Star stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the front of her shirt over her growing baby bump.
"I have to be quick," she whispered. "School… then the date. I still need to prepare." She paused and gently cradled her belly, her eyes misting with tears. "Aww, my bump is growing… I can't wait to hold you. You're the only one who might give me answers. How did you get here? Who's your father?"
A shaky smile crossed her lips. "Mendu's so drawn to you... maybe because I love him. Maybe because somewhere deep down, he already loves you too. But I'm sorry, baby. I can't make him your father... not yet. We'll find Steffy. He can hide from the world, but not from you. I promise—we'll find him."
She wiped her tears, picked up her things, and left the hotel room. At the reception, she handed over the key.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Can I have your name?" the receptionist asked politely.
"Star Shining."
"I'm sorry, Miss Star," the woman said after a quick check. "You're not allowed to leave the hotel."
Star blinked. "Excuse me? What do you mean I can't leave?"
"We've been instructed not to let you go."
Star steadied herself. "By whom? And why? Hold on…"
She stepped aside and quickly called her mother.
"Mom, did you order the hotel to stop me from leaving? I have an antenatal appointment," she said with an edge of frustration.
"What? No! Just go before you're late," Louisa replied, confused.
"I'm at the reception and they're refusing to let me leave. The lady says she was ordered not to let me out."
"Give her the phone. Let me speak to her," Louisa snapped.
Star handed over the phone, and after a brief exchange, the receptionist's demeanor shifted.
"You're free to go, Miss Star. Apologies for the confusion."
Star narrowed her eyes slightly as she stepped outside. "Strange... why would someone stop me from leaving? These people act like they're raising someone else's child."
Across town, Mandume gagged and spat his drink into the sink.
"What the hell is this?" he snapped.
Daniels flinched. "It's… your special hot chocolate, sir."
"Special?" Mandume glared. "Where did you get it?"
"I made it myself."
Mandume slammed the cup down. "Are you trying to poison me? Take it away! Now!"
Daniels rushed to comply, muttering under his breath, "If I didn't need this job so bad, I'd have quit just walking into your office…"
Mandume grabbed his coat. "Anyway, I'm heading to the gynecologist."
Daniels blinked. "Oh. Yes, sir. I'll get those files ready for when you return."
At the private hospital, a taxi pulled up just as Mandume parked. Star stepped out, and their eyes met.
"Well, look at that—perfect timing," Mandume said, getting out of his car.
Star didn't hesitate. She ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Surprised, he held her close and gently kissed her forehead.
"So, how are you doing?" they both asked in unison, then laughed softly.
"I'm not giving up," he said seriously. "How about you, Star?"
"As much as you, if not more. Two days without seeing you felt like I was suffocating."
Mandume chuckled. "Same here. My house feels so empty now."
They walked toward the hospital entrance together.
"How's your mom? Bonita? Grandma Christine?" Star asked, her eyes bright.
"They're fine. I know you talk to Grandma every day."
"No, I don't! I just called her this morning. Actually… I've been spending more time with my family lately. It feels good."
"And your mom?"
"She's… furious with my dad. Like she could rip him apart."
"But you said you were having a great time together—did they fight?"
"No. And I won't let them. I'll make them fall in love again."
Mandume looked at her skeptically. "Star… you can't make people love each other. Love isn't forced. If it's gone—it's gone."
"I know. But I'll do whatever it takes to help them find peace."
Mandume softened. "I hope you succeed. Ah, I think we're next."
Inside, Star received a message from her mom checking if she got through. She quickly replied, then handed Mandume his bag and walked into the exam room with the doctor.
Alone in the waiting room, Mandume's curiosity got the better of him. Star's phone buzzed, and the screen lit up. He picked it up and unlocked it, intending to put it away, but noticed the last open app—her messages.
One message caught his eye.
"She replied to me…" he whispered. "But… I never saw this. Why?"
His brow furrowed. He pulled out his own phone and, after a few taps, his eyes widened in shock.
"Her number… was blocked?" He stared at the screen in disbelief. "How the hell did I block her number by mistake? If I hadn't seen this…"
He quickly unblocked her.
Later, Star returned from her checkup, and Mandume rose to meet her.
"Doctor," he asked anxiously, "are they okay? Star had a serious injury before. I hope the baby's fine."
"They're doing well," the doctor smiled. "The medication is helping. And did you follow up on the pills Dr. Matthews prescribed?"
"Yes, he called us and corrected the mistake."
"Good. Keep taking care of her. If all goes well, she'll have a safe delivery."
"I will, Doctor. Thank you."
"Thank you, Doctor," Star echoed warmly.
They walked out together—unaware that hidden truths had begun to surface, one by one.