A bond we shared was too strong but at some point it wasn't enough. I had always bottled things to avoid causing a drift between the two who shared the same blood. I was only a daughter in-law not to take the place of the"first lady" , just like she always says whenever we're just the two of us left in the house. Come to think that my husband once vowed meme that nothing would come between us. Oh, the things we do in the name of love. I chose my man over my family, I just got married last year but if feels like decades as I'm drowning myself into perfecting myself to be accepted and be the perfect "makoti" for the bearer of my soulmate. Indeed I am blessed to have an angel in human form, a true resemblance of love.

Our tripple storey house. luxurious cars which reached any destination of our choice. Not to forget our little precious twins, a boy and a girl named after the hardships we encouted within our families. Of course Khanyisile had brought 'light', and Bonolo 'easy' made things fall into place. Truly God does wonders in bringing two families through kids as I amended things with my parents and it was all water under the bridge.

My husband was proudly a purveyor. The kids gone for school holidays abroad for some air as they always had quarrels with their granny. My work wasn't that hectic as i got some days to work from home. A home that i can now call a hellhole soon after my husband departures. "I am going to miss you more Mrs Dlamini, he said as he kissed my chubby cheeks. I always tried to let it all out. I just told myself that I'd get over it just like they always say, mother holds the sharp end of the knife. Just after I closed the door soon as he departured, I got a hot slap on my cheek followed by a spat on my face. I just gazed at her with my eyes turned to red. "Stop whatever you're doing now and get done with chores, said Gift's mom. But mom, we have an au pair who..."Don't you dare disrespect me, do as I say or pack your rags and leave. She shoved me and went upstairs.

Days turned to nights in the Dlamini household. No peace of mind at all not to mention that I became a slave in a house that I contributed to, fought a nail and tooth for doing it with my husband. I never ever imagined that it'd come to this point. It was a lot at stake . The sacrifices I did...was this what i've supposed to sow? I had an awe for my kids future if i chose to go separate ways with my husband. Trauma had a room inside me.

I had to work from home again since Ma Dlamini is having health issues. I had to nurse her, even missed my work deadlines ensuring that her health is on track. I made sure she took the prescribed tablets on time. She'd give me a smirk on her bedside after feeding her. I had always got complaints from her son on calls accusing me of neglecting her, I chose to work at my workplace not at home, no medication and food was given to her for several days. I was the one to clean after her after she messes on herself, fed her, bathe and clothe her. I even applied for a leave to look after her. I was speechless and hung up on him. I just told myself that I put it all to The Almighty one.

It was early in the morning and my husband got back from the trip, still mad at me. I made breakfast for the three of us, we sat and I just felt a hand holding me, whilst tears coming out from her eyes. My husband got up and yelled at me for that. 'Xoliswa, please find it in your heart to forgive me, you've been there for me while stuck on my wheelchair but you showed your humanity and didn't care of the ill-treatment you got. "You chose this family over your flesh and blood but it was all futile" .

Mom you're forgiven long before today. Let's let bygones be bygones, we're all human being and sometimes we do things that we regret later thinking that we're protecting the ones we love but your son is my anchor, I thank you for him. As we hugged, Ma Dlamini stood up from the wheelchair. ''I can walk!", she screamed as she stood from her wheelchair. As we were rejoicing, our angels stormed inside with a bang at the door.