Chapter 13 No “From Now On”
She stared at the ashes left in the fire pit, then let out a soft laugh. “Nothing important–just some useless junk. It was taking up space in the bedroom.“]
Kael didn’t suspect a thing, though he paused for a moment when he saw the ashes at the bottom of the pit.[]
He knelt down to help her stand, rubbing her cold hands between his own. “I’ll handle stuff like this from now on. You just rest at home.“]]
Nova stared blankly at their intertwined hands.[]
She’d always had cold hands, no matter the season, and he’d never gotten tired of warming them up for her.
But now… these hands had touched another woman.[]
Nova blinked away the stinging in her eyes, pulling her hands free.[]
She answered in a perfunctory tone, “Sure…“]]
Too bad there would be no “from now on.”
n.“]
Back when they hadn’t had much money, she’d thought every gift he gave her was the most precious thing in the world–she’d treasured them like they were her own eyes.
Now? She’d never pour her heart into valuing his gifts again.[]
“Put out the fire, will you?” she said softly.[]
“Okay. Stand back–don’t let any sparks get on you.
Kael took her arm, pulling her behind him to shield her.[]
His broad back was rigid–once, she’d thought this back was her safest refuge…]]
Nova turned her head away, tears pricking her eyes.]
The fire in the pit died down slowly, just like their love–snuffed out by Kael’s own hands.
“Let’s go.” After cleaning up the fire pit, Kael put his arm around Nova’s shoulders and walked back. “The milk’s in the bedroom. Go on up.” Warmth showed in his eyes.[]
It only made Nova think of the lewd side of him she’d seen with Sloane earlier.
How ironic.]]
“Go ahead.” She pushed him away, walking up the stairs with a calm expression.[]
Behind her, Kael curled his empty palm, watching her go with a lost look.
She was still night there beside him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was slipping away…[]
Nove used to cling to him so tightly–no matter what he did, she’d stay by his side, calling him “Honey” in that sweet voice…]
Now, she didn’t cũng to hum anymore.[]
Worse, she hadn’t called him “Honey” even once these past few days.[]
Pand made Karl’s brows furrow.[]
Could it be she’s found out about Sloane?]
No way I’ve hidden it so well. She couldn’t know!)
5
Nova returned to the bedroom, washed off her exhaustion, and collapsed onto the bed.]
Dung
Iter phone screen ur up, a photo popping up
Chapter 13 No From Now On
Nova’s eyes widened, her gaze trembled, and she dug her nails into her palm.
The photo was of Kael and Sloane, mid–tryst–Kael’s face was filled with pleasure, his sharp features twisted into a reckless, boyish grin. He looked just like he had when she first met him… except now, something had soured.
[Oops, sent that by mistake.]
[Kael asked me to send it to him–said he wants to look at it when he’s bored.]]]
[Weird, right? Isn’t he supposed to love you? Then why did he tell me he’s bored when he’s with you?][]
So Kael resents me that much?
She thought about it–before they married, she’d been young and bright, like a little sun, easy to love.[]
After marriage, she’d become more “domestic,” less youthful.[]
Of course he’d find her boring.[]
Nova bit her tongue, the sharp pain spreading.[]
She typed back: [Animals are just for killing boredom.]]
She tossed the phone aside. No reply came for a long time. She felt like all her energy had been drained, lying on the bed like a lifeless doll]
Just then, Kael pushed the door open.[]
He saw Nova “asleep” and didn’t disturb her.[]
He quietly turned off the main light, leaving only a warm nightlight on.[]
He tucked the covers around her, then lay down beside her.
Remembering her menstrual cramps, he used the hand warmer to soothe her lower abdomen.[]
“Sleep…” He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head–so tender it hurt.
Nova’s body tensed. In the dark, her eyes were red and swollen.[]
When he finally fell asleep, she pulled away without hesitation and rushed to the bathroom, scrubbing her body fiercely.
After her shower, she couldn’t sleep anymore, so she went to the study to keep working on her jewelry designs.]
…0
The next morning, Kael woke up to an empty space beside him. Nova wasn’t in his arms–she was lying on the edge of the bed.[]
She must have rolled over in her sleep again.
He chuckled, stretching his arm to pull her into his embrace. His stubbly chin brushed her neck playfully.[]
“I dont have much work today. I’ll go out with you this morning. How about the amusement park? You used to love the haunted house…“]
Nova lowered her eyes. She’d stayed up late drawing designs last night–she didn’t feel like going out.]
Karl was like a dog begging for a bone, wheedling, “I prepared a surprise for you. Just come see it, okay?“]
Nova couldn’t argue with him. Reluctantly, she agreed.[]
She had only 25 days left before the left–she didn’t want to arouse his suspicion before then.]
Karl’s face it up. He cupped her cheeks, leaning in to kiss her. Nova’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly–she turned her head, avoiding his lips.[]
“Baby. “Karl looked disappointed, his eyes intense. “You’ve been pushing me away lately…]
Nova didn’t bother explaining. She forced a faint smile. “Your stubble’s scratchy. Go wash up first…“]}
She pushed him away and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom
Karl followed right after him. The gloom faded from his face he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, grinning, “Baby, help me shave.“[]
11.0%
Chapter 13 No “From Now On”
In the past, Nova would have done it without hesitation. She’d always given him whatever he asked for.[]
But this time… She pulled out of his arms, her face expressionless. “I’m washing my face. Do it yourself.“[]
Kael’s eyes darkened. He put on a pitiful look. “Just one minute, please?“]
He’d done this before–acting like a harmless little puppy instead of the scheming wolf he was, begging for her attention. Every time, she couldn’t bear to let him down.
But now? Nova was done playing along. “It’s getting late. Stop being childish.“[]
Kael was caught off guard by her cold refusal. A hollow feeling opened up in his chest.[]
He thought about yesterday–he must have really hurt her feelings.[]
He decided then–he’d make it up to her at the amusement park, no matter what. He held her tightly for a moment longer, resting his chin on her shoulder.]]
His voice was soft. “I’ll spend more time with you from now on. I won’t make you sad again…”
“From now on?” Nova laughed silently.[]
There was no “from now on” for them.[]
Kael, in 25 days, you’ll be all alone.[]
It was the middle of summer. Kael held a sun umbrella over her, carrying her bag for her, taking care of her every need.[]
If she so much as glanced at something, he’d buy it for her.[]
He knew she loved the haunted house–even though the line was hours long, he didn’t hesitate to wait in the scorching sun.[]
A girl passing by looked on in envy, nudging her boyfriend. “Look at him! Learn how to treat a girl right! All you do is play on your phone! Did you come to spend time with me, or with your screen?“[]
The guy looked annoyed. “Don’t push it.“[]
“You weren’t like this when you were chasing me!“[]
Nova listened to their bickering, her eyes darkening with sadness.
“Nova, I got the haunted house tickets! Let’s go!” Kael ran over from the crowd, sweat dripping down his forehead.[]
He’d looked irritable with everyone else–but when he saw her, his face lit up with a smile.
He looked just like he had back in school, when he’d run to her after a basketball game. He took her hand, holding it tightly in his own.[]
Memories of the past stabbed at Nova’s heart…
Just then, someone walked toward them.]
