Chapter 1

Nova's POV

"You're a barren woman! A failure as a wife and a daughter-in-law! When I was your age Jace was already 5! When will you give me a grandchild? ” Sarabi, my mother-in-law, screamed in my face.

“I'm not barren. The doctors said we just need more time.” I replied.

I've been trying to explain this to her for 5 years since I married Jace but she never stopped torturing me. Instead, the torture grew worse with every passing day.

“For what exactly? The only thing you do is to spend my son's hard-earned money. Jace can do so much better than a gold digger like you!” Sarabi said and walked out but not before pushing the tray of tea cups to the floor. Leaving a mess I had to clean up.

But I knew that this was far from over. Sarabi would not rest until she had destroyed me. Until she had proven her superiority over me. But she was never like this, I vividly remembered how nice she was when I dropped out of school to support Jace.

How supportive she was when I had to work multiple jobs all day just to provide for the family for years while Jace was still in college. So sweet that she treated me better than her son. But ever since Jace and I got married, she became the devil, a thorn in my flesh.

“Stupid illiterate,” she murmured as she stormed out of the house with her purse and car keys.

Another blow. That's another insult she throws at me regularly. As I cleared the shattered glasses I heard the sound of my phone buzzing on the coffee table. I walked over to answer it, just to see the caller, Naomi.

"Hello, Nova." Naomi's voice echoed on the other end of the line. She's Jace's assistant and from what Jace told me she wasn't particularly friendly. "Tonight's venue for the party has changed. I'll send you the details."

I raised an eyebrow, "Party?"

"Yes, for Jace's promotion. It's just between the team and his family. As his only sibling you should be present.” she replied.

Right.

Nobody knew I was married to Jace, not even his colleagues at work. The few that know me think I'm his younger sister and that's because they saw us together at the mall during the holidays a few years ago. I couldn't introduce myself as his wife because of how plain I looked and after that day I never saw them again.

"Sure I'll come." I finally agreed. But I was bothered. Why didn't Jace tell me about the promotion? Every time he got praised for his job he used to tell me and even ask for more ideas which I willingly shared with him.

But I was more confused about whether I should go or not. I've never attended any official gathering with him. Even as his ‘sister’ it was only Sarabi that went along with him.

I pushed the thought aside and focused on the day's work. After cleaning up I left for work, my job at the library made it easy for me to have access to books to read.

Dropping out of school never diminished the love I had for reading. I would still love to go back if I had the chance to and of course, the money to be able to sponsor myself.

After my shift, I headed back home and got ready that night. I wore the outfit I had just bought, eager to look presentable for the event ahead.

I made my way to the cafe and made my way to the 3rd floor as instructed.

And then I saw them.

Through the window, I saw Jace on his knees with a small box open in his hand. A lady stood before him, smiling widely and clapping her hands in delight. Sarabi and the people who I assumed to be Jace's colleagues cheered and applauded as Jace slid the ring onto her finger.

I felt like I was going to throw up while my hands trembled beside me. I had to blink multiple times just to make sure my eyes were not playing tricks on me.

But nothing changed. I still saw Jace, along with his mother and the new woman smiling happily and looking at the ring.

My lips trembled as I took in the sight.

Sarabi's eyes met mine through the window, and she rushed outside, her face twisted in a scowl. "How did you get her and who invited you? Get out of here, Nova!" she said, grabbing my arm and trying to pull me away.

But I shook her off and stared back at the window. Jace had noticed me now, and he was walking angrily towards us.

Sarabi tried to intervene, but Jace pushed her aside. "Nova, what are you doing here?" he demanded.

I took a step forward and hit him with my bag, " What am I doing? I should ask you that question. This is a prank? A sick joke?” I asked, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

Jace rolled his eyes and flung my bag. “Stop it. Nova, you're embarrassing me.” He whispered harshly and dragged me out of the 3rd floor. When we were at the ground floor he released his grip on my arm. “Now that you've seen it there is no use in pretending. I'm with someone else now.”

My heart ached at the confession, the tears I desperately tried to suppress shamelessly flowed down my cheeks. “How could you do this to me, Jace? I gave you 7 years of my life and this is how you will repay me? What did I do to deserve this?” I cried.

Jace's face turned ugly. " Look I didn't beg you to help me Nova, I never even asked for your support. You did what you did out of your goodwill but I can't stay with you anymore. Take a good look at me and take a look at yourself.”

Each word was like thousands of pins pricked in my heart, my heart pounded painfully in my chest and for a minute I thought I was going to pass out.

“We're not in the same class anymore Nova, so stop acting like 7 years is a big deal and get out of here before I get security.” Jace snapped at me again as his fists were balled to his side.

“No, let her stay darling. We need your sister to celebrate with us.” The lady came forward smiling, showing off the ring on her finger.

Sister.

That single lie I gave that day at the mall. I suddenly remembered her face, she was the one who had asked about Jace's relationship with me.

Would it be different if I said the truth? That I was his wife?

"Celebrate? I am not his fucking sister!” I shouted. Did you perhaps know that he was married to me?” I swallowed a sob, somehow hoping that she would deny it.

But a slow grin crept up her face and she flipped her hair. “Yes, he told me.” She said, smiling.

“H-how…..how could you be soo cruel?” I croaked.

“So what? Like he said I'm a better fit than you'll ever be Nova. You're just a poor orphan who can't even satisfy a man or even give him a child!”

Something inside me snapped and I rushed towards her. But I felt a sting of pain as a palm connected with my cheek. I stumbled back, shocked and horrified.

For the first time in 7 years, Jace hit me. For her, someone he met in less than 4 years, or had they known each other longer than that?

Jace didn't apologize.

Instead, he forcefully dragged me outside, threw me and walked back into the hall, leaving me on the floor alone in the rain.

I struggled to get myself up but I felt a sharp pain in my stomach and when I looked down, I saw blood.