The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 342

Tucked away was a blurry photo of a handwritten note. The script was messy.

*“Thank you for this part of the journey, Holden.”*

A jolt went through Nova. She knew that handwriting. It belonged to her poor, dear friend. She always drew out the strokes of her characters. At the bottom was her name: Loretta.

So it was true. Holden had toyed with her emotions, and he had known she wasn't in a good state of mind. He had told Nova he thought his old acquaintance had brought it on herself, getting tangled up in her emotions. He had known full well the damage he’d caused, yet he could so casually wash his hands of it all, as if he had nothing to do with it.

…

When Nova returned to her apartment, Holden was already out of the shower, a new towel wrapped around his waist. Seeing her trudge in with a shopping bag, he looked displeased. “You took too long.”

Nova said nothing, simply handing the bag to Holden before turning to leave.

“Nova.”

Holden stopped her, his voice suddenly several degrees colder. “Have you seen my phone?”

“It’s on the table,” Nova replied, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“I don’t see it,” Holden said flatly.

Nova pushed past him, went into the room, and emerged a moment later with the phone, placing it in his hand. “Perhaps you’re not familiar with my apartment. My table is a mess.”

Holden gripped the phone. Its slight warmth was a dead giveaway. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as the truth dawned on him. Her excuse was so clumsy, she wasn't even trying to act. No wonder she’d come back today. No wonder she’d agreed to let him stay. It was all for this.

A fresh wave of frustration washed over him. “You know this is illegal, right?” he called after her. “Stealing data from my phone for Ramona. Do you really think I’ll just let you get away with it?”

“Then call the police.” Nova couldn’t be bothered to argue. She knew that by doing this, her little dance with Holden was over. It was a shame she couldn’t avenge her friend herself, couldn’t tear this twisted bastard apart with her own two hands.

Holden spun around, his voice trembling with a barely suppressed emotion. “Beg me. Maybe I’ll forgive you.”

Holden took a deep breath, the veins on his arm standing out in sharp relief. But after a long moment, he forced the rage back down. He grabbed Nova’s face, his grip tight. “Look at me.”

Nova kept her eyes squeezed shut.

He pulled her into a forceful embrace and leaned in to kiss her. Finally, her eyes flew open, and she began to struggle, fighting him with all her might. They wrestled for a moment before tumbling together onto the edge of the sofa. Holden’s bare chest pressed her down, his breathing heavy and ragged. “Beg me…”

“In your dreams!”

A flush spread across Nova’s face. Holden was powerfully built, and being trapped beneath him, enveloped in his intense presence, she felt a flicker of fear. But maybe this was for the best. If he actually assaulted her, if he crossed that line… at least she could make him pay a price for it.

“Nova, are you going to tell me you feel nothing for me? You got close to me just for Ramona? You’d go so far as to seduce a man you despise just for her?” Holden let out a humorless laugh. The more he said it, the more absurd it sounded. He had taken every bait she’d thrown, piece by piece. Her interest in him couldn’t have been just an act.

“You’re right, of course I feel something for you,” she spat. “Disgust.”