11/06/2026
HIS HEART, THEIR WAR
Chapter 1: The Day Everything Changed
In the early morning, just as the sun's rays began to shine, the Ndlovu family was busy singing and preparing for their daughter-in-law's arrival.
Mrs. Ndlovu had been planning for this day for a long time. She could hardly wait to welcome her new daughter-in-law.
She walked to the back of the house, where a few women were busy cooking. She approached her helper.
"Is everything okay on this side, Sis Flora?" she asked, looking around.
"Yes, Ma'am," Sis Flora replied. "Everything is alright. The food is coming together nicely. By the time our guests arrive, we'll be done."
"Good," Mrs. Ndlovu said. "I don't want any mistakes. My son is officially getting married. His father would have been so proud of the man he's become."
Sis Flora lowered her eyes, choosing not to comment. She had worked for the Ndlovu family her entire life. She knew them inside and out. She knew their deepest secrets and the skeletons buried in their closets.
Maybe his father would have been proud, she thought to herself.
Inside the house, Zama sat alone in her room, lost in thought.
She could not believe what her life had become.
No one knew the pain she was carrying, and no one seemed to care.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. For the past week, all she had done was cry.
A few minutes later, Lwazi entered the room and stood behind her. He gently touched her shoulder, causing her to flinch.
"MaNdlovu..."
Zama stood and turned to face her husband. No words came out. She simply stared at him.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"How do you think I feel, Lwazi?"
"I know it must be hard for you—"
"Hard?" she interrupted. "No, it's embarrassing and heartbreaking. How do you think I feel knowing my own husband is taking another wife? You betrayed my trust."
"I know."
"You don't know anything," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "I've been crying for weeks. I've lost weight. I don't even recognize myself anymore, and you don't care."
"I'm not doing this to hurt you."
"I'm hurt, damn it!" she cried. "You're bringing another woman into our marriage. Why would you do this to me? Your mother is running around supporting this nonsense, and nobody cared enough to check on me."
Lwazi sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry I fell in love again. I still love you, and nothing will change that. You'll always be my first MaNdlovu. No one can replace you."
"Stop this madness, Lwazi. Please."
"I can't," he replied quietly. "I love her."
Those words shattered her.
Nothing was more painful than hearing her husband admit he loved another woman.
She tried to remain strong, but the tears came anyway. Lwazi moved closer, wanting to comfort her, but she stepped away from him.
After a moment, she wiped her tears.
"I hope she's worth destroying our marriage."
She grabbed her car keys and headed for the door.
Lwazi quickly followed her.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from this madness."
"I can't let you leave like this."
Before she could answer, Mrs. Ndlovu approached them.
"Lwazi, go get ready. Our guests are arriving soon."
Her tone dismissed Zama's presence completely.
"Ma, please let me talk to my wife."
"No. You'll speak to her later. They'll be here in ten minutes."
"I'm ready. I just need my jacket."
"Then go get it."
Lwazi looked at Zama one last time before walking back inside. He knew he would never win an argument against his mother.
Zama laughed painfully.
Typical mama's boy.
She climbed into her car and reversed out of the yard.
As she rolled down her window, she briefly made eye contact with Sis Flora.
The older woman quickly looked away.
Zama put on her sunglasses and drove off.
The truth was, she had no idea where she was going.
She only knew she needed to get away before she completely lost herself.
An hour later, after driving aimlessly, she found herself by the dam.
She stared at the water and wondered what was happening back home.
How was her sister wife?
Most women in her position would have filed for divorce.
She had thought about it too.
But despite everything, she still loved Lwazi.
He was her husband, her best friend, and the only family she had.
Maybe he wasn't truly in love with Thandeka.
Maybe it was just lust.
Maybe he was confused.
She desperately clung to those thoughts.
If she left him, where would she go?
She was an orphan.
The aunt who raised her had abused her.
Going back there was not an option.
She could start over alone, but the thought of having nobody terrified her.
Her mind was filled with fear, sadness, and uncertainty.
Back at the Ndlovu homestead, the Sibiya family finally arrived, bringing their daughter to her new home.
The yard erupted with singing and dancing.
Lwazi stole a proud glance at his new wife, but Thandeka kept her eyes lowered.
Everyone's attention was on her.
Mrs. Ndlovu could barely contain her excitement.
"Thandeka, my daughter, welcome to the Ndlovu family," she said warmly. "Feel free and make yourself at home. This is your new home and your husband's house."
Thandeka smiled shyly.
After some time, she and Lwazi slipped away from the crowd.
"Finally," Lwazi said with a smile, "I get a moment alone with you."
He leaned in and kissed her.
"I can't believe we made it," Thandeka whispered.
"I knew we would."
"Do you remember the first day we met?"
She smiled.
"You told me you were going to marry me."
"And I did exactly what I said I would do."
Thandeka hesitated before asking, "Where is she?"
"Don't worry about her," Lwazi replied. "You'll meet her soon."
"I hope she likes me."
"She will. Don't worry. Who wouldn't like you?"
Thandeka smiled, but deep down she knew the chances of Lwazi's first wife liking her were very slim.
If she had been the first wife, she wouldn't have liked her either.
But she wasn't here for Zama.
She was here for Lwazi.
It was unfortunate that the man she loved already belonged to someone else.
Meanwhile, miles away from the celebrations, Zama sat quietly by the dam, staring at the still water before her.
The laughter, singing, and dancing at the Ndlovu homestead felt worlds away.
For years, she had believed that she and Lwazi were enough for each other.
Now she was expected to share him.
To smile
To accept it.
To welcome another woman into her marriage.
A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked out across the water.
Little did she know, Thandeka's arrival was only the beginning.
As the celebrations continued at the Ndlovu homestead, a silent battle was already taking shape.
And the war for Lwazi's heart had only just begun.
End of Chapter 1
