Chapter 204: Marrying Nova

Finally bringing up the matter, Elizabeth had been waiting for an answer.

But Matthew changed the subject, gently taking her hand again and asking softly, "The issues in Skyhaven City are mostly sorted, except for Jessa's punishment. What are you planning to do now?"

Elizabeth looked up at him, puzzled, and frowned. "Does what you're dealing with have anything to do with my plans?"

Matthew was at a loss for words.

Elizabeth could tell from his reaction and almost laughed in exasperation. But she knew she had no right to meddle in his affairs. Their relationship was purely physical, with no real emotional commitment.

As for any feelings, they had likely been worn out by all the drama.

Elizabeth was smart enough to understand that their relationship was just a mutual arrangement, so she didn't press further.

As for Nova, she didn't care what he did.

When Elizabeth eventually got tired of Matthew, she would just find another man.

Breaking the silence, Elizabeth spoke first, nonchalantly. "I haven't decided yet. I want to stay here and spend time with my mom, and help Alice with her startup. Once my mom fully recovers and Alice's business is stable, I'll think about my next steps, whether to go back to Solterra or move to Silvermist City."

Matthew nodded but remained silent.

He didn't know why he asked the question in the first place. Plans could change, and decisions made now might not hold in the future.

He led Elizabeth to the guest room, made sure she was settled, and just as he stepped out, he received a call from his mother, Erika Taylor.

Since Matthew had come to Skyhaven City, Erika hadn't interfered much. Even the incident in Solterra and Francis Moore's car accident in Silvermist City hadn't worried her.

But now, she was calling, and Matthew thought something must be wrong, so he answered immediately.

"Hey, Mom, what's up?"

Elizabeth felt a strange sense of relief when she heard it was his mom. But she caught a whiff of smoke on herself and couldn't help but smile wryly.

In the game of emotions, the first to fall lost.

They had agreed from the start that it was just a physical arrangement, but Elizabeth had started to develop feelings for him, caring about his every move.

This unfamiliar feeling made her feel like her body and mind were being controlled.

She hated feeling out of control, so she forced herself to stay calm and not care about Matthew's personal matters.

On the phone, Matthew heard Erika's weak voice.

"Matthew, are you busy lately? Take care of yourself; don't overwork."

Matthew's heart tightened at her voice. "Mom, what's wrong?"

Erika chuckled. "Nothing serious, just a fever. I need to stay in the hospital for a few days, but it's no big deal. And Nova has something to tell you."

Hearing Nova's name, Matthew knew something was off.

But he couldn't stop Erika from handing over the phone, and soon he heard Nova's irritating voice.

"Matthew, you haven't visited Erika in a long time. You have no idea how much she misses you. Her simple fever has worsened because of it, and now she's hospitalized."

Matthew clenched his teeth, his face darkening.

Nova's words were a blatant threat, making him furious.

But given her close relationship with Erika and Erika's current condition, Matthew couldn't say much. He forced out a few words through gritted teeth.

"Don't stay in my mom's room. I'll take care of her. Give her the phone back and leave. I'll call you later to discuss our matters privately."

Nova smirked and after a brief exchange, hung up.

She handed the phone back to Erika with a smile. "Mrs. Moore, you rest well. Matthew wants to talk to me privately."

Erika took the phone, patted Nova's hand gently, and smiled warmly, her eyes full of affection.

"Of course, I hope you two can talk more. I'll give you more opportunities. You know, I've always known you like him and want you to be Matthew's wife. But he is very independent. I'll do my best to bring you two together whenever there's a chance!"

Nova's heart, which had been hurt for so long, finally felt a bit healed.

She sniffled, nodding excitedly. "Thank you, Mrs. Moore!"

Erika patted her, her tone gentle. "You've been by his side for so many years, and you're the only girl I trust. You deserve this."

However, Nova's face fell, and she lowered her head in self-doubt.

Erika noticed her change in mood immediately. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Nova sniffled again, holding back tears, and forced a pale smile. "Mrs. Moore, I'm an orphan. My parents died long ago, and my brother, who was my only family, is also gone. Matthew still misunderstands me and treats me so harshly. I'm afraid he no longer likes me. I don't deserve him and don't want to burden him."

She bit her lip, tears streaming down her face, looking pitiful, her voice trembling.

"He should marry a girl from a good family, not someone like me..."

She bit her lip, unable to continue.

Erika, seeing her like this, suddenly remembered the tragic death of Nova's brother years ago.

Erika sighed, feeling both pity and guilt, and held Nova's hand tightly.

"Don't worry! If I say you'll become a Moore, you'll be a Moore! You're such a good, obedient girl. It's Matthew who doesn't appreciate you. I'll make him see your worth and willingly marry you!"