I Swapped His Fake Gift for a Real Life novel Chapter 23

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Chapter 4: Blood Lesson

“Then I’ll beat sense into you about a wife’s duty!”

The cane ripped through fabric, carving bloody stripes into her skin. Nova trembled with pain but held her ground.

“I won’t take it…”

Blood saturated her dress. Her vision blurred.

The last thing she saw was Zane’s back–still talking on the phone.

Before darkness devoured consciousness, Nova clung to one thought: Let this be the final martyrdom. After tonight, my

heart bleeds for him no more..

Nova woke in a hospital bed.

A respectful voice drifted nearby–the hospital director:

‘Mr. Blackthorn, the cane wounds are severe. Some lacerations reached the epidermal layer-”

“Use the best medication. Assign your top specialists.” Zane’s voice was ice. “No scarring.”

“Understood. We’ll spare no effort.”

As the director left, Zane turned and saw her open eyes.

He strode to the bedside, brow furrowed. “How do

you

feel?”

Nova shifted slightly. Fire blazed across her back.

“I’m fine,” she managed. “The staff here are excellent. You should go… if you’re needed elsewhere.”

To her surprise, Zane didn’t leave.

He sat beside her, his gaze complex. “Why didn’t you call for me when mother confronted you?”

Nova remembered his turned back, his absorbed conversation with Ivy. A bitter smile touched her lips. “You seemed

occupied.”

She paused, then asked softly. “If I had called… would you really have come?”

“Immediately. No hesitation.

Nova froze.

The answer shocked her.

Chapter 4: Blood Lesson

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“I’ve handled the family,” he continued. “No one will pressure you about children again!

“Understood. Nova looked down. “You should go.”

“Why do you keep dismissing me?” Zane’s frown deepened.

She blinked. “Aren’t you… busy?”

With the company. With Ivy.

“Not currently.” He smoothed her bedsheet. I’ll stay with you these next days

Nova was stunned.

True to his word, Zane stayed.

He adjusted her bed. Fed her meals. Even changed her bandages himself.

One night, pain kept her awake. Zane sat beside her, soothing her back with gentle strokes until she finally slept

For a suspended moment, Zane’s tenderness spun Nova back to their fragile season of intimacy.

But Nova wouldn’t drown in it again.

Her path was carved in stone now: forward, away, never retracing steps to his ruinous shore.

A week later, the welts had faded significantly.

As Zane applied ointment, a light gasp escaped her.

His hands stilled.

Nova turned–and froze. Desire blackened his eyes, his throat working. Then she felt it: the hard urgent press against her

hip..

Her breath hitched.

Zane leaned closer, his breathing roughening.

Just as his lips brushed hers-

The sound shattered the moment.

They jerked apart.

Ivy stood frozen in the doorway. A shattered fruit basket lay at her feet, its contents rolling across the floor.

Chapter 4: Blood Lesson

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Chapter 5. The Fall

Tears welled in Ivy’s eyes. “Am I… interrupting?”

Zane shoved Nova away instantly, “Ivy, it’s not what you think!”

The sudden motion sent Nova tumbling backward. She crashed off the hospital bed-

Thud.

Her skull struck the sharp corner of the nightstand. Blood streamed down her temple.

I’m so sorry for interrupting… Ivy sobbed, fleeing down the hall.

“Ivy!”

Zane didn’t glance at Nova’s crumpled form. He sprinted after Ivy without hesitation.

Nova lay on the cold floor, vision blurring crimson.

A broken laugh escaped her–tears mixing with blood.

When nurses found her, she’d lost consciousness again from blood loss.

As consciousness bled away, a nurse’s frantic shout pierced the haze.

“Head trauma! STAT!”

And Zane’s footsteps–fading away.

The head injury extended Nova’s hospital stay.

Zane never returned.

Of course. He’s soothing Ivy.

She didn’t call. Didn’t text.

On discharge day, the Blackthorn butler phoned.

‘Madam, arrangements for Mr. Blackthorn’s birthday gala?”

Nova gripped her phone. Silent.

She’d orchestrated every one of Zane’s birthdays.

The Blackthorns had wealth, not warmth.

Chapter 5: The Fall

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His own parents forgot his peanut allergy–serving peanut butter cakes yearly.

She remembered their first birthday together–hi meaking anchistamine

“Why not tell them?” the’d asked, heart aching,

“Pointless.” His voice was flat. They care more about quarterly earnings”

So Nova took charge.

Every dish. Every flower. Tailored to his tastes

No more allergic reactions. No more garish decorations

“Madam?” The butler pressed.

Nova drew a steadying breat. Tll handle it‘

One last time.

After the divorce? Someone else would learn his preferences.

She planned meticulously–but this time, the butler shadowed her, taking notes

“Black Forest cake. No peanut products.”

“White roses for centerpieces. He despises red.”

“Eliminate tequila from the bar. It triggers his migraines.”

‘Memorize this. For future reference”

The butler frowned, “Why wouldn’t you oversee next year’s event?

Nova lowered her gaze. No answer.

Next year?

She’d no longer be Mrs. Blackthorn.

The gala glittered–chandeliers blazing, guests shimmering in finery.

Nova stood near the entrance in pale blue silk, watching Zane enter with Ivy on his arm.

Ivy wore blush tulle, clinging to him like a fragile bird

In that c moment, understanding settled like dust.

Chapter 5. The Fall

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He’d appeased his songbird.

Zane’s attention never left Ivy.

Refilling her champagne with juice the moment her glass emptied.

Summoning attendants to smooth her wind–tousled skirt.

Smiling tenderly when she beamed at some delicacy–a crescent–moon curve of delight.

His eyes never found Nova.

She hosted from the shadows–a ghost in her own home.

During gift unveiling, guests presented treasures- rare art, vintage wines.

Nova’s offering–a limited–edition Patek Philippe–was presented on silver velvet.

“Exquisite taste, Mrs. Blackthorn! Only ten exist worldwide!”

“Perfect for Mr. Blackthorn’s stature!”

“Who knows him better than his wife?”

Zane met Nova’s eyes briefly. A curt “Thank you.”

Then Ivy’s gift was unwrapped.

The room hushed.

Nestled in tissue paper lay a clumsily hand–knit beige scarf–its stitches crooked, uneven.