Page 4 of Snow

“I don’t know,” she finally muttered. “I think he’s what I’m supposed to want, you know? He’s successful, and my dad likes him.”

Joaquin didn’t say anything for a moment. His expression softened, like he understood more than she wished he did.

“But that’s not what you want, is it?”

Nova didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. Her silence spoke volumes.

“You don’t have to live their life, Nova. You’re an adult. You can make your own decisions.”

She swallowed hard and felt a slight pang of guilt at his words. She had her own savings from working. It was enough to start over if she chose to. But the thought of defying her father made her stomach hurt. Her parents had always been insistent that she follow their path, so she had never really questioned it until recently.

“I get what you’re saying, but Rick—”

“Fuck, Rick! He only looks after himself. Just like your father. There are plenty of better men suited for you, Nova. Trust me. You’re beautiful, you’re brilliant, kind, and you light up every room you walk into.”

Nova felt a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks. She ducked her head with a laugh. “Stop, please.”

“I’m serious,” he said, his tone losing all teasing. “You shouldn’t settle for someone who doesn’t see how truly amazing you are.”

Nova felt a pang of emotion she wasn’t ready to deal with. “Even if I ditched Rick,” she said, half-joking, “I’m always working. I don’t have time to meet anyone else.”

Joaquin’s mouth flattened into a line. He looked almost annoyed. “It’s not just about Rick. You need to stop trying to please everyone else and look after yourself for once. Stop living your life for them and start living for you.”

Joaquin leaned against the weight rack, wiping the sweat from his brow as he gave her a pointed look. “Your father and mother got their claws in everything you do, Nova. They both try to run your life like you have no say over it.”

Nova clenched her fists, her jaw working as his words hit a little too close to home. He wasn’t wrong. Her family’s influence was everywhere, suffocating at times, like a net she could never quite break free from.

She had three other siblings. Sophia, the oldest by eight years, had always been the steady one. She had escaped the pressure of their father’s expectations and built a life on the East Coast with her husband and two kids. She was the only one Nova felt she could truly breathe around, even if most of that connection lived in late-night phone calls stretched across time zones.

Then there were her twin brothers, Rob and Wallace, five years older and inseparable in a way Nova had never quite fit into. They were still in the Salt Lake City area and had built a successful construction business crafting luxury homes. They were both married with families that seemed to slot perfectly into the life their father approved of. Nova mostly saw them during holiday get-togethers.

“Maybe it’s time you stop letting the rest of them call the shots and consider making your own escape,” Joaquin said.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed from her gym bag. She grabbed it and grimaced when she saw her dad’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Dad,” she answered.

“Nova,” her father’s brisk voice greeted her. “Rick left some paperwork at his place. I need you to swing by and pick it up before you come to Easter brunch.”

Nova’s stomach twisted with irritation. “You’re serious? You need it today?”

“Yes,” her father said without missing a beat. “Rick doesn’t arrive back in town until tomorrow afternoon, and I need to sign the papers and get them sent over to the client this evening via a courier. Just pick it up on your way.”

Nova pressed her fingers to her temple. “Fine. I’ll grab it.”

“Good. And your mother wanted me to remind you to arrive on time for brunch.”

He didn’t even give her a chance to respond and hung up without even a goodbye.

Nova sighed and shoved her phone back in her bag. She didn’t even want to go to their place for Easter brunch. Every year, her mom threw an elaborate Easter brunch for the family. Her brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins would all be there. Rick’s mom and dad would be there as well. Rick was supposed to be there, but he had to fly out two days ago to meet with someone about his campaign.

“Let me guess,” Joaquin said, standing there with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. “Another demand from your royal highness?”

She let out a weak laugh. “Something like that.”

Joaquin stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. His arms felt strong and steady around her. God, too bad he was happily married, or Nova wouldn’t mind dating him.

“Think about what I said,” he murmured near her ear. “You deserve a hell of a lot more than the life they’ve boxed you into.”