The royal house is a crime scene, so Shaka and Fifi are accommodating us in their house. Fifi gave us some changing clothes. I was still in my wedding dress.
Now, Teboho, Tlali, Thabi and I are headed to the prison. Mme-mofomahadi and Fifi are staying with the kids. Reahile and Mohato insisted on coming with us so they are in the car with us. We are using my car.

I’m driving and Tebza is in the front seat. Tlali and Thabi are sitting in the backseat.
“Not exactly the wedding night you imagined?” Tlali says.
“I’m worried about my dad. My parents are huge on the law. They judge you for a speeding ticket. Now my husband is –
I am quiet.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to face my father after this”, I say.
“Babe, you showed up for us. You really did. You got your dad to manage that situation and it will go far in saving them. You showed up for us. We will never forget that. Trust me, you will always have us.” Teboho says to me.
I nod my head.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do about my NGO. Ethics is a critical part of having a sustainable business. My donors are going to pull out and people’s jobs will be on the line. This is not good for –
“You are married to Khotso Mohale. Do you think you will ever need another donor in your life?” Thabi recklessly says.
I actually don’t like Thabi. I stomach her, but I need some time to warm up to her because she’s an acquired taste. I haven’t acquired that taste yet.
The rest of our drive is in silence until we get to where the men are held.

We find the men sitting at reception and not in cells. Each woman hugs her man. Khotso is not getting a hug from me. He must just forget it. But he does walk up to me. He is still in his wedding outfit. All of them are. His hands are in his pocket. He is much taller than me, so when he does look at me, he faces downwards as he is doing now.
“What’s going on?” I ask him.
“I don’t know. The attorneys are in there with all of those people trying to lock us up.”
“Why aren’t you in a cell?” I ask.
“I don’t know.” He says.
The attorneys walk out. Then one of them says, “You can go home, but you cannot leave the country. Whatever international work you have, your team will have to do the travelling for you.”
The guys nod their heads.
“We will meet up tomorrow at my office or at one of your houses and discuss this further”, another attorney says.
The men nod their heads and shake their hands.
“Who called the media?” Teboho says.
What?!
She is staring at the officers.
“Why are there cameras and reporters outside? Why is this trending? Who told them these men were here?” Teboho.
Nothing.
“Give me your cellphones, all of you.” Shaka.
That scares everyone so much that some lady says, “it was me.”
The look everyone gives her!
“Go out there and tell them you lied”, Teboho says.
She’s so scared. She even wants to cry.
“Sello and Nnana want their mommy to tuck them into bed tonight. Pity they don’t know how stupid their mother is”, Tlali.
Who are these people?!
This lady starts crying.
“Go tell them you lied. You slip up, and you’ll be burying your kids this weekend.” Teboho.
I’m so frozen it’s not even funny.

The officer: “Please get off our premises. I lied about the tip off.”
We are watching this on TV.
Reporter: “Why would you lie about something this serious?”
The officer: “I was offered money. I need the money.”
Reporter: “But you knew we’d come. You knew this tip off would need to be verified. You wouldn’t just lie.”
The officer: “I lied’
Reporter: “We don’t believe you. We will camp out here until we see someone else walk out of this police station.”

Teboho turns around and looks at everyone.
“You men will leave using the back entrance and you will use Remo’s car. They don’t know it. No one is following her like that yet. We will walk out the front. We will say that we came here because social media said you were here. When we arrived, you weren’t. We will then leave with the car you came with.”
When did she think of this? And everyone is just nodding their heads.
She looks at me.
No! I don’t want a role in this. No!
“You know they’ll focus on you, right? About your marriage. You just came into this circle and –
“Please… I’m happy to just be quiet and just push my way through them.” I say.
“Remo –
“My parents are watching this! They are probably following this, and –
“Remoletile! The headline might start with ‘the daughter to judge and advocate Sedibe, but the surname that appears behind your first name is Mohale. That’s the name that comes first. That’s the name we need to put first. When you are out there, you are a princess of this kingdom before you are the daughter to the Sedibe family. You are the wife to the Chief advisor and chief leader of the throne before you are some unknown daughter of a popular judge. You need to handle the media as such.” Teboho says.
I can’t breathe. I’m struggling to breathe.
Thabi gives me a mug. She’s been drinking alcohol out of this all night.
“Gulp this and pull yourself together. We need to get out of here.” She says.
I just wipe my tears and say, “let’s go”. I don’t want her alcohol.

I thought I could do it. I thought I could deal with the media and be this woman I’m expected to be since I became Khotso’s wife. But I can’t. I just walked past the media – even shoved one journalist out of the way – and now we are in the car. My cellphone will not stop ringing!

…

We are now at Shaka’s house. We are all sitting in the TV room and there is silence amongst us. My cellphone will not stop ringing. It’s donors and my parents. I owe them explanations. I know I do. I just don’t know what to say.
“Why don’t you just switch it off?” Thabi says.
I give her a look. She’s tap-dancing on my last nerve.
“Either answer the damn phone, or switch it off.” She says.
“Thabi, just stop.” Ona.
“Stop what, Ona? We are all spooked by this. But we all deal with it. Even Mohato and Reahile are not losing it like this. Grow the fuck up!” Thabi says.
“SHUT! UP! SHUT UP!” Mme-mofomahadi says to her.
There is silence.
I’m literally shaking!
“Can I please go home? I just need to be with my parents tonight.” I say.
Thabi rolls her eyes.
“Can we just go for a drive and talk?” Khotso says.
“Not a drive. We are still too hot.” Shaka says.
“You can use one of the guest bedrooms in the flat”, Fifi says.
Yes, they have an actual building here that has over fifteen rooms. They are flats. Each room has a bathroom and lounge area.
Khotso holds my hand and leads me to the flats.

There is a king-sized bed in here and a large couch, but we are sitting on the carpet. I am crying. He is just watching me. He left to go smoke then he came back and sat on the floor with me again.
I finally stop crying.
“I’m sorry that this your wedding night”, he says.
“I could’ve pictured a better ending to it.”
“Me too”, him.
“But here we are.” I say.
“Here we are.” He says.
“I’m terrified”, I tell him.
“I know. And I’m sorry. Not just for you being so terrified. But about the way that I spoke to you as well.” He says.
I nod my head.
“I could lose my NGO”, I tell him.
“We can always just turn it into a business.” He says.
“Throwing money at things is not the answer to everything, Khotso”, I say.
“I know. I just don’t want you stressed about things we can throw money at.”
I look at him.
He smiles at me.
I look away.
He pulls me towards him. Now, I’m between his legs and I’m leaning against his chest.
“We are criminals. And sometimes, things get crazy. We’ve lost people along the way because of this, but we can’t just stop because half of the money that sustains everything that we do for this kingdom comes from the crimes we commit. That’s why my father started this syndicate and that’s why we continue with it. It’s not only just for us to drive luxurious cars and live in massive houses. It’s for the people of this kingdom too.” He says.
“Why is Regodise… why did she turn on you guys?” I ask.
“Ona cheated on her. Tholoana came from that cheating. She wanted him to suffer.”
“If you cheat, I’ll also make you suffer”, I say and he laughs.
“It’s going to take time, Khotso. But I’ll adjust. I think my parents might even disown me.” I say.
“They love you. They’ll always –
“You don’t know my dad. He is sooo… I have to manage him else he will personally turn all of us in.” I say.
He kisses the side of my head.
“I have to take his calls at some point.”
“It doesn’t have to be today.” He says, kissing me and running his hand under the t-shirt that I’m wearing.
“Khotso…”
“Hmmm???”
“You know that thing that my dad said? About you reporting me to him if you find out that I’ve ever been with another man –
“All fathers say that about their daughters. I’m not going to do that. We all started having sex at sixteen.” He says.
“Not me.” I say.
“Well, how old were you when you started having sex?” He asks me.
“I’m a virgin, Khotso”, I say.
He freezes.
He removes his hands from underneath my t-shirt.
“It’s not a disease”, I say.
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just… the last time I had sex with a virgin was in high school.”
“Wow”, I say as I get up from the floor.
“No, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just –
“Stop talking. Please.”
He stops talking.
He stands up from the carpet.
He walks up to me. He pulls me in towards him. I wrap my arms around his waist.
“I’m so honoured to have a woman like you who is about to give me her all in its entirety. I feel like I’ve won the jackpot”, he says.
“I’m not perfect. I have my flaws. I need you to take the things you love about me with my flaws.” I say.
“Done. I’m going to piss you off. I’m going scare you. I’m going to make mistakes. But I’m also going to love the hell out of you. I’m going to make you laugh until your stomach hurts.”
I laugh then say, “I know. Today alone, I was down, and you lifted me up with your smile. Tears ran down my face and you wiped them away with your love. You’ve touched my heart. There were moments today when I wondered if I had made the right choice agreeing to this. I looked at my ring and wondered what it truly signified… what I had got myself into… But, as I stand before you as your wife, I can comfortably say that I’m where I should be. I’ll do my best too – to love you and to not kill Thabi –
He laughs aloud.
“Is that a problem? Do I need to get involved?” He asks me.
“No. Thabi and I will be fine. These are just teething problems”, I say.
“You sure?” He asks me.
“I’m sure.” I say.

I take a step towards him.
“Can I at least have a good wedding night tonight?” I say as I unbutton his shirt.
“Are you sure?”
I nod my head and say, “I’m scared, but I’m sure.”
“We can wait. I will wait for you.” He says.
“Then what would be the point of the underwear I chose to wear under my wedding outfit? It’s too expensive for you to not see.” I say.
He has grabbed me and we are now kissing each other, undressing each other.
He looks at me naked.
He is also naked.
I’ve never seen a naked man before.
I’m suddenly scared to –
“It’s all yours. You can touch me”, he says.
I put my hand on his abs and I just feel my entire body react.
He lies me down on the bed.
“I don’t have condoms”, he says.
I nod my head and say, “I trust you.”
He climbs on top of me.
He kisses me.
He takes my hand and he leads it to my lady bird. He makes me touch myself, but he does it so nicely I actually enjoy it.
Then he kisses my stomach and his kisses lead him to basically eating out my lady bird. But I love it. I feel something wet running down my leg.
After some time, my body contracts towards itself and I even give out a moan.
Then he comes up.
I feel his penis come inside of me. My entire body reacts.
From there, he just takes care of me in every possible way. EVERY POSSIBLE WAY!
When we are done, I feel like a woman. He is kissing me and cuddling me.

At least something went according to plan today.

…

Thomas fetched my parents and brought them to our house to live with us. Without even speaking to me. At first, I was pissed because my parents haven’t exactly apologized for not loving me the way that they loved my siblings. But, they’ve been here and they are trying. I’ve accepted that they’ll never apologize because parents think they are too good to apologise. But my husband and all my children love having them around. So, I ended up finding ways to enjoy them too.

My parents – they love it here. They’ve joined the golf club in our estate and take our golf cart everywhere. We’ve had to buy a second one because Rofhiwa uses one too to go to shops or the extra mural activities that she does in the estate. My parents also do the aerobics for the elderly here – getting themselves there with the golf cart of course.
They are always busy and they love it. This is their idea of retiring. That – and bossing staff around in the house. They thought I was hectic… now, they’ve met MaKhumalo. They are in for it.

The key reason for them coming here is because they are getting older. My sisters moved out and left their children with my mother. I didn’t take those kids. But I did tell the parents – in front of Sbo – that their kids like things, especially Siyamthanda. It’s unfair of them to make their kids someone else’s responsibility – in this case, Sbo’s responsibility. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that he sent the kids packing with their parents.
Sbo is the one left at home. He stays there with Latifah and their one-year-old daughter, Azuzile. We call her Azu for short. They are getting married soon and we are all happy for them. We are proud of them. Sbo wanted to buy a house, but my parents asked him to live at home because they don’t want to lose the house. But I told my parents they shouldn’t do that. That house is something we all have a right to and one day, Noni and Neli are going to show up and bully Latifah. My parents should rather call all four of us and say they need someone to live there. Those two – Noni and Neli – will volunteer to stay there. They’ll take a free house any day. They are even staying in RDPs.
My dad wants it to be Sbo. He is more responsible.

Sbo is now leading our logistics team at work. He still has his taxis that are growing by day, but the industry is getting too dangerous. So the company leased his taxis for our own use like staff transport and transport for our soccer team.
We told him to buy busses as well and we will lease them from him. He did. He bought luxury busses and those are now the official transport for our soccer players.
He spends so much time at the NIR village that we appointed him as the executive lead of our logistics team. Trust me, he’s doing well. He went back to school and is studying part time. He is doing a business degree, majoring in logistics.
I’m so proud of my brother. I cannot even hide it. I support him in every way that I possibly can.
Latifah and I are also quite close. Her man is balling so much, she was able to take maternity leave for eighteen months. Must be nice.
But she’s headed back to work. She works at Koena’s beauty spa as a hair stylist and nail technician.

Neli is still an admin personnel at our company, under Thando still. She tried to move into Sbo’s team, but Sbo didn’t want her. He said he wanted hard workers. Kunzima.

The Ramarus are still not talking to us. I still talk to Kim. She told me her husband has been wanting to reach out to Thomas, but he was threatened. We missed the wedding of the youngest brother. Thomas FELL APART. My husband cried his eyes out that day and I wanted to tell those ungrateful bastards that they need to grow up. But I spoke to Kim. I told her that they are full of shit. All of them. I hope she told them.
But Ranwedzi is growing. He is such a rascal now. He keeps Thomas in tracksuits and sneakers in the house all the time. I try to keep up, but shame man – I struggle and I’ll happily admit that.

I get attacked by a kiss on my cheek. I was in my study pushing work and thinking hard. I didn’t even see him come in.
I smile at him.
“You look beautiful”, he says to me.
I smile even harder.
“When did you get back?” I ask him. He had gone to the office. It’s Saturday, by the way.
“Just now. I was missing you. Besides, our team has a game today.” He says.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. Mfundo and Mthunzi will be going to the stadium. I thought maybe we could also go?”
“Sure. I’m keen. I’ve learned a lot about soccer in the past two years. We even got two more sponsors. They were two of my meetings this morning.”
He smiles at me.
“What?!” I ask.
“You are one hell of a businesswoman. I’m so proud of you.” He says.
I giggle.
“Mfundo has phoned me as well. Tonight, we will be announcing that we have made it into the PSL”, I say.
He is very happy.
I’m also happy.
We have more than invested in this team.
We gave them international exposure. They’ve played locally and internationally. Our boys are doing GREAT and their soccer shirts sell like hot cakes in sports shops.
This is brilliant news for us. The best part is that teams in the PSL fear our boys. They came in as underdogs, but now… they come in peace, but they mean BUSINESS!
Mfundo is so proud. That’s my favourite part of this journey… seeing Mfundo so happy and so proud. This is his baby… his and his father’s thing that has connected them in a real way. Trust me, we are here for it.
Thomas and I will be next to them, alongside the club manager, when Mfundo and Mthunzi announce and celebrate our entry into the PSL.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. Thomas is suddenly not okay anymore.
“Ramaru Holdings is not doing great. They’ve had to let go of the insurance pillar and the hospitality pillar”, he says.
“Yeah well, those pillars were never doing well anyway. You just more than performed with the construction pillar and a large part of your budget was to cover the other two pillars financially.” I say.
“Yeah, I guess. But the construction pillar is also not performing as great. Babe, I don’t want my brothers and their families to suffer”, he says.
“But they have no problem leaving you out to dry?”
He looks at me.
Okay, I’m being unfair.
“Sorry”, I say.
“I don’t blame you for feeling that way. Every Fibre of my being wants to feel that way.” He says.
“What if they reach out to you? Ask for help. What are you going to do?” I ask him.
“I’m not going back to Ramaru Holdings”, he says.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. NIR is ours. Always.” He says.
I nod my head.
“I’ve been talking to Kim.” I say.
His face lights up, as if he is extremely hopeful.
“Her family misses us.” I say.
“So, what did you say?”
“I told her they know where to find us. So, last night she said they’d come support our team today. I got them tickets.” I say.
It’s as if he cannot believe it. He gets slightly emotional.
I hold his hand.

…

Kim and I are here with the two Ramaru Brothers. They decided we needed a thorough experience, so we are not seated at the VIP section. It’s so loud and raggedy! Koena is here with us. I introduced her to Kim and the three of us are almost like a trio that’s been tight since high school.
Mfundo invited his girlfriend. She seems to be the stable and consistent one. She’s been around for some time and Mfundo is definitely happier. She came with two of her friends. I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t chill with us neither if I were her. I also see that Mfundo’s daughter is here. She is with Koena and us.

The stadium is rowdy. I’m worried about security. There are too many people here. After April 11th, I’m very paranoid. I think that’s been one of my biggest fears since the club started growing.
“You guys are doing so well. You must be so proud.” Kim says.
“Thank you. This one is Mfundo’s and Mthunzi’s baby. Trust me, we are so proud and happy for them”, I say.
She smiles at me.
“Koena, you are a mom all over again?” I say.
We laugh. She has Mfundo’s daughter with her.
“Why didn’t you leave her at home?” Kim asks.
I get her question. I don’t even feel safe here.
“The mom brought her here. We asked her to take her home, but she brought her here.” Koena says. She’s also very uncomfortable.
“Let’s go to the VVIP box guys. Ngeke. We have a child with us.” I say.
Us three ladies get up. I take baby girl from Koena just so she can breathe. She looks unwell.
“Niyaphi?” Mthunzi asks us.
“The box. This is not safe for Nomagugu”, I say.
“You guys just want an excuse to be up there”, Thomas says and the guys laugh.
“Whatever!” I say.
Koena and Kim are long gone.
“Aunt Fiks, please take Nene with you. Her and her friends.” Mfundo says.
We all smile at him.
“Call her”, I say.
He texts something to her.
We see her looking up at us. I then lead the way. She and her two friends – the WAGs – they follow me upstairs.

The game is nice and our boys win. We had invited the sponsors today, so they are up here with us. Nene doesn’t know how to be around us, shame. But she’s a pretty girl from Nelspruit. Her family originates from Swaziland. Her parents moved to Nelspruit when she was sixteen. She speaks flawless siSwati and she’s gorgeous. She also doesn’t seem forward.
I hear she’s a doctor – a paediatrician. Koena and Mthunzi like her a lot. I like her too.

The game is over and it’s time for the announcement to be made. Thomas texts me to come to where they are so we can walk to the media briefing together.
The men are in the team’s tracksuit and the team’s t-shirt.
I’m wearing jeans and the team’s t-shirt.
I make my way down to the men and we all walk together to the press conference.

Mfundo and Mthunzi make the announcement and answer a few questions about the performance and expansion of the club. We are all quite excited. I answer a few questions. Thomas answers a few questions. Then we leave.

…

We get home and find my parents and our kids hanging out together. The Ramaru brothers leave us to go talk. Thomas told me that they’ll be in the study if they are needed.
“We had so much fun”, Kim says.
We are sitting in the dining room area, drinking wine and eating Sally Williams chocolate with Turkish Delight insides.
“I’m happy you had fun. We’ve worked hard. We are proud and happy.” I say.
“Congratulations, Fikile. To both of you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. How are things? How’s everyone?” I ask her.
“The business is tanking. Richard left the company and found a 9-5 job. He had to. It pays well and with it, we’ve been able to keep our house and keep our kids in their schools. But we had to sell four of our cars and only keep two.” She says.
“You don’t need six cars, Kim. And I’m proud of you guys for getting real with yourselves and facing the reality before you.” I say.
“Yeah. But obviously, Kenneth expelled us from the family too. We also now have to pay to have rights to the main house. The house is falling apart every day. They are struggling to keep it together and I get the feeling that that the money from you guys and us is what is keeping the lights on at the house. Everything else is gone. The staff is gone. The business cannot afford to pay them anymore.”
“Thomas mentioned that it’s bad, I didn’t realise it was this bad.” I express.
“It’s bad, Fikile. And Penny has become an even bigger cow. She forced Kenneth to be CEO of Ramaru Construction and forced Mulalo to be director or something. She won’t even lift a finger. She just wants Kenneth and their kids to work for her. I don’t understand. Even I’ve found a job now. In this economy, households need a dual economy.”
She’s really crushed shame.

The men walk into where we are. They bring whiskey with them and a bowl of nuts. I sit on top of Thomas and Kim sits on top of her man, Richard.
“Did Kim bring you up to speed?” Thomas asks me.
“Yeah, she did.” I say.
“We are thinking of moving to Gauteng. I was chatting to Thomas about that.” Richard says.
I can already see where this is going.
“I’m thinking he comes to join us? He will work with you at the Communications branch. His expertise is Marketing”, Thomas tells me.
What if I said no?
Thomas cannot make these kinds of decisions alone. We also need to chat to Mthunzi. He’s not just a head there.
“We need to chat to Mthunzi as well, babe.” I say.
“We were on the call with him now in my office. Upon your go-ahead, we can process the paperwork.” Thomas.
“In what position?” I ask.
“Your managing director? You hadn’t appointed anyone to replace the one that’s left. Then Kim will be your PA?” Thomas mara.
Kim too?
And why are they joining my pillar? He and Mthunzi are so unfair.
I have been complaining a lot about my PA, but he can’t just appoint one for me just because. Thank God for Thando. She will help me a lot with this.
“Okay”, I say.
“Okay?” Richard.
“Yeah, okay. Welcome to NIR”, I say.
Happiness fills the room.
I’m not happy, but I’ll adjust. For my husband, I’ll adjust. He’s brushing my back. That tells me he knows I’m not happy. But we will talk… for now, I’m putting him first. And he’s happy. So, it’s worth it.