The next morning, the Davids estate buzzed with preparation. Outside, vehicles rolled in. Mandume sat stiff in the car, staring out the window, but seeing nothing.
The house was being cleaned and dressed like royalty. Decorators moved in a frenzy. Swaths of fabric flowed like waterfalls across the balconies, golden tableware gleamed under the rising sun.
"We must make the event splendid," Christine ordered, inspecting a centerpiece. "It's not just a birthday—clients are coming. This is a business showcase."
"Yes ma'am. Mr. Davids won't be disappointed," one of the decorators replied.
But Mandume didn't care for splendor. He stormed through the entrance without a glance, pain etched across his face. He walked straight to his room, fists clenched, jaw locked.
Olivia followed closely behind, silent but worried. Christine saw them disappear down the hallway.
Downstairs, Daniels stood amid the dazzle of fairy lights and floral arrangements.
"Yo… is this a birthday or a royal wedding?" Daniels asked, impressed.
Bonita smirked proudly. "We make our events grand because they're also business investments. Our family business sponsors them, clients attend, and we seal more deals."
"Well, I'm blown away. It's beautiful," Daniels said genuinely.
Bonita's expression faltered. "It was beautiful—until Star ruined it. Mandume's completely out of it."
"He's heartbroken," Daniels nodded. "She means the world to him."
"I have to cheer him up somehow," Bonita said, already scheming.
Christine approached them, overhearing the end of the conversation.
"Angel, what happened to Mandume?" she asked Bonita.
"He's angry… because of Star," Bonita replied, her voice bitter.
Christine frowned. "What did she do? Where is she?"
"She made out with Rudrof last night," Bonita hissed. "She's not what she pretends to be—she's a wolf in sheep's skin."
Christine's face went pale. "What? When? How do you know this?"
"They both skipped the hunt. Gave lame excuses and vanished," Bonita said. "I'm not even sure what today will turn into."
Christine looked troubled.
Daniels, quiet until now, murmured under his breath, "So many accusations about Star… Who really is she?"
"Don't worry," Christine said with sudden determination. "I'll handle it. Just go get ready." She turned and made her way toward Mandume's room.
Inside, Mandume sat on the edge of his bed, consumed by a storm of thoughts.
"Mandume, you don't have to be like this," Olivia said softly. "Today is your sister's big day. Clients will be here. Don't let them see you broken."
"I'm fine, Olly. I just… I need time."
"I'll give you that," Olivia said gently. "I'll handle the guests for now. But please—don't let them see the storm behind your eyes."
"Have you seen mom?" he asked quietly.
"I'm here," Maria's voice called out as she entered. She walked straight to him and wrapped him in her arms.
"I'm sorry, my love," she said. "Olivia told me everything."
"You always said betrayal cuts deeper when it comes from someone you love," Mandume whispered. "I thought Rudra was my brother."
Olivia slipped out silently, tears pricking her eyes.
Maria nodded gravely. "I know, my son. And that's why I warned you—love can be blinding. Especially when it's undeserved."
She hesitated, then dropped her voice.
"Star is pregnant, Mandume. And we still don't know who the father is… what if it's Rudra?"
Mandume's head shot up, stunned. "Mom…?"
"I didn't want to hurt you," Maria said. "But when Rudra came to inform us about Star's mother, I noticed something between them. I began to investigate. Last night only confirmed what I feared."
Her words shattered something inside him.
"I was going to marry her," Mandume said, breathless. "I proposed… maybe that's why she didn't answer yet…"
Maria recoiled. "No! No, my son, I won't let you ruin yourself like that. Marrying a girl already pregnant by someone else? When you're the face of Davids Empire? Think of what that would do to our reputation."
Mandume looked away. "I just wanted to… love her."
Christine entered the room at that exact moment.
"Mandume—why are you—?"
Maria stepped in before she could finish.
"Mom, I told you. Star is poison to this family. She planned this—maybe to embarrass my son at today's party, to make him look unprofessional before clients. If you don't act, we'll all pay the price."
Christine raised her hand, silencing her. "Enough. Let me speak with my grandson. Alone."
Maria narrowed her eyes but left.
Meanwhile, in a sterile hospital hallway, Rudra paced like a lion in a cage. Star had been in surgery for hours.
He glanced at his phone. Still no reply from Mandume.
He called.
Declined.
Back at the Davids estate, Mandume tossed the phone on the bed, his face hard.
"Why'd you hang up on him?" Christine asked gently.
"What does he have to say?" Mandume snapped. "To gloat? To mock me?"
Christine sat beside him. "What if your instincts were right all along? Why are you so quick to ignore them now?"
Mandume sighed, bitter. "Because instincts don't hold up when reality slaps you. Rudra and Star are together. And the baby? It's probably his."
Christine shook her head slowly. "The Star I know would never do this. Not without reason. Before you cast her aside, inspect the ones closest to you—your mother, your friend. I'll go look for Star myself."
Before Mandume could respond, she left.
Outside the door, Olivia had been eavesdropping. Her eyes widened, and her thoughts raced.
Inside, Mandume buried his face in his hands. His door slammed shut behind him.