Trust through trials

Lesedi starts to lose faith in her man when a dynamic businesswoman enters their lives

- THOBILE MOTAUNG

THERE are so many components that make up a relationship, but the one that really stood out for Lesedi and Dennis was trust. The young couple had recently moved back to South Africa after a two­ year stay in London, where they had broadened their business horizons beyond their wildest dreams.

They owned LeDe Designs, a thriving, four­year­old couture business. Their creations had even made it to the runways of Paris Fashion Week. They were the cream of the crop among their peers and set for even higher glory. No doubt about it, Lesedi and Dennis were living their best lives. But things hadn’t always been this smooth.

THEY’D met at varsity eight years previously. Dennis was studying fashion design and Lesedi medicine. Many people believed she was hostile, but Dennis could see through her defences straight away. They clicked on their first encounter and became friends for about a month before things took a more romantic turn.

After a year, Lesedi decided to hang up her stethoscope for a sewing machine, because the more time she spent with Dennis and his design work, the more she realised she felt at home there. It wasn’t easy convincing her parents, but because Mr. and Mrs. Mthembu loved seeing their only child happy, they agreed to pay for fashion school.

Dennis’ education did not fare as well. His sponsorship fell through because the company that was funding him was liquidated and he was forced to leave school.

With the little knowledge and skill he had, he managed to get himself a job at a local clothing store as a freelance tailor. He tried to make ends meet, but his goal was to save enough to send himself back to school.