Intertwined Souls

Chapter 38 (Last ch) part1

Ann's heart pounded as she approached the familiar door, knocking with a mix of dread and determination. The door swung open, and the maid's puzzled expression did nothing to ease Ann's anxiety. She stepped inside without an invitation, calling out for Beth with urgency.

Beth appeared from the living room, her face a mask of shock and fear. "Ann, what are you doing here? I told you not to come!" she exclaimed; her voice laced with panic.

Ignoring Beth's protests, Ann stepped forward, her eyes searching Beth's for the truth. "Drop the act, Beth. I know Jacob is holding something over you. Tell me what it is. Why did you push me away last night? Is he threatening the baby? Are you okay?"

Beth's resolve faltered, and she pushed Ann away. "Please, Ann, just go. Leave the house. Never come back."

But Ann wouldn't back down, her hands gently but firmly gripping Beth's shoulders. "Look into my eyes, Beth, and tell me to leave. Tell me you don't need me. Tell me to go, and I will."

Beth's voice broke as she replied, her words rushed and desperate. "Ann, there's nothing left to say. It's over. You can't be here. It's too dangerous—"

"No," Ann cut in, her voice steely, "it's not over. Not until you're safe. I won't leave you here with him."

Beth recoiled, her movements sharp and panicked as she pushed Ann away. "Please, just go," she pleaded, her voice breaking. "Leave now. Leave!"

Ann's resolve hardened; her voice softened with deep concern. "I'm not going anywhere without you. I came here to take you away from this, and I'm not leaving without you."

Beth's reaction was swift, pushing Ann back with unexpected force. "I can't come with you, Ann! Just go!" Her voice was strained, filled with a turmoil of emotions that she couldn't fully mask.

Ann stumbled back, her heart sinking as the distance between them grew not just physically but emotionally. "Beth, why? We can get you out of this. You don't have to stay here with him."

But Beth shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek. "It's too late for that now. You need to leave. Please, before he comes back."

As Ann and Beth exchanged heated words, the door swung open with a sudden force. Jacob stepped inside, his presence chilling the room instantly. "Well, well, Ann, back so soon?" he taunted, a sardonic smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Beth, visibly shaken, tried to defuse the situation. "Jacob, she's leaving. Please, Jacob. She's about to leave. I told her she's going," she pleaded, her voice trembling with anxiety.

Ann's resolve hardened; her eyes blazed with defiance. "I'm not going anywhere without Beth," she declared firmly.

Jacob's smile widened mockingly. "Come on, Ann, you heard it yourself. Beth wants to stay by my side. Why are you making things complicated for yourself and for us?"

"Stop with all the act," Ann snapped back, her anger boiling over. "We both know what kind of a monster you are. How you have locked her up, how you treat her."

Jacob's facade of calm shattered, his face contorting with rage. "You don't tell me how I treat my wife. She is rightfully mine." he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

"I don't care. This is all bullshit. She's not yours to toy with," Ann countered fiercely, stepping closer to him.

"She's exactly mine to toy with. To do whatever I want. To keep her or to beat her. It's my right," Jacob retorted, his words laced with venom.

In a swift, protective gesture, he grabbed Beth's hand and yanked her toward him. Reacting instinctively, Ann lunged forward, grabbed Jacob by the collar, and delivered a powerful punch to his face.