“I can’t come to work. Family crisis,” she said, shivering as if she had a cold.

She sat on the bed and cried. She felt the pain Nomatter was feeling. How could she? Her phone rang, it was Robert.

“You aren’t coming to work because you were caught?” he asked.

“Who told you that?” She said calmly.

“I know about the other man, who took you from work yesterday.” he said. “I followed you.” he spoke.

Martha remained silent. She didn’t know what to say. The entire year she had never been caught.

“You also slept with Marlon. Don’t bother coming to work. You are fired!” he shouted. “I don’t like women like you. Your mother’s a good taste.” he said angrily, dropping the call.

There was nothing worse than being embarrassed. Martha cried silently. She had lost her job.

Nomatter called her mother after she entered the surgery. Her mother was coming to solve the issue. Melody was in town and came quickly. They went to Martha’s place.

“Martha, open up.” Melody said.

Martha opened up and sat on her bed.

“What’s wrong with you?” her mother asked.

“I did no wrong. He liked it.” she answered, irritated.

“Martha, you started with him. He told me.” Nomatter said loudly.

“If it’s me, then why did he always say I am romantic?” she stood up angrily.

“You destroyed my lobola negotiations.” Nomatter stood up and walked to her. Melody quickly pulled Nomatter.

“No fighting. We will fix this by talking.” she said calmly.

“Mama, that man doesn’t want her. He is a player. He told me about how he hates your dress sense…” Martha said, facing her sister.

“Martha. Sit down.” Melody spoke gently.

Martha sat down. They both looked at each other.

“I never raised a prostitute. You have to forgive each other. You are blood sisters. If your dad hears this story…you know how he is.” She shouted.

“I am sorry Nomatter.” Martha spoke sincerely.

“Nomatter, if that man loved you, would he cheat?” Melody asked.

Nomatter shook her head. Her phone rang, she was needed at the hospital, an urgent matter.

“I forgive you, but don’t steal my man ever again.” she said, leaving. Martha stared at Melody with big eyes.

“Why are you looking like this?” she asked.

“You said I am a prostitute while you slept with Robert.” She answered and grinned.

“He is lying.” Melody said, ashamed.

“He told me.” she said, walking to the stove.

Martha took her juice from the fridge.

“I guess everyone in this family has a scandal.” she said, sipping her juice.

“Don’t tell anyone, even your sister.” Melody begged.

“I won’t.” she said and smiled.

Melody stared at the walls while Martha watched her mother. What if Gerald knew his wife committed adultery?

“We will take his secret to our grave.” Melody said and Martha nodded.

***

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