My Wild Beast-Chapter 173: Dismissed

Chad’s smile faltered. He didn’t expect Nova’s words to be so venomous. He brought the champagne flute to his lips, hurt springing to his eyes. "I did no such thing. Why would you say that, Nova? It’s hurtful to hear you say that. I’m your fiancé."

Nova leaned back, crossing her legs in a composed manner. "Hmmm, whether you meant to or not, you saved yourself." She shrugged, calming the situation again. "It is only human nature. A survival instinct."

It was, but if Chad truly loved her, he wouldn’t have tried to barge her out of the way, which then led to her falling into the lake. Nova didn’t care about any of it now. Her falling into the lake had been the best thing that had happened to her.

"You’re mistaken. I would never! Nova, seriously, did you not miss me?" Chad leaned forward, his blue eyes locking onto hers as he put aside his emptied champagne glass. "You’re treating me like we’ve grown estranged!"

"Chad..." Nova began calmly. She didn’t want to have this discussion for fear of his mental state, but she couldn’t fake her feelings. Being in the same room as him even made her feel icky. "I thought you and Bruce died-"

"Then you should be ecstatic to see us alive!" He exclaimed, interrupting her and jumping to his feet.

Nova had almost leapt to defend herself, but he flopped down beside her, one arm resting on the back of the sofa. He didn’t touch her, but her fingers twitched as he leaned closer, almost into her personal space. "More specifically, me. It’s been eight months. Shouldn’t you be embracing me, crying that your fiancé is alive?"

Ex-fiance Nova wanted to state once again. But Chad had been purposely ignoring it. She could tell he was only interested in what he wanted to hear, like usual.

With a sigh, Nova had to refrain from rubbing her temples. "I am happy to see you’re alive." It was true. She’d felt guilty enjoying her life with Yoa after such a tragedy. "But..."

Oh, don’t be a coward now! You’ve faced a hell of a lot worse than Chad Vale!

Bracing herself, Nova spoke her truth. "I no longer hold any feelings towards you."

Chad froze. Nova searched his eyes as he didn’t move or comment, then he laughed awkwardly, shaking his head as he sat back. "That’s not funny,"

"I wasn’t joking," Nova said softly, her shoulders tensing slightly, waiting for the inevitable explosion of Chad Vale.

But it never came. Instead, Chad busied himself by refilling their drinks. Nova watched him as if he were a potential threat. "You don’t know what you’re saying, Nova. You’re confused," he replied calmly, chillingly calmly.

Nova gaped. "I know my own mind-"

"Enjoy one more glass with me," Chad interrupted. "Then get some sleep. Bruce is right. You’ve been through a lot. I didn’t even think of the psychological trauma or impact it would have on you. For you to say you no longer..."

He trailed off with a low, unnerving chuckle. He sat back, relaxing into the cushions, arm returning to the back of the sofa, dismissing what she’d said. Nova blinked, a little stunned and unsure what to do. He just wasn’t accepting her words, saying it was because of what she’d been through.

As much as she wanted to correct him, there was some instinct telling her not to push anything more tonight. He was far more dangerous than she’d given him credit for.

Clearing his throat, Chad redirected the conversation. "So... If it’s not too painful... Can you tell me what happened to you?"

Nova’s grip tightened on the glass slightly before she decided to tell him the truth. It didn’t matter if he thought she’d lost it or not. It was better that he lost interest in her anyway. "I was in another world. Almost like a parallel universe, living on this island."

Chad stared at her, his lips curling in amusement as he sipped on the champagne. "Another world..." He chuckled. "And what was this other world like?"

It could be possible. Chad had put all that money into employing the best scientists in the world to research the island and the lake. But to hear it directly from Nova, even with all the evidence, witnessing her fall into the lake and disappearing for eight months, it was hard to accept.

Nova sipped on her drink, but didn’t have any more, already feeling the effects of the alcohol. She felt a slight buzz and that darkening edge, reminding her of her grief. Her fingers reached up and brushed over her Serakai mark instinctively. "It was magical," she murmured simply, looking off to the side before her eyes could fill with unshed tears.

"Magical?" Chad glanced at where she touched her collarbone. "And the new tattoo?"

"It’s a Serakai mark..." She trailed off, then glanced back at him, halting from telling him more.

Chad’s gaze lingered on the mark longer than was polite. Something unreadable flickered behind his eyes before he leaned back with a soft hum, swirling the champagne in his glass.

Nova noted the movement. He was agitated again. She could tell.

He forced his gaze away from the mark. "A new tattoo..." He mused lightly, his voice calm while his eyes glinted darkly.

He rose smoothly to his feet, straightening his jacket as though the conversation had merely tired him. "You should rest. We’ll talk properly tomorrow." He paused, glancing at her. "When you’re feeling more yourself."

Nova’s jaw tightened. "I am myself."

Chad smiled at her. There was no warmth or fondness. It was almost identical to his father’s, and that made a shiver run down her spine. "Of course you are," he said gently, then moved to the door, stopping just long enough to glance back over his shoulder. "Sleep well, Nova."

The door closed behind him with a soft click. For several seconds, the suite was silent as she stared at the half-empty glasses, her heart drumming louder and louder, feeling like an invisible net was slowly reaching up and over her.

On the other side of the door, Chad stopped, completely ignoring the bodyguard who stood rigidly, eyes fixed on the hallway. He exhaled slowly, "Another world, and a tattoo... Serakai mark that I want to burn off her skin," he spat.

Bruce’s attention flicked up at the venom in Chad’s voice. He didn’t comment as he trailed behind him to the suite across from Novas.

Chad pulled out his phone, scrolling past the messages from multiple women still trying to secure a spot by his side. His thumb froze when there was a message from Preston Vale.

[ Make it right with her- Preston Vale ]

Of course, his father was aware of Nova’s return.

He glared at Bruce. The little rat.

"Get me more champagne. Then guard her room," Chad ordered before slamming the door shut behind him.

Bruce saw a glimpse of his room and sighed when he saw Chad’s secretary waiting for him. He did as he was instructed, though, returning moments later with an ice bucket and bottle, only to pause when he saw movement out of the corner of his eyes.

What the...

Nova?

She slipped past the building and into the bushes, merging with the darkness. Why would she...

His eyes widened. No... she wouldn’t.... He dropped the ice bucket and ran towards the jungle where Nova Winslow had escaped to.