Poached Heart

“Pa, you can’t do that without her permission.” Nomadlozi Radebe’s voice cracked through the thick air, eyes darting from her father to her silent sister across the table. Josh barely glanced up from his mug. “Well, dear. Your father has spoken, or what? You wanted it to be you?” Lily Radebe’s voice was cold, sharp like shattered glass, as she folded her arms and c****d her head toward her daughter. Nomadlozi blinked in disbelief. “Ma, no. You and dad taught us to be strong. To choose for ourselves. Nomafu doesn’t want this marriage.” Josh let out a breathy chuckle, slow and dismissive, and sipped his coffee. “Noma, it's not really an arranged marriage if they’ve dated before.” Nomadlozi stood up, her chair scraping harshly against the tiled floor. Her chest was tight with frustration as she grabbed her sister’s hand. “Mntase... tell them. You don’t want this. Speak up for yourself.” Nomafu lowered her eyes, lips parted like she wanted to say something—anything—but no sound came. “See?” Lily stood with unsettling poise, heels clicking softly as she walked to them. “Your sister knows what’s best for her.” She gently pried Nomadlozi’s hands off Nomafu and nudged her toward the couch. “You’ll understand one day,” she murmured before turning away. Nomadlozi sat, breath caught in her throat. She wasn’t the one being married off, but the silence from her sister felt like a betrayal. Where was the fight? This wasn't like Nomafu. Her sister never backed down. Not until now. A soft touch snapped her from her daze. She looked up to see Lily. “Ma?” “Get up. The Khozas are coming for dinner,” Lily said flatly. “I need you to help your sister get ready.” --- Upstairs, the air was still. Nomafu sat before the mirror, unmoving, her fingers resting on the edge of the table. “Fufu?” Nomadlozi pulled a chair next to her, her voice gentler now. Without turning, Nomafu leaned her head on her sister’s shoulder. A silent sob escaped her lips. “It’s okay,” Nomadlozi whispered. “I won’t let Dad force you into this.” “No, Noma...” Nomafu wiped her eyes quickly, forcing a smile. “I want to do this.” Nomadlozi pulled back slightly, studying her sister’s face. “Fufu... you and Adam broke up for a reason. You said it yourself—you weren’t compatible. What’s changed?” “I don’t know,” Nomafu said, eyes flickering. “But... if he’s willing to take me and Aiva, then maybe he really cares. Right?” Her voice trembled. It was clear she wasn’t sure—more like she was convincing herself. Nomadlozi’s heart ached. “Don’t talk about your daughter like she’s a burden. She’s not. She’s the best part of all of us. And you—you’re beautiful, smart, annoyingly clever. And your nose still looks like a pig.” That last bit made Nomafu’s breath hitch—and then laughter burst through the tears. “What? My nose looks like a what? I’m still your big sister, you pig.” She playfully shoved Nomadlozi, who was laughing now too, relief washing over her. Nomadlozi reached for her hand. “If you really want this, I’ll stand by you.” “I do.” “Then let’s make you look like the queen you are.” --- Downstairs, Lily was in full command mode. The helper rushed past, nearly colliding with Nomadlozi, who stepped in calmly. “Ma, relax. Everything looks fine. Go get ready. Aunt Mavis has it under control.” Lily barely looked at her. “Yeah... you’re right. Mavis, what do you think—candles too?” Nomadlozi watched her mother for a second longer, catching the old elegance in her posture. Everything always had to be perfect. Even if everything was wrong. Then—the bell rang. “Get that, will you? I’m going up to dress.” Lily’s voice trailed behind her as she ascended the stairs. Nomadlozi sighed, smoothing the fabric of her black maxi dress. Gold earrings and a matching bracelet shimmered subtly against her dark skin. She had chosen something simple—neither too loud nor too quiet. She opened the door slowly—and a wave of warm, woody cologne greeted her. Her eyes met his. Adam. He wore a black suit tailored so well it felt criminal. He smiled, leaning in. “Hi,” he said, his voice a calm breeze wrapped in charm. He opened his arms for a hug. Nomadlozi blinked. “Hi... where—where are your parents?” She stepped back, peering behind him. “They’ll be here shortly,” he said, his eyes watching her closely. There was something different about him. Softer? Or maybe just more sure of himself. “Oh... okay. Please come in.” Her words came in a stilted rhythm. Adam stepped forward. “You look beautiful. It’s good to see you again.” He reached for her, hugging her tightly. It caught her off guard, and the closeness unsettled her. She pushed him away, gently but firmly. Adam’s brow furrowed. “What’s wrong?” Before she could answer, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Nomafu appeared, radiant in a royal blue mermaid dress that shimmered like moonlight. Every head would turn for her tonight. “Adam,” she said brightly, wrapping her arms around him. He smiled into her ear. “Still as beautiful as ever.” Nomafu laughed—a soft, honeyed laugh. She leaned in. “You don’t look bad yourself,” she whispered. Adam raised an eyebrow, amused. The chemistry between them simmered—real, palpable. Nomadlozi stood off to the side, watching. A sudden weight pressed against her chest. She felt like a guest in her own home, a stranger in this moment. Soon, the house was full. Laughter. Smells from the kitchen. Lily descended the stairs, floating in a navy satin gown, a satisfied smile on her lips. But Nomadlozi couldn’t shake the feeling. Something was off. And it wasn’t just Adam. It was all of it.