Chapter 3

Nova didn't respond. She simply picked up the shattered pieces of the emerald necklace and carefully tucked them into her bag. After a long silence, she looked up and gave Ewan a bitter smile. "That's fine, Uncle Ewan." With that, she turned and swiftly walked away, leaving Ewan frozen in place. Uncle Ewan? Nova had never called him that again since she had confessed her feelings. Regardless of how sternly he'd warned her, she'd stubbornly refused to change the way she addressed him. But now, she called him that on her own initiative. Ewan stood rooted to the spot and was lost in thought. He only came back to his senses when Wynter tugged at his sleeve. "Ewan, what's wrong?" He quickly composed himself and slipped back into his usual concerned tone. "Nothing. Don't worry about what just happened. Nova isn't a bad person, but I've spoiled her over the years, so she's just a little willful." Wynter was stunned and hadn't expected Ewan to speak in Nova's defense. She nodded sweetly, but a sharp glint of jealousy and ferocity flickered in her eyes. Desperate to regain his attention and control, Wynter wrapped her arms around his waist and playfully said, "Ewan, let's get married once my surgery is over, okay? I can't wait to start a life with you." Ewan's gaze softened. He playfully brushed the tip of her nose and dotingly said, "Okay. Whatever you want." "Really? Then I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world!" she exclaimed. … In the days that followed, Nova buried herself in schoolwork. She ran back and forth, finalizing all the paperwork for Project Westfort. Busy leaving early in the mornings and returning late at night, she never saw Ewan again, though they lived under the same roof. One day, she walked toward the fireplace with a box of love letters she'd once written. She'd made up her mind to burn it all. Just as she burned the last letter, Ewan's harsh voice rang out behind her. "What are you doing?" Nova didn't reply, but he stormed over and noticed the half-burnt letter. His expression darkened as he gripped her wrist tightly. "What trick are you playing now, Nova? Do you think this will get my attention? Is this fun for you?" Nova lowered her head and yanked her wrist free. "You're overthinking it." But Ewan seemed more convinced that this was another of her petty games. Smirking, he announced, "Wynter and my wedding will be held ten days from now. You're invited." Colors drained from Nova's face, but she forced a weak smile and said, "Congratulations." Ten days from now, she'd be joining Project Westfort. It seemed she might not have the chance to attend the wedding, but she said nothing more and turned to leave. When she reached the door, Ewan called out again, "Wynter says a wedding happens only once in a lifetime. She doesn't feel comfortable leaving the arrangements to others." Nova didn't understand what he was trying to imply and asked, "So what?" "So, I want you to plan the wedding. I've raised you since young, and you should know what exactly I like," he replied.