A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 73

 Thelani

Lucas was definitely losing it. I could see it in his eyes, the way they darted around, filled with a frantic energy that made me uneasy. I didn't know how to handle this situation. Should I run back home with Nkosikhona for safety, or stay here where I felt so unsure? Confusion wrapped around me, heavy and overwhelming.

Every little sound seemed louder in the silence, and everything happening around me felt like too much. As a new mother, I was already struggling with the emotional ups and downs of caring for a baby. Little Olwethu should have brought me joy, but instead, it felt like a dark cloud hung over us. It was as if she could sense my worry because she cried nonstop, her wails cutting through the heavy air.

I paced the small room, holding Olwethu close, trying to calm her with soft words. "It's okay, my love," I whispered, though I wasn't sure if I was comforting her or myself.

Then, a sudden knock on the door startled me. My heart raced, pounding loudly in my chest. I froze for a moment, breathless. I thought it might be Lucas, but I knew he wouldn't bother to knock if he wanted to come in. Fear settled in my stomach. Who could it be?

I looked at the door, feeling trapped between safety and danger

Duduzile walked in, and my chest tightened immediately. I hadn't seen her in a while, and I didn't even know she was back. There was always something about her that made me uneasy, and I could never quite put my finger on why she disliked me so much. Maybe it was jealousy, or maybe I was just another inconvenience in her world.

Her smile didn't reach her eyes, but her gaze was locked on Olwethu, who was nestled in my arms, sleeping peacefully. I could feel the tension build in the room as she stepped closer. I tried to smile back, but it felt forced. Her presence always made me uncomfortable, but with Olwethu between us, it felt even worse.

"Hey," she said casually, but her voice had an edge to it, like she was holding something back.

"Hi," I replied softly, rocking Olwethu a little as if her  innocence could shield me from whatever storm Duduzile was about to bring.

"You must be exhausted," she said, still smiling as she sat down across from me. Her eyes never left the baby. "Being a new mom and all. How's it going?"

I bit my lip, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's... a lot," I admitted, trying to keep my tone neutral. "But Olwethu's been good."

"Hmm," she hummed, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the chair. "You're doing a good job, though. I guess you're finally settling into this family."

The words felt like a hidden jab, a reminder that, despite everything, I was still an outsider in her eyes.

"Thanks," I said, my throat tightening. I looked down at Olwethu, feeling protective.

Duduzile leaned forward slightly, her expression turning serious. "But let me give you a piece of advice," she said, lowering her voice as if she were about to share some deep family secret. "You can't be too comfortable here. Things change quickly, and... well, not everyone gets to stay."

I blinked, taken aback. It wasn't just a warning—it felt like a threat. I stared at her, trying to figure out what game she was playing.

"What are you trying to say?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly despite my effort to keep it steady.

Duduzile's smile returned, but this time, it felt cold. "Nothing, really. Just a friendly reminder that you should always know your place in this family."

She stood up as if she were about to leave, but before she could make her exit, I couldn't hold back anymore. I needed to know.

"Why do you dislike me so much?" I blurted out, my voice more desperate than I intended. She paused mid-step, her back still facing me.