In the car on the way to school, Star sat in tense silence. Her fists clenched tightly in her lap, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
"Madam is heartless… I never imagined she could stoop so low just to protect her filthy secrets. Mandume doesn't deserve this…" she murmured under her breath.
Bonita glanced sideways, noticing Star's furrowed brow and distant gaze.
"You look troubled. What's going on?" she asked gently.
"It's nothing," Star replied, forcing a smile. "I just hope Mandume's okay."
Bonita raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "First time seeing him hurt, huh? Don't worry. He's strong. He'll pull through."
Star hesitated, her voice dropping. "Boni… can I trust you?"
"Of course," Bonita said immediately. "Talk to me."
But Star caught herself. Bonita's eyes searched hers, but something shifted.
"Never mind. I'll handle it myself," Star said softly.
Bonita's heart sank. Leila's words echoed in her mind: "Star looked in my eyes and realized I wasn't trustworthy..."
What do I have to do to prove I've changed? I already lost my best friend for this exact reason. I can't lose Star too.
"You don't need to prove anything to win my trust," Star suddenly said, catching Bonita off guard. "I just need time to think, okay?"
Bonita blinked. "Wait... did you hear my thoughts?"
"Your face says it all," Star replied with a faint smirk.
"Are we still going to Tiffanie's?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"With Mandume's injury? I don't think you need any more stress today," Bonita said firmly.
"But I—"
"I'll handle it. Just rest. Try to get over it," Bonita cut in.
Star exhaled, defeated. "Okay… if you say so."
Meanwhile, at Maria's company in Kefas' cabin...
Maria stormed in, only to find the place empty. She wandered around anxiously until Kefas entered, sipping a cup of coffee.
"When did you get here?" he asked, surprised.
"No time for small talk. Kefas, make me understand one thing—who the hell is Star?"
"What do you mean?" Kefas asked, puzzled.
"I've tried everything to eliminate her!" Maria exploded. "I framed her—Mandume still took her side without a shred of proof! I tried to kill her—she escaped like it was nothing! I tried to get her arrested—I got locked up instead! I sent men to ruin her—they got intoxicated! I tried to poison her health while pregnant—she found out, thanks to that idiot Dr. Mathews!"
Kefas blinked, stunned.
"So nothing is working?" he said slowly.
"Exactly! It's like she's a witch! And the worst part? She could expose me a thousand times by now… but she hasn't. Today, she made me look like a fool—she threatened me."
"As long as she's not hurting my daughter—"
"Your daughter is the one I want gone!" Maria snapped. "Bonita's just as stubborn—refuses to forgive me. I've already told her the truth! But she clings to Star like glue. I swear Star poisoned her against me."
"She's still healing. Give her time," Kefas replied calmly.
"No, you don't get it." Maria seethed. "She's not pretending—Bonita hates me now."
"I get you," Kefas said. "But I understand Bonita. You dropped a bombshell on her and expect her to just smile the next day? Come on. She's not one to fake feelings."
Maria sighed.
"Forget her. Focus on the bigger threat—Star. She's about to rip your whole mask off."
"Exactly. And I need a plan. Mandume has to marry—this year—or we lose the company. If he marries Star, everything's gone. I need him to marry someone else. Anyone else."
"You think he's foolish enough to marry a woman pregnant with another man's child?" Kefas asked.
"David did it. Engaged me while I was carrying your child," Maria snapped.
"He thought it was his," Kefas retorted.
"True love is madness. Mandume's already promised to adopt Star's child. Today, they were together at the gynaecologist's."
Kefas whistled low. "So what now?"
"Watch. I'll kill Star—slowly, silently—without her ever knowing it," Maria said, eyes gleaming with cruel resolve.
At the mansion...
Mandume sat in the living room with Christine. He kept replaying Star's face in his mind—how panicked she was when he got hurt.
"Grandma… how did you know Sir Roberts was in love with you?" he asked suddenly.
Christine smiled. "He cares. He notices me. Worries about me. Tells me I'm beautiful every day. Love is made of little things like that. Why?"
Mandume hesitated.
"Have you found a bride?" Christine asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I already have one," he said. "Star."
Christine's expression dimmed. "Star is a good woman, really. But do you think Maria will approve?"
"I don't care anymore," Mandume said firmly. "Whether I tell her now or later, her reaction won't change."
Christine sighed. "If you're certain she's not lying about the pregnancy, then follow your heart. I just want peace in this family."
"Star is the daughter-in-law you didn't know you needed," Mandume said.
Christine smiled softly. "If this is true love, I hope it never fades."
Later that day at school...
Star waited for Bonita at the gate. Her mind racing, she picked up her phone and dialed Leila.
"Hey, Leila."
"Hey. What's up?"
"You got a minute?"
"Kind of. I'm at the hospital. If it's urgent, tell me, or I'll call you after."
"It's okay. I'll call you when you're free," Star said.
"Alright. Talk later."
As she ended the call, her phone rang again.
Dad.
"What could've happened?" she muttered. "Dad?"
"Star... hearing your voice is like a miracle," Tomas said.
"Is everything okay?"
"Better than okay. How are you?"
"I'm fine... nothing happened last night, right?"
"No. But I'm amazed. What did you say to Daniela last night?"
"Nothing major... just talked."
"He covered me with a blanket, woke up before me, made me coffee. I thought I was dreaming."
Star smiled. "Not a dream, Dad. Just thank God he's softening."
"What about Frieda?"
"She hasn't said a word. But as long as Daniela's with me... I'm okay."
Star's tone sharpened. "I swear, I was ready to tear Frieda apart last night. How dare she bring up a broken home?"
"I know," Tomas said gently. "But Star, don't let your anger control you."
"I know, Dad. It's Ma's daily gospel—'Anger is your greatest enemy. Always control it,'" she mimicked, and they both laughed.
"Alright, Star. We'll talk soon. Take care."
"Bye, Dad."
Star hung up and stared at the sky, tears forming.
"Even in my wildest dreams… I never imagined Dad could be this loving. Thank you, Jesus."