Chapter 2 2

The Diary

*NOVA'S POV*

I sat on the edge of my bed, the soft light from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across the room. My fingers traced the cover of Nora's diary, worn and weathered from years of use. This was her most private world, a place where she could express everything that no one else could see, especially me. It was a world I was about to invade.

I opened the diary, flipping through the pages, feeling a strange mixture of grief and curiosity. But as I read, my breath caught in my throat. The last few entries were dark, filled with words and thoughts that were disturbing, and unsettling. There was something here, something I hadn't known, something that had been tearing her apart.

Her words painted a picture of her daily life, the mundane details of work, home, and social events. But beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of sadness, a deep sense of loneliness. I had never imagined the extent of her unhappiness.

June 15th, 2011

Today was Nova's big day. She won the science fair-again. Mom and Dad were so proud, their faces glowing with pride as they showed her off to everyone. And me? I just stood there, in the background, like I always do. I don't blame Nova. It's not her fault she's the perfect daughter, the one who always makes them proud. But I can't help feeling invisible next to her. I tried to talk to them about my painting, but they were too busy celebrating Nova to even notice.

I wish I could be happy for her. I really do. But it's hard when I feel like I'm just a shadow, following her around, never really seen. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I were the only child.

September 1st, 2016

Nova got the scholarship to study abroad today. Dad was so proud of her, more than I've ever seen him. He practically beamed when he talked about how she'd take over Dwight-Materials one day. I'm happy for her, I really am, but it stings. What about me? It's like there's no room for me in his plans like I'm just another face in the crowd. No matter what I do, I'll never be as smart as Nova. I'll never be good enough for him.

January 10th, 2019

I got a job at Row-Construction today. It was supposed to be a big deal-my first real job after university, my first step into the real world. But when I told Mom and Dad, they barely said anything. Just a simple "congratulations" and that was it. Nova called me later, though. She was excited for me and wished she was around so we could grab dinner to celebrate. It was sweet of her, but it didn't make the emptiness I felt any less real.

July 5th, 2019

I met someone today. His name is Ron, and he works at Row-Construction too. It was like love at first sight-I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. He's tall, probably above 6ft, with blonde hair that's a little messy in the most attractive way. His eyes, though... they're this deep green, and when he looks at you, it's like he's stealing your soul. And his smile-it's the kind that makes your heart skip a beat. I can't believe I'm writing this, after bumping into him just once, but I haven't felt like this in... well, forever. I know it's just a crush, but a girl can dream, right?

October 17th, 2019

Dad called me into his office today. He looked so serious, and for a moment, I thought I was in trouble or something. But no, it was worse. He told me about an arranged marriage he had set up for me. An arranged marriage! I couldn't believe it. I've always known Dad was traditional, but this? It's like he doesn't care about what I want, who I am, or what my dreams are. He claimed it was beneficial to the family business.

October 20th, 2019

I found out who I'm supposed to marry today.

Who would have thought that the Rowland family heir my dad arranged for me to marry would be my super hot crush? Maybe this is fate? Maybe we're meant to be? I'm so confused. I don't know what to think or feel. But I'm excited.

February 4th, 2020

I called Nova today, hoping she was making preparations to come back for my wedding. But instead, she told me she wouldn't be able to attend. She's too busy with her studies abroad, too far away to make it back in time. I know she's doing important things, making our parents proud, especially Dad.

We argued. I couldn't help it. I told her how much it hurt that she wouldn't be there. My wedding is supposed to be the best day of my life. And an important day. I was finally going to make Dad proud and also marry the man I love. And I wanted Nova to see that too.

May 16th, 2020

I'm married now, and it's nothing like I imagined or hoped. Ron isn't the man I thought he was. He's cold, distant, and barely speaks to me unless it's necessary. And his mother-she's worse. She treats me like an intruder like I don't belong in this family. Only his Father treats me like a human. I try so hard to make things work, to make Ron see me, but it's like I'm invisible.

I can't go back home either. I don't want Dad to think I'm useless. I feel so alone.

November 19th, 2020

It's been months since the wedding, and I feel like I'm fading away, piece by piece. My illness has gotten a lot worse. I don't think I've got much time. I just wish Ron would show me some compassion. He barely acknowledges me at home. The silence between us is suffocating, and every day, I feel more like a stranger in my own house.

I found out where he spends most of his nights now. The Brass Lantern bar downtown. He doesn't know that I know, but I've heard the whispers. The bar is one of those upscale places, the kind that caters to the rich and powerful, a hidden spot where men go to unwind, away from their wives and their responsibilities.

He wouldn't even touch me. All he cares about is his childhood sweetheart. Her... why did it have to be her? She has yet again taken all the attention.

January 29th, 2021

I've been back home for a week. I don't know what possessed me to come back to this house. Maybe I thought being here would fix something inside me, and make me feel whole again. I don't think Mom and Dad even noticed I was ill.

Dad's been working late again, as always. He asked about Ron, but I could tell he wasn't really listening when I said things weren't good. And Mom is sick, I doubt she'll pay my problems any attention. All they care about is Nova.

If only Ron had loved me back, then maybe just maybe things might have been different.

January 29th was her last entry. I could see tear marks on the pages. "How could I not have noticed she felt this way?" I said clenching my chest. "And Ron... RON! I'll make sure you pay for every tear my sister shed because of you."