Nova’s POVThe car came to a sudden stop and it felt like there was a rockslide in my head. The only thing I could hear was a continuous ringing and I groaned as I tried to get my vision straight. I must admit that was an expensive lie, but at least Levi would finally drop the subject about that embarrassing incident.My body was on fire and it was like I was going to melt into my seat. Why did he have to bring that up? Shouldn’t he be embarrassed? Or is he just a big jerk?“Are you ok? Are you bleeding?” Levi's eyes were filled with worry as held my head, turning it round like it wasn't attached to my neck. His once-perfect hair was scattered and his suit was a little rumpled, but luckily, he wasn't injured. He placed his hands on my shoulders and released a shaky breath. He went ahead to touch my knee. "Hey, are you still hurting from the fall? I noticed you were limping earlier."I rubbed my head, trying to play it off. "I'm fine, Levi. Just a little ache in my waist.”His eyes
Nova's POVI looked up to see Mr Ronald walking into the room with Gloria by his side.I was right.He and Dominic really planned this. Pay me off to run away from the wedding and leave Levi waiting on the altar. Just like they did to his ex.I wondered how low they would stoop. Especially his grandfather. But why? Was it because he was illegitimate? Was Dominic even right about that? Does it even matter?Suddenly, I heard someone groan and I followed the noise to see Dominic stumbling backwards. It seemed Levi had punched Dominic's face. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at Levi's hand, his knuckles were stained with blood. I rushed to the dressing table, grabbed a napkin and rushed back to Levi who had just thrown another blow. “Don't you ever talk about my wife in that manner Dominic! Don't you ever fucking disrespect her!” Levi growled, his jaws clenched and his breathing was ragged.I tried to push him off Dominic but he didn't budge. Dominic just laughed with his bloody nos
Nova's POVThe piano music instantly died down and guests began to murmur.I went stone cold, my heart was pounding in my chest as I squinted my eyes to find the owner of the voice. Then I saw the man and my breathing hitched. The familiar face at the back of the church, walking up to us, took everyone's attention. It was a face I never knew I would see in many years to come.Austin, Jace's old friend. The last time I saw him was shortly after my court marriage with Jace years ago.So what was he doing here? How did he get here? Did he know I was getting married again?But how?I only invited Naomi and a few people from the bar. I didn't even invite Jace as I didn't see him in the office that day and I wasn't even sure if Levi had fired him or not.I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my spine as he stared at me in shock, but I knew I had to keep my cool. But it was getting harder by the second. My hands began to tremble, and I clenched them into fists, trying to steady myself even t
Levi's POVI smirked as Nova pressed her hand on her cheeks and looked away from me, smiling. I couldn't tell her how breathtakingly beautiful she was earlier because of all the drama.The white gown fitted her curves very well. Highlighting her tiny waist and caramel-toned skin. I must say, the florist did a very magnificent job picking the flowers that ran down the aisle. They complemented her skin tone perfectly. Every shade was made to make her shine.I remembered how Dominic had shamefully tried to pay Nova to leave me at the altar. The memory of it still made my blood boil, and it annoyed me that Nova stopped me from punching him to my satisfaction.But I was relieved when I saw her walk down the aisle. I initially thought she would sign the divorce papers and leave. I was scared she wouldn't keep her part of the agreement even though she seemed to comfort me.The offer was a lot. 100 million and 3% of the company shares? Who in her right mind would refuse an offer like that? A
Nova's POV "What good will a librarian do in an enterprise like this?"Mr Ronald's taunting words replayed in my mind, making my heart race. His words made my blood boil.But, unfortunately for me, they were true. What would people say when they find out I work in a local library during the day and help out in a bar at night?What would his business partners say?But did Mr Ronald really give me with no strings attached? After all the drama he caused earlier? Or is it some type of test to see if I could be easily bought?The more I thought about it, the more it felt like a trap. And to make matters worse, Levi accepted it without a second thought.But accepting the shares would give me more power than just being Levi's wife. This way, my revenge would be more satisfying.Not just blackmailing Naomi to be my bridesmaid. Or wearing my shoes for me or even making Jace watch me from afar. However, I have to say Mr Ronald's announcement really shocked me, not just me but it also shocked
Levi's POVAs I pulled out a pack of cigarettes from the glove compartment, Nova slapped it out of my hands. "What the hell?!" I growled. "What was that for?!" "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, her brows creasing.I gritted my teeth and clenched my jaw. I hadn't smoked in years, but the reporter's comment left a bad taste in my mouth and now Nova was lecturing me. How dare he assume Nova was a prostitute just because she worked part-time in a bar? How stupid could they be? I didn't even want to think about it further.“Hand it back,” I commanded but she refused.I wanted to drag the pack back from her but she moved away from me, holding the pack tightly against her chest. I watched as it raised and fell with each breath she took.I glared at her and she glared back. Like she was daring me to try and take it from her. I clenched my fists and raised my brows at her, doesn't she know this position puts me at an advantage?“Whatever you're thinking won't work Levi,” she s
Nova's POV Something about Levi's story left a sharp ache in my chest. His once cheerful and confident nature just disappeared. I could see the pain in his eyes when he spoke about his late mother and his grandfather.I finally understood why he got angry. I think I also understood why he was working this hard to get this company from his grandfather.His words compelled me to speak up and before I knew it, I was telling him about my life. Things only Max and I knew.I shared what I could, leaving Jace and Sarabi's part out. It would be better if no one knew about it.But immediately Levi asked me about the intruder, I went stone cold.I didn't know what to say, should I just lie that he's an ex? I don't even know how long Austin would be staying here for or if he's back permanently.What if he crosses with us again? Levi's voice cut through my thoughts, "Hey, hey. It's OK if you don't want to talk about it now." He stroked my hair, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.I faked
Levi's POV I couldn't help but stare as I saw Nova walk down the stairs smiling. She looked gorgeous. She wore a red knee-length dress, which hugged her boobs perfectly. It wasn't the same from her waist to her knees. It was just… a little more free, but it still showcased her tiny waist and wide hips. When we got to the beach, the party had already begun. As promised by the neighbour, we weren't even more than 10. Music was blasting through the speakers, and I could smell barbecue and marshmallows. She let her guard down a bit, laughing freely and even accepting their drinks from the ladies who stole her from me. She seemed to be enjoying herself, and she kept looking my way, smiling. I smiled back, and she would grin before looking away. My mind drifted back to earlier today, and the anger that still simmered beneath the surface. I had already put the pieces together, and it made perfect sense. "The Ex" who messaged her today was the same person who had crashed ou
Nova’s POVLevi became soft. The crackling tension and longing did not die down, but the way he handled me, making sure I was comfortable in his arms as he carried me up the stairs. It made me smile. I was so ready for this. Since that night we watched the movie and I misbehaved, we were so close that if only he had given in. But I agree with him. I agree with him that this is better, being fully conscious and knowing everything that is to happen.Feeling the pleasure with a conscious mind was just another level of this bond growing between us.I wonder where the maid was. And I have never gotten to ask if the doors were soundproof because I have no intention of being quiet today. Finally, we arrived at the bedroom, his gaze never leaving mine for a second, even as he pushed open the door and used his leg to kick it close.“You make me lose all my rational thoughts,” he said as he approached the bed, “You make me feel things that I never thought I would get to experience in my ent
Nova's POVIt was just our gazes at first. The elevator ride seemed to be so slow, prolonging this moment that should have ended already. I bit my lips, feeling my body heat up from the way he stared at me like I was some kind of rare five-course meal he doesn't get to have when he wants. The air between us crackled with electricity, making the small space feel even smaller, more intimate."Stop looking at me like you could eat me," I said to him, darting my gaze to the metallic elevator floor.And oooh, that was a fucking mistake. Because the next thing I saw was his black pair of Italian polished shoes right in front of me. The leather gleamed under the soft lighting of the elevator, immaculate and expensive, just like everything else about him.And like a slow-motion movement, my eyes traveled from those perfect feet up his dress pants and paused at his crotch. I wondered if he was feeling the heat there too, the same fire that was coursing through my veins. And my eyes continu
Nova's POVIt has not been that long since the conference room door was closed when it was suddenly pulled open by one of the secretaries. It was three of them who walked in, carrying two balanced bottles in an ice bucket and glass cups. They moved in swift manners like they have done this countless times.I blinked, momentarily caught off-guard by this unexpected intrusion into the aftermath of my professional coup. The board members paused their technical discussions, turning toward this new development with curious expressions that soon melted into knowing smiles."Mr Adams insisted," Gloria explained. Her eyes met mine with a warm smile that felt genuine rather than out of courtesy. "He said some victories demand proper recognition."Levi’s grandfather still sat in his chair, watching with a pleased expression, like a chess grandmaster who had anticipated this move long before the pieces were in position. There was something almost paternal in his gaze. The soft pop of the fir
The screen came to life, revealing the first slide of my presentation. "Project Phoenix: Full-System Rebuild & Future-Proof Architecture" in bold serif font. Clean. Minimalist. Confident. Just like I needed to be right now, despite the thundering pulse beneath my carefully pressed silk blouse.Twelve pairs of eyes watched me with expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism. These weren't just board members—they were kingmakers in the industry, people whose decisions shaped fortunes and futures.Jace and Naomi were already seated. His fingers drummed an impatient rhythm while hers tapped on her tablet, a half-smile playing at her lips like she was privy to a joke no one else understood. I glanced at the board members, letting the silence linger just a breath longer before I began. "This," I said, gesturing to the screen with a deliberate calm that belied the acid churning in my stomach, "is what you were supposed to get the first time around. A true evolution. Not a facelift,
Nova's POVThe conference room felt colder than usual today, though maybe that was just my nerves. Or perhaps my intuition was trying to warn me what was coming. Levi sat beside me, in full business mode, though I could feel the subtle tension radiating from him. His fingers tapped once against the table—that tiny tell I'd come to recognize as restrained irritation. The expensive cologne he wore this morning had faded to just a hint, mixing with the scent of fresh coffee someone had brought in earlier.Across the room, Jace stood beside the presentation screen, his posture too rigid to be natural. Naomi hovered right next to him, both wearing identical expressions—strained confidence plastered over obvious anxiety. Their matching navy suits couldn't hide the fact that they were rattled. Last week's takedown hadn't just bruised their egos—it had set fire to their pride and left them scrambling to salvage their reputation.I leaned back into my chair, crossing my legs at the ankle, a
Nova's POVBy the time I pulled into the driveway, the ache in my chest had dulled, leaving behind a quiet sort of exhaustion that settled deep in my bones. My fingers were still tight around the steering wheel, reluctant to let go as if holding on might somehow keep the rest of my world from unravelling. The setting sun painted the sky in a very beautiful way.The porch light was on, making me admire the front steps that I had not really paid attention to. I still remember how Levi had come to save me from the swarm of reporters that bombarded my small apartment that day. That was a sign of an intentional man even though all of this started as business, and slowly transformed into something warm and intimate, something that I am slowly accepting.When I finally opened the car door, the scent of sautéed onions and something rich and buttery drifted into the night air. My stomach growled despite the knot of anxiety that had been my constant companion all drive down home. I hadn't ea
Nova's POV The evening breeze was chilly on my skin, an odd contrast to the heat of the office that still hummed with stress after the day's chaos. The parking lot was almost vacant now. I should've gone straight to my car. But I didn't. Maybe I needed a minute. Maybe I just needed to breathe. Or maybe some part of me knew this confrontation was inevitable—had been building since the moment Jace's eyes locked with mine across the conference room this morning, widening in that split-second before his professional mask slammed back into place.Ten hours of pretending we were strangers had left me hollow. Ten hours of watching him charm clients with that same smile that once promised me forever. Footsteps echoed across the pavement behind me—sharp, deliberate. I didn't have to turn to know who it was. His presence hit before his voice did. "Why the hell did you marry Levi? Did you even think about me? He's my boss for Christ's sake, how could you forget that?" He whispered harshl
Levi's POVShe has no idea how close I came to losing control.I leaned back against the bathroom counter, palms braced against the edge, eyes locked on my reflection in the mirror. My heart was still pounding, and it had nothing to do with the short walk from the bedroom to here. It was her. It was always her. Nova—with her storm-tossed hair and hungover pout, with the faint hickey I'd left behind like an idiot who couldn't keep his mouth to himself. She looked like trouble and temptation, and everything in me ached to surrender to it.The sound of the shower running filled the space, but my head was full of her. Her voice. Her laugh. The heat in her eyes when she thought I wasn't looking. The way she said: "Are you seriously just going to walk out after teasing me like that?" Like she had any idea how hard it was for me to walk away at all.I gripped the counter tighter, knuckles whitening. I hadn't slept a damn minute last night. Not because she'd been in my room, curled up
Nova's POVThe scent hit me before anything else. It was warm, buttery, and definitely delicious. The delicious aromas cut through the fog of my hangover effortlessly. My stomach growled in appreciation, a natural response that my brain was too jumbled to properly control. I was soo fucking hungry!I was too busy sorting through last night's blurred edges, trying to piece together exactly how embarrassing my behaviour had been.I winced as I flopped back onto the bed, the movement sending a dull throb through my temples. The champagne hangover was already taking root behind my eyes, making everything too bright and too loud even in the silence. Smooth, Nova. Real smooth.My inner voice was particularly sarcastic this morning. Flashes of memory surfaced like debris after a storm: laughing too loudly, dancing without music, singing off-key and so on.A soft knock on the door made me sit up again—slower this time—and try to pat down the mess of tangled hair on my head. Not like it he