"Mom… how could you let Star go?" Mandume asked, his voice tight with frustration.
Maria sighed. "Her father insisted, and Star agreed."
Mandume frowned. "That man doesn't even have a home. His wife is rude and difficult—how can they take care of a pregnant woman like that?"
"Relax, son," Maria said gently. "Star is fine. You trust her, don't you? Do you think she'd agree to something that would put her at risk? Sit. Let me explain."
They both sat down.
"I went to pick Star from the hospital, and I met Mr. Tomas there," Maria began. "He told me he'd rather live on the streets with his daughter than watch her suffer or die under pressure. His words reminded me of everything Star did for us—she kept Boni out of jail, and she saved me too. So, I stepped in."
"What did you do?" Mandume asked warily.
"I booked them into a hotel for a week while I finalize a house—registered in Star's name."
"So… she's living with her father now?" he asked, visibly tensed.
"Yes. That's the least I can do for her. You don't need to worry—she's safe."
Mandume narrowed his eyes. "Which hotel?"
Maria handed him her phone. "Mr. Tomas sent a message for you. He said… don't visit. Don't even try to meet her."
Mandume stood up, stunned. "Why not?"
"He believes your relationship with Star puts her life in danger."
"Wait—what do you mean 'our relationship'? What kind of danger?"
Bonita, listening in, chimed in. "It's not like my brother has a jealous girlfriend lurking around… or do you, Mandume?"
"Exactly," Olivia added, curious.
"No! Of course not," Mandume snapped. "That's nonsense."
"Maybe Tomas was referring to her friendships… not what you're all thinking," Maria said, trying to soothe the tension.
Mandume rubbed his temples. "This house… it feels incomplete now."
He retreated to his room, dropped a small gift box on the table, and collapsed on his bed—frustrated and defeated.
Two days later, Star had made a full recovery and was basking in the warmth of her reunited family.
That morning, Louisa entered Star's room with a tray.
"Mom? What's this?" Star asked, surprised.
"Breakfast. In bed," Louisa said with a soft smile. "I know you hate eating in the room, but just this once—for me?"
Star smiled, heart melting. "Alright… just for you."
"Morning, my shining light," Tomas said, peeking in.
"Good morning, father. How did you sleep?" she asked.
"How did you sleep?" he echoed with a smile.
"I slept well. Seeing you and Mom together again—it still feels like a dream," Star said, eyes glowing. Tomas coughed slightly and looked away.
"Eat your food, darling. You need to take your medicine," Louisa reminded gently.
"I'm heading to work," Tomas added. "I'll be back soon."
Back at Mandume's house, he was rushing to prepare for work, rummaging through files in his cupboard.
Bonita burst in, hugging him from behind, her excitement knocking over some documents.
"Ah—hey! Pick those up!" he snapped.
"Sorry, sorry!" she laughed. "Won't you ask why I'm so excited?"
"Can you help me find the Davids City Project file first?" he asked.
Bonita crouched beside the scattered files. "Brother, are you really this down just because Star doesn't live here anymore? She didn't walk out of your life."
Mandume remained silent.
"The love you two share is bigger than this. Relax. She'll call you," she said softly, holding his hand.
Mandume blinked, holding back emotion. "So… why are you excited?"
"Guess! I'll give you a clue—it's something I've longed for, for years. And now, I finally have it."
Mandume cocked an eyebrow. "Something you longed for and lost… and now you got it back?"
"Exactly!"
"Boyfriend?" he asked.
"Correct!" she squealed.
His face dropped. "You got a boyfriend?"
"Not officially… but I think it's happening," Bonita said, giddy.
"Who?" he asked, already dreading the answer.
"Daniels!" she screamed with delight.
"Daniels?" Mandume echoed, disappointed. Just then, Olivia walked in holding a sleek, new phone.
"Morning, Sir," she said with a flirtatious smile, dressed in a very official—and revealing—outfit.
"Why are you calling me 'sir'? And what's with this outfit?" Mandume asked, clearly unimpressed.
"I'm your manager today," she said cheerfully.
"Where's Lazarus?"
"His mother is in the hospital," Olivia replied.
"Oh, right. He's also leaving for school…" Mandume mumbled.
"He already left, but don't worry—applications are in. Tomorrow you'll have a new manager."
Mandume nodded. "Did you set up the phone?"
"All set."
"What happened to your phone?" Bonita asked.
"It cracked on Saturday."
"I'll be waiting for you downstairs… Sir," Olivia said and walked off with a grin.
"Mandume is my name, Olivia. Just because you're acting manager doesn't change our relationship," he called after her. Olivia smiled slyly and left.
Bonita turned to her brother. "Of all the people, how did she get the job?"
"Mom probably recommended her. She's overly cautious when it comes to people getting close to me professionally."
She spotted the small gift box on his table and opened it. Inside was a beautiful necklace, the pendant engraved: BFF.
"Aww, this is adorable! Who's it for?"
"My girlfriend," he said softly. "It's my first real gift to her… I hope she likes it."
"She will. Daniels gave me a key holder for my car keys and I loved it."
"Oh really? What else has he given you?"
Bonita laughed. "Why are you acting like a jealous husband? You're my brother."
"Exactly! I am your brother. That guy… he speaks in riddles. He doesn't suit you. You two don't even match. He's not even cute."
"If he's not cute, then neither are you!"
"What does that mean?"
"Because he looks just like you—same face, same ego. But he's lovely, thoughtful, always has something on his head… careful."
Mandume rolled his eyes. "I wear hats because I have poliosis."
"I know you care, brother. Especially after what I went through in my last relationship. But I promise—I won't mess this one up."
"He's not your boyfriend yet."
"But I'm getting hints! Can't you be happy for me?"
"Just know—I don't like him."
Bonita smiled. "With time… you will."
"Oh! Here's the Davids City Project file."
"I need to submit this today," Mandume said, relieved.
"You're about to build your dream house. Congratulations, big brother!"
Mandume smiled faintly. "I never thought it would happen. Mr. Jackson gave me a deal I couldn't believe. I was supposed to build a penthouse, but when he saw my painting in the living room, he changed his mind. This is huge—it's worth millions. I can't mess it up."
Bonita took his hand. "You won't. And you're not alone. I may not be the best architect, but this involves business too. So, I'm with you—every step of the way."
Mandume looked at her and smiled, the tension in his chest finally beginning to ease.