Chapter 3

Outside, under the old tree...

Amala : POV

I watched Matilda walk slowly across the yard toward our father, Madelyn, who was sitting under his favorite tree. He looked lost in thought, a faint smile on his face. That expression scared me. When a man like him smiles, it usually means trouble for someone else.

Matilda (softly):

“Father…”

Madelyn (serious now):

“My daughter, I hope you're not here to try to change my mind. I’ve already decided, and my word is final. In this household, it’s tradition that the older daughter marries before the younger one. I’m not doing anything new — I’m simply following our customs.”

Matilda:

“But Father, the man you’ve chosen for me… he’s in love with my younger sister.”

Madelyn (irritated):

“Enough, Matilda. You’re a child. What do you know about love? I’ve made my decision. Don't ruin my day with your nonsense. I’m in a good mood, and I won’t let your selfishness ruin it.”

Matilda:

“I just can’t go through with it, Father.”

Madelyn (coldly):

“Then leave my home. The cows meant for your lobola will go to waste if you refuse. You’ll walk out with nothing the day that man arrives.”

Madelyn (shouting):

“Call Amala. Tell her to fetch your aunt. Amala!”

Amala came running, eyes swollen and red from crying. Matilda turned and walked back inside the house.

Madelyn (to Amala):

“Everything I do is for you, my children. If your sister doesn’t marry now, when will she? Don’t be selfish. You still young you will find another man. ”

Amala (quietly):

“But Father…”

Madelyn (angrily interrupting):

“No buts. Tears won’t change anything. Now go to Heizel and tell her I need to speak with her.”

Amala:

“That won’t happen. Matilda will never marry my fiancé.”

Madelyn didn’t hesitate. He slapped her — hard — sending her crashing to the floor. She stared up at him, stunned. He had never laid a hand on them before. He usually relied on his voice alone to scare them.

Madelyn (furious):

“Don’t you dare raise your voice to me again. If you do, I’ll beat you until you can't stand. Matilda will marry him whether you like it or not. If thaat man clearly wants you both. He’ll take you together.”

He turned away from her without another word.

---

Amala rose to her feet, tears flowing freely. Blood trickled from her nose. I, Matilda, rushed toward her with a basin and a bottle of water.

Matilda:

“Let me help you, Amala.”

Amala (pulling away):

“Stay away from me, Matilda. I can take care of myself.”

Those words cut deep, but she didn’t argue and stood there quietly, watching her walk away from her — distant, hurt, and alone. She hated what was happening between them.

---

Amala made her way to Aunt Heizel's house . She arrived still crying, and told her everything that had happened.

Heizel (softly):

“I’m so sorry, child. Your father is stubborn. Once he decides something, there’s no changing his mind. But I’ll try.”

Amala:

“Please, Auntie. Please beg him for me.”

Together they walked back to their homestead. It wasn’t far, just a few houses apart. When they arrived, Amala waited outside while Aunt Heizel went in to speak to their father.

Heizel :

“My brother, I’m begging you — this is about your daughters' happiness. Have you thought about how Amala feels? And Matilda, too — do you really want to marry her off to a stranger she doesn’t love, someone who was never meant for her?”

Madelyn (calm but firm):

“Let’s not forget whose children they are. Mine. And I know what’s best for them.”

Heizel :

“Yes, they’re your daughters, but that doesn’t mean you ignore their happiness. This isn’t about you — it’s about them.”

Madelyn:

“I’ve heard enough. As you said, they are mine. And as long as they are mine, I decide their future. If that boy loves Amala, let him take both sisters. That’s his business. I didn’t call you here to debate me. I only need your support — now that a new family is entering this home, you must help me prepare.”

And just like that, Madelyn walked out, leaving Aunt Heizel speechless.

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