With the approaching dawn, a new day unfolded, and its gentle light began to filter through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues of pink and gold.
Nova sat on the edge of the bed, exhaustion evident in the lines of her face and the slump of her shoulders. Her arms encircled her knees as she watched Tyrian pack his belongings. When he carelessly tossed a piece of clothing onto the bed, Nova's gaze lingered on it, a pang of longing stirring in her heart. It had been ages since she had worn a dress, ages since she had felt like herself.
"We leave," Tyrian declared, his attention fixed on his task of packing weapons and supplies.
Nova's heart sank at his words, the reality of their situation hitting her like a tidal wave. How could she go with him now, especially after deciding to keep their child?
With a heavy heart and downcast eyes, she whispered softly, "I can't go with you."
Tyrian's incredulous gaze snapped to her, his expression one of disbelief. "What do you mean you can't go with me?" he sneered, his tone laced with mockery.
Nova's grip tightened around her legs as she felt the weight of his scorn. "I... I need to figure things out for myself," she replied, her voice trembling.
Tyrian sighed, frustration evident in his features as he shook his head. "Don't be foolish," he scolded. "You can't survive on your own."
With a determined glint in her eyes, she met his gaze squarely. "I'll find a way," she declared, her voice unwavering despite the fear in her heart. "I'll find a way to protect this baby, even if it means leaving you behind."
Tyrian's anger flared, his expression twisted with disbelief and resentment. "I can't believe this," he scoffed. "You choose that little, filthy life thing in your womb instead of me?"
Nova flinched at his words, the sting of his accusation cutting deep into her heart. She had hoped that Tyrian would understand her decision, and would see that she was choosing to protect their child out of love and devotion. But his reaction only served to deepen her sense of isolation and despair.
"It's not about choosing one over the other," she replied, her voice trembling. "It's about doing what's right, what's best for all of us."
But Tyrian's expression remained cold and unforgiving, his anger simmering beneath the surface as he glared at her with undisguised contempt.
"Don't make me repeat myself," Tyrian's voice dripped with menace. "If you don't comply, I'll ensure you consume those abortion pills, and not just from one bottle."
Absorbing Tyrian's chilling threat made her heart raced louder. The blood drained from her face as she grasped the extent of his cruelty. She knew Tyrian better than anyone. He was capable of anything to achieve his desires, and she felt powerless to escape his grasp.
With a trembling breath, Nova reluctantly nodded as Tyrian snorted dismissively and turned away. With a heavy heart, Nova rose to her feet, mechanically donning the simple, green pastel dress before following Tyrian out of the room.
As she walked beside him, Nova's steps felt heavy, each one weighed down by the unbearable burden. Her gaze flickered to the passing scenery, but her mind remained consumed by the pressing question: what was she supposed to do next? How could she manage to navigate her own struggles with Tyrian by her side?
Unbeknownst to her, they had already arrived at the parking lot. With an impatient hand, Tyrian unlocked the car, the beep resonating in the quiet morning air as they entered the vehicle. The engine roared to life as he started the car.
Tyrian drove in silence, his cold and irritated expression casting a shadow over the car. As her gaze shortly turned sideways at him, Nova's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She knew that she was trapped, with Tyrian holding all the power and control.
In a brief moment, Nova felt her stomach churn, a wave of nausea threatening to overcome her. Her morning sickness had chosen the worst possible time to strike. She sensed Tyrian's cold gaze shift sideways toward her, intensifying her discomfort. Desperately, she fought to suppress the urge to vomit.
Swiftly averting her face from Tyrian's gaze, she desperately masked the smell that was exacerbating her nausea with the aromatherapy medicated-oil roll she kept in her bag. With trembling hands, she applied the soothing scent under her nose, the calming aroma helping to ease her discomfort and settle her stomach.
"Move to the backseat," Tyrian commanded, his gaze fixed on the driveway ahead.
Nova's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with questions. Did Tyrian just ask her to move to the backseat? Was it because he couldn't stand the sight of her?
With hesitation, Nova complied with Tyrian's command, her heart sinking as she moved to the backseat of the car. She knew that being further away from Tyrian would only serve to increase her sense of isolation and vulnerability, but she also knew that she had no choice but to obey him for now.
"Lie down. You need it," Tyrian insisted, his tone firm.
Nova hesitated for a moment, uncertain of Tyrian's intentions. His sudden concern for her well-being seemed out of character, given his usual cold and callous demeanor. But she knew better than to question him openly, especially when he seemed to be offering her a moment of respite.
With a sigh, Nova reluctantly reclined in the backseat, her body tense. She couldn't shake the feeling that Tyrian's sudden kindness was just a facade, a temporary reprieve before he returned to his usual harshness.
Nova closed her eyes, attempting to calm herself. However, despite her efforts, her mind raced with thoughts of escape and survival. She understood that she couldn't afford to let her guard down, not even for a moment. Yet, in the face of their dire circumstances, all she could do was muster her strength and brace herself for the obstacles ahead.
As the sky darkened, Tyrian pulled over to a nearby inn, the glow of its neon sign casting an eerie light on the deserted parking lot. Nova's heart raced with fear as she followed Tyrian out of the car and into the dimly lit lobby.
Inside, the inn was quiet, the only sound was the soft hum of the overhead lights. Tyrian approached the front desk with an air of authority, his cold gaze scanning the empty lobby as he spoke to the receptionist in terse tones.
Nova hung back, her eyes darting nervously around the room as she tried to blend into the shadows. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of being trapped in a place where danger lurked around every corner.
After he took the key from the receptionist, with a heavy heart, Nova followed Tyrian to their room.
Once they entered the room, Tyrian dragged their belongings heavily towards the buffet cabinet before swiftly removing his shirt, exposing his muscular upper body.
Nova flinched, anticipating what would come next. She momentarily forgot Tyrian's insatiable needs.
"Take off your dress," Tyrian commanded.