Chapter 5 Kael, We’re Done!
She remembered back in the day–once she’d twisted her ankle, and it wasn’t even that bad, but he’d gotten teary–eyed with worry and carried her all the way to the
clinic.
After they started working, women had faked injuries to get close to him before. Every time, he’d shut them down cold–never even sparing a glance.
Now, that one–of–a–kind care was gone. Given to someone else.]]
Nova squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Her heart felt like it was freezing over, piece by piece.
Her phone vibrated. It was a text from Kael: [Baby, something came up at work. I’ll come pick you up later.]]]
Heh.
Nova’s heart ached so bad it went numb. She typed back: [No need.]]
Kael, I don’t need you anymore.]]
Sometime while she’d been standing there, it had started to rain.]]
Nova walked aimlessly down the street, getting soaked to the bone, but she didn’t feel cold at all.]
When she got home, she took a shower. Then she walked to the calendar and drew an X on the 26th.[]
Good. Only 27 days left.[]
Soon, she’d be out of this place that had made her so miserable.[]
And then Kael could have his precious little mistress all to himself.[]
That night, she tossed and turned.]
She drifted off eventually, but her head throbbed–she had a fever.[]
Instinctively, she reached for the other side of the bed, her voice weak with a hint of grievance. “Kael… I don’t feel good… Kael…“[]
Her hand hit cold sheets, yanking her back to reality.[]
She remembered, belatedly, that Kael was with Sloane right now. Probably tangled up in bed with her.
Like he’d even remember she existed.[]
A bitter taste spread across her tongue.
She bit her lip, threw back the covers, and got dressed. She went to the hospital alone.]]
3
She checked in alone, saw the doctor alone, got admitted alone, and sat through the IV alone.
The old Kael would have been beside himself with worry.[]
The man who’d fought so hard to win her, who’d treated her like she was his whole world–how could he let her go through this alone?]
Nova let out a bitter laugh
She pushed the IV stand out of the room, wanting to buy a bottle of water. But as soon as she stepped into the hallway, she froze.[]
Kael was helping Sloane walk. His eyes were filled with concern, and they were laughing about something.]
Nova’s steps halted. Her eyes turned red
Sloane noticed her, paused, then immediately clung tighter to Kael’s arm. Her face was pale, looking innocent and fragile.[]
Chapter & Kart Were Done!
“Ms. Hale? You’re here too–are you not feeling well?“]
Kael’s body went rigid when he heard her voice. He looked up, and his eyes locked onto Nova.[]
He pulled his arm away from Sloane so fast, she stumbled. She frowned at Nova, a flash of malice in her eyes.[]
“Baby, don’t get the wrong idea.” Kael hurried over, his voice anxious. “I finished work and ran into Sloane–she’d been harassed. I was just helping her.”
“Where was her assistant?” Nova cut him off, her gaze light but sharp, falling on Sloane’s calf. “Did she have to have you bring her to the hospital?“]
Sloane looked down, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “My assistant wasn’t with me. Some drunk men surrounded me… Mr. Voss saved me. He was kind enough to drive me here. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.“[]
Her voice trembled, tears streaming down her face–so pitiful it made people’s hearts ache.[]
It sounded like gratitude, but it was really a show of pride.[]
Kael had given her the confidence to act like this.[]
Nova’s chest ached. “I see.“[]
Kael’s eyes hardened. He shot Sloane a cold look, then turned back to Nova, his tone soft. “She’s just an actress, baby. I only helped her because she’s tied to our company’s interests. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even look at her.“[]
An actress?
Sloane’s face turned red, then pale. Tears poured down her cheeks.[]
She bit her lip, looking humiliated. “You’re right… I’m just an actress. I shouldn’t have made Ms. Hale upset. I’ll leave now.”
“I
She limped away, pretending her calf hurt.]
Kael frowned, a twinge of discomfort in his chest.]
But he pushed it aside, helped Nova back to her room, pestered the doctor with questions, then had someone bring soup and vegetables. He even fed her himself.]
The nurses at the station whispered about how sweet he was–so envious.
But Nova felt nothing.]]
She didn’t want something that had been touched by someone else.[]
Just then, her phone vibrated on the pillow. She frowned, picking it up–it was a live stream notification.]
On the screen, Sloane was standing by the waterfront, talking to the camera. “My guy made me upset earlier, but he said he’ll make it up to me–with a big fireworks show! And a drone display too! Everyone’s welcome to watch!“]}
The comments were full of mockery.]
[Wow, bold of you to lie. Do you know how much fireworks and drone show cost?]]]
[Yeah, stop bragging–no one believes you.]]
Sloane pouted, looking upset. “It’s true! You guys have to trust me!”
Then, the live stream lit up with massive gifts–luxury yachts, diamond necklaces–all from an account named “Sloane’s Guy.“]]
Seconds later, fireworks exploded in the sky, bright and dazzling.
Sloane’s grin was so wide it reached her ears. “See? I told you I wasn’t lying!“}]
[Whoa, that’s a real sugar daddy! I’m jealous!
accoun
[He’s basically on Mr. Voss level! Remember when he spent millions on Mrs. Voss‘ birthday fireworks? Total relationship goals![]
Nova’s eyes glistened with tears. She looked up at Kael, who was standing on the balcony, staring at his phone.[]
His face was soft–so doting.]
He was “Sloane’s Guy”
Chapter 5 Kael, We’re Donel
Kael noticed her gaze, quickly put his phone away, and walked over. He picked up the soup, which had cooled on the balcony, and held a spoon to her lips.]
“C’mon, baby. It’s not hot anymore. Eat a little–you need to keep your strength up.“[]
Nova’s hands tightened around her phone, her knuckles white. She stared at him, at that fake worried look on his face.]
Kael, how do you lie so well?]
She closed her eyes, pushing his hand away. “I don’t want it. I feel sick to my stomach.“[]
She rolled over, facing the wall. Her eyes stung.]
On her birthday that year, Kael had thrown her a fireworks show that every woman in New York had envied. He’d spent millions–just to make her smile.[]
Later, he’d just said. “As long as my girl’s happy, it’s worth it. I make money for her.“[]
That quote had been all over the news. Everyone had gushed about how lucky she was.[]
She’d fallen for him all over again that day.[]
Now, Kael had given that one–of–a–kind love to another girl. Just to make her happy.
Tears dampened Nova’s pillow.
Then, a warm body pressed against her back. Kael wrapped his arms around her.]
Tm sorry, baby. Don’t be mad. Whatever you want–I’ll cook it for
you
tomorrow.”
e.“I
He kissed her shoulder. “I saw you watching the fireworks earlier. When you’re discharged, I’ll get you an even bigger show. Way better than that one.”
His words felt like a slap in the face.
Nova pushed him away, sitting up. She held onto the last bit of hope she had, her voice quiet but steady.[]
“What about the spokesperson? What’s your decision on that?“]]
♡ (4)
