Chapter 12 Agony Unleashed – Burning Everything to Ashes!
In the next instant, someone covered her eyes []
Kael rested his chin gently on her shoulder, his tone so tender it hurt. “Wait a second before opening them.“[]
Nova’s eyelashes fluttered. Those words unwittingly unlocked memories–every time Kael had prepared a surprise for her, he’d said the same thing.]
The fireworks show when he confessed. The grand ceremony when he proposed… Each memory had once made her heart race.[]
But now, her heart was numb.[]
Kael wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the table.[]
Eager as he was, he didn’t notice her slightly stiff body.[]
He opened the gift boxes one by one, then let go of her eyes and hugged her from behind.[]
Nova’s gaze trembled as she stared at the exquisite setup in the living room–rose petals forming a path, heart–shaped balloons everywhere, warm lights flickering… like a dream
On the table were the gifts–clearly the pink diamond jewelry and jade set from the auction, plus a hairpin and a bracelet.[]
These were the items Kael had bid on…]]
Why were they here? Hadn’t he bought them for Sloane? What was Kael playing at?[]
A bitter sweetness swelled in Nova’s chest–she found it all so ironic.[]
“Do you like it?” Kael asked softly, his large hands wrapping around hers and massaging gently. “I’m sorry I made you upset this morning. Let me make it up to you, okay? You’ve always loved that pink diamond jewelry, right? Let me put it on you…“[]
He reached for the pink diamond necklace in the box, leaning down slightly to fasten it around her neck.]
As he lowered his head, the collar of his shirt gaped open–revealing faint red marks that stabbed at Nova’s eyes.[]
These were things he’d bought while accompanying his mistress, maybe even rejects she’d tossed aside, now handed to her like charity. And yet he still put on this loving act…]]
Nova bit her inner lip, closing her eyes as bitterness spread through her chest.
Kael had no idea.]]
She pushed his hand away–he’d been about to fasten the necklace.[]
“I put it on later,” she said with a faint smile. “I want to pair it with a nice outfit first.“]
Kael trace for a second, but didn’t suspect a thing. He pinched her cheek, grinning. “Sure. It’s for you anyway–you pick the outfit.“]
He added. “And the gift for Mabel’s 70th birthday–we’ll give it to her then.“[]
Nova lowered her eyes. If she hadn’t seen him with Sloane that day, splurging to bid on things for Sloane, she might have softened a little for Mabel’s sake.[]
She forced a stulle–she had no energy left to play along. “It’s late. I want to wash up. Can you put these things away first?“]
Kael held her, lus Land brushing her waist lightly []
He kissed her cheek, his voice hoarse, “Shower together? Til help you…]
That hand felt like a venomous snake–sickening to Nova
Tu not feeling well!” She brushed his hand off, her face pale, chest heaving just thinking about him sleeping with sloane, then touching her now, made her stomach churn
Karl stumbled backward, caught off guard.
The desire in his eyes faded, replaced with confusion]
Chapter 12 Agony Unleashed – Burning Everything to Axhes!
But when he saw Nova’s pale face… He pressed his lips together, pulling her into a hug to soothe her.[]
“I’m sorry–I didn’t think. Go shower. I’ll make you warm milk.” With that, he headed to the kitchen.[]
Nova frowned as she watched him busy himself, a faint red tinge rising in her eyes.[]
She glanced at the gift boxes on the table.]
They could have had such a happy marriage–why did Kael have to cheat? Why betray nine years of love?]]
Nova shut her eyes tightly |]
She dragged herself back to the bedroom, ready to take a bath. But her phone, tucked in her pocket, started vibrating wildly.]]
She frowned and pulled it out–her eyes widened in shock.]
It was a selfie from Sloane.[]
In the photo, Sloane wore the pink diamond necklace, and the jade bracelet on her wrist glinted brightly.[]
[Kael spent the whole afternoon with me, splurging to cheer me up.]]]
[Some people should stop being deceived!]]]
A man’s love is where his money goes… I think you’re smart enough to understand that.]]]
The screen’s glow stung Nova’s eyes.]
She stared at the photo for a long time, her knuckles white as she gripped the phone–but she felt no pain.[]
Her pride had been crushed underfoot.[]
Suddenly, she dropped the phone and stumbled downstairs…[]
with every step, a memory flashed through her mind: the million–dollar custom ring Kael had proposed with, the wedding dress he’d designed for her himself, the river–view villa he’d bought her for millions just because she’d mentioned liking it…]]
She couldn’t believe it–couldn’t believe Kael had lied about all of it! She had to ask him.]
But when she reached the first floor, the kitchen was empty–only a mug on the counter.]
Her gaze flickered and turned toward the study.[]
She pushed the door open a crack–and heard Kael’s hoarse voice.[]
Lift up
Lower 1
Than
From the other end of the line came Sloane’s coquettish moan[]
Karl.1
They were doing this over the screen–Nova felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head, freezing her to the core.[]
Her stomach lurched]
She ran to the bathroom, retching violently until there was nothing left but acid []
Dazed, she stared at her reflection in the mirror–pale, haggard She looked so pitiful ([]
Nova closed her eyes, leaning weakly against the wall for a long time, like a broken doll []
Meanwhile, the study was filled with heated sounds.]
Chapter 12 Agony Unleashed – Burning Everything to Ashes!
She swallowed her pride, walked out of the bathroom, and went to the table with the gifts.]
Her hands trembling, she picked up the pink diamond jewelry to inspect it.[]
As a jewelry designer, she knew a thing or two about authenticity. It was clearly a fake.|[]
She swallowed the bitterness in her throat and picked up the jade bracelet–also fake.[]
Nova laughed until she cried…]
She went upstairs and dug out all the gifts Kael had given her.[]
The bags were fake []
The diamond bracelet was fake.[]
…]
The South Sea pearl earrings were fake too…
Ever since he’d started seeing Sloane, everything he’d given her was a lie.
Nova collapsed onto the floor, utterly defeated.[]
The trust she’d had in him had become a weapon he used to hurt her.]
Kael, how could you be so heartless?
-0
After his video call with Sloane, Kael felt refreshed.[]
Nova had been on her period these days and refused to let him near her in bed. But he was in his prime–he wanted her
Since Nova wouldn’t, he had to find release elsewhere…]
It was just fun, he told himself. As long as he didn’t let Nova find out, it wasn’t cheating.[]
Kael tidied his clothes, warmed the milk in the kitchen, and carried it to the bedroom–only to find Nova gone.]]
He noticed another thick red X on the calendar.
A sudden panic gripped him, but then he remembered–these X’s were counting down to their wedding anniversary.
He relaxed, thinking he’d plan a big surprise for her that day.[]
He walked out of the bedroom to look for her, and finally found her in the small garden outside the villa.[]
Nova was squatting by a fire pit, staring blankly at the flames as she added dry wood…]
every night.[]
For some reason, seeing this made Kael’s heart feel like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, leaving him breathless.
He walked over, his voice tight with panic. “Nova, what are you burning?“[]
Nova jumped
