A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 37

Thelani
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As our plates were cleared, the soft hum of background music filled the space between us. The flickering candlelight on the table gave the restaurant an intimate glow, and I couldn't help but notice how relaxed I felt around him. It wasn't just the wine, although that certainly helped-it was him. Nkosikhona had this calming presence, an unspoken warmth that drew me in.

"So," he began, his eyes catching mine, "what does a typical day look like for you, Thelani?"

I swirled the last bit of wine in my glass and chuckled softly. "You'd be disappointed if I told you. Most of my days revolve around work, meetings, and then... more work." I sighed, but there was a playful smile tugging at my lips. "My life isn't nearly as exciting as yours seems."

"Oh, come on," he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying this back-and-forth. "I highly doubt that. I bet you have some hidden adventures you're not telling me about."

I smirked. "Adventures?" I mused. "Not unless you count surviving back-to-back deadlines or the occasional night out with friends when I can find the time."

His smile grew wider. "I see... so you're one of those 'mysterious' women, huh? All work, no play."

I raised an eyebrow. "And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing at all," he said, his voice softening. "I just get the sense that there's more to you than what you let people see."

I paused, his words catching me off guard. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged lightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just good at reading people. But you-you seem like you carry a lot on your shoulders. You have this strength about you, like you've been through things but still manage to keep going. Most people wouldn't notice it, but I do."

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. He had struck a nerve-one that I wasn't ready to expose just yet. I smiled faintly, taking a breath to steady myself. "You're observant," I said, carefully choosing my words. "But I think everyone has their struggles, right?"

"True," he nodded, "but not everyone comes out of them stronger. That's what makes you different."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. It was rare for someone to see me like this, to acknowledge the parts of me I kept hidden. I found myself wanting to ask him more, to learn what made him so perceptive, but I didn't want to pry too much, not tonight.

"And what about you?" I asked, turning the conversation back to him. "You seem pretty put-together yourself. You must have some stories to tell."

Nkosikhona chuckled, his smile now slightly guarded, as if he was choosing his words carefully. "I've had my fair share of ups and downs," he admitted. "But I try not to let them define me. Life's too short to dwell on the past."

"That's easier said than done," I pointed out gently, tilting my head in curiosity. "How do you manage to stay so... grounded?"

He hesitated for a moment, then his gaze softened, and he met my eyes with an honesty that took me by surprise. "I think it's about perspective," he said thoughtfully. "No matter what happens, I always try to remind myself that every day is a chance to start over. To be better. To make different choices."

I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "I like that," I said quietly. "It sounds... freeing."

He smiled at me, a warmth in his eyes that made me feel seen in a way I hadn't in a long time. "It is," he said. "And maybe that's why I'm here tonight, sitting across from you. Something told me this would be different."