Star eventually dozed off during the journey, her head resting softly against the window.
Meanwhile, in a different car, Mandume and Olivia were taking a slow drive through the city. The wind was gentle. The silence hung comfortably between them—until Mandume broke it.
"Olly, what's the most precious gift you'd ever accept from your boyfriend?"
"You mean from you?" Olivia smirked, glancing sideways.
"For example," he chuckled, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Hmm…" she pondered. "Maybe a necklace. A pendant. Love beads… Just something personal. Something that says you love her."
Mandume nodded slowly.
"Can we stop by the market?"
"Let me guess—something for Star?"
"You guessed right," he smiled. "Shall we?"
Back at the hotel in Katutura, the family finally arrived. Tomas parked the car, and one by one, they unloaded their bags.
Star was still unconscious—but no one had noticed.
"Alright, Star, we're home," Tomas said gently, nudging her shoulder. She didn't stir.
"Don't wake her," Maria said quickly. "She's probably exhausted. You know how hospital nights can be—alone and cold. Being near you must've comforted her."
"Let me help you with her," she added.
Maria helped Tomas carry Star inside, still limp in their arms. Tomas didn't say much, but concern was written all over his face. Something didn't feel right.
Once everything was inside, Maria waited until Tomas had his back turned—then swiftly removed the safety bangle Christine had given Star. She slid it into her handbag like it meant nothing.
"Thank you, Mr. Tomas. You've done us a huge favor. Don't worry about Mandume… I'll handle him."
"And I'll handle Star," Tomas said coldly. "From this moment, we don't know each other."
Maria left without another word.
Tomas stood still for a moment, his thoughts spiraling.
She felt cold. Like she wasn't even breathing. My daughter… is she alright?
He rushed to fetch her medication. He crushed the tablets, mixed them with warm water, and used a syringe to gently feed it into her mouth. Star reflexively swallowed.
"Thank God," he whispered. "Maybe she's really just asleep. Nothing will happen to my daughter… Not on my watch."
Tomas placed an order for food—lots of it.
"Please, hurry," he pleaded on the phone.
Elsewhere, Mandume and Olivia were wrapping up their day. They'd taken photos, strolled through the market, and shared laughs. Olivia had even posted a few moments on her socials.
"Ah… what a day," Mandume sighed as they returned to the car.
"Thank you," Olivia said softly.
"For what?"
"For spending the day with me. Just the two of us. I got to see the real you again. The Mandume who never threw away the friendship bracelet."
Mandume sighed.
"Olly, if you were in my shoes, you'd have done the same. Anger… it clouds you. It's like being drunk."
"I get it, Mandume," Olivia replied. "Friendship isn't built on trinkets anyway. It's built on trust… and love. And I still trust you. I still love you."
Mandume gave a weak smile, unsure of how to respond.
"Anyway," she continued, "I just want you to know you can trust me too. I'd never tell Star what happened on Bonita's birthday eve."
"What happened?" he asked, confused.
"The… kiss," Olivia said hesitantly.
"Did we really kiss? I don't even remember feeling it," Mandume said, scratching his head.
Olivia's heart sank a little.
"Yeah… I figured. Even in your worst moments, you'd still feel her kiss. But don't worry—I won't say a thing."
"I really love Star," Mandume said suddenly. "It's like seeing her for the first time every day. And every day, she just looks more beautiful, more—"
"Okay! Eyes on the road," Olivia snapped, irritation breaking through her tone. "Enough about Star. I get it—you love her. Even if she's carrying someone else's baby."
Mandume turned his head sharply.
"Wait—what? What did you just say?"
Olivia froze.
"I—I mean, even though she's pregnant…"
"Who told you the child isn't mine?" Mandume demanded. "Olivia, did Boni or Mom tell you something?"
She stammered.
"Boni did… but everyone in the house knows"
Mandume pulled the car to the side. His hands were trembling on the wheel.
"Boni told you… the day you arrived?"
"Yes. And Mandume, I regret it. But the least you could do now is keep it quiet. Imagine if people found out. Star would be torn apart—bullied, shamed, dragged on social media. I don't even want to imagine it."
Mandume clenched his jaw. He felt the weight of betrayal settle on his chest.
"I trusted you all…" he whispered.
The rest of the drive was silent.
But Olivia's thoughts weren't.
Now I know what to do. I'll destroy Star's reputation. Her relationship with Mandume will collapse. Her trust in him will be broken. Their dreams shattered.
I'm just waiting for Mom's next move…