Chapter 31: Sisterhood Intervention

 

The penthouse smelled of fresh coffee and expensive perfume as Thando twirled her engagement ring under the morning light. Around the kitchen island, her friends had assembled Buhle in a sharply tailored blazer already reviewing documents, Lerato examining the draping of Thando's silk robe with a designer's critical eye, and Zee perched on the counter, her phone angled for the perfect shot. 

Thando: “ I still can't believe it”

Thando sighed, admiring the diamond's sparkle. Buhle snapped her laptop shut. 

Buhle: “Then you won't mind signing this before the celebration starts.”

She slid a thick document across the marble counter. Thando blinked at the cover page. Prenuptial Agreement. 

Buhle: “Standard clauses,”

Buhle said, flipping to a highlighted section. 

Buhle: “All assets acquired before marriage remain separate. Any infidelity forfeits his shares in the Dubai company.  if he so much as hides a business transaction from you, you get the Jumeirah villa and fifty percent of his liquid assets.” 

Thando's mouth fell open.

Thando: “ You wrote this last night?” 

Buhle: “ No, I drafted it after your second date. Last night, I added the clause about him covering my legal fees if I ever have to drag him to court.”

Buhle said smoothly. Zee cackled, nearly dropping her phone. 

Zee: “I need you as my divorce attorney.” 

Lerato had been quiet, her fingers tracing the embroidery on Thando’s sleeve. Now, she spoke without looking up. 

Lerato: “ The cut of his suit at the proposal was custom. Not just tailored bespoke. The kind of craftsmanship that takes months.”

Thando frowned. 

Thando: “So?” 

Lerato said, finally meeting her eyes,

Lerato: “ he had this planned before he even met you.” 

A beat of silence. Zee’s gasp was audible. 

Zee: “ Oh. Oh. That’s dark.” 

Zee’s phone buzzed violently. 

Zee: “ Hold on my followers are losing it.” 

She flipped the  screen to show a flood of comments.

Thando: “ You’re live-streaming this?” 

Thando hissed. 

Zee: “ The people deserve drama.”  

Zee said, unrepentant.

Zee: “Also, 76% of voters say you have to get the prenup.” 

Buhle smirked.

Zee: “Even the internet agrees.” 

Thando looked down at the document, then at her ring.

Thando: “What if he says no?” 

Buhle: “ Then you have your answer.” 

Buhle said simply. Lerato’s gaze flicked to the diamond bracelet on Thando’s wrist the one Arjun had given her at Shimmy Beach Club. It had left a faint red line, as if it had tightened overnight. 

Lerato: “Just think about it, that’s all we’re asking.”

Lerato murmured. Zee zoomed in on Thando’s conflicted expression. 

Zee: “ And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the face of a woman rethinking everything.”