Keeya Modise
Today is Saturday, and I have one thing on my mind—spending quality time with my baby, Enzo. After a long week of work and keeping the house in order, it’s time to unwind and spoil my little girl. Besides, Daddy Mlungisi decided to bless my account this morning with R10,000. The message that accompanied the transfer made me smile: "Hambo zikhipha mama, uyakuthanda uKhondlo wakho, ubenosuku olufana nawe, Dali wami." It’s these little moments that remind me why I agreed to this arrangement in the first place. He spoils me, takes care of me, and has been an emotional pillar in a way I didn't expect.
I wake up with a spring in my step, ready to make the day all about Enzo. After making breakfast for both of us, I feed her some cereal while I enjoy my cup of coffee and toast. The sunlight is streaming through the windows, making the kitchen feel cozy and warm. Enzo is happily munching away, oblivious to the complexities of life, which makes me smile even more.
After breakfast, I head upstairs to get ready for the day. I decide to keep it simple yet cute—a white tank top paired with denim shorts and my Puma kicks. I style my braids into a messy bun, making sure to do my edges neatly. Once I’m satisfied with my look, I head to the laundry room to toss a load into the washer. While the clothes are spinning, I take Enzo to the bathroom for her bath.
“Come, pumpkin, it’s time to get you all clean for our date,” I say, lifting her into the tub.
She giggles, splashing water with her tiny hands. I can’t help but smile at her joy—it’s moments like these that make all the stress of life worth it. After washing her up, I dress her in a cute matching outfit—denim shorts and a white tank top, just like mommy. I take a few mirror selfies with her, admiring how adorable we look together. After all, what’s a Saturday outing without a little fun on social media? I post a couple of the pictures on my WhatsApp status, captioning it: "Out with my bestie today!"
Once we’re both ready, we head out to the Mall of Africa. I’m excited to spoil Enzo today, thanks to Mlungisi’s generous gift. We start with shopping, stopping at a few children’s clothing stores to pick out some new outfits for her. I can't resist getting a few things for myself as well—after all, when you're given money to spoil yourself, why not do just that?
Enzo is in her element, pointing at toys and dresses she likes. I let her pick a few toys, knowing it will make her day. We move from store to store, our shopping bags multiplying with each stop. After a couple of hours, I decide it's time to do some grocery shopping at Woolworths.
As we make our way through the aisles, picking up the essentials—some fresh produce, snacks, and a few ready-made meals for those days when I’m too tired to cook—I spot a familiar face. My heart sinks. It’s Mlungisi.
He’s not alone. Walking beside him is a beautiful woman, and I don’t need anyone to tell me who she is—his wife, Asente. They’re holding hands, and their two children, a boy and a girl, are skipping along happily in front of them. They look like the perfect picture of a happy family, and the sight of it knocks the wind out of me.
I know Mlungisi is married. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to be with him. But seeing it with my own eyes, seeing the life he has outside of the bubble he and I share, is like a punch to the gut. I feel... insignificant. All this time, I’ve been convincing myself that what we have is special, that I mean something to him. But now, looking at his real life, the life I don’t fit into, I’m not so sure.
I stand there frozen for a moment, my hands gripping the shopping cart as I watch them laugh and talk together, completely unaware of my presence. My chest tightens, and I realize I can’t stay here. I need to get out before I lose it.
I quickly push the cart toward the cashier and pay for the groceries, barely registering the total as the cashier rings it up. My mind is racing, filled with a whirlwind of emotions—hurt, jealousy, guilt. Once the groceries are bagged, I grab them and head straight for the parking lot, trying to keep my emotions in check. Enzo, blissfully unaware, is playing with the little toy I bought her earlier.
“Are you hungry, baby?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“Yes, Mama!” she says, her eyes lighting up.
“Alright, let’s go get something to eat.”
We head to a nearby restaurant, one of Enzo’s favorites. It’s a burger joint with a play area for kids, so I know she’ll have a good time. I order her a burger and fries, while I decide on ribs and wings, paired with a glass of wine. I need it. After what I just saw, I need something to numb the ache in my chest, if only for a little while.
As Enzo happily munches on her food and plays with the other kids in the play area, I sip my wine slowly, trying to gather my thoughts. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I knew what this was from the beginning—he’s married, and I’m the other woman. But the reality of seeing him with his family, looking so in love and content, stings more than I expected.
Just as I finish my meal and start packing up the leftovers to take home for dinner, my phone buzzes. It’s a message from Mlungisi. I open it, and my heart does a little flip.
Naze nabahle! it reads, accompanied by a red heart emoji. He must have seen the pictures I posted on my status.
I stare at the message for a long moment, my mind replaying the scene I witnessed earlier in the mall. A part of me wants to reply, to pretend like everything is okay. But another part of me—the part that’s hurt and confused—decides against it. I leave the message on read, not ready to face him just yet.
Instead, I scroll through my photos from today, focusing on the happiness in Enzo’s face as we shopped and played. I send a few pictures to my sister, Sibusisiwe, along with a message:
Had a lovely day with Enzo today. She’s growing so fast, hey!
Sbusi replies almost immediately.
Oh my gosh, she’s getting so big! I miss you guys already. How’s everything going?
I hesitate before replying. There’s so much I want to say, but I’m not ready to talk about Mlungisi with her. Not yet.
Everything’s good. Just keeping busy with work and taking care of my pumpkin.
Her response is full of love, and it comforts me in a way I didn’t expect.
Once we’re home, I tuck Enzo into bed, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Mlungisi and what I saw at the mall. As I lie in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, I can’t shake the image of him with his wife and kids. The way they looked at each other, the love in their eyes—it was real.
And here I am, alone in my bed, wondering what I’m doing with my life.
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FORBIDDEN TIES
RomanceKeeya Modise has everything she ever dreamed of-a thriving career as a successful pediatrician, a beautiful home, and a life of purpose. Dedicated to healing children, she's a woman who believes in hard work, integrity, and family values. But her pe...