The Dream Fiancé

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

MORNING

It was a cold morning in Isango Estates, Kyalami. The neighbourhood was ever so quiet. Menzi woke up and turned to face Siza. He took his time and gazed at how fast asleep she was. He smiled and traced his finger along her soft cheek. She belonged to him now, as he had wished, since the first day he saw her. To him, it felt as if he had achieved a lifetime goal. He was on cloud nine.

Menzi kissed her on the lips. "Good morning!"

Menzi's kiss woke her up. Nothing felt like Menzi's warm body and cold, wet lips, as Siza would say every morning to him. She gawked at him, smiled, and hid her face in the sheets.

"Good Morning, my love," Siza greeted.

She peeked at him, smiled, then hid again. Menzi smiled while he gazed at her, and took his time to answer her. He was still admiring how beautiful she looked. Like a small boy, in love for the very first time, he could not stop smiling at her.

"I can't go a day without you in my life…Siza…you are the definition of perfect…what more can a man ask for…With you in my life, I am complete, because, through you, I have become a better person."

Siza kissed him, he kissed her back, and they cuddled and embraced each other tighter. They made out inside the sheets. Menzi loved a woman who took charge, as he would say to his best friend. While Siza was on top of him, Menzi unexpectedly became emotional.

"I love you very much," exhaled Menzi.

"Babe, don't cry, I love you so much too," replied Siza, wiping the tear away from his right eye, and laying next to him as they both took a nap.

♥♥

After a while from taking a nap, they both woke up and took a bath together. Siza stepped out of the bath, slipped into her bathrobe, and walked to their bedroom. She returned and opened the bathroom door to check on Menzi.

"Let me go prepare some breakfast for us," said Siza, staring at Menzi.

Menzi was so lost in his world of imaginations, that he did not hear Siza speak, even though he saw her when the door opened. He was deep in thought, but just as Siza closed the bathroom door, Menzi called out to her.

"No! Honey…I'll do it, that's my job as your man…to cater to you, right?" Menzi commented.

"Ok, babe," replied Siza.

Siza made the bed and got dressed. She wore a tight black dress that accentuated her beautiful body and slipped into her black stilettos. She tied her hair into a ponytail and put mascara on her long eyelashes before she sprayed her perfume on her clothes. She changed her handbag, by transferring the contents of the brown bag, into the black leathered one.

Menzi finished bathing, went to the kitchen in royal-blue cotton shorts, and prepared an English breakfast for him and Siza. He completed the preparation of the meal, by arranging the table, and placing a rinsed, long-stemmed red rose, plucked out from his garden, next to Siza's food.

"I have prepared your favourite," shouted Menzi politely, while standing by the stairs.

"Okay, I will be down shortly, I'm still getting dressed, babe," replied Siza.

Menzi received a phone call, and he ran outside to answer it. He paced back and forth, checked the stairs, and monitored Siza while on the call.

"Are you coming?" the woman asked.

"Lelo, what did I say about you calling me…Our love affair is silent, didn't we agree?" whispered Menzi.

"Just answer me Menzi, are you coming or not?" questioned Lelo.

"Fine, I will come, just don't call me."

Menzi quickly ended the phone call, as soon as he saw Siza walking down the stairs to join him for breakfast. She sat next to him at the breakfast table.

"Who was that babe?" enquired Siza, chewing a piece of toasted wholegrain bread.

"Who was what, babe?" asked Menzi, acting as if he did not understand her.

"Who was on the phone?"

Menzi chuckled. "That was Pule, babe. You look beautiful, what are you wearing underneath that dress? he flirted, changing the subject.

Siza smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know?" teased Siza, as she eyed him and dismissed Menzi's question.

Siza rose from the chair and kissed him. He kissed her back while holding her chin with his thumb and index finger. Siza had power over Menzi, and this power always made Menzi submit to her. She let go, but Menzi still wanted more of what she had given.

"Ooh! Babe, look, I'm turned on," purred Menzi.

Siza chuckled. "Stop it…I'm going to work now."

Siza rose from her chair to kiss him goodbye, as she grabbed her briefcase, and Menzi walked her to the car. They kissed sensually.

"See you later, babe," said Siza, stepping into her car and driving out of Menzi's home.

"Later my love, I love you so much," replied Menzi.

Siza blew a kiss towards Menzi and left. Menzi went back inside the house and tidied up. He headed to his bathroom to freshen up, gazed at the mirror, and stared at his sexy moustache. He had no beard, and his skin was flawless.

"Damn! I'm handsome!" he said in admiration, walking out the bathroom.

Menzi wore his navy skinny chino pants, a white shirt - buttoned down to his chest, and tan-leathered shoes. He sprayed his "D&G the One Gentleman" cologne on his neck, gave himself a once over glance in the mirror, and satisfied with his appearance, stepped out of the house. He walked into his garage, got into his Porsche Cayenne, texted Lelo that he was on his way, and drove out of his place.

♥♥

Menzi arrived at Lelo's place, parked his car in her garage as usual and opened the door. The brown tiled kitchen floor had a trail of yellow rose petals, forming a pathway to the bedroom. He followed the trail of rose petals, as they led him to Lelo in the bedroom. She was lying on the bed, wearing yellow and black lingerie. She smelled like Menzi's cologne. He took a long stare at her; she smiled at him and opened her arms. He was impressed.

Menzi smiled. "Mmmh, you smell like me.

"You like it?" purred Lelo.

"Yes, I love it," whispered Menzi.

He pulled Lelo towards the edge of the bed, took off her underwear, and kissed her all over her body. He lowered his pants, lifted her up, and balanced her against the wall, next to the closed bedroom door, with her legs wrapped around his waist.

Instead of holding on to Menzi, Lelo balanced herself on her grey painted wall and held on to the doorknob. This was what she loved about her and Menzi. Their sex life was always so unpredictable. He seemed stronger than yesterday midmorning, as he balanced her with ease.

"What could've changed?" she wondered thoughtfully.

"Do what comes to mind.." was what their relationship was based on. Their steamy session became intense, and they loved to talk when their emotions were high. The oooh's and ahhh's became so loud, that to a passerby, one might think that someone was dying. Menzi thrust his pelvic area harder and faster into Lelo. She closed her eyes for the very first time in years since they had been engaging sexually.

"Why the yellow Rose petals?" whispered Menzi, softly biting Lelo's ear.

"Yellow is a sign of friendship...We're friends, aren't we?" purred Lelo, breathing on Menzi's ear.

"Yessssssss…Friends with benefits," cooed Menzi.

Their heat became more and more intense, that Menzi could not contain himself any longer. The breathing was extremely heavy from both parties. Lelo tightly cuddled him and did not want to let go, as he put her down, and cuddled her tight. He stopped, took a deep breath, and kissed her passionately. Menzi then disappeared into the bathroom, came back properly dressed, and handed Lelo her gown.

"Tell me you love me!" whispered Menzi, kissing Lelo on the cheek.

"I love you, Menzi," purred Lelo.

"No one should know about us."

"Tell me I do it for you, the way she does."

"You drive me crazy, Lelo."

"I am better than she is, yes?"

Menzi was too exhausted that he ignored that question, ambled to the kitchen, and drank a jug full of water. Lelo rested on her bed with a simper on her face. He returned from the kitchen and found Lelo hugging a pillow. He stared at her and smiled.

"I have to get to the office," said Menzi.

Lelo rolled her eyes. "Go then, are you coming back later?"

"Lelo, you're not supposed to fall in love with me…you can't get upset."

"Ok! Ok! Gosh Man, I get it! I get it, and I can never be the angelic Siza!"

"Good! Now that we're on the clear, I'm leaving," said Menzi, heading into the bathroom, to check himself out in the mirror.

Lelo opened her left bedside table drawer and took out a cigarette and lighter, lit the cigarette and smoked. She puffed once, twice, thrice and coughed. Menzi returned to a bedroom filled with smoke, stared at the ceiling, and then back at Lelo, who acted like a professional smoker. He was amazed by the cigarette in her mouth.

Menzi coughed. "Gosh! When did you start smoking?"

Lelo giggled. "The day you began dating Siza."

Menzi chortled. "Real soon, you'll be blaming poor Siza for wrecking your life…I'm leaving."

"She has!"

Menzi laughed and shook his head in dismay, as he left the room and headed to his car. Lelo sat on the bed, and continued to smoke, pretending that his departure had not bothered her in the least. Menzi opened the garage and reversed his car. Lelo scurried outside to Menzi as soon as she heard the garage door closing. She stood where Menzi could see her.

"Menzi, I also want a boyfriend or a partner!"

Menzi seemed ticked off as he got out of the car, and rushed to Lelo as if he had forgotten something. He wore a scowl on his face, and it was clear that he was annoyed. He stared at her indignantly, thinking she would dismiss what she had said.

"What? What did you say to me?" he questioned, softly holding her chin.

"Menzi, you have Siza to cuddle at night, I want a man too!" she declared.

"You must be out of your mind, woman!"

Menzi picked her up, and placed her on his shoulder, walked into the house, and laid her on the stone-cold kitchen counter. Lelo loved this side of Menzi and the makeup sex, that along with that mood. He took off her gown and lingerie.

She had chills running all over her body, as Menzi pulled her closer and closer towards him. He ogled her, while he kissed her all over - he knew Lelo could never resist him. She pleasurably moaned and uttered his name, and her response blew his mind.

"Tell me I'm enough for you," he cooed.

"You're enough for me, baby…you're all I need," she panted.

Lelo moaned under her breath, as Menzi held her tight making passionate love to her. Lelo found a sense of security in the sex, and in her mind, it signified, that she had Menzi right where she wanted him. At that moment, she felt she owned him. To Lelo, their lovemaking was a signature, consenting that Menzi was marking his territory.

"Menzi is finally leaving Siza," Lelo thought.

"You are mine, Lelo," he moaned.

"Yes! I…am…yours…baby!"

"You love only me?"

"Yes...Yes! Menzi, I love only you."

Menzi kissed Lelo passionately and embraced her tighter, and kissed her shoulder.

"That was amazing," uttered Lelo.

Menzi smiled. "Good, now stop all this madness."

Menzi kissed her passionately again, then stepped into the bathroom, to take a shower. Lelo strolled into the shower, stood behind him, and embraced him around his waist. He turned to look at her and kissed her forehead.

"Do you know how much I love you?" disclosed Lelo.

"Please Lelo, not this sentimental stuff again, please not right now," said Menzi, smearing soap on her body.

Lelo became emotional. "When Menzi, when will I get to be with you forever?"

"Great! I don't need this, I'm leaving…check you later, babe," said Menzi, exiting the shower and avoiding Lelo.

Lelo followed him to the bedroom and watched him get dressed. Lelo escorted him to the car and watched, as he stepped inside his car and exited her home. She strolled back into the house, and peeked out the window, to check if he really had left.

♥♥

Siza's day was more hectic than she had expected it to be. She attended meeting after meeting, and once she was done, she returned to the office to complete more paperwork. Jazmyn knocked on Siza's ajar office door, and Siza signalled her to come in via hand gesture.

"Miss Nkabinde, there's a gentleman looking for you in the reception area," said Jazmyn, standing in Siza's doorway.

"Who is he, Jazmyn?" asked Siza.

"It's Mr Mula, your client."

"Oh! Let him in…Thank you, Jazmyn."

Jazmyn showed the client in. He smiled at Jazmyn and headed to Siza's office.

Mr Percy Mula, a pompous man, stood in the doorway and admired Siza while she worked. He was dressed stylishly in his red shirt, black pants and black shoes, as he waited for Siza to acknowledge his presence. He was an ex-model, who owns Mula Empire Designs, a company renowned for its designer clothing, specially created for the likes of celebrities, and specific retail outlets. He was a ladies' man and had a beautiful beam about him, but even so, underneath his pompous demeanour, laid a hidden fear of insecurity, and he did not take well to rejection. Each time he saw Siza, he wondered what it would be like to date her. He felt an immediate attraction towards her, almost mistaking it for love, and sometimes forgetting that she was his lawyer. He snapped out of his reverie when he found Siza staring at him with a serious look on her face. He felt somewhat exposed and pulled himself together immediately.

"Ah, Miss Nkabinde, we meet again," greeted Percy, feeling sheepish.

Siza smiled. "Good day, Mr Mula. How may I assist you?"

"I thought I should come back, to thank you, yet again."

"It's my pleasure, and my job to do what's right for my client."

"Nonetheless, thank you for listening, Miss Nkabinde."

"You're welcome, Mr Mula."

"Miss Nkabinde, May…May I please take you out for lunch, coffee, or something?"

"I appreciate the offer, Mr Mula, and I am humbled by your gesture, but as my client, you have more than covered your expense owed to me. I am satisfied with the result of your case, and it's enough to meet a client's expectations. Thank you for the kind offer though."

"Miss Nkabinde, I am asking for thirty minutes of your time. All I ask is that you afford me that, so as to hear me out," implored Percy.

"Mr Mula, with all due respect, I am not sure that I am the correct person to speak to. As my client, it is out of my hands now, unless you have another case for me to defend," answered Siza, trying hard to maintain her professionalism. He almost seemed desperate, and she was beginning to feel uneasy around him.

"Please, Miss Nkabinde, thirty minutes is all I ask for."

Siza shook her head in disbelief. "Mr Mula, thirty minutes is all I have. Please give me a few minutes, and I will be with you shortly. I need to check my schedule."

Percy smiled. "Thank you! I will wait for you in the reception area, downstairs."

Siza dialled her assistant's extension. She opened her desk drawer and sat down to search for her purse, while she held the phone against her ear. Jazmyn was not at her desk, but she eventually answered the phone.

"Jazmyn, how is my schedule?" queried Siza.

"You have a fifteen hundred. If you want to go out right now, you will have approximately an hour and thirty minutes to spare," prompted Jazmyn, in her usual efficient manner. It was one of the attributes that made Jazmyn so irreplaceable.

"Great! I will be at the Cafe downstairs if there's an emergency."

"Perfect, Miss Nkabinde."

Siza took off her jacket and hung it around her office chair. She went to meet Percy at the reception area, and they proceeded to the coffee shop together. Siza's office phone rang right after she left with Percy, but the call immediately transferred to Jazmyn.

"Miss Siza's office, this is Jazmyn?" greeted Jazmyn.

"Hello Jazmyn, where's my wife?" replied Menzi.

"I'm sorry, who is this?"

"Sorry about that, it's Menzi…I'm looking for Siza, is she there?"

"Miss Nkabinde is out to lunch, Mr Gama, may I take a message?"

"Where did she go...out with whom?"

"She is out, with a client?"

"Oh! Please tell her I'll call back at three o'clock."

"Sir, rather call back at sixteen thirty in the afternoon, because she will be in a meeting at three."

"Alright…Thanks again, Jazmyn."

"You're welcome, Mr Gama. I will relay your message."

♥♥

Siza and Percy chose the open area of the cafe to be seated in. The atmosphere was beautiful, and many business people were drawn there to have breakfast. Percy could not stop staring at Siza. She looked very elegant in her black dress and black stilettos. With her long mane of curly blonde hair, sitting past her shoulders, and flawless, immaculate skin, she was a vision and turned heads wherever she went. She was so often mistaken for a model but had no interest in pursuing a modelling career. She was a young, successful lawyer and it irked her that she wasn't taken seriously, because of her looks. She sometimes felt like she had something to prove to the world and now was one of those moments, where she stared at Percy in utter confusion, feeling uneasy and irritated by his pleas. Percy eyed Siza and smiled. All he could think of was how beautiful she was, with the body of an angel. He had never come across anyone quite as beautiful as her.

Siza was confused as she stared at him, and he quickly looked away. The waiter approached their table and introduced himself. "Good Morning, I am Thabo and I will be your waiter for today, may I get you something to drink?" asked the waiter. He glanced at Percy, but gave his full attention to Siza, and composed himself as he smiled.

"Hi, may you please bring me a glass of water…with ice cubes in another glass," requested Siza.

The waiter nodded, as he realised that he had left his order pad in the back. He quickly made his way back inside the cafe to retrieve it, and get their drinks order.

Percy cleared his throat. "So Siza, as I was telling you earlier, I was taught to go for what I want."

Siza became confused. "I'm not sure I know what you're talking about?"

"Let me just say, growing up I had everything I wanted. I attended the best schools, and was an overachiever," boasted Percy. He cleared his throat. "I was raised in such a way, that my father taught me to stop at nothing in order to attain my dreams. I have never let myself or my father down, except when I failed at my marriage. I know what I want in a woman, but my ex-wife did not meet up with my expectations, hence my divorce," he continued in a confident manner, which irritated Siza even further.

Siza forced a smile, turned her head to her side, and stared at the waiter approaching their table, carrying his order pad in his jeans pocket, and a tray with three glasses on it. The waiter placed the three glasses neatly in front of Siza. The extra glass had wedges of washed lemon and mint leaves. She smiled and winked at the waiter.

"I do apologize for the delay," said the waiter. "Have you decided upon your drinks order as yet?" he asked, grateful for their pardon of his earlier mistake.

"I would like to have a Café latté, with extra cream, and a cheese croissant, please," requested Percy.

"Certainly Sir, and for you Ma'am?" said the waiter, looking at Siza nervously.

Siza flashed her best smile. "I would like to have a low-fat chocolate milkshake, and a slice of your strawberry mousse cake, please…Thank you."

The waiter stood still and stared at Siza as if he had heard nothing. He was mesmerized by her appearance, and felt extremely awkward, as Siza clapped her hands to alarm him, to snap out of his thoughts and focus. The waiter blinked several times, before realizing what had just transpired. "Are you Ok?" asked Siza, concerned and trying her best to comfort the waiter.

"I'm so sorry, Ma'am, Sir, I'm so sorry, I will go get your orders," apologised the waiter.

"Not a problem. I'm sorry, I didn't get your name earlier?" asked Siza.

"My, my name is Thabo. Ma'am, I apologize profusely for what happened. Please, I ask you not to mention this to my Manager." stuttered the waiter, looking terrified and embarrassed.

Siza smiled. "No, don't worry…it happens to the best of us…don't worry about it, Thabo…if you're alright… you can go fetch our order."

The waiter smiled, nodded, and went to fetch their order. Percy stared at Siza, as if she has done something wrong. Siza was confused, and she shrugged at Percy.

"For a second, you had me worried. I thought you were going to ask for the Manager," whispered Percy.

"What do you take me for? You should know better!" said Siza, squeezing the lemon wedge into the ice cubes.

Percy laughed. "Whoa! Hold on I'm not attacking you, tigress."

Siza smiled. "So, Percy Mula, talk to me, what's bothering you?"

"I'm so sorry. I'm a bit nervous. I usually don't do this but, I..."

"You"

"I would like to ask you out, on a proper date next time."

Siza chuckled. "Wow! You consider this a date?"

"Ouch! That hurts. I'm fresh from a divorce"

Siza laughed. "I'm just kidding. To tell you the truth, you should never ask a woman out by giving her a sob story, it's tacky."

"I'm sorry, I was desperate, and it won't happen again, but tell me, Siza.....?"

"It's Miss Nkabinde, to you!"Siza interrupted.

"I'm sorry, Miss Nkabinde, are you in a relationship?"

Siza laughed. "Just call me Sizakele...Of course, I am, Percy.

"So, you are really seeing someone?" he probed.

"Percy, I am officially engaged," she answered, displaying her ring finger for him to see. "Please listen to me. I am no therapist, and I don't usually advise clients of mine, especially when I have no experience in the matter, but I will do my best to advise you. I know that your wife disappointed you, but you need to let go of her so that you will be able to grow out of this situation." advised Siza.

"I'm sorry, I should have known that a woman like you would be snatched up in seconds. I just really like you," he said shyly, feeling his heart in his throat.

Siza chuckled. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr Mula. I am sorry that I am not taking you seriously, but what you feeling for me isn't love, it's infatuation. You need to see a therapist to help you deal with your pain, and a psychiatrist to help you get over your trauma. Right now you are in a rebound frame of mind."

Percy felt like a fool and hated rejection. He felt himself losing control, as he took in what Siza was saying to him. It made him angry.

"I am not in a rebound frame of mind! I know what I want, and what I want is you!" shouted Percy, sounding like a spoilt child.

"You need to calm down, Mr Mula. I will not handle you shouting at me. Not in public and not ever. Please hear me nicely, I am officially engaged to a man that I consider being my future husband. I will not go on a date with you, and I would respect it if you refrain from pursuing the situation. You asked for thirty minutes of my time. This was thirty minutes of discomfort for me. I have advised you to the best of my ability, and I feel that there is nothing left to say." Siza felt like she was in combat mode, fighting a case, instead of a client.

"Siza, I'm sorry, that was rude of me, please pardon me," pleaded Percy.

The waiter brought their order and placed it accordingly on the table. Siza was irritated, as she slowly rose from the chair, opened her purse, pulled out a one hundred rand note, and placed it on the table.

Siza told the waiter, "Please bring my food to the twelfth floor…ask for Miss Siza Nkabinde."

The waiter nodded. "Yes, Ma'am, I will."

Siza asked Percy, "Are you going to take care of the bill, or should I?"

"I will…please Siza, don't go, please," pleaded Percy.

"I will remain your lawyer, but I will no longer be available for personal chats. Good day, Mr Mula. Thank you for taking care of the bill," concluded Siza, as she took the one hundred rand note and handed it to the waiter. Her heart was pounding and she felt like punching him in the face but refrained from losing her temper in public. Instead, she chose to walk away with her reputation intact. If Mr Mula never showed up in her office again, it wouldn't be a day too soon, as far as she was concerned. He had left a sour taste in her mouth, and she no longer enjoyed the victory of winning his court battle.

Siza stormed out of the Café and headed back to her office. Percy was shocked and embarrassed to witness Siza that pissed off, he never expected that to happen. The only time he had seen her annoyed was when she was in court, defending him. He gave the waiter the balance of the bill and chased after Siza.

He entered into Siza's office, sat in front of Jazmyn, and waited for her to attend to him. Jazmyn was perplexed that she dialled Siza's office, and notified her that Mr Mula was back again.

Jazmyn told Mr Mula, "Miss Nkabinde will be with you shortly."

Percy smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

"Mr Mula, this is called obsession, and I don't appreciate it!" scolded Siza, walking towards the reception area, folding her arms, and glaring at Percy.

"I came here to apologise, I'm so sorry with the way I handled myself," replied Percy, standing up to face Siza.

Siza flashed a pretentious smile. "Apology accepted. May I excuse myself now?"

"I'm so sorry!"

Siza left him standing there like a stranger, went back into her office, and shut the door. Percy glanced at Jazmyn and walked away without saying a word. Siza carried on working on her legal briefs, and Jazmyn ambled in and took a seat to brief Siza about her messages. Siza ceased working and focused on Jazmyn.

"A call came in just after you left, at exactly ten past one in the afternoon," elaborated Jazmyn.

"Who was it...Oh…Is that the message scribbled on the message receipt, placed on my laptop?" asked Siza, showing Jazmyn a yellow post-it, with a message scribbled on it.

"Yes it is…it was from Mr Gama."

Siza chuckled. "Ok, did you tell him that I was out with a client?"

Jazmyn smiled. "Yes I did, Miss Nkabinde…He was shocked when I told him that you had gone out, he seemed rather…jealous."

Siza chuckled. "Oh, what did he say?"

"He asked me questions like…who did you go out with, and where did you go?"

Siza shook her head. "Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Menzi"

"I beg your pardon," asked Jazmyn.

"Nothing Jazmyn…Listen, I am off to court now, please hold all my calls, and reschedule all my meetings, because I won't be coming back to the office afterwards," dictated Siza, closing and shutting down her laptop.

Jazmyn nodded. "Yes I will, Miss Nkabinde," she said, standing up, and pushing her chair into the desk.

"See you tomorrow, Jazmyn, have a great day further," said Siza, leaving the office, carrying her briefcase and handbag in one hand, and her red coat in the other hand.

"Enjoy the rest of the day, Miss Nkabinde," said Jazmyn.

Siza stopped at reception to search for a ringing cell phone that she could not seem to find. She eventually found it inside her coat pocket and answered it. She sat at the reception couch, as she spoke on the phone, folded one leg over the other, and fixed her shoe. She smiled and blushed when she heard Menzi's voice on the phone.

"I'm alright, I guess, just out and about with clients…how's my husband to be?" asked Siza.

"I'm also in and out of the office, seeing clients and securing deals, you know the drill babe, for the clients by the clients," replied Menzi.

Siza glanced at her watch. "Babe, I'm sorry to do this to you, but I have to go. I've got a case just now at fifteen-thirty, and Judge More will bite my head off, should I be late…Can I call you when I'm done?"

"Sure babe, I understand. Siza I love you, show them who you are, babe."

"Love you too, babe…bye," said Siza, leaving the building and ending the call.

Siza hurried to the parking lot, and stepped into her car, threw her stuff at the back seat, and placed her handbag on the passenger's seat beside her, then drove out of the office park, and headed to court.

♥♥

EVENING

Menzi, who was still in his maroon furnished office that overlooked Sandton City shopping mall, gazed and focused on his laptop. His desk was adorned with new gadgets manufactured by his company. He stopped to think for a bit, turned his chair around, rose from the chair, and ambled towards the wide window.

He stood in front of it, gazed outside, and viewed the city as if he were watching a movie. He had a smile on his face as if he had just seen something outside the window that brought on happiness. His personal assistant entered his office and smiled at him as she approached his table, carrying a tray.

She had brought him a cup of coffee on a tray, as she usually did, and he thanked her, then continued to gaze outside the window. He walked to his table, took his cup of coffee from the tray, and strolled back to the window, but just as he took a sip from the cup, his phone made a strange sound as it vibrated, and hinted an incoming call. He answered it.

Menzi smiled. "What are you up to?"

"Just thinking of what we would be doing, if we were together…but I will be going out to get something sexy for my man…I called to tell you that," replied Lelo.

"What man are you talking about…Is this one of your tricks to make me jealous, Lelo?"

Lelo giggled. "No! Why would I do that lover...? Menzi, what is wrong with you these days, you're so touchy…trouble in paradise so soon?"

"Lelo, don't go there!"

"Ouch...I hit a nerve. You always become overly sensitive, when your little Siza is on the tip of my tongue. I mean… I have loved you for more than five years. Isn't that enough, Menzi?"

"I'm sorry, babe, and yes, you have been my woman for seven years now."

"I really don't know what it is you want from me, I need to hang up this call before you work on my nerves."

"I'm sorry, babe, I'm a bit upset that's all."

"What's wrong, Menzi?"

"Nothing…just don't ask me any questions."

"And you'll tell no lies…Come and join me for dinner before you go home, just to take the edge off."

Menzi sipped his coffee. "I can't…I'm cooking for my fiancé tonight."

"Damn this fiancé woman, are you walking out the office now?"

Menzi's personal assistant rushed back into his office and disturbed Menzi's call. Menzi turned from the window and stared at her. He placed his cup of coffee back on the tray and leaned against the wall with his one hand inside his pocket. She walked towards him, and stood in front of him, leaving a vast amount of space between them.

Sami More was wearing a black suit, black heels, and a white shirt. She was a short, curvaceous young woman, who opted for a dried-curl hairstyle. She had a tan complexion and preferred to wear higher heels, because of her height.

She was shy to look Menzi directly in the eye.

"Sir, I have done all there is to do for today and tomorrow," explained Sami.

"Did you get me those reports I asked for, from Conrad Margate?" queried Menzi.

"Yes, I have, I've emailed them to you, and put hard copies right there on the laptop," explained Sami, as she showed Menzi the documents on his table.

"Alright Sami, have a great evening and drive safe, I will see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Sir."

Sami exited Menzi's office and went home.

Sami More was a twenty-five-year-old, Lesotho born young woman, a twin, and a daughter to Judge More. She first came to Johannesburg during her interviews at Menzi's company, going on to become a permanent resident, when Menzi signed her on permanently as his personal assistant, at the age of twenty-two. She held an Advanced Executive PA Diploma, and studied Information Technology in one of Menzi and Siza's Institutes, HACI, short for Help A Child Institute, in agreement with Judge More.

Menzi continued his call with Lelo. He strolled back to the window and continued to gaze at the view of the city. He placed the phone against his ear and continued to talk.

"Lelo, are you still there," enquired Menzi.

"Yes, I'm still here…Are you on your way out now?" asked Lelo.

"No, I'm drinking this cold coffee right now, but I will need to leave soon"

"Rushing home, I see?"

"No, I need to get a few things for dinner tonight at the super-mart."

"Are you trying to make me jealous, Menzi?"

"Lelo, when we met, we both agreed to no moods, no getting angry, and the answer to all my requests would be yes. You agreed…you agreed, Lelo…You returned to my life knowing about Siza, and you said you can handle it."

"Menzi, I have to go."

Lelo rudely hung up on Menzi. He was confused by the way she hung up on him, that been the first time she had ever put the phone down in his ear like that. He collected his car keys and wallet from the table and exited the office.

He drove to the super-mart down the road and was worried about Lelo. He stepped out of the car, and rushed to the entrance, but stood by the super-mart door, and called Lelo before he entered the mart. Her phone rang for a while, but she eventually answered it.

"What Menzi? What could you possibly want from me now?" yelled Lelo.

"Lelo, don't do this, please?" pleaded Menzi.

"Do what Menzi? What is it that I'm doing?"

"You're starting to annoy me, Lelo Ntlue, grow up!"

"Is that what you wanted to say?"

"Stop it, Lelo!"

"Oh, stop what, Menzi? Stop…what? I am getting tired of this Barbie and Ken relationship…I am not your doll anymore."

Menzi chuckled. "Woman, what are you talking about?"

"I- am -going to- hang- up- okay -Ken, Barbie –is- leaving- okay! We're done, it's over!"

"Hello? Hello? Lelo...did this girl hang up on me?"

Menzi was furious! At that moment he wanted to smash his phone on the ground, but could not. He went inside the super-mart, with his phone in the other hand trying to redial Lelo's number. He was not aware that he had dialled Siza's number, instead.

"Hello, babe," greeted Siza.

"Why did you hang up on me, are you mad?" shouted Menzi, walking around the mart, pushing a trolley, and adding groceries to it.

"What are you on about, Menzi?"

"Siza, is that you?"

"Who did you think it was?"

"Hi, baby, I-I-was on the phone with my assistant, and she hung up on me."

"And you were so upset that you didn't even check the number you were dialling?" questioned Siza.

"I'm-I'm sorry, babe, I..."

"Never mind, Menzi, I will talk to you when you get home."

"Babe, what do you want to have for dinner?"

"Whatever you want to cook, Menzi, just surprise me, I'm driving home."

Siza hung up on Menzi, and he was not aware that the super-mart was about to close.

"Hello…Baby…Siza...what's happening with these women today?"

Menzi snatched a bunch of red roses from the bucket, and added it to his groceries, rushed to the till, paid for his goods and left. On his way home, he took a turn onto the highway and drove to Lelo's place. He was miserable and worried about her.

♥♥

Lelo arrived home from work and brought in some groceries from the nearby market. She knocked on her glass kitchen door, and her housekeeper Khumo opened. Lelo entered her white-walled, and light grey tiled kitchen, and placed the groceries on her red and silver fitted kitchen unit, with a black stone top, and four matching plush chairs around a large stone-tabled sink. She was surprised to find her housekeeper Khumo still there, waiting for her.

"Mama, it's late, you have to go home, I'll continue where you left off…Should I call you a metre taxi or take you home?" asked Lelo.

"No, it's okay, Miss Lelo, I'm catching a lift with a friend, but I'm finished. I was just waiting for the locksmith to finish up, so I can give you the new key. I also want to confirm whether I should come in tomorrow?" replied Khumo.

Lelo frowned. "What's happening tomorrow?"

"You said you'll be flying out of the country tomorrow…going to the states?"

"Oh, that slipped my mind, let me call you later this evening, I'm sorry, Khumo."

"Not a problem, Miss Lelo, we'll speak later then."

"Good night, Mama, let me open the door for you," said Lelo, opening the door.

Lelo noticed that Khumo's lift was waiting outside her gate, when she opened for her to exit. She closed the door and locked herself in. She went to her living room, switched on her radio, and sang to her favourite songs. Soul music always made her think clearly. She began cooking her spicy beef strips, and whole-wheat pasta, and poured herself some sweet rosé red wine, and drank while she cooked.

She strolled to her bedroom, took off her clothes and shoes, and walked around in her black lingerie, barefoot. She went to the kitchen, checked on the food, and lowered the stove. While her pots steamed, she ran herself a bubble bath, and soaked her body in the bathtub, and relaxed for a while. She became emotional as tears filled her eyes, running down her face.

"Get your shit together, Lelo," she shouted at herself, as she wiped the tears from her eyes, and stepped out of the bath.

She slipped into a lacy red dress, then went back to the kitchen and switched off the stove. She grabbed the wine bottle and filled her glass yet again. The ring of the doorbell frightened her; she was not expecting anyone to come by. She placed her ear against the door to listen to the knocker. He turned down the doorknob repeatedly, shocked to find the door locked that he could not get in.

"Who is it?" asked Lelo, turning down the doorknob, checking if she locked the door.

"It's me, Menzi, please open up, babe…Why is this door locked anyway?" shouted Menzi.

"Menzi, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be cooking for your fiancé?"

"Lelo, I just want us to talk. We need to clear things up, please."

"Aw! What other things…I thought you made everything clear two hours ago."

"Lelo, I'm begging you."

"Menzi, look, I can't do this with you, not right now. I'm not in the mood, please… not right now…I need to think, and you need to go."

"Lelo, babe, please open the door!"

"Menzi, please go, go and cook for your wife…I'm going to call guard patrol, and they will have you removed from the premises, please go," sobbed Lelo.

Menzi listened through the door. "Lelo, are you crying? Lelo, please open up, I'm begging you, please," he begged as he banged the door.

Lelo shouted. "Menzi, just leave!"

"Alright, alright, I will go, but I will come back.

Lelo shouted, and cried. "I don't care…just leave!"

Menzi turned away from the door, he felt rejected and ashamed. He exited Lelo's yard slowly, hoping that she would change her mind. Lelo went to her bathroom, gazed in the mirror, and shook her head.

"I can't do this anymore, I love Menzi, but he doesn't love me…I've been fooling myself," admitted Lelo, as she wiped away her tears, and strolled back into her bedroom, switched off all the lights, and went to bed, crying herself to sleep.

♥♥

Siza's car pulled up in the driveway, she arrived before Menzi. She turned the lights on in their house. To her surprise, Menzi was not home yet. She headed to her bedroom, removed her clothes and stilettos, put on her soft cotton pants, a white t-shirt, and slippers, and washed her hands in the bathroom, splashing some water on her face.

She played her favourite cd on the CD player and sang to the music. She opened the fridge and took out some lamb chops, spiced them up, and placed them in the grill oven. She made a dish of pasta, mixed it with sautéed vegetables, and sprinkled parmesan cheese on top.

She poured herself some juice and went upstairs to find her phone inside her handbag. She pulled it out of her handbag and checked if it had any missed calls from Menzi. She was irritated when she found no message and no missed call on her phone. She decided to call Menzi.

"I'm on my way, my love…I will be there in thirty minutes," answered Menzi, while driving.

"I am worried, Menzi…is everything alright?" enquired Siza, walking back to the kitchen.

"Don't worry… I'm coming babe, I'm on my way."

Siza went to the kitchen, poured some more juice to fill her glass, switched off the CD player, then switched on the TV, and watched the news. She dished up for herself, and Menzi. She sat in the dining room and ate alone. The silence in the house without Menzi made her shiver, she hated being alone in such a huge house. After she was done eating her meal, she decided to take a bath, rested on the recliner, and read a book. She was very upset, as two hours had gone by and still no sign of Menzi. She eventually dozed off and fell asleep on the recliner couch.

Menzi arrived at the Estate and was irked to find the entrance gate closed. He called the security office at the Estate gate and spoke to the manager, Thendo. Thendo opened the gate for Menzi, accessing his universal remote.

"Good Evening, Tee. How are you this evening?" greeted Menzi.

"Well thank you, Sir. Have a good evening," replied Thendo.

Menzi drove through the gate of the Estate, heading towards his house. He opened the garage door and parked his car. He withdrew the grocery bags from the boot of his car - including the almost suffocated red roses and headed to the house. He entered the kitchen door, and placed the bags on the table, then tiptoed up the stairs to look for Siza. He opened the bedroom door, peeked inside the bedroom, and became confused when he did not find her on the bed.

He searched for Siza around the house and found her sleeping quietly on the recliner couch. He went to the kitchen, warmed up his dinner, and ate. Siza woke up but ignored him while he ate alone in the kitchen. She silently walked up the stairs to their bedroom, slipped into her pyjamas, slid inside the bedsheets, and fell asleep.

Menzi rinsed his dishes, and tidied the kitchen, before going to the living room to wake Siza up. He was shocked to find the recliner couch baron, and made his way to their bedroom, to make sure she was there. He opened the bedroom door, peeked inside the bedroom, and found her sleeping peacefully, with her bedside lamp on. He sauntered straight into the bathroom and took a shower. He gazed into the mirror, took a long look at himself, and it suddenly dawned on him, that Siza might have found out about his love affair with Lelo.

He slowly opened the bathroom door, trying his best not to disturb Siza from her sleep. He tiptoed to the bed, and slid inside the sheets, resting his head on the pillow. He became frightened when Siza sat up straight in bed and glared at him.

"I am not asleep Menzi, I am just laying my head on the pillow…I can't believe I waited five hours for you, five hours Menzi, and you still have the audacity to leave me on the couch," shouted Siza, as she stared at Menzi.

"I'm so sorry, babe," apologised Menzi, rubbing her back, and calming her down.

"It's one o'clock in the morning, Menzi! My word! What if I was going to work tomorrow? I need my peace…do you understand me…do you?"

"I do, Babe, listen, I - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

Siza took a deep breath and calmed down. "I was worried! I waited for you, what happened to you today?"

"Lelo…Siza, listen to me!"

"What did you just call me…You know what, never mind that, I don't want to listen to you, nor your fables, just quit playing games!"

"I-I am so sorry, babe, I hear you."

Siza switched off her bedside lamp, pulled the linen to cover her face, and slept. He stared at her, very worried, as he had never seen Siza that furious before. He slept beside her and grasped her hand, but she never said a word.

"How do I tell my fiancé that I've been cheating on her?" pondered Menzi.

The thought of losing Siza, made his stomach turn, as he struggled to fall asleep. His eyes wandered in the dark bedroom, as the moon beamed-in a beautiful light, through the window. Siza was upset with him, and that was certainly not what he had in mind.

"I want to tell her, but…how do I tell her that I've been sleeping with my ex," pondered Menzi, as he turned to Siza's side, and closed his eyes to sleep.

♥♥