Olivia followed Mandume into the house, the door clicking shut behind them. The living room was empty—Maria wasn't home yet.
"You didn't finish the office files," Olivia chided, arms crossed. "Mom said they have to be compiled by 8 PM."
Mandume scowled. "Wait—so she's not here?"
"She called me. Asked if you were working on the new project files. I came to fetch you." Olivia thrust his laptop into his hands. "Mandume, this is your company's second-most-important contract. I can't watch you self-destruct."
His jaw twitched, irritated. "You know what—? Give me that!" He snatched the laptop and stormed to his room.
The front door swung open as Maria and Christine returned, arms laden with shopping bags.
"New recipes every day, Mom," Maria laughed. "At this rate, we'll need a second pantry."
Christine set down a bag of organic greens. "Health is wealth. But… I wanted to discuss something urgent."
Maria tensed. "Nothing's wrong, is it?"
"No, no. It's about Mandume's marriage. He told me he—"
"—Found a wife? Yes, he told me too." Maria's smile didn't reach her eyes.
Christine blinked. "He did?"
"We'll summon them both for a family meeting. Prepare them properly." Maria adjusted her silk scarf. "This isn't just about the company, Mom. It's his life. We must guide his choice."
Christine patted her arm. "I trust you, dear. Just… don't let business overshadow his heart."
In the kitchen, Star gripped the counter, whispering to herself.
"Why is fate mocking me? How do I tell Mandume I can't marry him? I won't doom him—not like this. He deserves someone… unbroken."
She didn't notice Christine watching.
"Star?" Christine frowned. "Are you alright?"
Star jolted. "Huh? Fine." She fled to her room.
Alone, she stared at a photo of Mandume on her phone, tracing his smile.
"I love you so much it hurts. But look at me—pregnant with a stranger's child. A stranger who stole my future."
A voice cut through the air—sharp, familiar. "'Confused fate'? Dramatic much?"
Star whirled around. Empty.
Had she imagined it?
"Face it, Star," the voice taunted. "You love him. But can you watch him marry someone else? Or worse—live a lie?"
Her breath hitched. "Who—?"
Silence.
Bonita hovered outside Maria's room, then knocked.
"Mom?"
Maria startled. "Bonita! You—you never greet me first."
"I missed you." Bonita's voice wavered.
Maria's eyes welled. She pulled her into a crushing hug. "My girl. My real girl."
Bonita stiffened. "I couldn't change the past. So I'm here… to try again."
Maria froze. "Try what?"
"Our relationship."
"What?"
Bonita forced a laugh. "Kidding! Just… testing you." She flopped onto the bed.
Maria exhaled. "Don't push. She's finally coming back.
They chatted about school—until Bonita "casually" dropped:
"Oh! That Engineering Projects conductor—James? He says hi."
Maria's spoon clattered. "You met him?"
"He recognized me. Said, 'Aren't you Maria's girl?'" Bonita mimicked.
Maria relaxed. "PTA committee. He kept an eye on you in high school—always confiscating your third phone."
They laughed, but Bonita's mind raced. Why does Star want dirt on Mom and James?
Maria's phone buzzed. "One sec." She stepped out.
Bonita seized the moment. She rifled through drawers—then froze.
Maria's second phone.
Before she could grab it, Olivia materialized in the doorway.
"Looking for something?"
Bonita didn't flinch. "Are you really asking?"
Olivia snatched the phone. "Mine. I left it here." She vanished down the hall.
Bonita stared after her. That's not Olivia's phone. It's—
Her blood ran cold.
Dad's.