The doctor handed Star her prescription — vitamins and a few other supplements. The consultation was over, but the storm inside Mandume was only beginning to brew.
Without a word, he turned and began striding toward Dr. Mathew's private cabin, rage written all over his face.
Star caught his arm just in time.
"Mendu, please," she said gently, "let it go. Dr. Mathew probably just mixed up the pills… maybe he didn't check properly."
Mandume turned on her, eyes burning. "Star, did you even hear what the gynaecologist said? This isn't a mix-up — this could've cost you and the baby! And you want to let it slide?"
"I know it's serious," Star replied, trying to remain calm. "But the gynaecologist gave us a warning. That's all. We now know my condition can't be treated with pills… I've stopped taking them. That's it. Let's just leave it there."
"No, Star. Doctors like him don't get to walk away. What if your mom finds out it was my childhood doctor who nearly killed you? She'll think I planned this—think I was part of it!"
"Mandume!" Star's voice cracked like a whip. He froze in surprise at the force behind it.
She turned away briefly, collected herself, then faced him again. Her eyes were firm.
"I know. I found out yesterday that Dr. Mathew gave me abortion pills," she said quietly. "The abdominal pain I had on Saturday — before lunch? That was it. I came here in disguise…pretending to be someone he knows. He confessed. Said someone forced him at gunpoint. That he had no choice."
Mandume's anger faltered as he listened. His hands curled into fists.
"He said he was paid, watched, and threatened. I threw the pills away right after. He... he regretted it, Mandume. Promised he'd never do something like that again. If we confront him now, he could lose his job."
Mandume exhaled deeply, trying to stay composed. He had never seen Star like this — not so firm, not so… forgiving.
"You should've told me," he murmured. "This is vicious. This is criminal."
"I know. But we don't repay evil with evil, remember? Whoever did this — we'll find them. But let Dr. Mathew go."
Mandume shook his head slowly. "Star, your life is still in danger. Who would pay a doctor to do this? Who wants you dead?"
"I don't know," Star whispered. "But I'll be careful."
"It's not about you being careful. The culprit's already ten steps ahead. We need to find them. I need to find them."
Star placed a hand on his arm. "Don't worry about me. You should focus on finding your father."
"My father's gone, Star. I'm not going to chase ghosts while the person I love is a target. If anything happened to you... I couldn't bear it." His voice cracked. "So no — don't tell me to stand down. I'll let this go for now, because you asked. But from now on, I'll be watching everything — what you eat, drink, who comes near you."
"But, Mendu—" she started.
He pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"Shh. Whether you like it or not, I'll protect you. You're my buddy. This is my baby. And no one—no one—messes with his life."
Mandume placed a hand gently on her stomach. Star's heart thudded. Then, her thoughts turned to the sonography form — the one where he forcefully wrote his name. The memory made her snap out of the moment.
"I need to go get my medication. I'm running late," she said sharply, pulling away.
Mandume grinned. "You can leave… but I saw that flicker of love in your eyes."
She didn't respond.
Star walked into the pharmacy to collect her prescriptions. Mandume, still half-smiling, stepped out of the hospital — only to crash directly into someone.
"Ah—sorry, sir," he muttered, then looked up. His smile vanished.
It was Dr. Mathews.
The moment they locked eyes, the air thickened with tension. Recognition dawned on both.
"You…" Mandume's voice was low and threatening.
"Mandume! Good morning… what brings you here?" Dr. Mathews asked, feigning calm, but his voice trembled slightly.
Mandume stared at him, then answered casually, "Star's unwell. I brought her."
"Mutism? Again?" Dr. Mathews' voice cracked.
"No," Mandume replied coldly. "Her pregnancy. The gynaecologist suspects it was nearly terminated by unprescribed abortion pills."
The doctor's eyes widened. "Pills? I—I only gave her the mutism meds. If she took anything else, maybe she doesn't want the baby…"
Mandume's nostrils flared. "Really? That's what you're going with?"
He leaned closer, his voice deadly soft. "Tell me, Doc — why would you prescribe mutism medication for a condition that has no pharmacological cure?"
Dr. Mathews stepped back, visibly rattled.
"What pills did you give her… and why?"
The doctor stammered, eyes darting around. "How… how did he find out?"
Just then, Star emerged, fresh from the pharmacy.
"Oh! Dr. Mathews!" she said brightly, like nothing was wrong. "How are you doing?"
He blinked, caught completely off guard.
"I'm… I'm well," he said, forcing a smile. "You look radiant — clearly doing better."
"I am. Had my first ultrasound today," she replied, smiling sweetly.
"That's… wonderful. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly."
"Of course," she said lightly, then turned to Mandume. "Shall we?"
Mandume gave Dr. Mathews a hard, lingering look. No words — just a silent vow.
Then he turned and followed Star, never once looking back.