The smell of sizzling batter wafted through the suite, drawing Star toward the source like a child chasing a dream.
"I really missed your pancakes, Mom," Star said, a bright smile stretching across her face. "Can't wait to have them. But wait—this is a hotel, right? Don't people just order room service?"
Louisa didn't turn around. "Did you eat?" she asked, her tone clipped.
"Yes. Took my meds too. And now, I came to help you cook," Star said cheerfully, stepping closer.
Louisa stiffened. "That's good. But you're not needed here."
Star blinked. "What? Mom… we always cook together. I miss that."
"This is a hotel," Louisa snapped. "And I've been granted one chance—one—to cook my own meal. One stove. One cook."
"Then maybe you should leave," Star shot back, forcing a chuckle. "Because I'm cooking this time."
Louisa said nothing.
"Mom," Star whispered. "Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? What did I do this time?"
"I don't want to talk to you," Louisa said flatly. "Go back to bed. Let me finish this in peace."
"I'm not moving an inch until you tell me what's going on," Star said, crossing her arms and taking a seat.
Louisa turned sharply. "Thank God you know I'm angry. Thank God!"
Star's smile faltered, her confusion deepening.
"You're twenty now," Louisa continued, her voice rising. "A grown woman! Mature! But that doesn't give you the right to lock us out of your life, Star!"
"What are you talking about?"
"You," Louisa said, pointing at her. "You did everything for us. Hired a private detective. Faced your father. Got him to acknowledge you. You supported Tomas when his girlfriend walked out. You've shouldered everyone's burdens—but when it came to you? You said nothing!"
"Is that wrong, Mom?" Star whispered.
"Not wrong, but reckless!" Louisa shouted. "You're in pain, you're in danger, and you kept quiet! You didn't even hint at it! You bore it all silently—why, Star? Are you that strong? Strong enough to handle the whispers? The judgment? The shame?"
Louisa's voice cracked. "I raised you to speak up, no matter how ugly the truth. What happened to that girl?"
"I didn't hide anything," Star said softly. "You just never gave me the chance. The day you found out I was pregnant, I was going to tell you everything. But Dad walked in. And then… everything exploded."
Louisa's breath caught in her throat.
"I didn't even know I was raped until that very same day," Star continued. "The day I found out I was pregnant… that was the day I realized something was wrong."
Louisa sank into a chair, her face pale. "How…? How did it happen? Do you know who did it?"
Star nodded. "He was someone I met online. We'd been chatting for days. He invited me to his house. I didn't think twice. But when I got there, he changed. Got weird. Then… nothing. My mind just blanked out. I woke up an hour later, alone, confused. There was a note—just a note—apologizing for being a 'jerk.'"
Louisa's eyes widened. "Wait… that message I showed you that day. That was the note?"
Star nodded slowly. "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me then? You could have gone to the police—we could have gone!"
"I couldn't, Mom," Star said, her voice trembling. "I had no proof. Nothing. Just a vague memory and a torn piece of paper I stupidly destroyed."
"But that was evidence—!"
"It wouldn't hold in court," Star interrupted. "I wasn't even sure myself. I didn't remember anything. How would the police believe me? He's vanished now. Gone."
Louisa looked away, blinking back tears. "You should've tried, Star…"
"Mom, please…" Star whispered. "Even I didn't know what had happened. I only realized when I went for a scan and they told me I was four weeks pregnant. Four weeks, Mom."
Louisa turned back sharply. "Are you sure you were raped? Or is this just a story to cover up your mistake?"
Star recoiled as if slapped. "Mom! You raised me. You know I never kept secrets, even in my worst teenage years. If anyone should believe me—it's you."
Louisa sighed and finally sat beside her. "Star… if there's anything you ever need to say, say it. I raised you to be strong, yes. But that strength wasn't meant to silence you...and I see you bonded well with your stepdad?"
Star's lips parted, and her voice came in a whisper. "He's not just my stepfather. He's my father, Mom. And… I've moved on. I'm trying to heal. Especially now… with Mandume beside me."
Louisa's brow arched. "Mandume?"
"Yeah. Mendu," Star said, a small smile returning. "He's my best friend. We're close… but Mom, he's not the father of my unborn child. I swear it."
Louisa leaned back. "He lives with the Davids?"
"Yes. He's their only son."
Louisa exhaled deeply, then reached over to gently tap Star's forehead. "You're carrying the heir to the Davids. I'm taking no risks. No cooking for you."
"Mom!" Star groaned. "Mendu is my friend! Okay… maybe we love each other. But we've never been intimate."
Louisa grinned faintly. "Excuses. Justifications. I get it."
"There's no point convincing you," Star muttered. "Tell me instead… how's business up North?"