chapter 5
556 Words
It was a Wednesday, and Muzi had summoned all three of his wives to a private dinner in the formal lounge. These dinners were his way of maintaining peace—a roundtable of sorts where emotions simmered beneath layers of civility.
Nomvula dressed thoughtfully, choosing a sleek emerald dress that was elegant but modest. Cathy arrived in a tailored black jumpsuit, crisp and calculated. Kate, as usual, chose sophistication—a navy silk blouse paired with wide-leg trousers. The tension in the room could slice bread.
Muzi walked in last, kissed each woman on the cheek, then settled at the head of the table. “Thank you all for coming,” he said smoothly. “There are a few updates I want to share.”
As they ate, he spoke about business expansions, land acquisitions, and upcoming family gatherings. Then came the surprise: “Nomvula will be shadowing me for a few weeks. She’s interested in understanding how the company runs.”
Cathy's fork paused mid-air. Kate raised her brow.
“Oh?” Kate said slowly. “That’s… new.”
Nomvula smiled calmly. “I asked to learn. It’s his world, and I want to support it.”
Cathy leaned in. “Just remember, the corporate world is not like nursing or homemaking. It demands more than presence. It demands power.”
Muzi cleared his throat. “And she’ll learn, as you both did. Let’s give her the same room you had.”
They continued dinner in a strange silence—tense but polite.
Later that night, in the shared family lounge, the four brothers sat around a small firepit, laughing and sipping whiskey.
“I saw Cathy’s face at dinner,” Kenny said, grinning. “She looked like Muzi just gave away her crown.”
Calvin shrugged. “Cathy’s used to being the alpha wife.”
Manzo added, “Nomvula is humble, but not naive. That woman’s got backbone.”
Meanwhile, upstairs, the three wives retreated to their separate wings. Nomvula entered her room and pulled out a journal, scribbling down her thoughts:
*“Being a third wife means knowing when to speak, when to smile, and when to sharpen your edge quietly. But I won’t fight with claws—I’ll fight with light.”*
The next morning, Nomvula stepped into Muzi’s corporate office building. Eddie, now working as a logistics consultant, greeted her with a warm smile. “Welcome to the lion’s den.”
Nomvula grinned. “Let’s see how loud they roar.”
Inside the boardroom, Muzi introduced her as an observer. Some executives nodded; others whispered.
By midday, she had already impressed a few with her insightful questions.
Back at home, Mama Shinny was having lunch with Chief Obidike, speaking in low tones.
“She’s adapting quickly,” Shinny noted.
Obidike nodded. “But too quickly invites fire. She must tread carefully.”
“She’s a candle in a gusty house,” Mama Shinny said. “Let’s see if she flickers or flames.”
Outside in the backyard, Kate and Cathy met by the flowerbeds.
“Shadowing Muzi? This girl’s playing chess,” Kate muttered.
“She can play,” Cathy said coldly. “But she must never forget—this is a board we built.”
And in the shadows of manicured lawns and marble-floored mansions, the game continued.
- Writer
