DANGEROUS AFFAIR

The Jealous Side Chick

CHAPTER 4

NARRATED

BUHLEBENDALO BHENGU

Buhle walked into the cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked scones wafting through the air, making her stomach twinge with hunger. She ordered a cup of coffee and a scone, and sat down at a table, waiting for her order to arrive. As she waited, she pulled out her phone and started scrolling through her messages, her mind still reeling from the events of the morning.

Just as she was getting lost in her phone, she heard a voice, lipped with venom.

Belinda; It must be nice to be you, huh?.

Buhle looked up to see Belinda standing over her, a sneer on her face. Buhle's heart skipped a beat as she tried to play it cool.

Buhle; What do you mean, ma'am?

Belinda chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound.

Belinda; Cut the act. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You're sleeping with Manqoba, that's why you quickly got that position.

Buhle's face flushed with anger and embarrassment as she tried to defend herself.

Buhle; I don't know what you're talking about. And I'll never stoop so low just to...

But Belinda wasn't having it, cutting her off mid-sentence,

Belinda; You'll never fool me. I saw how you walked in here earlier with him. I know your type, you can do anything for simple cash. You arrived yesterday and you already have an office. You must have given it to him nice

Buhle felt like she'd been slapped, her eyes welling up with tears. She quickly stood up, trying to escape the toxic conversation, but Belinda's words stung, making her feel dirty and cheap. The women who worked at the cafe looked up, concerned,

“ Ma'am, what about your order?"

Buhle just raised her hand, walking away, tears streaming down her face. She walked out of the cafe, trying to compose herself, but it was no use. She was a mess, and she knew it. As she walked back to her office, she bumped into Manqoba, her body hitting his, and she nearly fell. He quickly wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her steady, his eyes searching hers.

Manqoba; Why are you crying?

He asked, his voice soft with concern. Buhle shook her head, trying to hide the truth.

Buhle; It's nothing.

But Manqoba wasn't having it,

Manqoba; Don't lie to me, Ndalo, tell me what happened.

Buhle swallowed, she couldn't tell him the truth, she didn't want to create a scene

Buhle; I'm feeling stomachache, that's all.

She said, trying to brush it off. Manqoba looked unconvinced, but he let it go.

Manqoba; Okay, let me drive you home.

Buhle shook her head.

Buhle; No, I'll handle it, I have a lot of work to do.

But Manqoba was insistent.

Manqoba; You can do it tomorrow, I can't let you work while feeling sick. Go home and get rest.

Buhle nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her, and walked to her office to pack her things. She took an Uber back home, feeling miserable and alone.

****

When she walked in, Lumko looked up from his drawing, his eyes narrowing as he took in her tear-stained face.

Lumko; Why are you back home so early?

He asked, concern etched on his face.

Buhle sat down, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

Buhle; Mr. Ncukana's PA thinks I slept with Mr. Ncukana to get a job and an office.

She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lumko's face darkened with anger.

Lumko: Why would she think like that? Listen, babes, you know how you got a job. You opened your brain and used it. So please, next time, don't let anyone get into you. Cause they'll always treat you bad, knowing you're weak. I'll order some pizza for us. Go change.

Buhle smiled, feeling a wave of love for her friend, and hugged him tight. Lumko chuckled.

Lumko; I can't breathe, Buhle.

Buhle giggled,

Buhle: You wouldn't be able to talk if you weren't breathing.

Lumko laughed,

Lumko: Okay, Einstein, go change.

Buhle smiled, feeling a little better, and headed upstairs to change.

****

BELINDA SHEZI

Belinda walked into the restaurant, scanning the crowded room for her sister's familiar face. She spotted her sitting at a table by the window, sipping on a glass of water, and made her way over. As she approached, her sister looked up and smiled, and Belinda's tense expression relaxed slightly.

She dropped into the chair across from her sister and let out a sigh.

Belinda; Hey.

She said, trying to sound casual, but her sister's eyes narrowed.

Bulelwa; What's up?

Bulelwa asked, concern etched on her face.

Bulelwa; You sound sad and angry over the phone.

Belinda chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound, and shook her head. "

Belinda; There's this girl at work.

Se said, her voice lipped with venom.

Belinda; She just arrived yesterday, and she's already getting princess treatment from Manqoba. Today, he even pushed me away when I was trying to have s*x with him.

She snorted, a mixture of anger and hurt simmering beneath the surface.

Belinda; I mean, we always sleep together in his office, he never had an issue with it until she arrived.

Bulelwa's expression turned thoughtful, and she leaned in, her voice low and soothing. "

Bulelwa; Listen, Belinda, Manqoba made it clear what you mean to him. If you want to keep him in your blankets, don't push him. Give him it when he wants it, don't force feed him. He's a man, after all - he can't ignore you forever.

Belinda's eyes lit up with interest, and she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper.

Belinda; You're right.

She said, a sly glitch in her smile.

Belinda; I was thinking of stopping taking birth control and giving him a child."

Bulelwa's expression froze, her eyes widening in alarm.

Bulelwa; Belinda, don't do that, sis.

She said, her voice firm but gentle.

Bulelwa; You know I love you, but giving a man who doesn't love you a child is like poisoning someone and tasting it to see if it's enough to kill them. Having his child won't automatically make him love you. Just continue... him, and let it be like that.

Belinda's face fell, and she looked away, trying to hide the hurt in her eyes.

Belinda; I love him, sis.

She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Belinda; I wish he could just feel for me, even a little bit.

Bulelwa's expression softened, and she reached out, taking Belinda's hand in hers.

Bulelwa; I know it's hurts.

She said, her voice full of empathy.

Bulelwa; But you can't force someone to love you.

Just then, Belinda's phone rang, shrilling through the restaurant's hum. She checked the ID and saw Manqoba's name flashing on the screen. A smile spread across her face, and she picked up, her voice husky.

Belinda; Hey.

She said, trying to sound casual.

Belinda; I'm having lunch with my sister here.

Manqoba's voice came through the phone, low and commanding.

Manqoba; I want you back to the office.

He said, his tone brooking no argument. Belinda's eyes sparkled, and she bit her lower lip, a sly glitch in her smile.

Belinda; I'm on my way.

She said, her voice dripping with promise. She hung up and looked at her sister, a grin still plastered on her face.

Belinda; I have to go.

She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Belinda; He needs me.

Bulelwa smiled, a knowing glitch in her expression.

Bulelwa; I told you.

She said, her voice low and smooth.

Bulelwa; Go show him flames.

She stood up, paid the bill, and walked out of the restaurant with Belinda, a sense of determination etched on her face.

****

MANQOBA NCUKANA

The door to Manqoba's office swung open, and Belinda walked in, a confident smile plastered on her face. She closed the door behind her, the soft click of the latch echoing through the room, and sauntered towards his desk. Manqoba looked up from the papers in front of him, his expression neutral, and nodded curtly.

Manqoba: Sit down.

He said, his voice firm but not unkind.

Belinda's smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, swallowing hard as she took a seat in the chair opposite his desk. Manqoba's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he studied her.

Manqoba: Buhle went home.

He said, his voice measured.

Manqoba: Said she was feeling stomachache, but I wasn't buying it. She was crying like someone had said something to her. Sometimes that made her cry. So did you talk to her, maybe?

Belinda's eyes widened, a look of innocence spreading across her face.

Belinda: No.

She he said, her voice a little too quickly.

Belinda: Why would you think I talked to her, Manqoba?

Manqoba's gaze didn't waver, his eyes locked on hers.

Manqoba: After our conversation earlier, and your assumptions... you are the only person who came to my mind.

He said, his voice steady.

Belinda's smile returned, a little more tentative this time.

Belinda: Listen, I'm sorry about what I said.

She began, her voice placating.

Belinda: But I didn't said anything to her.

There was a pause, a heavy silence that hung in the air like a challenge. Manqoba's eyes seemed to bore into Belinda's soul, as if searching for something.

Manqoba: I hope you're telling the truth.

He said finally, his voice low and even.

Manqoba : I don't want that girl to feel uncomfortable here.

Belinda's chuckle was a little too loud, a little too forced.

Belinda: Why are you so defensive of her?

She asked, her voice lipped with annoyance.

Belinda: You just met her yesterday, and already you're acting like her father.

Manqoba's expression didn't change, but his voice took on a harder edge.

Manqoba: She's my employee.

He said, his words clipped.

Manqoba: And it's my job to make her feel comfortable. Don't I satisfy you in bed? I make sure you're well taken care of, so please don't make me change my mind with your childish behavior. Leave my office.

Belinda's face flushed, a mixture of anger and hurt simmering beneath the surface. She stood up, her movements stiff, and turned to leave. The door closed behind her, the soft click of the latch echoing through the room once more, leaving Manqoba alone with his thoughts.

****

Manqoba pulled into his driveway, the familiar sight of his home a stark contrast to the tension brewing inside him. He killed the engine and stepped out of the car, his movements weary. As he entered the house, he was greeted by the sound of murmured conversation, which fell silent as he walked into the living room.

His mother, Nomalanga, and her parents were seated, their faces a mixture of concern and expectation. Manqoba's stomach dropped, his mind racing with possibilities. He swallowed hard, forcing a neutral expression onto his face as he placed his staff on the table and took a seat.

Manqoba: Evening.

He said, his voice firm, as they all greeted him back.

Mandla, Nomalanga's father, cleared his throat, his expression stern.

Mandla: I'm sure you're wondering why we're here, don't you?

He said, his voice a statement rather than a question. Manqoba nodded, his eyes locked on Mandla's, bracing himself for what was to come.

Mandla: I had a conversation with my daughter last night, and she sounded sad over the phone. When you got married to her, you promised us that you'd make sure she's always happy. But according to her, you're failing to perform your duties as a husband.

Manqoba's jaw clenched, a mixture of anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Manqoba: What kind of duties am I failing to perform for her?

He asked, his voice tight.

Manqoba: The fridge is full, she got everything she..

Mandla cut him off, his voice firm.

Mandla: You're a man, Manqoba, you know what I'm talking about.

Manqoba's gaze flicked to Nomalanga, a spark of anger igniting within him.

Manqoba: You told your father about our business, Nomalanga? How can you embarrass me like that?

Nomalanga's expression was a mixture of hurt and frustration.

Nomalanga: I had no choice, Nqoba.

She said, her voice soft.

Nomalanga: I can't remember the last time you touched me. You always make excuses.

Manqoba's anger flared, but he reined it in, his voice even.

Manqoba: You know I work hard to give you the lifestyle you want, I'm always exhausted.

Mandla's chuckle was a low, rumbling sound.

Mandla: Stop with excuses, Manqoba.

He said, his voice stern.

Mandla: I work hard too, but I make sure my wife is happy.

Manqoba's shoulders slumped, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him.

Manqoba: I'm sorry.

He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Manqoba: I'll make sure from now on that I do my husband duties.

He stood up, his movements stiff, and headed upstairs, the silence behind him deafening. He shut the door behind him, the soft click of the latch a welcome respite from the tension downstairs. He leaned against the door, his forehead pressed against the cool wood, his eyes closed in defeat. The weight of the world felt like it was crushing him, suffocating him.

He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling, and began to undress, his movements mechanical. He stepped into the shower, the hot water a temporary reprieve from the turmoil brewing inside him. Afterwards, he dressed in a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, and sneakers, his movements economical. He grabbed his car keys and headed back downstairs, the silence in the living room still palpable. He slipped out of the house, the cool evening air a welcome respite from the tension inside. He got into his car and drove off, the open road a siren's call, beckoning him to escape the pressures of his life.

****

Manqoba stood outside Belinda's door, his heart racing with a mix of tension and desire. He knocked, the sound barely registering before the door swung open, Belinda's sleepy gaze meeting his. She was wrapped in a robe, her hair rumpled, looking like she'd been about to call it a night.

Without a word, Manqoba's control snapped. He pulled her into a fierce kiss, his lips crashing down on hers as he kicked the door shut behind him. Belinda's response was immediate, her arms wrapping around his neck as she melted into the kiss.

Manqoba's hands were everywhere, tracing the curves of her body, as he lifted her off the ground. He headed upstairs, his movements driven by a primal urge, Belinda's legs wrapped tight around his waist. He laid her gently on the bed, his eyes locking onto hers, the air thick with anticipation. Belinda's gaze was sultry, her chest heaving with desire, as she helped him strip off his clothes.

The room dissolved into a haze of heavy breathing, the sound of their ragged gasps filling the air as they gave in to the raw attraction between them. Manqoba's world narrowed to the feel of Belinda's skin, the taste of her kiss, the sound of her moans. For tonight, she was his escape, his refuge from the chaos of his life.

As they moved together, the tension between them building to a fever pitch, Manqoba forgot about his problems, forgot about everything except the woman beneath him.

As they moved together, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a bubble of raw emotion. Manqoba's heart was pounding in his chest, his senses on overload as he got lost in the feel of Belinda's skin, the taste of her kiss. Belinda's eyes were closed, her face a mask of pure pleasure, her lips parted in a silent cry. Manqoba's gaze was drawn to her, his emotions swirling in a mix of desire and vulnerability. He felt like he was drowning in her, like he was losing himself in the depths of her eyes. His movements became slower, more deliberate, as he savored the feel of her. Belinda's hands were on his back, her nails digging into his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

*****

BUHLEBENDALO BHENGU

Buhle woke up to a new day, feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges came her way. She stretched her arms, yanking off the covers as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. A quick shower and she was ready, her hair tied back in a neat bun, her work clothes crisp and professional.

She headed downstairs to join Lumko for breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and scrambled eggs filling the air. They exchanged a few words, Buhle's mind already ticking over to the tasks ahead at the office. With breakfast done, Buhle grabbed her bag and headed out, locking the door behind her. An Uber was waiting, whisking her away to the office. The morning traffic was light, and she arrived feeling energized.

As she walked into her office, Buhle felt a sense of purpose. She dropped her bag onto the desk and settled in, her focus on the tasks at hand. The computer hummed to life, and she dove into work, her concentration total. The sound of footsteps outside her door broke her focus. She looked up to see Manqoba walking in, a warm smile on his face as he took in the sight of her, eyes fixed on her screen. Buhle felt a flutter in her chest, aware of his presence.

Buhle: Morning sir.

She said, her voice professional.

Buhle: What can I do for you?

Manqoba chuckled, his eyes wrinkling at the corners.

Manqoba: I just wanted to check up on you.

He said, his tone friendly.

Manqoba: How are you feeling?

Buhle's expression softened, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Buhle; I'm feeling okay.

She said, her voice a touch more relaxed. Manqoba nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he seemed to remember himself.

Manqoba: Don't hesitate to talk to me if you want something.

He said, his tone back to professional.

Buhle nodded, a small dip of her head.

Buhle: Thank you, sir.

Manqoba's footsteps paused, his eyes locking onto Buhle's concerned face. He swallowed, a lump forming in his throat. No one had ever asked him if he was okay, not like that, not with genuine interest. Nomalanga's questions were always lipped with expectation, Belinda only cares about what's in his pants. His mother's care was the only other time he'd felt like this.

He turned, nodding with a faint smile.

Buhle: I'm okay, thanks for asking.

He said, his voice a little softer than he'd intended. Buhle nodded, her eyes still holding a hint of concern. Manqoba turned away, walking out of the room before she could see the cracks in his armor.