:THE STRUGGLES AND SORROWS OF AN AFRICAN GIRL CHILD CHAPTER 9 "How are you, my wife?" Mr. Dlamini asked, his voice dripping with an unsettling sweetness, like honey laced with poison. I forced a smile, trying to hide my revulsion behind a mask of civility. "I'm fine, thank you," I replied, my voice steady, but my heart racing like a wild animal trapped in a cage. Mr. Dlamini's eyes gleamed with an unnerving intensity, like a predator sensing its prey. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice low and husky, like a snake slithering through the grass. "I was thinking, maybe we could get to know each other better. You know, as husband and wife." I felt a chill run down my spine, like a cold wind on a winter night. "I think that's a good idea," I said, trying to sound convincing, but my voice trembled like a leaf in a hurricane. Mr. Dlamini's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a sinister light, like a demon reveling in my misery. As Mr. Dlamini approached, . Suddenly, we heard a bell outside that sounded more like a cowbell. "'Feel free, my Gugulicious. I'll go check outside.'" He left. Curious about what was inside Dlamini's closet, I hurried over. The doors were slightly ajar, so I pulled them open. The first thing I saw besides the clothes was a black plastic bag. I was curious to see what was inside the bag. When I opened it, I gave an involuntary gasp and froze. My mouth filled with saliva, and I could feel my stomach rebelling. I couldn't believe what I saw inside the plastic bag. I swallowed hard, averted my eyes, and looked up to see Mr. Dlamini walking in. I suddenly dropped the plastic bag. "Don't be shocked, MaNcube," Mr. Dlamini said, elaborating. "The money is from my savings. Every year, I sell cattle and keep the money in this plastic bag." He told me not to be shocked, but I wasn't just shocked – I was shocked to the core. I'd never seen so much money in my life. "Okay... that's good," I mumbled, unsure of what to say. "From now on, this is our money," he continued. "If you want to buy anything, you can take it from the plastic bag." I nodded and gave him a weak smile. He gazed at me for a long moment. "I'm happy you're here, MaNcube." He slowly approached me and slipped his hands around my waist. "What are you doing, Mr. Dlamini?" I demanded, feeling heat rise to my face. He just smiled, tightening his grip and pressing his body against mine. "I love you, MaNcube," he said in a low voice, and bent his head to kiss me on the mouth. I twisted my head to one side. "Mr. Dlamini, stop it. What do you think you're doing?" When I felt his saliva all over my mouth, I gained momentum and pushed him. "Come on, MaNcube, you are now my wife." He wanted to grab me again, but I ducked. "Can't we wait... I want to see the place," I mumbled, wiping my mouth with the sleeve of my dress. "Okay, MaNcube, feel free to look around. We'll continue where we left off at night," he said, winking at me. I wanted to scream at him, but I realized that screaming wouldn't help me. One way or another, I was going to lose my virginity to an old man or maybe have kids with him.