“I don’t know. You better talk to Ryder and ask him. I just overheard their conversation earlier,” Aurora explained.

“All right, I'll go down and talk to him,” I informed Aurora, who simply nodded in agreement.

“Eat something first,” Aurora insisted.

Aurora was right. I needed some sustenance before facing whatever awaited me downstairs. There was a chance I might lose my appetite later.

Fortunately, Aurora had prepared my favorite hotcakes and a pitcher of my favorite juice. But even as I ate, sadness weighed heavily on my heart.

“If you really love Ryder, then you must fight for your love, Nova. You are his wife, so you shouldn’t just...