Chapter 13 - Octavia’s Ultimatum Was Older Than the Party
Discovery in my assault diversion was limited.
The civil property issues surrounding engagement ended quickly.
No giant lawsuit.
But our lawyers exchanged certain communications because Octavia alleged my conduct caused reputational and financial damages.
One text chain surfaced with her friend Diane.
Three months before the birthday:
Octavia:
I cannot marry into a house where a seven-year-old has veto power.
Diane:
Then talk to Matthias.
Octavia:
He hears anything about Juniper as criticism of Amelia.
Diane:
Then don’t marry him.
Good friend.
Octavia:
I love him.
Then:
But I need him to choose the marriage at least once when Juniper wants something else.
There.
Choose.
Older than the cake.
Another month later:
Hadley doesn’t indulge her. Matthias hates it. Sometimes I think Hadley is the only useful test of whether he can tolerate Juniper not being the center.
There.
Test.
Then Diane:
Please stop using children as test cases.
A friend had said it directly.
Octavia replied:
It’s not like I tell Hadley what to do.
Technically.
Then:
She just naturally refuses to worship Juniper.
That language.
Worship.
Center.
Choice.
The birthday incident did not create Octavia’s ultimatum.
It exposed a question she had been asking privately for months.
Would Matthias ever choose me over his daughter?
Wrong category.
Marriage and parenthood require priorities at different moments.
Sometimes partner first.
Sometimes child.
Sometimes work.
Sometimes self.
Healthy family is not permanent ranking.
Octavia wanted one decisive proof.
May you like
Proof is dangerous in relationships because it usually requires someone else to lose.
────────────────────
