Bonita opened the door quickly, startling Star, who flinched.
"What happened? The three hours are over," Bonita asked, her voice filled with worry.
"Nothing, Boni. Maybe it was just someone playing a prank," Star muttered, trying to sound convincing.
Mandume came downstairs, his expression unreadable.
"Mandume, did Star tell you about that creepy caller? She said something would happen in three hours, but… nothing's happened yet," Bonita said.
"Yeah, she did. Are you sure you're not behind this?" Mandume asked flatly.
Star immediately tossed a pillow at him. "What the hell?!"
Bonita blinked in disbelief, looking at Star. "Wait—what?!"
"You think I'm behind this?" she asked, her voice cracking.
"No, no! Boni, I don't know what your brother is talking about. Please, don't take it to heart," Star said quickly.
"I'm not accusing you, Boni," she added, but the damage was done. Bonita's eyes welled with tears.
"Right… but he still suspects me. Even now. He's the one I hoped would believe in me the most," she whispered, voice trembling. "Why would you think I'd stoop so low?"
Mandume said nothing.
"Boni… please. Mendu didn't mean it like that," Star said, but Bonita shook her head and ran to her room.
Star glared at Mandume, then pinched his ear hard.
"Ow—dammit! Star!"
"What did I tell you?! What's wrong with you?" she snapped.
"I didn't mean to make her cry! I just asked a question."
"You're such a jerk. I told you not to accuse her yet. She needs a second chance."
"Yeah… her tears were real. But still, if it's not her… who the hell is messing with you?"
"You know what? No one. I think I just imagined it," Star said, heading to the kitchen.
Mandume followed. "Star, wait—I didn't mean that."
"Tell that to Boni. You hurt her," Star said sharply.
"I'm trying to protect you! What if she is pretending?"
"You and I both know Boni's a terrible liar. She used to be sneaky—but not anymore," Star said, slicing an apple.
"How can you be so sure?" Mandume asked.
Star snapped. "Just accept your sister back! You're being annoying."
But in the middle of her anger, the knife slipped. She cut her finger—badly—but bit her lip, hiding her pain. She turned to the sink and washed her hands, pretending nothing happened.
Mandume narrowed his eyes. "Why are you acting weird?"
"Me? I'm just washing my hands before eating. Hygiene," she said stiffly.
Mandume glanced at the apple plate and noticed a tiny drop of blood.
"You cut yourself, didn't you?"
"Nope," Star said too quickly, grabbing a slice and walking off to Bonita's room.
Mandume started to follow, but Maria's voice called him from the living room.
"Mom? Where'd you go? You just vanished from the office," Mandume asked.
"I had to leave early… I have a surprise for you!" Maria beamed.
"Mom, I told you I'm not into surprises anymore."
"Okay, fine. It's a gift. One you'll never forget."
"Gift?"
"Close your eyes."
"Seriously, Mom?"
"Trust me," she said as she blindfolded him and guided him toward a large object. Christine walked in.
"It's huge… What is this?" Mandume asked, touching the massive box.
Christine raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
Maria signaled her to stay quiet.
"Guess what's inside," Maria said, almost childlike.
"Mom… I can't guess if I can't see it," he complained.
"Three tries," Maria smirked, untying the blindfold.
Mandume stared at the massive box.
"Uh… a fridge?"
"No."
"A sofa?"
"Nope."
"Can I lift it?"
He tried. It was heavy. "Is this an animal or what?"
"Wrong again. You're out of guesses. Open it," Maria said.
Mandume unwrapped it—and out came a girl.
The girl shrieked in joy. "Mandume!"
Mandume's eyes widened. "Wait… Olivia?!"
"Yes! Olly!" she said, throwing her arms around him.
Bonita and Star rushed downstairs.
"Olivia?!" Bonita squealed and hugged her. "Oh my god! Where have you been?! You vanished!"
"It's a long story—I was up north. But I'll tell you everything," Olivia said, laughing.
Mandume turned to Maria. "You actually brought her back…"
"Told you I keep my promises," Maria said, glowing with pride. "And I'll do the same with your father. Just wait."
"I love you, Mom," Mandume said and hugged her tightly.
Star whispered to Christine, "Grandma, who is she?"
"I don't know for sure… but from what I'm seeing, she must've been Mandume's childhood friend. Maybe Angel's too," Christine replied.
Maria turned to them. "This is Olivia—Mandume's best friend growing up. She's transferring to a local school and will be staying with us."
Christine crossed her arms. "Why am I just hearing this now?"
"Because I wanted to surprise him," Maria said. "When Olivia left without a word, it broke Mandume. He was so young… so hurt. I promised I'd bring her back. And now I did."
Christine studied Maria's face. "If that's truly the only reason, then I won't object to her staying here."
Maria stepped closer, voice lower. "I know you doubt my intentions. But Olivia was the joy in Mandume's life when I couldn't be. She was there when David was too busy for him. Please, just give this a chance. Don't interfere with my son's happiness."
Christine nodded. "We'll see. I'll judge for myself."
"Fair enough," Maria said, letting out a breath of relief.