The next morning, Nova woke up to her home phone ringing next to her head. With a grunt, she rolled over, seeing it was almost noon.

In a sleepy voice, "Hello?"

"Nova, sweetie. Are you okay? I've been worried sick. I have been trying to get a hold of you all morning. Are you still in bed?" her father asked sounding worried.

"Yes, sorry. I must have not heard my phone ring. I had a much-needed good night's sleep. I'm getting up now. Where are you?" She rubbed her eyes with a yawn.

"In the elevator. I'm on my way up."

Eric checked his watch, knowing Nova never slept so late. She must really be having a hard time because this behavior was so unlike her.

Nova pulled herself out of the bed and went to the door to let her father in. Standing there he looked as if he looked into the eyes of a stranger. She looked to be frail and had lost a lot of weight.

"Daddy!" She threw her arms around him.

Eric was a little taken back as her thin frame wrapped around him. She was not really the affectionate type since she became a big star. He didn't know if he should hug her back, or take her to a hospital for observation. He already knew about her recent stint in the hospital for exhaustion, but this looked serious.

"What has gotten into you? I haven't had a hug like that in years. What's wrong?"

"I just miss you. Come on in. Sit. Let's chat." Nova pulled Eric to the living room couch. "Eva! Can you please make some lunch for my dad and I? Just a sandwich or something is fine," she yelled to her maid. "Thank you."

Eva, the maid, had just walked into the room and looked at Nova with surprise. Looking for answers from Nova's father, her eyes asked if he was noticing this change too. Nova never said thank you for anything.

"Okay, baby girl. Now I know something is up. You're never nice to your help."

"I know I'm a bitch but I have to be. Everyone is always wanting something from me. I'm nice to Eva and Claire," Nova said in a snooty tone.

Eva bought them tea and pre-prepared hor' devours while looking at Eric like Nova was crazy.

"Actually, you're not, but whatever you say. All right, pumpkin. What do you want?" Eric reached to grab some cheese from the try.

"Why do you always think that?" she scoffed.

"Because the baby voice gives you up every time."

"Okay. Well, there is one thing," she smiled devilishly, clasping her hands together. "I have an idea. Well, a little career shift, if you will?" She scooted over, taking her dad's hand. "What if I told you I want to wrestle again or be a manager? I used to be pretty good. I've been sneaking around for a while now, training whenever I can. My manager hates it, but it's my life, not his."

Nova popped a grape in her mouth from the food tray as Eric narrows his brows in annoyance. It was coming very clear now why she was so desperate to see him.

"Oh. So that's it. You think because you're my daughter that you will get what you want when you want it. Is that right? What if you get sick of this? Are you going to stop and move to the next thing just like you did before? You dropped wrestling to be a singer. What about your music? Did you get bored with that too?" Eric rolled his eyes and started snacking on the food.

"Daddy, you know I loved wrestling. It was my passion. Your old company got bought out, and I started singing. I just didn't have time to do both. I'm sick of this life on the road. I love my music, but I'm not happy. I'm alone most of the time, except for work. When I traveled with you, I actually had friends and a life. I'm tired, dad and I need a change. I know you won't let me down. For your little pumpkin? Pleeese?"

Eric huffed in frustration. He knew she wouldn't let it go.

Nova batted her eyelashes while pouting her lips. "You know you would love me to be around more. I can still sing through the Powerbomb Global record company they started a few years back. They are branching out to other forms of entertainment, and I could help build their brand. I wouldn't have to do long tours while traveling with you. Besides, Powerbomb is affiliated with my record company, so I will still be under the same contract, but on my terms, not my asshole managers. You can find me a better manager to make it work."

"So you want to leave Liam?"

"Yes. I want you and Holt Garrison can be in control of my career. Not some hack like Liam who only cares about himself. He's the reason everyone in the industry hates me."

"Okay, listen. If I do this... and that's a big if. Are you willing to put in the work? No part-time shit. You have to be 100% dedicated like you are to your music. Doing both will not be easy, so you are going to have to work twice as hard. Powerbomb Global has our own television network, movie production, and music labels now for our talent to branch out to other genres. But Holt is not going to let you in if you don't commit. I agree that your A-list status would be an advantage for the company, but if you screw up, you'll be out on your ass. Understood?" Eric scolded.

"Other stars do both music or acting, plus being in-ring. If they can do it, why can't I? Besides, have you ever known me to not put everything into what I do? Especially when I'm passionate about something." Nova smiled at her maid, who brought the sandwiches. "Thanks, Eva."

The maid walked away, still watching Nova as if she was possessed and her head was about to spin around and Eric tried not to laugh. He was thinking maybe his daughter had been possessed too. Maybe an alien invaded her body, making her a little more friendly?

"You're right. I have to talk to Holt first because he's the boss. It's not my call. We'll need to see you in that ring before we make any final decisions. I know he is going to want you to train every free second you get. I can show him old tapes, but the work is up to you."

"Oh! Daddy... one more thing." She bit her lip, smiling, knowing she had her dad wrapped around her little finger.

"Oh, no. Here we go. The other ball is about to drop. What is it?"

Eric sat back lifting his glass as he rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. His daughter had a way of manipulating her way into anything.

"I want to be with... Oh. My. Gosh. Are you ready for this? I want to be with... Colossus!" she exclaimed. "Think about it. They need a girl to hold all the major titles. Don't you think that would be epic? I'm an A-list celeb and my persona is exactly the same style as them. They are the bad boy high society faction. Me, the famous, yet luxurious, badass bad-girl rocker chic. Holt Garrison will eat it up. It would bring in a new fan base and boost ratings."

Nova had been putting it together in her head for months. If her father went for this, her life would be hers again, no longer under the watchful eye of her evil manager.

"You actually think Becket Knox is going to go for this shit? He's the most professionally dedicated man in the business. You haven't been in the ring in years, and never anything but dark matches back then. Hell, I don't think anyone except for the old Wrestling East Coast guys even knows you are a wrestler. Becket won't allow a rookie wrestler by his side." Eric shook his head in disbelief.

She rolled her eyes, "WEC was a long time ago. Daddy, I promise. I'll be in the ring every day, practicing until I'm in-ring ready. I have ring rust, but it'll all come back. Please? I have to do this. Pleeeese?" She laid her head on his shoulder, begging.

"Against my better judgment, I'll bring it up to Holt. Don't get your hopes up." He kissed her on the top of the head saying, "Somehow I feel I'm going to regret this."

"Oh, Daddy! You're the absolute best!" She hugged him with a happy hum.

Eric just rolled his eyes, wondering how he always got into these situations.