Chapter 210

~ Octavia ~

I had to wake up early. There was a project waiting for me, and Miranda wasn’t going to accept anything less than perfection. But when I tried to get out of bed, Franklin’s arm tightened around my waist.

"Don’t go," he mumbled, still half asleep.

"Franklin, I have to," I said, but I was smiling. I was also sore. Very sore. And that was entirely his fault.

I hope Victoria does not catch on when I start walking weirdly today.

"Stay," he said, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "Just for five more minutes."

"You said that twenty minutes ago," I pointed out, but I didn’t move too. I won’t lie that I was not enjoying being in his arms.

I later stood up after wiggling my way out of his hands.

He started talking about how he still has so much to do.

He was quiet for a moment, then: "I think I need to get a new secretary. I am sure I have a lot to cover."

I laughed at that. "Work has to go on but you still need rest." I said firmly.

"No," he said. "I have had enough ." He pouted.

Then suddenly. "Or will you be my secretary?" He said putting out a doll face eyes which I must say is rather cute but seeing him like this made me burst in laughter.

"Nooooo, I am not going to be. Don’t worry, we will find you a new secretary. With a proper background check." I said.

"Yes ma’am, I absolutely trust your judgement." He said. Puffing his chest out and giving me a salute.

If someone had told me this was going to be us, I would have disagreed because I had lost hope.

I just shook my head. I guess the universe does not let the ones destined to be together to miss out.

I was getting dressed when my phone buzzed. A text from Clinton.

"Hey, it’s been a while. Annie and I were thinking we should all get together. Maybe tonight? Franklin too?"

I looked at Franklin, who was watching me from the bed, with so much intensity like he could not get his eyes off me. He had the look of love all over him, like he is smitten. That made me blush.

"Clinton texted. He wants us to all get together tonight. Says Annie will be there."

I responded to his message. "That’s a great idea. Tonight is fine."

Franklin scrunched his face. "Clinton? Again? I thought there was nothing from him again."

"He’s my friend," I said, trying not to laugh. "And he has his own woman now. You don’t need to be jealous."

"I’m not jealous," he said. "But I’ll believe they’re together when I actually see them."

As if on cue, another text came through. Clinton confirming they’d come by the house tonight.

"Perfect," I said, texting back. "Tonight at seven."

I finished dressing and went to work. After saying my byes.

Work was a blur of focused energy. Miranda had given me a solid project—something that would showcase my abilities. The team was supportive, and I found myself in the zone, the kind of flow state where time disappeared and all that mattered was the work in front of me.

During lunch, the girls were talking about Bella. About how karma had a way of catching up with you. How her jealousy had cost her everything.

"She could have just let it go," Victoria said. "But instead, she chose destruction."

I didn’t say much. I just listened, and I felt grateful. Grateful that it was over. That we could move forward.

By the time I got home, Olga had already prepared a feast for our guests. The house smelled incredible.

Franklin was standing in the living room, and he looked absolutely incredible. I couldn’t get last night out of my head.

When our eyes met, he smiled, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

"Hi," I said softly.

"Hi," he said back, pulling me close. He kissed me gently, then more deeply. "How was your day?"

"Productive," I said. "I got a lot done on the project. Miranda seems pleased so far."

"Of course she does," he said. "You’re brilliant."

I was about to respond when I remembered something. "Oh, I need to get Nola. My cat is still with my parents. We need to find a way to bring him here. He’s part of my family."

"We’ll figure it out," Franklin said.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Clinton and Annie arrived together, and the moment they stepped inside, I could see it. The way Clinton’s hand found Annie’s. The way she looked at him. They were genuinely happy.

"I’m sorry," Clinton said immediately, looking between Franklin and me. "For everything. For Dorian. For all of it."

"Me too," Annie said quickly, looking at me. "I feel terrible about—"

"Stop," I said, moving forward to hug them both. "You’re here now. That’s what matters."

Franklin extended his hand to Clinton, and they shook. It wasn’t the warmest greeting, but there was no bad blood. Just... caution. I was surprised at their gesture.

"So," Franklin said, "are you ready for court in two days?"

Clinton’s expression looked like he could care less. "I don’t feel pity for him anymore," he said quietly. "That part of me is gone. I believe he’s dead to me."

I gave Clinton a small smile, understanding what it cost him to say those words.

There was a moment of heavy silence, and then Annie changed the topic swiftly. "Well, on a lighter note, I have to say, your house is gorgeous, but I have to say, you two can barely keep your hands off each other, and it’s kind of adorable and also slightly nauseating, in the best way possible."

She was right. Franklin had been all over me unconsciously. Holding my hands, touching my face. Pecking me here and there. Like he is love sick.

Everyone laughed. Even Franklin, who looked slightly embarrassed but proud.

I felt myself warm to Annie immediately. She had this ability to diffuse tension while also being genuinely funny. Genuine, period.

As the evening progressed and we moved into dinner, Annie and I fell into easy conversation. We talked about work, about life, about Franklin and Clinton.

This was it. Nothing more than this and we are about to face another part of us in two days.