Chapter 3 The Twist–Sweet Victory for Some, Misery for Others
Nova capped her pen, her tone calm and flat. “Nothing important. Our anniversary is next month, so I’ve been counting down the days.“]
She adjusted his tie, her eyes lowered to hide the indifference in them. “Just make sure you open the gift I got you when the day comes.“[]
Kael’s heart softened instantly. He took her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he smiled. “Don’t worry, baby–I’ve been thinking about that gift every day. I can barely wait.”
Can barely wait? Nova’s lips twitched into a faint, bitter line.
Then a sweet, familiar scent hit her, and she glanced in surprise at the paper bag in his hand. “Apple pie?“]]
“Got it in one, my little foodie.” Kael laughed and tapped her nose playfully before handing her the bag.[]
“Go on–dig in.”
Apple pie had always been her favorite.]]
Back when they were first together, Kael–then a spoiled heir who’d never waited in line for anything–would stand in long queues just to buy it for her.[]
e.“]
He’d teased her once, saying, “You’re so easy to please,” and she’d smiled and replied, “It’s because I love you. The little things matter more.”
Now, she took the bag silently and bit into one. It tasted the same as always–sweet but not cloying–but something felt off.[]
Kael watched her for a moment before speaking up. “Nova, about that gown you liked earlier… turns out someone already reserved it. The sales clerk made a mistake. Let me buy you another one, okay?“]
Nova froze. The apple pie in her mouth suddenly tasted like ash.[]
So that’s how it was–he was taking something she loved and giving it to his mistress to smooth things over.[]
She blinked back the stinging in her eyes and nodded. “Sure.“]
She didn’t want the gown anymore.
“And she didn’t want him, either.
-0
The next morning–Monday–Noya had just arrived at the office when her assistant, Lila Bennett, rushed over, her face flushed with urgency.[]
Nova steadied her by the shoulders. “Slow down. What’s going on?”
“Nova, It’s bad…“]
Nova strided toward the CEO’s office, threw open the door, and slammed a stack of files onto Kael’s desk.[]
“Kael, you’re replacing the spokesperson I chose? Why didn’t you even discuss this with me first?”
Her hard work was being tossed aside like trash, and a tight, aching feeling pricked at her throat.
Kael set down his pen, stood up quickly, and pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back gently.
“Calm down, baby. This is my fault–I should’ve told you sooner.]
“But the spokesperson you picked has been caught in a scandal. We had to switch.” He handed her a folder with the details.[]
Nova scanned the papers, her anger fading a little, “Then who did you pick instead?“]
“Sloane Reed. She’s with Skyline Media–really popular online right now. Funny enough, we ran into her at the boutique yesterday.”
The words hit Nova like a punch to the chest. She stared at him in shock
Kael kept talking, trying to soothe her. “The marketing team did a full analysis. Sloane’s a better fit for the product, all things considered.[]
What do you think?”
1:|😐:ས 1:|:ཀར 1😐:ཀུན དུ
Chapter 3 The Twist–Sweet Victory for Some, Misery for Others
Nova’s throat felt tight, like she was choking on a rock.
He was giving her hard–earned project to his mistress?[]
She forced out a question. “If I say no… will you pick someone else?“]
Kael hesitated. It was clear he was torn between her and Sloane.]
Nova let out a bitter laugh, pushed him away, and turned toward the door. “Forget it. Do what you want.“[]
Her cold tone made Kael freeze.
They’d disagreed before, but they’d never shut each other out like this.
A flicker of unease ran through him. “Nova!“[]
He chased after her, but the elevator doors closed just as he reached them.
Regret hit him–he shouldn’t have agreed to Sloane’s request last night.
Then a soft pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind, and Sloane’s voice purred in his ear. “Kael…“[]
Kael’s mood soured, but he turned around and kissed her forehead gently.]
“Be good. I told you not to approach me in public. Go home, okay?”
Sloane’s eyes watered, but she nodded. “I’m sorry–I just missed you so much. I won’t do it again.“[]
“Good girl.” Kael kissed her again, then walked away, satisfied with her obedience.
Sloane watched him leave, her jaw tight.[]
Men loved compliant women–but she’d make Nova pay for stealing Kael’s attention.
Back in her office, Nova focused on sketching a new jewelry collection for the design competition in a month.]
She was so absorbed that she didn’t hear the door open until Kael walked in, holding a fancy gift box.]
Inside was the jewelry set she’d admired earlier.]
Nova quickly tucked her sketches into a drawer as he approached.[]
“Im sorry about earlier, baby. Don’t be mad at me.” He massaged her shoulders, his voice soft with apology.
Nova frowned and pushed his hands away.[]
She was tired of playing along. “I’m not mad anymore. Go back to work–I’m busy.”
Her tone was polite, but her eyes were cold.[]
Kael didn’t feel relieved
Once, she’d lit up at the smallest gifts–even a single rose.
Now, she didn’t even glance at the jewelry ]
He opened his mouth to say something, but his assistant knocked on the door, reminding him of a meeting. He left reluctantly.[]
As soon as he was gone, Nova pulled out her phone and called a luxury resale shop.]
“I have a jewelry set to sell. Donate the money to a trash disposal charity.“[]
The shop owner paused. “Ma’am, are you sure?“]]
“Positive.” She hung up and went back to her sketches.
A few minutes later, her office phone rang. It was Lila []
“Nova, there’s a welcome dinner for the new spokesperson tonight at 8–at the Fairmont Hotel. Do you want me to confirm your attendance?”
Chapter 3 The Twii–boret Victory for some, Misery for inhers
Nova paused, her pen hovering over the paper !!
She didn’t want to see sloane, but she had to go for the marketing teaur’s sake)
“Til he there.”
That night, Nova arrived at the Fairmont Hotel in an elegant white soft
As soon as she stepped into the ballroom, she spotted sloane–dressed in the gown Nova had liked–surrounded by a crowd of people.]
Even though she’d known Kael had given it to Sloane, seeing it on her unde Nova’s chest ache.
Sloane noticed her too and flashed a bright smile–one that screamed, “Look what Kael gave me. You’re nothing to him”
“Sloane, that gown is stunning!” someone gushed. “I heard it costs over a million dollars.”
“Wow! Who bought it for you?“]
“…”
Sloane giggled, her eyes locked on Nova as she spoke. “My boyfriend. I told him I didn’t need it, but he insisted.]]
“He said only I could make it look good- -no one else.“]
She emphasized the last three words, her tone dripping with arrogance.[]
“Your boyfriend is so sweet another person said. “He must dote on you as much as Mr. Voss dotes on Ms. Hale!“]
Laughter filled the room, but Nova stood still, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.[]
So this was how Kael acted with Sloane–generous, attentive, eager to please.]]
She took a deep breath and stepped forward, her voice cold and sharp. “Boyfriend?“]
Sloane felt a chill run down her spine, but she refused to back down. “Yes. What of it?“]
She leaned in, trying to hit Nova where it hurt. “He even buys me apple pie–my favorite. We had it last night. It was so
Apple pie…
It clicked.[]
Nova’s heart felt like it was being fried in oil, then stomped into the ground.[]
Kael had given her the ple that he’d probably shared with Sloane first–like she was an afterthought.]
Sloane smirked, sure she’d won.
But then Nova let out a cold laugh, her eyes cutting into Sloane like a knife.[]
