Moments later, Star couldn't sleep. Something Leila had said kept playing over and over in her mind.
"Do you have a guard? A servant? They cook for you?"
That phrase echoed in her thoughts.
"This family is wealthy… they handle million-dollar contracts, they're respected at every function, yet… no guards? No servants? Even Madam, who's clearly classy, cooks for herself. Something's not adding up," Star muttered under her breath. "If there's no mystery behind this, then it's one rare family."
She turned to her side, whispering a silent prayer.
"God, a lot is on my shoulders now. I can't tell Mom—she'll panic, shut down everything, and come running here. Please, just keep her safe and strong through all this. I trust You with her."
She took a deep breath and mapped her next day out loud.
"Tomorrow: ANC first thing. I'll be done before nine. Then school, submit my assignments. Meet Leila at 2PM… and Dad at 4. Okay."
With that, she finally drifted off to sleep.
Morning came.
Maria was already up, making breakfast for Mandume. The house buzzed to life—everyone preparing for work and school. Star, now dressed and ready, came into the living room just as Mandume stepped out of his room.
She stopped dead in her tracks.
Mandume was dressed in a crisp official outfit, and Star's breath caught. He looked so elegant, so composed, so grown. Her imagination ran wild. For a moment, she didn't see Mandume… she saw a groom waiting for his bride, and she was that bride.
"Morning?" Mandume greeted with a smile, stepping closer.
Star didn't answer.
"Star?" he said again, waving a hand in front of her.
"Huh? Oh… morning. You look… Are you going to school dressed like that?" she asked, trying to regain composure.
Mandume chuckled. "Wait—did I stun you? Where'd you go just now?"
"I've got a lot on my mind. Didn't even notice you," she lied.
He posed playfully. "So how do I look?"
"Where are you off to anyway?" she asked, dodging the question.
"To the office. I didn't mention it before, but I'm the MD at my father's company. Been on leave since the semester started—today I'm finally resuming."
Star's eyes widened. "Wait—you're a whole MD?! I should be calling you Sir!"
Mandume laughed. "Don't even try it. But hey—you're the first one to see me today. That makes you responsible for blessing me."
Star paused. A memory flooded in: her mother, every Monday morning, giving her sweets.
"Come," she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward her room.
Meanwhile, Bonita had woken up early. She knocked on Mandume's door—no answer. She headed to the living room and found her mother in the kitchen.
"Morning, Mom," Bonita said.
"Morning, Sunshine. You're up early. Looking for something?" Maria asked.
"Yeah, where's my brother?"
"He should be in his room—unless…"
Maria paused, realizing exactly where he might be.
Bonita didn't press. "Nothing serious, just wanted to talk," she said, then quietly made her way to Star's room.
Inside, Star had made Mandume sit on her bed. She brought out a chocolate bar and gently broke off a piece.
"You asked for a blessing, right?" she said, placing the chocolate near his lips. "May your day be filled with sweet and profitable productions."
Mandume stared at her, visibly touched.
"My mom used to give me sweets every Monday," Star continued. "She said life is better when it starts sweet. Sweets make you happy, boost your energy, and give you a reason to smile—so may today be filled with that, and more. And I'll do this every Monday."
Bonita walked in just in time to witness the touching moment.
"Aww! She's a wife. You must marry her," she teased.
Mandume laughed, and without saying a word, took the chocolate from Star's hand and fed her.
"May you and my baby be safe," he said tenderly.
Bonita quickly took a picture. "This is too cute."
Mandume looked at the photo, smiled, and asked her to send it to him.