Chapter 3

Nova

When the car pulled through the gates, I took a moment to breathe. When I walked in, I kept my head high. The Ashford residence was everything I expected it to be. Marble floors, vaulted ceilings, the kind of luxury that didn’t need to announce itself because it simply existed. 

When I walked into the living room, Camille was already waiting. 

“Nova, sweetie, you made it,” she said, hugging me.

“I did.” 

I sat straight backed in the drawing room, contract neatly arranged before me, reminding myself this was business. A deal. Nothing more.

Mrs. Ashford had been kind, even warm, speaking about her grandson as though this arrangement was the most natural solution in the world. She’d mentioned a cousin, someone suitable and respectable. Manageable.

So when the door opened and he walked in, I glanced up and froze. This wasn't Matthew Ashford.

He was taller than I expected, towering really, the kind of man who seemed to command the room by sheer existence. Dark hair, a sharp suit, and eyes so pale they were almost silver. He was striking, yes, almost unnervingly so, the sort of man magazines would put on their covers if he ever allowed it.

But looks were just looks. A face, no matter how perfect, didn’t change the terms of the deal in front of me.

“Killian,” Mrs. Ashford said warmly, rising to greet him. “I’d like you to meet Nova.”

He filled the room before he even spoke, tall, impossibly tall, his presence cutting through the air like a blade. Six foot four, all lean muscle beneath the sharp lines of a suit that looked as if it had been sewn onto his body. Dark hair swept back with careless precision, eyes the color of storm clouds cold, unreadable, dangerous and tattoos peeking out from the edges of his suit.

His eyes moved to me, sweeping over me with a slow, assessing precision that might have unsettled someone else. I met his gaze evenly, refusing to look away.

Yes, he was handsome.  But I wasn’t here to be dazzled. I was here to save my mother. My chest tightened like I’d been sucker punched, then it hit me.

Killian Ashford?

This couldn’t be right. Was he the one? This was the man she wanted me to marry?

“Killian,” Mrs. Ashford said with pride. Nova is going to be your wife.”

The truth settled in my bones with terrifying clarity: I wasn’t marrying Mathew Ashford, who everyone knew; I was marrying him, a complete stranger, a bigger twist.

He sat beside his grandmother, his eyes never leaving mine. 

“Killian has just returned from Europe and will take charge of Ashford Global Holdings here in the states. Now Killian, you and Nova will be married for one year.” She said, looking at him, he didn't flinch, he didn't mutter a word, he just stared at me, and I returned his stare.

An older woman walked in with a man. “Madam Ashford, Mr. Santos is here,” she said, leading the man over, who hugged Camille.

“Gabriel Thank you for doing this,” she said, smiling. 

“No problem. They individuals just need to sign,” he said, placing the folder onto the table.  Camille took it and handed it to Kilian, who opened it and signed it without checking. He placed it back onto the table along with the pen. 

I took the folder and opened it. I scanned through it, and I saw the terms: one year. I singed it and replaced it.

“Done” 

After Camille and Mr. Santos spoke for a few more minutes, he left. She turned and looked at him. "Nova will be moving in and staying with you and Killian; be on your best behavior," she said matter-of-factly.

“Yes, Grandmother,” he replied in a low, almost inaudible sound.

“Perfect, Nova, Killian will take you to his place. I need to go take care of something. I will see you soon,” she said as she stood up and left.

“Just give me your address; I’ll be there later. I have somewhere important to be.” 

He didn't answer; he pulled his phone out and dialed a number. “Pascal, I am at my grandmother’s house. Bring a car over. I will brief you when you get here now,” he said, his voice emotionless.

He stood up tall and imposing and made his way to me; he stood before me looking down at me. He was so close I could feel the heat radiating off his body, but I wasn't intimidated by him.

“How much did she pay you?”

I chuckled. “She didn't pay me. I have no interest in men like you, so keep your damn hands to yourself.”

He stepped back and looked at me. “Short in stature and such a big ego. It will get you into trouble,” he said. 

I was about to answer, but a man walked in. “Boss, the car is here,” he said; he must be Pascal.

“Give the keys to her. Look at her carefully. Nova Ashford, my wife. Inform the rest of the security details and house staff. She will be arriving at the mansion at her own time. The public does not find out,” he said.

“Yes, Boss,” he replied. 

“Refer to me as Ms. Vale, not Ashford. Have a good day, sir,” I said, looking up at him. I left them there and headed out. I stopped and looked at the car. Of course it was a top-of-the-line BMW. I got in and started it and drove out. 

When I got back to Vera’s apartment, she was waiting. “So?” she asked as soon as I walked through the door. 

“It isn't Mathew Ashford.” 

“Then who?” she asked, looking confused.

“Killian Ashford, he just returned from Europe,” I said, dropping onto the sofa.

“Holy shit. I heard about him,” she said, and I sat up.

“What did you hear?”

“Well, in passing, he’s cold, ruthless, and emotionless like a machine, and Tanya Davies is always on his arm. They say she’s his friend, but she acts like he’s more,” she said.

“Well, that's his business. I’m not interested.” 

“They say he’s handsome,” she said, looking at me wide-eyed.

“He is,” I said with a groan.

“Okay, I’m guessing that you’ll be staying with him. I already packed your suitcase; hopefully you survive and do not, under any circumstances, fall for him. Remember, this is for your mother,” she said in all seriousness, and I nodded. Falling for him would be a mistake. 

At four I closed the trunk and stood beside the car with her. "Be careful and call me if you need me. We’ll have our usual Sunday brunch,” she said, hugging me, and I nodded, hugging her back.