Nova Winters sat in her chair waiting for the state court judge to read the will. When she received the notice in the mail she would be a beneficiary, she wasn't sure why he would include her in his will.
The room felt a bit warm despite it being below freezing in Neptune, New Jersey. Nova took deep breaths as she stood across from his wife, who couldn't stop crying. Not once did his wife, Ashley makes any eye contact with Nova, but it's obvious that her presence wasn't warranted.
"Okay, now we will read the will. I, Zachary Vann Carter of sound body and mind leave my royalties, and $10 million to Ms. Nova Lauryn Winters. Nova, It is my last gift to give to you and I hope that you will start that art community center you always dreamed of starting. I will always love you. The rest shall go to my favorite charity, March of Dimes," The state court judge announced.
Ashley released a groan which turned into a roar and shot her eyes at Nova. "You bitch, you were fucking my husband!" Ashley jolted up from the table, and proceeded to jump over the table to get to Nova.
Nova did not move at all. Why would Zach leave all of his money to her? It did not add up especially when he has a wife, and children. She sat there in shock that he would do something like that. He made ridiculous choices, but this had to be the greatest.
Nova tuned out everything as they attempted to calmed his wife, Ashley down. She knew that she could finally quit her job working as a gym instructor, and finally start the art community center she spent many nights talking about with him. She looked at her phone and saw 11:11 knowing that it was a sign from the universe that this is the right path for her.
"You fucking bitch! You are taking food out of his children's mouth," Ashley yelled, as the attorneys tried to calm her down. Not once did Nova respond to her. What could she say? Nothing she would say could change Ashley's mind.
"Why would he leave the money to me?" Nova asked, turning her attention to the state court judge. She felt like it wasn't right for her to have it. What about his children?
"We aren't sure but according to his will, he would like for you to start that community center. He created this will six years ago. He never made any changes to it," The state court judge said.
"So, I get nothing? Isn't his widow entitled to something?" Ashley asked, wiping her tears and smearing her makeup.
"You are entitled to keep the house because your name and his name is on that property," The state court judge explained.
"But, she was his mistress? I don't get it! I want to contest this will! I will see you in court Nova," Ashley grabbed her purse and abruptly left the meeting.
"How soon will I have access to everything?" Nova asked, this is a still dream to her. She couldn't believe he would leave her anything.
"Here is the check of the ten million dollars, and we have your information so we will send you information on the royalty checks. Just confirm that this is your correct address," The State Court judge slid her the check, and she stared at it still in a daze.
Nova looked over the paperwork and nodded. "Yes, everything is correct."
"Great! We will be in touch."
Nova walked to her car in tears mixed with joy and sadness. It's such a bittersweet feeling to get this much money. Not once did she expect any of it, and Zach always told her he would look out for her but she's didn't think this way.
It's been six years since she's been with him, and probably saw him a few times after the breakup. He moved on and got married. She dated other people, but nobody was like Zachary. Their relationship was too passionate and strong that it was detrimental to each other.
Nova climbed into her Honda accord, and just sat there crying. "Thank you Zach," She muttered. When she found out he passed away, she couldn't believe it. The only man she's ever loved gone from the world at thirty-three years old.
She would give the money back just to have him alive. But, life isn't fair and she must go on. Zachary would reach out to her, and leave drunk messages on her phone on why they were supposed to live the glamorous life, see the world, and be married. He did that for years, but she wouldn't return the calls when she found out he was married.
Nova wiped her tears and dialed her mother. "Hi, Nova baby," Mrs. Winters said.
"Ma, he left me ten million dollars."
"What??! Damn, let me get a pluck. Wow, I am not surprised. Zachary really loved you. It a shame he died in that motorcycle accident. He was a really good wrestler," Mrs. Winters replied.
"I know he was. He even wore the gear I made him when he got signed to WWE. His wife was calling me all kinds of names and even his mistress. I haven't slept with that man since we broke up."
"I know, how much did he leave her?"
"Nothing," Nova stated.
"Oh shit, I can see why she's so upset."
"You know he never updated his will after we broke up. I guess that's what happened."
"I would be upset if I were his wife."
"Yep, well I will call you later. I need to go home and write my letter to quit my job."
"Does your boyfriend know?"
"Ugh, I didn't tell Jay, but I will soon."
"Alright, look I am going to call you back," Her mother hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Which she always does.
***
Nova woke up to her phone blowing with calls and text messages. Today has been extremely draining for her, and all she wants to do is sleep.
Nova saw Jay White's photo flash across her screen and she swiped her phone to answer his call. "Hi baby," Nova smiled, excited to talk with her new boyfriend.
"You never told me you dated, Z-Cross," Jay said, in a very jealous tone.
"Where is this coming from?" Nova asked.
"Don't play dumb with me. His wife is online talking shit about you and I am like there is no way she's talking about my Nova, but she posted pictures of you with him. When did this happen? Before he died?" Jay questioned her.
"I dated Zachary six years ago. I did not think it was important to talk about my past relationship with him. We grew up together."
Nova didn't want to go into too many details or make Jay think she's some kind of ringrat. Jay slid into her DM trying to get to know her, and she didn't pursue him. That's why she never told him about Zachary.
"Am I just another wrestler that you fuck? I mean tell me what is going on? Why didn't you tell me about him?"
"Jay, we haven't been together that long yet. When he died we really just got together. I didn't want you to think I am a ringrat."
"You should have told me, babe."
"I wasn't ready yet," Nova felt uncomfortable talking about Zachary with Jay. He has only been dead for thirty days, and so much has happened today.
"I'll talk to you later," Jay hung up.
Nova balled up into fetal position unsure how to feel or what to think. She didn't want to check social media to see her name being dragged through the mug. She knew she wasn't his mistress, but simply the love of his life.
