BEAUTIFUL

LIES
By Choolwe J. Mwiinga
Chapter One: A Forever Maybe
From the moment we take our first breath, we inherit a tangled web of deceit, spun by
generations before us. It’s not just a world of secrets but a world where survival
demands masks and facades. The world itself isn’t cruel. But perhaps the most
insidious killer is the human heart itself. And, ironically, some of those very people
are the ones who offer fleeting glimpses of kindness. Truth has become a luxury few
can afford. Not deliberate deceptions, perhaps, but a subtle, insidious kind. We’re
born with the lie of innocence, the illusion of control, the fragile hope that the world
will be kind.
But the world, in its indifferent majesty, rarely is. It’s a harsh mistress, a relentless tide
that threatens to drown the unsuspecting. The greatest danger, I’ve found, seldom
comes from disease or famine, but from the very people we are born amongst. From
the whispers of doubt, the betrayals of trust, to the crushing weight of expectations.
Strength, in this unforgiving landscape, is not a physical attribute, but a fierce,
internal battle. A constant vigilance against the insidious whispers of self-doubt, and
the gnawing fear of inadequacy. For if you do not fight for yourself, if you do not
learn to navigate the treacherous currents of human emotion, the world will gladly
exploit your vulnerabilities. It will chew you up and spit you out, leaving behind a
hollow shell of what you once were.
The world, in its brutal honesty, is often a place for the strong. Not the physically
imposing, but those with the resilience to endure, the courage to rise, the wisdom to
choose their battles. Yet, most of us are born fragile, easily swayed by the winds of
fortune, shattered by the slightest touch of adversity.
Anxiety, a constant, insidious companion, gnaws at our peace, poisoning our joy with
doubt. Depression, a suffocating blanket, isn’t far behind. It steals our light. And
leaves us adrift in a sea of despair. And heartbreak, that universal language of loss,
can leave scars that never truly heal. Disappointments, both large and small, chip
away at our resilience, leaving us weary and disillusioned. Family can disappoint you
in ways that leave permanent scars. Friends, those we choose to be our second
family, can betray us. And love—the thing that’s supposed to save us—often delivers
the most devastating blows – the crushing weight of unrequited love. These are the
wounds that bleed slowly, invisibly, yet leave a lasting mark on the soul.
It's a cruel truth, perhaps, but a necessary one. To acknowledge the harsh realities of
existence is not to succumb to despair, but to arm ourselves with the knowledge we
need to survive. To understand the fragility of life, the ephemeral nature of
happiness, is to appreciate the preciousness of every fleeting moment.
This is the world we live in. A world where beauty and lies intertwine so seamlessly
that sometimes, we can’t tell the difference. A perpetual dance between hope and
despair. A place where survival is a question, not a guarantee. This is the world we
inherit, a world of “forever maybes” where the promise of happiness often remains
just out of reach.
To survive here, strength isn’t just about muscle or resilience—it’s about the battles
you fight within yourself. Every day is a war, and your mind is both the battleground
and the weapon.
Love, they say, conquers all. But what if the foundation of that love is built on a
carefully constructed lie? This story explores the dangerous allure of deception and
the devastating consequences when the truth finally comes to light. It’s the Beautiful
Lies.

In a world where the very concepts of love, happiness, and prosperity seemed woven
into the fabric of existence, resided the Matatara family. A family that, to the casual
observer, epitomized the quintessential picture of success.
Theirs was a life devoid of the typical struggles. No financial anxieties gnawed at
their peace; no hunger lingered at their table. Their home was a sprawling oasis of
comfort and elegance. At the heart of this seemingly perfect existence stood a
successful patriarch, Frankie, a civil engineer whose expertise had shaped the very
landscape of their city. Beside him, his wife, Emri, a force of nature in her own right,
reigned supreme as the CEO of Xild, a burgeoning empire in the world of social
networking and global marketing.
Their daughters, three vibrant blossoms of their love, each possessed a unique
radiance. Emri, the eldest, a mirror image of her mother, inherited her mother’s
entrepreneurial spirit and now served as a key figure within the Xild corporation. Jen,
the middle child, her father’s closest confidante, followed in his footsteps, embarking
on a journey in the realm of civil engineering. Jen and Frankie shared a special
connection, one that came from shared interests and countless hours spent
discussing the intricacies of their field. Her analytical mind and problem-solving
skills were complemented by a warm and empathetic nature, making her both a
reliable sister and a trusted confidante. Jen was the heart of the family. And
youngest of all, Cyrina, a budding scholar, navigated the complexities of high school.
In her final year of high school, she was a spirited and curious soul, always seeking
new adventures and experiences. Despite her playful demeanor, she was deeply
introspective and often turned to Jen for advice and inspiration. Her bond with her
sister was an unwavering anchor in her life. Cyrina, a frequent visitor to Jen’s
university, Itop University, found solace and guidance in her sister’s academic
pursuits.
This, on the surface, was a family blessed. A family that had seemingly conquered
the world – it was a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in despair. They had
everything anyone could dream of—prosperity, harmony, and the kind of bond that
others envied. For as long as they could remember, life had been kind to them.
The love story of Mr. and Mrs. Matatara blossomed amidst the vibrant energy of a
charity gala in Livingstone, Zambia. Emri, a recent business graduate, navigated the
bustling room, eager to network and explore opportunities. Her gaze met Frankie’s
across the throng – a young civil engineer, his eyes twinkling with an infectious
charm that immediately captivated her. He, drawn to her confident stride and the
radiant smile that lit up her face, introduced himself with an effortless grace. As they
conversed, the lively chatter of the gala faded into the background. They spoke of
their dreams, their aspirations, their shared desire to make a positive impact on the
world. Their professional ambitions, woven together with a growing affection,
eventually culminated in marriage. Founded on a bedrock of mutual respect and
unwavering support, their marriage deepened into an enduring and flourishing
partnership.
The Matatara family was a picture of unity. Their love and closeness bound them
together in a way that felt unshakable. They celebrated each other’s successes,
supported one another in times of doubt, and created an environment where honesty
and understanding thrived. Despite their individual ambitions and personalities,
nothing could come between the bond they shared. It was a family built on trust,
strength, and an unyielding love—seemingly invincible in a world that often tested
such ties. But beneath the veneer of perfection, a darkness lurked, a subtle tremor in
the ground that hinted at the fragility of even the most idyllic existence.

***
One particular evening, Emri and Frankie decided to break from their busy schedules
and enjoy dinner together at a quaint restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. They
decided to treat their daughters to a celebratory dinner. The invitation was extended,
and as always, Jen and Cyrina were the first to arrive. Their youthful energy was a
vibrant counterpoint to the hushed elegance of the restaurant. The soft hum of
background music and the aroma of freshly prepared meals created an inviting
ambiance. Their parents were already seated at a cozy table near the window, where
the city lights twinkled outside.
Frankie, his face creased in a welcoming smile, rose to greet them. His gaze lingered
a moment longer on Jen, his quiet, introspective daughter. Emri, ever the epitome of
grace, bestowed a cool kiss on each of their foreheads whilst her eyes assessing
their attire with a practiced indifference.
“You two are always so punctual.” Their mother, Emri, remarked with a warm smile.
“Punctuality is a virtue, Mother.” Jen quipped.
“Indeed,” Frankie chuckled. He exchanged a knowing look with his wife. “Always the
responsible one.”
They settled into their seats. Laughter and light chatter filled the space as they
caught up on the day. It wasn’t long before Lechaena arrived, fashionably late as
always. She walked in with an air of confidence. Her presence commanded attention
even in casual moments.
“I’m so sorry for the delay, everyone! Work has been absolutely insane lately.” Her
presence came with a whirlwind of apologies and vibrant energy. “And then, of
course, that last-minute client call… You know how it is…” Her voice was a melodious
counterpoint to the hushed murmurs of the other diners.
“No worries, darling,” Emri assured her. “We understand.”
Frankie chuckled, “You’re here now, and that’s what matters. Besides, we know Xild
wouldn’t run without you.”
Lechaena laughed. “It’s not that dramatic, Dad.” She shook her head. “But I
appreciate the vote of confidence.”
Her parents exchanged a weary glance. Lechaena, the epitome of the modern
woman, always juggling a thousand commitments, was perpetually late. Yet, her
charm was undeniable, and her infectious laughter quickly dispelled any lingering
tension.
The dinner proceeded with a stilted formality. Frankie, a man of few words,
dominated the conversation with anecdotes from his construction projects, his voice
booming across the table. Ever the astute businesswoman, Emri, her attention
divided between the menu and the discreet observation of her daughters, interjected
occasionally with pointed remarks about market trends and the latest social media
algorithms. Jen, ever the observer, remained largely silent. Her gaze was fixed on the
intricate patterns of her wine glass. Cyrina, restless and bored, scrolled through her
phone, occasionally glancing up to catch Lechaena’s amused smile.
The conversation, despite their best efforts, felt forced, a carefully constructed
façade masking the underlying currents of discontent. The unspoken anxieties, the
simmering resentments, the gnawing fear of failure – these were the undercurrents
that truly defined their family, the unspoken language that bound them together.
As more food arrived, the conversation turned lively. Jen shared stories from her
engineering classes, she described her latest project and how she was learning to
manage the challenges of working in a male-dominated field.
“I was the only girl in my group again,” she said. He eyes rolled around the table, “But
it’s fine. I’ve got this.”
“You’ve always got this,” Cyrina chimed in. She offered her sister an encouraging
smile.
Cyrina shared her own updates, talking about her upcoming exams and how Jen had
been helping her prepare. “I don’t know what I’d do without Jen.” She nudged her
sister playfully.
“Well, I’d be lost without all of you,” Emri said. Her voice was warm with pride. “This
family is my greatest accomplishment.”
Frankie nodded in agreement, his gaze swept over his daughters. “It’s not about how
much we achieve individually. It’s about how we stand together. That’s what matters
most.”
A beautiful family, in its truest sense, is not defined by wealth, success, or outward
appearances. It is a powerful bond forged from threads of love, understanding, and
genuine connection. It is a place where vulnerabilities can be shared without fear of
judgment, where laughter and tears flow freely, and where individual dreams are
nurtured and celebrated. It is a place where the weight of expectations can be lifted,
and the simple joy of being together can truly be savored. It is within the warm
embrace of such a family that individuals find the strength to face the challenges of
the world, the courage to pursue their dreams, and the solace to heal from life’s
inevitable wounds.
The dinner concluded on a note of warmth and contentment. After bidding farewell
to Lechaena, Jen and Cyrina, eager to spend more time with their parents, decided to
head back to their family home.
The drive back was a pleasant one, filled with easy conversation and shared
laughter. Frankie and Emri chatted softly in the front, while Jen and Cyrina shared
inside jokes in the back seat.
Once home, they indulged in refreshing beverages before settling into the
comfortable embrace of the living room. Cyrina and Emri, drawn to the allure of the
television, quickly became engrossed in a captivating nature documentary.
Meanwhile, in a quieter corner of the room, Jen and Frankie engaged in a spirited
game of chess.
“In life,” he moved a knight with a decisive flourish, “You must learn to defend
yourself. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart.”
Jen, undeterred, calmly moved a pawn, “Every attack, no matter how fierce, can be
countered with the right strategy. Small, calculated moves can often overcome
seemingly insurmountable obstacles.”
Frankie, intrigued by her resilience, launched another attack, though this time with a
touch less ferocity. “But what if the threat is unexpected, sudden?”
Frankie grinned, and launched another attack. Though it wasn’t threatening, but it
kept the pressure on. Jen didn’t waver, her focus was sharp. “We should always
protect even when we only sense a threat.” She moved her rook with precision. Her
voice carried a note of triumph as she looked up at her father. “Check.”
Frankie leaned back, and nodded in approval. “Well played, Jen. Life’s like chess—
sometimes you win not because you’re stronger but because you see the bigger
picture. Of your life.”
Jen moved her queen, “We must always be prepared to defend, even when we feel
secure. Sometimes, the greatest danger lies in complacency.”
“Another, check, dad.” Her eyes were fully looking on the board.
Frankie’s smile widened as he defended his king. “You’re learning well. Foresight is
very important, huh?”
Jen nodded. With calculated moves, she shifted her pieces, her strategy was
beginning to unfold. Finally, with a confident smile, she declared, “Checkmate, Dad.”
Her final move, a swift and decisive checkmate, left her father momentarily stunned.
Frankie, good-naturedly conceding defeat, chuckled. “Well played, Jen. Well played
indeed.”
This seemingly simple game of chess mirrored the complex dynamics of their father-
daughter relationship. It was a healthy dose of playful banter, and a deep-seated
understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Frankie, the seasoned
guide, imparted life lessons through subtle teachings, while Jen, ever the inquisitive
mind, challenged his assumptions and pushed him to see the world through a
different lens.
As they set up for another round, Jen’s tone softened. “Dad, how are things between
you and Mom?”
“All good for now.” He replied. His gaze was fixed on the board.
Frankie’s gaze flickered to Emri, who was laughing at something on the TV with
Cyrina. “Yeah. Certainly.”
Jen paused before making her next move. “Take care of yourself, Dad. I still want to
be with you for a long time.” She smirked playfully, adding, “And perhaps, just
perhaps, you still need a few grandchildren running around the house.”
Frankie chuckled, and a warm smile spread across his face. “You know, I wouldn’t
mind that at all. In fact, you should even give me the honor of naming your first
child.”
Jen grinned. “Deal. But only if you win this game.”
And so, the game continued. The sound of their laughter mingled with the voices
from the TV. It was a playful banter interwoven with unspoken affection.
***
As the night settled in, Frankie and Emri found themselves in their spacious
bedroom, tucked beneath soft sheets. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of
expensive perfume. The room was dimly lit. They lay entwined, their bodies
mirroring the quietude that settled over them after their intimate union.
Emri turned towards Frankie, “Can you believe how far we’ve come?” She whispered.
Her voice was filled with a mix of nostalgia and contentment.
Frankie reached out. “It’s hard to imagine sometimes.”
Frankie, with his arm draped around her, pulled her closer. “And now,” a contented
sigh escaped his lips, “We have built this incredible life together. A life filled not only
with great things around, but with three amazing daughters.”
A comfortable silence followed, punctuated by the rhythmic sound of their breathing.
They lay in silence for a while longer, whilst listening to the quiet sounds of the
house.
After a moment, Emri turned away slightly, her eyes were filled with unshed tears.
Frankie noticed and gently wiped away a stray drop from her cheek. “Hey, what’s
wrong?” He asked softly.
A small smile touched her lips despite the tears. “Nothing, really. It’s just… I never
thought we’d be here.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We have each other. That’s all that truly matters.”
“I just want to hold onto it as tight as I can.” She said.
“You know,” Frankie began softly, “I’d love to watch our children build lives of their
own, to see their kids grow up…”
Emri’s eyes lit up with excitement. “You’ll get your wish, Frankie. I know it. Our
daughters are all so full of life, so strong. They’ll find happiness, and someday, they’ll
share it with us.”
Frankie nodded. A sense of peace settled over him. “I hope you’re right. I hope we
have many more moments like this—just you and me.”
The ebb and flow of their conversation lulled them into a state of peaceful oblivion.
The Matataras, for all their outward success, had yet to truly embrace the essence of
a beautiful family. They were still learning, still navigating the complex terrain of
human relationships, and still searching for the elusive connection that would truly
make them whole.