Zamageda his heart

chapter 29

As my alarm blares, Zipho stirs beside me, disrupting his peaceful slumber. His breathtaking features catch my eye - full lips, a luscious beard that demands hours of attention. I chuckle thinking about the countless beard products he obsesses over. "Uyaphi?" he mumbles, his voice heavy with sleep, as I head to the bathroom. "To get the kids ready for school," I reply matter-of-factly, wondering why he's acting surprised. "Abayi," he commands, his tone firm and authoritative, his morning grumpiness evident. "Okay," I respond flatly, closing the bathroom door.

Moving at a snail's pace, I struggle through my routine, weighed down by my own thoughts. I rummage through my closet, knowing it's futile - I've doubled in size since living here. Then, I remember Liz's clothes in the guest bedroom. I find a flowy dress that fits me like a  body shaper, carrying the sweet scent of her perfume - a fruity and floral blend of pineapple, rose, and jasmine. Liz's presence lingers, and I miss her dearly. She'd know how to keep me afloat in this moment. Memories flood back: Liz finding me broken in Nhlanhla's wrath Her unwavering support through the ordeal Our late-night conversations, sharing secrets and laughter.

Gazing in the mirror, I'm astonished. Zipho found me wearing size 32, and now I'm in 44, just six months later. Mom would have a field day teasing me about my weight gain and nose.I scour the fridge, but nothing satisfies my cravings. Resigned, I settle for a cup of tea, dreading the trip to Zipho's house to find decent clothes for work. As I sip my tea, he enters the kitchen barefoot in his shorts. My gaze follows the V-line tracing his toned stomach and chest, and I struggle to suppress the urge to touch him. "Yizo lezi ezangimithisa," I scold myself, trying to shake off the raging urge yokuyivula engathi ngiwa nestulo.

He greets me with a gentle kiss on the forehead, his hand brushing my head. I lean into him, resting my head on his chest, craving more of him than what i am getting. "Why are you dressed up so early?" he asks, concern etched on his face. "Siqashiwe, siyasebenza," I tease, but he doesn't smile. "Zama awuyi lapho," he says firmly, stepping back. "You should be on bed rest."I challenge him, "I don't remember asking for permission to go to work." His chuckle irritates me. "Asibonisani, lana zama. I'm telling you, awuyi lapho." He walks away, leaving no room for argument kodwa angeke ngizwe ngaye.

I refuse to succumb to self-pity. What's done is done. I can only control my reaction. Mbuso wasn't the first, and I won't lose myself to pain again. I get off the high chair, find Zipho's keys on the lounge table, and slip out through the lounge door, leaving my phone behind.As I walk out of the house, the crisp morning air hits me, and I feel a sense of freedom. I get into Zipho's car, start the engine, and pull out of the driveway. I glance in the rearview mirror, half-expecting Zipho to chase after me, but the house remains still.

I drive to his house and change to a white bodycon dress and kitten heels , this belly really limits my options and leave for  work, lost in thought. Mbuso's face lingers in my mind, but I push it away. I won't let him consume me again. At the office, I throw myself into work, trying to distract myself from the turmoil. Lihle notice my determination and keeps her distance which i appreciate i don't need her hogging me. Lunchtime arrives, My work phone buzzes on the table– Zipho's calling. 'uyafuna sxabane' he asks as soon as i pick up 'i'm not gonna sit around, drowning in sorrow just because your brother decided to play God' i respond flatly 'ngithe you should be on bed rest and you deliberately went against my word' he asks in disbelief 'you know better than to tell me what to do Zipho' i say before hanging up, determined to work my butt off so i can get this promotion and leave Kimberly.

As the day winds down, I feel exhausted but accomplished. I've taken control, if only for today.Driving back to Zipho's house, anxiety creeps in. What will he say? Will he be angry?I park outside, take a deep breath, and step into the house. Zipho sits on the couch, eyes fixed on me. 'Hi' i greet and he doesn't acknowledge presence so i let him be and walk to the girls room to let him cool off.