Nova's eyes trembled slowly as her eyes opened, her vision fluctuating like a camera ready to take its shot. A familiar figure wearing a white coat appeared in front of her with a satisfactory smile. He was Blackwood's family doctor. Doctor Zach.
“Great, Mrs. Blackwood, you're now conscious,” he said while scribbling something into the notepad he was holding. “You didn't suffer any injuries. The car barely hit you, but I guess you passed out from shock,” he said, his smile growing even bigger. “And… congratulations, ma’am, you're three months pregnant.”
Nova's eyes widened. Did he say she was pregnant? She was still struggling with her thoughts, trying to decipher who brought her to the hospital.
“I'd advise you not to get into any strenuous activities, as you might not be so lucky next time.”
“What did you say, doctor?” she asked, placing her hands on her stomach, not believing she was harboring an innocent life inside her.
“You are pregnant, ma’am. I know you're shocked, but I'm sure this will make Mr. Blackwood the happiest man on earth,” the doctor muttered with a toothy grin.
“Zephyr,” Nova whispered, her eyes widening. Could this change his mind and make him want her back? Maybe all he ever wanted was a child. Her eyes lit up with hope. “I think I need to tell my husband,” she mentioned with a spark flickering within her.
“Yes, you should,” Dr. Zach chuckled. “But Mr. Eryx said to wait if you woke up, and he wasn't around.”
“He brought me here?” she asked with a surprised gaze, finally getting answers to her distorted thoughts.
“Yes, Mrs. Blackwood, he was so worried about you. But he left, saying he had an emergency at the office.”
Eryx, always caring. She couldn't help but picture his innocent face, worried to death that she was hurt. Why couldn't Zephyr be sweet like his brother? Nova thought sadly. But come to think of it, Zephyr was once a sweet soul until he changed drastically into a beast two months ago.
“I'm sorry, doctor, but I can't wait. I have to tell my husband right now.” She stood up from the bed, carrying her bag, and storming outside. This child was a blessing to make things right again.
She walked weakly in the serene environment of the estate. This estate was usually quiet because it was harbored by the richest people in California. With Zephyr being the number one richest business tycoon, this was definitely his standard.
It was so crazy how she had been here twice just today. First in the morning and now in the evening. Nova increased her steps, excited at how this news would make Zephyr happy.
However, her steps decreased when a sleek black car parked in front of the Blackwood mansion. A familiar car she could recognize anywhere. It was Zephyr's. He came out before walking to the other side to open the door for Tiana. At the same time, she saw his mother and cousin alighting from the car.
“Oh, I am so excited, Zephyr. I can't believe I'm going to become a grandma soon,” his mother uttered, swinging her hands like an excited toddler.
“What?” Nova exclaimed silently. She hadn't announced her pregnancy to anyone, so how did they find out? Did Dr. Zach call Zephyr already? Or maybe it was Eryx.
She continued walking closer to them until they noticed her. Nova looked down at her hands, fumbling with the hem of her top. “Mother, I never knew you would find out before I even announced the news”. She paused, looking at their faces, expecting happy and proud expressions.
However, it seemed her presence only provoked them. Zephyr's cousin Lillian appeared angry, while his mother felt insulted.
“How dare you show your face here after what you did to my son! And what are you even saying, huh?” Mrs. Blackwood roared. Zephyr just stood there, watching Nova intently.
Nova's head tilted to one side, her eyebrows knitting together in a puzzled line. Weren't they excited because she was pregnant?
“This is what you get for marrying a stripper, Zephyr. I warned you several times, but you didn't listen. Now she keeps following us around, hoping to jilt us out of our wealth,” Mrs. Blackwood echoed with irritation to Zephyr, who had no expression on his face. “I just want this gold digger out of my sight,” Mrs. Blackwood exaggerated with a loud gasp.
“Yes, it was his fault for not listening to his mother when she warned him about marrying someone like Nova.”
“No, that is not it,” Nova tried to defend herself with a trembling voice.
“Shut up, you slut! Aren't you ashamed of what you did to Zephyr? You betrayed him with someone very dear to the family. But that's in the past because he has moved on.” Lilian said with a malicious smirk.
“Betrayal? What betrayal?” Nova was bewildered, but Lilian interrupted her with even harsher news.
“Guess what, Nova?” Lillian's lips curled into a malicious smirk. She was loving the pain in Nova's eyes. She had never liked Nova since Zephyr introduced her to the family. She was a stain on the Blackwoods, a leech that should be removed immediately. “Tiana here is pregnant with Zephyr's child.” She paused for a brief moment before continuing. “You know, I still don't understand why my cousin didn't marry her in the first place. He knew her long before he met you.”
“What?” Nova exclaimed. The pain, sharp and searing, pierced her heart. It was a physical ache, radiating through her chest and into her limbs. “It cannot be,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes darting between the figures in disbelief.
“Yes, Nova. Tiana is pregnant for me,” Zephyr announced as if he were reading some boring news.
Nova immediately placed her hands on her tummy, her chest rising and lowering with each difficult breath. She couldn't possibly tell any of them about her pregnancy. Zephyr might just deny it, and even if he didn't, he would take her child away from her.
Zephyr's mind spiraled into chaos as he looked at Nova's teary eyes. Why did he feel the need to tell her that he forgave her and that they should start again?
No! He almost yelled out loud. He wasn't going back to that cheat, he concluded, before bringing out the divorce papers he had signed. He would start a new life with Tiana from now on.
“Here. I signed it just as you instructed,” he said.
Lilian snatched the papers with a wide grin before throwing them at Nova. “Finally, Nova, you are no longer part of the family.” She placed her hands under her cheeks, feeling nothing but delight and elation.
Nova's hands trembled as she picked up the papers. They were truly signed. She blinked her eyes several times, hoping her eyes were lying. She looked at Zephyr, who couldn't even meet her gaze, and then down at his hands, which held an unbothered Tiana.
This was her cue to leave.
“What are you still doing here? Shouldn't your two tiny legs be conveying you to your wretched destination?” Mrs. Blackwood yelled with aggravation and displeasure.
Nova was already heaving with tears as she started to run away. But just after running a few meters away, she stopped. “Thank you for loving me, Zephyr, that is if you ever did.” She nodded before running as fast as her legs could take her.
She kept running with no idea of where she was heading, and soon she got tired as she knelt with her knees coming in contact with a lot of pressure to the ground. Was Nova a fool for trusting Zephyr? Didn't he promise to protect her no matter what? Didn't he promise to be with her till death do them part?
“It was all a fucking lie?” She muttered under her breath with closed eyes. She was all alone in this wretched and wicked world. And she could hear the voice of her late mother “NEVER TRUST A MAN NOVA”.
I failed Mom. She said to herself. Nova touched her stomach to comfort her unborn child. “It's me and you against the world”. She said as she almost choked on her breath.
She looked around but couldn't understand where she was. She was so weak and tired that her eyes began to close against her will. Was this the end for her?
Just when she
had given up, she heard someone scream her name with so much emotion “Nova!”
Meanwhile, back at the Blackwoods mansion. The family had just finished eating dinner. Zephyr, together with Tiana, were walking his mother and Lilian back to the car.“You know son, you made the best decision. Now you can focus on bringing up your new family and forget about that witch”. His mother snickered with fine wrinkles. She couldn't contain the joy she felt that Nova was gone.Zephyr took a deep breath. This wasn’t a simple betrayal, it was a knife to the heart, twisted with such precision that every nerve seemed to scream in agony.“Alright, mum”. He replied with gritted teeth. He could feel Tiana's hands on his shoulders, giving him some certainty.“Don't be sad, bro. Good people deserve good things, and Nova isn't good for you”. Lilian said without thinking. She just wanted to give him some words of affirmation, even though she didn't care.Zephyr nodded again politely as he watched them go to the car and soon they zoomed off. An angry Zephyr and Tiana were left in the hou
Four years later.“And this year's Oscar award for the best actress of the year goes too”…. The host paused trying to decipher the desperation of the audience. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with anticipation as the announcer’s voice echoed through the grand hall. Every breath seemed to hang in suspense, eyes glued to the stage, waiting for that one name. Then, it happened.“Nova van vica !!!!!” He exclaimed with excitement and a wide smile. For a heartbeat, the room stood still, the name reverberating through the space like the crack of a whip. Then—chaos. The crowd erupted into an uncontrollable frenzy, a tidal wave of cheers, applause, and screams. People jumped from their seats, some even spilling their drinks as they threw their hands into the air.“WE LOVE……. You Nova”. The screams of different people from different corners echoed. Nova, a woman whose name told tales and who had gone through so much, didn't expect to even win this award. She looked to her side tow
The world spiraled for a moment and Nova couldn't believe that the man in front of her was the same man who broke her to the nearest minimum.“Mummy I can't believe daddy finally came home”. Xavier said with all excitements. He has been so curious about his father that at some point he thought eryx was his father, but he never had that connection with him.“Xavier. Go to your room now”. Nova's voice came out a bit hostile.“Mummy”. He stomped his feet to the ground showing his reluctance.“Go!” Her voice came out louder and this made the little boy flinch before storming into the house with anger.Eryx, who was following Nova earlier as she ran towards the door, finally made it out to see who it was and that made him nervous. He knew his brother was going to finally find them. Obviously, Nova was now famous.“Nova, please”. Zephyr apologised with no expression on his face. He never shows emotions so she could never tell when he was sincere but not like she gave a fuck.“No! You do not
“Of course, I know exactly when you need me. You are like an intricate open book”. Jane said while biting her lips.Eryx had helped Jane in different ways. He sponsored her through acting school and made her a top and best actress. It was quite unfortunate that he found interest in someone else who wasn't her.“Nova”! She thought within her with anger. How she hated that name.“Did she make you angry, Eryx? I have told you to let her be Eryx. She is not made for you. I, on the other hand, can make you happy. I will do whatever it takes to see that you are satisfied”. Her eyes blazed with desperation. Until she realised her neck was stiff.Eryx grip on her neck had tightened. “I have told you countless times without numbers not to mention her name whenever you are with me”. He said sternly with a dangerous gaze that sent shivers to her spine.He released his grip from her neck and she fell violently to the ground trying to catch her breath.Eryx did not even allow her to rest when he mo
Eryx sneered at his brother with a hateful gaze that could burn the whole building down.“Come on brother. Are you scared?” He questioned playfully as sat on the chair that was in front of zephyr.“I think it's the other way round”. Zephyr counteracted with a straight gaze as he tried to fix the sleeves of his hand made shirt.“Let's cut the small talk, shall we?” Eryx's eyes narrowed, scanning him like he was some underling he was sizing up. “You’re probably wondering why I bothered to come all the way here.”Zephyr smiled inwardly. He knows exactly why he was here, but he wanted to hear him say it. He gestured with one of his fingers for him to continue.“I am here because of Nova. Stay away from her. Do not think because you finally found us you can get back into her life. Before you do that you will have to face my wrath”. He tilted his head slightly, a mockery of casualness, but the tension in his jaw betrayed the control it took to keep his temper in check.Zephyr slammed his ha
Zephyr picked up his call and his eyes widened. “I will be right there, just, make sure to keep her safe”. He uttered rigidly with a hint of worry.“Ethan, take me to the car”. He ordered. It seems Nova was in some kind of distress, the men he placed to watch over her had just called.He needed to reach her first before Eryx did. He will prove to her that he cares about her and their son.Ethan nodded as he wheeled him to his car. Since his butler wasn't here, yet he was going to drive him to Nova.*****Somewhere in New York, in starlight dominion entertainment industry Nova was being attacked by the press. And there with her was Jane who wanted to carry matters into her hands.“Mrs. Nova, so you did have a failed marriage”. One of the reporters questioned with a serious gaze.“No comment”. Nova said wearing her sunshades and wanted to walk off until Jane decided to add fuel to the already dying fire.“Don't you think your response is dangerous to your career? You should clear out th
Nova immediately entered her car and drove home, she was unaware that Zephyr was just behind her. When she got to her apartment she suddenly heard a familiar voice call her name.“Nova!” Zephyr, who was now in his automatic wheelchair, wheeled himself towards Nova.“What… Are you doing here?”. She stuttered. Her anger didn't go unnoticed by Zephyr, and that made him so sad. He was once the only person who existed to her, but now it seemed like he never meant anything to her.It was all his fault, and he concluded that he deserved whatever treatment he was getting from her.“I asked you a question, Zeph”. She didn't realize she had just called him by his shortened name. Zephyr felt his heart boil with joy, and he started to smile.“Why are you smiling?” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms. How dare he smile at her like that when he made her miserable.“No…it's just that you called me zeph and it made me happy”. I just feel that we can work things ou
“Oh! It's not something serious. Just a party to celebrate our current movie. Our sponsors will be there, and I was asked to specially invite you”. A lopsided grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. While One hand casually tucked into his pocket, the other gestured loosely in the air as if the invitation weren’t a big deal. “Wait. Are you talking about the luxurious party that is being held by one of the most famous producers in New York?” She wonders why he was talking so casually about it.Jane rolled her eyes as Nova spoke. Always acting like the world revolved around her. Jane thought with a scrunched expression.“Yes Nova. You got it right”. He smiled.“But why didn't you inform me earlier? I haven't even prepared anything. I have nothing to wear and”….“No worries, we have everything under control. Right Jane?”. He diverted towards an unbothered Jane.“Uhh. Yes”. She simply said not knowing what she was about to hear next will blow her mind.“You might be wondering why I am hel
Eryx gasped in shock as he watched Zephyr briskly walk out of the cell, looking so full of himself. Zephyr glared at him keenly as he walked past him, his eyes embedded with so much fury. He tried his beat to hold himself back because it would be stupid to start a fight with Eyrx in this place. He just got out of prison, and he wasn't going back in there. “How did you get out, huh? How? Don't ignore me!” Eryx yelled.But Zephyr ignored him as he walked out of prison. “You can't hurt me anyway. I'll make sure of that!” Eryx yelled at the top of his voice, helplessly watching Zephyr walk away. “Here, sign these documents,” Eryx said, passing some documents onto Zephyr. The board members had organised a meeting with the mayor and Zephyr in regards to signing the documents pertaining to the project. Even though Eryx wasn't happy to find himself working in the same room as Zephyr. But he had no choice. Suddenly, the door opened forcefully, and the police rushed in, armed to the t
Zephyr glared at him furiously. His breathing grew enraged, following the rising amount of rage within his nerves. He quickly grabbed the man’s neck, firmly holding onto it with all his strength as letting go was farfetched in this situation. “How dare you talk to me like that, huh?” he asked furiously, his eyes furiously laced with reddened fury. Consecutive punches followed, landing without mercy on the man’s face. He wasn’t given a chance to retaliate because Zephyr took it all from him. Zephyr kept on throwing hits without thinking twice until people rushed to the scene, grabbing Zephyr off the already injured man. Zephyr kept struggling, trying to lose their grip on him, but it was a futile effort. In no time, sirens were heard outside the bar, and the police came rushing into the bar. “Get down! Stay down!” they yelled as they placed a handcuff around his hand and dragged him to the police car immediately. “Let me go! You should arrest him, he came at me first,"Zephyr ye
Nova quickly gasped in shock, and her hands grabbed her open mouth as she realized what she had done. A deep sense of shock edged on her face as she glared at the man she had just slapped. The whole building was driven into great silence as their eyes were fixated on the scene. “I'm…” Nova tried to say something, but words couldn't come out. She was in a deep state of shock, and words had eluded her lips. “Are you OK? Nova, what happened?” Eryx asked, trying to snap Nova out of her moment of shock. “Hey, you. You're responsible for this, right?” Eryx asked, lashing out to the waiter in a fit of rage. He threw punches on the waiter who tried his best to protect his face from getting hit. “Eryx, stop!” Zephyr rushed into the scene, pulling Eryx off the waiter. But Eryx turned to Zephyr and threw a punch. Fortunately, Zephyr's reflexes were fast, and he was able to dodge the punch. But he dealt a finishing blow on Eryx’ face, sending him to the ground. Noca quickly snapped out
******12Zephyr gasped in shock as he turned back to see who touched him. “What…why…how did you get here?” He stuttered, evident shock edged over his expression as he glared at her. It's an after party, am I not supposed to be here?Nova kept casting a cold stare upon him, glaring at him with a rather stoic expression. Zephyr's jaw dropped open, and he stared at Nova's pretty face. Her eyes beamed with so much beauty. “Zephyr!” Nova snapped her fingers before his face. Zephyr immediately shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts immediately. A soft smile registered on his face while his eyes pierced into Nova's. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked curiously, her eyebrows furrowed as she pulled her face a bit away from Zephyr. “Why are you so interested in my life?” Zephyr asked softly with a soft smile on his face. “I don't understand,” Nova admitted. “You've been so concerned to know about my life, every little secret. You're technically stalking me,” Z
Zephyr narrowed his gaze, glaring at Nova who stood few inches away from him. “What plan are you talking about?” He asked calmly. Nova's face hardened, her gaze firmly fixated on Zephyr. “I know you've laid plans to have me back and end up destroying Eryx’ life,” she claimed. “And who told you all this?” Zephyr maintained an incredibly calm demeanour. “I just want to tell you that I won't let any of that happen. No matter how hard you try, you're just going to end up ruining everything for yourself,” she added. Zephyr's eyes darted across the restroom, and he pointed towards a sign boldly written on the wall. “MEN ONLY,” the sign read. “What do you want to see inside here?” Zephyr scoffed, walking into the toilet. Nova's face took a deep frown, her eyebrows furrowed deeply, and her heart boiled with great rage. “Pervert!” She slammed her hand against the wall and walked out angrily. Nova felt utterly insulted and disgraced before him. “He dared to speak to me in such a man
The gates opened, allowing Kevin to drive his car into the house. He alighted from his car, glaring at the mansion before him. He rolled his car key between his fingers, whistling as he slowly walked into the house. “Uncle!” Xavier rushed to Kevin as he entered the house, his smile beaming incessantly as he hugged him. Kevin bent his knee, reducing his height to meet Xavier. “You're now all grown, Xavier,” he said, a soft smile registered on his face. “Here. I got you this,” Kevin added, handing him a box of chocolate. “You shouldn't have gone through the stress if getting him something,” Zephyr said, walking down the stairs into the sitting room. “Zephyr. What a pleasure to see you,” Kevin said, giving him a warm hug. Zephyr's smile wouldn't stop beaming as he was very happy to see Kevin. “Xavier, go at your room with your nanny,” Zephyr ordered softly. He nodded and quickly followed his nanny to his room, leaving them alone in the sitting room. Kevin sat on the couch, cr
Breathing heavily and enraged, Eryx frustratingly got out of his car, violently shutting the door behind him. Nova gasped in shock, startled by Eryx’ sudden behaviour. She hasn't seen Eryx in this mood before.Meanwhile, Eryx was less concerned about Nova at the moment. The message from the Mafia Don destabilised him, and he was left in a fix, thinking of his next course of action. Eryx rubbed his head vigorously, trying so hard to think of his next action. He restlessly paced to and fro, his mind reeling with several thoughts. He kicked hard against the tire. “Arghhh!!” He yelled angrily. Nova just sat in the car, watching Eryx display an act of utter frustration. She just couldn't get over the image she saw during her memory flash. She was confused at this moment and definitely didn't know if Eryx was to be trusted. Eryx quickly braised himself, adjusting his tie and making his hair look in place. He briskly walked towards Kevin's office, walking in gently as he shut the
*****8“Alright, that's great,” Eryx heaved a deep sigh of relief as he dropped the phone call. “Any good news?” Nova inquired, glaring at Eryx’ stressed expression. Eryx crashed onto the sofa, taking a seat next to Nova. “Yes. The mayor has agreed to meet up with us. I was able to schedule another appointment with him,” Eryx replied. “If he misbehaves again, I won't be slow to put him in his place,” Nova said angrily. The thought of returning to meet Kevin was actually irritating to her. Nova felt like scheduling another meeting with him was synonymous to licking his feet. But what choice did they have anyway. He was the only way to achieve what they came to Greenfield city for. Tie knotted, shirt neatly ironed, shoes well polished, and dress neatly worn. Nova and Eryx briskly walked towards Kevin's office, set out to reach their goal for the day. “Here, have a seat,” Kevin's smile greeted them as they entered his office. Eryx quickly accepted the gesture. But Nova persiste
“What do you mean? Who are you talking about?” Nova asked angrily, surprised by Kevin's courage to have asked that question in the first place. “I mean Eryx. Do you trust him?” He persisted. “I don't understand? Why shouldn't I trust him?” Nova inquired. “There's more to Eryx that meets the eyes,” Kevin highlighted. Nova's eyes were fixated onto Kevin's. Meanwhile, Eryx stood at the corner, watching keenly to see what Nova's response was going to be. He was angry with Kevin, and his rage was already steaming as he looked at Kevin, but he decided to keep everything under control and wait for the perfect time to utter a single word. As Nova looked into Kevin's eyes, she began to sense an iota of truth in his question. Maybe he's right after all. Doubts began to rise as regards the trust that she harbours for Eryx. Nova began to suspect that there could be more to Eryx that she ever knows. “I hate you! I regret meeting you,” Zephyr's vouce echoed, causing chaos in Nova's head