A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 18

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Thelani

After my classes, I was on my way to meet Mbali when my phone rang. It was Lucas.

"Baby," his voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it.

"Hi," I responded, trying to keep my tone light, even though a part of me tensed up.

"Please meet me now at the apartment. I have something for you," he said.

"Uh, Lucas, I was about to meet up with my friend-"

"Thelani, come home. We'll sort things with your friend later," he cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"But..." I tried to protest, but he had already ended the call.

I stared at my phone, the screen dimming as the call disconnected. What was I supposed to tell Mbali now? I felt a pang of guilt as I thought about blowing her off again. She was already upset with me. I tried calling her, but her phone was off. Great! Just great.

Walking home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The excitement I'd once felt about my relationship with Lucas was slowly being replaced by unease.

When I arrived at the apartment, the door was slightly closed. I pushed it open and was immediately hit by the scent of Lucas's cologne, rich and heavy in the air. He was standing there, looking all suited up, his presence dominating the room. My breath caught in my throat.

"Hi, baby, let me take that for you," he said, his voice soft yet commanding. He took my bag and led me to the couch.

As I sat down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. What was this all about? And why was he acting so strange?

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Lucas handed me a large paper bag, the weight of it pulling my arm down slightly. I looked up at him, curiosity and apprehension swirling in my chest.

"What's this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Open it," he said with a soft smile, his eyes glinting with a mix of anticipation and something else-something I couldn't quite place.

I hesitated for a moment, then pulled the bag open. The first thing I saw made my heart skip a beat. "A laptop?" I gasped, pulling it out. My eyes widened further as I reached in again. "Oh no, Lucas, I can't accept this! And a phone? What?" My voice trembled, torn between shock and disbelief.

"Yeah," he said, his tone casual, but I could see the satisfaction in his eyes. "I can't let my lady struggle while I'm here." He paused, then added with a grin, "Check your fee statement."

I quickly pulled out my phone and opened my university portal. My breath caught in my throat. "Oh my God, Lucas," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you." I could hardly believe what I was seeing. My fees were paid in full. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I found myself jumping up in excitement, the weight of my earlier concerns momentarily forgotten. My joy seemed to light up his face, and I could tell he was pleased with my reaction.

He leaned in and kissed me, a slow, deliberate kiss that sent a rush of heat through my body. My phone buzzed, breaking the moment. I pulled away reluctantly, glancing at the screen. "It's Mbali," I said, my voice filled with worry. "I was supposed to meet her at the café. She must be fuming."

"Don't answer that," Lucas said, his tone firm. There was an edge to his voice that made my heart race.

"But let me at least send a text to let her know I'm fine," I insisted, not wanting to worry my friend.