Betrayed

Chapter 27

I'm on my way back to my hotel room, feeling a mix of emotions after walking the girl I was with to her Uber. Now, I have to deal with a probably angry Asemahle. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the confrontation, and let it out as I enter the room.

When I get in, I'm surprised to find that she's not there. And can I say, I've never been so relieved in my entire life? I was bracing myself for a fight, but it seems I've been given a temporary reprieve. They're probably still at the party, so I decide to take advantage of the peace and quiet.

I head to the bathroom to shower, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as the warm water hits my skin. For a moment, I forget about the drama and tension that's been building up. But I know it's only a matter of time before Asemahle and I have to face each other again...

I get into bed and grab my phone, feeling a sudden urge to connect with someone who cares about me. I scroll through my contacts and dial a familiar number - my mother's. It's been a while since we last spoke, and I know she's always worried about me.

As the phone rings, I start feeling guilt for not calling her sooner. She answers, and her voice is like a balm to my soul. "Hey, baby, how are you?" she asks, and I take a deep breath, ready to update her on what's been going on here.

Asemahle POV

We're getting ready to leave the party when we realize that Lihle is nowhere to be found. We all split up to search for her, agreeing to meet back at the VIP area. But when we reunite, there's still no sign of Lihle.

"Guys, how do we lose the one person we came here for?" Nozuko asks, frustration and worry etched on her face. I take out my phone, trying to think of a solution. "I'mma try calling her," I say, dialing her number.

The phone rings, but it goes straight to voicemail. My heart sinks, and I feel a pang of concern. Where could Lihle be? And why isn't she answering her phone?

"She probably found someone and they're somewhere in the corners," Vusi says with a smirk, and I shoot him a look, chuckling despite myself. "I'm playing, Mahle," he says, holding up his hands in defense, but I know he's not entirely joking.

Thing is, that's probably exactly what happened, but I'm not trying to think about it. I'd rather not consider the possibility that Lihle is off with some stranger, especially after everything we've been through tonight.

"Okay, guys, can someone try calling her?" I ask, trying to sound calm, and Vusi points at me. I let out a sigh, feeling a bit exasperated, and dial her number again. The phone rings, but it goes straight to voicemail once more. I'm starting to get worried.

"She's not answering, guys," I say, putting my phone away, feeling a mix of concern and frustration.

"Okay, I have an idea," Vusi says, taking his phone out, and I raise an eyebrow, curious about what he's thinking.

"Bro, where you at?" he says into the phone, and I can tell he's talking to Lihle. "Okay, but why aren't you answering Mahle's calls? She's been calling you," he asks, and then he starts laughing. "Ayt, I got you," he says, and I can tell he's got some information.

"She's back at the hotel," Vusi says, grabbing his stuff, and I feel a mix of relief and confusion.

"Why was she not answering her phone the first time?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me, and Vusi looks at me with a knowing glint in his eye.

"What?" he says, walking off, and I pull him back, needing answers.

"Vusi," I say, and he turns to face me. "Was she ignoring my call?" I ask, feeling a hint of vulnerability.