A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 11

Thelani

Thelani was gently awakened by the sound of her phone ringing. She groggily answered it, her voice still tinged with sleep.

"Good morning, beautiful," Lucas's voice came through warmly. "Wake up, it's a brand new day. I've got some things planned for us. Please take a shower and head down for breakfast."

Thelani blinked awake, curious. "What have you got planned?"

"You'll see," Lucas replied with a hint of excitement.

"But I don't have anything to wear. I don't think the dress I wore yesterday is appropriate for breakfast."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Lucas said reassuringly. "Go ahead and shower."

"Okay," Thelani replied, smiling as she hung up.

After her shower, Thelani found a carefully wrapped outfit laid out on her bed, accompanied by a note that read: "There's your outfit, princess. I hope it fits."

She unfolded the package to reveal a stylish mini dress. The surprise was just the beginning.

When she headed downstairs, Lucas was waiting for her with a bright smile. "Ready for the day?"

"Where are we going?" Thelani asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Sandton City, my love. Come on, let's go."

As they arrived at the upscale shopping center, Thelani's eyes widened. "What are we doing here?"

Lucas grinned. "Oh, just shopping. You can get anything you want. After that, we'll head to the salon for a new hairstyle."

Thelani's heart fluttered with excitement and gratitude. She felt like a princess, enjoying every moment of the surprise. As they spent the day shopping and choosing new outfits, she realized how much effort Lucas had put into making her feel special. At the salon, as she watched her new hairstyle take shape, she couldn't help but think that maybe giving Lucas a chance wasn't such a bad thing after all.

By the end of the day, Thelani felt rejuvenated and cherished, seeing Lucas in a new light. The day had been more than just a series of pleasant surprises-it had been a testament to his genuine care and affection.

---

As Thelani stepped out of the luxurious G-Wagon at her accommodation, the eyes of everyone around were glued to her. Her designer outfit shimmered in the sun, and her arms were filled with high-end shopping bags. Among the onlookers was Mbali, who had been frantically trying to reach Thelani for days.

Mbali hurried over, her expression a mix of shock and concern. Once inside Thelani's room, she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. The room was cluttered with bags from designer stores, each one a testament to a spending spree that didn't add up with what Mbali knew about Thelani's finances.

"Thelani, where have you been? I've been trying to call you for days!" Mbali's voice was urgent, her eyes scanning the bags and the new look her friend was sporting.

Thelani, sensing the weight of Mbali's suspicion, tried to muster a convincing smile. "Oh, I got a raise at work," she said, attempting to sound nonchalant. "I just decided to treat myself for once."

But Mbali wasn't buying it. "This dress is R5000, Thelani. Why are you lying? What kind of raise is this that's worth your whole month's salary? What's really going on?"

Thelani hesitated, trying to find the right words to cover her tracks. Mbali pressed further, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Are you sleeping with your boss?"

Thelani's patience snapped. "Mbali, stop it! Is that how you take me? Please, leave. I cannot take your insults."

Just as Mbali was about to respond, Sonto breezed into the room, her voice loud and cheerful. "Girlllll!!! Now this is the life I signed you up for! Look at you! You even smell like money, honey!"