Chapter 3

My parents and I went back home. The second we stepped through the front door, I let my bag drop to the floor.

I threw myself onto the sofa and just melted into the cushions.

It felt incredible to finally be back in my own house.

That safety was something I never had in my previous life. Jace used my parents as leverage to keep me silent. He made it crystal clear that if I ever whispered a word about the abuse, he would ruin them.

He knew exactly where to hit me. I was their only child, so I was the perfect hostage.

That was why my dad eventually handed the family business over to Jace without a second thought in that timeline.

It made sense back then. Jace was a fixture at our dinner table growing up, and I spent half my childhood at his house.

Our parents were best friends, and they cooked up a marriage deal for us before either of us was even born.

My folks did not just see him as a future son-in-law. They loved him like he was their own flesh and blood.

It went both ways because Victor and Claire always treated me like a daughter, too.

A chill went down my spine when I remembered what happened next in the old timeline. Victor and Claire died in a horrific car wreck less than a week after the wedding.

This time, I was going to rewrite history and stop that tragedy from happening.

"Nova, honey, forget about Jace. He is not the only guy on the planet," my mom said, her voice soft with worry.

Since I had collapsed on the couch the moment we got inside, she assumed I was heartbroken over Jace. She pulled out a black card and shoved it into my hand. "Here, baby. Go blow some money. Retail therapy always helps."

I took the card with a bright, genuine grin. "Thanks, Mom."

My dad was a different story. He had managed to keep his cool back at the Lynch residence, but he lost it now. He slammed his hand down on the table.

"I cannot believe that kid! I treated Jace like my own flesh and blood, and he pulls a stunt like this?" he snapped.

It cut deep. Growing up, whenever Jace and I got into a fight, my dad usually took Jace's side.

He threw Jace massive birthday parties every single year.

Whenever Jace screwed up, my dad was the first one there to clean up the mess. They really were as close as a father and son.

I could see the betrayal eating him alive because he never saw it coming.

Watching them vent, I felt a strange sense of relief. At least they didn't know the full horror of what Jace did to me in the other timeline. If they knew he had beaten and murdered me, it would destroy them completely.

"Mom, seriously, take a breath," I said, waving a hand in the air. "Jace and I have been stuck together since we were in diapers. We're basically siblings at this point. If he actually found a girl he likes, I'm honestly relieved."

"Nova... Be honest with me," my mom asked, her voice laced with worry. She slid a plate of cake toward me like it was a peace offering. "Are you sure you aren't just saying that?"

I took the plate and shoved a massive forkful of frosting into my mouth. I shook my head while I chewed. "I am good. Seriously."

And I meant it. Marrying Jace wasn't about fireworks or true love. It was just the script we were given.

Our parents wanted it, and I just played the part.

I thought that was how my life was supposed to go.

I made the mistake of confusing lifelong habit with actual love back then.

It took watching him parade different women through our bedroom to finally wake me up. I didn't love him.

I did not care where he was, who he was with, or what he was doing.

I honestly didn't care who he slept with. Even when he was ready to blow up his life for Belle, I was indifferent.

Back then, I only stepped in because I knew Victor had high blood pressure. I was afraid the old man would have a stroke, so I told Jace to cool it.

But of course, Jace twisted my concern and decided I was just a jealous ex trying to ruin his life.

My head felt so much clearer now that I admitted that to myself.

Now that the drama was behind me, I had actual work to do.

My dad had always planned to hand the company over to Jace, so he and my mom could retire and travel the world.

But Jace was out of the picture now. That meant I had to step up and run the show.

"Dad," I announced, cutting through his fuming. "I am coming into the office tomorrow. Get me a desk."

"Excuse me?" My dad blinked, forgetting his anger for a second.

"Jace is history," I said with a shrug. "That means the family business falls on my shoulders now. I need to start learning the ropes."

I set the empty cake plate down and stood up to pat my dad on the shoulder. "The future of Bennett Group is in these hands, Dad.

"But since I am a working girl now, I need to buy some power suits. Dad, how about getting me a car? Don't get me a Mercedes or anything basic like that. Surprise me."

My dad finally cracked a smile. "Slow down, princess. You haven't even punched in for your first shift, and you are already making demands. What's next? Should I buy you a penthouse near the office so you don't have to deal with traffic?"

"Wait, was that an offer? Because I am definitely taking you up on that. You're the best, Dad," I grinned.