Mmabatho walked back into the dining room, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and trying to steady her breathing. The room went silent as she entered, Sandile's concerned eyes meeting hers.
"Ulungile, Mmabatho?" Sandile asked, his voice softer than she expected.(you okay?)
"Yeah, I think so," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact as she sank into her chair. The warmth of embarrassment crept up her neck.
Khanyiswa glanced at her, swirling her wine like it was more interesting than anything else. "Morning sickness, I assume?"
Mmabatho nodded, barely making a sound.
Sandile leaned forward, his brows knitted. "You need anything? Amanzi? Ginger tea? We can call the doctor if it gets worse."
"No, really, I'm fine," Mmabatho insisted, offering a weak smile. "Just need to rest, I think."
"Good," Khanyiswa said, her voice just on the edge of dismissive. "We can't have you fainting at the dinner table." She raised her wine glass, taking a sip like it was all a game to her.
Mmabatho's stomach twisted, and not just from nausea. "I'm gonna head to my room, if that's okay."
"Of course," Sandile said, watching her as she stood up and walked away, her steps slow and tired.
Once behind the closed door of her room, she dropped onto the bed and let out a shaky breath. Everything felt like too muchâbeing in this house, under their watchful eyes, pretending everything was fine. She reached for her phone and dialed Onalenna's number.
"Hey, Friend," Ona's voice buzzed through the speaker. "How's the rich and famous life treating you?"
Mmabatho chuckled weakly. "It's... a lot. Today was weird, Ona. We went shopping, and then I puked during dinner. I felt so stupid."
"Pregnancy is no joke, babe. Don't sweat it," Onalenna said, her voice warm and reassuring. "Are they treating you okay, though?"
"Sandile is, yeah. He's actually nice. Khanyiswa... well, she's just Khanyiswa."
"Ugh, that woman gives me bad vibes. Just watch your back," Ona said. "And remember, I'm only a call away."
"Thanks, Ona. You always know what to say."
"Of course, babe. Now go get some rest and drink water, okay? You gotta keep that little one healthy."
"I will," Mmabatho promised before hanging up.
Later that night, a knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts. It was Sandile, holding a glass of water.
"Thought you might need this," he said, stepping in.
"Oh, thank you," she said, sitting up.
He stood there for a moment, not saying anything. The silence hung between them, filled with something unspoken. "Just... don't hesitate to ask if you need anything, okay?"
Mmabatho nodded. "I won't. Thanks again."
As soon as he left, she noticed the slight creak of the floor outside her room. She peeked out and saw Khanyiswa standing by their bedroom door, a glass of wine in hand, watching Sandile with narrowed eyes.
Khanyiswa stepped back into the room as soon as Mmabatho's eyes met hers, but not before shooting her a look that said I see you.
The next morning, the house felt quieter than usual. Khanyiswa knocked on Mmabatho's door and walked in without waiting for an answer.
"Good morning," Khanyiswa said, her voice overly cheerful. "We need to go over your schedule."
"Schedule?" Mmabatho asked, sitting up, still half-asleep.
"Yes. Prenatal checkups, diet plans, safe exercises, the whole package. We need to keep this pregnancy on track," Khanyiswa said, flipping open a sleek planner.
"Oh, okay. I thought the doctor was handling most of that," Mmabatho said cautiously.
"He is, but I like to keep everything organized," Khanyiswa replied, her smile tight. "Can't leave anything to chance, can we?"
"Sure," Mmabatho said, not wanting to argue.
"Good. We'll start with a weekly checkup and add a few other things. I'll have the driver take you wherever you need to go," Khanyiswa said, writing something down before snapping the planner shut.
Before she walked out, Khanyiswa paused at the door and turned around. "One more thing. I hope you know how important this baby is to us."
"I do," Mmabatho replied softly, unsure what else to say.
Khanyiswa's eyes lingered for a moment longer before she nodded and left the room, leaving Mmabatho feeling more like a piece in a game than ever.