Star grabbed his suitcase and put on a disarming smile.
"Nothing interesting here… but I need you to wait outside for a moment," she said. "As you can see, I just came out of the bathroom, and I get a little shy around you. Just five minutes, Dad—please."
Tomas raised a brow but nodded. "Alright. Five minutes."
Once the door clicked shut, Star moved swiftly. She finished Louisa's makeup with trembling hands, adjusted the scarf around her mother's head, and helped her stand.
"You ready?" she whispered.
Louisa gave a small nod.
Star led her toward the terrace. They bumped into Tomas in the hallway, but Star kept her head low, arm curled protectively around Louisa's. She angled them just right so Tomas wouldn't get a clear look. Thankfully, he passed by without suspicion.
Meanwhile, Bonita parked her car and entered the house. She found Daniels lounging in the living room.
"Daniels… how are you doing?" she asked.
"Oh, Boni…" Daniels sighed.
"How was your first day? I hope nothing went wrong?"
"Nope. All good."
"You sure?" she pressed.
"Yes. Everything went well. Actually, my boss asked me to drive Star back to the hotel," Daniels added, casually.
"Star?" Bonita blinked, confused.
"Yeah. He took her to the gynaecologist, and when he returned, he handed her over to me for the ride back."
Bonita's smile wavered. "That must've been… amazing." She forced a grin. "Let me go change. We can hang out."
Daniels sat up straighter. "No need for that. I'm here to work on some accounts with the boss."
Bonita's smile disappeared. "Then we'll work together. I'll call Mandume to join us."
She turned and marched upstairs, her heels clicking on the steps. She found Olivia loitering by Mandume's room—more specifically, peeking through the keyhole.
"What are you doing there?" Bonita asked sharply. Olivia didn't respond until Bonita approached.
"Are you… peeping on my brother as he undresses?" Bonita gasped.
Olivia jumped back, startled. "No! I—Why are you just getting home now?"
"Ew! You're disgusting!" Bonita wrinkled her nose. "That's so out of character. Peeping on boys? Really?"
She brushed past, but paused when she caught Mandume's reflection in the window—he was buttoning a bright black suit.
"Going to a wedding? That's awfully romantic," she teased, stepping into his room.
"You think?" Mandume smiled, checking his tie in the mirror.
"You're going to meet Star, aren't you?" she said knowingly.
"Yes. And shh… don't shout it," he whispered.
"Your outfit's already doing the shouting."
"Too much? Too colourful?" he asked, suddenly unsure.
"No, it's perfect. Fits the occasion. Is it a surprise, or...?"
Mandume shook his head. "Not an engagement or anything. She asked me out. For the first time. I just... I want to show her how serious I am."
Bonita smiled. "Love really does change people."
"Have I changed?" he asked softly.
"A lot. Ever since Dad left, you never smiled. Even when you were dating Tiffanie, you were cold—arrogant even. Then Star came… and suddenly you're laughing, smiling from ear to ear… buying suits just for a date."
Mandume sat beside her, hands folded.
"It's not just a date, Boni. It's a feeling I can't shake. It's something I want to wake up to every day. I don't want to lose it."
Bonita stared at him, warmth in her eyes. "You've gone mad."
She stood to leave. "Oh, Daniels is waiting for you downstairs."
Mandume blinked. "Ah, I totally forgot. I'll ask him to handle things with Mom. I'm not missing this chance."
Back in the room, Star helped Louisa settle, then opened the door.
"You can come in now, Dad."
Tomas entered, looking around. "Where's your mother?"
"She's waiting for you," Star said.
"Waiting for me?" he repeated, confused.
"She wants to meet you at the terrace. She has a surprise for you."
Tomas frowned. "A surprise? Is everything okay?"
"Yes, totally fine. You don't need to worry. Just go to the terrace."
Tomas hesitated, scanning her face.
"Wait," Star said suddenly, blocking his path. "Not like that. You need to change first."
"What?"
She grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the wardrobe, pulling out two casual sets of clothes.
"This or this? Which one?"
Tomas stared at the clothes. "Where did these even come from?"
"Don't worry about it. Just know Mom wants you to wear one of them."
"Louisa wants me to wear these?" He backed away, eyes wide. "No, no. Something's not right."
He threw his phone and work bag onto the bed and bolted toward the terrace.
"Dad! Wait—it's not what you think!" Star called, chasing after him.
But it was too late.