Chapter 98 Illusion
Byron hoped their outing wouldn’t be too weird for Emily. He knew it was going to be weird for him.
But he tried not to be intimidated by the idea of his current fiancee and his ex girlfriend together on an outing. He wanted to see Nova again, and she seemed cool with the three of them hanging out.
Fortunately, Nova took over the conversation and handled everything with grace. Byron felt fairly dashing, walking around with a beautiful lady on each arm. Nova was showing off her figure in a flower patterned summer dress, while Emily looked cool in a white blouse and a pink skirt.
They walked along the pier, and Nova chatted about funny incidents on the set of Deadly Drollery.
”... and here I am, covered in clown makeup, trying to order a taco!” she concluded yet another story.
“Let’s go to the Science Museum!” Emily said on sighting the giant metallic globe perched on the famous futuristic-looking building.
“Okay,” Byron said, “Have you been there, Nova?”
Byron could see that Emily felt left out of the conversation and that was probably why she wanted to do something more active rather than let Nova blather on.
Nova seemed to be trying too hard to be fun and witty. He never would have thought it before, but he almost suspected she was trying to get his attention and rekindle their romance.
“Uh... no, never been before,” she said, though she didn’t look too keen.
“We don’t have to if you’re not into it,” Emily said, “It was just an idea.”
“No, it’s fine,” Nova agreed. “It’s funny how you can grow up in this city and never see the famous sights.”
The Science Museum was a good idea since it helped distract everyone from their weird situation. There were high-tech devices and interactive exhibits. In the Illusions and Puzzles room, Emily got caught up in solving a geometric puzzle. Meanwhile, Nova beckoned Byron over to one of the optical illusions.
“It’s not what it appears when you look closer,” Nova said, “That’s a lot like what happened with those films you produced, isn’t it?”
“Is it?” Byron asked, feeling totally confused. The spiral pattern of the illusion appeared to be spinning when he stared at it long enough.
“I’m sorry I accused you of trying to sabotage the studio,” Nova said, her beautiful face suddenly close to his. She was trying to speak softly and avoid being overheard by Emily, which raised his suspicions even more.
“It’s all right,” he said. He still felt slightly bad for taking the credit for the success of the films, when it was all her doing.
“I should never have doubted your keen business instincts,” Nova continued, her dark eyes looking earnestly into his. “I understand now, you wanted me to try a different range of roles, and you knew I would succeed. You did it all for me, hoping we would be together again.”
He had dreamed of a moment like this once, but now he no longer wanted to get back together with Nova. He still wanted her in his life, as a friend. But his conscience was seriously starting to bug him, so he had to be honest.
“Nova, I’m sorry,” he pronounced, “You were right the first time: I chose those films because they were the worst ones I could think of. I wanted to sabotage the studio. I wanted you to fail.”
Nova uttered a small gasp. “No, you’re not serious.”
“I am. I feel bad about it now, and that’s why I’ve decided to tell you the truth. I hope you can forgive me.”
“I knew it!” Nora said, forgetting to keep her voice down.
She strode away on her long legs, and as Byron was about to call after her, she said, “Don’t follow me!”
A few people stared at her as she left. “Was that Nova Summers?” someone queried. An excited buzz of voices filled the room.
“What just happened?” Emily asked, coming closer to him.
“I’ll tell you later,” Byron said, “Let’s get out of here.”
Too many people were looking at them with curiosity, and Byron didn’t feel like being the center of attention. He wondered if Nova would never speak to him again. He would hate to lose her completely. It didn’t feel as heartbreaking as the breakup with her, but it still hurt.
“Do you think she wants you back?” Emily asked when they got out of the air-conditioned building into the sunshine.
“I don’t know,” he lied, “It’s unlikely now, anyway.”
He felt bad about lying, but he didn’t want Emily to feel threatened. There was clearly no risk of him choosing Nova over her.
“Why?” Emily asked.
“I told her about the films,” Byron said, squinting in the too-bright sun. “I couldn’t keep taking credit for boosting her career.”
“That’s why she left?”
“Yeah.”
Emily seemed relieved. Byron wanted to tell her that he was only interested in Nova as a friend, but there was probably no point, unless Nova forgave him.
