Chapter 4 4 the mistake

The Mistake

*NOVA'S POV*

Nora was miserable, trapped in a life she didn't want, with a man who didn't love her. And our parents had pushed her into it, just like they had kept her death from me.

I didn't want to talk to my parents or ask them anything. I loved them but their actions disgusted me and I was mad at them. I knew it would take a while before I could forgive them and start talking to them again.

My anger bubbled up inside and the person I wanted to vent it all out on was Ron.

"But how do I find him?"

Then it occurred to me that Nora had made mention of a bar, The Brass Lantern he frequently visited and my friend Bonny Sullivan was the manager of the bar.

I picked up my phone and called Bonny. "Hello... Bonny, how are you, girl?"

"I'm good Nova, it's been a while," she responded. her voice bright and cheery, a stark contrast to the heaviness I was feeling.

"Yes it has been. I've missed you so very much and I called to let you know I'm back in town." I said with glee, trying to hide the sadness I felt.

"You're serious?" Her voice was a mix of skepticism and excitement as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing.

"Yes I am," I chuckled.

"Don't mess around Nova," she said, her voice demanding the truth. "Are you really back?"

"Why would I make this up?" I added

"Wow, it's been forever since I last saw you. I've missed you, girl."

"I've missed you too," I repeated.

"Would you be free next week Thursday, by 3 o'clock?"

"Sure, I can make out time just for you," she replied eagerly.

"Ooh thank you Bonny you have no idea how much this means to me. I just have a lot on my mind and I really wanted to talk to you."

"Girl, you know I'll be there for you if you need me. We can see at the Royal Crest," she said softly. I could feel the care and concern in her tone.

"It's a nice fancy restaurant, I'm sure you'll like the place," she added

"Okay, that's perfect. I can't wait to see you."

"Me to Nova."

"I'll call you then," I added.

"Alright dear, bye."

"Bye."

I hung up, feeling a small sense of relief. Maybe Bonny could help me make sense of all this. Maybe she could help me figure out who Ron really was.

***

*Next week Thursday*

"The Royal Crest," I muttered, looking at my calendar.

I had awaited this day like my life, my very being depended on it. I was finally going to get the answers I was looking for.

I let down my wavy hair and put on a red colored jumpsuit that matched my blue eyes and I styled it with a white purse and heels. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the final details of my outfit. With a few spritzes of perfume and a touch of red lipstick on my plump lips to match my outfit, I was ready.

I stepped out headed for The Royal Crest without saying a word to my parents. I hadn't forgiven them and I still wasn't ready to speak to them either.

I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before our meeting time. As I walked into The Royal Crest, its opulence took me by surprise. The grand lobby exuded sophistication. Its high ceilings and tasteful decor, with soft lighting and elegant furnishings, hinted at an extravagant taste. I decided to order a drink while I waited for Bonny's arrival. I sat at the far end of the restaurant where one could easily see and be seen from the entrance.

"Ma here is the drink you ordered," the waiter said with a smile.

"Thank you."

"Would you like me to get you anything else?"

"No, that will be all for now."

I was scanning the room while sipping my drink when my eyes met that of a brown-haired man who looked no more than 5,10 in a gray suit. His appearance screamed corporate.

He looked like he was in search of someone and when his black colored eyes met mine, I could see the relief that washed over him. He started walking in my direction which confused me. I didn't know who he was and I was sure I had never seen him before.

"Why is he coming towards my table?" I questioned myself turning around to see if there was someone else in my direction, but there was none.

He eventually arrived at the table I was seated at.

"Miss Lolita right?" He asked without giving me room to respond.

"I'm Trevor. I believe your agency has briefed you on your role. I was told I would meet you here in a red dress." He added taking out a folder from his bag.

He looked like he was in a rush and he didn't even bother to take a seat. "Here are the contract documents," he said handing the folder to me.

"My number is on the business card inside, give me a call when you've signed the contract. You can read through it, but I assure you everything was written according to the agreement we had with your agency," he said with a straight face.

I thought this was some prank. But who would have pulled one on me?

"Agency," I said in confusion. But my words seemed to have flown over his head.

Mr. Asher would like to proceed as soon as possible," he added.

"you've mist--" I uttered before he cut my statement off.

"I'm sorry, I would have chatted longer with you but I'm in a hurry," he said zipping his bag up.

"I'm no-" left my lips as he cut me off again.

"Thank you so much for your time. I expect to hear from you Miss Lolita," he said hurriedly walking out of the restaurant.

He looked stressed and disoriented. One would even think his wife called saying she was in labor.

Out of curiosity while I awaited Bonny's arrival I went through the document in the folder that was handed to me. And to my surprise, it was a contract for a fake marriage to a man named Asher Stanley.