Mandume had taken the day off. The house was quiet as he placed a small gift box on the table in his room. Without hesitation, he stepped outside and found his grandmother seated in her usual spot, feeling the cool air dance over the porch.
"Evening, Grandma," he said gently.
"Oh, you're finally back. I couldn't wait any longer," Christine replied with a warm smile.
"I'm here now… This spot always reminds me of Star. She comes here in the evenings." He looked out, letting the wind whisper past his thoughts.
"It's such a nice, heart-warming space," Christine said, her voice filled with nostalgia.
"You wanted to talk to me last night, and we didn't get the chance this morning either," Mandume said, settling beside her.
"Yes…" Christine's expression grew serious. "Mandume, the reason I came to Namibia is simple. I want to see you married and ensure your father's legacy—his company and properties—fall into safe hands."
"Yes… marriage," he said, a bit hesitant. "I asked Star. She hasn't answered me yet. And the court hasn't sent the official notice either."
Christine's eyes sharpened. "It's not just about marriage. It's about you and Star… Star is pregnant—with your 'brother's' child. What do we do about that? Did you ever ask her how she met Steffy?"
"According to Star, Steffy raped her. And when she went back to tell him about the pregnancy, he had vanished—completely. Like he was never real." Mandume sighed. "I was thinking… maybe we should discuss all this with Mom?"
"…What if he isn't from her side, but your father's mistake?" Christine said cautiously.
"Grandma, we can't point fingers until we've heard Mom's story. This is serious, and both Mom and Star deserve to know the truth," Mandume said firmly, stunning Christine with his composed resolve.
"Did Joana…" Christine murmured under her breath, not meaning to say it aloud.
"Who's Joana?" Mandume asked quickly.
"No, I… I meant… Did Maria really have a second child no one knew about?" Christine pivoted.
"Yes, she might have," he said with a frown. "Grandma, we need a family meeting. Tomorrow. We lay everything out—my marriage to Star, her place in this house, the identity of Steffy. Tonight, I'll talk to Star about the DNA test."
"I understand… but with this mysterious brother roaming around, I fear you may not end up marrying Star," Christine said softly, a shadow passing over her face.
"What? Why?" Mandume asked.
"If he steps into this house, he might use the child to destroy your marriage—claim custody, ruin Star's reputation, tear everything apart. We must prepare, Mandume…"
"Grandma… please. Star asked me out today, and I want to celebrate tonight—with a clean heart. So, I'm leaving now," Mandume said, getting up and walking away.
"Mandume…" Christine whispered. "He doesn't understand… his love story is as tangled as his father's."
She stood and walked slowly toward the backyard, her thoughts heavy.
Meanwhile...
Star had already booked a private room for their romantic date, but the terrace was where her plan truly unfolded.
"Mom might think I'm giving her space with Mendu tonight… but little does she know—this is for her and Dad to reconcile. If this doesn't work, I don't know what will," Star whispered as she placed rose petals and candles around the terrace.
A waiter approached. "Madam, here are the wine and food."
"Yes, thank you. Please set it up like you do for the high-end guests," she said.
The waiter nodded and arranged the table with elegance.
Back at Mandume's place, he was just stepping into the bathroom, unaware that Olivia had snuck into his room. Her eyes locked onto the box on the table. She opened it—and froze.
"A ring?" Her voice trembled, her jaw dropping. "Oh my God! Is he… is he going to propose to that pregnant witch?"
Fury twisted her features. "No. No, I won't let you make this mistake, Mandume."
She grabbed the ring and hid it in her bag.
"This ring belongs to me," she hissed. "Not to some girl with a directionless life. Me. Only me."
Oblivious, Mandume finished showering and walked into the room wrapped in a towel. Three suits lay on the bed—red, blue, black.
"Which one? What color is Star wearing? We need to match… like a real couple," he said, smiling to himself.
Olivia, hidden behind the curtain, peeked at him.
"Oh gosh… those abs. Who knew the shyest guy in the world looked this good? He's perfect… for me," she said, biting her lip.
Elsewhere…
Star wasn't readying herself yet. Instead, she was helping Louisa.
"Mom, I know you love black. Pick one of these two dresses," she said, holding up two sleek, designer gowns.
"Where did you get these?" Louisa asked suspiciously.
"I ordered them—now stop questioning and think. Which one will Dad like best?"
"Wait—whose date is this? Yours or mine?" Louisa teased.
"It's mine," Star said with a wink, "but we have to distract Dad… we need him emotionally off-guard, so he won't suspect anything. I think this one will look perfect on you."
Louisa emerged from the bathroom moments later in the chosen dress.
"Oh. My. Goodness," Star gasped. "No more options. You look gorgeous, Mom. If you looked like this now, I can only imagine what you looked like at my age!"
"You think so?" Louisa said, admiring her reflection—eyes wistful, the past flickering through them like shadows.
"Yes. And I'm glad you like it." Star smiled. "Now sit. Let me do your makeup."
As she worked on her mother's face, a knock echoed at the door.
Star peeked through—and immediately shut it.
"No, Father. You can't come in yet!" she shouted.
Tomas frowned. "Why not?"
"Mom, get to the washroom. Take the makeup kit," Star whispered urgently.
"What's going on?" Tomas asked, trying to push open the door.
When he managed to get in, all he saw was Star—drenched and wrapped in a towel.
He blinked. "What… what's going on here?"