Chapter 14 The Truth Came Out- Kael Panicked Nova suddenly came to her senses . She saw who was in front of her and a chill ran through her heart . It was Sloane . She had a guy with her - one with a total " soft boy " vibe . [ ] They talked and laughed , looking like a couple . [ ] Nova clearly felt Kael's hand tighten around hers . The grip was hard . It felt like he was squeezing her heart . A dull pain spread . [ ] Sloane noticed them . She pulled the boy over . [ ] She looked surprised . " Mr. Voss , Ms. Hale - you're here too ? What a coincidence ! " From the corner of her eye , Nova saw Kael staring at the boy . [ ] His eyes were deep . His jealousy was obvious . [ ] If she weren't here , he might have pulled Sloane over right away . Nova bit her inner lip . She spoke on purpose . " It is a coincidence . Is this your boyfriend ? " ]] Sure enough . The next second , Kael cut her off softly - he couldn't accept it . " Nova , it's our turn soon . Let's go in . " [ ] Nova forced a bitter smile . ] ] Sloane smiled . " This is a guy who's been pursuing me lately . Not my boyfriend yet . But who knows - maybe he will be later ... " [ ] Her gaze drifted to Kael , whose face had turned pale . Her tone was coquettish . [ ] Kael stared at her from a distance . His face looked calm . But his deep eyes were fixed on her - warning her . ] ] Nova's breath felt tight . ]] She knew that look . She was pretty . From school to work , many people had pursued her - sending flowers , giving gifts . It never stopped . [ ] Kael was very jealous . Every time he saw it , he'd stay jealous for days . He'd hold her tightly , angry and upset - afraid of losing her . You're mine only . Don't accept others ' things , okay ? Don't be with anyone else , or I'll get jealous . " [] That wronged tone always made her give in . To make him feel safe , she'd kept her distance from other men . ] Now , he was jealous over another woman . ]] And she was still stuck in that gentle trap from years ago . [ ] Sloane shot her a playful look - arrogant , like she had Kael's favor . ] Nova laughed at herself she didn't want to watch their ambiguous eye contact .[ ] She pulled her hand out of Kaels . " I'm going in Karl seemed to notice Nova's sadness . He came to his senses and frowned at the boy next to Sloane . [ ] He bepitated for a few seconds , then turned and chased after Nova ] Behind them , Sloane looked at Nova's bark , sheering || " Nova , don't bother with her . She got a lesson last time . She won't really date that guy ! ] 13.7M Chapter 14 The Truth Came Out- Kael Panicked " Don't get mad over this - it's not worth it for your health . " ] He walked to her side and put one arm around her shoulders . [ ] Nova laughed . He said it like he was doing it for her . But really - he just didn't want her to use this as an excuse to kick Sloane out of the company . [ ] It was almost their turn to check in . [] Kael pulled her into the haunted house . [] Endless darkness surrounded them . Kael protected her at every step . His broad , firm chest gave her a sense of security . [ ] " Don't be scared . I'm here . " ] ] He put his arm around her shoulders . His warm palm stroked the back of her head . [ ] Other women nearby looked envious . ] ] But Nova felt apathetic . ] ] She wasn't scared of haunted houses at all . She liked coming here only because she loved his warm embrace and being close to him . [ ] The haunted house hadn't changed , but the person next to her had . [] Halfway through , they had to do a solo mission . [ ] Kael went alone to finish it , but he didn't come back for a long time . [ ] Nova got worried . She went to look for him , then saw a scene she'd never forget ... In a narrow passage , Kael was pinning Sloane against the wall and kissing her . His kiss was rough and domineering - like he wanted to merge her into his body . [ ] Kael grabbed her waist . He asked , his voice full of jealousy , " What's so good about that guy ? Do you really want to be with him ? Hmm ? " ] ] " You didn't stay with me . I thought you didn't want me anymore ... " Sloane cried . She buried her face in his chest , sobbing softly . That cry melted all Kael's anger . | He brushed a thumb softly over her cheek , his voice warm . " Dry those tears , yeah ? Give me a few days - I'll clear my schedule , take you out , just us . " She lifted her eyes , hope flickering . " You mean it ? What about Nova , then ? Won't you be with her ? " ] " Who do you think matters more ? I'm staying with you first . And starting now - cut it out with seeing other guys , or you'll regret making me angry ! " ] 0 Nova felt like she'd been struck by lightning . [ ] She stared blankly at them , tangled together . [] So - she was less important to him than his mistress . ] She looked up , holding back her tears . [] " Kael , my ankle hurts . Can you carry me out ? " Sloane cooed . [ ] Nova's eyes turned red . She didn't think Kael would kneel down to carry her . [] He was so proud . How could he humble himself for a young girl ? But the next second - she was proven wrong " You're getting spoiled , aren't you ? [ ] Karl gave Sloane's cheek a playful pinch , warm affection softening his eyes . He dropped to one knee , letting her scramble onto his back , then curled his hands around her hups to steady her as he turned toward Nova's direction ] They hurried along , the haunted house's narrow passage swallowing most of the light - dim and cramped , with shadows clinging to every corner [ ] When they brushed past Nova , their rush knocked her off balance [ ] 14.0 Chapter 14 The Truth Came Out - Kael Panicked " Ah ! " She hadn't braced for it . Her ankle twisted sharply under her weight , and a sharp gasp tore from her lips , the pain flaring hot and sudden . [ ] Не But Kael didn't so much as glance over his shoulder . His gaze was locked on Sloane's ankle , like nothing else in the dark mattered . ] ] A cold , dismissive line tossed over his back . " Sorry - my girlfriend's hurt , and I'm in a rush . Head to Voss Group later , we'll sort it out then . " [ ] Nova's face drained of color . [ ] She clutched her throbbing ankle , leaning against the wall for support , and for a second , she couldn't tell which ached worse - her twisted leg , or the hollow ache spreading through her chest . [ ] Sloane cooed , pressing her cheek to his shoulder . " Kael , you're so sweet to me ." He hummed , steps never slowing . " Who else would I be sweet to ? " He carried her away , the sound of their voices fading into the dark . ] If he'd turned back even once - j e - just a quick glance - he would've seen her there . Seen the way she favored her ankle , the pain in her eyes . [ ] But he didn't . Not even for a second . In the end , Nova limped out of the haunted house , holding the wall . Every step hurt . [ ] }] When she reached the exit , she saw Kael - he looked anxious , looking for her everywhere . ] His eyes were raw and red , a crumpled photo of her clutched tight in his hand . He flagged down a staff member by the door , voice frayed . " Have you seen her ? She's wearing a white shirt and denim skirt - did she come out yet ? " ] The staff shook their head . " Not yet , sir . She's probably still inside . Why not try calling her ? " He scrubbed a hand over his face , frustration bleeding into his tone . " No signal - calls won't go through . I searched every corner in there , and everyone from her group's already out ... except her . " His voice softened , almost to himself . " She's scared of the dark . Being alone in there ? She'll be terrified . " [ ] He straightened , urgency sharp in his words . " Here's the deal - I'll cover the haunted house's entire revenue today . Turn on every light inside , and tell the , NPCs to stand down . Don't scare her . " ] Kael's desperation hung thick in the air , enough to make anyone nearby feel for him . [ ] Not far away , Nova watched silently . A bitter mix of sadness and absurdity settled in her chest . Where had this panic been earlier ? " Hey - isn't that your wife by the door ? " someone called out suddenly . [ ] Kael's head snapped up , red eyes locking onto the entrance . There she was - Nova , safe and standing still . ] The worry that had gnawed at him melted away , replaced by a wild , frantic relief . [ ] He ran toward her , almost tripping over his own feet , and pulled her into a bone - crushing hug - as if she were a treasure he'd feared losing forever . " Are you okay ? " he breathed , his voice right against her ear . " Where were you ? I told you to wait for me ! " ] Nova's face stayed cool , her heart already numb to the warmth of his arms . She pulled back just enough to meet his eyes , tone flat . " I saw a couple in there . Figured I should step aside So Heft first . " Ather words , Karl went rigid . His arms around her went loose , like the air had been locked out of him .