Chapter 4

Are you out of your mind? You're actually going back to the same man who labeled you a murderer after everything you've been through?! Have you lost your senses, Octavia?" Jade exclaimed, her irritation palpable as they stepped out of the doctor's office.

Octavia had just disclosed her intentions to win back her husband with the news, needless to say, Jade wasn't on board with the idea. Her frustration was evident.

As they made their way toward the hospital garage, Octavia halted and turned to face Jade, attempting to defend her decisions.

"I have to do this. It will be okay, Jade. Carl only called me that because he believed I had a miscarriage. If he knows that wasn't the case, he'll apologize and reconsider his actions. He won't marry Kristine anymore... Please understand."

Jade shook her head, disbelief etched on her face as she stared at her delusional friend. "This can't be real. You can't possibly go through with this... Have you lost your senses, Octavia? Don't you see? He doesn't love you anymore! He cheated on you even before the miscarriage..."

"No, that's not true. That’s not true at all, Jade," Octavia insisted, shaking her head firmly.

"Come to your senses, Octavia! He's the same man who left you fighting for your life last night..."

Frustrated with Jade's attempts to persuade her, Octavia snapped back, "I am completely in my senses! It's you who doesn't understand. I'm going to be a mother soon. I need to create a safe environment for my children. I can't do this alone. I have no job, no money, nothing..."

Jade softened her tone. "I promise I'll help you, Octavia. Please, don't do this. We can figure things out together. Going back to Carl isn't the answer..."

"But it is. There’s nothing to figure out. I’m going back to my husband. He deserves to know that I’m still carrying his children, okay? And I know Carl will apologize for his mistakes and will be more than willing to take me back. Trust me, Jade..."

Jade was stunned. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. It felt like Octavia was being completely delusional. She tried to remind her of the truth about Carl, hoping it would help her reconsider.

"He's abusive, Octavia." She pointed to the bruise on her own face. "Do you see this? He did that to you..."

"I don't care," Octavia responded, her laced with nonchalance. Her feelings for Carl had clouded her judgment, and all she could think about was reuniting with him. She longed for his touch, his sweet kisses that drove her insane. The longing became unbearable, and she felt the time was running out to share her news with Carl.

"You’re making a huge mistake, Octavia Davis," Jade said solemnly.

Ignoring Jade’s warning, Octavia pressed, "I need to leave now, Jade. Please, just take me home."

Jade stared at her, frustration seeping through. "What?"

"Come with me, Jade." She pleaded.

Jade hesitated, staring at her for a moment. She eventually said. "If there's any reason I'm going with you to that man's house, it's to ensure your safety. I'm still not on board with this decision. You deserve better..."

"I know, I know. Carl is the better... Come on," Octavia said eagerly, a smile breaking across her face as she opened the passenger door. "Let’s go."

Jade hesitated again, watching Octavia’s excitement with concern. She believed her friend was making a huge mistake returning to that man, but she knew she had to support her. All she could do was hope Octavia received the acceptance she so desperately sought.

With a heavy sigh, Jade pushed her worries aside and climbed into the driver’s seat, glancing at Octavia once more.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked.

Octavia turned to her with determination. "One hundred percent. He’s my husband, Jade. What happened last night was just a misunderstanding."

Realizing further attempts to dissuade her would be futile, Jade shrugged and drove out of the parking lot.

**

A few minutes later, they arrived at Carl's mansion.

As Octavia gazed at the imposing gates, a knot formed in her stomach, and she clutched the scan papers tightly in her hand, silently hoping they would be her salvation because that was her only salvation at that moment.

"Are you going to be okay?" Jade's concerned voice broke through Octavia's thoughts.

Turning to face Jade, Octavia forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I will be. You can leave now. It’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow."

"You seem so sure about this. I hope you don’t get hurt..." Jade said.

"I won’t. Goodbye, Jade..." Octavia beamed at her softly.

"Who said I'm leaving?" Jade raised an eyebrow. "I’ll be right here waiting for you. If you don’t come back in an hour, I’ll assume your plan succeeded..."

Though Octavia found it hard to comprehend Jade's words, she shrugged and replied, "Suit yourself. Thank you for today. I'll see you tomorrow," before stepping out of the car.

As Jade remained in the car, she watched Octavia walk toward the gate.

Octavia turned back, offering a forced smile before finally directing her gaze ahead and entering Carl's compound.

Passing through security, Octavia approached the home she once shared with Carl. She noticed several unfamiliar cars parked outside and realized they belonged to Carl's parents. Were they present? Was Carl introducing Kristine to his family? The thought quickened her heartbeat. She needed to act fast. Despite the pain coursing through her body, she pushed her legs forward.

Upon opening the door to the mansion, all eyes fixed on her, and silence fell.

"What are you doing here?" Carl barked, his expression seething with anger as he spotted Octavia.

Despite the sting of his harsh words, Octavia gathered her courage and approached his family, who were gathered at the dining table. She could see she was interrupting what seemed to be an important dinner. Nevertheless, she offered her greetings to them.

Carl's parents responded to her greeting with disdain, which was hardly surprising, given their history. They had never accepted her, perceiving her as an inadequate match for their only son, especially since she had not yet given them a grandchild. But now, she was determined to prove them wrong.

"Please, call the cops, Carl! I'm scared! I'm scared she'll hurt me again," Kristine's whimper pierced Octavia's thoughts.

Octavia just couldn’t believe the woman's audacity and turned to face her, noticing the feigned terror on her face. How could someone be so deceitful and evil?

Ignoring Kristine, Octavia began resolutely, "I have news to share..."

Suddenly, Kristine collapsed to the floor, sobbing and drawing everyone's attention away from Octavia. Octavia was bewildered by her behavior.

"Hey, honey," Octavia called sweetly as she noticed Carl approaching her. Sensing the anger in his eyes, she pleaded, "I just need you to hear me out, Carl. Please, just listen..."

But Carl seized her hand violently, his rage palpable. "Get out of my house, Octavia!" he shouted.

"Please, I need to tell you something important..." she begged, hoping he would lend her the listening ears. But he didn't.

"I don't want to hear it. If you don’t leave this instant, I will call the police. Don’t test me, Octavia. You know patience isn't my forte," he said, his eyes cold and devoid of concern.

His words shattered Octavia's heart, but she remained determined. She even thought of interrupting him with the news. "Carl, it’s not true, Okay?... I never—"

Before she could finish, Carl seized and tightened his grip on her jaw, halting her words. The fear that washed over her as she met his furious gaze was overwhelming.

Gritting his teeth, he spat out maliciously, "How many times must I tell you how much you disgust me before you leave me the fuck alone, Octavia?"

His words pierced her heart like a dagger, leaving her vulnerable under his grip. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at the man she once loved.

He added undeterred. "I hate you. You make me sick, and I swear, if you don’t leave my house this second, the next place you’ll be in jail..." With that, he released her chin, shoving her aside.

Octavia gasped in disbelief, tears streaming down her face.

Though she knew she wasn't at fault, she fell to her knees, begging him desperately, "Please, Carl, I’m sorry if I’ve done anything wrong. Just hear me out," her voice trembled with hurt as she clutched the hem of his pants.

But Carl kicked her hands away before pulling out his phone. "You’re so stubborn, aren’t you? I’m going to teach you a lesson," he declared, dialing numbers with purpose.

Realizing that further attempts to reason with him were futile, Octavia understood that she couldn’t bear the thought of spending time in jail while pregnant.

Mustering the strength from deep within, she composed herself and stood up.

"Alright, I'm leaving. I'll leave," she stated firmly before turning to flee as fast as her legs could carry her.

"You better run as fast as you can, if not, you'll sleep in prison," Carl's taunt resonated in her ears, causing her heart to churn with despair.

As Octavia ran outside with a broken heart, the sound of police sirens echoed in the distance, quickening her heartbeat.

"Please, be out, Jade. Please be out, Jade," she repeated like a mantra as she rushed toward the gate.

Despite the tears threatening to overwhelm her, she focused on reaching the exit. Fortunately, Jade was still waiting when she arrived.

Octavia quickly jumped into the car, heaving violently.

Noticing her distress, Jade asked as she turned the ignition, "What happened?"

"He called the cops on me. Just drive. Go, go," Octavia urged, her voice breaking with each word.

"Did you tell him?" She tried to ask.

"He didn’t want to hear it." Octavia sniffled. "It's over. I can’t do this anymore..." Tears continued to flow as she finally voiced the painful truth.

"I'm sorry, Octavia. Let’s get out of here," Jade consoled her gently, navigating her way out of the parking lot.