AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I looked into his eyes for a few seconds before sighing and giving in. My heart palpitated as we walked over to the gray, black, and cream marble island and sat down.
Emptiness filled the pit of my stomach. My knee bounced as I waited for words that I was sure would make me want to flee. True enough, I wanted answers, but I wasn’t expecting Nova to want to give them to me so soon. So soon for me, at least. This was probably a conversation he’d been rehearsing for the past year. Out of all the questions I had, none of them were coming out of my mouth. As my leg shook and jaw clenched, all I could do was stare at the man I was sure I’d spend the rest of my life with.
His large, veiny hand took hold of my thigh.
It stopped shaking instantly.
“I’m sorry.” He chuckled silently, running his tongue over his cheek as his eyes watered. “I know that’s not good enough, but I am. I regret telling you about Tiffany the way I did. That wasn’t the time, and it certainly wasn’t the place. I just… couldn’t marry you holding on to that. For some dumb reason, I thought me being honest would mean something to you and you’d marry me anyway. I fucked up when I cheated, and I fucked up by telling you at our last rehearsal. I’m hoping now that you’re back, you’ll be able to forgive me.”
“You fucked up when you cheated yet you’re going to marry her.”
Nova remained silent, blinking as if the statement didn’t warrant a response. With an irritated chuckle, I tried to stand, but his hand gently sat me back down.
“If we’re going to work together, I want to make sure we can do so peacefully, Chapel.”
Oh, so that’s what this was about?
He’s not here to get me back; he’s here to make sure I won’t want off with his and her head at the office?
“I won’t sit here and say the sight of you with her won’t make me sick to my stomach, but I know how to be professional. At the end of the day, that’s my business, and I’m not going to let what you and your fiancée did bring me out my character.”
As soon as I said the words, guilt filled me, because that’sexactlywhat I was allowing by going after revenge.
“I’m happy to hear that. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to see either of us, especially together. I can understand if you want Tiffany to leave, but I’m grateful for you trying to work through this.”
I kept my mouth shut, afraid of what I’d say in response. This was going to be a hell of a lot harder than I thought it would be.
“I miss you,” Nova continued. “I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I’ve thought about you every day and…”
“Nova, please. Don’t.” Standing, I walked over to the refrigerator, though my appetite was getting smaller and smaller the longer he stayed. “You don’t get to sit there and tell me you miss me like you’re not the reason we’re over.”
“Then let me fix this and be the reason we get back together.”
My eyes squeezed shut and I gripped the handle on the refrigerator as my body swayed. I was less surprised by his words and more surprised by how quickly they were coming. I figured I’d have to work a little to get him open enough to want to leave Tiffany, but from the sound of it, he’d do it today if I told him to.
I felt the heat from his body behind me, but he didn’t touch me, and I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about that.
“I love you, bae. I always have, and I always fucking will. Cheating on you was the worst mistake of my life. If you tell me I have a chance, I swear to God Tiffany or no one else will be able to stop me from doing whatever it takes to fix things with you.”
Turning, I faced him. “Was it this easy for you to pursue her while you were committed to me?” His mouth opened, but no words came out. “Will you please leave, Nova?”
“I’ll leave, but I’m not going to stay away.”
I watched him saunter out of my home, conflicted about what my next move would be. When I concocted this plan, I didn’t prepare for how I’d feel if Nova came after me.
What the hell was I going to do now?
7
My plan was to drop off the things I’d gotten for Ava and leave. Things were still a little awkward between Allegra and me, but that wouldn’t stop me from being there for her and the baby whenever she allowed me to be. I placed the bags and boxes on her porch, then returned to my car. Before I could close the door, Allegra was calling my name. I considered if I even wanted to go inside.
Would this visit end with another disagreement?
There was only one way to find out.
I locked up and helped her take the items into her home. When we were done, she gave me a hug and greeted me.
“How are you?” she asked, closing and locking the door behind me.
