PROMISED TO HIM
CHAPTER 11
ROY SMITH
I woke up in the guest room with my head pounding. I’d moved there last night, just to stay away from the chaos Mayi brings into my space. But somehow, even when she’s quiet, she finds a way to get under my skin.
Jayden’s Whatever he’s doing lately pisses me off — and if he thinks I’m blind, he’s making a huge mistake. I’ll teach him that not everything that smiles at him is his to play with.
I stepped into the bathroom, the cold water shocking my skin awake. As I stared into the mirror, I smirked at my own reflection. “Did this idiot miss Mayi that much?” I muttered. But then my smirk faded.
Why did it even bother me?
If she wants to laugh with Jayden, let her. If she wants to talk to him, fine. The kind of twist that doesn’t go away — jealousy wrapped in pride.
I put on a black shirt, rolled my sleeves, and headed downstairs.
Mayi was already sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast. Her pink bonnet was slightly tilted,She didn’t even look up when I entered
I sat down across from her, scrolling through my phone, pretending not to notice her.
“Roy,” she said finally, voice soft but unsure. “Can we talk?”
I looked up, deadpan. “About what?”
She sighed.
My jaw tightened. “What are you doing with my brother?”
Her spoon froze halfway to her mouth. “We’ve been spending time together, nothing more. He’s just… close to me, that’s all.”
“Too close,” I muttered, standing up. I didn’t want to hear her excuses. She didn’t owe me explanations — but the fact that she even thought she could explain herself made my blood boil.
I walked out on her.
As I reached the door, I heard her mumbling behind me, “Lo madluphuthu akafuni ukulalela,” under her breath.[he doesn’t want to listen]
She thought I couldn’t hear or understand Zulu. I turned slowly, meeting her startled gaze.
I wonder who told her that I can’t hear or speak isiZulu,” I said quietly, my voice low and controlled.
Her lips curved into a small, guilty smile. “I was saying goodbye, Mr. Smith,” she said sweetly, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
I shook my head and left before I said something I’d regret.
Outside, the air felt heavier than usual. My phone buzzed.
“Deliver the phone to my house,” I ordered before cutting the call short and sliding into my car.
I drove straight to the club — the one place where chaos made sense. Neon lights, smoke, and the constant hum of music greeted me the moment I stepped in. Msizi was standing near the bar, a glass in hand and that sly grin on his face.
“Didn’t think I’d see you here this early,” he said.
“I didn’t think I’d need to be here this early,” I replied, lighting a cigarette. “We have a meeting tonight. Make sure the VIP section’s ready.”
He nodded. “The girls are being shipped tonight.”
I exhaled slowly. “Good. I don’t want any mistakes, Msizi. Last time was too close. If one thing goes wrong this time…” I leaned closer.
“You’ll answer to me personally.”
Msizi raised his hands in mock surrender. “I got it, boss. Everything’s clean this time.”
I turned my gaze to the glass window above the dance floor, where the crowd moved like waves under flashing lights. Somewhere in that chaos, I found control — control I was quickly losing at home.
I clenched my jaw.
Maybe it’s time she remembered who she was married to.
LINDIWE SMITH
I stormed into the bedroom, hands clenched, trying to keep my composure. “Tony, why are you ruining Roy’s life?” I demanded, my voice sharp enough to cut glass.
He looked at me with that infuriating calmness, the kind that makes me want to throw something at him.
“Roy wanted those shares, though. He doesn’t want Love,” he replied casually, as if that explained everything.
I shook my head in disbelief. Honestly, I don’t know why this stupid old man put Mayi in the will . Ncumisa is gone, but somehow she’s still giving me hard times from the grave. Some people just never rest, I swear.
I made my way downstairs, trying to keep my temper under control, only to find Pretty and Jayden already there, chatting casually like nothing in the world could disturb their peace.
“Jay, is everything going according to plan?” I asked, voice dropping a little.
Pretty froze, caught off guard by the question. “Mom… what are you planning?” he asked cautiously. “You know Dad won’t just shut up when he finds out. This could blow up, seriously.”
“Oh please, Pretty stop making a fuss.” he said
“If this is about spending time with Mayi, oh dear brother… I’m scared on your behalf. Because when Roy finds out, hell will break loose. And when he loses it, no one — and I mean no one — can put him in his place.”She said
I couldn’t hold back any longer. Rage surged through me like fire. I raised my hand and delivered a sharp slap across Pretty’s cheek.
“You!” I hissed, my voice trembling with anger and frustration.
“You should have fixed your own marriage problems before invading the Smith family’s personal matters!”
Pretty’s lips quivered, her eyes wide, hurt and shock flashing across her face. She turned and walked out without another word.
Jayden looked at me, his face a mixture of surprise and worry.
“Ma… that was too harsh,” he said softly, following Pretty out the door.
I sank into the armchair, exhaling slowly. Mxm, Tony has spoiled these kids so much… so much that they don’t even know when to mind their own business.
I rubbed my temples, feeling the familiar ache of frustration settle in. Between Roy, his marriage, my husband’s stubbornness, and these meddling children, I don’t know how much longer I can keep pretending I’m in control.
I leaned back, closing my eyes. This family… it’s like a powder keg. One wrong move, and the entire Smith household will explode. And the worst part? I can see it coming — and there’s nothing I can do to stop it….this girl is not suitable to be part of the family