STRING OF PEARLS: ONE

-Onezwa Mthethwa-

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I've promised myself never to shed tears again, having cried enough to last a lifetime. Today, however, I'm fighting happy tears. I'm overwhelmed with pride in myself and how far I've come. My friend and colleague, Amber, nudges my shoulder as Phil takes the stage, and I burst into a victory giggle.

When I first walked into Phil and Mai's realtor four years ago, I was desperate for a job to sustain me. Despite lacking experience and qualifications, I was determined to prove myself. I recall standing outside the company for hours every day, begging for a chance, until Phil noticed me and gave me my first shot. I started as an office aid and worked my way up. Today, I'm being promoted to senior associate.

This is the happiest day of my life, as this achievement once seemed impossible where I come from. My aunt's words still echo in my mind: "You'll never amount to anything except marrying a decent family." I was constantly told I'm fat and ugly, that no man would ever look at me twice, as if that were my life's goal. All I ever wanted was to design clothes for the rich and famous.

"Congratulations, baby!" Amber exclaims, snapping me back to reality.

"Thanks," I reply, smiling.

"Let's hit the club tonight!" Amber suggests.

I sigh, reluctant to come up with an excuse, knowing she's aware of my dislike for clubs.

"Come on, we need to celebrate. I'll make sure you're home by midnight," Phil says from behind me, making me blush.

"Okay," I respond in a suddenly squeaky voice.

Amber gasps.

Phil plants a kiss on my cheek and walks past us, leaving my stomach in knots.

"Hmmm, Mr. Boss spoke only once, and yeyi! I guess we're on for tonight," Amber says, and I sigh.

Why would Phil kiss my cheek in public? Next thing I know, I'll be labeled as the skank who slept her way to this promotion, which couldn't be further from the truth. I worked tirelessly to earn this.

"Don't be silly. I'll see you later," I say to Amber, turning on my heels.

Closing the door to my new corner office, I take a deep breath, soaking in the city's beauty. I run my hands over the new leather two-seater couch before approaching my ocean-inspired executive desk. Taking a seat, I admire the attention to detail in my new workspace. Phil really went all out.

"Do you love it?" Phil asks, walking in and closing the door behind him.

"It's perfect. I don't know what to say, really," I reply, getting up and walking towards him. I wrap my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes to give him a passionate kiss that leaves us both breathless.

"Look at what you did to me," he says, revealing his arousal, and I blush shyly.

"If it's any consolation, my underwear is drenched," I whisper, biting my lower lip. Phil curses under his breath.

"I can't wait to taste the creamy wetness between these thick, sexy thighs," he whispers softly in my ear, nibbling on my earlobe.

"You're nasty, Mr. Peterson," I say, breaking away from him, and he chuckles.

"Oh, the day I get you," he says, shaking his head in mock sympathy, making me swallow hard.

That's the thing between my boss and me. It all started about a month ago when I delivered papers to his house. He invited me in, and we shared a drink, talking for hours. He confessed his crush on me since I started working for him. I couldn't believe it; Phil is a handsome, laid-back, and humble man. He built this business with his late wife, achieving great success until she passed away from cancer two years ago.

We haven't taken the leap yet, but Lord knows I need my lawn mowed and trimmed around the edges. It's been five years since my last intimate encounter, and I was content in my celibacy until Phil awakened a thirst in me.

"How about tonight?" I suggest.

"Let's skip the club. I can't wait that long," he says, attempting to touch me, but I slap his hand.

"Nope," I say, walking back to my seat.

"It was worth a try," he says, adjusting his trousers. I laugh, wondering how he'll hide that bulge.

Later that evening....

I've never understood the fuss about clubs. The blinding lights, ear-shattering music, and overpriced food just don't appeal to me. Give me a quiet night in any day. Yet, the electric atmosphere here is undeniable.

"To the new senior associate!" Amber shouts, raising her shot glass before downing its contents.

We're alone tonight, and I've been scanning the crowd for Phil since we arrived. He's the only reason I agreed to come, but now he's a no-show.

"Can you at least pretend like I have a dick too?" Amber asks, making me gasp.

"What? Your body is here, but your mind is on that man's...pink dick," she says with a frown.

"How do you know the color of his...?" I ask, and she giggles.

"He's colored, on the fair side. I doubt he's packing a black pipe," she teases.

Amber's crazy, but I love her.

"Ladies," Phil's deep voice interrupts, sending shivers down my spine as he takes a seat beside me. "Sorry I'm late. My mom dropped by unannounced with my kids."

Amber raises an eyebrow at me, and my mood sinks. I shaved, waxed, and wore my best underwear, ready to be devoured, but now he's talking about his family.

"Hey, we're still on. We'll just go to your place or a hotel; I don't mind," he whispers, his breath sending tingles down my neck.

A smile spreads across my face before I can stop it.

Amber's boyfriend joins us, turning the night into a fun couples' outing. With my two left feet, I dance the night away, feeling free and wild.

After saying our goodbyes, Phil and I head to my apartment. As soon as we step inside, his lips find mine, and we kiss hungrily. His hands roam my body as I search for the light switch.

"Onezwa Mthethwa," a low, resonant voice breaks the spell, and I quickly pull away from Phil.

A tall, dark man with broad shoulders and striking eyes stands before us, exuding a dark, heavy aura.

"I...who are you?" Phil asks, breaking the silence.

The man ignores Phil, his cold eyes fixed on me.

"Who is he?" Phil asks me.

"He's my—"

"I'm her husband," the man interrupts, his voice firm.

Phil's gasp makes me look down.

Just then, another man walks into the kitchen, dressed casually. Nkanyezi, the laid-back Mthethwa brother.

It's been five years since I last saw them. Now, here they stand in my kitchen, memories I tried to forget come flooding back.

Five years ago....