Chapter 14 I HAVE NOTHING WITH YOU
NOVA
I didn't know I would meet him this fast. I expected the meeting to happen a week, or even a month after my return, but it happened this fast. It hadn't even been up to 48 hours since I arrived, and I had seen him.
Seeing him in the audience gave me different emotions, ones that took a lot of time to conceal. If there was one thing I learned during my five years abroad, it was how to keep my face devoid of any thoughts.
I had just concluded my speech and had gone into my private box when he appeared. The last man I wanted to see in the entire world. With Dashiell standing in front of me, it reminded me of the ugly incident that happened five years ago, when he sent Lilith to force me to get rid of my babies.
"Nova," he called out, taking hurried steps towards me.
Dashiel hasn't changed that much. He still looked as handsome as he did, five years ago, reminding me of the time I was madly in love with him. Watching him, my heart soared at the sight of my ex- husband in a tailored suit. He looked so fucking hot with his hair gelled back, that I had to cough to stifle my thoughts.
"Who are you?" I demanded, acting like I didn't know who he was. I crossed my legs, staring at him like he was dirt beneath my shoes. "What are you doing here? Last I checked, only staff are allowed entry backstage."
He paused at my words, looking puzzled. "Don't you recognize me?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Remember you? Is there a reason for me to do that?" I placed my joined fingers on my knee. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you are one of those extreme fans who wants to meet me?" I lifted an eyebrow at that, concealing a smile from bursting through my lips.
Seeing him shocked was enough to make me throw my head back in laughter. This was the first time I had seen him caught off guard.
Sighing, he ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know what you aim to achieve by pretending you don't recognize me, but -"
"I'm not feigning that." I uncrossed my legs, staring hard at him as I enunciated every word. "You are not worth remembering."
I could tell my words hurt him. The way his eyes widened and his lips parted in shock was enough to prove that.
He cleared his throat as he drew another step towards me. "Nova, I -"
I raised my palm, interrupting him before he could complete his words. "It's Miss Anderson for you. We are not close enough for you to use my first name."
"Miss?" He took a step back as if my words pushed him. "We are still bloody married, Nova! You are fucking Mrs Anderson!"
"Mrs Anderson?" I cocked my head to the side, smiling at him. "How can I be married to you and still keep my last name?" I got up from the chair I was reclining on and walked over to him. "I don't know what you wish to achieve from this, Dashiell, but I hope this is the last time we meet."
"So you know me." His face broke out in a smile as he reached out to touch me, but I took a step back before his hand could reach my face.
"And if I do? It doesn't change the fact that you are no one to me." I leaned in closer to complete, "No. Fucking. One."
"Nova, you know that's not right. I'm your husband!" He argued, sounding desperate. "We..." "Husband?" I scoffed at that, folding my arms. "Last I checked, you were nothing but a fucking devil! A murderer!"
Seeing him made me recall that dark day. Had I not escaped when I did, I would have died. All because of his greed!
"What..." he took a step back, staring at me in shock. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing." Forcing a smile, I checked the time on my wristwatch. BRION should be here at any moment.
"Nova-"
The back door opened and Brion walked in. "Nova?" He asked, looking between Dashiell and I. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just trying to deal with a stalker," I replied, smiling at him.
"So... He's the one," Dashiell growled out, narrowing his eyes at Brion.
"And by 'he's the one' you mean, my boyfriend, right?" I smiled. "If that's your question, then the answer is yes. Brion is my boyfriend. Is there any problem?"
I felt bad for using Brion, but it was the only thing I could think of at the moment. I would just explain everything to him when we get out of here.
"Your partner? What of our baby? You left -"
"What's going on here, darling? Is he harassing you?" Brion demanded as he walked over to my side and took my hand in his. "What do you want from her?" He demanded, glaring at Dashiell, who looked like he was having a nightmare.
"You are dating him?" He asked, staring at me with a sad expression. "I thought...."
"What? That I will continue being the docile wife you treated like trash all those years?" I scoffed. "I'm not the same Nova that left five years ago."
"But -"
"Don't ever look for me. I have nothing with you!" I turned to Brion. "Let's go, darling."
He nodded as he took my hand and made to walk towards the exit, but Dashiell stopped us, by holding on to my left hand and refusing to let go.
"Don't do this to me, Nova," he begged. "We are still married."
"Not for long." I turned to face him as I removed his hand from mine. "The last time I checked, you asked me to sign the divorce papers, didn't you? I will have my lawyer send another one. Make sure
you sign it."
"No! That's not what I want!" He yelled as he made to take my hand, but Brion blocked him before he could.
"Didn't you hear my girlfriend? She doesn't want to be with trash like you!" He spat out, narrowing his eyes. "Don't ever show yourself in front of her because if you do, you will regret it."
"And who the hell do you think you are?" Dashiel demanded, glaring at him. "Do you know who you are speaking to?"
"Do you think I care about that?" Brion asked, letting go of me, so he could face Dashiel properly.