Page 8 of Snow

“Just tell me.”

“Rob called me last week. Apparently, after church last week, he overheard Mom talking to Rick’s mom. He said it sounded like they were talking about a wedding.”

Nova frowned. “A wedding?”

“Yeah. He said they were discussing venues, flowers, and dress shopping. And Rick’s mom was complaining about only having a short amount of time to plan.”

“And you guys think this wedding is for Rick and me?”

“Who else’s wedding would they be coordinating?”

Confusion quickly gave way to unease. She and Rick had always assumed marriage was somewhere in their future, but they had never discussed timelines, venues, or anything that sounded remotely like actual wedding plans.

“That makes no sense. We aren’t even engaged,” Nova stated, as she gripped the steering wheel tighter.

“I know. But think about it from a political standpoint for a minute. A grand wedding right before the crucial campaign season starts would be very beneficial for him. People out there love the image of a devoted family man. Having a beautiful, successful, and supportive wife by his side at events would show voters that he’s stable and grounded. Like he’s the kind of man people can trust with leadership and family values.”

Nova couldn’t help but chuckle. “Meanwhile, he’s screwing someone other than his girlfriend. How’s that for family values?”

“I know. But we all know that politics isn’t about truth half the time. It’s about optics. And you’re smart, polished, and beautiful. You would be a huge draw for Rick’s campaign.

Nova’s jaw tightened. She could see it now. She and Rick posing for campaign photos, attending charity dinners, making church appearances, and attending debates where Rick smiled softly whenever moderators mentioned family. She could see his hand at her waist as her flashy engagement ring caught camera flashes. Reporters would call them a power couple while he stood there pretending loyalty came naturally to him. And all the while, Nova would be standing beside a man who let another woman climb into his bed.

“This is insane,” Nova muttered.

“As insane as it sounds, you know neither our parents nor Rick’s parents would hesitate to meddle if they thought it would benefit them.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t have to worry about that anymore. Anyway, I refuse to marry someone who can look me in the eye after cheating on me and still think I’m stupid enough to play happy wife for him. The worst part is that if I hadn’t caught him, I probably would’ve said yes if he asked.”

Sophia let out a soft sigh. “God, I’m so sorry you have to deal with this crap. Just know that I’m here and I will support you one hundred percent.”

“I appreciate it. I’m pulling up to Mom and Dad’s now.”

“Keep your chin up, and call me later.”

I will. Thanks again, Soph.”

“I’ll always have your back,” her sister said firmly.

“I love you,” Nova said as she turned up the long, tree-lined driveway toward the mansion she had once called home. Now she could barely stand to look at it.

“Love you too,” Sophia replied, just before the call disconnected.

Nova’s stomach tightened the closer she got to the sprawling estate that her parents called home.

The all-white, two-story house with stone accents was more than just a mansion. It was a display of excess, prestige, and perfection, nestled against the foothills.

Inside, the one-of-a-kind home featured sleek marble floors and a lot of glass. If it weren’t for the abundance of sunlight pouring through the oversized windows, Nova would have called it cold. There were minimal family photos, and no real personal touches. It was just a pristine showcase of wealth and design. All white stone, soaring windows, and flawlessly manicured hedges. It was the kind of place that didn’t just whisper money and elitism but practically shouted it to anyone who passed by.

She noted the cars already parked. Her brothers’ trucks, her aunts’ and uncles’ familiar SUVs, and the sleek luxury sedan that belonged to Rick’s parents. So much for the tiny, irrational part of her that had hoped they wouldn’t show up.

Nova parked in front of the six-car garage and cut the engine. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. She needed to feel calm before she went inside to face everyone. She could already hear her mother’s shrill voice chiding her for being late, even though it was only by a few minutes.

Rick had been blowing up her phone, and she had been worried that he would show up. She wondered if he had called his parents and told them what had happened.

When she called Joaquin to tell him about it, she thought that he was going to go to Rick’s place and beat the shit out of him. Thankfully, Laney, his wife, had been there to calm him down.

She rolled her shoulders back, opened her eyes, and reminded herself that starting today, she was no longer going to be everyone’s doormat. She was going to live her life the way she wanted to.