CHAPTER FOUR
Nova maneuvered her red Chevy Blazer through the winding roads of her parents’ gated neighborhood.
“Rick cheated on you?” Sophia practically yelled through the phone.
“I’m telling you, Soph, I opened the door, and there they were going at it like bunnies,” she said, scrunching up her nose in disgust and wishing she could unsee all that.
“I hate to say this, but it looks like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, considering his dad has a mistress.” Sophia paused, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. “Seriously, Nova. Are you okay?”
“I know that I should be upset. I mean, we were together for two and a half years. But honestly, I feel more relieved. Though that doesn’t mean that I’m not pissed off, because I am.
If he was unhappy, he could have had the decency to end things between us before bedding Piper.
” She took a deep breath. “This might sound weird, but this was the shove I needed, considering I’ve been thinking about making some changes. ”
“What kind of changes?” Sophia asked, sounding curious.
“I’m seriously thinking about leaving the firm and moving out East. Possibly closer to you.” Nova admitted.
There was a moment of silence before Sophia shouted, “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” Nova said, and then started telling her sister about her dream to open a gym.
“I also have a few old college contacts in D.C. So, if I need to continue law for a while, I’m sure I can find something. But honestly? It’s time. I’ve spent so long trying to please everyone but myself.”
“I love that you’re finally thinking for yourself,” Sophia said, her voice warm with pride. “You’ve always been strong, Nova. You just forgot it somewhere along the way. And as for mom and dad, well, you don’t owe them your happiness.”
“Thanks, Soph. Really.” Nova blinked a few times to keep her tears at bay.
“There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about. But now with you calling it quits with Rick, I don’t know if it’s really important now.” Sophia said.
“Just tell me.”
“Rob called me last week. Apparently, after church last week, he overheard Mom talking to Rick’s mom. He said it sounded like they were talking about a wedding.”
Nova frowned. “A wedding?”
“Yeah. He said they were discussing venues, flowers, and dress shopping. And Rick’s mom was complaining about only having a short amount of time to plan.”
“And you guys think this wedding is for Rick and me?”
“Who else’s wedding would they be coordinating?”
Confusion quickly gave way to unease. She and Rick had always assumed marriage was somewhere in their future, but they had never discussed timelines, venues, or anything that sounded remotely like actual wedding plans.
“That makes no sense. We aren’t even engaged,” Nova stated, as she gripped the steering wheel tighter.
“I know. But think about it from a political standpoint for a minute. A grand wedding right before the crucial campaign season starts would be very beneficial for him. People out there love the image of a devoted family man. Having a beautiful, successful, and supportive wife by his side at events would show voters that he’s stable and grounded.
Like he’s the kind of man people can trust with leadership and family values. ”
Nova couldn’t help but chuckle. “Meanwhile, he’s screwing someone other than his girlfriend. How’s that for family values?”
“I know. But we all know that politics isn’t about truth half the time. It’s about optics. And you’re smart, polished, and beautiful. You would be a huge draw for Rick’s campaign.
Nova’s jaw tightened. She could see it now.
She and Rick posing for campaign photos, attending charity dinners, making church appearances, and attending debates where Rick smiled softly whenever moderators mentioned family.
She could see his hand at her waist as her flashy engagement ring caught camera flashes.
Reporters would call them a power couple while he stood there pretending loyalty came naturally to him.
And all the while, Nova would be standing beside a man who let another woman climb into his bed.
“This is insane,” Nova muttered.
“As insane as it sounds, you know neither our parents nor Rick’s parents would hesitate to meddle if they thought it would benefit them.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t have to worry about that anymore.
Anyway, I refuse to marry someone who can look me in the eye after cheating on me and still think I’m stupid enough to play happy wife for him.
The worst part is that if I hadn’t caught him, I probably would’ve said yes if he asked. ”
Sophia let out a soft sigh. “God, I’m so sorry you have to deal with this crap. Just know that I’m here and I will support you one hundred percent.”
“I appreciate it. I’m pulling up to Mom and Dad’s now.”
“Keep your chin up, and call me later.”
I will. Thanks again, Soph.”
“I’ll always have your back,” her sister said firmly.
“I love you,” Nova said as she turned up the long, tree-lined driveway toward the mansion she had once called home. Now she could barely stand to look at it.
“Love you too,” Sophia replied, just before the call disconnected.
Nova’s stomach tightened the closer she got to the sprawling estate that her parents called home.
The all-white, two-story house with stone accents was more than just a mansion. It was a display of excess, prestige, and perfection, nestled against the foothills.
Inside, the one-of-a-kind home featured sleek marble floors and a lot of glass.
If it weren’t for the abundance of sunlight pouring through the oversized windows, Nova would have called it cold.
There were minimal family photos, and no real personal touches.
It was just a pristine showcase of wealth and design.
All white stone, soaring windows, and flawlessly manicured hedges.
It was the kind of place that didn’t just whisper money and elitism but practically shouted it to anyone who passed by.
She noted the cars already parked. Her brothers’ trucks, her aunts’ and uncles’ familiar SUVs, and the sleek luxury sedan that belonged to Rick’s parents. So much for the tiny, irrational part of her that had hoped they wouldn’t show up.
Nova parked in front of the six-car garage and cut the engine.
She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
She needed to feel calm before she went inside to face everyone.
She could already hear her mother’s shrill voice chiding her for being late, even though it was only by a few minutes.
Rick had been blowing up her phone, and she had been worried that he would show up. She wondered if he had called his parents and told them what had happened.
When she called Joaquin to tell him about it, she thought that he was going to go to Rick’s place and beat the shit out of him. Thankfully, Laney, his wife, had been there to calm him down.
She rolled her shoulders back, opened her eyes, and reminded herself that starting today, she was no longer going to be everyone’s doormat. She was going to live her life the way she wanted to.
She grabbed the manila envelope and her purse. She hopped out of the vehicle and headed toward the house. She grinned at the sound her flip-flops made as they slapped against the concrete as she walked up the driveway.
Her mother was going to blow a gasket when she saw what she was wearing. For Easter brunch, everyone was expected to dress their best. And the pair of light gray capri joggers, a long-sleeved black T-shirt, and flip-flops were definitely not what her mother had in mind.
Before she could make it up the steps, the heavy oak door swung open, and her mother, Erica, stood there wearing a multi-colored pastel dress and pearls like she was about to have tea with royalty. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup flawless.
“You’re late,” her mother said in a clipped voice. But the moment her eyes landed on Nova’s attire, they widened in horror.
“What on earth are you wearing?” her mother gasped, clutching her pearl necklace like Nova had shown up dressed like a clown. “It’s Easter brunch, Nova. You can’t possibly think that’s appropriate attire.”
Nova stared at her mom, completely unfazed. She adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder before responding. “It’s comfortable. And I’m not here to impress anyone.”
Her mother’s lips pursed. “You need to go upstairs and change. There are some spare dresses in your old room.”
Nova cocked her head slightly. “If what I’m wearing bothers you that much, I can save us both the trouble and just leave.”
Her mother drew back as if Nova’s words had slapped her. For a long moment, her mom said nothing, just stared at her, as if trying to decide whether to throw a tantrum or let it be. When she stepped aside without a word, Nova took it as her answer.
She strode past her and into the marble-floored foyer, her flip-flops slapping with satisfying defiance. Without breaking stride, she marched toward the dining room with her head held high.
The gleaming marble floors stretched out like a museum. The grand entryway of her parents’ home was already buzzing with voices, the soft clink of glassware, and the faint notes of classical music playing somewhere deeper in the house.
As she entered the formal dining room, conversation dropped like someone had hit mute. Every seat but one around the long, polished table was filled.
At the center of it all was her father, Leonard Hart. He sat at the head of the table, looking like a man in power. His sharp gaze was fixed on her with quiet authority. Every pair of eyes in the room followed his lead, watching her.
Nova walked over and slapped the envelope down in front of him.
“Here’s the paperwork you wanted, though I’m not sure why you needed me to stop by Rick’s and bring it to you, considering he was home,” she said.
Leonard finally looked up, his piercing dark eyes narrowing slightly.
“What do you mean he was home?” he asked.