Chapter Twenty

STRING OF PEARLS

TWENTY

_CAROLINA_

The news of the shooting at the taxi rank is everywhere. I'm losing my mind trying to get ahold of my husband. MaSibiya is also going crazy right now.

I strap and secure Nonka on her car seat while MaSibiya gets in the passenger seat. She's busy trying to get ahold of our husbands or Thulani, but no one is picking up our calls.

Just as I'm reversing out of the yard, two Quantums drive in, blocking our way. I kill the engine and climb out. I stop in my tracks when I see the men carrying big machine guns climb out of one Quantum.

"Don't be afraid, Mrs. Mthethwa. I am Lindokuhle. I was sent by Nkanyezi and Mcedisi to look after you. We were instructed to never let you leave the yard until it is safe," the man says, already ushering me back into the house while the other man helps MaSibiya and Nonka out of the car.

"We will be outside if you need anything," the other man says. MaSibiya and I are both just confused and scared.

"Are our husbands unharmed?" I ask in a shaky voice.

"We don't know yet," the man says before shutting the door in our faces.

"Try calling Bhuti Mcedisi again," I say to MaSibiya, and she nods, making the call.

After sitting for hours in uncertainty, the door swings open, and both the Mthethwa brothers enter. MaSibiya and I run towards them and throw ourselves into their arms.

"Oh, Mthethwa, I thought I lost you," I say, sobbing hysterically.

"I'm not going anywhere, my love," Nkanyezi says, cupping my face.

I look over at MaSibiya, and she has her head on her husband's chest, holding on to him for dear life. I don't blame her; I too don't want to move away from my husband.

"Did you cook? I'm so hungry," he says, and I shake my head.

"I was too petrified to do anything. Thank goodness your daughter is an angel. It's like she understands the situation; she wasn't too much trouble, plus she slept early," he nods with a smile.

"I'll whip up something quickly," MaSibiya says, heading to the kitchen.

It's just after midnight. MaSibiya made rice and beef mince. She gets up from the dining table and takes the plates to the kitchen before returning with a warm cloth.

"What happened? Are we safe?" I ask.

The brothers exchange knowing looks before Nkanyezi heaves a sigh.

"Whoever is behind this attack is gunning for us. I doubt it's turf wars because everyone knows not to mess with the Mthethwas. But trust and believe that whoever is behind this will pay," Mcedisi says, and the atmosphere suddenly changes, and the look on his face is deadly.

Onezwa

Troy isn't a violent man. I know I pushed him to this, but killing Mcedisi was cruel. I feel like all this is my fault. Ma Mthethwa lost a son because of me, and MaSibiya lost a husband because I couldn't leave well enough alone.

How do I move on? How do I live with myself or this man? And how can he live his life without feeling an ounce of guilt? Indeed, the world is full of evil, and I'm sleeping next to it.

We are booked at a hotel in Sandton. He left earlier to attend a meeting. I decide to use the time to catch up on what's been happening in my store.

He walks in as I'm busy on the laptop in the lounge. "My love," he says, pecking my lips. "Tonight, there's a function I need you to attend with me," he says, and I heave a sigh.

"Can't you go alone? I'm not in the mood," I say, and the look on his face has me immediately regretting my words.

"The makeup artist and the stylist will be here shortly," I nod, I guess he ignored my request subtly.

Later in the evening...

"There you go," a woman says, adding the finishing touches. I'm wearing a beautiful red dress and black strap heels. Troy enters the room, and he whistles.

"Wow, I'm blown away," Troy says before taking something out of his pocket. "Here, wear this," Troy says, handing me a diamond ring, and I look at him with my eyes wide open in total shock.

"I've done this before, and it backfired pretty badly. I believe you are different, though," he says before gently taking my left hand and pushing the ring onto my finger. I let out a faint smile.

What is this? Did I just get engaged?

We arrive at the prestigious event. Troy is all smiles, introducing me as his fiancée to anyone who would listen. The night progresses, and boring speeches take place. Troy has left me all by myself at the table, and the crowd around the table is not my kind of people.

I decide to go to the bar and just drown my sorrows. "I would recognize that ass from anywhere," a voice says as I'm busy ordering a drink.

It's Phil. I turn and giggle. "Hi," I say, leaning in for a hug.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" he says, breaking the hug, and I laugh unintentionally, covering my mouth with my left hand; his eyes pop.

"Are you married? You disappeared for two years and came back married?" he says.

Just as I'm about to answer, I feel Troy snake his arm around my waist. "Phil," he says.

"Do you two know each other?" I ask, a little surprised.

"We've met," Phil says before the two men have a staring contest.

"See you around," Phil says before leaning in and kissing my cheek; then he walks away.

_NARRATED_

After Troy's encounter with Phil, the mood turned somber, and Onezwa had no idea why. Throughout the night, she tried to cheer Troy up, but he dismissed her in front of people. She couldn't wait to get home and sleep.

As soon as they arrived at their penthouse suite, Onezwa removed her heels and headed to the bathroom. A few minutes later, she walked out wrapped in a towel, finding Troy staring into space.

"How do you know Phil?" he asked, not looking at her.

"Remember I told you I was a real estate agent and worked my way up to senior associate?" she replied. He nodded, finally looking at her.

"Well, I was working for his company," she continued.

"Did you two sleep together?" he asked, taking steps towards her.

Onezwa's heart raced; fear engulfed her.

"Troy, please," she whispered, as he stood over her.

"What kind of whore did I invite into my life?" he asked, his tone biting.

She swallowed hard. "We kissed a couple of times, but it never went any further than that, I swear on my mother's grave," she said, tears welling up.

"Why are you crying? Did I beat you up?" Troy asked.

She shook her head vigorously.

"I told you I'd never lay a hand on you again. I just hate lies, Onezwa," he said.

She nodded vigorously. "I'm not lying," she said softly.

"Good," he said, kissing her forehead. "I'm going to shower."

As soon as he closed the door, Onezwa burst into tears, shaking uncontrollably. She realized how terrified she was of her self-appointed fiancé.