Luyando pushed open the door to Japheth’s office and let out a low whistle.

“My God, this view is mind-blowing at night.”

Japheth looked up from his desk, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s mind-blowing during the day too.”

Luyando strolled to the window, hands in his pockets, gazing out over the glittering lights of Lusaka. “Is there a bragging policy here? Because you’re tempting me to be jealous.”

Japheth chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I miss our old office.”

Luyando turned, incredulous. “Are you kidding me? Miss what? The cramped desk? The broken AC?”

Japheth shrugged. “I liked the kind of work we did there. Here… it’s just admin. Endless papers. Meetings. No real work.”

Luyando raised an eyebrow. “Wanna trade?”

Japheth smiled faintly. “I can’t. Your cousin needs me.”

Luyando’s expression sobered. He walked over and dropped into one of the visitor chairs. “Ah. So she’s messing things up that bad?”

Japheth paused, choosing his words carefully. “I prefer not to call it that.”

Luyando studied him for a moment. “You’re already having your CEO’s back. I see it.”

“We need to pray for her,” Japheth said quietly. “Me having her back isn’t going to be enough. She needs heaven’s help too.”

“Wow. That bad?”

“That bad,” Japheth admitted, running a hand through his hair. “They threw her into a world she doesn’t understand. She’s trying to swim… but it’s deep, Lu. It’s deep and merciless.”

Luyando tilted his head, a curious smile playing on his lips. “Is that why you’re still here, at this time?”

Japheth’s answer was simple. “That’s why I’m still here.”

He closed the document he had been working on and faced Luyando properly. “I’m reviewing all the contracts, all the documents routed through her office. I’m drafting letters, catching discrepancies. I’m trying to close the holes before they tear her down.”

Luyando let out a low whistle. “I never thought I’d see the day when Japheth Mwansa would willingly do admin work.”

Japheth laughed dryly. “Neither did I. But in this case… I just want to help her. I want to make everything easier for her. I want to give her peace.”

Luyando leaned back, studying him. His gaze sharpened, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“You’re falling in love with her.”

Japheth sat up straight. “No, no. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m serious.” Luyando grinned. “I’ve never seen you talk about anyone like this.”

Japheth shook his head firmly. “You know me. I’m not the ‘falling in love’ guy. Apart from those silly university flings, who have I ever really dated?”

“That’s exactly my point,” Luyando said calmly. “I know you. You don’t get involved. You don’t let anyone in. But her… you’re different around her.”

Japheth looked away, frustration flashing across his face.

“Please, Lu. Don’t do this.”

Luyando held up his hands in surrender, but his grin didn’t fade.

“Okay, okay. No pressure.”

He paused, then asked, more gently,

“But be honest. You don’t feel anything?”

Japheth hesitated. His fingers drummed lightly against the arm of his chair.

“I don’t allow myself to think about it,” he said at last. “Maybe… maybe there’s something there. She’s beautiful. She’s kind. She… she makes me want to fix things. Protect her.”

He exhaled heavily.

“But I made a vow, Lu. No marriage. No entanglements. I’m not going there. I can’t.”

Luyando nodded slowly.

“I get it.”

Then he grinned again.

“But still… you might be fighting a losing battle, my brother.”

Japheth groaned, grabbing his jacket. “Let’s go before you say something even worse.”

Luyando laughed. “Fine, fine. But you owe me drinks for this free therapy session.”

They walked toward the door, side by side, the old easy rhythm sliding between them again.

As they reached the elevators, Luyando clapped him on the back.

“I’m glad you’re smiling again. Forgiving your dad… it changed you. It softened you.”

Japheth’s smile was quiet, but real.

“When we forgive, we think we’re doing it for the person who wronged us. But really… we’re setting ourselves free.”

They stepped into the night together, the cool air brushing past them. Maybe life wasn’t perfect. Maybe his heart was more tangled than ever.

But at least now, he was free.

And whatever was coming next, he was ready.

Kaweme struggled to stay engaged. The music was lovely, the laughter warm, the atmosphere perfect, but her mind was elsewhere. She found herself checking emails under the table, replying to queries from her suppliers in China, flagging items for the telecoms company, juggling two worlds that were beginning to collide.

After a while, she leaned into Malaika and whispered, “I think I need to go. If I stay here one more second, I’ll just start getting cranky.”

Malaika looked at her, concerned, but nodded. “Okay. I figured you weren’t really in it tonight. Want me to walk you out?”

Kaweme shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

Malaika gave her a quick hug. “Rest. Tomorrow’s another long day.”

She nodded and turned to leave, weaving her way toward the exit. That’s when she saw them. Luyando, grinning, holding a drink, and a few steps behind him, Japheth.

They spotted her almost at the same time.

Luyando lit up. “My beautiful cousin! The CEO herself!” he called, lifting his glass in mock salute. “You’re sneaking away without saying hello?”

Japheth smiled too, greeted her politely. But then, he stepped back. Gave them space. Not rudely. Not coldly. Just… distantly.

And in that moment, her heart broke all over again.

“I was just leaving,” she said lightly, eyes not quite meeting either of theirs.

“Ah ah, stay now,” Luyando said, pulling her gently closer. “Come, let’s just have a drink. The night is still young.”

She gestured vaguely in Japheth’s direction. “Can’t you see he just walked away?”

Luyando shrugged. “He’s giving us space to catch up, that’s all.”

She was quiet for a moment, then sighed. “Luyando… is there something you’re not telling me?”

He arched his brow. “Like what?”

She took a deep breath. “I like him.”

Luyando didn’t pretend to be surprised. He looked at her for a long moment, then said quietly, “Tread carefully, Kaweme.”

She frowned. “Why? What are you trying to say?”

“Japheth’s not really… into dating, relationship or even marriage. It’s not his thing.”

Her chest tightened. “What does that even mean? He’s what, anti-love now?”

Luyando looked pained. “He’s been through a lot. Things that reshaped how he sees life. You’re a beautiful woman, Kaweme. You’re smart. You’re running one of the biggest companies in Southern Africa. Men will line up for you.”

She shook her head slowly. “But the only one I want… is him.”

He didn’t speak. She looked away.

“And I don’t want to disgrace myself,” she added in a whisper. “But I want him in my life.”

Luyando’s tone softened. “I get it. I do. Maybe… pray about it. Ask God how to move forward. He’ll show you.”

She managed a tight smile, then reached to hug him. His arms circled her in quiet comfort.

Just then, Japheth returned.

“I found us a good seat,” he said to Luyando, then turned to Kaweme. “Are you joining us, or still heading out?”

She met his eyes. “I’m leaving.”

He nodded. “Someone’s taking you?”

“My driver’s outside.”

“Great,” he said with a small smile. “Then I can rest easy.”

He turned to Luyando. “When you’re done, I’ll be on the other side.”

Then he walked away.

Kaweme stared after him.

“See?” she said to Luyando. “See how he cares? So kind. So present. And yet… you’re saying he’s not the marrying kind?” She shook her head. “I thought… I thought he was beginning to feel something too.”

Luyando sighed. “I told you. Pray about it.”

She inhaled sharply, then nodded. “Goodnight, Lu.”

“Goodnight, Kawe.”

And just like that, she walked into the night, a tangle of hope and ache trailing behind her.

Kaweme wasn’t in the mood to drive. The night already felt too heavy on her shoulders, like a wet coat she couldn’t shrug off. But when her driver had picked up a call from his frantic wife, saying that one of their children was burning with fever, she didn’t hesitate.

“Go,” she said immediately. “Please. Take a cab. I’ll be fine.”

He had hesitated, grateful but concerned. “Ma, I can call someone to pick you. I don’t want you to…”

“No, no. It’s okay,” she insisted, already reaching for her bag. “Here’s something for the taxi.” She’d handed him cash, twice the fare, and even considered offering to drive him herself. But he’d shaken his head.

“Ah, no, madam. My area isn’t your kind of area. Better you go straight home.”

She’d smiled faintly. “Okay. Please keep me posted, alright?”

“I will. God bless you, madam.”

Now, as she slid into the front seat of her sleek black car and started the engine, a low sigh escaped her lips. The car smelled faintly of vanilla and something familiar, maybe eucalyptus from one of the tissues in the glovebox. She let the engine hum for a moment, the dashboard lights painting her face in soft blue.

The roads were quiet. A few street lights flickered like tired eyelids. As she pulled away from the venue, she could still hear the faint echo of guitar strings and laughter drifting into the night.

But her heart was quiet.

And that silence was louder than anything else.

Everything was happening to her at the same time. How could it be that the one time she found a man she truly liked, was also the time life handed her the worst tragedy she had ever known?

The ache in her chest wouldn’t go away. She needed a soft voice. Someone familiar.

She reached for her phone and dialed Kalo’s nanny.

It was late here but she needed to hear that he was okay.

The call connected on the first ring.

That surprised her.

“A pleasant surprise,” Kaweme said. “You never pick up this fast.”

The woman sounded breathless. “I’m agitated.”

Kaweme sat up straighter. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I can’t shake the feeling that someone is following us.”

A chill rushed down her arms.

“When I drop Kalo off at school, or when we go to the park on Saturdays… It’s like there’s always a car. Never too close. But there.”

Kaweme’s heart began to hammer.

“Has anything happened?”

“No,” the woman replied quickly. “Nothing. But even now, in the apartment, I feel watched. It’s not logical. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Since the crash, I haven’t been the same. I see Muntanga in my dreams.”

“You’re not being paranoid,” Kaweme said firmly. “You were trained. You used to be a soldier. If your instincts say something’s off, then we take it seriously.”

“Kaweme…”

“Call my father’s head of security. Tell them to assign you a shadow. Even if just for a week. I’ll handle the cost. Don’t downplay this hunch.”

There was a pause.

“Okay. I’ll make the call.”

“Good. Is Kalo asleep?”

“Fast asleep.”

“Can I do a video call with him tomorrow?”

“Of course. He misses you.”

“Tell him I miss him too.”

They ended the call.

But now her mind was racing.

Her eyes shifted to the rearview mirror, and suddenly, the words from the nanny echoed louder.

It’s like there’s always a car. Never too close. But there.

Was someone following her too?

The headlights behind her had been there for a while. Maybe too long.

She tested it.

At the next junction, she didn’t take the straight road home. She turned off, sharply, into a narrow side street. The car followed.

Then she did it again. Another turn. The car followed still.

Her breath caught. To go home alone now felt unwise. Reckless, even.

There was only one place that made sense.

She drove toward Luyando’s.

Or that’s what she told herself.

But in her heart, she knew the truth.

She was taking her fears to Japheth.

Luyando was behind the wheel, flying through the quiet streets like he had something to prove.

Japheth gripped the passenger door, his voice sharp. “Are you trying to kill both of us tonight?”

Luyando laughed. “Come on. It’s just speed.”

“It’s madness.”

“Same difference.”

They were quiet for a few seconds, the hum of the engine filling the space between them. Then Luyando spoke again, his voice lower now, almost hesitant.

“My father wants me to resign.”

Japheth turned slightly. “What?”

“He says it’s time. That I’ve learned enough from the outside. He wants me to come into the family business. Start the transition.”

Japheth exhaled, understanding sinking in. “You always knew this was coming.”

“Yeah, but… I thought I’d feel more ready, but I think what happened to Uncle Obadiah is making him rethink the timing. What do we do? It’s a complicated season.”

“What do you mean by complicated?” Japheth asked.

“Because… I thought you’d come with me.”

The silence was heavier this time. The only sound was the rush of wind against the car.

“I mean it,” Luyando added. “I imagined we’d do it together. Like everything else.”

Japheth gave a small smile. “You’ll be fine. You’ve always been the better negotiator between us.”

“I’m serious.”

“I am too,” Japheth said. “You’re ready. And I’ll always have your back… even if I’m not in the next office.”

Luyando nodded slowly. “So it’s Kaweme you choose.”

Japheth didn’t answer.

“You’re staying for her.”

“She needs support,” he said. “That company is a beast. And the people circling her… they don’t want her to win.”

“Neither do you, apparently,” Luyando muttered.

Japheth turned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean,” Luyando said, shrugging, “you act like you’re just helping her professionally. But you and I both know there’s more. The girl likes you, but you are blowing hot and cold. How is that helping her.”

“She’s grieving. She’s overwhelmed. She’s vulnerable. The last thing she needs is me confusing her further, that’s why I am detaching.”

“But are you confused?” Luyando asked quietly.

Japheth looked out the window.

“She’s smart,” he said at last. “And kind. And yes, she makes me want to show up. But I made a decision a long time ago. I’m not built for marriage. I’m not bringing kids into this world to inherit my brokenness.”

Luyando’s voice softened. “You are not your past.”

“I know. But I’m still healing. And until I’m sure… I won’t mess up someone else’s life just because I need to feel whole.”

The silence between them stretched again.

“I get it,” Luyando said eventually. “But you should know, she likes you. A lot.”

“I know,” Japheth whispered. “And that’s why I can’t afford to get this wrong.”

They turned into the compound, and instantly they saw a familiar car.

Luyando hit the brake, stopping the car abruptly..

Japheth’s eyes locked on the sleek black SUV parked just ahead.

“That’s her car,” Luyando said.

Before he could say another word, Japheth had opened the door and stepped out.

“Japheth, wait!”

But he was already halfway across the driveway, walking fast.

Luyando watched him go, shaking his head with a slow, rueful smile.

“He’s finished,” he murmured to himself. “The poor guy doesn’t even know it yet.”

He looked back at Kaweme’s car and grinned.

“Why is she here?” he said aloud, even though he already knew, or so he thought.

Japheth didn’t stop until he reached her.

Kaweme was standing by the car, her arms wrapped around herself, trembling from head to toe. The moment he got close, she looked up, and her eyes filled with relief. Without thinking, she stumbled into him, clutching him tightly like he was the only thing anchoring her to the earth.

“I’m afraid,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m afraid, Japheth.”

He held her, firm but gentle, arms wrapping around her shoulders. “It’s okay… calm down. You’re safe. You’re safe.”

Luyando pulled up and killed the engine, stepping out and watching them with a mix of surprise and concern. He approached, but Kaweme didn’t even seem to notice. She stayed in Japheth’s arms, pressed into his chest, still shaking. Luyando gave Japheth a long, questioning look.

Japheth met his eyes and gave him a subtle warning glance in return, don’t say anything.

Eventually, Kaweme stepped back, flustered. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, wiping at her face even though she hadn’t cried.

“What happened?” Luyando asked, his voice gentle but alert. “Why are you flustered?”

“I… I don’t know,” she said. “Kalo’s nanny… we spoke earlier. She’s been feeling uneasy. Like someone’s been following them. School runs, Saturday at the park, just this constant feeling like they’re being watched.”

Japheth’s brow furrowed. “That’s not something to ignore.”

“I tried to brush it off, but I couldn’t shake it either. As I drove home… I don’t know, I started noticing a car behind me. Same car. Every turn I took, it was there. I made detours, looped around corners, even did a U-turn. Still behind me, so I decided to come here.”

Japheth’s jaw tightened. “Where was your driver?”

“He had an emergency. His child is sick. I told him to go. I even gave him cab money.”

He swore under his breath and ran a hand down his face. “You shouldn’t have been alone.”

“I know,” she said, her voice quiet. “Then just before I got here, a car hit me at the traffic light. It wasn’t a big collision. The driver came down, and apologized. He offered to pay for the damage. But I just told him it was fine.”

Luyando frowned. “And then what?”

“When I got out of the car here, I noticed something tucked under the wiper. A note.”

She pulled it out of her pocket and handed it to him.

Luyando read it aloud, his voice turning cold as he spoke the words:

“Back off. We don’t need you here. You already have money. Go do something else.”

For a moment, there was only stunned silence.

“Oh my God,” Japheth murmured, staring at her. “I’m so sorry.”

Then, without waiting for permission, he stepped forward again and held her. “Don’t let them scare you. You’re not going anywhere. You’re going to be okay. You’re going to do just fine.”

Kaweme nodded slowly, eyes glassy. “Can I stay here tonight?” she asked. “I don’t want to go back. Not alone.”

“Of course,” Japheth said. “Take my room. I’ll bunk with Luyando.”

Luyando glanced between them. “Or I can take you to my parents’ house. More security, more backup. They will take care of you.”

She shook her head. “No. I feel better here. I trust you both.”

Japheth nodded. “Then here it is. You’re safe.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Luyando led her inside, his hand lightly on her back. As the door closed behind them, Japheth stayed outside. He crouched beside her car, inspecting the dent from the hit. Then he took the note again, turning it over slowly in his hand.

His eyes narrowed.

Someone had made a move, and it wouldn’t be the last.