Christine tightened the lid on the lunchbox, glancing at the clock. "I'm so late—Mandume's probably chewing his pencil by now."
Olivia sprang up from the couch. "Let me take it! I'll head straight there."
Christine hesitated. "You sure? It's out of your way—"
"Positive." Olivia flashed a smile. "Just let me change real quick."
She vanished upstairs. When she returned, Christine's eyebrows shot up.
Olivia had swapped her casual clothes for a crimson bodycon dress—strapless, clinging to every curve—and crystal-studded heels that made her legs gleam. Her hair tumbled over one shoulder in artful waves.
Christine's spoon clattered into her tea. "…You're wearing that to an office?"
Olivia spun, feigning innocence. "What? It's just a dress."
"For a nightclub, maybe." Christine muttered, but shrugged. "Fine. Let's go."
Mandume's office door was ajar. Olivia paused to adjust her neckline, then sauntered in.
"Guess who finally brought lunch?" she purred.
Mandume didn't look up from his blueprints. "Thank God. I'm starving."
She leaned over his desk, deliberately letting her cleavage brush the paperwork. "Sorry I'm late. Got… distracted."
He grabbed the lunchbox, eyes still on his sketches. "Mmhm."
Undeterred, Olivia unpacked the food, hips swaying as she bent to arrange the plate. She perched on the edge of his desk, one heel hooked around his chair leg.
"Let me feed you," she whispered, holding a forkful of food to his lips.
Mandume finally glanced up—past the fork, past her décolletage, straight at the clock. "Olivia, I'm busy." He took the plate, shoveling food with his hands.
She stiffened. "Use a spoon, Mandume"
"What? Oh. Yeah." He accepted it without looking, ink smudged on his cheek, already flipping a file open with his free hand.
Olivia's jaw tightened. He hadn't even noticed the dress.
"Where's Grandma?"
Olivia blushed. "I, uh… asked if I could cook for you from now on."
"Fine, fine— where's granny?"
"Market errand"
Olivia exhaled, forcing cheerfulness. "You guys work so hard here. Maybe I should get a side job too."
"You want a job?"
"Yeah. Books are suffocating me."
Mandume chuckled. "It's for your own good. You'll thank me later."
Mandume ate ravenously, only noticing her lingering presence when he'd nearly finished.
"Waiting for the container? I usually bring it home myself."
Olivia clasped her hands. "I was thinking… maybe I could stay? I've got research to do, but I can spare a minute if that's okay?"
He shrugged. "Sure."
Later That Evening,
Bonita and Star returned from school. Star's mind churned—how do I fix my grades before it's too late?
Bonita nudged her. "Hey, that private number still bothering you?"
"No. It stopped."
"Then why the face? And Star… I'd never hurt you. Ever."
Star hesitated. "I know. Just… can you do me a favor?"
"Name it."
"Supervisor James—your mom's friend. I need info on him."
Bonita blinked. "Our lecturer? How do you even know they're connected?"
Star backpedaled. "Never mind. I'll handle it."
"No, wait—just tell me why."
Star's voice turned icy. "Gosh, I don't even know if I can trust you—but I'm out of options."
Bonita frowned. "What kind of info?"
"His personal life. Wife, kids, past… everything."
Bonita recoiled. "Why?"
Star's silence was answer enough.
Bonita softened. "Star… whatever's eating at you, I'm here. I'll get you that info by tomorrow."
Star gave a stiff nod. "Where's Olivia?"
"Out, probably."
The front door swung open. Mandume strode in, Olivia clinging to his arm. Star fless the scene, outside.
"Hey! How was work?" Bonita called.
"Exhausting," Mandume groaned, collapsing onto the sofa.
Bonita eyed Olivia. "You two were together?"
"Yep! Brought him lunch, waited till he finished. It was perfect," Olivia gushed.
Mandume rubbed his temples. "Where's Star?"
"In her room?"
"She okay?"
Bonita shrugged. "Seems fine."
Mandume headed to freshen up.
At the The Swimming Pool,
Star paced by the water, phone pressed to her ear.
"Leila, you *can't* bail on me now," she pleaded.
Leila sighed. "I'm only backing off because I love you. But if things go south, I'm dragging you home."
Star laughed weakly. "No more drama, promise."
"How's Steffy?"
"Fine. No kicks yet."
"I meant the *father*."
Star's voice hardened. "I've moved on. If he ever grows a conscience, he'll remember he has a child."
Leila hissed, "You had a *choice*, Star—"
"*No.* Abortion's not an option. This baby's here for a reason."
Mandume's footsteps made her stiffen.
"Gotta go. Mendu's here." She hung up, whispering to her stomach, "My future's blurry, Steffy, but you're my strength."
Mandume approached. "What're you doing out here?"
"Air. The house is suffocating."
He smirked. "Haven't been here in ages."
"So why now?" said Star.
"You're here." His smile faded when she didn't return it.
Star crossed her arms. "Where's your *new friend*?"
"Olivia? She's just… childhood history. You're my present. My future."
Star scoffed. "You two look good together."
Mandume stepped closer. "Do you really think I want her?"
"It doesn't matter. Your mom will never accept me—pregnant with another man's child." Tears welled.
He pulled her into a crushing hug. "If I choose you, no one can object. This baby? It's our foundation. Don't ever doubt that."
Star buried her face in his chest.
Mandume took a breath. "There's something I need to tell you."
She looked up. "What?"
"I'm getting married this year."
Star froze. "What?"
"It's about my father's company. The will states I must marry by 21 to inherit. Otherwise, the government takes everything."
Star's mind raced—Maria's threats, the property transfers…
"Wait—you're the successor?"
He nodded. "I'll be crowned in September. After the wedding."
A shaky laugh escaped her. "At least the estate won't go to your mom. I'm… proud of you."
Mandume searched her face. "Is that a yes?"
Star blinked. "Huh?"
"Who else would I marry?" He took her hands. "I don't have a ring yet, but… Star, will you marry me?"
Her breath hitched—
"Mandume?!" Olivia's voice sliced through the moment. She marched over. "Your mom's looking for you."
As Olivia dragged him away, Star stood paralyzed, then stumbled back toward the house—her mind a storm of shock, hope, and dread.