I can't say much, but the dress Lloyd bought for me is beyond beautiful. I left Tebby in the dining room and told Lloyd to go get ready while I did the same.
I'm honestly happy that Tebby will be living here. At first, I was surprised that Mom would buy such a big house for just one person, but now I understand why. I only wish Phiwe was here too, but they say you can't have everything you want.
As I bathed, my mind kept drifting to Lloyd's parents. How would they treat me? Would they accept me? If they didn't, I would have no problem leaving—I'm not their daughter-in-law, after all, and I refuse to tolerate any disrespect.
Once I finished, I moisturized my skin and started applying my makeup—natural and light, just how I liked it. A brown matte lipstick completed the look. I put on my g-string, the only type of underwear I own. As for a bra? That was out of the question—my dress was fully open at the back, and my breasts were perfectly fine without one.
Just as I was about to put on my dress, the door opened.
Lloyd stood there in a black suit, his red shoes adding a bold touch. He looked incredible. My eyes were immediately drawn to his smooth, glowing face, his soft pink lips moving as he spoke—but I didn't hear a word. I was too busy eye-f*cking him. His haircut was perfect, his lips looked so soft, and his chest, oh lord, was just out there, teasing me.
"Zee, I'm talking to you," he said, louder this time.
"Huh? What?" I blinked, realizing I'd been staring.
"I asked if you were done getting ready?"
"Oh… almost. I just need to call Tebby to help me with the dress."
"I can help you."
"No, no, I'll call Tebby."
As I turned to leave, Lloyd grabbed my hand, gently turned me around, and started helping me with the dress. His hands found their way to my shoulders, then slid down to my waist, lingering there for a few moments before he finally spoke.
"There, all done."
I reached for my heels, but before I could grab them, he knelt down and took them for me.
"Sit," he ordered softly.
What a man.
I sat on the bed, and he lifted my leg, slipping the heels onto my feet with so much care it made my heart flutter. When he was done, he helped me stand, balancing me effortlessly. Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
"What's this? No… this can't be."
"Just open it," he said calmly.
Inside was a delicate necklace with a heart pendant. It was stunning.
"This is beautiful," I whispered.
"Come here," he said, fastening it around my neck. He sealed the moment with a kiss on my neck, his breath warm against my skin as he whispered, "It suits you. You look beautiful, Zee."
"Thank you… but I prefer 'cute'—it's more appetizing." I smirked, trying to play it cool, but my cheeks betrayed me.
I grabbed my bag, took a deep breath, and turned to him.
"I'm ready."
Lloyd took my hand, leading me out of the room. We found Tebby on her phone in the dining room.
"That dress did a number on you, boo. You look amazing. And you two? Y'all look perfect together," she said, beaming.
"Tell her that. Maybe she'll believe you," Lloyd chuckled. "She looks sizzling and classy."
"Thank you, guys," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. "Tebby, you'll be okay here, right? Bye! Let's go, Lloyd."
After our goodbyes, Lloyd opened the car door for me before getting into the driver's seat. As he started the car, a song I didn't recognize played softly through the speakers—Can I Be Your Fairytale? I didn't know the artist, but the song was beautiful.
We arrived at the airport, and judging by the luxurious private jet waiting for us, it was clear we were flying in style. The inside looked like something out of a dream. An hour or so later, we landed in Cape Town.
A sleek Range Rover was already waiting for us. Once inside, I asked Lloyd to stop at a flower shop.
I wanted to make a good impression, so I picked a bouquet of white lilies mixed with lavender instead of the usual red roses. Their fragrance was breathtaking. After paying, we continued our journey.
Thirty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of a stunning white triple-story house.
Lloyd leaned over and whispered, "Welcome home, Miss Mvelasi… soon-to-be Maps. Let's hope you enjoy your stay."
A nervous chill ran down my spine. As we stepped out of the car, Lloyd must've noticed because he pulled me into a warm hug and pecked my lips softly.
He led me to the door and knocked.
A little girl opened it.
"Kaite, baby, how are you?" Lloyd said, grinning.
But instead of greeting him, she turned to the house and screamed, "Mommy, come and see!!!"
She then pushed Lloyd aside and ran straight to me, hugging me tightly. I crouched down to hug her properly, and she excitedly grabbed my hand, dragging me inside.
Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head as he followed us.
She led me into a beautifully set dining room where two people were already seated—Lloyd's mother and his younger brother, Scot.
A graceful woman stood up and approached me.
"I'm Mrs. Maps, Lloyd's mother," she said with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Maps. Thank you for welcoming me into your home." I handed her the bouquet.
"Oh, my dear, call me Mom. And these are lovely. Lloyd, take them and put them in a vase."
Lloyd obeyed, while Kaite continued clinging to me. We sat down, with Lloyd pulling out a chair for me like the gentleman he was.
Throughout dinner, I got to see a different side of Lloyd's family. His mom was kind and welcoming, Scot was reserved but sweet, and Kaite—well, she was a handful, but I adored her already.
Midway through the meal, Scot suddenly spoke up.
"Your girl didn't even greet me, bruh," he said, sounding offended.
I froze, my eyes darting to Lloyd. He simply looked down, not saying a word. Guilt immediately washed over me.
"Scot, she was just distracted by Kaite. Don't be jealous," Lloyd teased.
I quickly stood up and walked over to Scot's seat.
"I'm so sorry, Scot. I don't hate you—I love you, actually. Come here, give me a hug."
Lloyd, being the clown he is, chimed in.
"But babe, they should know you love me more."
I ignored him and hugged Scot before returning to my seat.
The rest of the evening was spent sharing stories, laughter, and the best cheesecake I'd ever tasted. Eventually, Mrs. Maps excused herself, leaving us to watch a movie with the kids.
By the time the movie ended, Kaite was half-asleep in my lap. I carried her to bed, but she refused to sleep unless I stayed with her.
"Lloyd, can I borrow some PJs?" I asked.
He smirked. "You don't need them. You're sleeping in my room."
"Lloyd! Can't you see Kaite won't let me go?"
"Damn this kid," he muttered but eventually brought me a pair.
As I changed, Lloyd helped me out of my dress. His hands lingered, his touch turning heated.
"I can do more if you let me," he whispered against my skin.
"Lloyd, stop it. We're not even dating. I'm not one of those girls you can just sleep with whenever you want."
His expression darkened. Without another word, he turned and walked out.
That night, I fell asleep with Kaite cuddled beside me. But sometime around midnight, I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist.
I turned over.
Lloyd.
How the hell did he even get in here?