The Seven, and their Wealth. II

XII - Kiara.

Kiara made the final adjustments to her moderately oversized ivory shirt that was tucked into a pair of beige mini shorts, before placing it on the thin gold chain gifted to her by her now–boyfriend, Themba. It donned a little gold dove which Themba thought was a very fitting touch for someone as peaceful as Kiara. Themba finally fought back all the doubt that had been bothering him for the longest time and thought it was finally time to ask Kiara out.

The image of a nervous Themba, trying to smile while gradually breaking the question would forever go on to be etched in Kiara's mind. There was no way she could forget how adorable he looked.

Themba was a gentleman. A true one. He had a demeanour that went well with how articulate he is. He never was impulsive, but rather took time to reflect on it before saying – or doing – anything, and just seeing him smile would always make Kiara melt inside. How could she say no to him? The impeccable dressing style certainly made things far better for his case.

Becoming his girlfriend would have to be taken with a grain of salt, however. She still was unaware of what her parents' motives were because to this day they had not breathed a word about him to her, despite making it clear that Themba would be far from a perfect fit in the Harding family. Kiara would still have to keep an eye out for any nasty surprises that could be flung her way.

She reached for her brush and gently started stroking her ombre hair, stylishly shortened to her reach just below her shoulder.

'Kiara, the guest has arrived.' One of the maids politely interrupted Kiara.

'Alright, thank you, Rea,' she responded smiling.

All the politics that involved being a Harding and dating Themba would have to be momentarily put on hold because Kiara had extended an invite to one of her new friends.

She seldom had guests over, but with this certain person, they had gotten on so well since their first meeting, that she just knew that they would become the best of friends. It did not hurt that their parents knew each other, meaning Keith and Boniswa certainly would grow fond of her.

Kiara stepped out of her room and headed downstairs to the foyer. She looked around and spotted her seated on the patio, overlooking the swimming pool.

'Well hello stranger,' she smiled, opening the large glass sliding door.

'Hello yourself!' Jenner smiled back, placing her phone down and hugging Kiara.

Jenner looked just as stunning as when Kiara first met her. Chicly clad in a sleeveless, nude-coloured blouse, dark blue cropped trousers, and a pair of black stilettoes.

'You have such a lovely home, Kiara!'

'Thank you,' she smiled. 'It is great having you here, I am so thrilled to see you again!'

Their previous encounter did not end without Kiara looking for Jenner again. They spoke for a while, exchanged contact details, and snuck in a few selfies.

'I brought a little gift. Made them myself.'

Jenner held up a container that had what looked like a delectable cheesecake decorated with a sweet blueberry compote and garnished with colourful edible flowers.

'You know what's funny, I literally was thinking of going out to get cheesecake this morning.'

'No need when I am around!'

They both laughed.

'Would you like a cup of tea to go with?'

'Tea would be great.'