Rudra and Tomas stood outside, visibly disturbed by Maria's erratic behavior. The air between them was heavy with unsaid thoughts, but Rudra's suspicions had been sparked.
"Oh, thank you, sir, for keeping up with us," Rudra said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, buddy. I'm heading home—I haven't eaten since last night."
Tomas pulled him into a grateful hug.
"Thank you… my daughter wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you."
Mandume joined in, his voice tight with emotion.
"Thanks, bro. I don't even know how to begin thanking you, but—"
"No problem," Rudra interrupted, waving it off. "What are friends for? Besides, protecting people is my job."
Mandume reached into his pocket and handed him some cash.
"This is all I've got on me. Buy something to eat."
Rudra hesitated. "Agh, I'm good…"
"Don't argue. Take it," Mandume insisted.
"…Okay. But this is the last time," Rudra replied, smiling as they hugged.
"Why not just come home with us?" Mandume offered. "We've got refreshments."
"I wish I could," Rudra said, sighing. "But I've got something to take care of. Haven't even been home in 20 hours. I'll swing by later this evening."
Mandume chuckled. "Yeah, I get it."
As Rudra walked off, Tomas stared into the distance, deeply worried.
"I'm really worried about my child. She's not safe at all…" Tomas muttered, unaware Maria had overheard.
"She's really not safe," Maria said suddenly, startling him.
"What?" Tomas turned, startled.
"You think your daughter isn't safe now, after all that happened?" Maria asked, cold and calm.
"Y-yeah… I—you're right."
"I'm Mandume's mother," she said, voice flat.
"Oh… yeah. So how safe is Star with you?"
"She's lucky to be alive today. Tomorrow? She might not be."
Tomas froze, a chill crawling down his spine.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm a mother too, and I see Star like my own daughter," Maria continued, voice softer now. "She's perfect—smart, brave—which makes her a threat to Mandume's fiancée."
"Mandume… has a fiancée?" Tomas blinked.
"Yes. They're set to marry in two, maybe three months. But Star's presence is ruining things. That woman is desperate to protect her future."
"But he just saved Star's life—he risked everything—"
"That's love. True love. But it's entangled." Maria stepped closer. "I warned him, but he doesn't believe his fiancée could go that far. Look where that got us—your daughter nearly died."
Tomas gritted his teeth, confused and pained.
"I've been trying to reach out to you for weeks," Maria continued. "Star wouldn't let me. She loves him too much. I understand that. But love shouldn't come at the cost of a life."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"So, what do you think? Are you still willing to let your daughter live in the middle of this?"
Tomas exhaled sharply. "I… I have to talk to her. But no—I can't let this love story destroy her."
Maria nodded. "Love is sweet… but also dangerous. His fiancée is doing everything to protect what's hers. And I'm afraid Star might be collateral damage."
"I want her safe," Tomas said firmly. "She's sacrificed a lot. She deserves to live. I think… I think I'll leave with her tonight."
"That's wise," Maria said. "She's not discharged yet, but I'll meet you at the hospital with her things. You can go straight from there."
"But… we don't tell Mandume."
"Exactly," Maria said. "His love for her is one-sided. If he finds out, he might react… badly. And we don't need more drama."
Tomas hesitated, then nodded. "You're right. We'll take her tonight."
Meanwhile, Mandume returned to the car, brushing past his mother.
"Mom… that slap was unnecessary," he muttered. "But I'll handle it. I won't let anyone take my Star from me."
Maria slid into the passenger seat, lips tight.
"Attempted murder? The newspapers will have a field day. My family's reputation matters, son."
Mandume looked straight ahead.
"Is she discharged?"
"No. They're keeping her until tomorrow. She needs full rest."
Mandume groaned. "She doesn't even have proper food…"
"You're not sleeping there again. She needs peace."
"I'll just bring her some good food and come back," he said, already planning.
"Better. Last time you said you were visiting a friend—turned out you slept at the hospital."
They dropped Tomas off, then headed home.
Later, in another part of town…
Daniels, Bonita, Tiffanie, Olivia, and the rest were on their way home. The mood was mellow.
"This birthday was special," Bonita said with a dreamy smile. "First drive… and I got my friend back. Two people made that happen."
"I don't see what's so great about driving, but I feel you," Tiffanie replied.
"I got my license two years ago," Bonita said. "But because I look twelve, my mom—and my brother—banned me from driving."
"Parents, ugh," Tiffanie groaned.
Bonita turned to Daniels, who had gone oddly quiet.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just tired. Long day," he said, avoiding eye contact.
"We'll be home soon," Bonita offered gently.
From the back, Olivia sneered.
"Your friend embarrassed us at the hospital."
"I didn't embarrass anyone," Daniels snapped. "I just told the truth. You all were talking trash about Star. Should've stayed home if you had nothing kind to say."
Bonita blinked. "Why are you defending Star? You don't even know her."
Daniels turned, eyes sharp.
"Bonita, I don't know you either. But talking behind someone's back and smiling to their face? That's a huge turnoff for me."
The car fell into silence as they pulled up at the house. Daniels stepped out without another word and walked away.