The morning was uneventful as they arrived at campus. Mandume headed to his lectures while Star made her way to the library. Bonita took a cab to school, and Tiffanie got dropped off by her parents. The tension between them was thick—Tiffanie still refused to speak to Bonita, her anger lingering from the night before.
Alone in the restroom, Star quietly disposed of the homemade food Maria had packed for her. She didn't trust it anymore. Instead, she bought fast food from the tuck shop and sat outside the library, eating in silence.
That's when she spotted Tiffanie walking toward her.
Tiffanie sat beside her without a word.
Star raised a brow. She never sits with me.
"Can I help you?" Star asked, her tone cautious.
Tiffanie hesitated, looking around nervously. "Star… I need to tell you something. But promise me you won't overreact."
Star narrowed her eyes. "That depends."
"I love Mandume. A lot. But I'd never hurt anyone just to win him. I'm human, I make mistakes, I have emotions. My mom gave me love, my dad raised me well… but Star, you need to be careful. Especially with the people around you."
The words were cryptic, unsettling. Star studied Tiffanie's face, trying to piece together what she meant.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
Tiffanie took a breath, about to speak—when she froze.
Across the courtyard, Bonita stood glaring at them. Her expression was murderous.
Fear flickered in Tiffanie's eyes. Without another word, she shot up and walked away.
Star frowned. "Weird…" she muttered.
Moments later, she saw Bonita storming after Tiffanie. Something wasn't right. Star followed, keeping a safe distance.
Bonita caught up with Tiffanie behind a deserted building. Before Tiffanie could react, Bonita grabbed her by the wrist, yanked her back, and shoved her against the wall.
Then, she slapped her.
Star pressed herself against the wall, hidden but close enough to hear every word.
"You listen to me, bitch," Bonita seethed. "If you even think about exposing us to Star, think twice."
Tiffanie's breath hitched, her back stiff against the wall.
"What's wrong with you?" Bonita's voice cracked with anger. "I've always stood by you. I made your dream of dating my brother come true. And this—this is how you repay me? Are you out of your damn mind?"
Tears welled in her eyes, but her fury was stronger.
"I trusted you, Tiffanie. I loved you like a sister. I thought you'd have my back. I thought we'd fight for your love together. But now look at you. You were about to tell Star that we want to kill her."
Star's heart stopped.
What?!
Tiffanie's face was drained of color. She remained silent.
Bonita wiped at her tears. "Killing Star means everything—to me, to you, to my mother. I can't explain it all, but you need to trust me. Please, Tiffanie. I beg you, don't say anything. Don't even talk to her. If you do, she'll go straight to the police, and you? You won't even have proof. We'll deny everything, and you'll be the crazy one."
"Are you threatening me?" Tiffanie's voice was barely above a whisper.
Bonita scoffed. "No. I'm warning you. Think before you speak, because if you ruin this, there will be consequences."
Tiffanie clenched her fists. "And what consequences will you face after killing her?"
Bonita's gaze darkened. "I'll gain my right. And no matter what it costs… I'll pay the price."
Tiffanie's breath shuddered. "You're talking about taking a life, Bonita. That girl barely knows you, and she's already in your crosshairs. What kind of person are you?"
Bonita's lips curled into a smirk. "The kind that doesn't let anyone stand in her way."
Tiffanie's expression hardened. She let out a deep breath, shaking her head.
"You know what? Fine. I won't say a word."
Bonita grinned, stepping forward to hug her, but Tiffanie shoved her back.
"I'm not done."
Bonita's smile faded.
"This friendship? Over. I don't want anything to do with you anymore," Tiffanie spat. "I'll break up with Mandume. I'll leave you alone. I won't interfere with whatever twisted job you're doing. But mark my words, Bonita—every action has a reaction. And when yours comes back to haunt you, don't call me to apologize."
Then, without another word, she turned and walked away.
Bonita stood frozen, speechless.
Behind the building, Star clutched her racing heart.
They want to kill me?
She could barely breathe.
Bonita had mentioned her right. What did that mean? Why did her supposed right cost Star's life?
Am I… Maria's daughter?
"No. No, God forbid," she whispered to herself. "I'm Louisa's daughter."
But the seed of doubt had already been planted.
When classes ended, the three met at the car. Bonita cast Star a quick, sharp glare before forcing a fake smile.
Star didn't look away. "What did I do?"
Bonita tilted her head, her grin tight. "Nothing."
The ride back was tense.
At home, Star returned the untouched lunchbox to the kitchen, where Maria was cleaning.
Maria smiled warmly. "Oh, see you had your meal."
Star forced a laugh. "Yep! It was super delicious. Honestly, you're my new favorite chef."
Maria beamed. "Oh dear, thank you."
But Star had already made up her mind. She would never eat Maria's food again—not unless she watched her cook it herself.
Back in her room, she turned on a movie, but her mind was elsewhere.
A knock at her door startled her.
Mandume stood there, looking effortlessly handsome. Star almost complimented him, but her pride wouldn't allow it.
"What are you doing?" he asked, peeking at her laptop screen.
"Cleaning my room," she deadpanned.
Mandume raised a brow.
"Black people, neh," she muttered. "You see someone watching a movie, and you still ask what they're doing. Jess."
Mandume chuckled. "Mara jy neh."
Star smirked.
"Are you taking Tiffanie out?" she asked, trying to sound indifferent.
Mandume smirked. "Is that your way of saying I look handsome?"
Star rolled her eyes. "You look like someone going to milk cows."
Mandume laughed. "But I see jealousy all over you."
"Where are you going?" she asked, avoiding the accusation.
"Get dressed. We're going somewhere."
"Somewhere where?"
Mandume sighed. "Just do as I say."
Star narrowed her eyes. "Are you going to kill me?"
Mandume froze.
For a moment, he thought she was joking. But there was no humor in her expression.
His smile faded. "Star… are you safe here? Did Bonita say something to you?"
"No," she lied.
Mandume studied her. "Tell me the truth."
Star looked away. "If you don't think I'm hiding something, why are you so worried?"
Mandume exhaled. "If you ever feel unsafe, tell me. I'll protect you."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart ache.
"Psh. It was a joke." She shoved him out of the room. "Now let me get dressed."
But deep down, she wasn't sure if she was joking anymore.