Chapter 161: ~ 161
Chapter 161
~ Octavia ~
A few days had passed since I moved back in with my parents in their cozy Soho apartment. The quiet rhythm of home—my mother’s gentle humming in the kitchen, my father’s occasional laughter at the evening news, and Nola’s soft purrs—had begun to soothe some of the chaos still swirling inside me. One afternoon, my mother casually mentioned that Franklin had come by while I was asleep. He had left gifts and told them he was traveling out of the country for a business trip to Bogotá.
The news hit me harder than I expected. I stared at my phone for a long time afterward, Franklin’s contact glowing on the screen. I was tempted to call him, to at least acknowledge the visit and wish him safe travels. But every time my thumb hovered over the call button, something inside me pulled back. I wasn’t ready. Not yet. I was exhausted by his lies, his manipulations, and the endless cycle of pain that seemed to follow our relationship. The sweet memories of us curled up watching romance movies, sharing quiet romantic moments—they felt like they belonged to another version of me. A version that hadn’t yet uncovered the ugly truths. Now that my memories had fully returned, I couldn’t pretend anymore. That innocent, forgiving Octavia was gone.
The next day, my phone rang unexpectedly. Clinton’s name flashed across the screen, surprising me. We spoke for a while, the conversation flowing more easily than I had anticipated. Hearing his voice brought a strange sense of comfort amid everything else.
That same evening, Victoria called. The moment I told her I had been discharged and had regained all my memories, she squealed with pure delight on the other end of the line.
"I can’t believe it! I’m coming to see you tomorrow after work," she promised excitedly.
True to her word, Victoria arrived the following afternoon carrying a large gift bag filled with my favorite snacks, a soft new blanket, and a beautiful bouquet of my favourite flowers. We hugged tightly the second she stepped through the door, the kind of embrace that only best friends who have worried about each other can share.
"I still can’t believe you’ve regained your memories," she said, rubbing my back affectionately as we held on.
"I can barely believe it myself," I replied with a small laugh as we pulled apart.
"Hey, Mrs. Herman," Victoria greeted my mother warmly.
"Hello, Victoria. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you," my mom replied with a kind smile.
"Ah, I’ve just been swamped with work, but Octavia and I still talk almost every day, how’s Mr Herman?" Victoria explained.
My mother nodded. "He’s good, he’s at work right now," she told Victoria.
"Okay," Victoria said.
"I’m stepping out for a bit to get some groceries," my mother announced, turning to me. "I’ll be right back, honey."
"Okay, Mom."
"Don’t open the door for any strangers," she added sternly.
Victoria shot me a confused look. She had no idea about the dangers we had faced—all because of Franklin’s enemies. That was one of the many reasons I couldn’t bring myself to speak with him right now. It was all too much.
"Got it, Mom," I mumbled.
"Feel free to make yourself at home, Victoria," my mother said before leaving.
"Thank you, Mrs. Herman."
"Bye, Mom," I called after her.
Once she was gone, Victoria and I retreated to my old bedroom to talk privately. She gazed around the room with nostalgic eyes as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"Wow...the last time I was in here was during our internship years," she said, smiling at the familiar posters and old photos on the walls.
"Back when you had those big spectacles sitting on the bridge of your nose," I teased, chuckling.
Victoria narrowed her eyes playfully. "You really did regain all your memories, didn’t you?"
"You thought I was lying?" I asked with a grin.
"I’m just so glad you remember everything and that you’re okay, doll," she said sincerely.
"Me too."
"So, how are things at work?" I asked, unable to hide the longing in my voice. "I miss it so much."
"Please don’t say that," Victoria groaned. "Work is hectic right now. I’m pulling extra hours almost every day."
"I thought you loved the promotion," I said, frowning slightly.
"Don’t get me wrong—I do love the respect that comes with it. But the workload is nothing to write home about. I’m exhausted. I need a vacation, something like the one we had in Long Island."
Long Island. The name alone sent a ripple of unease through me. That was where so much of the drama had begun.
"How is everyone?" I asked, changing the subject.
"They’re all good. They miss you terribly, doll. They were planning to visit you at the hospital, but when I told them the visitation rules were strict and only immediate family was allowed, they backed off. They were really sad about it."
"That’s a bummer," I said quietly.
"Maybe once you resume work, we can all catch up. I know they’d love to see you."
"Excluding Bella, right?" I asked with a wry smile.
"Yeah, of course," Victoria laughed. "Speaking of Bella... there have been rumors spreading around the office that she was the one who pushed you down the stairs."
I frowned, my stomach tightening.
"Do you think she was the one?" Victoria asked, her eyes curious and intense.
I turned away, unable to meet her gaze. If anyone had told me Bella wasn’t involved, I would have called them a liar. But the truth was far more shocking. It wasn’t Bella. It was the least expected person—Franklin’s own secretary. The memory of her cold confession still haunted me.
"I don’t know," I said carefully.
"Well, if you ask me, I think the rumor is true," Victoria declared. "It’s Bella Washington we’re talking about. Everyone at the office hates her for good reason. She’s capable of pushing you down those stairs, Octavia. I’d even bet money on it. She’s always been jealous and competitive. She can hurt people."
"Don’t jump to conclusions on unproven theories, Vic," I warned gently. "She may not be the culprit behind my accident."
"Are you hearing yourself, Octavia?" Victoria frowned. "Have you forgotten what she did to us? She competed with you constantly, called you names, laughed at your setbacks, and even..."
She lowered her voice. "She slept with Franklin at the beginning of your marriage."
"I know all that," I said. "But believe me when I say I don’t think she was the one who pushed me."
"You seem so sure she isn’t. Why?" Victoria pressed, staring at me intently.
"Because—" I stopped abruptly. Because I know it was Franklin’s secretary. The words sat on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them. I couldn’t drag Victoria into this dangerous mess. If I told her the truth, she would insist I go to the police, and that could put her life in jeopardy. I cared too much about her safety to risk it.
"Because I’m just sure," I said instead. "I don’t think Bella is capable of something like that."
"Have you forgotten what she’s already done to us?" Victoria asked, incredulous.
"I haven’t forgotten, Vic. Yes, she did terrible things—including sleeping with Franklin early in our marriage. But do you really think she’s capable of almost killing me?"
"Yes," Victoria said firmly.
"This is giving me a headache," I muttered, clutching my forehead.
"I’m sorry. Maybe I should drop this conversation," Victoria said softly.
"Good idea," I mumbled in relief.
Just then, Nola padded into the room with a soft "Meow."
"Hey, Nola!" Victoria brightened, scooping the white cat into her arms. "Was she brought to you at the hospital?"
"No. The hospital has a strict no-pets policy, and Franklin is allergic to cats and dogs. Bringing Nola would have been risky, especially when he was around."
"You seem to care about his health a lot," Victoria observed as she stroked Nola’s fur, earning contented purrs.
"I care about his well-being... shouldn’t I?" I asked.
"Hmm, I should, but after what happened at the resort, I won’t," she replied pointedly.
The resort. Right. That painful memory surfaced again.
"You remember what happened between you two there, don’t you?" she asked.
"Yeah, I remember," I sighed heavily. "But it’s not a memory I enjoy revisiting, Vic."
"I understand," she nodded sympathetically. "Can I grab some snacks and drinks from the refrigerator?"
"Sure," I said.
"Cool. Come on, Nola, let’s get something to eat," Victoria cooed, carrying the purring cat out of the room.
Alone again, I grabbed my phone and scrolled to Franklin’s contact. I should call him. It was the decent thing to do. But every painful memory—the lies, the manipulation, the danger—flooded back. Who knew what kind of "company" he might have on this business trip? More lies, more flings, more excuses. I couldn’t keep doing this to myself.
I set the phone down with a heavy sigh.
"No. Not this time," I whispered to myself.
I stood up and headed out of the bedroom to join Victoria for snacks, determined to focus on the present and the people who made me feel safe.
