chapter 3

Lethabo

Goodbye, Cape Town

It was one of those mornings Cape Town is famous for-warm,golden, and just a little breeze, I stood outside with a cup of strong coffee, watching the light dance over the city. You'd think after all these years of waking up to this view ,I'd be used to it .But nah .Cape Town has a way of wrapping itself around you ,especially when you're about to leave it.

In two days ,I'd be on a flight to Botswana, Gaborone, to be exact. New city,New people, new energy.

New life?

Maybe

Byt before that, I had to say goodbye the only way I knew how-with food,laughter, and a few hearflet conversations I couldn't avoid any longer.

"Are you sure about this?"my mom asked later that afternoon as we sat together on the balcony.

She always asked questions like that -soft voice ,gentle eyes ,but you could feel the fire underneath, my mom didn't play when it came to her boys

"I'm sure,"I said , keeping my eyes on the clouds. "It's two months, not forever."

She gave me that look.You know the one .Like she could read straight through me.

"Is this about that girl again?"she asked.

I sighed. "No ,ma ,And before you say it -no ,I'm not going back to her.Not now ,not ever."

My mom blinked slowly ,as if she didn't quite believe me yet.

"She loved the lifestyle, ma .Not me. She wanted the private jets, the Instagram pics , the red carpets, but me?"I let out a soft laugh. "She barely even knew who I was without the title.

My mother reached for my hand ."Then go find someone who sees you .Really sees you."

I didnt say anything, but her words stuck with me.

That night ,my brothers dragged me out for a last -minute braai.Music was blasting, jokes were flying, and my cousin brought out this crazy pineapple drink that tasted like summer and troubles mixed into one .Everyone kept asking about Botswana like I was moving to Mars.

"You think you're gonna survive two months without us ?"one of my friends joked

"I 'll manage ,"I grinned ."I've got a personal assistant waiting for me.Local girl.She's supposed to help me get around and make sure I don't burn anything down. "

"Ohhh,"they said in unison ,eyebrows raised. I rolled my eyes.

"It's strictly business, "I said.

But the truth?I didn't even know what she looked like. I'd only heard her name once -soft and sweet ,like something you'd want to whisper.And year,I was curious.

Two days later ,I was at the airport, passport in hand ,shades on ,hoodie low . I travel light-just a suitcase , my phone, and my assistant trailing beside,checking my itinerary like her life depended on it .

"Sir,we land in Gaborone in two hours. A driver will pick us up. And you'll be moving into the house the comany rented for you."

"Sounds good, "I said, already zoning out as we boarded.

Botswana

A fresh chapter

I didnt know what was waiting for me there ,but I felt something in my chest-that quiest buzz that only shows up when something's about to shift.

When we landed, the heat hit different. Not in a bad way, though-more like a warm hug from a place that didn't know me yet , but was ready to .

The house they got for me ?

Wow ,Modern,sleek, full of light. Pool in the back ,soft couches, massive windows. I threw my self on the bed and let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

This was home .For now .

I checked my phone. A message from my new assistant lit up the screen.

" Hi ,sir,welcome to Botswana . I'll come by tomorrow morning to go through your schedule for the next two weeks. Looking forward to working with you. "

Her name was at the bottom of the message. I read it once .Then again.

Funny .Something about it made me smile.

I didnt know it yet ,but this girl-this assistant I'd never met -was about to flip my world upside down.

And I couldn't wait.

Maryam

Later that evening.

You ever get that feeling where you want to scream, dance, and cry happy tears all at the same time?

Yeah that was me.

I was literally bouncing on the couch in our tiny apartment, my phone in one hand and a slice of garlic bread in the other .My best friend Katlo sat beside

me ,pretending to scroll through her feed ,but I knew she was watching me lose it with every squeal.

"I got t

"I know!"Katlo groaned dramatically. "The entire neighbourhood knows!"

We both

"You're just jealous, "I teased.

"I'm protective, "she corrected. "Just don't expect him to be all sweet and charming like in the romantic dramas .I heard from someone at the company that he's cold .

"Ice cube?"I blinked. "Okay wow."

She nodded again ,flopping back against the couch .

Still ,I couldn't help it -I was excited. Nervous, yes .But mostly excited. I'd spent so many nights wishing for a life that felt bigger than this .And now ? I was going to be the personal assistant to a billionaire CEO-someone who was building a luxury lodge right here in Gaborone. ME .The girl who almost almost gave up .

I picked up my phone and read my message to him one more time before pressing send:

"Hi sir,welcome to Botswana. I'll come by tomorrow morning to go through your schedule for the next two weeks. Looking forward to working with you. "

Sent .Done .No turning back now .

She smirked. "Girl, you're smart, hardworking, and cute . He'll be lucky if you don't fall in love and run the whole company by the end of the month."

I giggled, hiding my face with a pillow.

But deep down, something in me stirred. I wasn't looking for love.Not even close.I needed this job, this break,this chance.But the idea of meeting someone who lived such a different life from mine....someone powerful, polished, probably way too serious for his own good...

Yeah .Maybe I was curious.

Just a little.