Chapter 2

**Ronnie Thorne POV**

I was drinking with my friends in the private room when I received her reply.

I stared at the two short words on my phone screen—"Okay"—and couldn't help but frown.

She was too calm.

Too calm to be the Nova Hayes who would wait five hours in a snowstorm just to see me.

"Ronnie, what are you looking at?"

My friend next to me leaned over, glanced at my phone, and scoffed.

"Oh, Nova replied? What's her game now? Giving up?"

Another friend analyzed.

"No way. She definitely heard everything outside earlier. That woman is cunning. She probably knows that a frontal assault won't work, so she's planning new tricks."

"Good point! She's probably trying to act like she doesn't care, to make us drop our guard, then pull a big stunt at the wedding!"

Everyone chimed in, and soon, a "reasonable" explanation for Nova's behavior was found.

I stubbed out my cigarette and smirked.

Exactly.

I knew Nova wouldn't give up that easily.

Fine, I'll play along. I'd like to see what kind of games she can come up with.

I tossed my phone onto the table and told everyone,

"Alright, stick to the plan. The show must go on."

Everyone chuckled, understanding.

Just then, the private room door was pushed open, and Ben Hayes walked in, radiating cold fury.

"Ronnie, step outside. We need to talk."

Ben's voice was thick with suppressed anger.

I slowly poured myself another drink, not looking at him.

"Talk about what? Your sister?"

"You know I'm not kidding!"

"Neither am I."

I swirled my glass.

"Ben, control your sister. Don't let her bother me anymore."

Ben's fists instantly clenched, veins popping on his hands.

But I couldn't be bothered to even glance at him. I grabbed my jacket and stood up.

"I have plans with Iris. No time to waste talking to you."

I walked directly past Ben, shoulder-checking him hard.

Leaving Ben standing there, trembling with rage.