Nova shook her head. "He didn’t bully me, I’m completely fine," she assured him.
Raymond breathed a sigh of relief and only relaxed his guard after confirming that there wasn’t a single scratch on her body.
"Good. Right, I brought you the stuff you asked me to buy," he said, passing one of the big bags he was holding to Nova.
Nova took the bag and sat down on a chair. She brought out two boxes—one large and the other medium. She calmly unboxed the big box, bringing out the new laptop inside.
She placed it on the table and unboxed the second box as well, revealing the phone inside. "Perfect," she commented, feeling satisfied with the brand of both the laptop and the phone.
"I bought you this as well," Raymond said, reaching inside the other bag he was holding and bringing out another box. He opened it, revealing the necklace inside.
It was not just an ordinary necklace, but a black lace choker necklace with a large black gemstone at the center.
Seeing it, Nova’s eyes widened. "Pretty," she said, her eyes filled with excitement at the sight of the necklace.
Raymond chuckled, satisfied with her reaction. He pulled the necklace out from the box and fastened it around her neck.
The necklace fit closely around her neck, looking like it was customized just for her.
Nova ran her hand over the necklace, admiring it even though she wasn’t in front of a mirror to take a clear look at it.
"Thank you," Nova said. "I really like it, it suits me," she added in a low whisper, genuinely happy with the gift.
Raymond smiled, feeling proud for guessing Nova’s taste in necklaces right. "I will definitely get you more necklaces like this since you like it," he said, sitting next to her and pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Nova nodded. "Thank you in advance," she replied and picked up her new phone. "Let’s add each other’s contacts. Add me," she said.
Raymond lightly scratched the back of his head. "I did that already," he smiled awkwardly. "I just wanted to be your first contact, that’s why I did it," he added, hugging her.
Nova nodded, turning on the screen. "No wonder the settings were already set up. I almost thought it was VIP treatment," she murmured.
"You are really annoying, Raymond. Why do you want to be first in everything when it comes to my darling? Don’t you know how annoying that is?" Cassian’s voice echoed from the stairs as he approached the two.
He sat down on the empty space on the other side of Nova and cast a deadly glare at Raymond.
Raymond snorted coldly, ignoring Cassian. "Wifey, are you free?" he asked.
"To visit my in-laws," Nova replied, sounding like she was already prepared for him to say that. "I’m free now, let’s go," she said, standing up with Raymond.
Cassian stood up as well, holding Nova’s hand. "You’re coming back here, right?" he asked softly.
"I can’t promise... but if you don’t see me tonight, then it will be tomorrow," Nova replied.
"Fine then..." Cassian murmured, his expression slightly dark. "Let me add my contact too," he said.
"Mhm," Nova nodded and passed her phone to him, letting him save his number. Once he was done, he returned the phone and put his own back into his pocket, holding Nova’s hand once again.
"The phone he bought for you is too cheap. I’ll get a better, customized one for you," he said.
Nova chuckled and nodded.
Seeing Cassian still holding Nova’s arm, Raymond rolled his eyes and pulled her hand away, then scooped Nova up in his arms.
He cast one last provocative glance at Cassian and left without looking back.
Cassian gritted his teeth. "You have the upper hand this time," he murmured and sat on the chair, staring blankly at the entrance until suddenly his phone rang.
He brought out his phone from his pocket and answered the call. Placing the phone against his ear, his voice turned cold. "What’s the matter?" he asked coldly.
"Boss, the spy made a move, but..." The caller sounded hesitant.
Cassian’s brows knitted slightly. "But what?" he asked, slightly impatient.
"The information she leaked out is about the madam..." the caller replied.
Cassian’s gaze turned dark instantly. "Kill her on the spot... daring to give out information about my wife, she is simply tired of living," he ordered. Standing up, he exited the house.
The Thomas Family Mansion
Raymond helped Nova out of the car, carefully guiding her inside the house.
Waiting excitedly was the whole family—his parents and their younger daughter. As soon as the front door was opened, welcoming confetti was showered over Nova and Raymond.
Nova closed her eyes immediately, finding the bright pink confetti a bit too much and annoying. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and looked at the family, who were all staring at her with shocked expressions on their faces.
"Hello, Mother-in-law," Nova greeted, smiling warmly.
Mrs. Thomas smiled awkwardly, noticing Nova’s outfit—a fitted, thigh-length black strapless gown with matching long socks, black heels, and her favorite long black leather jacket.
"Daughter-in-law... come in... come inside!" Mrs. Thomas happily invited Nova in.
Nova was about to step inside, but the brown-haired lady suddenly held her hand. "You are really beautiful, Sister-in-law!" she praised wholeheartedly, eagerly leading her into the living room.
Nova raised her brows slightly, a smile brightening her face and making her look even more beautiful. "You are pretty too... Delilah," she said.
The young lady’s eyes widened in surprise. "Brother already told you my name?" She stared at Nova without blinking as she helped her sit on the couch, sitting down beside her.
Nova remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. "If you need anything, you can always come to me... Sister-in-law," she replied, without directly answering her question.
Delilah blushed and nodded her head. "Let me get you some fruit, Sister-in-law," she said and immediately ran to the kitchen.
Raymond was still standing near the entrance with his parents, watching Nova without blinking.
Mr. Thomas gently pulled the sleeve of Raymond’s shirt to get his attention. "Are you sure she’s human? She’s not like those movie characters, like a mermaid or something?" he asked in a whisper.
Raymond chuckled.
Mrs. Thomas lightly slapped her husband’s shoulder, scolding him. "I’ve told you to watch fewer short movies! You’re getting old. Look, you have such a perfect, beautiful daughter-in-law—you should be proud," she hissed, then focused back on Raymond.
"Son, are you feeding her well? Are you treating her well too? She’s such an innocent girl and she’s just too beautiful. Be careful not to let anyone snatch her away from you, okay?" she warned.
Raymond nodded, his gaze shifting back to Nova. "Even though I’m not her only husband, at least I’m her first husband," he thought.
"Don’t worry, Mum, I’m already tied to her," he said, chuckling.
Mrs. Thomas gave a thumbs-up to Raymond and immediately walked up to Nova happily.
"Dad, you should really watch fewer movies," Raymond laughed, walking over as well.
Mr. Thomas sighed. "It’s not entirely my fault, is it?" he murmured.