Son Michelle needs a mother and Ashley

is just perfect." I chuckle.

"And when did you come to that

conclusion, before or after your greedy
friend's death? Please don't use my
daughter to ease your guilt." I say getting up
grabbing my jacket and car keys.

"At least think about it son, Ashley is a good

girl, she's beautiful and educated."

"Then you marry her."

"Watch your mouth Byron, you're not too

old for me to still beat the crap out of you." I
chuckle.

"I have to go, tell mum I'll bring Mimi over

tomorrow. I need to go to cape to fix the
mess your dead friend made." I say walking
out, leaving him standing there. He is crazy
if he thinks I'll marry that obnoxious
woman, yeah sure I slept with her once or
twice but there's no way in hell I'd torture
myself by marrying her. I pass by the
reception finding the receptionist and the
new cleaner talking, I chuckle because as
soon as they see me they pretend to be
busy. I knew that girl was going to quit, I
expected it. I would have been impressed if
she came back to work but I guess she's a
coward, I'm glad she won't say anything
about what she saw the other day and that
chapter is closed.

A Few hours later....

I get home tired as hell, all I need now is a

shower and to sleep but I don't have that
luxury. I have six year old daughter who
needs my full attention, her mother passed
away right after giving birth to her and since
then it has just been the two of us.

"Byron!" She shouts running towards me.

"Hey pumpkin," she frowns. She hates it

when I call her that and I hate that she
doesn't call me dad unless she wants
something.

"Agnes," I greet the helper.

"Good evening sir,"

"You can take the night off and tomorrow

too. I'm taking her to her grandps tomorrow,
she'll sleep there." She bows before walking
out.
"And how was school?" She shrugs.

"Dad can grandma come with me to

mommy and me show and tell at school?" I
nod.

"You'll ask her tomorrow but I'm sure she

will agree." She nods with a smile. I love
how understanding she is, she knows that
her mother passed away. I don't see myself
loving another woman after I lost her, a part
of me died with her. We were highschool
sweethearts and soon after I graduated
from law school we got married. She was
the the love of my life and not a day goes by
that I don't miss that woman and with
Michelle looking so much like her it's
impossible to forget her.

*SNEGUGU*

Mdu came through for me because I've

been working at the fancy Italian restaurant
in town for a week now and I must say I'm
loving it. It's very hard to get a job especially
with just a matric certificate. The plan was
to go to university but after my parents died
I had no choice but to work, my mother's
friend got me a job at Smith attorneys as a
cleaner but I didn't mind being my one at
just 19 years old because my sister was
doing grade 8 then and needed to be taken
care of, that was two years ago. She's now
doing grade 10 and she's doing well, too
smart for her own good but I wouldn't trade
her for anything, it's just the two of us now.
Our parents'death really showed us that
family will abandon you when you need
them the most, the only person who's been
there for us is my mother's friend Ma
Ntombi, not even my aunt stayed after we
buried her sister mxm family neh.

"Mdu is calling you," my sister says walking

in with the two Kota's I sent her to buy.

"What does he want? Today is my off day. I

need to rest." She shrugs.

"Put mine in the microwave I'm coming, let

me hear what he wants." I put on my
slippers and find him standing outside the
yard.

"Mdu," he smiles and the gold tooth makes

an appearance.

"How are you beautiful?" I sigh.

"Mdu I'm tired tu, what do you want?"

"Okay listen, I have a gig for you and it pays

5k for just a couple of hours," I chuckle.

"I'm not a prostitute Mdu," he laughs.

"Of course not but you are crazy beautiful

and have a banging body just what my
friend needs," I frown and I attempt to walk
away but he grabs my arm.

"Okay that came out wrong, his client is

hosting a poker night at some mansion in
Basonia. He is looking for girls to serve food
and drinks, you will basically be a hostess
just like at the restaurant the difference is
that it pays well." I sigh thinking, I'm behind
on Zamo's school fees, that 5k will come in
handy but what kind of waitressing job pays
5k for a night?

*SNEGUGU*
I decided to go to the waitressing gig
because I need the money. After calling
Mdu I got dressed and knocked on Zamo's
bedroom door.

"Come in," I'm wearing black jeggings and a

black shirt, she frowns when she sees me
dressed and ready to leave.

"Uyaphi?" She's already under the covers,

it's just after 9 pm.

"Work," she frowns.

"This late? You said the restaurant closes at

10 pm so why would you go to work at
9pm?" I sigh, this one acts like my parent
sometimes.
"There's a private function starting at 10pm
my boss asked me to work there, it's double
pay." She nods.

"I'll see you in the morning, please behave

yourself." She chuckles.

"Bye sis," I walked out of her bedroom and

called Mdu.

"Already at the gate muhleza," I walk out

and lock the door behind me. Zamo has her
own keys.

A HOUR LATER.....
We arrive at a huge, enormous house. It's
an estate where there's security before you
enter the neighborhood. I'm looking around
like Jimmy comes to jozi gawking at the
beautiful houses. there are three other girls
in the car, I don't know if I didn't get the
memo or what because these girls look like
they're going to the club or something.

"We will pick you up at 6 am." They drop us

off and we enter a heavily guarded
mansion.

"Why is there so much security?" One of

the ladies asked. We shrug and enter the
house.
"Ladies, I'm Sylvia. You're late." A white tall
and slender woman says with a thick Italian
accent. I know it's Italian because I work at
an Italian restaurant. She gives us aprons,
trays and corkscrews.

Okay so it's a poker night featuring old

disgusting rich men with big bellies and
wondering eyes. We spend the night being
degraded. If we were not spanked on the
butt we were grabbed and winked at. I
swear if it wasn't in the middle of the night I
would have walked out. The other girls
didn't mind though, they went as far as
sitting on their laps.

"Maybe you should take a shot, I don't know

why Mdu would bring someone so stuck
up." One of the girls says, I didn't even care
to know their names. I just know that this is
the first and last time I do this. I choose to
ignore her and continue on working,

The next day.....

"4700, 4800, 4900,5 tousand rand" the

Sylvia woman says placing the money in my
hand. I'm so tired but the worst is over. Now
we can go home. It's just before 6 am, we
are waiting for Mdu and his friend to come
pick us up. The three are talking about how
rich the men are and one of them even
admitted to having a quicky with one of the
men in the bathrooms for an additional 5k
yoh I'm not judging but soze shame.
"Muhleza, Mdu greets as their car parks in
front us. I attempt to open the door and a
voice speaks behind us.

"Vone million Rand's for her," we all turn

looking at a disgusting man wearing a silk
robe. He is one of the players I served
earlier, there are two huge and tall men
carrying guns in suits.

"Mdu let's going," I get inside.

"I want her," he says pointing at me.

"Guys get in the car," the driver... Mdu's

friend gets out of the car.
"Sho bozza," he says shaking his hand and
all of a sudden I'm being dragged out of the
car kicking and screaming.

"Mdu! Mdu please! Oh my goodness guys

please!" My screaming falls to deaf ears as
I'm being dragged to another car.

Two weeks later.....

*BYRON/BLAZE*

I had a long day in court, I'm tired as hell, I

would have went straight home if I didn't
leave some files I need for another case I'm
working on. I frown at a girl in school
uniform sitting on the couch outside my
office focusing on a cellphone.
"Can I help you?" She brings her head up
and she looks familiar.

"Don't I know you?"

"Hello Mr Smith, we met once. My sister....."

she says getting up and tearing up. Great it's
the cleaner's sister.

"Come with me," I say walking into my

office and she follows behind. I show her
the chair before giving her a box of tissues.

"Tell me why you're here, calmly this time."

She sighs.
"My sister is missing, she has been missing
for the past two weeks now. Something
must have happened to her because she
would never leave me alone." I sigh.

"You're aware I'm a lawyer and not the

police right?" She nods.

"The police are useless, I reported her

missing but they didn't do anything, I know
who took her and I asked them to question
him but they didn't. I bet if I had tjotjo they
would have acted, being poor in south
Africa means you're less than nothing."

"I still don't get where I fit in, I'm just a

lawyer and your sister no longer works for
me." She stares at me like she's thinking.
"I also don't know why I came here but
something told me you're the person I
should come to, yes you are a lawyer but I
disagree with the statement "just a lawyer"
there's more" I side smile and she looks
down.

"Indulge me."

"The day you dropped my sister off, your

white shirt had blood stains and your
knuckles were bruised. My sister went from
crushing on you to being so scared that she
up and quit her job knowing that we depend
solely on that salary now I'm no psychic but
my guess is that she saw you do something
and you threatened her. Now lawyers are as
crooked as they come and you Mr Smith
are no different." I chuckle, I'm impressed.

"What do you want to be when you grow

up?"

"A lawyer," I laugh throwing my head back.

"I like you."

"I'm Zamokuhle Dlamini," she says

stretching her hand.

"Byron Smith," she smiles but a sad smile.

"You said you know who took her," she

nods.
"Some guy in my neighborhood Mdu, he's a
shady character nje, he has always had a
thing for my sister but she never gave him
the time of day. He works at an Italian
restaurant in town and that's where my
sister worked. The last time I saw her she
claimed there was a private function and
she'll come in the morning. I looked outside
the window when she left and a red Polo
Vivo picked her up. A week later Mdu
suddenly had money and bought everyone
ekasi alcohol and he's renovating his
backroom, when I confronted him he said I
should stop spreading lies about him and
that it's not safe for a little girl like me to live
alone, I could get raped and killed." I nod
listening attentively.
"I'm even scared to go home, I've been
crushing on a couch at my friend's house." I
sigh.

"I'll help you," she tears up.

"Thank you very much Mr Smith."

"It's Byron, let's go grab your stuff. You'll

stay with me in the meantime." She frowns.

"I can't be out there looking for your sister

while you yourself are not safe."

*SNEGUGU*
Why doesn't he just kill me? I have begged
and screamed but no one is coming to my
aid.

I have given up all hope, I failed my sister. I

failed my parents. I have been saving my
self for the one but the night I was dragged
into a car kicking and screaming was the
say I lost my pride. This big man and his
friends have turned me into their sex slave,
their amusement, they're punching bag.
What sin have I committed?

"Whore, get up you are leaving the country."

I get up and this big man walks towards me.
I'm locked in a bedroom, there's an ensuite
bathroom. I get one meal a day and they
always film themselves everytime they
rape me.

"I'm a business man, someone just made

me an offer, he's a Cuban man. You've
sucked his balls before, remember? You
made an impression but before you leave. I
need a parting gift. He says already taking
off his clothes. God please no!
[09/12/2023, 17:40] Thandie : FOUR

At Byron's house.....

Zamo walks in holding her bags, Byron sent

a driver to pick her up.
"This will be your room for now, Mr Nzama
will take you to school and back everyday.
No funny business in my house, I live with
my daughter. You'll meet her soon." Zamo
nods walking inside the room.

"I'll order take out, anything specific?"

"I eat everything."

"I'll be in my study if you need anything,

second door on the left." He walks away
leaving her to unpack her stuff.

"She's with an Italian man named Jean, it's

bad bro, he has all his friends sleeping with
her and filming it and he uploads the videos
on some private BDSM website." His
brother Jerome says.

"Get me the address I need to pay him a

visit today." His other brother Chad
chuckles.

"Why are you so hell bent on getting that

girl? She is a nobody and besides, I'm sure
Jean is part of the Italian mob, I for one don't
want to step on a giant's toe."

"She's my cleaner," Byron says with a smirk.

"I need you guys, don't make me beg."

"We got your back Blaze," Jerome says

downing his drink before turning to Chad.
"Right bro?" Chad nods.

*SNEGUGU*

"So sweet, so tight. I could get lost in your

sweet thing. I'm sure going to miss you." He
says shooting his cum inside me.

"Get cleaned up." He says getting off the

bed.

"I'll send someone to do your hair and

make." He walks out after getting dressed
and I bawl my eyes, why is this happening
to me?
After struggling to get up from the bed I
went into the bathroom and took a long
bath while crying, I stopped praying about a
week ago, there's no use. I no longer wish to
be rescued. I'm dead now, all I hope for is
for my sister and any other woman out
there to never experience what I'm going
through.

"Hello, madam!" Someone says knocking

on the door and I immediately snap from
my thoughts. I quickly get out of the tub
before grabbing a towel, I don't want to
anger that monster.

"Hi, I'm here to do your hair and makeup." A

lady wearing a skimpy outfit with a lot of
make up says.
After she did my hair and makeup which
was a simple natural look, she installed a
360 degree frontal weave and she did a
classy updo. She went for the timeliness
Hollywood glam look.

"There you go," she says standing behind

me as I look at myself through the body
length mirror, I'm wearing a long black
evening gown with a long slit. On a normal
day I would say I look beautiful but right
now when I look at myself I feel nothing but
disgust, I still can smell their whiskey
smelling breath and them laughs as they
take turns violating me. I don't feel like I look
right now.
"Smile you are beautiful," I stare at her
though the mirror without saying anything
but we have unspoken words between us
and she drops her eyes feeling guilt.

"Your new master is here," the monster

says sticking his head through the door.

"I said make her look decent not gorgeous,

now how am I supposed to let her go
looking like this?" He says licking his lips
and I have an urge to throw up right there
and then.

"Come let's go," he leads me out of the

bedroom downstairs where a man wearing
a tuxedo is waiting, he is not bad looking, he
has dark hair and is s shade darker than the
average white people in my country.

"We meet again," he says, he must be one

of the many men who pleasured
themselves on me.

"What's your name?"

"Snegugu," he shakes his head.

"Bloody African names. I like the mane

Sasha from now on your name is Sasha," I
just nod looking down, I've learned to stop
fighting after I got a massive blow on my ear
after I bit one guy's penis, my left ear is still
numb to this day.
"Jean my man, it was a pleasure doing
business with you. Sasha, let's go." He says
reaching out his hand.

*BYRON/ BLAZE*

A car drives out of the yard and my gut tells

me she's in that car although the windows
are tainted and we can't see inside.

"Follow that car." It's a black jaguar.

"Are you certain she's in there?" I shrug.

"Call it intuition but I feel she's in that car,"

my brother presses on his laptop.
"Shit! The car is registered to some guy from
Germany, Rudolph Kutch. A hard ass, man
this is beyond us, dad will freak out," he
says looking spooked.

"I'll deal with him later for now let's do this

please." I'm begging, right now my brothers
are shocked that I'm begging.

The car stops at the traffic lights and I get

out of the car with a gun, I break the window
using the gun before pointing it at the driver.

"Get out," I say already pulling him with the

other hand, Jerome is already opening the
back door and yes, there she is, Jerome
drags her out before shooting Rudolph on
the leg.
"You motherfuckers you don't know who
you're dealing with, you are dead, you're all
d....." Jerome doesn't let him finish the
sentence, he empties his gun on his head
and I shoot the driver too.

The drive to my house is quiet, she still

hasn't said anything to me or any of us. She
seems to have zoned out.

"Uhm I'm not sure if you remember me."

She stares at me without saying a word.

"Must I run you a bath?" We just arrived and

I've taken her to the guestroom. Her sister
must be in her room.
"Your sister is here, would you like to see
her?"

"No," she answers.

"Okay, the bathroom is right there and I'll

ask Agnes to bring you something to eat."
She doesn't say anything but continues
staring into space. I decide to let her be and
leave the room.

"How is she?" Jerome asks.

"Disconnected."

"I've shut down the website, she needs a

doctor man. I couldn't even watch the
things they did to her, also get her
psychiatric help." I nod.

"Dad is going to kill us." Chad says.

"I'm sorry."

"Well we better get our affairs in order

because we are as good as dead." I swallow
hard. I know I've started war with both the
Italians and the Germans, we are just small
fish in the world of crime and we just pissed
off sharks of the underworld.

*FIVE*

*BYRON*
After my brothers left I went to fetch Mimi
from school, we found Agnes in the kitchen
making lunch.

"Has the two ladies come down yet?"

"There's a girl in the living room," I nod

leaving Mimi with Agnes, she usually eats
first before going to change, I've given up on
scolding her.

"Hey," I greet Zamo.

"Mr......"

"Byron, I told you to call me Byron." She

nods.
"Tomorrow you'll have a driver taking you to
school and back." I say sitting on the
opposite couch.

"Any news?" I sigh.

"I found her," she squills.

"Where......,"Mimi comes running in.

"Byron who's this?" I chuckle, this child will

embarrass you in front of people.

"This is Zamokuhle Dlamini, she'll be

staying with us for a while. Zamo this is my
daughter Michelle but everyone calls her
Mimi."
"It's nice to meet you Mimi, you're so
beautiful," she giggles.

"I like your hair," she says already touching

Zamo's afro.

"Thank you."

"Go change your uniform, we are going

shopping." She frowns.

"Really?" I nod.

She runs off and I turn to Zamo.

"Your sister is her in the room across yours,"

she attempts to get up.
"Wait! She..." I sigh.

"She's not herself right now, she went

through a lot so I need you to accompany
me to get some clothes for her." She frowns

"What do you mean she's not herself?"

"Your sister has been missing for weeks,

she went through a lot in those weeks. She
must still see doctors and stuff." She nods.

"Like PTSD?"

"Yes so we need to give her space. I know

she's your sister and you're happy she's
back but please understand when she
pushes you away." She nods smiling.

"Thank you Byron, thank you for finding her.

May God bless you and protect you all the
days of your life." I nod smiling.

We went shopping and Zamo picked out

the clothes she thought her sister would
like. I went into her room but she was fast
asleep so I placed the clothes on the bed
and walked out.

The next day....

She didn't come down for dinner nor did

she eat anything, she's starving herself. I
knock a couple of times before letting
myself in and i find her cleaned up in the
clothes that we bought her standing by the
window looking outside.

"Good morning," she turns

"Mr Smith," I smile.

"Byron please." She nods.

"Uhm I need to go to work but I'll come

back around 12 or so, we have a doctor's
appointment at 1 pm," she nods.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you, I kind

of blame myself." She frowns.
"Did you send those men to violate me and
dehumanise me?" I shake my head.

"Then it's not your fault." She turns and

continues looking outside.

"Please eat something," she nods but she's

still not looking at me. I sigh before walking
out.

*SNEGUGU*

I thought I wouldn't sleep but surprisingly I

slept like a baby, I woke up to clothes on the
bed and cosmetics. I took a long soothing
bath and now I feel a bit refreshed. I watch
as he walks out and I heave a sigh, I have so
many questions but for some reason I can't
seem to utter any words in front of him.

I walk downstairs and the house is quiet,

seems like there's no one. I open the fridge
and take out a tub of yoghurt.

"Hello," I scream dropping the tub.

"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you.

I'm Agnes the helper." I nod trying to pick up
the tub, the yogurt is spilled on the floor.

"Leave that, look at you, you're shaking.

Come sit," she says taking my hand and she
leads me to the dining table.
"I'm coming, sit down and relax." She says
flashing a warm smile. Moments later she
walks in holding a tray, it's just a simple fruit
salad, granola and yoghurt.

"Here eat, you'll tell me if you want

something greasy and I'll make it for you." I
nod smiling.

"Thank you sis Agnes," she looks too young

for me to address her as ma. I nibble on the
fruit salad lost in thought.

"I thought you'll be finished by now," she

says placing a glass of juice.

"Freshly squeezed." She says.

"Thank you," she sighs before pulling up a
chair across.

"I don't know what you are going through

but I know that God......" I hold out my hand.

"I don't mean to be rude but I don't believe

in God anymore, how can someone who
claims to be like a father to me let me go
through what I went through? I'm sorry Sisi
Agnes but there is no God, it's just a made
up story to give people false hope and to get
them to behave in hopes of one day going to
heaven, well it doesn't work because only
poor and naive people believe he exists
while the cruel people on this earth living
longer and happier." She nods.
"I'm sorry you feel that way," I chuckle.

"Oh no, don't feel sorry for me. I've been

liberated, I found out the truth in the most
painful way, there are no angels ready to
save us, there is no God. I just feel sorry for
those who believe in him," I say chuckling.

"They're in for a rude awakening."

"Uhm let me to the cleaning," I fake a smile

and continue poking at the food.

Later that day.....

He came to pick me up like he said he

would and now we're at the doctor's office,
I'm grateful that it's a female doctor.
"The pregnancy test came out negative so
you're not pregnant however you have
tested positive for HIV, " of course I did, I
won't even cry.

"HIV is not a death sentence and if you take

your medication consistently you can live a
long healthy life." I nod, she already
explained all this crap before testing me, I
don't know why she's repeating this again.

"I'm going to start you on ARV immediately.

Do you you have any questions?" I shake
my head.

"The tearing on your vagina and anus will

heal after a week or two but I will also give
you something for the pain and antibiotics
to prevent any possible infections." I nod
getting up.

"Thank you very much doctor," she smiles.

"Take this to the reception, they'll give you

the medication."

I walk out finding Mr Smith talking to some

lady, he smiles when he sees me and I look
down.

"Are you done?" I nod.

"I must give this to the receptionist on our

way out." The lady clears her throat, she's
those typical tall slender and blonde white
women.

"Ash this is Sne a friend of mine, this is

Ashley." She frowns probably waiting for
him to explain their relation but this guy
ignores that.

"See you around Ash," he says taking my

hand and walking away from the now
fuming Ash.

After we left the doctor's office we drove

straight to his house.

"Your sister and my daughter will be back

any time from now, I wanted us to talk
before they get here." We sit in lounge.
"Tomorrow there's a lady who will be
coming here to talk to you, she's a therapist.
I need you to try it out. What happened to
you is horrible but I believe you can
overcome it if you fight, I don't want all my
effort and the risks that I took to rescue you
to be in vain." I nod.

"I don't think therapy will help, nobody can

can help. I just want to die." I say looking
down.

"Try it for a month and if you feel the therapy

is not working then I'll help you out myself," I
frown.

"How?"
"I'll put a bullet in your skull." I gasp and he
chuckles.

"What? You said you want to die and I'll be

glad to help you provided you try therapy for
a month." I squint my eyes and he laughs.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Your loud mouth sister is blackmailing me,"

I frown.

"What?"

"Yeah, she said you know longer have a

crush on me because I threatened you."
Lord Zamo.
"I swear I didn't say anything," he laughs.

"And besides, I don't have a crush on you, I

never did. She just assumed it was you
since I said the white guy I work with." He
chuckles.

"Let's say I believe you, who is the guy."

"Mark from finance," he nods amused, I just

said Mark because he's white and around
his age but hell no.

"I can hook you up you know," I shake my

head.
"I don't think I'll ever be with a man ever
again." He sighs.

"Give me a month," I laugh.

"Then you'll blow my brains out?"

"Or I'll blow your mind." He says getting up.

I shake my head and get lost in my own

thoughts until I feel hands hug me, I look
over and it's my sister already holding me
tightly crying.

*SIX*
*SNEGUGU*

"Why are they crying?" A little girl says

standing behind Zamo. We break the hug
and she wipes her tears.

"She's just happy to see her sister, this is

Snegugu Dlamini, she's Zamo's older sister
and she was away for a while, that's why
they're both crying, they missed each
other." I smile holding out my hand.

"Hello Mimi," she frowns before smiling.

"I remember you," she says smiling.

"Yes I remember you too." She used to visit
her dad at Smith attorneys, that's where
she knows me from.

"Are you going to be staying with us too?" I

look at her father and he nods with a smile.

"Okay, let's go change Zamo," she says

already dragging my sister.

"I forgot you two met," he says and I smile.

"She's a lovely girl," he nods.

"She is."

The next day.....

Everyone has left for work and school, it's
just Agnes and I. Since the conversation we
had she's been keeping her distance, I think
I offended her. I was like that too when it
came to me believe in God. I was so
passionate about his existence and his
unconditional love for us that I would get
angry if anyone said anything bad about
him. Even when my parents died I never
lost faith until now.

Mrs Kobus my therapist came and what

was meant to be a two hour session ended
up being a five hour session, she moved all
her appointments and just let me cry, I don't
think in that five hours I uttered more than
five words but her being there listening to
my sobs kind of helped in a way.

After my therapist left I decided to go sit

outside by the pool, the water looks so
beautiful and inviting. I'm not even wearing
swimwear, I'm wearing leggings and an
oversized top.

*BYRON*

My father barges into my office looking

deadly, I sigh because I know we are going
to fight and I don't have the energy.

"Tell me it's not true," I sigh.

"What?" He scoffs.
"Don't piss me off, you know exactly what
I'm talking about," I shrug.

"That your house is infested with black girls

and that you saved one of them waging war
against the Italians and the Germans." I
chuckle.

"So, is it true?"

"Yes," he scoffs.

"Are you out of your mind? Out of all my

sons I thought you were the most level
headed one. What Is this? Have you
forgotten you have a daughter? Her mother
must be turning in her grave." I get up from
my chair pissed.

"You can talk as much nonsense as you like

but keep my wife's name out of your mouth,
I'm a good father to Mimi. A Better father
than you were so lay off the insults as if you
are a saint."

"You're on your own, I'm done. The Italians

are coming for you and that bitch you're
harbouring at your house." I sigh.

"I don't need you, I've been getting my

hands dirty for years trying to make you
happy but it's clear to me that you are
selfish and self absorbed, that's why your
greedy little vile brain can't even fathom
why I would risk everything to save my
fellow another." His eyes pop.

"Is it me you're talking to like that? You

ungrateful little shit, when they come for
you, I won't even lift a finger." He says
walking out and banging the door behind
him. I pick up my phone and make a call.

"Are you in?"

"Yeah."

"I'm on my way," I hang up the phone and

walk into his office.

"Blaze," I chuckle.
"Don't call me that at work." He nods and I
pull up the chair.

"Sbu man I'm in trouble," he frowns.

"Remember the cleaner that once walked

in during the partners mean wearing
earphones singing?" He chuckles.

"That young sexy thing," I shrug.

"What about her?"

"She resigned and started working at some

Italian restaurant, well to cut the story
short, she was falsy lured into some big
time Italian mob my the name of Jean. He
kept her against her will and did horrible
nasty stuff to her. Her little sister came to
me after the police failed her, I helped her
and now my father just cut ties with me
because I waged war against both the
Italians and the Germans." He whistles.

"I'm in a bind here man, I need your help.

I'm done with my father and I know Chad is
with my father so I can't count on him, I'm
not sure about Jeremy though."

"I got your back," I sigh relieved.

"Where's the girl now?"

"At my house even the little sister." He nods.

"I'll speak to Houdini I'm sure he'll have my
back on this one."

"Thanks man, they're heavily guarded. I flew

the best security detail for them discreetly
of course."

"Yeah my tech guy is your tech guy."

"Are you still with the prosecutor?" He

chuckles.

"She's a judge now thank you very much

and she's not going anywhere, I'm pumped
two babies inside her and her racist father
is spitting venom," I laugh throwing my head
back.
"Let me get going man," we fist bump.

At Byron's house....

Snegugu decided to take a swim and it was

truly therapeutic for her, she went back to
her room and took a quick shower before
going back downstairs to make a quick
snack. She stops on her tracks when she
sees a white older woman with silver hair
sitting on the bar stools in the kitchen. She
turns around hoping she didn't see her.

"So it's true, Byron has people staying in his

house and I his mother know nothing about
it." She turns and flashes a nervous smile.

"Hello I'm Snegugu," she nods with a smile.

"Come," she says patting a chair next to her.

"Come I don't bite," she says again seeing

how hesitant Sne is.

"I'm Gina Smith, it's lovely to meet you," she

says with a warm smile.

"It's nice to meet you too Mrs Smith." Sne

says returning the warm smile.

"Please let me know if I'm being too forward

but how do you know my son?"

"I used to work at Smith attorneys," she

nods.
"And what brings you here, are you and my
son dating?"

"Don't answer that," Byron says walking in.

"Ladies," he pecks his mother's cheek.

"I'm guessing your husband told you about

the fight we had," Gina nods.

"Well he said he's done with me so," he

says shrugging.

"Are you okay Sne?" She nods looking down

and Gina chuckles.
"I was having a chat with my daughter in
law before you interrupted us," Sne gasps
causing both mother and son to laugh.

"I need....uhm...I was....yes my bedroom

uhm I mean....the bedroom I'm using." She
says getting up and walking out.

"You chased the poor girl away," Gina

laughs.

"I like her," he chuckles shaking his head.

"I'm not blind son, that young lady is not

alright. I saw the fading bruises on her arms
and legs. What happened?" He sighs and
tells his mother everything.
"I'm proud of you and don't let your father
discourage you, you did a good thing for that
young lady and I see you're quite taken by
her." He chuckles.

"Don't get any ideas, I just need her to heal

first." She nods.

Sne has been cooped up in the bedroom

since the embarrassing moment with
Byron's mother when her sister barges into
her bedroom still in her uniform.

"Hey sis, did you meet your mother in law?"

"Not you too, I'm damaged goods don't you

get it?" She says breaking into a sob.
"Woah, I'm sorry Sis I didn't mean to make
you cry."

"Please leave," Zamo frowns but

remembered Byron's words.

"I'm sorry Sis Gugu," she says before

walking out.

*SEVEN*

*BYRON*

Sne has locked herself in the bedroom and

hasn't come downstairs since my mother's
comment, if she didn't go through what she
went through I swear I would think she's
acting childish right now, my mother left
and it's just me, Zamo and Mimi when my
brother Jerome walks in.

"Uncle J!" Mimi shouts excitedly.

"Hello his pumpkin," she frowns causing

me to laugh.

"You remember Zamo right?" He nods.

"Are you joining us for dinner?" He nods

taking a seat.

"How is she?" I sigh.

"She had her first session today, I guess it
was a bit rough and Gina had to talk
rubbish," he frowns.

"Don't tell me she went off on the poor girl,"

I chuckle.

"On the contrary, she was sweet and all but

I guess her saying she's her daughter in law
rubbed her off the wrong way," he nods.

"I guess after what she went through, men

and relationships are the last thing on her
mind," I clear my throat signalling him to
keep quiet around Zamo.
"Yeah, uhm can I have a word with you in
the study please?" He says already getting
up.

"Ladies, behave. I'll be back," I say and they

both nod.

"I'm with you bro all the way," he says as

soon as we enter my study."

"Yeah?" He nods.

"Let me guess, Chad is siding with dad." He

nods and I chuckle.

"He's a punk," he says and I laugh.

"Let him be," he sighs.

"I met someone," he says before sighing.

"It's about time." He chuckles.

"Well I still need to make her mine."

"Okay," he chuckles.

"What's her name, do I know her?" He

laughs.

"I can't even pronounce her name dude," I

laugh throwing my head back.

"Now I'm intrigued."

"She's a petrol attendant, I met her a couple
of months ago. I found myself going to that
garage often just so I can hear her sweet
child like voice, I swear she sounds like mini
mouse and she's cute and all but I haven't
made my move yet." He says smiling.

"Dude you are whipped," he laughs.

"I am, I'm wifing that woman." Wow okay.

*JEROME SMITH*

"I can't wait to meet my sister in law," I

chuckle.

"What about you? When are you getting

Mimi a mother?" He shrugs.
"My mind is all over the place man, I just
don't think I'm ready for a relationship now."
I frown.

"It's been 6 years bro, she'd want you to

move on." He shakes his head.

"I'm fine with how things are, I don't think I

could love another woman and it's not fair
because women need love. Mimi has her
grandmother, she understands her situation
and I can't now force a relationship for the
sake of getting her a mother. There's no
logic in that because I'd have to love the
woman or else there's no point."
"And the girl? I thought maybe there's
something there," he shakes his head.

"I'm sure she's a lovely lady and I care for

her but not in a romantic way," I nod.

"Well brother let me get going, I'll keep you

updated about Jean. I've been keeping tabs
on him," I say getting up.

"I thought you're joining us for dinner." I

shake my head.

"I just remembered I need to fill up the

tank," I say laughing and he joins me.

After I said my goodbyes, Mimi wasn't

pleased with me but after I bribed her with a
two hundred note she was all smiles, I
drove straight to the filing station, I haven't
seen her in a couple of days. She always
has a beautiful smile that does things to my
heart every time I see her and that voice, I
swear it's the weirdest I've ever heard from
a grown woman, even Mimi's voice is not
that small, I wonder what it would sound
like when I'm buried between her thighs
with her screaming my name.

"Sho bozza,"a male attendant greets.

"Full tank 95 please," he nods and fills up

the tank, I look around hoping I'll spot her
but nothing, she's probably off today.
"Uhm where's the lady with a small voice
that works here?" He looks down and takes
off a cap and instantly my heart races.

"Eish bozza, two days ago her shack burned

down with her little sister sleeping while
she was here working. I think the sister was
studying and she fell asleep with the candle
still burning. It's just too sad," shit!

"Where can I find her?" He frowns.

"I'd like to help her," he sighs.

"A colleague of ours is housing her for now,

actually after my shift I'm going to her to
give her the money we contributed for her
to bury her sister."
"What time are you knocking off?" He looks
at his watch.

"In twenty minutes time bozza," I nod.

"I'll park over there and wait for you."

An hour later.....

We get to an informal settlement area, the

condition is very bad, now I wish I was
driving my Q7 instead of the mercedes
Benz c class I'm driving right now because
the roads are bad.

"Right here," he says pointing a white shack.

"Over there is where Ntjantja used to stay,"
he says pointing at a burned down rubble
about three shaks away. Lord there's that
name again, I'll have to practice it until I get
it right or it's pet names for her all the way.

"Please call her for me," he nods before

stepping out of the car. Moments later he
walks out of the yard with her. She looks
broken, I lean over and open the passenger
door. Her eyes pop when she sees me,
we've talked a couple of times but just
small talk.

"Climb in," she hesitates a bit before getting

in.

"Hi," she looks confused.

"Uhm...hi," I sigh.

"I'm sorry about what happened to your

sister and to your home," she nods looking
down before sniffing.

"Can I please hug you?" She looks up and

looks down before nodding.

"I'm really sorry sweetheart," I say taking

her into my arms and she sobs painfully.
What I wouldn't do to see that million dollar
smile of hers right now."

The next day.....

*SNEGUGU*
Someone knocks and I ignore them, I'm not
in the mood to see anyone right now.

"Sne open up it's me," I sigh getting up, I've

been in my room the whole day and night. I
didn't even eat anything last night, Byron
came to beg me to eat but I refused to open
the door. He must be irritated by me right
now.

"Hi," he says holding a tray. He's already

dressed for work judging by his formal
clothes.

"Hello," I say moving back making space for

him to enter.
"You are losing weight rapidly, it's not
healthy." He says placing the tray on the
night stand.

"Sne, I know it's hard but I need you to fight

please. You can't allow yourself to sink into
depression like this." He says patting the
bed and I sit next to him.

"I'm sorry if what my mother said hurt your

feelings."

"I'm HIV positive," I say burying my face into

my hands.

"I'm sorry to hear that but you know you can

live a long and healthy life, you can go on to
have children and get married," I shake my
head.

"They took my innocence like it was

nothing, they gave me a parting gift that will
be a constant reminder of what I went
through." He takes my hand and I gently pull
it out.

"Teach me how to use a gun," he shakes his

head.

"Why?"

"I want to shoot Mdu and his friend but I

don't want them to die though, I want to
give them what they gave me. Nightmares,
self loathe, pain, regret and the anger I feel. I
cannot be going through this alone while
they are living it up out there enjoying the
money they sold me for."

*EIGHT*

*BYRON*

I hold her hand again and this time she lets

me.

"Leave that to me, right now I want you to

focus on healing and not on revenge
because once you go down that path,
there's no coming back from it." She sighs.
"You will beat this Sne, you know why?"
She shakes her head.

"I believe in you," she wipes her tears and

smiles faintly.

"You are a strong beautiful woman and the

way your sister speaks so highly of you, I
can tell that she's very proud of you, if you
can't fight for yourself then do it for her, she
needs you," I get up and kiss her forehead.

"I'll see you after work okay?" She nods and

I kiss her forehead again before helping her
up and I engulfs her into a tight hug.

"Do you think you can give me my job

back?" She asks after breaking the hug.
"Isn't it too soon for that? You need to heal
first and......" she interjects.

"Physically I feel much better, much

stronger. Staying cooped up in this house is
going to drive me crazy, all I do is think
about what happened. All day everyday. I
just want to keep busy and besides, I miss
Mark and Cleo." I squint my eyes and she
giggles.

"Were you serious about the whole Mark

thing?" She nods.

"Wow, okay."

"So?" I sigh.
"What about your therapy sessions?"

"I'll still attend everyday, I don't mind

working half day and getting half pay. We
can just move my session to later in the
day." I nod.

"You really thought about this hey?" She

nods.

"Speak to your therapist and I'll speak to the

HR." She attacks me with a hug.

"Mmm no funny business with Mark in my

premises," she giggles.
At Smith attorneys......

I've just settled in and my phone rings.

"Sir there's a Ashley wanting to see you," I

sigh.

"Let her in."

Moments later Ashley walks in wearing a

huge coat.

"Ashley," she smiles.

"Are you sick or something?" She frowns.

"The coat?" She giggles.

"You're right, it's to hot for this. Let me take
it off," she says seductively before taking
the coat off and is left with a red lingerie.

"Like what you see?" I just stare at her as

she cat walks towards me and turns the
chair around to face her.

"You don't need to answer that," she says

touching my erect shaft.

"This is my work place," she totally ignores

me and gets on her knees, she unbuckles
my belt and takes out my hard me, she
gently strokes it while giving me a devilish
smile.
"It won't be the first time you eat me in your
office," she gets up and gets on top over
desk before spreading her legs. She slides
her lace underwear to the side giving me
full view of her pink dripping wet pussy.

"Come eat daddy," she says before inserting

her finger inside.

"See how wet I am?" She licks her finger

and smirks, fuck! I get up and rub my dick
on her clit causing her to moan. I slide in
and she grabs my but before squeezing it, I
thrust a couple of times and right then
Sne's beautiful face flashes before my eyes,
I stop and slide out while cussing. What the
hell?
"Are you okay?" Ash asks confused.

"I think you need to leave," she chuckles.

"Are you kidding me right now? Is your

manhood not working anymore?" I roughly
turn her around and slide my dick from
behind and I thrust into her, Sne's face pops
up again and I close my eyes imagining
that's it's her I'm fucking.

"Oh yes baby, oh fuck! Ahhh Blaze your

fucking poking my womb." She screams as I
deep stroke her, I pull out as I cum and
watch as she squirts all over the floor.

"That was epic, shit!"

"Get out, I have work to do," she chuckles
shaking her head.

"I'm too satisfied to take offense Mr Smith."

*JEROME SMITH*

Last night I just let her cry in my arms until

she calmed down a bit, I didn't want to
bombard her with anything because that
woman is going through a lot and she's in a
state of confusion and unimaginable pain.
I'm back again parked outside her
colleague's shack, I hoot a couple of times
but no one comes out, I decide to climb out
of my car, I walk into the yard and knock,
the door is slightly open so I slightly push
the door before walking in.
I find her curled up in a corner with a knife in
her hand and a man lying in a pool of blood,
her dress is torn and she looks out of it. I
quickly crouch down and feel the man's
pulse, he's gone. I grab the knife from her
and pull her up, she lays on my chest and
left out a heart wrenching sob.

"What happened sweetheart?" I ask after

she has calmed down.

"I....he....he wanted to rape me, he said I

should pay him for allowing me to stay here
and since my friend is at work I'll need to
step in and satisfy him, when I refused
he....he started getting violent. I swear I
didn't mean to kill him, I just wanted to
make him stop, I grabbed the knife and I
closed my eyes." She says tearing up again.

"I'm going to prison, I won't be able to bury

my sister," she says sobbing.

"Sh! Sweetheart, I'll fix this." I say taking out

my phone and texting Byron.

A few hours later....

Byron organised some guys to pick up the

guy's corpse and cleaned the blood.

"Sweetheart, go get cleaned and pack your

bags, you're coming with me," she sitting on
the corner looking into space.
"I don't have clothes, they all burned."

"Okay come, let's go."

"I just killed my friend's boyfriend," she

says.

"He will never be found, this stays between

us. Call your friend and tell her you are
leaving you found a new place to live," she
looks at me for a while with puffy eyes and I
peck her lips.

"I got you," I say pulling her up and we walk

out.

"Thanks bro," I say to Byron and he nods.

"Anything for my sister in law," he says
looking at....yeah at sweetheart.

"Don't be wired," he chuckles and gets into

his car, the guys he organised are long left.

*SNEGUGU*

Today wasn't so bad, after my therapy

session I went to sit by the pool and later
Zamo and Mimi joined me. We had a lot of
fun, I even asked sis Agnes to let me cook. I
cooked up a storm but I was disappointed
that Byron didn't join us for dinner. He isn't
home yet I'm guessing it's a norm because
Mimi is not even bothered. It's just after 9
pm and Mimi has fallen asleep on Zamo's
lap, sis Agnes has gone to her cottage so I
guess I'm going to have to pick her up and
take her to her room.

"Damn you are heavy," I say placing on her

bed.

"Goodnight princess," i cover her up and

kiss her cheek. I turn and almost scream
when I find Byron standing on the door
frame.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you," I nod

walking out.

"Can you please wear something

comfortable, I want us to go for a ride." He
says as I'm about to open the door to my
bedroom.
"This late?" He nods.

"I'll wait for you downstairs."

At an abandoned building.....

This place looks familiar, this is where he

brought me the time I saw him and his
brothers killing some guy. It's at night but I
see it clearly, this is the place. My heart
races. Did he bring me here to kill me?

"Inside that building is the two guys who

sold you, they're tied up to a chair and are
badly beaten. I don't want you to get your
hands dirty however, I feel that you need a
bit of closure. Maybe you have questions or
you want to tell them something, I don't
know but it's up to you. If you don't want to
see them or ask them anything then it's fine
but trust me, I will make them pay." I tear up
and he holds my hand.

"Thank you Byron, I don't know what I did to

deserve your kindness, here I was thinking
that you brought me here to kill me," he
frowns and I giggle.

"I guess I just wanted revenge but after my

therapy session today I feel like it's not
worth it, they are not worth it. They did what
they did and yes they broke me but me
hurting them won't change what happened
to me and asking them why doesn't matter
because no reason will ever be valid
enough for me."

"So we should go back home?" I nod and he

smiles before leaning over and giving me a
long peck on my lips. I'm stunned but I find
myself looking down and blushing.

"Let's go home Mark's girlfriend." I giggle

and look outside the window as he drives
out. What the hell was that?

COMBUSTION

NINE
*JEROME*

"You like it?" She frowns.

"It's my old apartment, I was planning to

sell it but I never got around to it," she tears
up.

"Why are you being so kind to me? You

risked your freedom by covering a murder
for me and now this, what's the catch?
Trust me I have nothing to offer you," I smile
and peck her lips.

"I just need your love," her eyes pop.

"Me?" She chuckles.

"This must be some kind of joke, look at you

and look at me. I'm just......" She tears up
and I engulf her into a tight hug.

"Concentrate on burying your sister, we will

have this talk some other time okay?" She
nods and breaks the hug.

"Go take a shower and I'll take you

shopping for some clothes," she smiles
faintly while looking around.

A few days later....

The funeral was just sad, her sister was too

young, the funeral was held at a community
centre and both my brothers came to
support me. Her sobs are breaking my
heart, I wish there was something more I
could do to ease her pain.

"Thanks for coming guys," I say to Byron and

Chad.

"It's alright man, we need to get going. Take

care of her." Byron says and I nod.

There was a bit of drama earlier on when

her colleague started shouting during the
service demanding answers about her
boyfriend's whereabouts but luckily one of
the neighbours told her to stop the drama
because her boyfriend is used to
disappearing to another woman for weeks,
sometimes months and just like that the
funeral proceeded.

"Let's go home you must be tired," she

nods, everyone has left except for the
caterers, they're busy packing up.

"Are your brothers gone?" I nod and she

gets up.

"My sister had a dignified funeral, thank you

Jerome." I smile like a retard, the way my
name rolls off her tongue, it does things to
me.

We drive to her apartment in silence, I keep

stealing glances at her, she looks like she's
in deep thought, only when I hold her hand
does she turn to look at me with a faint
smile.

"Let me get going, I'll pop by tomorrow to

check on you." I say as soon as we enter the
apartment.

"You're leaving me here alone?" I chuckle.

"Yes, you know I have my own house right?"

She looks down.

"And a wife or a girlfriend?"

"I'm not married nor do I have a girlfriend

yet," she looks up and out eyes lock.

"Oh," I chuckle.
"Don't you want to go away for a while? A
vacation just the two of us. You've been
going through a lot and perhaps going away
will do you some good."

"Uhm...."

"Think about it, you don't have to decide

now," she nods, I peck her lips and then her
forehead.

"Come lock." I say opening the door.

*SNEGUGU*
Today is my first day at work, Byron was not
happy about me working again but honestly,
I can't stay cooped up in that house.
Speaking of Byron, we have gotten pretty
close, there'll be kisses on the lips and on
the forehead now and then but he hasn't
said or done anything to write home about.

"Are you going to tell me what happened to

you? You just disappeared," I sigh, I'm
standing at reception with Cleo, as much as
her and I are close, I don't think I can tell her
what happened.

"It's a long story but I'm back now," thank

goodness she doesn't probe any further.
"What did I miss?" Her face beams, Cleo
lives for gossip and I think that's one of the
things she missed about me, our gossip
sessions," she goes on to tell me about
who's dating who and who got fired and
why.

"I'm telling you chomi, she dated some guy

from finance Thuto and the stupid girl went
and fell pregnant for him, he denied the
pregnancy," I shake my head, that guy is a
player. He once tried his luck with me too
but I was quick to put him in his place.

"Let me get to work girl," she nods and I

push my bucket to the changing rooms, my
therapist cancelled our session today and
it's lunch time. Byron said he'll order food
for us, I knock on his office door a couple of
times before letting myself in and I'm met
by a butt naked Byron humping some white
lady, I stand there rooted and for some
reason I feel like my heart has been
stabbed, I turn and run out with tears
streaming down my face, Cleo shouts my
name as I run out but I ignore her. I'm so
hurt and I don't know why, in fact I know
why. This man has been cuddling me and
sending me mixed signals, the forehead
kisses and the random perks on the lips, I
thought.....who am I kidding? No mam
would ever love me, I guess I misread the
situation and why does it hurt so much?

I'm crying my eyes out, I'm hurting right

now. I know I'm being ridiculous because
this man has never said anything about him
liking me, he knows I was raped by multiple
men, he's probably disgusted by me, I
wouldn't blame him, I repulse myself too. I
find myself at the mall but I don't even have
a cent on me, I decide to do some window
shopping. I'm too embarrassed to go back
to the office, especially with how I acted.

"I would recognise that gorgeous ass from

anywhere," a voice speaks behind me and I
freeze looking at the man through the
reflection of the shop's glass.

"I heard you were sold, best fuck of my life.,"

he says licking his lips and I turn to face
him, he's one of the men who raped me. It's
like I'm suddenly glued to the same spot
because I can't seem to move, my heart is
beating so fast.

"Please," it comes out as a whisper.

"Is there a problem here?" A tall buff guy

wearing a suit asks and the man smirks
before shaking his head.

"There's no problem, I'm just admiring god's

creation." He says before walking away.

"Miss Sne, I'm Jacob. I'm your bodyguard,

are you okay?" I'm too shaken to respond.
He takes out his phone and makes a call.

"I found her," he says before hanging up.

*BYRON*

This bloody woman came to my office and

paraded herself in one of her lingeries,
common sense kicked in to stop fucking
Ashley but I couldn't help myself and now
Sne walked in on us, the hurt in her eyes
was enough to evoke emotions in me, she's
hurt and knowing that it's my fault that she's
hurt sucks.

"Get dressed and get out," she blinks a

couple of times.

"Byron!"

"Ashley!" She scoffs.

"And let this be the last time coming to my
company unless you need legal advice,"
she gasps.

"Because of her?"

"I hope we understood one another," I say

grabbing my phone.

"Are you breaking up with me because of

her? Byron Smith I'm talking to you damnit!"

"You know your way out," I says making a

call.

"Is she okay Jacob?"

"Some guy at the mall was talking to her,
she looked like she saw a ghost, I have
pictures of the guy.

"Run his face, I want to know everything

about him," I grab my jacket and walk out
leaving behind a frantic Ashley throwing a
fit.

"Are you okay?" I asked as soon as I opened

the door, Jacob drove her back to the office
and I came to meet them outside.

"I'm sorry if uhm...." she interjects.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, I should

have knocked then waited to be told to
come in," she says,
"Sne come on," she ignores me and looks
outside the window, I get into the car and
we remain silent until we get home.

"Let me run you a warm bath," she walks

past me and I grab her hand gently pulling
her towards me.

"Don't shut me out please, tell me what

happened. Who was that man?" She tears
up and I embrace her in my arms.

"He was there, he's one of the guys

who....who had their way with me," I clench
my jaws.

"I'll run you a bath," she nods sniffing.

"And about what you saw earlier, it's...it's
nothing."

"You don't owe me any explanation Byron

and I would appreciate if you stop with the
inappropriate touching and the forehead
kisses please," I nod.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know it was

inappropriate, I'll stop," she nods and I peck
her forehead and place a long peck on her
lips, she frowns and I chuckle kissing her
nose before letting her go, she sighs
defeated.

TEN
*SNEGUGU*

I guess I'll never know peace, as long as the

male species still walks on this earth, if it's
not randomly meeting men who raped me
it's Byron thinking he can play mind games
with me, yes i know we are not in a
relationship but he shouldn't act like we
are, he low key knows I have a crush on
him.

"So.....how was your first day?" Zamo asks,

we are at the dinner table.

"It was okay?" She nods.

"Was Mark there?" She knows I only said I
have a crush on Mark to get Byron off my
back so I don't understand why the hell is
she asking me this nonsense.

"He was," she nods.

"Byron, maybe we should play Cupid for

those two, how about we invite Mark for
dinner?" Byron was eating quietly.

"Byron!" My sister half shouted trying to get

his attention.

"No," Zamo frowns.

"No?"
"Mark is a jerk," I chuckle.

"Cut from the same cloth," I mumble under

my breath.

"Pardon?" I shrug.

"There's nothing wrong with Mark, he's cute

and he respects women," he chuckles

"And I don't respect you Sne?" I shake my

head.

"Okay," he gets up and walks out.

"The tension between the two of you,"

Zamo says stuffing her face and I click my
tongue.
"Goodnight baby," I say kissing Mimi's
cheek, she's so oblivious to what's
happening because she's busy on her
tablet. Rich kids neh!

The next day.....

"What happened to you yesterday?" Cleo

asks, I'm standing with her at her desk.
There's not much to do really since they
hired another cleaner to replace me, we get
the work done in a fraction of time so
there's more than enough time to gossip.

"Nothing really," she squints her eyes.

"That didn't look like nothing because
moment after you ran off Mr S came out
looking distraught and his lady friend came
out cussing. It was like you walked in on
your boyfriend or something," I laugh
throwing my head back.

"You my friend have an over active

imagination, Byron is nothing but my boss,"
her eyes pop.

"Since when is he Byron and not Mr Smith

to you?" I chuckle.

"Stop it, Byron is his name am I wrong?"

She shrugs. Just then Byron walks in with
one of the partners Mr Mthetwa, now that
man is perfection, handsome devil with a
lazy smile that just messes up your mind,
he has a reputation here, he slept with
almost half the women at this firm but now
he's taken, he is dating some white lady.
Cleo is literally drooling over the man, it's
actually funny.

"Ladies," he greets and doesn't my girl

giggle like a schoolgirl.

"Mr Mthetwa, Mr Smith," I say as

professional as possible, right then a
delivery man walks in holding a bouquet of
white lilies.

"Delivery for Miss Snegugu Dlamini," I

frown.
"That's me," Byron stops on his tracks and
stares at me intensely as I sign for them.

"Thank you," I say sniffing at the flowers

"There's a card what does it say?" Cleo is

honestly forward, I read the card and I break
into a smile.

"And that smile?" I roll my eyes, Cleo is too

much, out of nowhere Byron roughly grabs
the flowers and throws them in the bin
before clicking his tongue and storming out,
Cleo looks at me stunned but not as
stunned as I am while Mr Mthetwa
chuckles and walks away.
"I have an over active imagination right?"
Cleo says and I shrug, this has Zamo
written all over it.

*BYRON*

Sbu walks into my office chuckling...

"What was that?" He asks and I click my

tongue.

"Someone who wants to meet their maker,"

he chuckles.

"Dude, I've never seen you this pissed, you

got it bad man." I sigh clenching my jaws.
"The guy who ran into your woman at the
mall is David Campbell, well he was found
dead in his car which exploded last night
near his home in Ridgeway, five bottles of
vodka were found in his car, police ruled it
off as a drunk and driving accident," i
chuckle.

"Thank you man now the big fish is Jean, if

we can kill him then Sne can have the
justice she deserves," I say smiling.

"You are so whipped," I chuckle shaking my

head.

"Getting to Jean won't be easy but I want his

death to be so brutal that the televise it," I
say.
"Alright mate, let me get going and you my
friend need to stop being a bully, until you
claim that woman she's as free as bird," he
says before walking out, I grab the phone
and call the reception.

"Cleo please ask Miss Dlamini to come to

my office," i say before hanging up the
phone and moments later Sne walks in and
sits on the couch playing with her fingers.

"I'm sorry," she nods, I get up from my chair

and walk towards her before sitting down
next to her.

"Allow me to make it up to you please," she

takes a deep breath.
"Byron, I......," I interrupt her.

"Please."

"Okay," I smile.

"After your therapy sessions go straight to

the mall and buy a dress for tonight, get
your hair and nails done. I'll pick you up at
7pm sharp," I say taking out my credit card.

"Please," she nods with a smile taking the

card and I peck her lips before getting up.

"What's with you and not taking

instructions? I said no more kisses and you
totally ignore me," I chuckle.
"It's not my fault you have soft plump lips
that are so inviting, I could kiss you all day
everyday if I could but I'm hoping after
tonight, you'll allow me to do that," and
doesn't she blush.

*NTJANTJA*

I can't believe this, this apartment is insane

really. Two bedrooms, a lounge, a dining
area and a large kitchen. I've never had so
much space to myself, I wish my sister was
alive to experience this side of life with me,
all our lives all that we have known is pain
and heartache. We grew up in Soweto, we
never knew our father and our mother did
all she could to feed us including selling her
body on the streets of hilbrow, she got
infected with HIV and that's when her
family threw us out, we found a shack in an
informal settlement and i had to take care
of her, for some reason known only to her
she would pretend to take the pills and
when we were not looking she would spit
them out. I think she was trying to commit
suicide because I don't understand why
she did that, since she died, it has only
been my sister and I until now, now I'm all
alone in this world.

Then there's the blue eyed man that has

been hovering around me, I swear I don't
know what's gotten into that man or what
his deal is. He is handsome as fuck and has
a ridiculously hot body, he is rich and can
have your Taylor Swifts of this world, I don't
understand what the hell he wants from
me. I'm sitting on the couch, busy fiddling
on my phone when a knock comes through,
it could only be Jerome.

"Hi neighbor," says a hot dark chocolate

holding a pot plant from Woolworths.

"Hello," I greet.

"I'm Khumo, I live across from you. I thought

I could bring you these, it's not everyday I
get to live across the most beautiful woman
I've ever seen," I blush looking down.

"Well thank you Khumo, I'm....." I'm

interrupted by Jerome's footsteps and he's
walking towards us with the biggest frown.
He's wearing a slim fit navy blue suit and
he's carrying a paper from spur.

"Hi," I greet, he captures my lips shocking

me, I'm too shocked to respond but he bites
my lower lip a little causing me to gasp
before he invades my mouth with his
tongue, my heart is beating so fast. I have
never been kissed like that before, I find
myself kissing him back and his lips curve
into a smile before breaking the kiss.

"Hi," he says as I open my eyes and I'm met

by his eyes staring at me, I've always
thought his eyes are blue but now looking at
him this closely I realise that they're
actually a shade of green and I just get lost
in them until I hear someone clearing their
throat.

"Are you still here, I don't need to tell you to

fuck off do I?" The two men have a staring
contest before Khumo chuckles and walks
away.

"I don't share sweetheart," he says

capturing my lips again and this time I let
out a sultry moan.

*ELEVEN*

*JEROME*
She dishes for us and we eat in silence
while she keeps stealing glances at me.

"Have you thought about what I asked

you?" She looks up but quickly looks down.

"Uhm....," I chuckle.

"Vacation," I say getting up and grabbing a

bottle of water from the fridge.

"I'd like to go but I've taken too much time

away from work, I was yet to let you know
that I'm going back to work tomorrow," I
nod.

"Do you love working as a petrol

attendant?" She shrugs.
"It puts food on the table," I chuckle.

"There's plenty of food on the table

sweetheart, I can't have you working there
with all those men gawking at you," she
chuckles.

"I can't sit around and do nothing," I nod.

"How old are you?"

"23," I nod.

"And you?"

"29," she nods.

"Did you finish your matric?" She nods.

"I passed, I wasn't a straight A student but I

did pass," I nod.

"My sister was the academic one, she was

only in grade 8 but already had over 50
trophies for different subjects, she got a
scholarship to study at curro, she only
started this year. She was going far," she
says tearing up and I place the bottle on the
counter and engulf her into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wet your shirt,"

she says wiping her tears.

"It's okay, can I ask you to think of what else

you would like to do except working at the
garage? If you want to further your studies
or start your own business. Anything," she
smiles faintly.

"I love cooking, before working at the garage

I used to cook and sell food in town until the
metropolice removed me, people loved my
food," I nod smiling.

"So a restaurant?" Her eyes pop.

"That's too much, I was thinking more in the

lines of a food truck," she says playing with
her fingers.

"I'll make it happen, now the vacation?" She

giggles.
"Okay we can go," I smile.

"I need to go back to the office, I'll see you

tomorrow right?" She looks sad now.

"You don't want me to leave?" She shakes

her head and I chuckle.

"I need to make some coins to make sure i

take you on a shopping spree," she giggles,
that sound makes my dick twitch.

"You're mine right?" She looks at me for

some time.

"Under one condition," I nod, amused.

"I've never heard you call me by my name, it
would be nice to hear my man saying my
name," my eyes pop.

"Don't do me like that sweetheart," she

giggles, I smash my lips hers and she
welcomes the kiss before I break it, her
eyes dart to my erect shaft and i put my
hand in my pocket trying to hide my
erection. I'm taking my time with one, this is
love not some meaningless fuck.

*SNEGUGU*

As instructed I went shopping for a dress

and other outfits of course, I did my hair and
nails and right now Zamo is doing my make
up, I decided to cut my hair short and put a
ruby red dye on.

"You look beautiful sis," I chuckle.

"I'm so nervous," she takes my hand into

hers.

"I don't know anyone who deserves

happiness as much as you do, I know
you've been through a lot and although you
haven't told me the details, I just know it's
something huge but everyday I see you fight
to get back to the Sne I know and love and
sis....that makes me proud of you. You are
strong, not even once have you complained
or felt sorry for yourself after mom and dad
died, you made sure you fill their gap. Even
my friends at school don't believe that my
22 year old sister is the one taking care of
me, no matter what happens on this date
just know that you are damn worthy of that
rich man and he is the lucky one here and if
he is as smart as I think he is he will make
you his," i don't know why my sister had to
make me so emotional after applying
makeup and now it's ruined.

"Thank you so much Zamo, I love you and

thank you for not making it difficult for me to
take care of you," she giggles sweetly
warming my heart.

"Let me do your makeup again and no

crying please."
Byron sent a text message saying my
bodyguard will drive me to the location, I
still don't know where it is but I'm so
nervous and excited at the same time.

We pull up at a fancy restaurant in Ruimsig,

the place has the feel and the vibe of
vintage even it's setting looks like we've just
stepped into the 1900s it's beautiful.

"Mr Smith is waiting for you inside," Jacob

says before he walks away and I walk into
the restaurant, there's a beautiful table
setting, Byron is sitting down fiddling with
his phone at the corner, it's just him in the
entire restaurant. He looks up and offers a
beautiful smile which I return.
"You look beautiful," he says getting up, he
walks towards me and gives me one of his
famous perks on the lips.

"Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself,"

he chuckles helping me sit.

"I've ordered a glass of wine for you, I hope

you don't mind," I shake my head taking a
sip.

"You are fucken beautiful," yoh! My cheeks

are sore from all the blushing.

"Your sister wants to give me a heart

attack," I frown and he laughs shaking his
head.
"A while back I gave her my credit card, I
don't want her to bother you with things she
needed for school or cosmetics. Even Mimi
has one. Well, Zamo is very responsible
and she hardly uses the card unless she
really needs to, I give her an allowance
anyway. While I was going through the
credit card statement, I came across an
interesting purchase," oh no, what did that
child do now? He chuckles.

"A bouquet of lilies from netflorists," I giggle

covering my face with my hands.

"I swear I don't know what's wrong with

her," I say and he suddenly becomes
serious before taking my hand into his.
"The thought of another man wanting you
and having you like that scared the shit out
of me," he says looking into my eyes and I
suddenly can't hold a state.

"I love you Sne, I love you so much. I tried to

fight how I feel for you but each day I fall
deeper and deeper in love with you," I shake
my head getting emotional.

"Yes babe, I love you and......" I remove my

hand from his.

"Stop," i whisper.

*BYRON*
I sigh before bringing my chair closer to hers
closing the gap between us.

"Don't you love me?" I ask but she tears up

instead.

"Baby," I say lifting her chin to look at me.

"Don't you love me Sne?"

"I do," she says as a whisper and I slowly

lean towards her brushing my lips on hers.
Her breathing spikes and I know I'm not
feeling this spark alone, the moment I
capture her lips she doesn't waste time
returning the kiss. I try to pull out but baby
girl deepens the kiss, I groan breaking the
kiss before I lose all control.
"Damnit Sne, I can't lose control with you,"
she giggles.

"What about the woman I saw you with in

your office? I don't want trouble Byron," she
says softly.

"You don't have to worry about her, it was

just sex and now that I have you, why would
I fuck with her again?" She can't hide the
doubt.

"I promise."

I'm driving back home with our fingers

intertwined, I keep kissing the back of her
hand and she keeps smiling sweetly. As
soon as we get home she attempts to go to
her bedroom but I pull her into my
bedroom.

"This is your bedroom from now on," she

giggles.

"Let me help you out of that," I say turning

her around and unzipping her dress.

"Fuck!" I cuss while taking a good look her

perfect curvy body.

I lay her gently on the bed, I'm kneeling over

her as I remove her bra and underwear.

"Any time you get uncomfortable please tell

me," she nods breathing heavily as I part her
legs and open her folds. My tongue nibbles
on her clit as I feel her arousal hit my
tongue, she moans softly calling my name
and that just gives me chills.

"Oh my gosh Byron! oh my..." she grabs on

to the sheets as my finger thrusts into her
now drenched pussy and my tongue still
swirling on her clit.

"Ah Byron, baby!" She grabs on my hair and

starts moving her waist grinding on my
finger before she explodes all over my
fingers and my lips.

I get up while she's panting and I take off my

clothes before getting into bed and pulling
her towards me cuddling her.
"I love you," I say kissing her forehead.

"I love you too."

The next day......

"Good morning babe," I say kissing her

cheek before getting up.

"Good morning," I chuckle and head to the

bathroom to take a quick shower.

"What do you feel like having for

breakfast?" She smiles.

"Surprise me," I nod before walking out.

I walk downstairs and I'm shocked seeing
my parents and Ashley sitting in the lounge.

"It's too early for this shit," I say annoyed.

"Good morning to you too son," my father

says mockingly.

"What can I do for you?"

"I swear I don't know what's wrong with you

and your brother catching the jungle fever,
isn't there decent white women out there?"

"Honey, this is not why we're here

remember," my mother says.

"Why are you here?" I ask bored.

"Well Ashley here has something to tell
you," I chuckle and dart my eyes to Ashley
who is suddenly playing timid.

"I'm pregnant Byron and it's yours," I close

my eyes for a minute until I hear footsteps
coming down the stairs, it's Sne.

"You heard her son, it's only fair that you

marry her," Sne stops on her tracks and
turns around climbing back up.

"Fuck!" I get up and run after her ignoring my

parents shouting my name.

*TWELVE*
*SNEGUGU*

This can't be happening, not when we just

confessed how we feel about each other. I
throw myself on the bed and bawl my eyes
out and moments later the door opens.

"Baby please don't cry, you are breaking my

heart my love," I sit up and wail louder.

"Baby stop crying," he says before he draws

a deep breath.

"If she's in deed pregnant, it doesn't change

anything between us," I shake my head.
"If she's pregnant it changes everything, you
will have to be there for her and the baby
emotionally and physically, you will have
doctors appointments while holding hands,
I'll feel like a third wheel in this relationship
and I'm too young for that, you heard your
father. He wants you to marry her," I say in a
breaking voice.

"Sne, I don't want to promise you heaven

and earth but I want you to know that I love
you and only you, we will find a way to deal
with this together please just don't crucify
me for something that happened way
before we started dating. I love you and I
need your support here," I sigh.
"Can I count on you to have my back?" I nod
and he pecks my lips.

"Come let's go," he says getting up and

stretching out his hand.

"Where are we going?" He keeps quiet but

this man leads me to the lounge where his
family is.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," his father

chuckles.

"Mom, Ash, you've met Sne before, dad this

is my girlfriend Sne," both his father and the
alleged baby mama throw daggers at me
while his mother smiles.
"Are you out of your mind? Do away with
this woman and marry the mother of your
child, why would you degrade yourself like
this?" His breathing spikes and I can tell by
the stiffness of his body that he's getting
angry.

"Ashley knew the nature of our relationship

and quite frankly I'm surprised she went
and got pregnant but nonetheless what's
done is done, I'm not marrying her but I'm
more than willing to take care of the child if
indeed it's mine," Ashley chuckles.

"If?" She asks looking pissed.

"Yes if, we all know you have a reputation

and if you can throw yourself at me with no
shame whatsoever what else are you
capable of? Once the baby is born I want a
DNA test until then you can get out of my
house I want to feed my girlfriend," he says
walking away and leaving me with these
blood thirsty demons, well except for his
mother. She's the only one who has a smile
on her face.

"Have you no shame? He is the father of my

child," I shrug.

"Oh come off it Ashley, you heard my son.

Pregnancy doesn't guarantee marriage,"
Gina says.

"Are you condoning this nonsense?" His

father roars.
"I just want my son to be happy, you are just
angry because he has been doing your dirty
work for years and now that you can't
control him you want to use Ashley to
manipulate him well if he is happy with Sne
then I'm happy too." She says winking at me
and the Olsen twins get up and storm out
fuming.

"Well that's that, come sit darling," Gina

says patting the couch and I oblige.

"I hope you develop thick skin because I

have a feeling that it's going to be a bumpy
ride but don't worry, I'm here and I'm on
your side. I never liked that Ashley girl for
my son, she's too ambitious for my liking.
She gives lady Macbeth vibes," I giggle and
Byron appears from the kitchen carrying
paper bags from mug and bean.

"I thought you're making breakfast not

ordering it," he shrugs.

"Let me go wake up Mimi and Zamo," I say

getting up. To tell the honest truth, I'm
scared but I choose to trust my man.

A few days later.....

*NTJANTJA*

This man brought me to Cape town and I

must say, I'm having the time of my life. He
gave me his card and I'm shopping up a
storm, this is just crazy. He's not a fan of
shopping so he said I should call him when
I'm done and he will come pick me up.

I'm busy shopping at a very expensive

boutique, I'm actually looking for an outfit
for tonight, he's taking me out for dinner and
who knows, I might just get laid. Lord knows
it's been a minute, I only had sex twice in
my life so I'm very inexperienced in that
department.

"Hi, that will be R23.390," the cashier says

and I take out the card.

"Is this your card?" She asks with a raised

brow.
"It's my boyfriend's card, is there a
problem?" She ignores me and picks up a
phone before mumbling something on the
phone.

"Excuse me mam, I'm going to ask you to

come with us please," two security guards
say behind me.

"Is there a problem?" I ask now getting

stares.

"Mam the police are on their way, it's clear

that you've stolen this card." I chuckle and
try to take out my phone and one of the
security guys slaps it off my hand and it falls
breaking into pieces.
"Mam, we can do this the easy way or the
hard way," I sigh following them to the back.

"Where did you get this card?" The white

woman who introduced herself as the
owner of the boutique asks.

"Will you please get that camera out of my

face?" They have a huge camera facing me,
they are clearly recording this.

"Don't get smart with me young lady," I sigh.

"My boyfriend gave it to me," I say irritated.

"You want me to believe that your boyfriend

is a Mr Jerome Smith, owner and CEO of
sitotech," I nod, I really don't know what he
does but he said something about being a
computer geek.

"You are lying and trust me, you are going to

prison, I've called the cops and Mr Smith's
bank has notified him, he will be here soon.
You better come clean about how you
managed to clone his card," I nod and fold
my arms waiting. Two officers walk in
followed by Jerome and I start wailing like a
black widow claiming her dead husband's
insurance money.

"What is this? Why is my woman crying?"

"Uhm Mr Smith, this lady here was

mistaken for a card fraud thief?"
"What!" he roars and the white woman
shakes.

"Baby are you okay?" I wail louder.

"You fucken called the cops on her because

she's black?" She shakes her head.

"And you, real criminals are out there

committing seriously crimes, you are here
bothering my woman." I get up and throw
myself in his arms crying and he clicks his
tongue.

"I'll make sure I hack into your finances and

transfer your money into different charities
leaving you bankrupt," he says to the
woman, did this man just threaten this lady
in front of the police?

"Are you going to let him threaten me?" The

woman says to the police.

"They won't do shit about it because their

jobs are on the line too, I don't make idle
threats, especially when it comes to the
woman I love." He says pulling my hand and
we march out of the store. I'm still sniffing
as he's dragging me out looking pissed. Did
he just say "the woman he loves?"

"You can stop acting now, I know those

tears are fake," I look at him and burst into
laughter. Mxm, I thought I was dishing a
safta winning performance.
*JEROME*

We are back at our hotel room and although

she took the whole credit card thing lightly, I
didn't. I'm going to make that woman pay, I
can't believe she stooped that low, it's clear
to me that this is purely about race.

"Don't be so grumpy," I chuckle, this one

with her small voice is starting to come out
of her shell and I can tell she's a chatterbox.

"I'll be fine," she nods.

"I'm going to take a shower," I nod and grab

my phone calling Byron.
"I got your messages, are you okay?" He
sighs.

"Ashley is pregnant," shit!

"Let me guess, dad wants you to marry her.

"Over my dead body," I chuckle.

"He says you and I caught the juggle fever?"

I laugh.

"What?"

"Yeah, chad must have told him about your

woman and me with Sne."
"Woah, back up a bit. You and Sne?"

"Yeah man I finally told her how I feel a

couple of days ago," I smile, I knew he had
feelings for Sne, he was just in denial.

"Don't hurt that woman bro."

"I won't," he remains silent before he sighs.

"I love her man and I don't feel any guilt for
loving her, I always thought moving on
meant that I'm betraying Mimi's mom."

"Well if there's no guilt then it is right," the

bathroom door opens and I dart my eyes
there only to be met by my dark berry butt
naked.
"I'll call you back," I say hanging up the
phone and swallowing hard.

"Please lotion my back," she says handing

me the lotion, I walk up to her taking the
lotion, I don't even hide the erection, I
squeeze the container and rub the lotion in
my hands before I gently massage it on her
back and she lets out moan, shit!

*COMBUSTION*

*THIRTEEN*
FOUR MONTHS LATER.......

*SNEGUGU*

Byron and I are officially dating and he has

been such a sweet boyfriend, he makes me
feel special and loved every chance he
gets. He made me quit my job again and
enrolled me at UniSA, I'll be starting next
year, Ashley is very much pregnant in deed
but he is adamant that he wants DNA tests
done as soon as the baby is born, Gina has
been my rock where the baby mama is
concerned. She has been in my corner
through and through and I am very grateful. I
also met Ntjantja, she's Gerome's girlfriend,
she's such a sweet person and we get
along pretty well. Mimi and Zamo are still
thick as thieves and none of us have spoken
about our living arrangements. I still attend
therapy but not on a daily basis like before, I
attend once a week now. I still haven't been
intimate with Byron yet and he's so
understanding about it, I feel blessed.

"Babe I'll be travelling to Italy on Friday," he

says getting into bed.

"Oh," he sighs.

"I have a client there, he kind of broke the

law here but he is stuck in Italy so I need to
represent him in court soon but I have to
meet up with him first."
"Okay I understand, I'm going to miss you," I
say laying my head on his chest..

"I love you Sne, please don't ever forget

that, everything I do now I do it for you, Mimi
and Zamo. You guys are my family and I
know Jerome would lay down his life for you
three just as I would for his woman," I look
up and he kisses my forehead.

"Why are you speaking like this, I hope you

don't plan to die on me," he chuckles.

"Not until I tap that ass," I giggle.

"Then I won't give you until we are 60 years

old, I don't want to lose you Mr Smith
please," he holds me tightly and kisses my
hair.

"Marry me," I sit up ubruntly.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I can marry you tomorrow even, just

say yes." My heart is racing right now, I can't
believe this. Yes I love him but isn't it too
soon?

"Uhm can I think about it? I don't want to

rush into things, we just started dating and
....."he shuts me up with a kiss.

"Baby please trust me," he says after

breaking the kiss.
"Where is this coming from?" He sighs.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

He smiles.

"Yes there is," he sighs.

"I don't trust my father, babe we might look

like an ordinary family but the truth is my
father is a ruthless criminal and he has
groomed me to one day take over from him.
I have been hands on until the day I rescued
you, I declared war with a ruthless mob
boss and now he wants my head," he
chuckling like he didn't just drop a bomb on
me.
"If anything were to happen to me, I need
you well taken care of and I can only do that
if you are my wife, knowing how ruthless my
father is. He might just side with the Italians
or blackmail me into marrying his beloved
friend's daughter," I shake my head getting
emotional.

"Do you trust me?" I nod a couple of times.

"Marry me tomorrow," wow it gets better

than it already is, tomorrow?

"Tomorrow?" He nods.

"Trust me," he says and I look into his eyes

for a while.
"Make love to me," I whisper.

*BYRON/ BLAZE*

I look at her and she initiates a kiss, I follow

her lead kissing her with so much emotions
and so much love. She breaks the kiss and
takes off her pyjama top exposing her
perfect perky boobs, I look into her eyes
with so much lust.

"Are you sure?" She smiles.

"To me you are my first and my only, I don't

know why what happened to me happened
but it doesn't take away the truth in my
heart, you Byron Smith are my first. I give
you my body willingly, yes I'm sure and I'm
ready." With that being said I leaned in and
kissed her while cupping her breasts, her
moans filled the room as I worshipped her
body, kissing every inch of it. I look into her
eyes one more time before positioning
myself between her legs rubbing my dick on
her entrance, I'm welcomed by warm
moisture making me grunt and groan, I've
never felt such warmth. I hope I last longer, i
push in gently a couple of times before her
walls open up and hug my shaft tightly.

"Fuck baby you're so tight," I lift my head

and look into her eyes and I start thrusting
into her slowly.

"Relax my love," she smiles sweetly

assuring me that she's still with me.
"I love you Sne," tears well up in her eyes as
I stare down at her and I deliver sturdy
stokes. I capture her lips muffling the
moaning sounds she's starting to make, as I
increase the pace so does her moans and
baby girl starts moving underneath me
meeting my rhythm and boy do I lose my
mind.

We make slow passionate love,

occasionally staring into each other's eyes
and declaring love for one another, our
bodies merge as one, I have never ever felt
like this when making love to a woman, not
even with Mimi's mother. It's like I have
quenched an age old thirst as I finally
release my seed inside her groaning.
"Fuck baby, where have you been all my
life," I say panting and dripping of sweat.

"I'll marry you," she says softly and I can't

help but attacks her with another kiss, it's
going to be a long night because this
woman has all the juice I need to go on and
on, it's safe to say that she is my new
addiction.

The next day.....

"Are you ready bro?" I nod and he pats my

back.

"Remember what I asked you bro, you are

the only one I trust with her safety, when
shit hits the fan our father will use that to try
and capitalize on the situation but if she has
you and mom in her corner, she will will be
alright," he sighs.

"Are you sure about this?" I nod.

"Alright, I've got you and I've got her too."

A month ago Jean started having frequent

trips to Italy, Jerome was able to intercept
his calls and he found that he has a huge
bounty on me and my brothers head, now
sbu, Houdini and I want to do away with
them in their own backyard hence the trip
to Italy. I'm not that arrogant to ignore the
fact that anything might happen to me and if
it does, I want Sne taken care of and the
only thing that will shut my father up is me
being married to her, she will have all the
powers to put my father and Ashley in their
place.

"Thank you for coming guys," I've pulled

some strings and got a date for today at the
magistrate court to get hitched, Sne is all
smiles but I know deep down she's scared.
We asked Jerome and his girlfriend to be
our witnesses.

An hour later we are done, Sne is officially

Mrs Smith and I'm a happy man. Jerome
insisted on us having a celebratory lunch at
his girlfriend's restaurant which opened a
few weeks ago and already is getting rave
reviews. I take a few snaps with our fingers
intertwined wearing rings and I post them
on my WhatsApp status with a caption...

"Me and Mrs Smith"

*NARRATED*

Ashley barges into Mr Smith's office fuming

mad.......

"Did you know?" He looks at her and

shrugs.
"Look at this," she hands him the phone and
he looks at it with a big frown then his face
changes to anger.

"Damnit Richard, I thought you said you had

this under control, I told you to kill that girl,"
he sighs wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"I....I swear Ashley, I'll fix this," she

chuckles.

"You made a promise and you better keep it

or your beloved Gina will know the truth
and so will those sons of yours, I'm no walk
over Richard, you and I know I have you by
thr balls," she says turning to walk out but is
shocked to find Gina standing at the door.
"Wow, I'd surely love to know why would
our son's so called baby mama have your
balls when I your wife don't have them,"
Ashley fakes a laugh.

"Mrs Smith, don't mind me, I'm just venting.

Congratulations by the way, I heard you
have a new daughter in law, I hope your son
knows that your husband's dick was inside
his wife's pussy at some point," she says
walking out and bumping Gina's shoulders
leaving poor Richard sweating bullets.

*COMBUSTION*

*FOURTEEN*
*NARRATED*

Gina watches as Ashley slams the door

then she turns back to her husband who is
looking down in shame.

"I'm going to sit down and you're going to

explain to me what that harlot meant and
you dare leave anything out I'll divorce you
so fast your head will spin," she pulls up a
chair and sits before folding her arms
staring at her husband.

"I don't know where to begin, I'm afraid if I

tell you, it will be the end of us and baby I
can't lose you," she chuckles.
"You're going to lose me either way, I have
stood by you even when I didn't agree with
half the things you did but Richard this is the
last straw, I swear if you don't tell me
what's going on, what does that little girl
have on you?" He sighs popping his
knuckles before taking a deep breath.

"I'm into kinky sex," he begins and she just

stares at him emotionless waiting for him to
continue.

"I joined an exclusive club of BDSM where

we get to fuck young women, mostly I'm
into sadistic sex, I feed on my victims pain
and I enjoy inflicting it. I was led to believe
that the women signed up on their own free
will, because I'm a married man and my
sons are good with technology I always
wore a mask," she chuckles.

"Your story doesn't add up, you say you

were led to believe the women agreed to
this and yet you referred to them as the
victims?"

"I swear I thought they agreed because we

paid a lot of money," she nods.

"You and who?"

"Wilson, Ashley found out about our secret

life and that's how she started blackmailing
me just after Byron killed Wilson," she nods
as he looks down in shame.
"What does Sne have to do with all this?"
He buries his face in his palms.

"She was one of the girls, the first time I

saw her I recognised her but she didn't
recognize me because I was wearing a
mask and i also think she blacked out from
the pain because we went hard on her that
evening, when Chad told me about Byron's
rescue mission and about what they did to
the poor girl I just knew that i messed up big
time, Ashley put two and two together and
without me admitting it she just knew i was
involved with that girl," Gina got up and gave
him an unexpected tight slap.
"Did you see how broken that young girl
was? What sort of animal are you? You
better tell Byron the truth and help him fight
against that Italian guy or so help me God I'll
take you to the cleaners," she walked out
and slammed the door.

*NTJANTJA*

Jerome has been the best boyfriend in the

world, I wanted a food truck but he was
having none of it, he got me a restaurant
and although it's still fairly new the people
seem to love my food, I actually specialise
in African cuisine and most of my dishes
are cooked by me, I'm the executive chef
and the owner. A couple of months ago I
met Byron's girlfriend well now they are
married and I must say, she's the most
sweetest and humble person I've ever met.
We are at my restaurant celebrating them
getting married today, the couple seem to
be so in love, it's amazing to watch.

"Mrs Smith," Jerome and Byron are sitting

on the other table discussing God knows
what, I'm with the blushing bride here, she
looks so happy.

"So.....we did it last night," my eyes pop, she

told me about her history and honestly I
don't know how she's still standing but I
guess having a support system leaves you
with no choice but to hold on and fight for
your wellbeing.
"And......?" She giggles.

"He was so gentle and loving, we did it

again this morning and I just love how he
groans enjoying me, I thought it won't be
tight enough after...you know," I shake my
head.

"If that thing can push out a whole human

being then I don't see why can't it remain
tight," she giggles.

"Anyway, enough about me. How are things

with your man?" I turn to look at them
sitting on the other table only to find him
looking at me, I look down blushing before
turning my attention back to her.
"I don't know where this wave is taking me
or how far it's going but I'm going to enjoy
the ride," I say smiling.

After the lovely lunch with the newly weds I

never reopened the restaurant, Jerome and
I decided to go home.

"Are you sleeping over?" He shook his head,

we are parked outside my apartment
building.

"Why?" He sighs.

"I won't be good company," I frown.

"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he says

"Then why don't you........" He interjects.

"Geez! Can you please just let me be? I will

see you tomorrow. STOP nagging!!!!" He
says snapping at me. I don't need to be told
twice, I climb out of the car making sure I
slam the door.

*JEROME*

I bang the staring wheel, I don't know why I

had to snap like that, I'll make it up to her.
My mind is all over the place right now.
Byron is going on a suicide mission and
there's nothing I can do about it. I
understand his reasons but again I just wish
there was another way.

I decide to drive to my parents's house to

talk some sense into my father.

"Mr Jerome welcome," Monica their help

says opening the door for me.

"Is my dad home?" She nods and I walk in

finding my mother in the lounge bawling her
eyes out.

"Ma, what's wrong?" She looks at me with

swollen puffy eyes which breaks my heart
instantly.
"Hey baby, what brings you here?" I ignore
her and march upstairs looking for my for
my father and I find him in his study with a
gun on his head ready to pull the trigger.

"Wow, the mighty Richard ready to take the

easy way out, what a waste," he tears up
and I pull a chair and watch him intensely.

"Your mother is going to leave me, I might

as well die," I decide to keep quiet and
listen.

"I am one of the men who raped your

brother's girlfriend," I close my eyes as his
words sink in. He goes on and tells me
about his sick twisted lifestyle and the
many girls he's inflicted pain on.
"You might as well end your miserable life
because Byron will surely kill you with his
bare hands," I say getting up and walking
out. I get downstairs and engulf my mother
into a tight hug until a few minutes later we
hear a gun shot.

"I'm sorry," I say to my mother and she nods

taking a seat.

"It is better this way, I wouldn't want your

father's blood on Byron's hands, he did us
all a favour.

*COMBUSTION*
*FIFTEEN*

*BYRON*

My phone is busy ringing non-stop, my dick

is deep inside Sne's pussy and she's
moaning in my ear making me lose all
senses, whoever it is will have to wait.

"Fuck baby!" I can't get enough of her warm

tight pussy.

"I'm cumming Byron, ahhh!" I ram into her

making sure I fuck her through her orgasm.
"That was amazing," she says panting. I
think she's discovered a whole new
addiction.

"Jerome was busy calling, let me call him

back," she nods getting off the bed and
grabbing a robe.

"I'm going to make a snack, this sex thing is

tiring," she says walking out and I chuckle
before grabbing the phone.

"You have the worst timing ever," he sighs.

"You need to come home, Richard is gone."

"What do you mean?" I say sitting up.

"He shot himself," I shake my head in
disbelief.

"Hello, are you there?"

"I'm coming," I say hanging up the phone

and rubbing my face shocked.

"I brought some ice, my pussy is on fire and

you Mr......" she stops when she sees me
burying my head in my palms.

"What's wrong?" I take a deep breath.

"Richard killed himself," her eyes pop and

her mouth hangs open.
"Uhm....I'm so sorry, let's take a quick
shower and leave, Gina must be
devastated," she says placing the bowl of
ice cubes on the night stand and taking my
hand leading me to the bathroom.

We arrive at my parents's house, the

ambulance and the police are busy going
up and down, my mother is a crying mess
while Chad is sitting on the corner rocking
himself, he was the closest to our father, he
must be taking this pretty bad.

"Should I make you some tea?" Sne asks

my mother who smiles faintly before
patting the couch for her to sit.
"Why didn't you tell me you two were
getting married?" Sne looks down playing
with her fingers while I shrug and walk over
to Jerome.

"Let's talk outside," he says and I follow

him.

"Do you think it was foul play? I can't

imagine Richard taking his own life," I say as
soon as we step outside.

"He did, I was here when he pulled the

trigger," I frown.

"Do you know why?" He sighs.

"Ashley found out something about him and
was blackmailing him, mother walked in on
the two talking and she demanded he tell
her the big secret that has him dancing to
Ashley's tune," he takes a deep breath
before continuing.

"Richard was a sadist and was into kink

together with Ashley's father, she found out
and blackmailed him into forcing you to
marry her," I shake my head.

"So what, he's a cheating pervert? Why kill

himself, couldn't he just accept that Gina
will divorce him?"

"That's just the half of it, he was also one of

the men who molested Sne," I frown.
"What?" He nods.

"He knew you were going to kill him," fuck!

A WEEK LATER.....

*NTJANTJA*

I'm busy making tea for the people who

attended the funeral, Sne and I have been
on our feet making sure everyone is catered
for.

"I love white people's funeral, no fuss no

mess just tea and scones then everyone
goes home," Sne says and I nod.
"Did you see Ashley with that ridiculous
hat?" She chuckles.

"She's busy telling everyone that she's the

daughter in law of this family," speak of the
devil, she walks in and chuckles looking at
us before shaking her head.

"It's sad really, no matter how much you

people get an education, drive the best cars
or even occupy higher positions, you
always know your place. Look at you
serving guests like the servants you are
instead of acting like all of us. Deep down
you know you are inferior to us hence no
matter what position you occupy or how
rich you are you will always lick our arses
it's in your DNA," she says laughing.
"Yeah well fact remains, these black asses
were able to get something you will never
have even in your wildest dreams, a Smith."
I say folding my arms and she scoffs before
storming out.

"Okay, let me go see if Gina needs

anything," she walks out of the kitchen and I
stay behind leaning on the counter busy on
my phone until I feel his arms hugging me
from behind.

"Sweetheart," I ignore him.

"For how long are you going to punish me?"

I chuckle.
"For as long as it takes for you to
understand that I'm human and I have
feelings, you can't just snap at me
whenever you feel like just because you are
giving a roof over my head," he sighs.

"That's not......" I interject.

"What is it? Why haven't you taken me to

your house, are we even exclusive?" He
remains silent and I turn to look at him.

"You need to understand that I'm with you

because I love you not because you found
me destitute, I know poverty and I've
bathed in it all my life and trust me, going
back to it will be like second nature to me.
Don't get it twisted and think I can't breathe
without you. I watched the emergency
services remove my sister's burned body
on the couch and I still lived, there's nothing
in this world that can shake me so continue
treating me like I'm desperate," I say clicking
my tongue.

"I'm sorry, there's no one I promise. Byron

and I were discussing something that got
me frustrated and I took it out on you, for
that I apologise my love and baby, you are
welcome at my house anytime I promise
you I'm loyal and faithful to you," he says
holding both my hands.

"I love you so much, I don't want to lose you

Nthlanthla," I burst out laughing.
"Let's stick to sweetheart or my love before
you injure your tongue," he chuckles.

"I love you too," he captures my lips and we

kiss for a while until we hear someone
clearing their throat.

"Is this how you dishonour my brother? You

should be mourning and you're out here
kissing the help," he shakes his head looking
pissed.

"Monah I'm not your friend," he says

pointing his finger at her yoh what's with
these white people and calling their elders
by their names instead of calling her aunt?

*SNEGUGU*
"Do you need anything?" She smiles faintly.
She's laying on the bed in her bedroom
looking into space.

"I just wish everyone can leave, I want my

house back. These pretentious people bore
me," I chuckle.

"I'm here if you need me okay?" She nods.

"Does it make me a bad person because

I'm not saddened by my husband's death?
Instead I'm relieved," yoh!

"I'm sure you have your reasons for feeling

that way," she nods.
"As much as I love my son for you, make
sure you never lose yourself to a man, fight
to hold on to your independence, your
identity and your pride. I allowed loving
Richard to change who and what I stood for,
that's not good for you Sne, promise me you
will never let my son have all of you to a
point that you have nothing left for yourself,"
I nod and she cups my face.

"I need to rest a bit, tell Byron to get rid of

everyone."

I walk out of her bedroom and bumb into

Chad.

"Sorry," he chuckles.
"All this is your fault," I frown.

"I....."

"Shut the fuck up!" He shouts startling me.

"My father is dead because of you, why the

hell did you have to ask Byron to rescue
you? All this is your fault and now my father
killed himself because he couldn't bare
Byron finding out that he fucked his
precious whore wife, I'm sure you got paid
for it, hell I'm sure you even enjoyed it,
didn't you slut?" I hear the cocking of a gun
and that's when I see Byron standing
behind his brother with a gun pointed at the
back of Chad's head.
"You call me wife a slut Chad?" I'm a crying
mess right now, I don't believe what chad
just said, this can't be. It can't.

SIXTEEN

*BYRON*

"I'm sorry but it's her fault," I hit him with the
back of the gun and he screams like a little
bitch.

"You're making noise and go clean that

blood up, this is not over," I say taking Sne's
hand and we walk into the guest room.
"I'm sorry," she nods wiping her tears.

"Remember what you said to me when you

wanted me to make love to you for the first
time?" She nods.

"What did you say?" She takes a deep

breath.

"To me you are my first and my only," she

says before tearing up.

"And that's how it is until death separates

us. I love you so much and when I look at
you, I feel proud to call myself your
husband. Don't let this set you back or steal
your joy," she wipes her tears and smiles
faintly.
"Don't mind Chad, he is an entitled
overgrown baby who blames everyone
because his piece of shit father is dead, I
was going to kill him anyway so he took the
easy way out," she gasps.

"What?" You need to understand that when

it comes to you, I'll kill anything or anyone
who dares to make you cry," I say pecking
her lips.

"Okay then but please don't kill Chad," I

chuckle.

"I won't but I'm going to hurt him," she

shakes her head.
"Do you mind if I lay down a bit, I have a
headache," I nod.

"I'll come wake you up when it's time to

leave," she nods getting into bed and I kiss
her forehead before walking out.

I find Chad outside nursing his nose and I

throw a punch at him, he falls and I get on
top of him throwing punch after punch
while he screams like a bitch he is, I get up
and point at him.

"You fucking apologize am I clear?" He

nods and I hear someone whistling, it's
Jerome.

"You messed him up bro," I laugh.

"That will teach him to mind his fucken
mouth when he talks to my wife, defending
a pervert who cheated on your mother? Are
you that stupid?" Getting up is a struggle
but he eventually does.

"I'm going to Italy in a few days time, I was

supposed to go yesterday but Richard had
to change my plans, while I'm gone, repeat
after me chad," he nods wiping his lips with
the back of his hand.

"Sne is my brother's wife and I will take a

bullet for her and her sister just like I would
for Mimi," he repeats those words and I pull
him into a hug.
"I'll go apologize," I smile.

"Good," I watch him go back inside the

house.

"Do you think he'll protect them?" Jerome

asks and I shrug.

"I won't hesitate to kill him if he ever says or

does anything that will hurt Sne," he
chuckles.

"When did we get here?" I sigh.

"I don't know man but that woman is my

all."

*SNEGUGU*
I hear the door open and someone sit on
the bed, I open my eyes and almost scream
when I find Chad staring down at me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," I nod

before sitting up.

"He did that to you?" He nods chuckling.

"I'm sorry," he shakes his head.

"No I deserved it," we fall into silence,

honestly I'm not comfortable being alone
with him.

"I'm sorry for earlier, I'm hurting. My father

and I were very close, I know he was a
despicable man in your eyes now that you
know what he did to you but to me he was
my hero, my best friend and my mother's
bae. I still find it hard to believe the things he
did," I smile faintly.

"I understand and I hold nothing against, I

don't even approve of Byron hitting you but I
guess that's how you guys solve your
issues, thank you for apologizing," he gets
up and fixes his trousers.

"He's lucky to have you, there's something

pure about you that my brother needs in his
life, I promise you I won't be a problem," he
says before walking out and I release a
breath I didn't realise I was holding.
Two days later....

We are back home and Byron is going out of

the country, I'm busy packing his clothes
when I feel his arms around me.

"I'm going to miss you," he says kissing the

back of my neck.

"I'm the one who's going to miss you," I say

sulking.

"Two weeks tops and I'll be back," I nod

trying not to cry.

"Cleo invited me to her engagement party,"

he nods.
"You'll take two body guards," I scoff.

"Must I?" He nods.

"Let's not fight about this, I don't want to be

far away and worry about your safety."

"Okay," I continue packing until I'm done.

"I love you so much Mrs Smith," I smile.

"And I love you Mr Smith." We share a slow

passionate kiss.

*********

"How do I look," I ask Zamo as I twirl in a

flowy summer dress and gladiator sandals.
"You look beautiful but I don't understand
why you have to go to that party, shouldn't
you be mourning your father in law's
death?" I scoff.

"Don't bore me Zamo alright?"

"Okay but I'm just saying, it doesn't look

right," I chuckle.

"To who?" She shrugs.

"Don't wait up," I say grabbing my hand bag.

At Cleo's engagement party.....

"You are really married to Mr Smith," I nod
giggling.

"When, how?" I shrug.

"And you said I was imagining things," I

giggle.

"Zamo was busy playing Cupid," I say

laughing.

"But nawe your man finally popped the

question," she shrugs.

"He knocked me up that's why," my eyes

pop.

"You're pregnant?" She nods.

"Congratulations my friend, I'm so happy for
you," she smiles.

"Here, please drink for the both of us," she

says handing me a bottle of wine and I pour
a glass.

I think I've had too many glasses, infact I

think I finished the whole bottle, I get up and
almost fall. Yep I've definitely exceeded the
limit.

"Let me get going preggy, I'm so happy for

you. Love is a beautiful thing and you my
friend deserve all the love in the world," I
say hugging her and almost tripping again.
"Uzwile shame my friend, thank you for
coming. Should I call an Uber for you?" I
shake my head.

"I have a driver," I say giggling.

I get home and it's quite, I grab a bottle of

water in the fridge and scream my lungs out
when I close the fridge seeing someone
standing there.

"I've made it a habit scaring you," it's Chad.

"What are you doing here?" I ask with a

frown.
"Am I not welcome here?" I shrug and try to
walk past him but I trip and he's fast to
catch me.

"Back up, you're to close," he chuckles.

"And you're drunk," I free myself from his

hold.

"Keep your hands away from me," he lifts

his hands up in surrender and chuckles.

"Shit," he says looking down and my eyes

dart to where he's looking, he has a bloody
boner. He clears his throat and my eyes
pop.
"Uhm...I should go," I say walking up literally
running until I get inside the bedroom and
lock the door with my heart racing.

*SEVENTEEN*

*BYRON BLAZE*

In Italy....

We checked in and we are planned on how

to attack Jean and his men.

"Do you think Houdini can pull it off?" I ask

Sbu and he nods.
"Just give him a couple of days," I chuckle.

Houdini is now working at their barber shop

trying to find a way in, one thing about the
Italian mob is that they're always heavily
guarded, you have to be their worker to get
close to them and they don't trust easily, it
might take months but I'm confident that
Houdini will infiltrate their system very
soon.

"So....you married the cleaner," I chuckle.

"I married her," I say proudly.

"I'm so proud of you man," I nod.

"We can chase all the thrill, the adventure,
the danger but nothing compares to finding
a woman to love, it's a high like no other," I
chuckle.

"And here we are fighting for love, I swear

you guys are my brothers now, for you to
leave your families just to fight this war for
me. I will forever be indebted to you," he
nods.

Houdini walks in looking tired....

"Day one and you're already looking this

bushed," I say chuckling.

"The bloody owner is a slave driver man,

but day one was very productive, I've
learned that the owner is Jean's cousin and
they run a drug operation at the salon, they
don't have too many costumers but they
make about 4k Euros a day," he says
opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of
water.

"They're are laundering money?" He nods.

"I put a camera on Jean's suite," I frown.

"In case they find it won't it lead back to

you?" He shakes his head.

"Ethan, the barber's son will be the first

suspect because he's the one who took the
suit to the drycleaners," I sigh.
"I can't wait for this to end so I can go home
and enjoy my wife," I say walking out and
grabbing my phone, I smile hearing her
sweet voice on the other side.

"Mrs Smith," she giggles.

"I miss you."

"I miss you too, what are you doing?"

"I'm baking, Mimi has a school project, they

need to bake a cake."

"Hmm, which flavour are you making?"

"Red velvet," I chuckle.

"That's a crowd pleaser."

"I know right?"

"How was your friend's engagement

party?" She sighs.

"Did something happen? Jacob didn't say

anything."

"I don't know if I'm blowing this out of

proportion but when I came back I found
Chad here, I drank the whole bottle of wine
earlier at the party so I was a bit tipsy, he
found me in the kitchen, I almost fell but he
caught me, he was too close so I moved
back and that's when I noticed a boner, I
swear I was so scared that I ran into our
bedroom and locked. I haven't seen him
since then but I'm kind of scared of him
now," I clench my jaws.

"Hello, are you there?" I take a couple of

deep breaths.

"I'm here babe, don't worry about it. I'll fix

it."

"I don't want to cause trouble," I chuckle.

"Trust me, you didn't. Let me speak to Mimi,

I love you okay?"

"I love you so much," she says before I hear

some shuffling.
"Daddy!"

*SNEGUGU*

I'm so happy I told Byron about his brother,

to be honest I don't feel safe around him
anymore. I might be exaggerating but after
experiencing what I went through, I can't
ignore things.

After baking a cake for Mimi's project I

decide to make lunch for us, Zamo is now
watching cartoons with Mimi and I'm busy
cooking, I feel eyes on my as I chop
vegetables and I quickly turn.

"Chad!" I say annoyed.

"You don't like me do you?" I sigh.

"I don't like how you always sneak up on

me," he shrugs.

"And when Byron was around you never set

your foot here but now that he's out of
town, you are always here?" He shrugs.

"Maybe I'm here to watch over you, to

protect you." I chuckle.

"There are guards outside in case you didn't

notice," he smiles.

"Fuck you're beautiful," I blink a couple of

times tongue tied.
"Do I make you feel uncomfortable?" He
says walking towards me and I shake my
head.

"Do you know what combustion is? I shake

my head, he is now towering over me, my
hands are shaking. I side eye the knife and
he grabs it and hands it to me.

"Stab right here with all your might," my

hands shake.

"You are the substance that ignites the fire

in me," he says in a whisper before he
moves back.
"I would never force myself on you, you will
beg me to make love to you, you are not
shaking because of fear but your body is
reacting to the attraction that we feel for
one another," he says before grabbing an
apple and walking away. I let out the breath
I was holding, I don't trust this guy at all.

The next day....

I haven't checked up on Gina since the

funeral, I decide to take Mimi with me to her
house and I'm bored out of my skull finding
Ashley there.

"Hello," I greet.

"Grandma!" Mimi shouts happily.

"Hey baby," she hugs her and she hugs me
too.

"How are you holding up?"

"Fine I guess," I nod.

"Ashley tells me that Byron is out of town

on business," I nod.

"And he couldn't let me know?" I shrug.

"I'm sure he had his reasons for not telling

you?" She sighs.

"Byron knows he has a baby coming soon,

Ashley needs all the support she can get.
The doctor's appointments and the
cravings," okay that kind of stings a bit, why
would Gina talk like this.

"I'm not saying this to hurt you but he needs

to be a present father, no child deserves to
be abandoned no matter how they came
about," I guess she can sense that I'm hurt.

"I understand and I'm sure when he gets

back he will perform his duties, excuse me
I'll pick up Mimi later. I'm going to buy a few
things we need at home," I say getting up
and walking out.

"You know, you are fighting a losing battle,

once Byron realises that I'm carrying his son
he will leave you. Byron is with you because
he feels sorry for you, he married you out of
pity," Ashley says, she followed me outside.

"I don't have time for you and your theories,

concentrate on your pregnancy and leave
me alone," I say walking away but she grabs
my arm roughly.

"I'm not doing this with you," she slaps me

and I slap her back.

"Bitch don't try me," she pushes me and I

almost fall but I gain my balance and charge
towards her, I stop myself remembering
that she's pregnant and I point my finger at
her.
"I'll let you be because you're pregnant but
try that nonsense again and I'll mop the
floor with your behind," I say walking away.

At Ntjantja's restaurant....

"Here, calm down," Ntjantja says handing

me a glass of water.

"I swear she was provoking me," she

chuckles.

"I'm afraid if that child happens to be your

husband's child, you are going to have to
deal with that bitter racist for the rest you
your lives," I sigh before gulping down the
water.
"The nerve to put her bony hands on me," I
say clicking my tongue.

"And what Gina said gave her wings, now

she thinks she can disrespect me. Am I
Byron? I have kept quiet concerning this
Ashley issue because I want him to deal
with it however he sees fit." I say tearing up.

"I feel like everyone is blaming me for

Richard taking his own life, I know she said
that to get at me but what if Byron really
married me out of pity?" She shakes her
head.

"Now you are questioning your husband's

love because of that Psycho? That man
loves you, I saw the love in his eyes when
he said those vows to you. He would be
hurt by you questioning his love," I sigh.

"You're right, I'm just..... let me get going it's

getting late," I say getting up and she engulfs
me into a tight hug.

"STOP giving that girl power," I nod.

I'm surprised walking into Gina's yard

there's an ambulance and a police car
parked outside, I walk inside the house and
an unexpected slap lands on my face
before I can even fathom what's happening
I'm being cuffed, Gina just slapped me and
I'm being cuffed?
"Mam do you understand your rights?" the
police officer says bringing me back to my
senses.

"Officer is that necessary?" Chad asks.

"Damn right it's necessary, if anything

happens to my grandson I will personally
make sure you rot in prison, not even Byron
will save you," Gina says pointing her finger
at me.

"What's going on?" I ask confused.

"Go with them okay? I promise you won't

spend the night in jail. I'll get you out," Chad
says patting my shoulder.
"Chad," I whisper as they're dragging me
out.

*COMBUSTION*

*EIGHTEEN*

*SNEGUGU*

I'm in the holding cells alone, this is really a

nightmare. They took my cellphone.and my
wedding ring, I've been crying since I got
here.
"Mrs Smith," I look up at Lincon, I know him
from Smith attorneys. He's one of the
attorneys there.

"Hi," I greet getting up.

"I'll be representing you, Mr Jerome called

me and asked me to make sure you don't
spend the night here but unfortunately it's
not looking good for you, I can only get you
in front of the judge tomorrow morning," I
break into a sob.

"I'm sorry mam," I gather myself and offer a

faint smile.
"Can you please tell me why was I
arrested?"

"For attempted murder," I gasp shocked.

"What?"

"Miss Ashley Swanepool had a miscarriage

after you allegedly assaulted her," I frown.

"I didn't.....I don't understand," I'm confused

really.

"Tell me step by step what happened," I

take a deep breath and narrate exactly what
happened.

"So you slapped her?" I scoff.

"Yes after she slapped me, she wanted to
provoke me into fighting her but I avoided
her and left," he nods.

"Right now it's not looking good for you, it's

her word against yours and the fact that
she's carrying your husband child gives you
motive to want to hurt her," I chuckle.

"But I didn't," he sighs.

"Let's work on getting you bail and the rest

we shall work out when you're out of here," I
nod.

"Does my husband know?" He shrugs.

"Mrs Smith senior is using her influence to
make sure you rot in jail but Jerome is hell
bend on getting you out. I know Byron will
have my head for failing to get you out
tonight but I promise to have you out by
tomorrow and I'll make sure you don't share
this cell with anyone until morning,"

The next day....

I didn't sleep a wink last night, I kept having

nightmares of being locked up and raped all
over again, I can't believe Ashley is so
wicked and Gina? I thought she's a smart
reasonable person but I guess I was wrong.

"Mrs Smith," the warden greets opening up

for me.
"All the best in court today," he says with a
smile and I return the smile as I'm being
escorted out.

A few hours later......

Jerome, Ntjantja and Chad are here, I was

granted bail. Can you believe Gina was here
rooting for Ashley and was shouting at the
top of her lungs when the judge granted me
bail.

"Oh my dear," Ntjantja says hugging me.

"I just need to go home and shower, I just

want to forget about all of this," I say wiping
my tears.
"It's okay stop crying, I'll fix this okay?"
Chad says holding my hand and I nod.

"Let's go," Jerome says.

We get home and Zamo runs to hug me.

"I heard what happened sis Gugu, I'm so

sorry." She says hugging me.

"I know you didn't hurt her and the truth will
come out," she says after breaking the hug.

"I need to lie down a bit," I say walking

upstairs to my bedroom, I close the door
making sure that I lock it and throw myself
on the bed before wipping painfully.
*JEROME*

"I got the footage of what happened, it

shows Sne walking away," Chad says busy
on the laptop.

"I knew that witch was lying," Ntjantja says

and I turn to look at Chad.

"A word," he nods and follows me to

Byron's study. I pin him against the door as
soon as he enters and grab his neck.

"She's your brother's wife you piece of shit,"

he frowns confused.
"You are fucken in love with her and you
can't even hide it," I say letting him go and
watch him cough.

"I won't harm Sne, yes I love her but I won't

act on it. She's my brother's wife and I
respect that," I scoff.

"You have no business falling in love with

her," he gets up.

"Tell my heart that, I didn't plan this okay?" I

walk out slamming the door behind and I
dial Byron but it takes me straight to
voicemail.

"You better hurry back home, Ashley

miscarried and is blaming your wife and she
seems to have recruited Gina into her
madness, your little brother is....." I sigh

"Just come back home please," I hang up

the phone.

"Is everything alright?" I smile.

"Everything is fine sweetheart," she nods.

"I was thinking of sleeping over just to make

sure Sne is alright."

"That's a good idea babe," she smiles and

pecks my cheek.

"Let me make something to eat, she might

wake up hungry." She says walking away.
Chad walks out of the study and we lock
eyes, I click my tongue.

"You better keep it in your pants," he sighs

and walks out.

*NARRATED*

Chad barges into Gina's house pissed as

Gina is making a quick meal for Ashley in
the kitchen.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?

Chad chuckles.

"What was that nonsense at court?"

"That girl killed my grandson because of
jealousy, she couldn't stand the fact that
Ashley was pregnant with her husband's
heir," he clenches his jaws and places the
laptop on the kitchen counter playing the
first video of Ashley confronting Sne and
Sne walking away. The video comes to an
end then the second video appears of
Ashley hitting herself with the door a couple
of times until she bleeds.

"Oh my gosh!" Gina covers her mouth in

shock.

"You know Ashley is a sly fox, hasn't Sne

been through enough?" Gina takes a seat
feeling dizzy.
"Gina what's taking so long," Ashley
appears and frowns when she sees her in a
state.

"Is everything okay Gina?"

"Who's child were you carrying?" Gina asks

with disgust written all over her face.

"What are you talking about? Byron was

there father and his wife took him away,"
she says sobbing.

"Stop acting Ashley, we saw the footage.

You did that to yourself," she immediately
stops crying and cusses under her breath.

"She slapped me," she argued.

"After you slapped her and pushed her, you
hit yourself with the door Ashley, you are
going to prison for what you did to Sne, she
spent the night in jail," Chad says and
Ashley shook her head crying.

"Can't you see that this girl has you all

wrapped around her little finger, Richard is
dead because of her, Byron is god knows
where and you saw how your two sons
were hovering around her at court. Gina
wake up, I have the best interest for Byron. I
love him," Chad chuckles.

"Then why kill an innocent baby of the man

you claim to love?" She tears up.
"I didn't know I'd miscarry okay? I just
wanted to look battered but I lost my son
and his blood is on my hands, I did that
because of love okay?" She says sobbing
while Gina and Chad look at each other
void of words.

COMBUSTION

NINETEEN

*SNEGUGU*
Ntjantja spent the night and is busy making
breakfast, my eyes are puffy and red. I cried
myself to sleep last night and not reaching
Byron on the phone makes things worse,
when will I ever know peace in my life, I'm
thinking a lot of things right now. Next year I
wanted to study law as I've been accepted
at UniSA but this whole case can ruin my
life.

"Don't cry sis, you're breaking my heart." I

didn't even notice that I was crying, I smile
faintly at her before cupping her face.

"I've been such a bad sister, how is

school?"

"Great, we're starting exams soon," I nod.

"You used to love showing me your grades,
are you still a straight A student?" She
laughs.

"Oh sis, I'm the mastermind of this family,

don't expect anything less than five
distinctions," now I'm the one laughing.

"Grade 11 here I come,"

"I'm sure our parents must be proud of you,

I know I am."

"I'm proud of you too," she says, hugging

me.
The door opens and Gina walks in with
Chad on her tail.

"I see we came right on time, please add us

honey," Gina says to Ntjantja and she rolls
her eyes.

"I saw that," she turns to look at me.

"Oh my daughter," yoh the shock in my face

causes Chad to chuckle.

"I'm sorry for everything you've been

through, for slapping you and calling you
names. Please find it in your heart to forgive
me sweetie," I frown and Ntjantja claps her
hands once before chuckling.
"That was a quick change of heart," Gina
shoots her with a death stare.

"Well Ashley didn't know that there were

cameras around the house, they showed
clearly what transpired between you two
and how you walked away, they also show
her hitting herself with the door hence the
bruises on her forehead and the
miscarriage," Chad says grabbing a seat.

"Yes my daughter and this morning she

went to drop the charges and skipped town,
I think she was lying about carrying Byron's
child," I nod.

"Am I forgiven?" I nod.

"It's okay, you thought she was carrying
your grandchild and all the evidence
pointed at me so I understand," she comes
and launches herself in my arms.

"You are a better person than me," Ntjantja

says dishing up.

A few days later....

Byron still hasn't called, I'm starting to

wonder if something happened to him or
what because this is so unlike him, I'm by
myself in the house sis Agnes had a family
crisis so she asked for leave. I'm watching
TV in the lounge when I hear the doorbell
ringing, I get up and put on my slippers
heading for the door.
"Mrs Smith?" A guy carrying flowers says as
soon as I open the door.

"Yes?" He hands me the flowers and a gift

bag.

"Please sign here," I sign and he leaves.

TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN I'VE

EVER SEEN, I HOPE THESE PUT A SMILE
ON YOUR FACE. I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT
YOU ARE LOVED.

the card on the flowers reads but it doesn't

say who are they from. I look inside the gift
bag and find goodies from lindt. I place the
flowers in the vase and curl up on the
couch eating the chocolates, I grab my
phone and dial Byron again with no luck so I
continue watching TV.

*CHAD SMITH*

I tuck my hands deep in my pockets

standing by the window looking outside at
the city, I'm sure Sne received the flowers
and the chocolates by now, I've never met
anyone who intrigues me like she does
without even trying, there's just that special
thing about her that leaves one breathless,
at first I thought I was just physically
attracted to her but the more I'm around her
the more I realise that it's more. I've never
felt like this for anyone, it's safe to say that
I've never been in love before but the aero
had to dart straight to my brother's wife. I'm
still lost in thought when Nomsa comes
rushing in.

"I tried to stop her sir," she says out of

breath as Karen barges into my office.

"It's okay Nomsa, I'll handle this. You can go

back to your desk.

"Karen," I greet sitting on the desk.

"What is this?" I shrug.

"You haven't been picking up my calls for

two weeks now, is there someone else?" I
shake my head and she scoffs.
"You said you wanted us to be exclusive, I
left my long term boyfriend for you and now
you're acting up, I love you Chad but you
can't string me along." She says folding her
arms and tapping her foot.

"Come here," she clicks her tongue and I

move from the table and walk towards her
gently pulling her towards me.

"What's with the drama babe?" I say

towering over her.

"I just don't like being strung along," she

says softly and her breathing has slightly
increased.
"My brother is away and his wife was
arrested, I had to be there for her, I know I
should have communicated but I was
preoccupied." She nods.

"So we are still on the same page?" I don't

say anything but I capture her lips instead
and she doesn't hesitate to kiss me back,
we kiss for a while until we are disturbed by
Jerome walking in.

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you had

company," he says with a smirk.

"Jerome meet Karen, babe this is my

brother Jerome," she shyly waves her hand.

"It's nice to meet you Karen."

"Likewise," she says with a smile before
turning back to face me.

"Let me get going, dinner tonight?" I nod

before pecking her lips.

"I'll make reservations at signature," I nod.

"It was nice meeting you Jerome," she says

walking past him.

"Now I can leave confidently knowing you

have a beautiful woman keeping you on a
leash," I shake my head.

"What can I do for you Jerome?"

"I'm going out of the country, Byron and his
crew are not picking up my calls and I'm
worried about him, I'm sure his wife is
worried too so I'm asking you to please
behave and put your feelings aside, I need
to know our women are safe with you while
I go search for our brother."

"I'm offended right now," he shrugs.

"Well I'm not here to nurse your feelings,

can I trust you with Byron's wife?" I chuckle.

"Go to hell Jerome, you are making me out

to be some pervert," he sighs.

"You have guards right? I'm staying the fuck

away from both your women," he sighs.
"Why are you so selfish?"

"I'm not doing this with you Jerome," he

scoffs.

"You are your father's son through and

through, just as self centered and weak
minded, weren't you the one who admitted
having feelings for your brother's wife?" I
clench my jaws.

"And I told you, I'll never act on those

feelings," I say through gritted teeth.

"Stay in your lane," he says walking out.

"Fuck you!" I shout and he slams the door
hard.

That evening......

Karen and I went to dinner then we came

back home and we had lots of sex until we
both passed out, I'm woken by my phone
ringing and I pick up the unsaved number.

"Hello," I hear sniffing and I feel a sharp pain

shoot through my heart.

"Who's this?" The sniffing continues.

"Chad," her voice brings me up to a sitting

position removing Karen's hand.
"Sne?"

"I'm sorry to call you this late but Jerome is

out of the country and I didn't want to
bother Ntjantja, I got your number from
Mimi's tablet." She says before sniffing.

"It's okay, what's wrong?"

"I.....I'm scared, I think something happened

to my husband and....." she bursts into a
sob.

"Byron is a die hard, nothing happened to

him trust me, he will fight through hell to
come back to you, that man loves you," she
remains silent for a while.
"Did you here me?"

"Yes," she answers sniffing.

"I'm sorry for waking you up," I smile.

"It's okay."

"Do you need me to come over?"

"No it's fine, I was just overwhelmed by

emotions and fear but I'm okay now."

"Okay then please get some sleep, I'll call

you tomorrow."

"Okay and thank you bye," I chuckle before

hanging up the phone.
"Who was that?" Karen says switching on
the side lamp.

"My brother's wife, he's missing and she

just wanted someone to talk to," she nods.

"Sleep," I say switching off the side lamp

and cuddling her.

COMBUSTION

TWENTY

*JEROME*
I arrived in Italy and checked into the same
hotel Byron checked into according to his
tracker and the hotel records. After
checking into my room I make my way to
the hotel room he checked into. I knock a
couple of times before breaking in. I walk in
with my gun drawn.

"Move and I will blow your brains out," a

voice says behind me with a gun pointed at
the back of my head.

"Where's my brother?" He removes the

gun.

"Blaze is in hospital, he's in a coma. Maloya

is working on getting him back to S.A but
we're waiting for the green light from the
doctor," I turn and it's Houdini.

"The man, the myth, the legend," he

chuckles and we bro hug.

"What happened?" He sighs.

"We killed them but it was one hell of a

fight," he walks over to the kitchen and
pours us whiskey.

"How did he end up getting shot?"

********Flashback*********
Houdini: I have the map to the house and
their entire movements, Blaze you will go in
as the new driver of the garbage disposal
truck. Maloya, you will hide in the back and
meanwhile I will smoke the cousins at the
barber shop. You will have thirty minutes to
get in and get out taking as many souls as
you can and remember, even the old fible
looking women carry guns."

Maloya: father in the mane of jesus we ask

that you go before us and prepare a way for
us, there is no greater honour than fighting
for the ones we love. May we rip off their
heads along with their dicks so that even in
hell they will never be able to rape. And the
church said Amen.
Byron: Amen!

Maloya: Amen!

At the barber.......

Houdini entered the barber shop and

waited for the perfect time which was
when the boss was counting dirty money
with his associates in the the office, he
locked them inside and walked out of the
front door of the barber shop before
pressing the button which triggered the
strategically places explosives and
everything went KaBOOM!
Blaze dressed in overalls drives into Jean's
mansion....

"Where's the Peter, who the fuck are you?"

The security guard asks at the gate.

"He called in sick?" The man sceptical

picks up the phone and speaks in Italian.

"Is there a problem?"

"We don't work with anyone who isn't

Italian," the man says before drawing his
gun but blaze beat him to it and pumps
three bullets in him because crashing into
the gate and causing the security guys
roaming the yard to be on high alert.
He drove in as they were busy shooting at
the truck and stopped right at the front door
where he got out and started shooting with
the help of Maloya who also came out from
the back with guns blazing.

They shot their way inside making sure they

shoot at anything that moves while Jean
and his associates hid themselves in a
bulletproof room scared witless. The thing
about these crusty old fools is that they
enjoy killing but they're are scared of dying.

Maloya: I think we took everyone out except

for her.
He places the gun on her head and asks
where her boss is and she points at the
room.

Blaze: let's set them ablaze.

They plant explosives all around the house

before walking out as they were about to
get into the truck, one of the guards who
played dead before pointed the gun at Blaze
and pulled the trigger launching the bullet
straight on his chest before Maloya shoots
the guard emptying his gun on him.

Maloya: Blaze!
He shouts crouching down at his level
supporting his head. Houdini walks in and
also crouches down.

Blaze: "Sne, my wife" he says closing his

eyes.

*********End of flashback*********

*SNEGUGU*

I haven't been able to sleep, I have a bad

feeling and the more days pass without
speaking to my husband the more anxious I
get. Could it be that something bad
happened to him? No! I can't afford to think
like that.
I'm in the kitchen preparing lunch, Zamo
and Mimi are still at school and I swear the
more I'm on my own the more I dwell on the
thought that something is wrong. My phone
rings in my pocket and I answer as fast as
possible.

"Hello."

"Sne," it's Jerome.

"Hey how are you?"

"I'm hanging in there," he heaves a sigh.

"I found Byron," I take a deep breath.

"He....was...he was shot, he's in a coma," I
tear up covering my mouth.

"We are waiting for the doctors to declare

him fit to travel back home," I nod as if he
can see me.

"Sne, I need you to be strong okay?"

"Okay."

"He loves you and I know he is fighting to

come back to you," i close my mouth trying
to muffle my cry.

"I'll keep you updated, I have to go now."

"Okay," we say our goodbyes and hang up, I
balance myself on the counter feeling like
I'm about to faint until I feel hands hug me
from behind and I lean my head back letting
out a cry.

"Please don't cry," Chad says turning me

around and he lays my head on his chest.

"You're breaking my heart," he says rubbing

my back.

"I'm so scared," I whisper.

"Talk to me Sne,"I continue crying until I

calm down.
"Byron was shot, he's in a coma." I say
breaking down.

"It's okay, he'll pull through. You need to be

strong for him okay?" I no and he wipes my
tears with his thumb and pecks my
forehead.

"Please go sit, I'll continue here." I smile

faintly.

"Okay."

Chad made lunch for the kids while I went

to lie down, I was woken by a text from
Malcolm saying they're bringing Byron back
to S.A, they got the go ahead from the
doctors. I'm so relieved, my husband is
coming back home.

TWENTY ONE

Byron was successfully transported to

South Africa and is now at a private hospital
in Milpark. His condition hasn't improved
nor has it worsened which is good news
considering that they flew him while on a
ventilator.

After Jerome informed his mother and Sne

he sat in the waiting room while the doctors
were assessing his condition.
"Oh my son, how is your brother?" Gina
asks as soon as she arrives with Chad on
her tail.

"The doctors are still busy with him, we will

know momentarily." He says turning his
attention to Sne who is looking lost at the
reception, their eyes lock and she rushes to
him.

"How is my husband?" She enquires in a

breaking voice. The bags under her eyes
show the state she's currently in.

"He is okay," he says getting up to hug her

and she sniffs while he rubs her back.
One of the doctors appears and gives them
an update stating the famous line the
doctors usually use when they have nothing
to report "he is critical but stable"

Sne walks into the ward feeling like she will

faint anytime soon, her knees are wobbly,
the fear of losing her husband is almost
causing her paralysis.

"I never thought the next time I see you, you

would be hooked to machines fighting for
your life, I'm not that strong Byron. I can't sit
here and watch you leave me when you
gave me strength, who will be my strength
now? You dealt yourself by choosing a
weak wife who is just broken and needs you
more that you need her," she says wiping
her tears.

"I love you so much, from the first day I saw

you. You looked like you just stepped out of
those telenovelas where the lead guy is
ridiculously handsome, I would steal
glances at you while I was cleaning your
office," she chuckles before sniffing.

"Don't leave me please, I won't make it."

She wipes her tears and holds his warm

hand before kissing it.

"Please come back to me," she says before

walking out.
*CHAD*

Sne came out looking like her world has

come to an end, the fear and pain in her
eyes are a heartbreaking sight. After we all
had our turn to see my big brother Jerome
and Gina left, Sne is still sitting in the
waiting room looking lost.

"Let me take you home," she shakes her

head.

"I don't want to leave him alone," she says

in a whisper.

"I understand that but you need to rest, you

are of no use to him like this, he needs you
to be strong. You need to eat and get some
sleep, you will come back tomorrow
refreshed," she doesn't say anything so I
reach out my hand and she takes it.

"Can I take you somewhere first because

taking you home?" She doesn't say anything
so we get to my car and I drive out of the
hospital.

"What is this place?" She asks as soon as I

kill the engin.

"This is my favourite place, it's just 20

minutes away from Joburg, I discovered it
during my varsity days. A friend of mine
used to love camping here." She nods and
look out the window.
"I'm scared," she says.

"I know, I'm scared too but he will make it. I

just know it," she turns to look at me.

"You promise?" I nod and she sighs.

"Do you want to go out a bit?" She nods and

I open the door and climb out before jogging
to her side to open for her. We sit on the
bonnet watching the sun about to set near a
small lake.

"This place is beautiful," she says smiling

and I just stare at her feeling all sorts of
emotions being this close to her.
My word this woman is beautiful.
"You're being weird," she says not looking at
me and I clear my throat.

"Sorry," she chuckles.

"Make me forget please, even if it's just for a

little while." She says looking at the pond.

"How?" She chuckles.

"Make love to me," my eyes pop.

"I....Sne I know you're are hurting and....."

she places her tiny finger on my lips.

"I know you want me, I've see how you look
at me. I'm in so much pain right now I just
want to forget, I promise I won't hate you
afterwards but just know it's a once off
thing, I just want to forget please."

"I can't," I clear my throat and hold both her

hands.

"Sne what I feel for you is not just physical

but I love you, sleeping with you and
knowing I can't have you would kill me, I
have a girlfriend and I've decided to marry
her and give her a chance because trust me
Sne, Byron will wake up and you will hate
yourself for betraying him while he's fighting
for his life," she tears up and I bring her into
a hug.

"So you love me?" She says after breaking

the hug and wiping her tears.
"I do," I say with a smile.

"And your girlfriend, you love her too?" I

shrug.

"She loves me and she's a good person,"

she nods.

"I've secretly loved your brother since the

first time I saw him," I smile and she
chuckles.

"Does that hurt you?" I shake my head.

"Why would it?"

"Declaring love for your brother while you
admitted to loving me," she says shrugging
and I chuckle.

"I'm rooting for you and my brother, it's

crazy but I know my brother will love you
the way you deserve to be loved and that
gives me joy, loving someone sometimes
doesn't mean you get to be with them, you
can love them from a distance and as long
as they are happy then your spirit will be at
peace," she looks at me straight in the eyes
like she's searching for something.

"I don't get you?" She heaves a heavy sigh.

"I just thought you were this pervert who

might even try to rape me," my eyes pop.
"Don't be shocked, you got a boner from
touching me and you were mean to me
after your father took his life."

"You are right, I was a jerk and I projected

the anger I had for my father towards you,
forgive me and as for the boner," I laugh
throwing my head back.

"Woman you have no idea of the effect you

have on me," she looks down at her feet and
I catch her smiling.

"It's getting dark let's go."

We get back inside the car and drive back,
we pass at Macdonald's drive thru before
reaching the house.

"Thank you Chad for being a gentleman, I

would have regretted it so thank you." She
says as we climb out of the car.

"I got you Sne," she nods with a smile.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow right?" She nods

and we get inside the house.

*SNEGUGU*

He didn't stay long before he left and I was

able to take a few bites of the burgers we
bought. I just took a shower and a knock
comes through the bedroom door Zamo
walks in already in her pajamas.

"Hey sis," I greet and she just stares at me.

"Is everything alright?" She sighs.

"Sis, I think what you and Chad are doing is

inappropriate, you are married to his brother
and he is fighting for his life while you are
making googol eyes at him," I frown.

"Zamo!

"Sis Gugu!"

"I don't know what you're talking about but

stick your nose out of my business, what
you are insinuating about me and Chad is
down right ridiculous, I'm a married woman
for Pete's sake," she chuckles. One thing
about Zamo, she never backs down.

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself,

that man looks at you like a fool in love
while you are acting like a bitch on heat," I
slap her so hard and she holds her cheek
with tears running down her eyes.

"Byron doesn't deserve this, you might

know his sweet side but that man is
ruthless and when he wakes up and sees
the two of you going on like love struck
teenagers, he will kill you and his brother
and I won't even blame him after everything
he did for you, have you watched
confessions of a marriage counselor? I
suggest you do before you regret." She says
walking out but she stops at the door and
does a dramatic turn.

"We are stable, I have a home and an

allowance, I get driven to school like a
princess and I'm happy. Please don't throw
that away, Mimi needs a mother, when last
have you bonded with her like the woman
who married a man with a child? Don't be
selfish sis Gugu, your lust for each other
will hurt a lot of people," she says before
slamming the door and I sit on the bed
thinking about what I almost did with Chad,
i should stay away from him before I really
mess up.
TWENTY TWO

*SNEGUGU*

Zamo's words keep ringing in my head like a

broken record, I feel so guilty because not
only is my husband laying in hospital
fighting for his life, this man has been
nothing but my pillar of strength.

After dragging myself out of bed I took a

quick shower and I hurried downstairs to
make breakfast.
"Good morning sis Agnes," I greet as I'm
welcomed by a glorious smell of freshly
baked muffins and a fresh brew of coffee.

"Morning Sne, how are you?" She responds

with a smile as I pull up a chair.

"I'm okay, when did you get back? I honestly

wasn't expecting you anytime soon." She
sighs sadly.

"Last night, I have been working for Mr

Smith for more than 6 years, when I started
working here Mimi was just 8 months old, I
love her like my own daughter." She says
wiping a lone tear.
"I'm sad that I have to leave, I don't have a
choice, my mother is sick and it's not
looking good and if she dies which is
inevitable judging by her condition I have to
move back home and take care of her
animals," I nod.

"I actually came back to hand in my

resignation and to serve a one week notice,
I'm quite sad that I came back to the news
that Mr Smith is in hospital, I would have
liked to bid him a proper farewell.

"I'm very sad that you're leaving us but I

understand that family comes first, my
husband will be alright. Do you have anyone
you can recommend?" She shakes her
head.
"Mr Smith hired me from an agency I'm sure
you will get a good helper if you contact
them." I nods.

"Smells good in here," she giggles.

"I made Mimi's favourite blue berry muffins

and chocolate chip pancakes, let me dish
up for you," she says taking out the plates.

"Agnes!!" Mini shouts running down the

stairs followed by Zamo.

"Hello girls," she says hugging Mimi who is

visibly happy.
"Zamo are you okay?" Agnes asks looking
at her cheek and guilt eats me up inside.

"I'm fine sis Agnes, it's no biggie," she says

stuffing her face with the delicious muffins."

"Aunt Gugu, when is my dad coming

home?" I sigh.

"Soon sweetheart soon," she nods and digs

in. This is a special treat indeed judging by
the humming as she eats.

"Zamo, can I please have a word with you in

the lounge?" She nods

"I'm so sorry," I say as soon as we get to the

lounge.
"It's okay sis Gugu, I've said my piece so the
ball is in your court." I sigh.

"I heard you," she nods and leaves me

standing there. It's going to take time for her
to forgive me but I'll make it up to her, I can't
have my one and only sister mad at me.

*CHAD*

"Babe I'm coming with you to the hospital,"

Karen says sticking her head in the
bathroom while I'm busy shaving.

"Okay," I say looking at her through the

mirror.
"Are you sure?" I nod and she breaks into a
beautiful smile, I bet she thought I would
protest.

"Okay love, let me make you a cup of

coffee, we will have breakfast on the way to
the hospital," I nod and continue shaving.
My mind is all over the place right now, I
hardly slept thinking about what almost
happened between Sne and I, now I'm
more than certain that I need to stay away
from her before both my brothers kill me. I
think I should propose to Karen and look
forward to a future with her.

At the hospital......
We get to the waiting room and I find my
brother, his girlfriend, Sne and Gina all
sitting quietly.

"Good morning," I greet and they all

mumble a greeting.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, the doctors are making their rounds.

We are just waiting for feedback about his
condition," Jerome says before turning to
Karen whose clinging on to my hand.

"We meet again," she giggles shyly and I

clear my throat.
"Everyone this is Karen, she's my girlfriend."
Sne looks away and I swear I saw a ping of
hurt in her eyes or maybe I'm imagining
things.

"Babe, this is my mother Gina, my brother

Byron's wife Sne and Jerome's girlfriend...." I
scratch my head, I can never pronounce her
name, I've tried.

"It's Ntjantja," she says in her Mickey mouse

voice and I laugh.

"Sorry," she laughs too, she never takes

offence. I dart my eyes to Sne and we lock
eyes for a while before Jerome clears his
throat.
"So Karen, how long have you been dating
my brother? We've never seen him with a
woman ever, we even thought he's gay."
Jerome says and I chuckle.

"Tell him I'm not gay baby," she giggles shyly.

"It's nice to meet you my daughter, you are

beautiful," Gina says.

"I need some air," Sne says getting up and

walking away.

"Is it something I said?" Gina asks.

"No, she's not coping." Jerome says.

"Let me go check if she's okay," Ntjantja
says getting up.

"Shame I can only imagine what she's going

through," Karen says and I squeeze her
hand.

"NTJANTJA*

I find her leaning against the wall crying her

eyes out and I engulf her into a hug.

"I'm sorry, everything will be okay," I say

holding her tight.

"Nothing will ever be okay ever, I wish I was

the one laying there hooked to all those
machines, I'm a bad person Ntjantja," I rub
her back.

"No you're not, I know you are scared of

losing him but you will not, just pray. God
will heal him," she breaks the hug and
shakes her head vigorously.

"Nothing will ever be okay again, I think I'm

in love with Chad" she says covering her
face with her hands and my eyes pop.

"What?"

TWENTY THREE
*NTJANTJA*

"What!?" I shout and she looks down.

"I want you to listen to me very carefully, get

your head out of your ass Sne, you are so far
up your ass that all you think is shit. To think
I came out here to comfort you because
your husband is in there fighting for his life
kanti no, wena you are busy thinking
nonsense," she wipes her tears with her
head still bowed.

"Is my Jerome even safe with you?" She

looks up, shocked.
"What? Don't give me that look, if you can
lust after Chad who was a dickhead to you
and went as far as accusing you of wanting
to be raped what's stopping you from
developing sick twisted feelings for my
boyfriend who has been nothing but
supportive?"

"I tried not to fall for him, I can't explain it

and you guys are judging me," i chuckle.

"Then try harder Sisi, the man has a

girlfriend and you are married, Byron loves
you Sne, that man is for you please don't
throw everything away for the bad boy
Chad please, you are feeling judged
because you know deep down you are
wrong, I refuse to believe that this is love
that you feel for Chad, focus on your
therapy and your husband, I'll never
mislead you Sne," she nods.

"Now let's go in there and focus on your

husband, forget about Chad please."

We walk back inside and find the doctor

speaking to the family, we stand there and
listen to him until he permits Sne to go
inside the ward to see her husband.

"Are you okay?" Jerome asks and I nod.

"You don't look okay," I sigh.

"I'm just hungry," he smiles getting up.

"Let me get you something to eat quickly," I
nod smiling.

"Is she okay?" The devil reincarnated asks I

shoot him with a death stare and he lifts his
hands in surrender, he is the most
handsome out of the brothers but there's
just something bad really bad about him.

*SNEGUGU*

After staying plus minus thirty minutes with

Byron I went out of his ward allowing the
rest of his family to also go in to see him, I
can't stand being in the same room with
him, the guilt of having feelings for Chad is
eating me up and no matter how true the
harsh words from my sister and Ntjantja are
I just cant get rid of these feelings wrong as
they are I just can't.

"Take me home Jacob," I say getting inside

the car.

Upon arriving at home I took a long relaxing

bath and decided to cry myself sleep. I'm
woken by a subtle knock on the door.

"Come in," I immediately jolt up when I see

Chad walking in.
"Chad," he stares at me for a while, I feel his
eyes boring into me and I can't help but tear
up.

"You have to leave Chad," I say softly but he

doesn't utter a word instead he strides
towards me with his eyes still on me.
Without saying a word he crouches down
and captures my lips, i don't even hesitate
kissing back. He breaks the kiss and looks
into my eyes.

"Just this once please allow me to make

love to you, please allow me to give you my
heart and I promise I'll never look back
again, I want to give you a piece of me
because I know you love me too as much
as you love my brother, you and I can never
be together or love each other openly but
can we share this intimate moment
together before we say goodbye and move
on with our lives?" I nod cupping his face.

"You are so beautiful," he whispers before

nibbling on my ear.

"I love you Sne, with all my heart. I wish I

met you first." He says slowly taking off the
dress I'm wearing. With each item of
clothing that comes off our eyes are glued
to one another.

"Please use a condom," I say opening the

drawer but he holds my hand.
"I want to feel you," I shake my head, I can't
allow him to become infected although I
know I'm not infectious but I don't want to
take that risk, Byron didn't care about using
a condom because I'm his wife, what's
mine it's his, those were his exact words.

"I'm HIV positive and you have your

girlfriend to think about," he says nothing
but kisses me again while pushing the
drawer shut.

We are completely naked now, his dick is

erect and he is rubbing it against my
drenched entrance, my heart is beating so
fast. It's like I'm having an out of body
experience, I can see myself committing
the worst sin known to men but I can't stop
myself. I want this, I want him and right now
the consequences don't matter, my
husband doesn't matter, my sister doesn't
matter and not even my status matters. He
pushes in a couple of times before my walls
fully expand to accommodate his shaft. He
starts moving slowly as I moan meeting his
thrusts, this is not fucking but we are
making love and it feels oh so good. I throw
my head back feeling all kinds of emotions,
he keeps kissing me passionately and
telling me how much he loves me. I get lost
in pleasure and I cream his dick with my
cum, he continues thrusting into me before
lifting my legs and placing them on his
shoulders, he picks up the pace and starts
fucking me hard. He slides his dick out and I
squirt all over the bed, he gets off the bed
and pulls me to the edge before sliding back
in again, I'm speaking in tongues screaming
my lungs out enjoying every minute of being
fucked by me husband's brother. He ups
the pace ramming into me while busy
grunting and groaning, enjoying me from
every angle.

"Thank you Sne, thank you so much." We

are now laying in each other's arms.

"I guess this is goodbye," he sighs.

"Yes," I nod against his chest.

"I'll give Karen my heart but I swear I'll love

you all my life.
"I'll love you all my life too," he chuckles.

"Please stop acting like a jealous lover

every time I'm with Karen," I laugh.

"I won't, she's beautiful by the way." He

kisses my nose.

"You need to get a morning after pill," I nod.

"And you need to get tested and maybe an

emergency pill too, I don't know what
they're called but they are usually given to
rape victims," he nods.

"I love you Sne," I sniff getting emotional.

"I love you too."

*CHAD*

I drive to my place and I find Karen watching

TV in the lounge, she graces me with her
beautiful smile and I can't help but smile
back.

"Where did you go?" She asks.

"There was something I needed to take care

of," she nods and continues to watch TV. I
rush upstairs and take a quick shower
before coming back downstairs.

"Should I order in or eat out?" I shrug.

"Here," I say handing her a small box.

"What do we have here?" She asks with a

smile.

"Open it," she chuckles opening the box and

the scream that follows after is deafening.

"Is this what I think it is?" I nod and she gets

up before running towards me and
launches herself in my arms kissing me all
over the face.

"Yes yes yes! I'll marry you, it's about time. I

thought you were not ready for
commitment and you were just stringing
me along but here we are. I love you so
much Chad, I can't wait to be your wife. Oh
my word! Let me call Stacey, she's going to
be so happy, I can't wait to plan the
wedding. I can't b......"

"Woah babe, breathe okay?" She lets go of

me and smiles like a retard.

"I love you Chad," she kisses me

passionately.

"I love you," she chuckles.

"Not the most romantic proposal but it's a

proposal nonetheless," I chuckle kissing her
forehead.
"Let me order in," I say.

"Let me go call Stacey," she says rushing

upstairs and I shake my head smiling.

TWENTY FOUR

ONE YEAR LATER....

*BYRON*

I'm alive and I thank God everyday for

saving my life, I woke up from a coma nine
months ago and now I'm back to my old
self again. I do not take for granted the
second chance God has given me which is
why Sne and I have been travelling the
world together. She never got to go on a
honeymoon after we got married so this
was me giving her the best she ever had in
her life.

"I can't believe we have to go home," she

says sulking and I chuckle.

"But my love, we've been here for a month

and besides, we have best man and maid of
honour duties to fulfil, Jerome is already
blowing my phone asking when we are
coming back," she sighs.
"I can't believe all my brothers are married,
well Jerome is the last one to get married
but I just can't believe it, God has blessed
us with the very best of them all," I say
kissing her cheek and she blushes.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

We say goodbye to Rome and return home,

Mimi launches herself at us the moment
we walk into the house.

"Mommy and daddy!" She shouts excitedly.

She started calling Sne mom on her own
which made me so happy because no one
forced her to. I guess she's growing up,
there are those days where I'm Byron to her
but they are fewer than before.

"Hey pumpkin," she frowns and I laugh.

"Have you been behaving?" She nods

smiling.

"Aunty Karen has a little girl, she's beautiful

daddy, when are we having a baby?" I look
at Sne and she laughs.

"You answer that I'm going upstairs to

freshen up. I'm tired." I kiss her cheek and
turn my attention to miss know it all here.

"I'll ask mommy okay?" She nods.

"Where's Regina?"

"I'm here sir," she's the new helper, okay

she's not new new, she's been with us for
almost a year now.

"Please whip up something light for me and

the Mrs, I don't think she'll be cooking
tonight." She nods and walks to the kitchen.

"Where's Zamo," she shrugs.

"Maybe she's talking to her boyfriend," I

chuckle, Someone's jealous.

The next day....

We are at the hospital to meet the new
addition to the Smith family, Chad's wife
gave birth two days ago, the baby was born
at only 32 weeks due to complications
during Karen's pregnancy which she spent
most of it on bed rest.

"Hey guys," everyone greets as we enter the

ward.

"How was Rome?" Karen asks Sne, she

moves to her bedside and the three ladies
start chatting, we decide to leave the room
to discuss the bachelors party for Jerome.

"So nothing crazy right? Tomorrow night at

club taboo," Jerome nods but there seems
to be something bothering him.
"Are you okay?" He sighs..

"I messed up," he says burying his face in

his hands.

"How?" Tears well up in his eyes.

"Ntjantja is going to leave me," his voice is

breaking and now I'm worried.

"Talk to us bro," he bends balancing his

hands on his knees.

"I slept with my P.A two months ago, it was

a mistake. I regretted the moment it
happened. We were in Cape for the
summit, we went for drinks and I guess I
couldn't hold my liquor. Now she's
pregnant," my eyes pop and I'm tempted to
punch him.

"I don't have words for you," I say walking

away.

*JEROME*

I messed up big time and one thing I know

about Ntjantja is that she doesn't take shit,
not even from me. Pearl was just a once of
mistake that has come back to bite me, I'm
getting married in two days time and to
make matters worse is that Ntjantja is also
pregnant. This should be the happiest time
of my life, at the age of 29 I'm about to
become a father and a husband but I had to
mess things up, I can't lose her I just can't, I
love that woman.

"I fucked up bro," he raises his hands.

"Hey, I'm the last person to judge you bro,

so what are you going to do?" I shake my
head.

"I don't know but all I know is that I can't

lose her," he sighs.

"But you need to tell her the truth bro, you

can't pull a Kim Kardashian 82 hour
marriage. Let her make an informed
decision," I nod.
"So do you have feelings for Pearl?"

"The only woman I love is my fiancé, I just

fucked up with Pearl."

"I'm sorry man but you need to do right by

your woman," he says patting my shoulder..

"I'm loving this new mature Chad, being a

husband and now a father has really
changed you," he breaks into a smile.

"Now I'm certain more than ever before that

Karen is the right woman for me, I had to
bare my soul to that woman and she
accepted me for who I am," he says
beaming with pride.
The next day.....

It's not even 7 am yet but I'm already at the

office, that's what I've been doing lately
since I found out about Pearl's pregnancy, I
arrive home late and leave early in the
morning because I can't face my woman.
She's starting to complain, I'm just losing
my mind right now.

"Mr Smith," Pearl greets walking in.

"Pearl," she sighs taking a seat.

"You don't look good," I shoot a stare at her

and she clears her throat.
"I'm glad I caught you this early, I need to
have a word with you," I nod giving her my
full attention.

"I'm not keeping the baby," I frown..

"I'm sorry but I can't, this pregnancy will

destroy a lot of lives," she says taking a
deep breath.

"My father arranged a marriage for me, the

guy is a prince and well, since I'm the only
daughter to my father I have to marry him or
my father will have to pay the king a lot of
money he doesn't have, he once borrowed
money from the King, a lot of money to take
my mother overseas to get treatment for a
rare disease, because my father couldnt
pay the debt, i was the payment so you see,
I cannot have this child." My mouth is left
hanging, I clear throat not knowing what to
say.

"Uhm I don't know what to say," she smiles

faintly.

"Mr Smith, you are about to marry the

woman you love and I'm about to honour a
promise my father made, we can't afford to
bring this baby into the world and tear apart
the people we love, I'm honoured to marry
the prince because my mother lives today
due to his father's kindness, your fiancé is a
good woman who deserves all the
happiness in the world, if you choose to tell
her what we did when we were drunk it's
okay but don't think you think you will be
getting a baby out this, I have made up my
mind." I sigh.

"I've booked an appointment for this

afternoon, marry the woman you love and
try to forget about the mistake we made, I
will never be a thorn in your way. I give you
my word," with that she gets up and walks
out.

*AT CLUB TABOO.....*

*NARRATED*

Byron booked the entire club just for the

bachelor party, the mood is sobre as
Jerome narrates the whole story to his
brothers. Byron is adamant that Jerome
should come clean but then again he
knows for sure that if he does, there won't
be a wedding tomorrow afternoon.

"Enough of the heavy stuff, I say you dodged

a bullet. Let's get wasted bros, this is not a
funeral," Chad says drinking tequila from
the bottle.

"Woohoooo!" He shouts.

"To dodging bullets," Chad shouts causing

his brothers to laugh.
A few more guys show up, mostly their
business associates and the wild night
begins.

*At the hospital....*

Because Karen just gave birth it didn't feel

right to have a bachelorette party without
her so the ladies bribed a few nurses and
decided to have a pyjama party of some
sort in Karen's ward.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" It's just the

three Smith wives.

"I am," she heaves a heavy sigh.

"What's wrong?" Sne asks.

"I think Jerome is having second thoughts,"

she says sadly.

"Never, that man is crazy about you," Sne

says with an assuring smile.

"Yeah, it's normal to be anxious before the

big day but I don't think he's having second
thoughts," Karen says. Sne gets up and
grabs a bottle of non alcoholic champagne.

"This must be the first bachelorette party in

a hospital ward, we can't even drink
alcohol," Karen says and the two ladies
laugh.
"This is perfect, I don't want to get drunk
and overthink things, alcohol does that to
me then I'll end up crying," Ntjantja says
shaking her head.

"Yep, you really can't handle your alcohol

dear, remember on my bachelorette party
how much you cried wanting your man, the
poor guy has to drive all the way from
centurion just to give you a kiss," Karen says
laughing.

"To Ntjantja and Jerome, may you love each

other forever and ever," Sne says after
handing the ladies a glass of the non
alcoholic champagne.

"To love."
"To love."

"I'll drink to that," Ntjantja says with the

biggest smile on her face.

*COMBUSTION*

*TWENTY FIVE*

*ISSA WEDDING DAY*

The day Ntjantja has been dreaming of

since she was a little girl has finally arrived,
she looks at herself in the mirror and cannot
recognise the beautiful woman in front of
the mirror, right now she looks like she has
just stepped out of those bridal magazines,
she's fighting the tears that are threatening
to come out because she doesn't want to
ruin her makeup. This is it, she twirls looking
at her princess ball gown covered in hand
stitched Swarovski crystals, over the top
but that's exactly how she wanted her
dress to be, to sparkle just like her
personality. She wishes her sister was alive
to witness this moment.

"You look beautiful," Gina says standing

behind her.

"Thank you, I can't believe this is me."

"Jerome is my second son, I'm very proud of
the man he has become and it's all thanks
to you, I see a change in him that I never
thought I will see, he is happier and that's
because of you, marriage is not easy but
when you make God the thread that holds
your marriage together, it will stand the test
of time. It's still going to get bumpy but hold
on to each other." She hands her a small
box, Ntjantja opens it and is blown away by
the beauty before her eyes.

"It's a string of pearls my mother wore on

her wedding day, she passed them to me
and I am passing them to you," she says
helping her put them on. The blushing bride
looks at the beautiful sparkling pearls with
such admiration.

"Thank you Gina," the two ladies smile at

each other before they are interrupted by
Sne.

"It's time," she says with a smile before

handing the bouquet to the bride.

The vows were beautiful, the vows were

heartfelt and the couple, the newly weds
are now having a blast on the dance floor,
Jerome is wearing his heart proudly on his
sleeves, he has a smile none of his
brother's has ever seen before. After he
confirmed that Pearl really terminated the
pregnancy, he felt there was no need to
come clean to Ntjantja and although he
didn't want to start a marriage based on lies
he didn't want to lose the woman who has
her heart either.

"Thank you for making me a man amongst

men, thank you for making me a father too,"
he says placing his hand on her tummy."

"And thank you Mr Smith for loving me,"

Ntjantja says smiling.

the newly weds continue to dance slowly

oblivious of anyone and everyone around
them.

"May I please have your attention!" Byron

shouts after trying to get everyone's
attention by tapping a champagne glass
with a spoon.

"It's time for the bestman's speech," he

says smiling proudly.

"Love is a beautiful thing, it's often scary but

beautiful. I know love scared the shit out of
me but once I opened my heart, I realised
that there's nothing to fear and I know I'm
not the only one amongst my brothers who
had the fear of giving someone your entire
heart. Brother, your heart is safe, Ntjantja
Smith loves you and it's evident in her eyes,
I wish the two of you nothing but happiness
and peace in your union. You are three
years younger than me but I look up to in
almost everything, you have made me a
proud brother today and trust me, I won't
hesitate busting your balls if you ever hurt
our very own Minnie mouse voice here
okay? to Mr and Mrs Smith." He says raising
his glass and so does everyone else.

Chad makes his way to Byron and Sne who

are on the dance floor busting some moves,
he laughs at his brother who looks really
awkward with his two left feet while Sne is
moving insync with the amapiano track.

"Please stop," he says to Byron while

laughing.

"Leave my husband alone," Sne says

holding a laugh.
"Great speech, lovely wedding," Byron nods
with a smile.

"I have to go to the hospital, my wife must

be bored right now," Karen couldn't make it
to the wedding.

"Okay bro, we will see her tomorrow," chad

nods and hugs both Sne and Byron at the
same time.

"I love you guys," he says before turning to

go bid farewell to the newly weds.

*BYRON*
"I'm going to take a shower, my feet are
killing me," I smile as she turns for me to
unzip her dress.

"You are drunk," she chuckles.

"A lady doesn't get drunk, I'm tipsy."

"I love you," she smiles.

"Oh my husband," she lets her dress drop to

her feet.

"I love you so much," I hold her waist pulling

her closer making her feel my crotch being
capturing her lips.
We make slow passionate love until the
Mrs passes out, i peck her forehead and
walk into the bathroom to take a quick
shower. When I get back into the bedroom
I'm met by a ringing phone, my wife is so out
of it that she doesn't hear the phone ringing.

"Hello," I hear sniffing.

"Chad got into an accident," that's Jerome's

voice.

"What!?"

"He got into an accident bro, I got the call

while I was at the hotel with my wife," I take
a deep breath.
"Where is he? Which hospital?"

"He didn't make it bro, he died on the

scene."

"Jerome man don't say that," I say already

feeling like I've been kicked in the gut.

"Send me your location, I'm coming." I

decide not to wake my wife up, I get
dressed and rush out.

I arrive at the accident scene finding Jerome

and his wife sobbing next to chad's body
covered in foil.

"What happened?" I ask.

"A drunk driver lost control of his car and hit
Chad's car, he lost control of his car and hit
tree, the impact was too much. He couldn't
have survived."

"How the hell are we going to tell Karen?

they just had a daughter for heaven's sake,"
Jerome says crying. This was supposed to
be the happiest night of their lives.

*SNEGUGU*

Chad's death shattered my very heart, after

we had our stolen moment, we never ever
again even talked about it but deep down in
our hearts we loved each other silently. I
can't believe that he's gone, I can't believe
it. I look at Karen who looks broken right
now and imagine if it was Byron who died,
how I wouldn't have the will to live
anymore. Yes I know I loved Chad but Byron
is my life and soon after he woke up, it was
like I fell in love with him all over again, he
took me around the world and showed me
in every way that he loves me. Ntjantja and I
are in Karen's ward trying to comfort her but
what does one say to someone who lost
her husband and the father of her few days
old daughter?

"I need to take this, it's the restaurant."

Ntjantja says looking at her phone before
walking out.

"I'm sorry for your loss," she looks at me

then smiles faintly.
"Just when he was starting to truly love me,"
I take a seat and hold her hand.

"He told me about you two," my eyes pop

and I try to let go of her hand but she holds
it tightly.

"He told me how you two fell in love while

your husband was fighting for his life, how
you two made love and promised to stay
away from each other. I used to hate you,
then I went from hating you to envying you. I
always wondered what is it that you had
that I didn't, how Chad could fall madly in
love with you. Then I started wondering if
every time we had family gatherings and
your husband kissed your cheek, did you
wish it was my Chad kissing you? For the
longest time I thought I was inferior to you
even though what you did with my husband
was despicable. It's only recently after
months of therapy that I was starting to
enjoy my marriage but God decided to take
him and now I wonder in his last moment,
was it me or you he was thinking about,"
she darts her eyes to the door and I'm on
my feet within a split second with my heart
beating so fast.

*COMBUSTION*
*TWENTY SIX*

*BYRON*

The fear in her eyes is nothing compared to

the fire that's igniting in me, I'm like a
brewing volcano and I'm about to erupt. I
heard everything, I wish I didn't but I fucken
heard everything. My little brother and my
wife? My Sne? I walk in and close the door
behind me.

"Karen," she bows her head and I take out

my gun before pulling up a chair to sit.
"My brother is dead, i just came from the
morgue right now. You know, I taught him
how to ride a bicycle. I taught him how to
hold a gun and I always bailed him out
whenever her got into trouble, each time I
would threaten to never help him the next
time he messes up but guess what? I would
be the first to come to his aid. I think he got
so used to my threats that he never took me
seriously. He always pushed the
boundaries to see how much he could get
away with," I say chuckle.

"I want to mourn his death, I want to cry for

him, to miss him, to smile when I think
about him. It's been a crazy morning, just a
few hours ago I was celebrating Jerome's
wedding and now my brother is dead and
my wife......" I clench my jaws.

"I love you Sne, hell I killed for you and had
my father, my own father had he not taken
his own life, I would have killed him too
without thinking twice. Right now I want
nothing but the truth, you owe me that
much and don't think this gun is just out to
set the mood," she gets on her knees and
sobs.

"I'm sorry my husband, please forgive me," I

nod.

"Forgive you for what Sne?"

"Byron please I just lost my husband, this is
not the time or place," I chuckle getting up.

"You know what? You are right Karen, this is

not the place. Let's go," I say putting the gun
on my back and reaching out my hand. She
hesitates but I shoot her a stare making her
get on her feet as quickly as possible.

I dragged her out of the hospital ignoring

Ntjantja shouting behind us, we got to the
parking lot and I opened the door for her.

"Get in," she shakes her head crying.

"Why are you crying, did I beat you up?" She

shakes her head.
"Then why are you crying?" She wipes her
tears and gets in.

We drive to our house, the kids are at

school.

"You can go to your quarters, you will come

back when the girls are back," I say to
Regina when I find her in the kitchen, she
nods and walks out.

"Sit," I point at the couch.

"The truth Sne, I heard everything but I want

the truth from your mouth."

*SNEGUGU*
It's over for me, this man is going to kill me,
this is not my husband. I'm shaking right
now but he is as calm as ever.

"Sne," I rub the sweaty hands on my thighs.

"Byron please, it was a mistake," he

nodded..

"From the beginning Sne," I shake my head.

"You're going to kill me," I say in a shaky

voice.

"It's good that you know your fate but I still

want you to tell me from the beginning how
my wife slept with my brother while I was in
hospital," I say nothing but sob instead.
"Were you having an affair with my
brother?" I shake my head and he pulls out
his gun and points it right between my eyes.

"Fucking talk!" I wail louder closing my

eyes.

"How many times? How many times did

you fuck my brother Sne?"

"Byron please," I say in a whisper.

"Do you know why I fucken went to Italy?" I

shake my head.

"I risked my life for you, I made sure I killed

the bastards who raped you and got shot in
the process, I left my daughter. My little
princess I swore to protect, I did that for you
Sne, do you have any fucken idea how
much I love you? Sne you are my life," he
says shouting, I open my eyes and my heart
breaks seeing my husband crying. The pain
in his eyes will haunt me forever.

"Do you even love me?"

"With all my heart," he chuckles before

hitting me with the back of the gun and I
blackout.

***********************
"Sis Gugu," my sister's voice calls out to
me.

"You are bleeding," I finally open my eyes

and I'm met by Mimi and Zamo staring at
me. I look around and realise I'm in the
lounge.

"Ouch!" I touch my bleeding forehead.

"Zamo I need to get out of here."

"Mommy are you okay?" I nod.

"Please go to your room," I get up and rush

upstairs.
I grab a few items and a stack of money in
the safe, i also grab his laptop and write
something for him.

"Sis Gugu what's going on and where are

you going?" Zamo says entering my
bedroom.

"A year ago I slept with Chad, he told his

wife about it and Byron overheard her
talking to me about it, I know I messed up
and I know you warned me. I got it out of my
system and now I'm paying the price, I don't
have time for a lecture because I know I
screwed up. He's going to kill me, he said so
himself. He bashed my head with his gun.
My Byron would never do that," I say wiping
my tears and continuing to type on the
laptop.

"Let me go pack too," I shake my head.

"Don't be stupid Sne, he hates you now and

he will probably kill me if you're not here too
and besides, I'm your little sister. We
promised our parents to always stick
together. I go where you go, I die where you
die, yes you messed up but I can't throw
you away and neither can you."

"We can't go back home, he will find us

there. What about school? You're about to
write your exams," she paces thinking.
"Let's go to ma Ntombi, she will take us in
and....,"

"Yes plus her husband is a principal at

Zwelithini high, I'm sure he will pull some
strings for you to write you exams at his
school," she nods.

"Okay, go pack . Take only what you need."

She hurries out but I stop her.

"Zamo."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about this, please forgive me."

She nods and walks out.
*JEROME*

I get to Byron's house and I find Mimi

watching TV in the lounge while Regina is
trying to get a stain off the couch. Ntjantja
called me and told me that something big
was happening between Sne and Byron
because he was dragging her out of the
hospital while Sne looked frightened. I
couldn't come then because I was busy
organising a room for Chad's daughter with
a doctor friend of mine.

"Hi Mimi,"

"Uncle J"
"Where are your parents?" She shrugs and
right then Byron enters looking like hell, his
eyes look like he's been crying.

"Bro," he smiles faintly before kissing Mimi

and walking past me.

"Is everything okay?" He ignores me and

climbs the stairs.

A few minutes later i hear a loud roar and

the sound of things breaking. I rush upstairs
and I find a distraught Byron trashing
everything in his bedroom. I walk in and
grab him from behind, it doesn't help that
he's stronger than me but I try with all my
might to restrain him until he finally gives in
and let's out a loud heart wrenching sob.
"They fucken slept together, my wife, my
heart Jerome," he says breaking down. I
have never seen this man cry, now I wish I
can wake Chad up and beat the crap out of
him.

*COMBUSTION*

*TWENTY SEVEN*

*BYRON*

MY DEAR HUSBAND
BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS HOPEFULLY
I WILL BE LONG GONE, I WANTED TO
TELL YOU TO YOUR FACE BUT I WAS
AFRAID OF THE HURT AND ANGER IN
YOUR EYES. I LOVE YOU BYRON, I AM IN
LOVE WITH YOU. YOU ARE MY WORLD. A
YEAR AGO I SLEPT WITH YOUR BROTHER,
HE DIDN'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME NOR
DID HE FORCE ME TO. I CAN'T EXPLAIN
THIS TO YOU WITHOUT HURTING YOU
BUT I FELT SOMETHING VERY STRONG
FOR HIM, I TRIED TO FIGHT IT BUT
CLEARLY NOT HARD ENOUGH AND I
ENDED UP GIVING IN, WE HAD ONLY
ONE NIGHT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND
AND THAT WAS IT. THE MOMENT YOU
CAME BACK TO BE I HONESTLY DID
REGRET IT BUT I TOLD MYSELF THAT I
WILL MAKE UP FOR MY BETRAYAL BY
MAKING YOU SO HAPPY AND GIVING
YOU ALL OF MY HEART AND MY SOUL OF
WHICH I DID, I'M SORRY YOU HAD TO
FIND OUT LIKE THIS. I AM SO SORRY FOR
DISAPPOINTING YOU AFTER
EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME
AND MY SISTER.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, FOREVER AND

ALWAYS MY LOVE.

I delete the message and gulp down the

glass of whiskey in my hand. Jerome is
sitting with me in my study after breaking
down like that, he must be shocked
because I'm not one to show emotions like
that. Not even when Mimi's mother died did
I shed tears, God knows I loved that woman
but Sne, she's the very air I breathe. I don't
understand how the hell did I let her get so
deep under my skin, I feel so weak right
now.

"You know I can find them right?"

"I know," he sighs.

"Tell me what to do man," I shake my head

void of words.
"It's okay, let's just concentrate on laying
Chad to rest then everything else will sort
itself out," I nod.

"Do you want to divorce her?" I frown and

he raises his hands in surrender.

"Too soon right?"

"Yes right now I don't even know if I want

her alive or not," he shakes his head.

"But you can't kill her, you love her,"

"Yes unfortunately," he chuckles.

"You'll be alright bro, it's life."

"I don't know what I'm going to tell my
daughter," he pads my shoulder.

"You'll have to think of something bro."

*SNEGUGU*

MaNtombi welcomed us with warm hands

as expected, she was our mother's friend
and she's the one who helped me get a job
at Smith attorneys.

"I hope Mr Msomi won't mind helping my

sister out, she has to write her grade 11 and
exams are around the corner," she sips on
her tea and stares at me for the longest
time.

"How does you brain work Snegugu?" I look

down.

"Brothers pho?"

"Ma please, I already feel bad."

"You should my daughter, if I was your

biological mother I swear I would have
smacked you the moment you opened your
mouth to tell me your disgusting
shenanigans," i clench my jaws.
"Now you uprooted that girl's life because
of your selfishness. What now? You know
you can't hide in my house forever right?"

"Yes ma, I'm doing my first year in LLB via

UniSA and I have some money that will
sustain me and Zamo for a little while, I also
plan on getting a job soon." She shakes her
head.

"What about your husband and his

daughter, you are just going to give up on
your marriage just like that?"

"That man is capable of killing," she

chuckles.
"That man is capable of killing anyone but
you, from what you told me Sne, running
away won't solve anything. Humble
yourself, show that you are sorry," I shake
my head.

"Men don't forgive such betrayal."

"And yet you laid with another man knowing

all that."

"Yes because I thought it was going to stay

between us, we both knew that this secret
coming out would mean the death of us, he
went ahead and told his wife, to think that i
was so close to her not knowing that she
knew," she shakes her head.
"I hope you know what you are doing," I
wipe my tears.

"I don't know what I'm doing ma, this life

has been nothing but confusing for me
since my parents died, I don't have it all
together. I never claimed to be perfect
okay? yes Zamo warned me but I did what I
wanted and now I'm paying for it, I just want
her to finish school and face this life on her
own and see that it's not all roses.
Sometimes you are the villain in your own
story, i messed up but I'm no saint and I
never claimed to be," I say in a breaking
voice and she sighs.

"You can stay here for as long as you need

to but you have to find a way to at least
speak to your husband after he has calmed
down." I don't see that happening but I nod,
I'm really tired of talking about this issue.

A couple of hours later....

Zamo and I are at the mall to buy a few

things that we need, MaNtombi gave us her
daughter's room at the back of the house,
she is currently studying at UCT and will
only be coming back in December which is
more than two months away.

"Oh sorry, I didn't see you there." I say

bumping into a beautiful chubby lady
pushing a baby stroller.

"It's okay," she says with a beautiful smile.

"Hello there beautiful," I say to the baby
she's pushing.

"It's a boy" she says.

"You lie, with those cute dimples?" She

nods smiling.

"He likes you," he really does because he

can't stop smiling.

"Where are my manners? I'm Ibanathi,"

"I'm Snegugu and this is my sister Zamo,"

she nods like she's in deep thought.
"I don't mean to be forward but do you live
around here?" She asks and I nod.

"We actually moved to mamelodi today."

"Okay, I live in centurion. I'm actually

looking for a nanny for my kids, I'm starting
my articles soon and I don't have a nanny, I
don't know a lot of people and I have a lot of
trust issues when it comes to my kids." I
shake my head.

"I don't know anyone......" Zamo interjects.

"Sis Gugu, you said you need a job." My

sister will embarrass you during the people
sham.
"I do but I'm sure you are looking for a live in
nanny."

"Yes, no! I mean, mamelodi to centurion is

not that far, you can travel everyday please,
I have a good feeling about you." I sigh.

"Okay give me your number and I call you."

She laughs.

"How about we exchange numbers," now

I'm the one laughing, she doesn't trust that
I'll call her.

*NTJANTJA*
"Wow," that's all I manage to say, my
husband is telling me about what Byron
found out, to say I'm shocked is an
understatement, I really thought I got
through to Sne that day outside the hospital
kanti all this time she ate from the
forbidden tree.

"Yeah, I've never seen my brother that hurt."

"I'm shocked she's still alive, you should

have seen the way he dragged her out of
that hospital," he sighs.

"She ran away with her sister," I shake my

head.
"Sne is selfish, she should have stayed and
faced the music, now she went and
uprooted her poor sister's life because of
her whoring ways and did she even think
about Mimi?"

"Yeah I guess fear got the better of her,

Byron hit her with the back of his gun, I don't
think he will kill her but he will definitely hurt
her. It's best she lets him cool off," this is
messed up.

"If you ever cheat on me I swear I will cut off

your balls then feed them to you before I
divorce your ass and get my child a step
father faster than you can say I'm sorry, I
don't take kindly to disrespect Jerome and
cheating is the highest form of disrespect. I
don't understand how you can claim to love
someone then do what you know will hurt
them," he clears his throat and shifts
uncomfortably.

"I hope you head me, I will show you flames

nna, I won't even try to understand shit." He
chuckles.

"Why are you getting so worked up?"

"I'm just putting it out there." He lays his

head on my tummy.

"Your mother is gangster baby, I'm scared of

her," I laugh.
"Stop, how are the funeral arrangements
coming along?"

"Okay I guess, I'm worried about Gina. She

is not taking this well at all."

"I can imagine."

"Let's go bath and sleep my love, tomorrow

is another day," shame my baby is really
carrying the world on his shoulders. If it's
not Byron and Sne's drama, it's worrying
about his mother and the funeral. Then
there's Karen and the baby. This is just too
much for him.
*COMBUSTION*

*TWENTY EIGHT*

ONE MONTH LATER.....

Sne has been working for the khumalos for

a month now and she's very much enjoying
the job, Ntando and Lesedi are great kids,
Ibanathi is also a great boss and she took a
liking to her and who knows maybe they will
be friends some day. Zamo is currently
writing her exams thanks to MaNtombi's
husband and she has been in constant
communication with Mimi, the love she has
for that little girl didn't allow her to just
abandon her like that.

"I'm sorry we are late dear, my husband and

I had a family emergency, my brother and
his wife are going through a rough patch in
their marriage so we had to go put out a lot
of fires if you catch my drift," Iba says to
Sne, her usual shift is 7 am to 5 pm but the
time is just after 8pm now.

"It's okay, I'll just Uber back home because I

don't think I'll find taxis at this time."

"Nonsense, my husband will drive you

home," she sighs. She doesn't know how to
tell her that she's scared of her husband.
That man is always serious.

"Uhm...I will," she interrupts her.

"Sedi say bye to auntie Sne, my husband is

waiting for you outside, I'll see you
tomorrow dear."

She reluctantly grabs her bag and waves

goodbye to the kids. She attempts to get in
the front seat but Ibanathi's husband Pule is
quick to stop her on her tracks.

"That sit is reserved only for my wife," Sne

embarrassed closes the door and gets into
the backseat.
"Where are you from?" Pule asks looking at
her through the rare view mirror.

"Joburg," he nods.

"You seem young, why this kind of job?"

"I'm studying and I have a little sister to take

care of."

"Look I don't trust you but my wife is

somehow fond of you, one mistake and I'll
wring you neck. I don't play around when it
comes to my family. Something is just fishy
about you. You wear expensive clothes and
that ring on your finger costs more than half
a million and yet you talk about needing
money, clearly you come from money." Sne
is dumbfounded and doesn't know what to
say, this man is intimidating and the fact
that he is threatening her right now makes
her feel uneasy.

"I mean no harm Sir I give you my word, this

ring is the only thing I have from my
husband, it means the world to me. I
am....was married to a rich man hence the
expensive clothes you see but I swear I'm
not an enemy, I love Ntando and Lesedi and
I definitely love Mrs khumalo." He nods and
they drive in silence.

Sne gets home tired as hell and shook by

Mr khumalo's threat. Zamo walks into the
bedroom they share with a plate of food.
"Zamo I hope you didn't ask MaNtombi to
give you food, I told you to order in."

"I didn't, she insisted and I couldn't say no,"

she nods and walks out with a bucket.
Moments later she comes back and finds
her sister on a video call with Mimi, her
heart breaks instantly when she thinks
about how she separated those two.

"Okay then princess, we will talk later

okay?"

"Okay Zamo, I miss you."

"I miss you too baby."

"Okay bye."

"Bye princess," she hangs up with a smile

on her face.

"How is she?"

"Why don't you pick up the phone and find

out for yourself?" Sne looks down in
shame.

Meanwhile at the khumalos......

"Oh, you are back? I hope you didn't scare
her off," Pule drops the car keys on the
table and hugs Iba from behind.

"That friend of yours is hiding something,

she's too jumpy for my liking. Did she tell
you anything about where she came from?"
Iba shrugs.

"She didn't, Sedi said she one day found her

crying in Ntando's bedroom," he nodded.

"Did she give you her details? Like her ID

number, her account number , past
references maybe or something," she looks
down fiddling with her fingers, she knows
that her husband wouldn't have approved if
she told him that Snegugu only wanted to
be paid in cash.

"I...I don't have her id," he frowns.

"Didn't you register her for uif?" She shakes

her head.

"So you lied?

"I'm sorry but she refused and said I should

pay her in cash only," he scoffs moving
away from her.

"Are you listening to yourself? What if one

day she runs away with our children?
Where the hell are we going to start looking
for her?" She looks down and she shakes
his head and goes to his study to look at the
cameras. He sighs when he sees that
there's nothing out of the ordinary Sne does
except crying when she's alone.

*JEROME*

Everyone is slowly picking up the pieces

after Chad's death, it's been a month but
Byron is still in a dark place, I think now
more that anything he realises that he still
loves his wife but the anger he has for her is
over shadowing the love. I'm just pissed
that Ashley is back in town and she's using
this situation to sink her skanky claws into
Byron and yet again I feel sorry for her
because Byron is too unstable right now,
she just might say something that will rub
him up the wrong way and he'll end up
snapping her neck. It's a lazy Saturday and
I'm giving my wife a foot rub, she's now 16
weeks pregnant and she has that beautiful
glow that I love so much.

"Are you expecting anyone?" I ask as the

door bell rings.

"Nope," I grunt getting up.

"Whoever it is doesn't have timing, I was

ready to move the massage session to the
bedroom," I say licking my lips and she
laughs.

"Go open the door Smith," I chuckle.

"Good afternoon, may we please come in,"
says a woman wearing traditional clothing
followed by an elderly man holding a huge
sceptre.

"Uhm sure," I lead them to the lounge.

"We apologize for disturbing you, we come

in peace." My wife and I look at each other
frowning.

"I can tell by your attire that you are royalty,

to what do we owe the pleasure of being
visited by the royal famiy?" My wife asks
with a slight bow, I didn't even know that we
are in the presence of royalty and what the
hell are they doing in our house?
"I am Masinga the royal seer of the Manzini
kingdom in KZN and this is the royal advisor
and the king's brother prince Lindelani
Mthembu." The woman says before looking
at the man, He clears his throat before
speaking.

"We are here on behalf of our nephew, he

was to get married to a woman by the name
of Nkadimeng Pearl Modise but on their
wedding day the ancestors rejected her
because she laid with another man who
impregnated her then she terminated the
pregnancy. Because our young Prince has
already taken a liking to miss Modise he still
wants to marry her but unfortunately the
Mthembu ancestors are demanding that
our land be cleansed by the man who was
responsible for the pregnancy," I am
finished, these people came into my house
to literally finish me, can the world just
swallow me now.

*COMBUSTION*

*TWENTY NINE*

*NTJANTJA*
"I don't understand what this has to do with
us?" I say confused.

"Well mam I think your husband should be

the one to explain to you after we have left,
the Mthembu ancestors demand a cow
and three goats to cleanse the palace, this
has to be done or the young lady and the
prince cannot tie the knot." I look at my
husband and he has his head bowed in
shame. Tears preak my eyes as I look at the
shameless man I call my husband.

"We heard you and my husband will do

what's necessary to appease your
ancestors, you can leave your contact
details and we will be in touch," I say trying
hard to hide the pain I'm feeling right now.
It's been about an hour since the royals left,
my husband and I haven't said a word to
each other, all I can hear is his heavy
breathing. I keep wiping the damn tears that
don't want to stop flowing no matter how
hard I try to get rid of them. I don't want to
give this man the satisfaction of seeing me
break down. I want to be angry and pissed
at him but instead I'm so disappointed and
hurt to the core. We have been married for
only a month and this is the happily after I
get?

"My love."

"Don't." I say as I raise my hand.

"I'm sorry."

"I said don't, I don't want your explanation

nor do I want your apology, I told you that I
don't take kindly to disrespect and this is on
another level. You might be cultureless but
I'm black, the soul of the child you and your
mistress cut short might trouble my child
so you better do what is necessary." He
doesn't say anything but he looks at me
with fear in his eyes.

"I can take any punishment but please don't

leave me sweetheart, I beg of you." Tears
stream down my face, I don't bother wiping
them anymore. I am so hurt, I get up from
the couch leaving him there and I lock
myself in our bedroom.

The next day....

Last night he knocked and begged me until

he gave up, I cried myself to sleep. I didn't
even eat supper, I just didn't want to see his
sorry face. I walk downstairs and find him
sleeping on the couch, I shake my head
chuckling. There are three guest bedrooms
but he chose to sleep on that small couch,
the drama. I walk into the kitchen and grab a
plate in the microwave, he cooked last
night.
"Good morning my love," he greets before
yawning and stretching his body, the after
effects of sleeping on the couch.

"Baby can we......." I raise my hand.

"Don't," he takes a deep breath.

"We have to have this talk whether you like

it or not, I messed you okay? I fucken
messed up and I know I hurt you but all I'm
asking for is that you to give me a chance to
explain myself."

"There's nothing to explain, you cheated

and got your mistress to abort the baby
plain and simple." He scoffs.
"No no no abuti, you don't get to have
attitude because I don't want to hear your
lame excuse and your lousy explanation.
I'm going to bath then I'm going to church, I
need to thank the lord for revealing the
hidden to me, now I know my place in my
husband's life." I say putting the plate back
in the microwave, I've just lost my appetite.

*SNEGUGU*

It's Sunday morning and I'm busy doing

laundry, MaNtombi has a washing machine
but I opted to use my hands, Zamo is busy
studying. My phone rings in my pocket and
it's my boss.
"Mrs khumalo," she giggles.

"Hey Sne, are you busy?

"I am doing laundry but I'm about to finish,

what's up?"

"My brother in law and his wife took the kids

for a visit, I'm bored out of my mind so I
thought we could meet and chill."

"Okay let me finish up here and bath

quickly, where should we meet?"

"Send me your location when you are done

with the laundry, I'll pick you up."
"Okay then see you soon bye."

At the mall....

This woman took me shopping and she

bought a whole lot of stuff for me, I am so
embarrassed to be honest but she's so
stubborn. Now we are sitting at the
restaurant having lunch.

"What's your story Sne," I heave a sigh.

"It's not pretty but I'm actually on the run,"

she frowns.

"From the authorities?" I shake my head.

"My husband." She nods.

"Was he abusing you?" I shake my head

tearing up.

"I hurt him," she looks at me confused.

"Are you okay? You look pale," I grab a

serviette and spit into it. I've been a bit
Squamish lately especially when I smell
certain foods and the butter chicken Iba
ordered is really not helping.

"I'm fine," I wipe my tears and smile at her.

"I know your husband doesn't trust me but I

mean no harm, I'm just trying to pick up the
pieces of my life that's all," she smiles and
holds my hand.

"I told you I have a good feeling about you."

"Ladies," I look behind me and it's Iba's

husband but my eyes are stuck on the man
he is with.

"Mrs Smith," I fake a smile, shit! It's Mr

Sbusiso Mthethwa. He works with Byron.

"Mrs Smith?" Mr khumalo says with a

raised brow.

"Yes she's Blaze's wife," his eyes pop.

"Why the hell would Blaze's wife be
working for me as a nanny when her
husband is twice richer than I am?" My
heart races, he also knows my husband. I
need to get out of here.

"Uhm I need to go," I say getting up ubruntly

causing the chair to fall.

"Sne relax are you okay," I hold my head

getting dizzy.

"I'm..."

"Shit she's about to fait." Those are the last

words before I blanked out.
*BYRON/BLAZE*

My phone rings as I'm in busy ramming into

Ashley's ass, i grab the phone and it's
Houdini, I slide out and take out the
condom.

"Are you kidding me?" Ashley complains

not pleased.

"Get dressed and get out of my face, I need

to take this." She sighs.

"Can I at least shower?" I nod and she

walks into the bathroom.

"Houdini," I greet.
"Blaze."

"I'm returning your call, what's up?"

"Why the hell is your Mrs my nanny?" I

frown.

"I don't understand," he chuckles.

"My wife hired your wife, she's been the

kids's nanny for a month now." I sigh,
women will embarrass you, what nonsense
is this?

"We are having problems."

"Well she just fainted, we took her to the
hospital."

"Send me your location I'm coming," I say

hanging up the phone and I rush to the
shower.

"Mmm came to finish the job?" Ashley says

as I enter the shower.

"Grab your clothes and fuck off, I didn't

book for the night." She nods and we
shower in silence.

"Uhm I guess I'll see you soon?"

"I'll call you if I want you but if I don't, then

please take a hint. Don't think I'll hesitate to
snap your neck if you become a nuisance,"
she nods looking hurt but I don't care.

AT THE HOSPITAL....

I get there and I find Maloya, Houdini and

his wife.

"Gents," we bro hug.

"Mrs khumalo," she offers a faint smile.

"How is she?"

"We are still waiting for the doctor," I nod

taking a seat.

"Why would...." I interject.

"Not now Houdini," he raises his hands in
surrender.

"Mrs Smith!" I get on my feet.

"I'm her husband doc, it's my wife okay?"

"Mr Smith, I'm doctor Neil. Your wife is

okay, she was just dehydrated, we gave her
fluids and don't worry, the baby is okay," I
shoot a look of confusion at him.

"The baby?"

"I'm sorry, I thought you were aware that

Mrs Smith is 11 weeks pregnant." I nod
feeling all sorts of emotions right now.
COMBUSTION

*THIRTY*

*SNEGUGU*

My husband's intense stare is the first thing

I see when I open my eyes and everything
inside me shrinks. I move my eyes away
from him because not only can I not hold a
stare but I'm also looking for the emergency
button.
"I won't hurt you," I dart my eyes back to
him before I tear up.

"I'm sorry," he says heaving a loud sigh and I

look at him a bit confused, he is apologising
to me?

"I just got too angry that I blanked out and I

pointed a gun at you before hitting you with
it, I will forever regret that. It gave me no
pleasure whatsoever and seeing you now
so scared of me that you are even looking
for the emergency button makes me feel
like a monster," I shake my head trying to sit
up and he gets up to help me. My heart
breaks looking at him because he looks like
a shadow of his former self and I did that.
"It's not your fault, all this is my doing. I did
this to us," he doesn't say anything and I feel
the need to explain myself, he doesn't look
angry but rather hurt.

"Did the doctor tell you about the

pregnancy?" I nod.

"Is it mine?" That question stings a bit but I

guess he is well within his rights to ask.

"Yes, we were touring France when we

concieved but we can do a paternity test if
you want," he nods.
"What now?" He asks and I'm not really
sure exactly what he's asking so I just shrug.

"Did you ever wish it was him? When we

made love did you think about him, was it
real?" I close my eyes and the tears flow.

"I was weak and I wasn't thinking straight,

you were the hero that rescued me like a
night in shining armour but you disappeared
on me, yes I know now why but back then I
had an uneasy feeling that my hero was
never coming back, after the rape and all
though I was going through all the therapy I
learned breathe through you. I lived through
you and when I didn't see you my life line
anymore, I panicked and I redirected all that
neediness to Chad, he became my hero
after Ashley tried to frame me for her
miscarriage, Chad assured that he will get
me out and he will get to the bottom of
Ashley's plans. He believed me without
having me defend myself and I guess I
convinced myself that I love him. Yes we
slept together one time and weeks later you
woke up and all the love I thought I felt for
Chad just vanished, I wanted to come clean
but I was afraid, I figured I should go to the
grave with my guilt and love you with all my
heart but I didn't anticipate the possibility of
Chad telling his wife, I guess he too realised
that it wasn't love. I'm sorry Byron, I'm so
sorry." He gets up and walks out leaving me
a crying mess.
Moments later Ibanathi walks in holding a a
paper bag from fournos.

"Hello mommy," I smile faintly.

"I come barring gifts," she says waving the

paper bag and I giggle.

"What do you have there?"

"A slice of heaven," I laugh.

"I swear this has gotten me through my

worst," I grab the paper bag taking out the
box inside is a slice of blueberry cheese
cake.
"Oh my gosh!" I say moaning with my eyes
closed.

"And all is well right?" She says laughing.

"Woman, where have you been all my life?"

"Eating that decedent slice," we both laugh.

"Don't tell me I've lost my children's nanny."

I shake my head.

"I guess I need practice now more than

ever," she sighs.

"And your green eyed stud?" I laugh.

"He hates me," she shakes her head.

"That man loves you, he can't help himself.
You need to put your big girl boots on and fix
your marriage girl or someone else will take
that husband of yours," I look down.

"I cheated on him with his little brother?"

I'm waiting for her to judge me but she takes
my hand into hers.

"Do you love your husband?" I nod.

"Then fix things, I'm not going to judge you

because I'm sure you had your reasons.
While doing my last year in varsity, I made
out with another man. Married life and
being a mother of two was just so
overwhelming, falling pregnant at the age of
14 with my daughter Lesedi robbed me of
my childhood and at that time I didn't want
to speak to my husband about how
overwhelmed I was so I went to a party, got
drunk and made out with some random guy.
I don't know how my husband found out
about the party but he caught me in the act
and dragged me out, he put me in the trunk
and drove me to a river to cleanse ubufebe
bam he said. The poor guy I made out with
disappeared from school and it took
months for my husband to finally forgive
me. Those were the hardest months of my
life because he didn't touch me nor did he
eat my food. We slept in different rooms
and he always came home late. I stayed
and soldiered on because I knew I was the
one in the wrong. That little incident made
our marriage stronger than ever and now I
communicate my feelings to him no matter
what. Fight ntombo or you will lose that
man of yours."

A few days later.....

*NTJANTJA*

Jerome didn't waste time, he went to the

kingdom and did everything they asked, he
came back this morning and left again for
work, we don't talk at all and actually that's
just the way I want.
"What's wrong with the Smith men?" Karen
says shaking her head. She and I have
gotten close since Sne left.

"I don't know, I just feel like walking away,"

she shakes her head.

"That man loves you, he made a mistake.

Try couple's therapy, it worked for Chad and
I," white people and shrinks.

"Any word from Sne?" I shake my head.

"I really feel bad, if I didn't open my mouth

about her and Chad, none of this would
have happened." I chuckle.
"Serves her right, I warned her. I hope she
never comes back so that you and Byron
can raise Amy together," she giggles.

"I thought about that but I wanted to at least

mourn my husband," she says covering her
face with her hands.

"Don't be shy, Sne didn't deserve that man

and besides, in my culture it's actually a
norm for the brother to marry his late
brother's wife," she laughs.

"Well in our society it's frowned upon."

"Ashley didn't waste any time, take your

time mourning your unfaithful husband who
probably loved Sne more than you and you
will miss your chance, Byron is that guy if
you know what i mean," she heaves a sigh.

"They are not even divorced yet, they might

find their way back to each other," I chuckle.

"Jerome said that Byron is ruthless as they

come and he doesn't think twice when it
comes to betrayal, why else do you think
Sne fled. Besides, he's a lawyer he can
divorce her without her signature. Take your
place girlfriend," she nods.

"To getting the alpha," I say raising my glass

of grape juice and she laughs raising her
glass of red wine too.
*THIRTY ONE*

I was discharged from the hospital and I

took an Uber back to mamelodi, I never
saw Byron again. I guess I disgust him so
much that he can't stand me. Zamo was
shocked about what happened but she's
very excited about the pregnancy, she can't
wait to be an aunt.

"Sis Gugu can I please visit Mimi on

Saturday, Friday I'm writing my last paper
and I don't want to be stuck here the whole
day when you're at work," I nod slowly a bit
hesitant.

"Do you think it's a good idea?"

"I miss her," i sigh.

"It's okay then," she squills.

"Let me go call her and tell her the good

news." She walks out leaving me in deep
thought.

I take a deep breath before calling Byron, it

rings a couple of times before he answers. I
know he doesn't know that it's me because
I got a new phone and a new SIM card after
I ran away, so did Zamo so that he doesn't
track us using our old numbers but here I
am calling him.
"Hello," my heart races.

"Hello Byron it's me," silence.

"Uhm.... Zamo wanted to visit Mimi on

Saturday since she will be done with her
exams," I hear shuffling like he was busy
with something.

"Okay."

"So you don't have a problem with that?"

"Why would I?" I sigh.

"I thought maybe you don't want to see her

too since she's my sister you know." He
chuckles.
"Is that all Sne?"

"Uhm I'm sorry to bother you," I say in a

shaky voice before hanging up. My sister
walks in as I wipe my tears.

"What's wrong sis Gugu?" She asks

concerned.

"I'm fine, I wàs talking to Mimi's father, he

said it's okay for you to visit," I say smiling
faintly.

"Oh sis, I'm sorry." She says hugging me and

I just break into a sob.

"He hates me," I say breaking the hug.

"No he doesn't."

I'm back at work and Mr khumalo is not

happy about it, he doesn't understand why I
have to work here when I'm rich. I tried to
make him understand that my husband is
the rich one not me and we are separated
meaning I have to fend for myself and my
sister. Husband and wife already left for
work, it's just me and the kids so I get
started on making soft porridge for Ntando
and otees for Lesedi. As soon as I'm done
feeding the kids, I washed the dishes and I
started making preparations for a nice
picnic outside in the garden, the weather is
just warm and perfect for a picnic. As I was
busy making chicken wraps and choc chip
biscuits the door bell rang and I asked
Lesedi to go open.

"Hi," I almost faint hearing Byron's voice.

"Uhm....hi," he has his hands deep inside

his pockets boring his eyes into me. I look a
mess right now with an apron and flour
everywhere even on my face.

*BYRON*

Something inside me moved after speaking

to her earlier and the sadness in her voice
just grated my heart. I am very hurt by this
woman but god damnit I love her. She's
looking at me unsure of what to say or do, I
called Houdini earlier to ask him if she's
here and that idiot answered by saying I
shouldn't subject his kids to porn.

"Hi," she greets.

"Sne," she looks down.

"What are you making there?"

"Chicken wraps and choc chip biscuits, we

are going to have a picnic at the back," I nod.

"Can I join you?" She looks at me shocked.

"You want to join us?" She asks.

"Yes."

"Okay then," I watch as she packs

everything into a cooler bag, she leaves me
in the kitchen and comes back with a light
blanket.

"Do you mind setting up at the back while I

bring Ntando?" I nod taking the bag and the
blanket before walking out.

"Wow this looks amazing," she says with a

smile.

"Let me help you," I say taking the baby

from her and she sits with the little girl.
"You look beautiful," she shakes her head.

"Don't lie," I chuckle.

"Do you plan on working here forever?" She

shakes her head.

"What are your plans then because we

can't live like this?" She looks over at the
little girl and she's just playing with her
brother not paying attention to us.

"I don't have any plans, I'm just taking each

day as it comes," I nod.

"Do you think we could perhaps....." I heave

a sigh.
"Can you come with Zamo for the
weekend? I'll drive you back here Monday
morning." I hope she agrees.

"Uhm....I'm.... okay," I smile.

"Don't look so scared, I just want us to talk,"

she smiles looking down.

"May I?" I say moving my hand to touch her

tummy and she nods.

"Lay here," she smiles and lays her head on

my lap while I rub her tummy.

"Remember in Bali that old man said he

blesses you with a house full of boys?" She
laughs.
"He just wanted you to buy him bread," I
chuckle.

"But we saw him again in the temple

praying for that mexican woman." She nods
like she's thinking about something.

"Bali was amazing, I wish we stayed there

forever."

After the picnic I drove back to Joburg, I

have two meetings to attend to before
going home, I don't know but spending that
few hours with Sne just lifted my mood
significantly. Now I just need us to have a
deep conversation about where to from
here, if she feels she wants a divorce then
so be it but I hope that's not the case, it will
take some time for me to forgive her and to
trust her completely but the love for her is
still there and very much alive.

"Sir, you have a visitor," my new P.A Potso

says sticking his head through the door.

"Let them in," he nods and a few minutes

later Karen walks in pushing a stroller.

"This is a nice surprise," she smiles.

"Have a seat," she sits on the couch while I

get up and play with Amy.

"She's beautiful," she smiles.

"I'm just glad she's out of the home made
hospital, she's enjoying the outside world," I
nod.

"Isn't she too fragile to be out and about like

this?" She shakes her head.

"The doctor gave us the green light," I nod

sitting on the table.

"I don't mean to be rude but I was preparing

for a meeting."

"Right, Chad's lawyer read his will," I nod.

"He left Sne 20 percent shares of his

company," I clench my jaws.
"I know right, I had the same reaction. I
think those two were just lying to us, they
were having an on going affair, I mean if it
was a once off thing then why the hell
would he include her in his will?"

"Well we can't ask him now can we? I still

don't understand what this has to do with
me." She heaves a sigh.

"I just feel so betrayed," she says tearing up

and I chuckle.

"Because of a lousy 20 percent, Chad was

the sole owner of that company, since we
were not invited to the reading of the will, I
assume he left the rest of his assets to you
so why are you bitter about the drop in the
ocean he left for Sne? You had the whole
year knowing about their affair why are you
making it something new now?" I'm really
not in the mood to entertain this one.

"I....it's just.....I'm sorry I'm just going

through the most and I felt that we should
stick together you know because we both
know what it's like to be betrayed but the
people we love," I stare at her intensely
trying to read her and she shifts
uncomfortably.

"Karen I have meeting, thank you for coming

with my niece," she nods getting up.
"I'll see you and please drop by some time,
it gets lonely with just Amy and I, the sink is
leaking and the globes need to be replaced,
I need a man's touch," she says giggling.

"In the house I mean," she says after she

sees my reaction then she attempts to hug
me but I step back and offer her a hand
shake which she accepts smiling.

"What you need is a plumber, have a good

day." This one is up to something.

THIRTY TWO

*JEROME*
I know I messed up, I get that but what am I
supposed to do now? She won't listen to
me nor try to at least make our marriage
work, it's like we are strangers now. We live
in the same house but we never utter a
word to each other, I'm not trying to
downplay her pain but this is too much.
She's sitting on the couch in the lounge
stuffing her face with mangos.

"Can you we talk?" She pick up the TV

remote and increases the volume.

"Ntjantja!" She ignores me and laughs at

whatever is playing on the TV.
I just see red and I grab the remote from her
hand and switch off the TV before pulling
her to sit up straight then I sit on the coffee
table looking directly at her.

Now you listen and you listen to me

carefully, I have allowed you to sulk and act
out but this is a marriage not a Stockvel
where we can afford disrespect one
another, I made one mistake. I was drunk
and I regreted it immediately, I'm sorry I lied
to you and kept it away from you but I will
not live like this anymore. If you can't forgive
me then fine! I won't force you to, you can
get yourself a lawyer to draft divorce papers
for you and I'll gladly sign. I will not live like
this Ntjantja, we just got married for Pete's
sake." She tears up.
"You broke my trust now you expect me to
what, give you a metal?" I scoff.

"The lady I cheated with is happily married

with her Prince, he was able to overlook her
shortcomings but you miss perfect, you are
making me miserable in my own house,
fuck that shit, I will not live like a soldier in
my own house. I stay longer at work taking
on work loads from employees who have
happy homes while I'm the one who just
tied the knot."

"Who's fault is that? I'm not desperate and

don't compare me with people who don't
know their worth," I chuckle shaking my
head.
"I'm so sorry I cheated, I love you and I still
want us to work on our marriage but if you
feel that forgiving me makes you seem
desperate then I was wrong to think that
you love me, love is desperation
sweetheart. I was desperate when I went to
the petrol station everyday to fill up the tank
even when I didn't need to just because I
wanted to see your face, I was desperate
when I covered up a murder for you risking
my freedom just for you. I will not go back
and forth with you, you can afford a lawyer
now so do what makes you happy, I'm done
being desperate." I say getting up and
walking away leaving her sobbing.

I decide to drive to Byron's office....

"Don't you have work?" I chuckle.

"I don't," I say taking a seat.

"How have you been?" I ask.

"Better than you clearly," I chuckle.

"Ntjantja is driving me crazy," I chuckle

shaking my head.

"She doesn't cook for me nor does she do

my laundry, when I enter a room she walks
out. It's like we are two strangers living in
the same house, I miss her bro but she's in
the same damn house." He heaves a sigh.
"She's still hurt," I shake my head.

"I get that bro but why shut me out and not
listen to my side of the story, I swear with
her stinking attitude I was this close to
manhandling her but I don't want to hurt my
unborn child."

"This is messed up but you can't expect her

to react the way you want her to, she is
angry and she's feeding her anger because
it's justified according to her, being cheated
on is painful bro you start to wonder if you
were not enough for that person and that
shit messes you up," I look down and he
gets up and sits on the table.
"I also understand what you are going
through, sit her down and talk to her bro,
hear her out. Maybe she feels like she was
lacking somewhere hence you cheated.
Sometimes it's not only about you,
sometimes the cheating opened up
childhood scars, that feeling of
inadequacy." I smile faintly.

"Are we still talking about my wife here?"

He chuckles.

"Who else are we talking about?" I shrug

and he gets up patting my shoulder.

"I hear you bro," he nods.

"Now get out of my office I have work to do,"
I chuckle getting up.

"I hope you and Sne are working things out,"

he nods.

"I'm going to be a father again, isn't that

crazy?" I laugh throwing my head back.

"Even God doesn't want you to leave that

woman," he shakes his head smiling.

A few days later.....

*SNEGUGU*
"I got you this, with this one you won't go
wrong I tell you," Iba says handing me a gift
bag and I look inside..

"Iba!" She shrugs.

"Ride him until he forgets what you did," I

giggle, this one is crazy. We are sitting in the
lounge, it's just after 5pm and I should get
going to prepare for the weekend with my
husband.

"Sex won't solve anything and besides,

what if he rejects me or he thinks about his
brother when I initiate sex," she sighs..

"Don't think like that, cry and fake cramps

then seduce him, do whatever it takes for
that man to forgive you, I love having you
here but girl that man of yours lives up to his
name, he is Blaze for real. Fire I tell you." I
laugh getting up.

"Let me get going ke," she shakes her head.

"Hubby will take you to Joburg," I frown..

"What about my clothes and my sister,

she's going to Joburg too."

"Sorted, ska wara wena just smoke to pulls

of weed then seduce that man," this one is
crazy.

"I'm pregnant remember?"

"Oh come on, weed is harmless."

********************

Mr khumalo came to fetch me and I was

surprised finding Zamo at the backseat..he
did say the front seat is reserved only for his
wife.

"How was your last paper?"

"I was okay sis Gugu, I packed a change of

clothes for you," I nod smiling.

"Don't look so nervous," I chuckle..

"Does it show?" She nods.

"I'll be okay," the car comes to a halt before
parking on the side of the road.

"Mrs Smith your husband is parked behind

us please go to him I'll continue with Zamo
and drop her off." Mr khumalo says and I
reluctantly get off the car, he opens the
boot and Byron comes out of the car to help
me with the bag.

"The blue bag!" Zamo shouts and Byron

pulls it out before closing the trunk.

"I wave at Zamo and she waves back

smiling before they drive off.

"Let's go," I sigh following him to his car.

"How are you?" He asks as soon as we are
settled in the car.

"I'm well and you?"

"I'm well too," I nod.

We drive for a while until he takes a left into

a field, I look at him because is a bit dark
and it's scary.

"I'm not going to kill you," he says seeing

how uneasy I am.

"It's not you I'm afraid of, have you watched

the movie wrong turn?" He chuckles.
"At least we will die together," he says taking
my hand into his and looking ahead.

A few minutes of driving on a dirt road we

arrive at a beautiful double storey log cabin.

"Wow!" He smiles, the outside lights give a

clear view of the house and it's beautiful.
He leads me inside and I tear up when I see
a romantic set up with scented candles
lights and flowers everywhere.

"This is beautiful," he smiles.

"Not as beautiful as you are." Byron mustn't

do this, he must not embarrass me like this.
"Can I please freshen up quickly," he nods
with a smile and leads me upstairs. I'm
mortified when I look into the so called bag
Zamo packed for me, I swear I'm going to
kill that child. She packed bum shots and
crop tops only, I wear those things when I'm
laying around at home. Mxm.

*COMBUSTION*

*THIRTY THREE*

*SNEGUGU*
I have no choice but to wear the sexy
lingerie Iba got for me, it's either that or bum
shorts. I make my way downstairs and I'm
welcomed by Byron's eyes roaming around
my body, my bump is visible but it's not big
yet, I've gained a bit of weight and my thighs
are a shade lighter thanks to the pregnancy.

"Uhm...." he clears his throat before pulling

up a chair for me. I feel weird sitting down
wearing this kind of outfit, i feel naked yet
again this is still my husband right?

"You look beautiful," I giggle.

"Zamo did me dirty again, she packed bum

shorts only and this Iba bought for me, she
guarantees that it has a 100 percent
success rate in fixing marriages," he laughs
throwing his head back.

"Do you want to fix this marriage?"

"I do," he nods.

"Do you think we can?" I ask and he sighs.

"It won't be easy," I nod.

"I love you," he says and I break into a smile.

"I love you too," he nods.

He gets up and walks to the kitchen, I can

see as he moves around since it's an open
plan.
"Dinner is served my lady," he says handing
me a plate of pasta.

"This looks good," he smiles.

"I made it, I hope you enjoy it." I frown and

he laughs.

"You have never ever cooked for me except

making a sandwich for me, is it even
edible?"

"Just dig in," I look at him sceptical but I'm

pleasantly surprised when I take the first
bite.

"You didn't make this," he laughs.

We eat in silence enjoying the food, well I'm
enjoying the food.

"I've been sleeping with Ashley," he blurted

out the words and like a dagger they went
straight to my heart bringing me nothing but
raw pain.

"Oh?" I don't know what else to say.

"I brought us here to talk and to know where

exactly we stand with each other. I can't
have my pregnant wife living far from me," I
try to swallow the lump in my throat but I
fail, I shouldn't be hurting like this because
I'm the one who pushed him into the arms
of another woman, his old flame.
"It's okay, it's....." I say trying to suppress the
tears that are threatening to come out.

*BYRON*

A sharp pain shoots through my heart as I

see the pain in her eyes. She is trying very
hard not to react but she's failing dismally.

"Sne this was not me settling scores, I was

in so much pain and I needed a way to cope
with your betrayal but that doesn't excuse
my behaviour, we are still married and so I
cheated, I am very sorry for that my love. I
promise you never to hurt you like that again
because apart from knowing exactly how it
feels to be cheated on, I hate causing you
pain," I say getting up and walk towards her.

"Come here," I say holding out my hand.

"Forgive me," she throws herself in my arms

and breaks into a loud sob.

"I will never ---hurt you --like that- Byron

please --I'm sorry, just make -the pain go
away, I can't lose you please," she says in
between sobs.

I hold her tightly until she calms down. She

breaks away from my embrace and I cup
her face before kissing her teary eyes. She
leans in for a kiss. We share a slow
passionate kiss full of emotions. My hands
roam around her body as she lets out a
sultry moan, I miss her so much, I miss her
body against mine. I slowly take off her bra
before nibbling on her perfectly round
Mellons, my one hand unhooks her bra
while my other hand squeezes her firm
butt.

"I love you," she mumbles I love you too as I

lead her to the lounge and I gently lay her on
the rug.

We are laying naked in each other's arms,

sweat dripping from every pore. Our
heartbeats are insync and right at this
moment I know that this is home. Nothing
else matters. I lift her legs placing them on
my shoulders as I slide in. Her walls fully
expand clenching tight to my dick, I take a
moment feeling her warmth before I start
moving slowly.

"Fuck!" I shout as her moans are getting

louder.

"You are coming back home right?" I

whisper. She nods as her eyes roll to the
back of her head. Her body stiffens and I
know she's about to explode so I up the
pace fucking her right through her orgasm.

"Yes Byron yes Ahh! Yes!" She shouts, I

slide out and watch her creamy cum
dripping down her butt. I swiftly flip her
around before spanking her butt and
without warning I push my dick back inside
making me grunt as her walls
accommodate me once more. I pound into
her while spanking her ass, she positions
herself in a comfortable position laying her
chest down making her pussy more
accessible. I stop moving letting her take
charge and Mrs Smith moves her waist like
a pro causing me to groan and grunt
enjoying her circular motion. I grab her ass
and start stroking again as I feel an orgasm
fast approaching, she screams her lungs
out and we both reach our happy ending
simultaneously..

A few days later.....

*NARRATED*
Mr and Mrs Byron Smith spend their
weekend in the log cabin making love like
there's no tomorrow. They talked, they cried
and in the end they made up and decided to
give their marriage a second chance.. Sne
has been so clingy since they reconciled
and you know sex has the power to make
one needy, they drive back home with
nothing but hope in their hearts both
knowing what it feels like to lose the other
and they don't want to ever experience that
again. Byron's phone beeps and he asks
Sne to check the message..

"It's from Karen, she says they nearly broke

into her house and she needs you," Byron
nods and intertwines his hand with his
wife's hand kissing it a couple of times.

"We will first pass at her house before going

home," Sne nods with a smile.

The couple arrives at Karen's house, the

gate opens and they drive in. They walk
hand in hand and they are welcomed by
romantic music playing softly with rose
patels laid beautifully making a path way for
them to follow, husband and wife look at
each other frowning. Byron chuckles as he
pulls his wife following the roses path way
which leads into the dining room, Byron
thought he did a stellar job at the cabin but
this is on another level, a table for two
elegantly set, the lavender smell, the
oysters on the bed of ice placed nicely on
the table next to a platter of giant chocolate
dipped strawberries.

"Wow!" Sne exclaims. They turn abruptly to

the sound of something breaking, a butt
naked Karen just dropped bottle of
champagne with her eyes popped looking
at Sne like she's some kind of ghost.

*COMBUSTION*

*THIRTY FOUR*
*NTJANTJA*

He walks into the house whistling.....

"Hey it's just after midnight," he looks at me

with a straight face before climbing the
stairs totally ignoring me. I've been waiting
for him since this morning for us to talk.
After he spoke to me a couple of days ago
he has been coming home after midnight
then leaves early in the morning but today, I
waited up for him.

"Can we please talk?" I say walking into the

guestroom where he sleeps.
"I'm not in the mood to fight please," I tear
up.

"I'm not fighting, I just want us to talk and fix

things please," I beg and he heaves a sigh.

"Please," he nods and sits on the bed before

patting the bed for me to sit.

"I am hurt that you slept with another

woman, it makes me feel like I'm not
enough for you and that you don't respect
me nor do you love me. I'm sorry I took
things too far but believe me, I do love you
Jerome, I guess I've just been waiting for you
to fuck up because I have convinced myself
that nothing good ever happens to me and
this "us" is just too good to be true." I say
looking down playing with my fingers.

"I was wrong for sleeping with Pearl, she

was my P.A and there was no feelings there
whatsoever, we were celebrating getting a
major deal and one thing led to another but i
swear babe, it meant nothing. I guess the
fear of losing you drove me to keep quiet
about it and I am sorry my love. I'm sorry for
hurting you like that and I swear if you give
me one last chance, I will never ever hurt
you like that again." He says before holding
both my hands.

"You and my son are more than enough for

me," I can't help but tear up.
"Forgive me please," I look into his eyes
before nodding.

"I'll never hurt you like that again I promise."

I nod again. He wipes my tears with his
thumb before planting a kiss on my lips.

*SNEGUGU*

To say I'm shocked is an understatement,

Karen is standing there butt naked staring at
me like she's seeing a ghost, she runs as
fast as she can climbing the stairs. I turn to
look at Byron and he shakes his head.

"Babe?" He shrugs.
"I don't know what the hell is this," he says
and I sigh.

"Is there something happening between the

two of you?" He chuckles like I've just
offended him..

"Something like what? Were you not the

one who read the message that specifically
talked about a break-in?" I sigh.

"I'm sorry baby it's just that I'm so shocked,

she planned a whole romantic dinner for
you and she was butt naked, it hasn't even
been two months since her husband died.
Is this some sort of revenge?" He shrugs.
"Only Karen know what's happening in
Karen's mind, let's just get out of this house,
I need something to make me forget the
image I just saw, did she even see my wife's
hour glass figure? She's busy parading her
flat wrinkly ass." I gasp hitting him playfully.

"That's just mean," I say grabbing a

strawberry and Byron looks at me like I'm
crazy.

"What? They look so delicious, I've never

seen such big strawberries, we can't let
them go to waste." He throws his head back
laughing.

Meanwhile in the bedroom.....

Karen is sitting on the bed naked
embarrassed and Hella surprised seeing
Sne, how will she ever look at her again she
wonders. She grabs her phone calling
Ntjantja.

"Hello," she swallows hard.

"She's back," she says sniffing.

"Who is back?"

"Sne, she is back." Ntjantja heaves a sigh.

"Okay, I guess she was bound to come back

I mean they are still husband and wife, I just
realised that we all make mistakes and no
one is perfect, girl just mourn your husband
and focus on your daughter because that
woman is Byron's heart and now that she's
back I bet they're fixing things," she sniffs.

"You can't say that to me after encouraging

me to go for Byron, I've just humiliated
myself in front of Sne and her husband. I
was naked for Pete's sake, how am I
supposed to look at them now?"

"Haibo Karen! I didn't say you must act like

a thirsty hoe, I said bring him closer to you
by playing a widow in distress. You just took
the whole thing too far by taking off your
clothes, woman your husband just died.
How do you think that looks to Byron? I
hope you keep my name out of this
because I didn't say throw yourself at the
man," Ntjantja says before hanging up
leaving Karen shocked at the sudden
change in tune.

*BYRON*

We arrive at home and Mimi runs to Sne

hugging her for dear life.

"Mommy you left me," she says after

breaking the hug and Sne wipes her tears.

"I'm sorry baby, mommy was not feeling

well and she needed to go away for a while
but now I'm back and I'm never leaving you
again okay?" She nods smiling.
"Where's Zamo, I have a bone to pick with
her?" Mimi runs off calling Zamo's name, I
know it's about the clothes she packed or
rather the clothes she didn't pack for her.
She's wearing my sweat pants and a crop
top, I think she looks cute especially
because my pants are clinging on tight to
her round firm butt.

"Sis Gugu," Zamo greets with a smile seeing

her sister.

"Don't sis Gugu me missy, what the hell did

you pack for me?" She giggles.

"I'm sure Byron liked the outfits I chose

right?" She says sticking out her tongue.
"Right kiddo," she laughs.

"See sis Gugu? No harm done." Sne sighs

defeated.

"You're back home for good right?" I say as

soon as we get to the bedroom.

"Yes although I'm going to miss working for

Iba," I smile.

"Houdini hated that set up," she giggles.

"Mr khumalo is dramatic if you ask me." I

smile taking her hand into mine.

"Marry me," she frowns before giggling.

"I thought we are already married."

"We are but we never got to have a white

wedding, I want to see my wife walk down
the isle." She tears up.

"Is that a yes?"

"You have all of my heart Byron," she says

wiping her tears.

"Yes I'll marry you today, tomorrow and

everyday for the rest of our lives."

*COMBUSTION*
*THIRTY FIVE*

Eight months later!!!!

At the whimsical country house.....

He stands tall dressed in a beige three

piece suit looking all sorts of handsome
next to his brother Jerome and two of his
groomsmen Sbusiso and Pule. Two months
ago they were blessed with a beautiful
bouncing baby boy and they named him
Byron Smith junior. The couple's love grew
from strength to strength after everything
they have been through. Sne makes her
entrance wearing a princess ball gown
covered in a vintage lace looking like a
dream as she slowly walks towards the
love of her life. Zamo is the maid of honour
while Iba and Cleo are the bridesmaid.
Tears fall shamelessly from Byron's eyes
looking at his woman, the woman he loves
with all his heart walking down the isle.

"You look beautiful Mrs Smith," he

whispers.

"Thank you," She says blushing.

Byron's vows....
"My beautiful wife and mother of my kids,
today I stand before you, God and our loved
ones declaring my undying love to you,
loving you came with a lot of growth and
understanding that love is not just a feeling
but it is also a decision that one makes.
True love doesn't die simply because the
person you love is flawed, true love doesn't
die because the person who swore to love
you too hurt you. True love is forgiveness
and understanding, true love is empathy
and taking a leap of faith. I love you Sne, I
loved you even when it hurt to love you and I
will love you until I seize to exist. You have
my heart, you are my home and I promise to
always come home."
Sne let's out a sob listening to her
husband's voice, they have been so happy
the past Eight months and not even once
has Byron reminded her of her infidelity. He
has been the best husband and father and
she couldn't be more happier.

Sne's vows...

"Byron, my husband, my love, my king. Not

a single day goes by without me thanking
God for you, you are not perfect I know but
when it comes to loving me you are
perfection in a human form. You had every
reason in the world to walk away from me
but you stayed and loved me fiercely. You
not only gave me all of you but you gave me
the best of you and for that I will always be
grateful. Everything that I know about love
and life I learned from you. I love you and I
promise to love you even after death
because what you and I have I believe goes
beyond this lifetime. And if God one day
remembers me before you just know that I
will love you even in the afterlife. I love you
my husband." Byron captures his wife's lips
even before the pastor gives them
permission, they share a slow passionate
kiss full of emotions.

"I love you so much," Byron says as Sne

wipes his tears.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three bullets make contact with Sne and
chaos erupts. Byron is holding his wife
looking deep into her eyes as she smiles
like nothing just happened and for a
moment Byron goes deaf not hearing the
loud screaming or the commotion around
him. All he sees is his smiling wife as her
legs fail her and she leans back giving in. He
gently places her on the floor not taking his
eyes off his beautiful wife.

"My parents are here Byron," she says

softly.

"Tell them to leave," he says with tears

blinding his vision, she smiles before
coughing blood.
"I don't..... want anyone else to.... take care
of my kids except Zamo, she is young but
she is wise........ beyond her age. She
will....... be good to you." Sne says slowly
losing her breath and Byron shakes her
head sobbing.

"Don't do this to me please baby please,"

she smiles cupping his face.

"Pr..... promise....me," he shakes his head.

"Please," it comes out as a whisper. He

feels someone's hand on his shoulder and
he looks up at Zamo who is in tears.

"Sis Gugu don't die, think about junior

please," she says crouching down.
"Promise....me.... Byron."

"I promise."

"You are .....his mother now I love you

Zamokuhle Smith take .......care of my........
husband," she says finally giving in to death
as she draws her last breath.

Three years later.....

The shooter was none other than Ashley,

she died the very same day Snegugu Smith
died with ten bullets from Jerome's gun. A
tragic wedding it was, Byron sobbed for
hours hugging his lifeless wife's body,
paramedics tried to remove him, his brother
and friends tried to remove, Gina tried to
remove him but he wouldn't let go. He cried
so much until past midnight, he eventually
let go. It's been three years since that fateful
day, Byron almost lost his mind after Sne's
death but his kids kept him sane, Zamo is
now doing her second year in university
studying biochemical engineering. She still
stays at Byron's house and she has been a
great help raising the kids.

Karen decided to move to Cape town a year

ago, after Sne died she had hope that Byron
might look her way but she finally gave up
when she saw that he wasn't interested.
Jerome and Ntjantja are still going strong,
they welcomed their second baby boy two
weeks ago and their marriage is still
standing strong.

"Why didn't you shave? You look like an old

man," Sne says giggling. Byron looks at her
and smiles.

"Am I dreaming?"

"Yes," he nods.

"Then I don't want to wake up," Sne smiles

and takes his hand.

"Let's go for a walk," they slowly walk on the

beach.
"You look beautiful," she giggles and Byron
takes a good look at her, she is dressed in a
while flowy dress. She looks so beautiful
and happy.

"You still haven't kept your promise," he

frowns causing Sne to laugh, he missed her
laughter so much it sounds like music to his
ears.

"I don't look at your sister like that," she

nods.

"I'll never love again," she laughs.

"Oh but you will and when you do, please

don't ever feel like you are betraying me. I'm
glad I got to meet you and love you Byron,
you are a good man, you too deserve love."
He swallows a lump in his throat.

"I deserve you Sne." She wipes his tears.

"And you had me, please let me go now.

Zamo deserves you too," he shakes his
head.

"She's a child." She laughs.

"Go now Mr Smith, stop being a big baby. I

love you even in death now go live your life."

Byron is woken by little hands hitting him,

he opens his one eyes before closing it
quickly.
"Dada wake up," junior says before poking
his father's nose causing Byron to open his
eyes.

"Junior you lack peace, what are you doing

in my room?"

"I'm hungry dada," he sighs getting out of

bed.

"It's 4 am," he says shaking his head.

"Let's go make you something to eat," junior

gets into bed and grabs his father's phone
on the night stand before playing his
favourite game. Byron shakes his head
leaving him in his bedroom to go make
cereal for him.

He walks into the kitchen finding Zamo

making coffee, he stands there looking at
her while she is oblivious to his presence
behind her. She's wearing a short silky
nightdress and fluffy slippers, she is
undeniably beautiful but still she's a child
he thinks to herself.

"Can't sleep?" Zamo scream startled.

"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you," she

holds her chest.

"It's okay," she smiles.

"How is school?" She shrugs.

"Hm that bad?" She laughs.

"School is fine," he nods.

"Let me make cereal for junior," she nods

and takes her coffee walking out.

"And Zamo," she stops on her tracks and

turns to look at him.

"no boys right? Tell them your husband has

a gun," Zamo's eyes pop before she opens
her mouth to say something but she shuts
her mouth void of words and she turns
walking away stunned causing Byron to
chuckle shaking his head.
The end........