A WEB OF DECEIT

chapter 21

Thelani

Mbali slept over that night, refusing to leave me alone. She even took over the kitchen, cooking us dinner while I sat on the couch, staring blankly at my phone as Lucas's calls kept coming in. I ignored every one of them. I wasn't ready to talk to him-not now, maybe not ever. But what hurt the most was knowing that if I left him, I'd lose everything: the bursary his company gave me, this beautiful apartment, all the comforts that came with it. I'd already canceled my lease at res. What was I supposed to do now? The thought made my stomach churn. I hated the position I was in.

The next day was a Saturday, and Mbali suggested I go to the police. She meant well, but we both knew that wasn't an option. In the end, I knew the ugly truth: sex was part of the transaction. Reporting it would only complicate things, and I wasn't ready to deal with that. So, instead, we decided to get out of the apartment for a bit, grab some breakfast at the mall. I needed air; the walls of this place were starting to suffocate me.

Lucas kept calling. Persistent, wasn't he? I ignored him again and again, until we finally made it to Spur, where we ordered breakfast. As I sat there, sipping my coffee, I couldn't help but marvel at how far I'd come. Me, Thelani Dlamini, having breakfast at a restaurant and not worrying about breaking the bank. It should have felt good, but all I felt was a deep, gnawing anxiety.

We were halfway through our meal when, out of nowhere, Lucas's driver appeared beside our table. "Miss Dlamini, Mr. Mkhize is requesting your presence," he said in that too-polite tone of his.

"Aibo... what the hell?" Mbali blurted out, her fork hovering mid-air.

I looked at the driver, trying to keep my cool. "Tell him I'll see him later."

The driver gave me a polite but firm nod. "Unfortunately, I cannot, ma'am. Mr. Mkhize is waiting for you in the car. We need to go."

I tried to ignore him, focusing on my plate, but he wasn't having it. Next thing I knew, the man bent down and scooped me up like I weighed nothing, carrying me out of the restaurant as if I were some sort of damsel in distress. Heads turned, people stared, but he didn't seem to care one bit.

Mbali shot up from her seat, shouting, "Thelani, the bill!"

The driver, without missing a beat, called back over his shoulder, "Don't worry about the bill, it's settled. Your transport is waiting."

Mbali's jaw dropped as she watched in shock, still clutching her purse. She scrambled after us, but another guard appeared, gently but firmly guiding her toward another car. I caught one last glimpse of her wide-eyed expression before I was unceremoniously deposited into Lucas's sleek black car.

Lucas was sitting there, cool as ever, wearing shades that hid any hint of emotion. I couldn't tell if he was angry, annoyed, or just... Lucas. All I knew was that I was trapped, once again, in his world.

---

Nkosikhona

When I got back to my cell, I was shaking. That man was terrifying, more intimidating than anyone I'd ever dealt with. I wasn't sure if I'd made the right decision, but what choice did I have? I needed to find the truth about Ayanda's death, no matter the cost.

As soon as I was alone, I picked up the phone and called Vusi, the PI. He answered on the third ring, his voice calm and collected.

"Talk to me," he said.

"Look, man, I have your money," I replied, trying to steady my voice. "You'll get it next week. Can you start digging now?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I wondered if he was going to refuse. But then he spoke, his tone businesslike.

"Sure thing. I'll get started. Just make sure that money comes through."

"Sho," I muttered before cutting the call.

I stared at the phone in my hand for a moment, my mind racing. I was finally doing something to get answers, to find out who the fuck killed Ayanda. And in my gut, I knew who it was. Sipho. I never trusted that nigga one bit. He had the most to gain from her death, and he always had a way of slithering out of tight spots.

But if Vusi was as good as people claimed, it wouldn't be long before he uncovered the truth. And when he did, Sipho would finally pay for what he did.

I just had to be patient.
.
.
.
.
.

---

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out as I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book so far I've had a few engagement and it worries me. Your feedback is crucial in helping me understand if you're enjoying the story and if there are areas where I can improve. Your engagement truly matters and helps guide my writing. Please share your thoughts, whether it's what you love or what you think could be better feel free to vote and comment on the chapters you enjoy most😊.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. If you're enjoying the story so far, your encouragement will motivate me to keep going and bring more of the book to you.❤️

Thank you for your support and feedback! Love ❤️ Lisa G

---