Bonita recounted everything that happened at school to her mother.
"You should've told me before dragging that girl into our plans… She's soft-hearted. Just because she didn't expose you today doesn't mean she won't," Maria warned.
"She said she'd break up with Mandume and have nothing to do with us. I'll see about that," Bonita scoffed.
"Hmph. She must break up with him. I don't want outsiders interfering in our business. It's better that way," Maria said.
"I doubt she will. She loves Mandume too much."
"And my son…" Maria trailed off.
"Mom, Mandume doesn't love her," Bonita stated firmly.
"I heard my name… Whoa, Mom, you're home early?" Mandume entered the room, catching them off guard.
"Ha… yeah, it was a light day, so I left early," Maria said quickly.
"Who don't I love, Boni?" Mandume asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
"Ah… it's just something between me and Mom," Bonita stuttered.
"Really? I think I should know since I just heard my name."
"You'll find out later. By the way, where are you off to?" Bonita asked, trying to change the subject.
"I'm going out with Star."
Bonita and Maria exchanged stunned glances.
"Why? Are you two dating?" Bonita questioned.
"No… Or maybe we should, so we can actually go out," Mandume teased.
Maria was speechless.
Just then, Star arrived in a breathtaking dress. Mandume was frozen, eyes locked onto her, captivated by her beauty. Bonita and Maria, however, looked at her with pure envy, which Star didn't fail to notice.
"Shall we?" Star asked Mandume.
"Wow, you look stunning. Did you just walk out of heaven?" Mandume said in awe.
"Yep, and God said those who look at you with envy are witches," Star replied, throwing a glance at Bonita and Maria.
Mandume laughed. "Ha-ha-ha, they really are. Because, wow, you're on fire."
Maria and Bonita were too shocked to speak.
Mandume kissed his mother's cheek and whispered, "We're off to the park." Then he led Star to the car.
Bonita, seething, secretly followed them and recorded a video of Mandume opening the car door for Star. She immediately sent it to Tiffanie.
Bonita:"Still thinking of moving on?"
Tiffanie:"Where are they off to? 😭"
Bonita:"The park."
Tiffanie:"See you there."
Bonita returned to her mother with a wicked grin, showing her their chat.
"Mom, see? I told you Tiffanie isn't over him. She's going to make a scene and humiliate Star in front of everyone."
Maria sighed. "You're happy about that while my own son just called me a witch?"
"Mom, he was probably just playing along with Star. Besides, don't you see? Brother is in love—ha-ha-ha!"
Maria narrowed her eyes. "Why are you so invested in Tiffanie and Mandume's relationship?"
"Because, Mom, Star is a threat. If she marries Mandume, she won't just be a problem, she'll be family. And that can't happen. We have to break them before it's too late."
Maria smirked. "You're smart, Boni."
Bonita hugged her mother. "By the way, you haven't even freshened up since work. I'm off to watch the show at the park."
"What show?"
"The Tiffanie and Star showdown. I'll record it for you," Bonita said and rushed off.
At the park, Mandume had blindfolded Star. He led her toward a beautifully set-up table covered in food, drinks, and a large banner that read:
"I'm sorry for shouting at you last night."
When he removed the blindfold, Star gasped.
"Wow, the park? I've never been here before… This is amazing!" she beamed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Mandume smiled, surprised by her reaction.
"Oh my God… are those swings and seesaws?! When I was seven, before I moved to Windhoek, my cousin and I made swings from old tires and tied them high up in trees… This is a dream come true!"
Mandume didn't expect this. Star turned and hugged him, overcome with joy.
"Thank you so much."
When she turned back to the table, she finally noticed the banner.
"Ah, Mendu, you don't have to apologize. I understand what you're going through. In fact, I should be the one apologizing for bringing up your dad."
Mandume exhaled. "No, Star, I shouldn't have shouted at you. I let my anger get the best of me. Please, will you forgive me?"
"No, I won't!"
Mandume froze. "Star, wha—"
"I won't because I don't even know what I'm forgiving."
"Oh…" Mandume sighed in relief.
She smiled. "Mendu, you were just expressing your love for your mother and your frustration about your father leaving. You have every right to defend her. So don't be sorry for nothing, okay?"
Mandume chuckled. "You'd skin someone alive for talking bad about your mom, huh?"
"Absolutely," she grinned.
They laughed, ate, and watched the children playing in the park.
Just as they were about to head for the swings, Star spotted a familiar figure.
"Tiffanie?"
Mandume looked in the same direction and frowned. "What is she doing here?"
"You didn't invite her?"
"No. Why would I? Yes, she's my girlfriend, but I haven't even seen her today."
"Maybe someone's been spying on us and told her to come."
Mandume's jaw clenched. "Bonita. It has to be her."
"Let's wait and see what she's up to," Mandume said, bracing himself.
"I can't intervene in your love life, Mendu," Star murmured, suddenly uneasy.
Tiffanie arrived, her expression unreadable. Star instinctively stood to leave, but Tiffanie grabbed her wrist.
As Star hesitated, she noticed Bonita hiding behind a playground slide, phone in hand, recording everything.
"So Bonita set this up… What are they planning?" Star wondered.
"Sit," Tiffanie said softly, surprising both Star and Mandume.
"Mandume, I know you didn't invite me on your date… Your sister did. But I'm not here to fight. I love you, but I can't force you to love me back."
Mandume remained silent, confused. Star, too, was unsure of what game Tiffanie was playing.
"Love shouldn't be violent. I don't want to be that kind of person. Lately, when I look into your eyes, I don't see love for me—I see love for her." Tiffanie's voice cracked as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Tiffanie, what are you saying?" Mandume asked.
Tiffanie took Star's hand and placed it in Mandume's.
"Star, Mandume loves you. Even when you're pregnant with someone else, it doesn't matter to him. He's a good man—he respects women, he's handsome… and now, I'm stepping aside. Let no one separate you two."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Mandume stunned and Bonita furious.
"What?! Stupid girl! How can she just hand over her boyfriend like that?!" Bonita hissed.
Mandume, still processing everything, called out, "Tiffanie?"
She stopped, but didn't turn around.
"Tiffanie, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"Nothing. I'm done, Mandume. I have to do this… for my own happiness."
And with that, she left.
Bonita stormed after her.
"What was that?!"
Tiffanie scoffed. "What did you expect? That I'd attack Star? I'm done with you Davids. And I didn't even tell Star about your plans. So go ahead. Do your worst. Imbecile."
She hopped into a cab, leaving Bonita standing there, furious and defeated.