Chapter 3
A week later, Zane unexpectedly returned home.
Nova was surprised. By all logic, he should’ve been at Ivy’s side constantly.
“Family dinner tonight. Change clothes,” he stated flatly.
Understanding, Nova silently changed into an appropriate gown and followed him.
The Blackthorns’ dining hall hummed with the usual orchestrated charm-crystal goblets gleaming, practiced smiles flashing. Eventually, the conversation turned to them.
“Three years married-time for children, surely?”
“Indeed, Zane. You’re head of the family now. An heir is essential.”
“Nova, dear, best not delay…”
Nova kept her eyes lowered, tracing the rim of her wineglass. Silent.
Then Zane spoke. He’d been quiet all evening.
“No rush.”
His voice was low, yet it silenced the entire dining room.
Faces froze. No one dared challenge the new family head. The meal ended in strained silence.
Afterward, Anna Blackthorn rose, her gaze sharp as a blade. “Nova. My study. Now.”
Everyone knew this was about heirs.
Zane frowned, “Whatever you have to say, say it to me.”
Anna opened her mouth-but Zane’s phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID-his expression shifted instantly. He stepped aside, answering with a tenderness Nova had
never heard. “Ivy? What’s wrong?”
Anna snorted, “With me,” she commanded Nova.
Nova gave a faint, resigned press of her lips before wordlessly trailing after her..
The study door clicked shut. Anna’s face turned thunderous.
“Kneel.”
Nova lowered herself onto the cold marble floor.
“Do you know your failing?” Anna’s voice dripped ice.
Nova stared at the floor. Silent.
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Anna slammed her palm on the desk. “Your failing is that when Zane said ‘no rush,’ you didn’t persuade him otherwise!” She yanked open a drawer, slamming down a silver jar. “Fertility tonic. You will drink it daily. You will share his bed nightly. Until you conceive.”
Once, Nova would have meekly obeyed.
This time, she lifted her head. Her voice was soft, unyielding. “I won’t take it.”
Anna’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What did you say?”
“I won’t take it. Zane doesn’t want a child yet. I respect his decision.”
All those years.
Zane had always used protection. Those rare moments he lost control? He’d watched her swallow the morning-after pill
himself. She’d thought he simply wasn’t ready.
Now she knew. He never wanted a child with her.
Now that she was leaving? She wouldn’t chain herself to him with his baby.
“What did you say?” Anna’s voice rose shrilly.
“I refuse.”
“Insolence!” Anna trembled with rage. “You fail as a wife! And you let Zane donate his marrow to Ivy’s mother?!” She snapped her fingers. “Bring the discipline rod!”
A servant appeared, holding a salt-soaked rattan cane.
Anna gripped it, looming over Nova. “Final chance. Will. You. Take it?”
Nova shook her head.
The first lash exploded across her back. White-hot fire seared through her nerves. Nova clenched her teeth. Sweat soaked
through her gown.
“Will you take it?!”
She clenched her jaw, refusing to take it.
The cane fell again. And again.
Through the study’s floor-to-ceiling window, Nova saw Zane in the garden. Still on the phone.
His back was to her. His posture relaxed. She saw the curve of his cheek as he laughed softly at something Ivy said.
Chapter 3
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