Spurned

35

"Congratulations, you're having a baby boy" Oh my days. I squeal, turning around to face Lindokuhle. "I was right" I rub it in his face and he rolls his eyes at me. "We're having a boy!" He pulls me into his arms.

"Thank you" He murmers into my ear. "Here's your prescription, and please do rest..." Doctor Samuels orders and I nod as Lindo takes the envelope from her. He leads me out of the office and into his car. "I'm hungry" I rub my belly. "Can we get McDonald's?"

"Mhm" He brings my hand up to his lips and places a kiss onto my knuckles. He already knows my order by heart.

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"LINDO" I breathless whisper as we enter the house. "I know you said that you don't want a baby shower so I put together a little something, just you me and the kids" I tighten my grip around his hand. "Thank you" I wipe my tears away.

He ushers me into the living room, following after the trail of white petals. "Suprise!" They yell and I waste no time in balling my eyes out. "When did you three get here?" I open my arms and they all hug me. "Is it a girl?". "Is it a boy?" They ask all at once.

"It's a boy"

"I told you so!" Phiwe says to Sbani. "This is so beautiful" I look around the room. I feel Lindokuhle wrapping his arms around me from behind. "I have something for you" He whispers into my ear. "Now?" I turn around. "Later" He corrects and I peck his cheek.

"Mama" Maqhawe drags me away from him. "Look" She hands me a gift bag and I dig inside it and pull out a box. "Are you serious right now?" I laugh. "Most of these gifts are baby things so that's a little something" She states. "Thank you... But hide this from your father, please"

I hand her back the box of wine. "What's that?" Lindokuhle startles me. "Oh just baby clothes" I turn to face him, grabbing the bowl of salted pretzels from him. "Thank you" I sincerely say. "Ouf" I giggle when the baby kicks. He places his hand on my belly. "He's quite excited" I say.

My phone dings and I pull it out, frowning. 'Help me!' The text reads- it's from a random number. I ignore it and switch off my phone. "What's wrong?" He asks. "Uhm, Nothing" I rush up to our room, getting into the bathroom. I lock the door and lean against it.

I heavily sigh, washing my face. "She's gone, Itumeleng. She's gone" I pat my face dry as I mutter to myself. "Itumeleng" He knocks on the door. "I-I'm coming" I recollect myself and open the door. "Why is the door locked?" He frowns.

"I-uhm. I'm sorry, I must've forgetten" I stutter. "Are you okay?" He cups my fsce. "N-No" I shake my head no, burying my face in his chest. "Yini?" He soothingly rubs my back. "Nothing... I'm just overwhelmed" I lie and he pecks my forehead. "You'll tell me when you're ready"

"Okay?" He sits me down on the bed. "Yes" I dryly swallow. "I'm coming, I'm going to get you something to eat" I softly smile as he walks out of the room. My phone rings and I answer it. "Anathi?" I panick. "What's going on? Who's texting you?" He rambles.

"I-I don't know. But do not tell Lindokuhle, please." I beg. "I'm going to look into it and track-" I cut him off. "No- don't. Not now, Maybe later but not now" I explain. "We don't need this right now, Anathi and you know that"

"I have to tell him... This could cost me my job- heck even my life" He states. "I'll tell him, when he's not so distracted" If I tell Lindokuhle now- he'll be hellbent on being overprotective and he'll distance himself from me again...

"If you don't then I will. We're putting my life on the line here, Itumeleng" He heaves out a sigh. "I'll tell him, Anathi. Calm down" I hang up just as Lindokuhle walks back into the room. "I'm not hungry anymore" I huff.

"Why?" He eyes me. "N-Nothing.. I'm just tired" I lie, walking out of the room. "Sbani, it's late hle" I stick my head into his room. "It's Saturday, Mama" He sighs. "It doesn't mean that you should be playing on that thing until tommorow morning. Go to sleep"

"I'll only sleep if you buy-" I cut him off. "Stay up all you want. I don't want to hear you in my kitchen" I walk down to the kitchen, getting myself a slice of Woolworths's carrot cake. I sit on the counter as I stuff my face.

"Itumeleng" Lindokuhle snaps me out of my thoughts. "You took a shower without me?" I scowl. "I'm sorry" He stands inbetween my thighs. "Let's go to bed" He coax. "Mhm Mhm" I take a sip of my apple juice. "What's going on with you?"

"Dlamini, you can go to bed. I'll be there in a few minutes, I'm just eating my cake" I ignore his previous question. "Itumeleng" He warns. "I'm fine, you can go" I peck his lips. "Why should I sleep in an empty bed when my wife is here?" He trails kisses down my neck and I cling onto him as he carries me up to our room.

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I stare at the ceiling as he lightly snores next to me. I carefully get up, walking into the bathroom. I take a quick shower and change into my pyjamas. I het back into bed, trying to fall asleep again but I fail.

I move to the balcony, pulling out my phone. I call him again. "Have you made up your mind?" He asks. I remain silent before speaking. "No one must know about this, make it fast and simple. No bloodshed..."

"I just need you to track the number for me"