A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 10

Thelani

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Thelani entered the hotel room with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She had been expecting an intimate encounter, given the nature of her arrangement with Mr. Mkhize. Instead, she found Lucas-who had asked her to call him by his first name-sitting comfortably on the sofa, a warm and inviting smile on his face.

"Come in, Thelani," Lucas said, patting the seat next to him. "I'm glad you could make it."

She hesitated for a moment, then sat down beside him, her heart racing. Lucas took her hand gently, sensing her apprehension. "I know you might have been expecting something different tonight, but I want to be clear about what I'm hoping for."

Thelani's eyes widened slightly. "What do you mean?"

Lucas looked into her eyes with sincerity. "I want us to take things slow. I don't want to rush into anything. What I really want is to get to know you better and build a real connection. I see how troubled you are, and it wouldn't be right to force you into something you're not ready for."

Thelani's tension eased a bit, though she was still unsure. "You're married, though. Isn't this all too complicated?"

Lucas nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yes, my marriage is an arrangement. It was never about love. But what I'm offering you is different. I want to love you, not just provide for you. I want to be your boyfriend, to genuinely care for you."

He took a deep breath and continued, "I want us to build something real. I see the way you're struggling with this, and I want to be someone you can trust, not just a blesser."

As the conversation continued, Lucas spoke about his life and feelings with an openness that surprised Thelani. She began to see him in a new light-one that was more caring and genuine than she had expected.

When they finally stood up to leave, Lucas took her hands in his, looking deeply into her eyes. "Please, call me Lucas. I want us to have a meaningful relationship. I care about you deeply and want to show you that I'm here for you in a way that's truly loving."

Thelani, touched by his words, nodded slowly. "Alright, Lucas. I'll call you that."

"We should head out to dinner ,I'm sure you're hungry" lucas said

"Yes actually "

"Alright ladies first"

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Thelani entered the hotel restaurant with Lucas by her side, her heart fluttering with excitement and curiosity. The elegant setting, with its soft lighting and tasteful decor, felt like something out of a dream. Lucas led her to a table near the window, offering a perfect view of the city lights.

As they settled in, Lucas poured them both a glass of wine. "I hope you're enjoying the evening so far," he said with a warm smile.

"I am," Thelani admitted, her nerves slowly melting away. "It's beautiful here."

Their conversation flowed easily, and Thelani found herself opening up about her struggles at work and her complicated feelings about her past relationships. Lucas listened intently, nodding in understanding.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this with me," Lucas said softly. "I've had my own share of difficulties too. My marriage, for example, has been more about duty than love. It's been hard to balance my responsibilities and my own desires."

Thelani looked at him, touched by his honesty. "That must be really tough."

"It is," Lucas replied. "But it's why I'm here with you now. I want to build something different-something genuine."

When their main courses arrived, Thelani glanced at the menu and decided to order something she wasn't familiar with, curious to try something new. Lucas raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, allowing her to make her choice.

As their food was served, Thelani took a tentative bite of her dish and her face immediately registered confusion. "What is this?" she asked, her tone mixed with amusement and apprehension. The dish was unlike anything she had ever tasted, and it was not to her liking.

Lucas chuckled softly. "I guess you went for the adventurous choice. It's a very unique dish-an acquired taste, as they say. I should have warned you."

Seeing her reaction, Lucas quickly flagged down the waiter and ordered a more familiar and comforting meal for her: a perfectly cooked steak and medium fries. When the new plate arrived, Thelani's eyes lit up.

"This is more like it," she said with a relieved grin. "I genuinely thought that other dish was macaroni or something. I'm glad you saved me from that culinary adventure."

Lucas laughed, enjoying her lightheartedness. "I'm glad I could rescue you. I wanted tonight to be enjoyable, and it looks like we've succeeded with the steak and fries."

After finishing their meal and sharing some more laughs, Lucas gently suggested, "How about we head back to the hotel? I want you to be comfortable, so let's have separate rooms tonight. I think it'll make you feel more at ease."

Thelani, touched by his thoughtfulness, agreed. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you."

Back in her room, Thelani marveled at the luxurious king-size bed. As she settled in, she couldn't help but feel like she was living a dream. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and she found herself drifting off to sleep with a contented sigh, feeling both cherished and hopeful about the future.

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