Mmabatho woke up to sunlight streaming through the big windows, bouncing off the expensive-looking chandelier above her bed. She sat up and stretched, still half in disbelief that this was her life now. The guest room in the Jabavu house was basically a room out of a home magazine, with carpet floors, soft linens, and art that probably cost more than her old rent.
After a quick shower, she threw her braids up in a high ponytail and slipped into a simple, fitted dress that hugged her in all the right places. She took one last glance in the mirror, gave herself a mini pep talk, and headed downstairs.
As she walked down the sweeping staircase, she couldn't help but admire the house's elegance. It was the kind of place you see on TV, not in real lifeâwell, not her real life, anyway. She stepped into the dining area and spotted Sandile reading the newspaper and Khanyiswa sipping her coffee, both looking like they belonged on a magazine cover.
"Morning," Mmabatho said, trying to sound chill.
Sandile looked up with a warm smile. "Morning, Mmabatho. Sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did. Thanks." She took a seat across from them and reached for some toast. Khanyiswa glanced at her, the tiniest of smiles on her lips, but it was hard to tell if it was real or just for show.
It was quiet, almost awkwardly so, until Khanyiswa broke the silence. "Mmabatho, want to come shopping with me today? I figured you might need a few things."
Mmabatho blinked, a little caught off guard. "Oh, um, yeah, sure. That sounds great."
"Perfect. We'll leave after breakfast," Khanyiswa said, going back to her food like it was no big deal.
After breakfast, they got ready and met at the front door. Just as they were about to step out, Sandile came out of his office with his phone in hand.
"Wait," he said, handing Khanyiswa his black card. "Take this and go all out. Treat yourselves."
Khanyiswa's eyes sparkled as she took the card. "Thanks, babe." She kissed him on the cheek, while Mmabatho just smiled politely.
The drive to Sandton was filled with soft music playing on the radio. Mmabatho stared out the window, trying to process everything. A month ago, she was stressing over bills. Now she was heading to one of the most expensive malls in the city with a millionaire's wife.
Sandton City was packed, as always. Designer stores lined the hallways, and shoppers moved around with their fancy bags. Khanyiswa walked confidently from store to store, barely glancing at the price tags. Mmabatho trailed behind, feeling out of place but trying not to show it.
They stepped into a maternity store, and Mmabatho's eyes caught on a dress that was perfectâlight, flowy, and just her style. She flipped over the price tag and felt her stomach drop. Nope, not happening. She placed it back quickly.
Khanyiswa noticed. "Why didn't you take it? It'd look great when your bump starts showing."
Mmabatho shifted, feeling a bit awkward. "It's just... expensive."
Khanyiswa's expression softened for a split second. "Get it. Sandile's card, remember? Don't worry about it."
"Thanks," Mmabatho said, a bit stunned, as she picked up the dress again, this time holding it like it was something special.
By the time they got back home, it was dark out. They walked in to find Sandile already eating dinner.
"Hey, you're back," he said, looking up with a smile. Khanyiswa walked over and kissed him, while Mmabatho offered a simple "Hi" and took a seat.
Dinner was going fine until Mmabatho felt that familiar queasiness bubble up. She put down her fork and took a deep breath, hoping it would pass. But nope.
"Excuse me," she muttered before bolting to the nearest bathroom. The sound of her throwing up echoed down the hall, and Sandile and Khanyiswa exchanged looks.
"She's adjusting," Sandile said, half to himself, a hint of concern on his face.
Khanyiswa just took a sip of her wine, her expression unreadable as she watched the hallway where Mmabatho had disappeared.