Chapter 15: Nova's True Identity
Liam, Kai, and Anya gathered at The Daily Grind.
"I've managed to hack into Nova's encrypted messages," Kai said, sipping coffee.
Just then, Kai accidentally sipped from Anya's cup.
"Kai, that's my coffee!" Anya laughed.
Kai's eyes widened. "Oh, sorry! I'm such a clumsy fool."
Liam teased, "Careful, Kai. You're getting cozy with Anya's coffee—and maybe Anya herself."
Kai chuckled. "Maybe I like a little sweetness in my coffee."
Liam texted Ethan: "Hey, Ethan. Need you at The Daily Grind ASAP."
Ethan arrived.
"Hey, guys. What's up?" Ethan asked.
"Nova's updates," Liam said.
Aria called Liam.
"Hey, Liam. Where are you guys?" Aria asked.
"We're at The Daily Grind," Liam replied.
"Come join us," Liam said.
Aria arrived and sat between Ethan and Liam.
Liam's unease grew.
"Let's talk," Liam said.
"Aria, we've discovered something," Liam began.
"What is it?" Aria asked.
"Nova's real name is Samuel," Liam revealed. "He's your half-brother... and Julian's half-brother."
Aria's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" Aria asked.
"Julian's mother and your father had an affair," Liam explained.
Aria's face paled.
"That's not all," Liam continued. "Alex's death wasn't an accident. Julian's mother plotted it."
Aria's eyes blazed with anger.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Aria demanded.
Liam's expression softened.
"I was protecting you," Liam said.
Aria's voice rose.
"You should have trusted me," Aria said.
Just then, Ethan gave warm hug to Aria...
"I'm here for you, Aria," Ethan whispered.
Liam's eyes narrowed, his face twisting in rage.
Ethan's gesture was a blatant display of affection, and Liam seethed with jealousy.
Aria, lost in her emotions, didn't notice Liam's reaction.
Screen shifts
In a dimly lit warehouse, Victoria walked in with Julian.
"Mother, what's going on?" Julian asked.
Victoria smiled.
"You'll see, darling," Victoria said.
Victoria introduced Julian to Nova.
"This is Samuel, your half-brother," Victoria revealed.
Julian's eyes widened.
"Nova?" Julian gasped.
Victoria's expression hardened.
"Aria's father and I had an affair," Victoria explained. "Samuel is our son."
Julian's face paled.
"But why?" Julian asked.
Victoria's voice dripped with calculation.
"Aria's father chose Aria's mother over me," Victoria spat. "He abandoned us for her."
Nova's gaze locked onto Julian's.
"We share a common goal," Nova said.
Julian's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
"What goal...Liam and his property?" Julian asked.
Julian's face twisted in disgust.
"I don't love Liam," Julian declared. "And I won't marry him."
Victoria's face turned red with rage.
"You will," Victoria hissed.
Julian stood firm.
"I won't be a pawn in your game," Julian said.
Victoria's eyes blazed with fury.
"You're just like your father," Victoria spat.
Screen shifts
Back at The Daily Grind, Ethan's phone buzzed. Maya's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Maya," Ethan answered.
"Hey, Ethan," Maya said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I hope you're enjoying your cozy little gathering with Aria."
Aria's voice echoed in the background.
Maya's tone turned icy.
"Never mind, Ethan. I'll talk to you later."
The line went dead.
Ethan sighed.
Liam's eyes still simmered with jealousy.
Aria remained oblivious to the tension.
"I need time to process," Aria said.
Liam nodded.
"We're here for you," Liam said.
But amidst their reassurance, Aria's mind whirled with questions.
What secrets lay hidden?
Who could she trust?
And Julian's defiance sparked a fire within her.
Would Julian find a way to escape her mother's web?