Chapter 74 Is this an act of revenge
NOVA
I never thought I'd be back in this situation, living with my ex-husband again. But here I was, trying to make the best of it. Last night was...interesting. We gave in to our desires, and I have to admit, it felt good to be close to someone again. But as soon as it was over, I knew I couldn't stay in his arms. I couldn't pretend like everything was okay between us.
This was all a ploy. I just wished to let him have a taste of all he put me through years ago. Last night was just the start of it. Even though I didn't see his expression when I left his room last night, there was no doubt he was heartbroken. I knew he would be because that was how I felt years ago when he left me each night after having sex with me. Back then, he treated me like a sex toy he could fuck whenever he wished.
I got out of bed, yawning, as I checked the time. I still had something to do. Though I took an off because I planned to visit Mama Kaka's grave, I still had some work to complete. Not only that, but I needed to call Brion to check on the kids.
I brushed my teeth and had my bath before I walked out to the living room to call my best friend, Brion. I desired to hear his voice, to talk to someone who truly cared about me. As we talked, I told him about my ex-husband and me. I excluded the details, of course-I didn't want to hurt him. He has been in love with me for so long, and I care about him deeply. I didn't want to rub it in his face that I was still entangled with my ex.
I know how much it hurts to know the person you love was with another person. It was the same way I felt when I found out about Lilith. This was why I tried to keep some things from him, so he wouldn't feel bad.
He sounded concerned about me, like always. "Nova, you know you can always return to the house if you like. You don't have to prove anything."
"Not at all." I shook my head, crossing my legs. "I just set my plans in motion last night. Giving up at the moment isn't an option. I'm almost there."
"Almost there? What in God's name are you plotting, Nova? Can you at least tell me what you did last night?"
"Hey, how are the kids today?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I skidded past the question. "Are they missing their mum?" I smiled at the question, knowing they were undoubtedly missing me. "Yeah, I'm planning to take them to the park," Brion replied. "They're doing great. But how about you? Are you okay with him? I know you don't want to tell me much about your plans and what you have going on between you, but... I'm worried, Nova."
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's...complicated. We're trying to work through our issues, but it's difficult. Don't worry, I will fill you up on it," I promised, lying. There was no way I could tell him about my intentions. He would only scream at how dangerous it was.
He sighed. "I'm here for you, no matter what. Just be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt again."
"I know, I appreciate that," I said, feeling a pang of guilt for not being entirely honest with him. "It's just..."
"I get it," Brion said. "But promise me you'll be discreet. Don't let him sweet-talk you into something you're not ready for."
"I promise," I replied, trying to reassure him. "I will not let him walk all over me again. You don't have to worry about me." I grinned. "I've got this."
"I know you do. Fighting."
"Thank you very much, Brion. You are the best. Talk with you later," I said finally, trying to wrap up the conversation.
"Okay, take care of yourself. And please keep in mind, I'm here for you, regardless of what."
"I won't."
I hung up the phone, feeling a mix of emotions. I was grateful for Brion's friendship and support, but I was also feeling guilty and anxious about my situation. I knew I needed to be honest with him eventually, but for now, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. He will only try to talk me out of my plans.
Puffing out a breath, I placed my phone on the couch next to me and closed my eyes, thinking back to what I did last night, only to snap my eyes open when I heard someone approaching. I frowned when I saw who it was. Dashiell strode down the stairs, dressed and ready for work.
At the sight of my ex-husband, I got up from the couch and tried to walk towards the kitchen, to avoid a confrontation with him, but he stopped me.
"Hey, what's going on?" he asked, his voice low and even. "You just got up and left after...that. Was it to spite me?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I didn't want to argue with myself. I wasn't in the mood to do that.
"Nova?"
"No, it wasn't to spite you," I said finally, trying to sound calm. "I just...needed some space, okay?"
He raised an eyebrow at that, frowning at my response. "Space? After what we just did? You're going to have to try harder than that."
I sighed, feeling a familiar frustration rising. "Look, can we just drop it? It's not a serious deal."
But he wouldn't let it go. "It is a big deal," he said, his voice going up. "You're still punishing me, aren't you? For what happened before."
I felt a surge of anger but tried to keep my cool. "Why do you think I'm punishing you? Could it be your conscience having a play at you?"
He scowled, his face darkening. "Fine. Whatever. But know this-I will not keep playing games with you. If you're going to be with me, then be with me. All in."