My Funreal 78

Chapter 78 Torture First, Satisfaction Later 

Nova took a shaky breath, forcing down the tightness in her chest. She was too tired to listen to another word. “I want to take a shower… don’t follow me.” 

She pushed his hand away and stood, walking slowly toward the stairs–her calf wound throbbing with every step. 

Kael watched her, his eyes instantly red. Guilt cut through him like a knife. 

If only I hadn’t left to check on Sloane. If I’d stayed with Nova, she’d never have come home alone. She’d never have been hurt. 

This was the woman he’d loved and protected for a decade–a woman who’d never known pain or hardship. He’d once punished anyone who so much as spoke 

ill of her. 

And now? She’d been hurt–again. 

Kael raked a hand through his hair, cursing himself. “You’re such an idiot, Kael.” 

Nova’s steps were unsteady. She’d barely touched the stair railing when she was lifted into the air. 

“Ah!” 

She gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. She hit his shoulder, angry and embarrassed. “Kael, what are you doing? Put me down!” 

Kael carried her up the stairs, stopping only at the bathroom door in their bedroom. He set her down but held her close. 

“Baby, I’m so sorry you had to go through this…” 

His warm, familiar scent surrounded her–but it only made her nose tingle. 

I begged for this warmth when I was being attacked. But he was with Sloane. 

Now, she didn’t want it anymore. 

She pushed him away, her eyes red. “Kael, get out!” 

Kael didn’t want to leave–he was terrified she’d hurt herself struggling. But he reluctantly stepped back, rearranging her toiletries on the lower shelf so she wouldn’t have to reach. He even found a stool, worried her legs would tire. 

His care was in every possible way. 

Nova’s eyes stung. She looked away, bitter thoughts swirling in her mind. He probably takes care of Sloane like this too. 

When he’d finished, Kael stood in front of her, his gaze intense, “Nova, I’ll make things right. For last night, for today–for everything. Anyone who hurt you 

will pay. I promise.” 

Nova kept her eyes down, hiding her redness. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door. 

Karl’s chest tightened. He leaned against the door, his voice hoarse. “Tll be right outside. Call me if you need anything.” 

Something in his words hit a nerve. Nova’s throat tightened. She slammed the door shut. 

Bang! 

Tears finally fell. 

He always says he’ll stay, says he’ll wait. 

But when she needed him most, he was never there. 

Years ago, he’d promised to take her to Lover’s Cliff to watch the ocean once he finished his project. She’d waited eagerly–only to find out he’d taken Sloane 

16:24 

He Cried at My Funeral. I Laughed at His Gala 

48.1 

Chapter 78 Torture First, Satisfaction Later 

instead 

Now, he said. “I’ll be right outside. Call me if you need anything.” 

Yeah. He’s right outside. So close. 

But in the hospital, when she’d needed him, he’d left to take care of Sloane. 

Nova let out a shaky breath, staring at the crystal bracelet on her wrist. 

It’s beautiful. 

In the next second, she pulled it off and threw it in the trash. 

No more stupid hopes. No more waiting. 

Nova took her time in the shower. When she opened the door, she found Kael sitting on the bed, waiting for her. 

She froze, frowning in annoyance. His persistence was getting on her nerves. 

“What are you doing here?” 

‘Helping you with your bandages. The doctor said not to shower for too long–why didn’t you listen?” 

He chided her gently, reaching for her hand. 

Nova couldn’t pull away. He led her to the bed and sat her down. When he lifted her nightgown, he saw that her calf wound was red and inflamed. He frowned. ‘No more long showers, okay?” 

He twisted open the ointment, ready to apply it. 

Nova stared at his gentle expression, a wave of sadness washing over her. She stopped his hand, her voice cold. “I can do it myself.” 

Kael’s movements froze. Loss settled in his chest, heavy and suffocating. 

Once, even a tiny cut on her finger would make her pout and beg him to bandage it. 

Now? No more pouting. No more relying on him. No more asking him to take care of her wounds. 

Cael’s jaw tightened. He looked at her cold face, his heart aching. “Nova, you…” 

fis words were cut off by his phone ringing. 

Nova interrupted him, “Answer it.” 

Kael’s eyes darkened. He stared at her for a few seconds, then picked up the phone and walked to the balcony. 

Nova paused, her hand mid air. She knew he’d been waiting for her to soften–waiting for her to pout, to ask for his help, to reach out to him. 

She knew exactly how it felt to wait to hope for something that never came. 

And this is how he’s treated me. 

She laughed bitterly. 

Kael finished his call and returned quickly. When he saw Nova’s indifference, he clenched his fists, his voice tight. “Nova, the doctor sent your medicine. I’ll go get it.” 

Nova didn’t look up, only nodding softly. 

16:24 

He Cried at My Funeral, I Laughed at His Gala 

48.39 

Chapter 78 Torture First, Satisfaction Later 

Kael’s disappointment was obvious. He tossed out a few more reminders before heading out. 

Finally, the room was quiet. 

Nova let out a sigh, feeling her body relax. She finished applying the ointment carefully. 

Suddenly, she remembered her phone. She reached for it–only to realize her bag was still downstairs. 

Frowning, she slipped on her slippers, grabbed a coat, and headed down to find her bag. 

Outside, the sky had turned dark. A cold wind blew, making her shiver. 

She pulled her coat tighter, searching everywhere for her bag. 

Did Kael take it? 

She was about to check the living room when she heard a familiar voice from outside the front door. 

“If I catch you following her, taking photos of her, or disrupting her life again, I’ll make you regret it!” 

It was Kael. 

Nova froze, her body turning cold. A voice in her head screamed, “Don’t go out!” 

But something pulled her forward. She opened the door and walked out, her steps stiff. 

What she saw made her stop in her tracks. Her heart felt like it had been split open, cold wind rushing in. 

Not far away, Kael was shielding someone behind him, pinning two paparazzi to the ground and hitting them. His protectiveness was fierce–like he was ready 

to kill. 

“This is your last warning,” he snarled. “Leave her alone. Get out of here!” 

“We won’t do it again! We swear!” The paparazzi were terrified. They abandoned their cameras and ran. 

“Kael…” Sloane sobbed, her eyes red and puffy, looking completely frightened. 

At the sound of her voice, Kael dropped the stick in his hand. He turned and pulled her into his arms, comforting her. “It’s okay. Stop crying.” 

I was so scared…” 

Don’t be. I’m here.” 

fis gentle concern was so sweet–so tender. 

But if sent Nova’s heart plummeting into an ice pit. 

ndy ten minutes ago, he was holding me, apologizing, saying he’d never let me get hurt again. 

le said he was going to get my medicine. 

Nova hid behind a wall, clamping a hand over her mouth to muffle her sobs. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably. 

The image of Kael fighting to protect Sloane played in her mind, on repeat. 

Her parents had divorced when she was young. She’d lived with her grandmother most of the time. At school, she’d been quiet and gentle–an easy target for easing and mockery, 

she’d learned to ignore it. High school was only three years, after all. She could endure. 

But then Kael had come into her life. He couldn’t stand anyone saying a bad word about her. Once, someone had joked about her shyness–and he’d grabbed a ruler and taught them a lesson. 

she remembered one incident clearly. A boy had taken a photo of her and posted it online with the title, “Easy to Bully.” 

16:25 

He Cried at My Funeral Laughed at His Gala 

48.491 

Chapter 78 Torture First Satisfaction Later 

When Karl found out, he’d beaten the boy up, shoving his face into the ground. “Touch her again and see what happens.” 

Word had spread quickly. After that, no one dared to bully her–or even tease her. 

Nova would never forget that. She’d fallen deeply in love with his gentle, overbearing devotion. 

But now? She’d watched him fight for another woman–seen him comfort her when she cried. 

Nova bit her lip until it bled. Her throat tasted like bitterness. 

she’d thought her heart was already numb to the pain. But it still hurt–sharp and unbearable. 

It’s like all the love I once had, I have to give it all back. 

Her eyes were red and swollen. She didn’t want to cry, but tears kept falling. She wiped them away roughly, stumbling back toward the house. 

Suddenly, a hand covered her mouth. Strong arms dragged her toward the alley. 

Mmm!” Nova’s face turned white. She recognized their masked outfits–must be two crazy fans, sneaking in. 

he struggled, panicking. “Let go of me! There are security guards here! You’ll get arrested!” 

But her strength was no match for two grown men. 

Stay still!” the taller one growled, his hand over her mouth. 

Jova’s eyes were red. Through her panic, she saw Kael holding Sloane’s hand, walking toward the parking lot not far away. 

Mmm!” She shook her head, biting the man’s hand hard. She screamed, “Help! Kael! Kael!” 

his was her last chance. 

Cael turned around… 

♡ (1) 

⊙(0)