Betrayed

Chapter 24

I wake up to find Asanda still fast asleep. I slip out to the bathroom, take care of my business, and return to the room. I can't help but think, "Damn, I should've gotten this room for Asemahle and me..." The view is stunning, and I long to share it with her, holding her close as we take it in.

Since I'm paying for the room, I think to myself, "Why not move here, then have Asanda and Vusi take the presidential suite? And once they're settled, Asanda and I can switch to their room."

After all, I'm not dating Asanda, and I wouldn't have splurged on this luxurious room for us. I know Vusi will likely want the presidential suite anyway, so I might as well pay for the room he's in - it's cheaper, at least.

I find a piece of paper with the hotel's service numbers and jot down a quick note, leaving it for Asanda: "I left. Didn't want to wake you." I don't want to disturb her, and I'm not looking for anything romantic or sexual, so it's time for me to go. I leave the room keys with her and head back down to my own room.

As I enter, I find Mahle sitting on the bed, looking less than thrilled. "Morning," I say, leaning in for a kiss, but she pushes me away. Well, that's not a great start.

"Where were you?" Mahle asks, her tone firm.

"I just stepped out for a second," I reply, trying to downplay it.

"I would've believed that if you had left with your phone," she says, pointing to the device on the pedestal. "You know I've been looking for it. Shit," I say, grabbing it.

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"And it's off too." She says. Ehh this hun.

"Yeah, because I didn't want any disturbances while we were asleep," I explain, trying to sound reasonable.

Mahle looks at me, and I can't help but want to smile. She's adorable even when she's mad. "Lihle, I know you. Keep that in mind," she says, her eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, I know. So why would I lie to you?" I ask, trying to sound innocent.

She shakes her head and stands up. "Then tell me why you left at 02:00 a.m. You know I'm a light sleeper. Unless you forgot," she says, her voice firm.

I clench my jaw, feeling caught. "Wow," she says, as she tries to walk away, but I hold her arm, refusing to let go. She looks at me, her expression unyielding.

"Mahle, I didn't sleep with anyone else," I say, trying to clarify things.

"Yeah, that's why you snuck out at 2 a.m. and left your phone off," she replies, her tone skeptical.

"I did not have sex with any other woman," I repeat, trying to convince her.

She pulls her arm away, but I hold it again. "Ayt, I admit, I lied about stepping out for a sec... But have I ever lied to you?" I ask, looking for some understanding.

She stays quiet, and I continue, "I'm telling you again, Mahle. I did not have sex with anyone."

I finally let go of her arm and look up at her. As I'm sitting on the bed, she's standing, and I'm reminded that she's usually shorter than me.

"Sure, Lihle," she says, her voice still unsure.

I put my hands up in defeat and stand up. "When you finally decide to believe me, you'll let me know, yeah?" I say, then grab my toiletries and head to the bathroom. I close the door, brush my teeth, and then get in the shower to wash up.

After finishing my shower, I wrap a towel around my waist and head back into the room. I see Mahle sitting on the bed, engrossed in her phone, and shake my head. I grab my lotion and moisturize, then put on my OPS underwear and sports bra. I remove the towel and return it to the bathroom.