Chapter 48 - One Good Reason

A/N Warning: This Chapter contains mature themes and themes of violence.

A/N: Let's take a moment to appreciate this picture 😣🤭🤍. Anyways, enjoy this crazy rollercoaster of a chapter 🎢🤪!

Sadé's POV:

— Sunday, October 23rd

I was sat in my hotel room, thinking. All today I was toying with the idea of going home, staying here at the hotel for the rest of my stay, or hearing Marshall out and going back to the house. Well, the choice I made wasn't easy, but I made it.

I'll be going back home tomorrow, and I already have my flight booked and ready to go. There's no point of being in Detroit if I'm just going to stay in a hotel, and not be around Marshall. He's the only reason I'm here right now - because it was to visit who I thought was my boyfriend. And I still don't want to be around him, and I'm not ready to talk about what happened even though I know I should.

I'm just scared I guess. I'm not even sure of what exactly, but I'm just nervous to go near him. I don't want him to see me crying over him or feeling like he can just disrespect me and not have any consequences. Or maybe I'm just afraid of him actually admitting to me that he did cheat, which would probably break my heart more than never even knowing the truth. Because at least then, I could make up my own narrative in the story, rather than him confirming what I already know, which is that he stabbed me in the back.

So yea. That's why I'm going home tomorrow, but unfortunately, all my things are still at his house; Meaning, I'll have to go over there and pack all of my things. I know I'll probably end up seeing him, but maybe just maybe he'll be in the studio in his basement and won't notice me since it's soundproof. Or maybe if I'm lucky he won't even be home! Either way it goes, if he does happen to be there, I don't want him saying a word to me. I still can't believe he would do that to me, but hey: It is what it is. As much as I wish we could work out because let's face it: I do want us to work out, I'm not going to stay with no man that cheats, doesn't respect my boundaries, doesn't know my worth, lies to me, or disrespects me. I am not one of those girls. I carry myself with class, grace, dignity, and intelligence. Skylar may be one of those girls that has no respect or self worth, but not me.

But then there's still that one thing that's holding me back. I can't believe that he would do this to me. I know he did, but my heart keeps speaking louder than my brain. It keeps telling me that it was a misunderstanding and it wasn't all that it seems. That maybe, just maybe, I should actually hear him out. It keeps telling me that I just need one good reason to stay, and I will... But I don't want to. So I won't, and that's my stubborn brain telling me that part.

Anyways, so here I am currently: Waiting on my Uber to pick me up so that I can grab the rest of my belongings to I can catch my flight tomorrow morning. It's pretty late at night, 7:12 to be exact, but I was stalling all day, and I couldn't keep putting it off any longer. I didn't plan on giving Marshall a heads up that I'd be there for the simple fact that I don't want to see him or talk to him.

Once the Uber arrived, I got in the car, making my way back to the mansion that I'd never be returning to ever again...

— At Marshall's Mansion

I just pulled up to Marshalls house and was let in the gates by security. I was stood outside the door trying to give myself a quick pep talk because I noticed Marshall's car was home, meaning he was in fact here. Crap.

"You can do this. Just go in there, give him his keys to the house and car, pack your things, and leave. That's it. That's all." I whispered to myself, letting out one last deep breath.

I inserted the key into the lock, twisting as I allowed myself into the home. As soon as I walked in, Marshall was stood right there in front of the doorway, starring at me as if he was waiting for me to enter.

"Shit." I yelled to myself, him scarring the living daylight out of me, "Why are you standing there?" I ask hesitantly.

"The ring camera... It alerted me that someone was at the door, and I saw it was you." He replied scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

"Oh."

I totally forgot about that. Well, there goes my plan for being all discreet.

"Are you coming back from the hotel now?" He asked me, his eyes hopeful.

God, this is really breaking me to do this now. This is why I wanted to be alone.

"Umm actually... No. Marshall, I really do like you. A lot, and I genuinely adored you, but you cheated on me. And that's not okay. It's not something I'm going to tolerate. So... I'm done. We're done. I'm getting my things. And I'm going home tomorrow. I'm sorry." I told him as I placed his car keys & house keys in his hand.

He held this emotionless look on his face. The one that he usually holds when he in public. He's never given me that look before, so I had no clue what was going on in his mind. I walked past him, walking up the stairs leaving him stood in his place as I entered the bedroom.

I pulled out my suitcases and bags that I had with me and began packing them. I started with all of my clothes first, throwing them in a pile on the bed before stuffing them in my suitcase. I then started grabbing all my shoes, putting them in as well. I had been packing for almost 5 minutes now. I was in a rush, not caring if they were folded or not. I could feel tears welling in my eyes so I knew I needed to be quick so that I could hurry up and leave if I didn't want Marshall seeing me cry. Although, I don't think that would be an issue since he had left me alone. I don't know if he was still where I left him or if he had left the house entirely, but I was in the bedroom alone fortunately because I could feel myself starting to have a panic attack.

I must've spoken too soon though because not even a few seconds later, Marshall busted into the room, grabbing my suitcase out from under me and dumping everything on the ground.

"You're not leaving me. I don't care." He told me nonchalantly as he continued to put everything back in its places.

I didn't respond because I didn't want to argue. I just wanted to leave peacefully. So I simply grabbed everything again, packing it. However, he kept following behind me, taking everything back out, and undoing everything. Regardless, I still remained silent despite me starting to become highly frustrated.

"Sadé, stop packing! You're not leaving." His voice cracked.

That was the first acknowledgment of any emotion that I seen from him tonight.

I still didn't say anything and continued to pack everything that he kept taking out.

"Baby, I'm sorry! I never meant for any of that to happen. It wasn't my fault. I promise you!" He raised his voice slightly, trying to get me to listen to him.

I was listening, but I wasn't responding. He was met with silence once again.

"You're not leaving. You're not going anywhere. This ain't over. Let me explain!" He pleaded, gently grabbing my arm to get my attention.

However, that triggered me. I know Marshall is nothing like him, but it brought back memories of when my ex would try to be nice & caress me during arguments and try to gaslight me into staying with him or when he would turn me to face him before he'd hit me. Before my brain could even process what was happening, I spun around, slapping Marshall in the face. My right hand connected with his cheek, making a loud sound. His eyes were wide open, surprised at what I had just done.

"DON'T TOUCH ME. I HATE YOU. I FUCKING HATE YOU. YOU CHEATED ON ME, AND I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT!" I yelled at him, my fist hitting him in the chest repeatedly.

Of course, he didn't budge though. He was way stronger than me, and taller. So my small hands weren't any harm to him. He just stood there, taking it for a while. He didn't move, didn't say anything, just stood and watched me as he listened to me rant.

"I trusted you! I opened up to you! I let you in completely! And you did me dirty! You KISSED ANOTHER WOMAN! You disrespected me! You hurt me! You played me! You embarrassed me! YOU FUCKING STABBED ME IN THE BACK!" I started to cry.

I was no longer hitting him, but balling my eyes out instead. All the emotions had now came flooding back to me at full force and I couldn't handle it.

"You broke my heart. You promised you would never do that. You promised you would do right by me. You promised. You freaking promised..." I told him quietly as I shoved my finger into his chest, looking into his baby blue eyes that were filled with hurt of his own.

"I wanted you. I wanted us. And you ruined it!" I got angry again.

I pushed him hard in his chest, trying to get him away from me, but he just wrapped his arms around me.

"Get away from me!" I screamed at him, struggling to get out of his grip.

I tried to pry myself away from him as much as possible but he was bigger than me.

"Stop fighting me." He said to me calmly.

"No, leave me alone. I never want to see you again!" I continued on, still trying to escape his arms.

"You don't mean that. You're just upset and hurt right now." He whispered in my ear.

"Yes I do. You fucking hurt my feelings." I try to push him.

"I know I did. And I'm so incredibly sorry, baby. But I'm not letting you leave. Im not letting you go from me. I'm not letting you leave us." He continued to restrain me.

"Why'd you do that? Why'd you have to hurt me? I don't get it. I gave my heart to you." I cried.

"I know. I'm sorry."

I had stopped struggling with him at this point and gave up trying to fight him. It was useless so I just gave into him. Instead, I cried into his chest as his strong arms wrapped around me, holding me close to his warm body. He rocked us back and forth to comfort the both of us, as he kissed the top of my head, repeatedly saying how sorry he was. We stayed like that for a few minutes. He allowed me to completely let out all of my emotions and cry as we hugged in silence. Once I was calming down, he spoke up.

"Can I please explain everything now? What you saw back there wasn't the full interaction." He pleaded, wiping my tears with his thumbs.

"Fine." I replied my voice horse from yelling and crying.

He picked me up, sitting us both on the bed as he placed me in his lap. I looked at his face, noticing his cheek was bright red from where I had slapped him. I immediately felt bad for what I had done.

"I'm sorry for hitting you, by the way. I was triggered, and hurt, and upset, but that's not an excuse. I shouldn't have done it." I apologized quietly.

"It's fine. I deserved it, honestly." He shrugged.

"No, it's not. I should've never put my hands on you."

"I said it's fine. I'm not trippin'. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. That should be the least of your worries right now." He reassured me.

I didn't respond. I just waited for him to continue what he was going to say.

"Now, listen okay? I'm gonna tell you everything from start to finish. I know you're still going to be mad at me, and I understand that. Just listen." He looked at me as I nodded my head in confirmation, "Ight. So when you left to go to the bathroom, Skylar came up to me, asking if we could talk. I told her no at first actually because I was with you. But then she said she wanted to apologize and I thought it would be a good idea because I didn't want any beef between her and my girl. I didn't want the unnecessary drama so I agreed to talk to her privately. We went out back to talk privately, and I wasn't even comfortable with the whole thing at a first, but I figured I'd just get it over with. So she got to talking, saying she was sorry for how she'd been treated the both of us because she had a lot of time to think about how she was treating people after he divorce with her husband, which by the way only happened because she was cheating. Anyways, so she was saying sorry, and I didn't believe it at first, but the more she spoke the more I just wanted to squash all the drama so I decided to forgive her anyways. But I told her that I would talk to you about it, and that if you weren't okay with it then neither was I because at the end of the day she disrespected you more than she did me and all I ever wanted was for you to not be in any bullshit. That's the whole reason why I even spoke to her and forgave her to begin with. And also because she's my work partner, and the whole thing just made sense in my head. But I realize now, I should've just left it alone. Anyways, so then she got to talking about other shit, and we got caught up in a small conversation that only lasted a couple of minutes. I was just about to go back to you when you saw what you saw. And that was when you saw us kiss right?" He explained.

"Mhm. I saw you both talking for a few before you both embraced in a hug then kiss... And you didn't do anything..." I confirmed, feeling myself become small as I felt my eyes become glossy.

"Right. Well that's not entirely true or how it went. So I was about to leave, and she was all like "oh, hugs like old times" or whatever, and I thought we were cool again and that everything was good because she apologized and agreed to squashing the beef with you as well. So I hugged her not thinking anything of it in a friendly manner. That's all it was on my end, Sae, a friendly hug. And then before I knew it she kissed me. I did NOT kiss her. She kissed me first. I'm not going to lie to you, I did kiss her back for a split second, if that. I didn't mean to though nor did I want to. I'd never do that on purpose. It was simply a muscle memory reaction. My body reacted before my brain did. But before that even happened, when she first kissed me I was too stunned to even move or do anything. I knew it was wrong. I knew those weren't your lips. I knew I had to push her away, but I was just so surprised because I never expected her to do that, Sadé. I promise I did not enjoy that. When I finally came to my senses after a few seconds and realized what had happened, I did push her away though. I shoved her away from me and berated her. I yelled at her, asking her why she would ever do something like that. I wasn't okay with that and I wasn't tolerating it. I was upset. And then I went to go back to the party so that we can leave and Naunie told me what happened with you. Then that's when what happened with us went down." He recalled thoroughly.

I didn't know how to feel. I... I believe him. I had a feeling in my heart that he wouldn't do something like that because that's so out of character for him, and he just confirmed it. I was still unsure about all of this though. I was still hurt regardless. I now, know that it wasn't his fault, not entirely anyways because he still shouldn't have gone with her. Especially somewhere in private where things can get misconstrued, blown out of proportion, or messy, like it just did between us. But he had good intentions behind it. He didn't intentionally hurt me or disrespect me. He didn't intentionally kiss her back. He didn't ask for that nor did he want it. So no he didn't cheat per say, but he did fuck up still. This was all of Skylar's doing. And I wanted to know why.

"Why? What happened after I left? Because I saw her behind you by the front door." I questioned as I played with his fingers that rested in my lap as he held me.

"I actually didn't know she was there at first until you left. She was just instigating the situation. Apparently, she planned that whole thing out on purpose just to make you jealous and cause us to break up. She tried to say that it was because you ruined her marriage and what was going on between us, but she did that to herself. I didn't want her and she can't handle the truth that you're the one I want. So she's jealous. I'm sure there's other reasons of why she's jealous of you, but I could care less." He answered.

No shit. As if the dirty looks she was giving me all night wasn't enough to tell me that. I can't believe this. That girl is out of her mind. And if she thinks she's going to get away with this she has another thing coming. I don't appreciate when people hurt those that are closest to me or disrespect them. Especially those that hold a special place in my heart. So while I was still angry with Marshall, I was furious with Skylar.

"Hmph. That's interesting to know. I guess she really didn't take that warning all to seriously, huh?" I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Baby, don't do anything stupid. Please? I don't need you getting yourself into trouble." He sighed, "I'll deal with it. I promise." There was a worried expression on his face.

"Nah. Because when you tried to deal with it she thought shit was sweet, and kissed you. I'll deal with it. And when I deal with it, you better not stop me until I'm done." I told him seriously as I looked him dead in the eyes.

"Ight, fine. Just be careful." He scratched his beard, giving up his control of the situation.

"But seriously, Sadé. I'm so incredibly sorry. I never meant to do that to you or hurt you. I'd never disrespect you like that. I promise treat you like the lady you are and how you deserve to be treated. I don't want to lose you. I never want to see that look on your face again. I just want to make you happy, and for you to be mines. I'm sorry. I apologize." He apologized to me wholeheartedly.

I had a million reasons to walk away, but... That was the one good one I needed to stay.

Silence fell between us, both of us scared to address the elephant in the room: Me forgiving him, me leaving, and our relationship status. I only knew that two of three of those answers were guaranteed in this moment.

"Do you forgive me?" He asked optimistically.

"No. I will eventually, but everything is too fresh right now. You're still on my bad side." I gave him a side eye.

"Wait, eventually? So that means?..." he grinned for the first time since I last saw him at the party.

"Yes. We're still dating. BUT, don't think anything. You've gotta work your but off to if you want us to be back how we were. You don't get a free pass, Sir." I sternly told him, a serious expression plastered on my face.

"Yes, ma'am. I understand. I promise I'll make it up to you every single day, I'll never disrespect you, and I'll do whatever you please. As long as you're mines, that's all that matters. I don't care how mad you are at me." He said as he gave me lots of little tiny kisses on my lips and all over my face, causing a small giggle to accidentally escape my mouth.

I did miss him. And I hated how we were on bad terms. I'm glad we talked about all of this. I was about to get back up to finish packing, but Marshall stopped me.

"Uhhh, where do you think you're going?" He asked panicked, pulling me back down into his lap.

"To finish packing... I still have a flight back home tomorrow." I sheepishly replied.

"No, you don't. Go cancel it." He replied smugly.

"Why?" I deadpanned.

"Because you're not leaving?" He answered obviously as he wrapped his arms around me tightly again, preventing me from getting up.

I didn't try to fight him again like I did earlier because I knew it would be no use.

"Marshall, I'm still really hurt. And I still need my space." I admitted.

I wasn't just going to continue on as if all of this never happened just because we talked it out. That's not how this is going to go. Nuh uhh.

"I know. I understand that, Sae. I really do. But you can take all the time and space you need here. The house is big enough. You don't need to go all the way back home. Please stay?" He asked me softly as he kissed my cheek.

He has a good point. I can stay here and still have space. We don't have to be all up under each other, and he'll be at work at the studio anyways... But my flight is already booked, and I already had the jet ready for tomorrow. Plus there's only a week and a half left anyways, it's not that much of a time difference. However, I could be using that time to spend with him, but does he deserve it? I don't know. I kept going back and forth, debating on if I was going to go back home or not until I reached a conclusion.

"Alright, I'll stay. But I need my space, and you're not off the hook that easy." I stated as I rolled my eyes.

Secretly, I was happy that I was still staying, but he doesn't need to know that. And he still has a lot of making up to do.

"WOO! That's fine by me, pretty girl. Thank you." He tried to hide a smile.

"Not too much, now. You're not sleeping in the same bed as me." I started listing off things.

"What?!" He blurted out in disbelief.

"Oh, you thought you were you were going to stay on this room? Nope." I shrugged.

"You're kicking me out of my own room? Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously. Go sleep in the guest room or on the couch or something. I don't know, but you'll figure it out."

"Ight, fine. That's fair. What else?"

"I want you to make dinner tomorrow."

"Okay, I can do that."

"I want a massage as well."

"Mhmm."

"You have to wear a matching Halloween costume at least once with me this year."

"Sae. Now, you know damn well I'm too old to be wearing Halloween costumes." He glared at me.

"Oh, did I hear a man who just got kicked out of his own bedroom say something?" I gasped sarcastically, "You better prepare yourself old man. You're wearing one." I requested, which wasn't up for debate.

"Fine." He grumbled, "What else?"

"Oh, and you're not getting any of this," I motioned towards my body, "Until I say so." I concluded.

"WHAT? Nah, that's really pushing it. Are you serious, baby?" He exclaimed, his voice going up an octave.

"Yes. Yes, I am." I replied simply.

"What am I supposed to do?" He asked confused.

I don't know why he's so surprised or confused. What did he expect? To be hitting this every night like he normally does? No.

"What do you mean what are you supposed to do? I don't know, go imagine something and grab a bottle of lotion." I frankly said.

"I can't believe you. You are something else, girl... Alright." He face palmed himself as he let out a short chuckle.

"Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of right now, but I'm sure things will come up."

"Ight, pretty girl. Ima let you go now to clean this mess up, and you better not run away from me." He said giving me a side eye.

"No promises." I replied.

He did as he said he would, and he let me go. I got up, changing into a t-short to lounge in before laying on the bed next to him as he began putting all my clothes and shoes back in their respective destinations. He then rolled the suitcases back into the walk-in closest in his room. Once he was finished a few minutes later, he came back to the main area. My eyes were heavy, and I barely even heard him walk over to me because I was so tired as my body was sprawled out on the bed. I didn't notice him until he grabbed my face, stealing a kiss. He kissed me deeply and quickly, which I couldn't help but return, before he pulled away.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I had to take my chance, and get one last kiss before I become celibate for the next week or however long you have me on this restraint." He defended himself.

And there the flirtatious Marshall I know.

"You thief. Now, go so that I can sleep in peace please." I replied sleepily.

"Alright. Goodnight, Sae baby. I'll have breakfast ready for you in the morning. I'm sorry again." He replied, tucking me in.

"Goodnight."

He grabbed a few things to take with him before turning the lights off and leaving me alone in the bed as I fell asleep.

A/N: Unrelated, but did y'all hear Jack Harlows new album??? It SLAPSSSSSS 😍😩😩😩😩 That's it lol. - 🤎