Chapter 4

Nova's POV

He cleared it all.

Even though I wasn't ready to face him, I had to. I couldn't let this one slide too.

As the cab got closer to the company's building, I felt lightheaded, and I almost considered turning back. But Max's pale face and red eyes made my heart ache soo much.

I took a deep breath and made my way inside the building. Fortunately, I spotted Jace happily talking to some of his colleagues surrounding him. But as soon as he saw me, his face twisted to an angry scowl.

He plastered a fake smile on his face before he left them and walked up to me.

"What are you doing here, Nova?" he whispered harshly, pulling my arm along with him. "I thought I made it clear that I'm done with you and I don't ever want to see you anywhere near me. Why can't you freaking move on?”

"I'm not here to beg you, Jace, I'm here for something else,” I replied, pulling my arm away from his grip. “The joint account. How could you drain it and leave me with nothing?”

But Jace just laughed and raised an eyebrow. "So? Do you think you have any right to question me about my finances? What can ‘You’ possibly do about it? Sue me? Or do you think that flimsy salary you earned in that library was worth a penny? Do you think I'll let you keep leeching off me like you've been doing for years?”

Leeching?

I stared at him wide-eyed, I couldn’t believe the nonsense that had just come out of his mouth. 

I scoffed, “I've been leeching?”

“You practically leeched on me since the day I met you in college, when you drained money out of me you decided to use my intelligence for your own selfish ways and made me feel worthless. Like that wasn't enough for you, you made me lose the only thing I ever dreamed of!” I yelled angrily.

All those years I ignored the red flags, I still stuck to him despite knowing that I was used but the fear of being alone made me stay longer. And now all I'm left with is a deep regret, bitterness and revenge.

Jace looked away from me, “You better keep your voice down ‘sister’ This is a workplace.” He whispered harshly.

“Why? Are you scared people would find out? You should remember that you're in this spot because of me, Jace. All those ideas you submitted as your projects were mine including this recent one that got you promoted.”

Just then, Naomi walked with a smug look on her face. "Hey, Nova. I see you're still clinging to the past," she said. "But don't mind me," she said, batting her eyelashes at Jace.

Jace smiled at Naomi, and I felt a pang of anger. " I'm just dealing with some unfinished business," he said.

After Naomi left, Jace turned to me. "You need to leave, Nova. Now."

But I refused to back down. "I'm not going anywhere until you give me back my share of the money.”

Jace's face turned red with anger, and he took a step closer towering over me."You're pushing your luck, Nova.” he said, gritting his teeth.

“Or what? Will you push me over again?”

As Jace's face turned redder, he took a step closer to me, his hand reaching out to grab mine. But just as he was about to grasp my wrist, a hand clamped down on his shoulder, spinning him around.

"Do it and I'll make sure you never use these hands again." a voice said.

“This isn't your business," Jace snarled.

But the stranger paid no heed. Instead, he towered over Jace, looking at him dead in the eye. "It is. I won't let you ruin this company's image with your barbaric act. Keep your hands to yourself.”

Suddenly, several men in suits walked up to the stranger and surrounded him. Jace clenched his jaw and looked around. He stared at them before backing down. He must have realised that more people were watching and any violent move would tarnish his image. 

The stranger smiled, "I think we've established that I'm not someone to mess with," he said. "And as for you, Mr...?"

"Jace," Jace muttered.

"Ah, Jace. As for you, I think you'll be interested to know that I'm the CEO of this company. And more importantly, I'm Nova's husband. So you better apologize for your despicable behaviour before I make an example out of you."

My eyes widened as my gaze instantly met with the stranger and time seemed to stop. He's Jace's boss?!!

And most importantly, he lied about being my husband?!!

Jace looked like his eyes were about to pop out of their sockets while his mouth hung open like a dead fish. His boss called out his name and Jace finally closed his mouth.

“I'm sorry,” Jace muttered with his head low.

I couldn't believe what was happening. Never in a million years would I have ever thought Jace would apologise to me.

For the first time in years, Jace apologized to me.

"Not satisfactory but I don't have your time.” His boss smiled warmly at me while his hand grabbed my waist gently, “Darling, shall we discuss privately?"

I nodded, still unable to talk and we walked away. I glanced back at Jace. His face was still pale, his mouth kept opening and closing.

The look on his face made me oddly satisfied, I wanted to see more of it. That apology he gave was just the tip of what was to come.

Meanwhile, his boss led me to a luxurious office on the top floor.

"Please, have a seat," the stranger said, gesturing to a plush armchair. I sat down wondering why he went as far as inviting me to his office and more importantly, how did he know my name?!

"Nova, I'm Levi," he said, his voice low and smooth. "We met at the bar last night. Remember?”

I frowned, trying to remember the events of the previous night. But my mind was blank. I meet a lot of people every night and it's not easy to remember someone except when they stand out.

Levi chuckled. "I'm not surprised you don't remember. We had a bit too much to drink. I'm the man whose bride ditched him.”

And then it finally clicked, “Oh, I think I remember now. You were looking for a bride in the club.”

Unlike the previous night, his once messy hair was now slicked back, showcasing his broad forehead. The suit and tie made him look…. Elegant. Even the way he spoke was different.

Levi leaned forward, his eyes serious. "Yes, and we ended up getting married.”

I laughed. "That's impossible, I remember I turned you down, sir. Also, thanks for the save, again, but I have something urgent I need to do."

I still need to get the money for Max.

"I assure you, Nova, it's quite possible. And I have the documents to prove it." He pulled out some documents from his locker and handed it to me.

As I began to read it my mouth hung open. I couldn't believe what I had in my hands.

Marriage certificate, complete with our names and signatures. “How did I agree to this? This is definitely forged.”

“It's not forged. We got drunk while I still pressed on about the marriage till you eventually agreed. In return you made me promise to help you whenever the need arises.” Levi said and he handed me his phone, displaying a series of photos taken in the court.

I couldn't believe it. I would never do something so reckless, but the evidence was right there in front of me.

Levi smiled, relieved. "It seems you're starting to remember. I appreciate what you did for me last night. But I really need your help again.”

“With what? Shouldn't it be over?” I asked.

“I sent the pictures to my grandfather as proof when we parted ways but now he wants to meet you.”

“What? Why?”

“We need to make it believable, the marriage. I was thinking he might want us to have a public wedding.”

“What?! A public wedding? No way. Look, Levi, I came to this place for a reason so if you excuse me I have something really important to do.” I said, standing up and attempting to leave.

“Please Nova, it won't be forever and it will be strictly for business. It's just for a little while before I fix the problem with the company. I promise to compensate you.” He pleaded.

Just as I was about to respond, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen to see Max's name flashing.

“Anything you want. You mentioned you wanted to get revenge on the people who betrayed you right? I have all the resources. Whoever it is, trust me I can help you with that.”

With the mention of revenge and the stunned look on Jace's face from earlier, I knew exactly what I wanted.

Revenge on my ex-husband and his family, including his lovely Naomi. I'm going to become his boss’s wife and make sure they sees my face every single day.