It was still early when the sound of Mmabatho's phone vibrating broke the peaceful silence of the morning. The soft patter of rain against the window made the atmosphere feel heavier than usual. She reached for her phone and saw the name she hoped she'd never have to see again flashing on the screen: Kabello.
Her heart sank as memories of their toxic relationship rushed to the surface. She hesitated but eventually answered with a clipped, "Hello?"
Kabello's voice was calm, almost friendly. "Mmabatho. I just wanted to let you know...you left some of your things here. Photo albums, jewelry, a few sentimental pieces. Thought you'd want them back."
The way he spoke unsettled her, his tone dripping with insincere politeness. She didn't trust him, but the thought of her cherished memoriesâher mother's necklace and old family photosâbeing in his possession was enough to make her agree.
"Fine," she said curtly. "Ke tla tla." (I'll come)
The call ended, and she sat there for a moment, staring at the phone. A knot formed in her stomach. She wasn't sure if it was fear, anger, or both.
Mmabatho sighed, shaking off the uneasy feeling as she got out of bed. She threw on a black crew-neck sweater and matching leggings, her New Balance sneakers completing the casual look. Adding simple gold hoops and her bracelet, she glanced in the mirror, tucking her braids into a neat ponytail.
When she made her way downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee hit her. Sandile was already at the dining table, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a steaming mug in hand, and a plate of toast and eggs in front of him.
He looked up, smiling. "Morning, sleepyhead. Didn't think you'd wake up this early."
She smiled back but hesitated before sitting down. "I need to tell you something."
Sandile's brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't interrupt.
"I got a call from Kabello," she said, her voice steady but quiet. "Apparently, I left some stuff at his placeâphoto albums, my mom's jewelry. He wants me to come get them."
Sandile's expression hardened, his jaw tightening. "Kabello?" he repeated, as if the name alone carried all the weight of their shared disdain for him. "And you're going to his place?"
"I have to," she replied, shrugging. "Those things mean a lot to me."
Sandile set his mug down and leaned forward. "Then I'm coming with you."
She shook her head. "No, Sandile. I'll be fine. It's just a quick in-and-out thing. I'll grab my stuff and leave."
He wasn't convinced. "Mmabatho, you know how I feel about this guy. You shouldn't be alone with him."
"Sandile," she said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "I can handle this. I promise."
He exhaled, running a hand through his neatly trimmed hair. "Fine. But take the G-Wagon."
She blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"Because it'll remind him that you've moved on to bigger and better things," he said with a smirk.
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
As she grabbed the keys, she leaned over to kiss Sonele on his cheek, who was babbling happily in his high chair, then gave Sandile a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll be back soon."
"Call me if anything happens," he said, his tone still protective.
The G-Wagon purred smoothly as Mmabatho drove down the wet streets. The rain had eased to a drizzle, but the gray sky matched her mood. She replayed the call in her head, wondering if this was a mistake.
Midrand was a familiar yet haunting place. The apartment she once shared with Kabello was filled with too many bad memories. As she pulled up in front of the building, she felt a wave of dread.
The G-Wagon looked absurdly out of place in the parking lot. She smiled slightly, thinking of Sandile's smug suggestion. She parked directly in front of the door and took a deep breath before stepping out, clutching her handbag tightly.
Her knock on the door echoed louder than she expected. It took a few moments, but eventually, Kabello opened it. He looked the sameâtaper fade, an air of arrogance, and that manipulative smile she hated.
"Mmabatho," he greeted her, leaning against the doorframe. "You look good."
She ignored the comment. "Where's my stuff?"
He stepped aside, motioning for her to come in. "It's all packed up. Relax."
The apartment smelled faintly of cologne and something she couldn't place. She noticed the boxes by the couch and immediately walked toward them, keeping her distance from Kabello.
"These all of them?" she asked, not bothering to hide her impatience.
"Yeah," he said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "But don't you think we should talk first?"
She froze for a moment, then turned to face him. "Talk about what?"
"Us," he said smoothly. "I've been thinking about how things ended. Maybe we couldâ"
"No," she cut him off sharply. "There is no 'us,' Kabello. There hasn't been for a long time. I'm just here for my stuff."
His expression darkened slightly, but he kept his tone calm. "You don't have to be so cold, Mmabatho. I've changed."
She laughed bitterly. "Good for you. But I haven't forgotten what you put me through."
His jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. Instead, he stepped closer, and she instinctively took a step back. "You seem different," he said, eyeing her. "More confident. Who's the guy?"
"That's none of your business," she replied.
Kabello smirked. "Must be someone rich, judging by the car outside."
"Goodbye, Kabello," she said firmly, grabbing the boxes.
He didn't stop her, but as she walked out the door, he called after her, "You'll come back, Mmabatho. You always do."
She didn't turn around.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Mmabatho let out a shaky breath. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the wheel. She felt a mixture of relief and angerârelief that it was over and anger that he still had the nerve to try and manipulate her.
As she drove away, she thought about Sandile and how different he was from Kabello. For the first time, she realized just how much she valued the safety and comfort he brought into her life.
The heavy clouds had finally broken, giving way to a crisp, clear afternoon. Mmabatho felt lighter as she drove Sandile's G-Wagon down the highway, a little playlist of amapiano and R&B bouncing softly through the car speakers.
After leaving Kabello's apartment, she needed to shake off the lingering unease. Woolworths sounded like a safe havenâand a chance to do something sweet for Sandile. He deserves it after letting me borrow his big, bad G-Wagon. She smiled to herself, thinking about how Kabello's face would have twisted in envy.
The idea of surprising Sandile at work popped into her head as she pulled into the Woolies parking lot. "Why not?" she muttered, grabbing her handbag and hopping out.
Mmabatho moved through the aisles with practiced ease, grabbing one of Sandile's favorites: a pre-made roast chicken and pesto pasta salad combo, along with fresh juices. A bag of mini cakes caught her eye too. Why not spoil him a bit? she thought.
While paying, she noticed a few people stealing glances her way. The G-Wagon parked up front was hard to miss, and her braids were freshly styled, making her feel more put together than usual. It wasn't like she was out here trying to look rich, but... well, maybe a little.
Walking out, she stuffed the shopping bag into the passenger seat and pulled out her phone to send Sandile a quick text: On my way to you. Hope you're hungry ð
Thirty minutes later, she was pulling into the sleek underground parking lot of Sandile's office building. The glass tower loomed above, a sharp reminder of his worldâa world of meetings, deals, and unshakable professionalism. Mmabatho had been here before, but it always amazed her how much it screamed power.
The security guards waved her through without hesitation. Sandile had made sure she was on their list.
With the Woolies bag in hand, she headed for the private elevator that led directly to Sandile's floor. A few employees in the lobby gave her curious glances. She imagined the whispers: Who is she? But she brushed them off.
When the elevator doors slid open, the familiar layout greeted her. His assistant, Naledi, was perched behind her desk, her braids pulled into a neat bun. She gave Mmabatho a warm smile.
"You're here to see the boss?" Naledi asked knowingly, her eyes flicking to the Woolies bag.
"Yup. Gotta keep him fed," Mmabatho joked, holding up the bag.
Naledi chuckled. "He's in his office. Go right in."
Mmabatho knocked softly before pushing the door open.
Sandile was at his desk, leaning back in his chair with his hand on his temple, clearly deep in thought. The sunlight streaming through the large windows gave the room an almost cinematic glow.
When he looked up and saw her, his face immediately softened. "What's this?"
"Lunch delivery," she said with a grin, holding up the bag.
He stood up, coming around the desk. "You didn't have to do this."
"Of course I did. You let me take your G-Wagon. Plus, I needed an excuse to get out of the house after... you know."
Sandile's brow furrowed briefly at the mention of Kabello, but he let it go. Instead, he reached for the bag. "What's on the menu?"
"Your favorite pasta salad, juice, and some cakes," she said, plopping down on the leather couch in the corner.
He gave her a look. "You're spoiling me now."
"Someone has to," she teased, leaning back with a smirk.
Sandile joined her on the couch, the bag now sitting between them. He pulled out the pasta salad, opening the container while she handed him a fork.
"So," he began, taking a bite, "how'd it go at Kabello's?"
Mmabatho sighed. "Weird. Awkward. But it's done now."
"Good," he said firmly. "You don't need that kind of energy in your life anymore."
"Trust me, I know." She paused, watching him eat for a moment. "And I kinda enjoyed driving your car there. Felt like a whole CEO."
Sandile chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "You looked the part when you left this morning."
"Oh, you noticed?"
"Of course," he said, giving her a pointed look.
For a moment, they just sat there, the air between them warm and comfortable.
After finishing the pasta salad, Sandile reached for the mini cakes. "You're trying to make me fat."
"Fat? Please, you're one gym session away from breaking the treadmill," she teased.
He laughed, pulling apart one of the cakes and offering her half. Their fingers brushed briefly as she took it.
"This is good," Mmabatho said after her first bite.
"Not as good as you spoiling me," Sandile replied, his voice low and playful.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away.
After their lunch, Sandile had to jump into a quick meeting, leaving Mmabatho to lounge in his office. She scrolled through her phone, occasionally looking up to see him through the glass walls of the conference room.
When he returned, his tie was slightly loosened, and he looked more relaxed.
"Ready to head home?" he asked.
"Yup. Let me grab my bag."
As they rode down in the elevator together, Mmabatho couldn't help but think about how easy this feltâlike they were falling into some sort of rhythm.
When they reached the car, Sandile held the door open for her, making her laugh. "You're really playing chauffeur now?"
"For you? Always," he said with a wink.
Back on the road, with the Woolies bag now empty, Mmabatho couldn't stop smiling. It wasn't just the lunch or the laughterâit was everything about Sandile and how he made her feel.
And as they pulled into the driveway, she realized something: she wasn't just part of Sandile's world. She was starting to feel like it could be their world.