Chapter 44 SURFACING HIS TRUE COLORS
Nova's POV
Elias pulled back and looked at me and I looked back at him. Neither of us said anything for a moment.
"What is wrong?" I wiped my face with the back of my hand.
He sat down on the edge of my bed. "I sorted it." He looked up at me.
"Sorted what?" I asked.
"The articles." He held my gaze without moving. "I made some calls and spoke to some people. The coverage is coming down and anyone who has been running their mouth at the office knows better now." He paused. "You can go back tomorrow and move around freely. Nobody is going to say anything to your face."
I stared at him. That wasn't the reason he hugged me. He was just using this to cover up.
And I knew he didn't want to say anything concerning why he hugged me. But he did something for me. Something Matthias wouldn't do.
"Elias." I shook my head slowly. "You didn't have to do all of that."
"I wanted to," He shrugged one shoulder. "So I did."
"But I didn't ask—"
"Nova!” He called me, his eyes steady on mine.
We sat there for a while after that and somehow without either of us deciding we started talking.
He told me what happened at work and some other things. I couldn't remember how I slept off but I did know he covered me with my blanket and left my room.
➿➿➿
The next morning I was lying on my back with my eyes still closed when I heard voices downstairs.
I lay there for a moment but then I got up.
I already told Elias I was going to resume work at the company on Wednesday. And today was Tuesday. I got dressed in a floral gown deciding to go out for a walk.
I walked past Elias' room heading downstairs, to the living room.
Callum was in the living room with his laptop open and papers spread across the coffee table.
Working from home, I guess.
He looked up when he heard me on the stairs and we looked at each other for a second.
"Morning," I greeted, avoiding his eyes.
He nodded and looked back at his screen. Ever since the incident at the company we haven't spoken to each other. I have been avoiding him.
I just didn't want him to feel guilty when I was literally doing the same thing. In my words.
He can be with anyone he wants to be with.
I walked past him, heading to the kitchen when Vanessa came downstairs. She was wearing a mini skirt and a crop top that exposed her tummy.
She walked straight to Callum, took the laptop away from him and sat down on his lap.
“Baby! You didn't come to my room last night.” She muttered in a babyish voice.
I watched Callum's hands move over to her waist, like she was trying to push her off but then she smashed her lips on his.
She took his hands and placed them on her butts while she kissed him.
Yuck!!!
“Get a room, you both.” I said, trying not to act irritated. I turned, going back to my room.
Dropping the thought of me going to the kitchen.
The moment I got to my room, I slammed my door shut. Resting my back on the door.
This house was getting heated. Vanessa wouldn't stop until she makes it known that Callum was her's. But who cares? I don't, right?
If you don't care, then why the hell are you feeling this way? My inner mind asked me.
I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone buzzed in my hand, Matthias texted that he was on his way and I should get ready.
I looked at the screen for a second before I typed back okay, dropped my phone on the bed, and went to find a bag that would sit well with my dress.
Afterwards I went back downstairs only to meet Callum alone.
I ignored him and went straight for the door, heading outside.
I got outside and met Matthias who was waiting already.
He was leaning on the passengers door, when he saw me he opened the door, gesturing me to enter inside. And I got in.
He entered the drivers side and he looked at me. Refusing to drive.
"What's wrong?” I asked, staring back at him.
"Nothing." He smiled, starting the car. "You just look like you need to eat something."
"It is nine in the morning, Matthias."
"Exactly." He glanced at me sideways. "So you haven't eaten yet."
I did not say anything to that because he was right and admitting it felt like giving him something.
He took me to a place I had never been to, a small restaurant on a quiet street with no sign outside.
It was a local restaurant.
We entered inside and we sat down. He went ahead to order something for us without asking me what I was going to take.
"So." He leaned back in his chair and looked at me across the table. "How are you?"
"I'm fine." I said.
"You ended the call on me last night, and I noticed someone came into your room. Who was it?” He asked.
“It was nobody, just needed to sleep.” I replied.
I wasn't going to tell him Elias came to my room. Besides, it was nothing.
“You won't lie to me, Nova.” He slammed his hands on the table, making every other person in the restaurant stare at us.
I was too embarrassed for this, what has gotten into him?
“Excuse me.” I said, trying to go outside but then Matthias stood up and grabbed my wrist stopping me from going.
“Let go of me, Matthias.” I demanded but he wasn't having it.
He tightened his hold on my wrist, hurting me.
“Matthias, you're hurting me!” I cried out in pain.
He tightened his hold again, dragging me closer to him. “ Do you think I care if I hurt you? I don't fucking care you here me. Now answer my question. Who the fuck was in your room last night?”
“Let go of me, I beg you, I'm going to tell you.” I pleaded, my wrist was burning. “ Please!”