Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena closed her eyes. She thought she'd be tossing and turning all night, but exhaustion crept in, blurring her thoughts. In that dreamy state, she thought she heard a car driving away or maybe it was just her imagination. But honestly, who cared?

Another rainy night hit Newport, dropping the temperature dramatically. The chill was mixed with dampness, leaving a cold and clammy feeling that was hard to shake off.

When Jaime walked into the bar's private room, Everett's striking face stood out, colder than the rain outside, sending a shiver down his spine. He brushed the raindrops off his leather jacket, found a seat, poured himself a drink, and took a sip to warm up before daring to lean closer.

...

With a cheeky grin, he asked, "Everett, why the long face?"

Everett, swirling his drink absentmindedly with his slender fingers, replied, "Who said I was down?"

Everett sat silently in the corner, contributing to the room's chill. You'd have to be blind not to notice. Jaime decided to go with the truth. He widened his eyes dramatically, "I noticed instantly."

Jaime felt a chill run up his spine, as if Everett's gaze was a dagger poised at his neck. Realizing he should tread carefully, he quickly backtracked, "I must've been seeing things. My bad, seriously, I should've kept my mouth shut."

Everett didn't say a word. He leaned back, lazily lifting his eyelids to cast a lukewarm glance at Jaime.

quick succession to show he was sorry. As the alcohol warmed him up, he shrugged off his jacket, hanging it nearby. Drinking alone with someone

So...

propped his chin

did you have another spat with your wife? thought you rushed back to help out? It was prime

right? What

bed and

glare hit the mark, and he set his glass down with a thud. "So, even good alcohol can't keep you quiet,

"Come on, drop the act. Whatever's bugging you, spill it. I'm here to

crossed Everett's eyes, and as he was about to push Jaime away, he hesitated. "Cough." He crossed his legs elegantly, downed

out his drink, barely holding it in. Oh,

he encouraged, "Alright, let's hear about...

He rubbed his temples and continued, "His... girlfriend used to be all

el?

even when I-mean, he tried to be nice,