57

57
Nova's POV
I had just finished breakfast in the private dining room that Marian had finally given to me and Diego. This smaller, quieter space felt comfortable, far from the main dining table, which always felt like a battlefield. Here, the atmosphere was more intimate, and I could feel the peace that had been missing.

Diego sat across the table, his face looking more relaxed.

“I like this place,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “The sense of calm helps me think more clearly.”

I nodded, feeling the same. “Yes, there are no distractions from the usual noises filling the main dining room. We can focus on what’s important.”

He smiled, and there was warmth in his gaze. “And we can talk more freely here. Without the pressure from others.”

As I looked around the room, I felt grateful for this change. This space gave us a chance to rebuild what had been lost in our relationship—mutual understanding and support.

“I know many things will change after this,” Diego continued, his voice serious. “We have to be prepared to face all the consequences.”

“I believe we can handle it,” I replied, trying to instill confidence in him. “We’ve been through so much together. This is just one more step.”

He nodded, his eyes shining with determination. “You’re right. And I feel more ready now, especially with your support.”

I decided to take a walk in the castle garden, hoping to enjoy the tranquility. However, that peace was shattered when I saw Jessica and Emily standing near the fountain in the center of the garden, each holding a cup of tea.

I had no intention of approaching them, but as I passed the main path, Jessica’s loud voice was deliberately directed at me.

“Oh my God, Emily, I thought once someone became a wife, they would know how to dress a little more… appropriately.”

I turned, confirming that I was indeed the target. Jessica’s sharp gaze was fixed on me, confirming everything. A wave of heat flushed my cheeks, and even though I tried not to respond, my heart raced.

“Jessica, enough,” Emily said firmly, trying to defuse the situation. But Jessica seemed unfazed, continuing to press on.

“Why? She needs to learn how to appreciate her position. She should put in a little more effort,” Jessica replied, her voice still high.

I felt trapped in a conversation I didn’t want to face. Quickly, I tried to avert my gaze, but everything felt heavy. Why did she have to make such comments in front of others?

“I didn’t know you were the fashion police, Jessica,” I replied calmly, though my heart was beginning to burn.

Emily just smirked, her eyes scanning from my feet to the top. “We’re just joking, Nova. No need to be so sensitive.”

“Yeah, just a joke,” Jessica chimed in. “But I thought you should understand etiquette. Oh right, you come from outside, not from a pure-blood family. Maybe it’s natural if you’re still learning.”

Her words felt like daggers, and I felt anger boiling inside me. “Whether from a pure-blood family or not, that doesn’t give you the right to belittle others,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm.

Jessica smiled mockingly, seemingly pleased with my reaction. “Oh, look, she can talk. Maybe you’re starting to learn how to defend yourself.”

“Learning doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice respect,” I replied, trying to assert my position.

Emily looked a bit awkward, as if she was starting to realize the tension building. “Let’s not make this more complicated, okay? We’re all here to have fun.”

“Fun?” Jessica retorted, her eyes glinting with mockery. “Maybe for some of us, having fun means reminding others of their place.”

I stopped walking and faced them completely. My breath felt tight. They had tried to take me down many times, but this time… enough was enough.

“If you have a problem with me, Jessica, why not say it directly? Don’t hide behind cheap jabs.”

Jessica glared at me, her face turning cold.

“My problem? My problem is someone like you, coming from nowhere, suddenly becoming Diego’s wife and taking a position that isn’t yours.”

Emily interjected, “And you think you can last long here? This family has a history, Nova. Traditions. And you’re not a part of that.”

Hearing their words, a mix of anger and frustration churned within me. “This family may have a history, but I come with good intentions and love for Diego. That means far more than the traditions you hold so tightly.”

Jessica smiled mockingly. “Love? That’s not enough to maintain this position. Pure-blood families won’t accept anyone who doesn’t meet their standards.”

“And who sets those standards?” I asked, my tone growing firmer. “Is it you? Or perhaps those outdated traditions?”

Emily looked startled, but Jessica didn’t back down. “We’re just warning you. Don’t get too confident. This family will always protect its interests.”

“And I will protect myself,” I replied, trying not to show weakness. “I won’t let you belittle me or our relationship.”

I felt my blood boiling. But I stood tall, trying to maintain control.
“I didn’t come to take anything from you. I married Diego out of circumstance, but I never begged for this position. If you feel threatened, that’s your issue.”

Jessica stepped forward, her face just inches from mine. “You’re pregnant with his child. That alone makes you dangerous. And you think we’ll just stand by?”

My voice trembled, but it was firm. “I don’t care what you think. I just want to live in peace. But if you keep attacking me, I won’t stay silent.”

Just then, the sound of footsteps was heard. Marian appeared around the corner of the garden, her eyes immediately sweeping over the three of us.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, her voice sharp.
Jessica quickly stepped back, her expression softening instantly. “We were just having a casual chat with Nova.”
Emily added, “Right. Maybe Nova misunderstood.”
But Marian wasn’t fooled.
“From where I stand, that doesn’t sound like a casual conversation.” She looked back and forth between them, then turned her gaze to me.
“Nova?”