Chapter 2

Nova's POV

I work out the rest of the pickup details with Kieran and head back toward the compound. That's when I hear Damien talking to his men by the yacht.

"Boss, the bride's gown came in. We picked it up at that royal auction, just like you wanted—a billion-dollar dress."

"But… we're worried about Nova. If she blows up, exposes the compound, Kieran could wipe us out in one strike—"

Damien doesn't even hesitate.

"I love Lily. She's the only woman I will ever marry. Tomorrow's wedding goes off without a single scratch. No mistakes."

"Not even from Nova. I'll keep her quiet."

"And keep your boys' mouths shut. Anyone leaks a word, I feed them to the sharks."

I made my peace with leaving. I really did.

But hearing the man who once swore he'd die for me reduce me to a problem to manage—it still cuts.

The pain sits in my chest like broken glass.

Back in my room, I start packing.

Passports. IDs. Papers. Cash.

I look around. Knives. Pistols. A shotgun under the bed. Ammo cases stacked like books.

That's when it hits me: Damien never gave me anything. Not really.

Just weapons. To protect him.

Once I asked him for a dress. A necklace. Something soft. He laughed.

"Nova, even in a dress and jewels, you don't look like a woman. Don't waste them."

But Lily Monroe rolled onto this island with a whole truck of designer dresses and diamonds.

So why her, and not me?

I dig through the back of my closet. There it is—the red dress I bought years ago and never had the guts to wear. I slip it on. Heels. Lipstick. The works.

Right then, Lily kicks the door open like she owns the place.

"Nova, you read the journal, right? Damien's truest feelings are—"

She stops mid-sentence. Eyes round. Mouth open.

Then her face twists.

"I figured at least you had some pride. That you'd slink off quietly once you knew Damien doesn't love you."

"But you actually think you can seduce him back? You shameless bitch—I'll claw your face off!"

She lunges. She's got zero training, so I could slap her across the mouth easily before she even lands a hand on me.

"Nova! You DARE hit me?! Damien's going to make you regret this!" she shrieks.

I cross my arms and watch her stumble. "Thanks for the compliment, princess. I clean up better than you. That's the problem."

A second later, she drops to her knees and starts slapping her own face.

"Nova—please—I'm trash, I shouldn't have crawled into Damien's life—just don't ruin the wedding, beat me to death if you want—"

I haven't even processed what just happened when a boot comes flying at my ribs.

"Nova! Are my words a joke to you?! You're laying hands on Lily now?!"

Damien.

If that kick lands, I don't get up again.

So tell me—what am I to him? A guard dog? A punching bag he gets to swing at once she's done her job?

I twist out of the way, but the heel catches and my ankle rolls. Pain shoots up my leg. I bite it back and look him dead in the eye.

He scoops Lily up, his gaze ice-cold on me—

Then he sees the red dress. Sees my face. His pupils blow wide. For half a second, he forgets to breathe.

His voice still comes out frozen.

"Nova. Dressed up or not, you'll never come close to her."

Lily clings to his arm, sniffling.

"Damien, she forced me to talk, that's why I gave her the journal—I'm so sorry—"

He pulls her against his chest like she's made of glass. "It's nothing. No one's mad at you, baby."

I laugh under my breath. Bitter.

One minute ago he was telling his men they'd swim with sharks if they leaked a word. Now that Lily blabbed it straight to my face, it's nothing.

She gets to break every rule. He calls it cute.

What does that make me? Just stupid?

"So you're really marrying her." My voice doesn't shake. I make sure.

I need to hear how he explains this. To me.

Part of me—the part still clinging—thinks he'll flinch. Look guilty. Beg me to let them go.

Instead, his brow just twitches.

"Yes. Tomorrow. You can come if you want. But you don't make a scene, Nova. Don't make me put hands on you."

That's it. The last sliver of hope I had—gone.

I lock my jaw against the tears and shove the word out of my throat.

"Out."

But Lily isn't done.

"Damien… I don't know many people here. I was hoping Nova could be one of my bridesmaids… but I'd hate to offend her—"

He melts at the way she asks for it. Turns to me.

"Nova, being her bridesmaid is nothing. You won't make a fuss about that, right?"

Something snaps.

I grab a steel rod from the corner and start swinging.

"GET OUT."

I drive them through the door. Slam it. Slide down against the wood, breath ragged.

A single tear cuts down my cheek before I can stop it.

Then my phone lights up.

A message from Kieran Vance.

[Red looks good on you. Beautiful.]

[Take the heels off. Ice that ankle.]