A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 48 (edited)

Nkosikhona
---

Mom requested a family meeting, and I wasn't sure I even wanted to attend. I wasn't ready to see Dad again. Not after everything that's happened. But I knew I had to get it over with sooner or later, so I forced myself into the car and drove home late that night.

When I arrived, I found Mom and Duduzile getting ready for dinner. The sight of Dad nowhere in sight eased my nerves for a moment, but that feeling didn't last long.

We sat down at the table, the tension in the air almost suffocating. The sound of cutlery clinking against the plates felt too loud in the thick silence. Then, just when I thought maybe this dinner would pass quietly, the man of the house walked in.

The moment his eyes locked onto me, he froze as if he'd seen a ghost. The color drained from his face, and for a second, I saw pure fury flash in his eyes.

"What the hell is this killer doing in my house?!" he roared, his voice booming through the room, sending chills down my spine.

Killer? I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my composure, though inside, my heart was racing.

"Baba, please," Mom said, her voice soft but firm as she reached out toward him, "Sit down. We need to make things right."

But Dad wasn't having it. He waved his hand dismissively and took a step back. "You know what? I don't have time for this nonsense."

He turned sharply, his body tense, ready to storm off.

"Dad, wait," I said quickly, standing up. My voice was strained but steady. "Do you really think I killed Ayanda? I thought you knew me better than this, Baba. I would never take a life, especially not hers."

His eyes narrowed, and he spun around, his face red with anger. "Nkosikhona, I don't care what you have to say," he spat. "I don't want your excuses. Get out of my house!"

I took a step closer, desperate to make him understand. "Please, Baba, you have to listen-"

Before I could finish, he lunged toward me. The look in his eyes was like nothing I'd ever seen before-hatred, betrayal, disgust. I braced myself for the impact, but just as his hand came swinging toward me, Duduzile stepped between us.

"Stop it!" she screamed, grabbing his arm. "Both of you, stop!"

In his rage, Dad yanked his arm away, and his elbow collided hard with Duduzile's face. The force sent her stumbling backward, and she crashed into the table, dishes flying everywhere.

"Dudu!" Mom cried out, rushing to her side as Duduzile crumpled to the floor, holding her face, blood trickling from her nose.

For a second, the whole room froze. The sound of Duduzile's sobs was the only thing breaking the suffocating silence.

Dad's face fell, shock and regret flashing in his eyes as he stared at Duduzile. He had never meant to hurt her, and I could see the conflict in him as his gaze shifted from her to me.

"Look what you've done!" Mom shouted at him, her eyes filled with tears as she cradled Duduzile. "This is your fault, Lucas!"

For the first time, Dad looked shaken. He took a hesitant step back, as though realizing the damage his anger had caused. But instead of facing what had just happened, he turned around and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

I stood there, my chest heaving, watching him leave. All the words I wanted to say choked in my throat. I was torn between rage and sorrow, anger burning deep in my chest.

I knelt beside Duduzile, guilt eating away at me. Her nose was bleeding heavily, and her eyes were puffy with tears.

"Dudu... I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice breaking as I reached out to wipe the blood from her face.