Bonita told her mother everything that had happened at school.
"You see? You should have told me before exposing our plan to that girl," Maria scolded. "She's soft-hearted… and just because she didn't tell today doesn't mean she won't tomorrow."
"She said she'll break up with Mandume and have nothing to do with us. I'll believe it when I see it," Bonita replied, unconvinced.
"She must break up with him," Maria said firmly. "I don't want outsiders meddling in our business. It's better this way."
"I doubt she will. She loves Mandume too much," Bonita muttered.
"And my son…" Maria added, her voice trailing off.
"Mom, Mandume doesn't love her," Bonita said bluntly.
At that moment, Mandume walked in. "I heard my name… Whoa, Mom, you're home early today?"
Maria hesitated. "Uh… yeah, it was a light day, so I left early."
"Who don't I love, Boni?" Mandume asked, narrowing his eyes.
Bonita stammered, "Ah… you… actually, it's between me and Mom."
"Really? I think I should be involved since I just heard my name," Mandume pressed.
"You'll know later. By the way, where are you off to?" Bonita asked, trying to divert the conversation.
"I'm going out with Star," he replied casually.
Bonita and Maria exchanged a shocked glance.
"Why? Are you guys dating now?" Bonita questioned.
"No… Or maybe we should, just so we can start going out," Mandume teased.
Maria was speechless.
Just then, Star arrived, wearing a stunning dress. Mandume froze, staring at her, completely captivated. Bonita and Maria eyed her with envy, their resentment clear. Star, noticing their jealousy, smirked.
"Shall we?" she said to Mandume.
"Wow, you look breathtaking. Did you just walk out of heaven?" Mandume asked, still mesmerized.
Star chuckled. "Yep. And God told me that those who look at me with envy are witches," she said, pointedly glancing at Bonita and Maria.
Mandume laughed. "Ha-ha-ha! They really are because, Yoh, you're setting them on fire right now."
Maria and Bonita were even more stunned.
Mandume pecked his mother's cheek and whispered in her ear, "We're off to the park." Then, he left with Star.
Bonita, still fuming, secretly followed them and recorded a video of Mandume opening the car door for Star. She immediately sent it to Tiffanie with the caption: Still thinking about moving on?
Tiffanie's reply came fast: Where are they going? 😭
Off to the park, Bonita answered.
Sure… see you there, Tiffanie replied.
Bonita returned to her mother, grinning. "See, Mom? I told you Tiffanie isn't over him. She's going to show her fire and embarrass Star in front of everyone."
Maria scoffed. "And you're happy about that while my own son called me a witch?"
Bonita rolled her eyes. "Mom, he was just playing along with Star. Only she knows who she was referring to. Besides, Mandume is obviously in love. Ha-ha-ha."
Maria sighed. "Why are you so invested in Tiffanie and Mandume's relationship?"
Bonita's expression darkened. "Because, Mom, Star won't get the chance to fall for him. You're the one who said she's a threat. If she marries Mandume, she won't just be a threat anymore—she'll be your daughter-in-law. We need to stop this before it's too late."
Maria smirked. "You're smart."
Bonita hugged her. "And, Ma'am, you haven't even freshened up since work. I'm off to watch the drama unfold at the park."
"What drama?" Maria asked.
"The Tiffanie vs. Star showdown. Don't worry, I'll record it for you." Bonita laughed and left to change.
At the Park
Mandume had blindfolded Star, calling it a surprise. When they arrived, he jumped out of the car, opened the door for her, and led her forward.
"Where are we?" Star asked curiously.
"Wait… just a little further," Mandume said, guiding her toward a beautifully set table, covered in plates of food, drinks, and a large sign that read:
"I'm sorry for shouting at you last night."
Mandume gently sat Star down and removed the blindfold.
Star gasped, looking around. Then, she stood up in awe. "Wow, you brought me to the park? This is amazing! I've never been here before."
She was beyond excited.
"Oh my God! Are those swings and seesaws?" Star's voice lit up with nostalgia. "When I was seven—before I came to Windhoek—my cousin and I used to make swings out of tires and hang them high on trees. This… this is a dream come true."
Mandume hadn't expected such a reaction.
Before he could say anything, Star turned and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much."
As she pulled away, her eyes fell on the sign. She read it and turned back to Mandume.
"You don't have to apologize," she said softly. "I understand what you're going through. In fact, I should be the one apologizing for bringing up your dad like that."
Mandume sighed. "No, Star, I wasn't supposed to shout at you and walk away. I let my anger control me… I'm truly sorry. Will you forgive me?"
Star smirked. "No, I won't."
Mandume's face fell. "Star, p—"
"I won't forgive you because I don't know what I'm supposed to be forgiving," she teased.
"Oh." Mandume exhaled in relief.
She took his hand. "Hey, you expressed your love for your mother and your pain over your father leaving without saying goodbye. You had every right to be upset. Don't apologize for that. I understand. If someone ever speaks badly about my mom, I'd skin them alive."
They both laughed.
As they ate, they watched the children playing and the lively activities around them.
"You really have never been here before?" Mandume asked.
Star shook her head. "No. I grew up in the north until I was ten. When Mom got married, we moved to Windhoek. They settled in Goreangab, and since Mom was a housewife, she never took me to places like this. Tomas—her husband—was a total jerk. He hated me then, and he still hates me now. So, I never had the chance to come here."
Mandume's expression darkened. "Oh…"
Before he could respond, Star suddenly pointed toward the entrance.
"Tiffanie?" she whispered, stunned.
Mandume turned to look. His expression immediately hardened. "What is she doing here?"
"You didn't invite her?" Star asked, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach.
"No. Why would I? Yes, she's my girlfriend, but I didn't tell her about this. I haven't even spoken to her today." Mandume's voice was laced with anger.
Star bit her lip. "Maybe one of her friends was spying on us and called her to come."
Mandume clenched his jaw. "I bet it was my sister. I'm sure of it."
"Mandume, just stay calm. Let's see what she's up to first," Star said, sensing trouble.
Mandume exhaled sharply. "Star, don't move. Stay right here. Let's watch the show."
"I can't interfere in your love life, Mandume," Star said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
And just like that, the peaceful evening was about to turn into a battlefield.