Page 90 of Hateful Games

Yesterday, I didn’t find it in me to return it, let alone go buy a new one at such short notice. I assumed Dad would’ve told my mom by now and she’ll eventually come to me.

She hasn’t.

Sighing, I decide to get it over with. My bags are all packed since I won’t be returning here and directly going to my new place. In one of them, I put my gifts so I don’t forget. Afterward, I drag my feet to the corner and grab the dress off the hanger.

“What are you doing?” comes Jasmine’s confused voice from behind me.

Twisting, I flatly answer, “I have to get another. Dad found out.”

“Why? He doesn’t care.” Entering the room, she sits down on the bed. “I heard Mom telling him yesterday and he said okay.”

“Huh? Really?” My tone sounds incredulous. Did he somehow grow a heart overnight and change his mind? It must be why none of his minions came to check up on me at the end of the day. Since there’s always someone making sure I follow through with his cruel demands.

“Yes. So put it back.” I do just that when she suspiciously says, “Wait a minute… why did he call you yesterday in his office?”

“He just wanted to know about the wedding preparations,” I lie, without turning around. Otherwise, she’ll pick my words apart.

My mind, on the other hand, travels back to the events of yesterday.

Mainly getting caught crying red-handed by Nova.

Could he have anything to do with my father suddenly changing his stance on the matter?

At first, I thought I was hallucinating him.

But I could never so vividly conjure the square and chiseled jaw, the burning intensity of his chocolaty eyes or that inviting masculine mouth, pressed in a firm line and no longer with his trademark roguish smirk.

My traitorous body still responds to his ensnaring beauty.

Except not yesterday, after witnessing the blend of pity and rage on his face. There was no dismissing the harsh reality he saw. A side I had kept hidden from everyone. The treatment I receive from my father. It was a frequent occurrence when I was a kid. I could never do anything right.

Still can’t.

Nova saw my shame. The man known for manipulating my weaknesses for his gain.

However, I never suspected he might actually stand up for me, against my father, no less. I’m not fooling myself into believing he did it because he feels something for me.

Either way, it leaves me scared.

Because unpredictable Nova is a fearsome opponent.

If I stand a chance to survive unscathed, I need to be one step ahead of him. I need to unearth his true intentions for marrying me.

Chapter Twenty-five

Nova

Silence doesn’t bode well.

An idle mind is a destructive place.

I used to believe in these profoundly after witnessing it firsthand while growing up. I avoided subjecting myself to similar situations, always keeping my head in the zone whether in my studies, sports, or women. Especially the ultimate end goal, which is finally within my reach.

Yet lately, I’ve been craving a moment of silence and peace.

I’m constantly surrounded by people demanding my time. Everything is urgent or critical that even twenty-four hours aren’t enough. Not when you run a multinational company with businesses around the globe. I’m not complaining, though. I like my fast-paced and adrenaline-filled life. It feeds my competitive nature. The thrive to succeed and achieve new heights.

However, it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t mind a lazy day every now and then to unwind. Either fucking or boxing at my home gym.

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