Hlelolwenkosi Zulu, a bright and ambitious 21-year-old university student at the University of Cape Town, dreams of a life filled with love and fulfillment. Growing up in a close-knit community, she always believed in the power of true love. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her parents arrange a marriage with Sbanisethu Khumalo, a wealthy but emotionally distant man known for his charm and dangerous temper.
As Hlelolwenkosi enters this loveless union, she finds herself trapped in a world where her dreams of happiness and independence are suffocated. Sbanisethu, while maintaining a façade of respectability, has a secret: he is still deeply involved with his high school girlfriend, Thandiwe, who frequently flaunts their relationship in front of Hlelolwenkosi. The emotional toll of witnessing their public displays of affection weighs heavily on her, amplifying her feelings of isolation and despair.
Amidst the chaos, Hlelolwenkosi discovers a hidden strength within herself. She begins to seek solace in her studies, finding comfort in literature and art, and gradually builds a supportive network of friends who encourage her to reclaim her life. With their help, she starts to explore her passion for graphic design and digital marketing, aiming to create a life of her own.
As tensions escalate at home, Hlelolwenkosi confronts the reality of her situation. With each passing day, she must decide whether to stay in a toxic relationship or summon the courage to break free. Through self-discovery and resilience, she learns that love should never come at the cost of her self-worth.
The journey becomes a powerful testament to her determination to rise above her circumstances. Hlelolwenkosi's story unfolds as she grapples with the complexities of love, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in a world that seems determined to keep her down.
Will the fall in love with each other?
-MIHLALIKAZI LANGA
I am Mihlalikazi Siphiwokuhle Langa, the daughter of Sinokuhle Mbana and Lunga Langa, mom changed her surname back after she and my late father divorced but this story is not about her, its about me. The granddaughter of Lwando and Ayola Mbana.
Now every name I've mentioned screams money so yeah, you guessed it. I'm from your typical South African rich family with my very own wealth. A girl like me sounds like she has it all right? I mean what could someone like me possibly need and why would I have a story to tell if not to brag about my wealth and wealthy family?
Sadly being me isn't all glam as it should be or rather as it seems from the outside, people like me are considered to have daddy issues... or so my therapist says but I don't believe that I do. I mean yeah sure my biological father died when I was still young but its never affected me. As far as I know he was a great father and a good husband to my mom but due to circumstances he and my mother divorced before he died. And besides, my stepdad is the best father I could ever wish for. He stepped up and made sure I never felt that void of not having my biological father around. Mr Mtwa is an amazing father to me and my siblings.
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-LERATO BIKOKUHLE MTWA
I am Lerato Bikokuhle Mtwa, the son of Bantubonke Mtwa who is currently married to Sinokuhle Mbana Mtwa, mother of Mihlali and our two siblings Imange and Isenathi, they twins. I'm 19 years old and my sister is 18 and we both doing our first year in university. I'm studying Chemical Engineering and my sister chose Literature at UCT and I at Stellenbosch, I wanted to have my own place and so far its been great.