THE BROODER

39

THE BROODER

39.

***RICHARD***

Thirty-nine missed calls? From Ashley?

Must be something serious...

Ashley:"hello"

There's something wrong with her voice. She's probably crying again. I hung up and checked the CCTV cameras in the house. I checked them through my mobile phone.

I frown as I see what transpired in the nursery.

I dial her number as I watch her. She sees my call and pretends to cry.

Her teary voice:" Mr Richard, she fought me in the presence of the kids hereby provoking the kids. She's toxic for the children..."

"I don't care! Take all your rubbish this moment and leave my premises. I don't want to ever see you anywhere in my space, understood?"

Nanny:" But sir, she's lying. All she told you is all a lie "

"She doesn't need to tell me anything. I am watching the footage right now and you were rude to my woman. I don't repeat my words. You're fired! Your services are no longer needed."

I hung up and called the security to help her outta my house.

I checked the footage of Ashley's room and she's busy watching some online videos on her phone.

I dial her phone but she didn't answer. She's holding her phone but she refuses to answer. I watched her decline my calls over and over again.

I call Refiloe...

"Take the phone to her"

Refiloe:"okay sir"

I see Refiloe knock on her room door and she opens the door.

Her voice on background...

Ashley:"Please tell him I'll talk to him tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted and I want to rest. I was sleeping before you woke me up " she's lying...I don't think they all know that I've got cameras around the house. It's in hideous spot and shapes. You can't detect it.

"Put the phone on speaker!"

I just want to pass the message to her tonight cause I saw her crying and moody after the fight with the nanny. She didn't want to injure or provoke the children so she left the room for the nanny.

"I took care of the issue. You'll interview a new set of nannies for our children tomorrow. Can I trust your judgement on making the right choice?"

I see her smile and she took the phone from Refiloe.

Ashley:" Yes I will. Can I ask you a question?"

"Isn't that a question already?"

Ashley:"fine. Can I breastfeed the twins? The doctor dim me fit to. I just want your opinion on the issue."

"I'm not a doctor mama nor a consultant on such trivial situations. If the doctor approves and you feel you can do it then, I don't have any issue with it. Do it if you want to not because it's mandatory. I just don't want anything getting in the way of your happiness"

The last line was definitely unnecessary. I don't know how or when I said it but it's out there already.

Ashley:"I want to do it..I want to breastfeed my children."

"Then do it!"

I end the call after seeing the change of mood in her. She's in a better mood now.

I don't know what's with her and me wanting to put a smile on her face. I don't understand my obsession with her personal happiness.

CONNIE P.O.V

I still see his face and I always think about him. There's something about his last look at me that is disturbing. I feel like I know him. I don't want to believe that I have a crush on my boss like Jamie said. I'm not that kind of woman who likes younger men.

That day we met them in the house, Isisa wanted to say something but he interrupted and said that they lost their way. I don't think Isisa will ever lost her way around here. We used to be close when I was dating her brother, Banzi. She'll come around my house and we'll catch up on village gossips and fun. She's the only one of his relatives who accepted me.

Their visit has something to do with my mother's bad days. She's been moody like she still got her periods. That old layer has refused to tell us the reasons they came. Mama is dramatic yet secretive when she wants to.

Richard junior has his father's good genes so I think that's one of the reason I think about his son these days.

Masithole:" You have yet another flower delivery today Coco. I had to pick it up from the reception on my way back from lunch."

She's all smiles as she passed it to me.

Masithole:"There's a card too."

She definitely wants me to read it at her presence. There's a mini box present and I open it to see a pair of diamond earrings. It is shimmering and yet familiar.

I've been getting this delivery daily for a week now and I think it's from the doctor. Yesterday was a pair of stilettos, my kind of shoes. The other day was a pack of Bois fragrance from France. It's an old preference of mine and I didn't know they still exist. It's from way back before all the storms, during my fairytale past. I want to believe that it's a coincidence that SANDILE knows all these things.

*You're my African cherry*

Love RS.

How did he come to know of my love for African cherry? I had that during my pregnancy days. I abused my desire for cherries using my cravings as an excuse. Banzi was always getting it for me. Maybe it's just a phrase or a compliment. He can't know all this much about me.

Masithole:" It's from the doctor, right?"

" um, Yes, I think"

Masithole:" You sound unsure. Call him and confirm if you're not sure. These days there are stalkers and criminals using this tactics to lure women. They'll send you presents and lure you outside to visit him. Then, they'll do despicable things to these vulnerable women. Why not call him to confirm if he's the sender of these presents"

"The note says RS. His name is

Rathebe SANDILE and he's the only one I know with that initials."

Masithole:"I still think you should call him, maybe to thank him or something just to be sure."

Someone knocks at our door...