A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

Chapter 40

Thelani

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I woke up in his arms. His grip was firm, holding me tightly as if he was afraid to let go, even in sleep. For a moment, I just laid there, listening to his soft breathing. He looked so peaceful, completely unaware of the storm inside me. I gently wriggled out of his grasp, careful not to wake him. Once free, I slipped into the bathroom, brushing my teeth and washing my face, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts that had been haunting me.

I glanced at myself in the mirror, running a hand over my face. I felt better today, I really did, but there was still something unsettling-something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

After cleaning up, I decided to make breakfast. Maybe that would clear my mind. He was still fast asleep when I glanced back at him. I smiled a little to myself. Nkosi was... different. There was something about him that made me feel safe. But then again, wasn't that how it started with Lucas? That same feeling of warmth and safety until it turned into something... else. I shook my head, trying to push Lucas out of my mind. Nkosi wasn't him. I had to remind myself of that.

I finished preparing breakfast and brought it to the dining room, arranging the plates neatly. I couldn't stop myself from stealing glances at Nkosi. I hated to admit it, but he was handsome. And in moments like this, when he was unguarded, I found myself wondering what it could be like to bewith him-if things could be different. But those thoughts quickly soured as I remembered how he easily ghosted me

I made my way back to him, gently shaking his shoulder. "Nkosi," I whispered.

"Mmmhm," he mumbled, stirring awake.

"Good morning," I said, feeling a bit awkward, unsure of where we stood.

"Morning, Lani," he murmured, stretching and blinking at me with a sleepy smile. "You made breakfast?"

"Yeah," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Come on, get up. It's getting cold."

"Wow, okay," he said with a grin. "You look better this morning. I hope you're feeling better too."

"I am," I nodded, though a small part of me hesitated. "Thank you... for staying with me yesterday."

"Of course," he replied softly. "I had to make sure you were okay. I didn't like seeing you that way. I care about you, Lani."

His words felt genuine, but they stirred something bitter inside me. I turned away, busying myself with the food. "Yeah, but you disappeared for five whole days, Nkosi." I hated how vulnerable my voice sounded. "I thought... I don't know, I thought you'd just ghosted me."

He went quiet for a moment, and when I finally looked up, I saw the guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lani," he said softly, reaching across the table for my hand. His fingers were warm, reassuring, but it wasn't enough to melt the frustration that had built up inside me. "I didn't mean to make you worry. There's just... a lot going on."

I wanted to believe him. I really did. But doubt gnawed at me, refusing to let go. I nodded, squeezing his hand back, but deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe he was just another Lucas in disguise.

---

"This breakfast was nice. I haven't had a good meal in forever," Nkosikhona said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Hau! How's that possible? Doesn't your girlfriend cook for you?" I asked, trying to sound casual but hoping for some hint of his relationship status. I wasn't even sure why I cared, but there I was fishing for answers.

He chuckled softly. "Girlfriend? I haven't had one in years."

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "How's that possible? You're a very good-looking man."

He shrugged, his expression turning a bit more serious. "Ah, it's a long story."

I smiled, though my curiosity had definitely piqued. "Mmh, okay then. I'll leave it for another time."

Before I could say anything else, he looked at me and asked, "Yes, I'd like to spend the day with you. Will that be fine?"

His sudden proposition caught me off guard. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to be upfront.

"Uh... Nkosikhona, if you don't mind me asking, what is it that you want from me exactly? One day, you're taking me out for dinner; the next, you ghost me. Now you want to spend the whole day together. What's going on?"

He sighed, his eyes locking onto mine with sincerity. "Look, Lani, I like you. I think you and I could be good friends, or maybe even more than that. I just want to spend time with you, get to know you better."

I tried to read him, to see if there was more hidden behind his words. "That's all?" I asked, my tone soft but wary.

"That's all. I promise," he said with a reassuring smile. There was something in his gaze that made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could trust him.

I took a deep breath, trying to steer the conversation into lighter territory. "Okay"

"So what do you enjoy doing the most when you need to de-stress?"he asked

"Uhmm... I don't know, maybe watch a movie, go shopping, or cook," I said, feeling a bit exposed admitting that I found comfort in such simple things.

His eyes lit up. "Perfect! We'll go shopping for ingredients, then cook, and finish off with a nice romcom. I know girls love romantic movies," he teased.

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Haha! Well, you're not wrong, but I actually prefer comedies. They really help me forget about my problems."

"Oh, nice! Comedy it is, then. Whatever you want," he said. "You can go shower now, and we'll head out afterward."

I raised an eyebrow at him, smirking slightly. "So... you won't be showering?"

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "You're comfortable with me doing that here? I can go home real quick and come back..."

"Go ahead," I said, feeling a bit bolder now. "I'll be ready in about an hour and thirty minutes."

He gave me a playful grin. "Okay, see you then. And please, be ready on time."

I laughed softly. "Okay."

As he left, I hopped into the shower, and a flutter of excitement rose in my chest. It had been a while since I felt this way about anyone-let alone someone as intriguing as Nkosikhona.

Whatever this was, I was enjoying it