Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Disillusionment had become second nature to her; at this point, she wasn't even surprised-it was almost like she saw it coming. Selena took a sip of her coffee, grabbed her phone, and ordered a ride.

The car showed up in no time. She got up, slipped on her coat, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and wheeled her suitcase out the door.

Ava, who was busy dusting the furniture nearby, quickly came over to help with the luggage. But when they got outside, Ava noticed it was a taxi. She couldn't help but ask, "Ma'am, are you heading out on your own? Didn't Mr. Bennett ask you to wait for him?" Year after year, Selena made the solo trip back home for the annual remembrance. It tugged at Ava's heartstrings, especially this year when he had finally agreed to join her-wasn't this the silver lining they had been hoping for?

Selena, about to slide into the car, paused at Ava's question, turned slightly, and replied with a shrug. "He's not coming."

Trusting anything that jerk said was a waste of breath. She had never waited for him before.

Selena's voice was casual, as if she were commenting on the nice weather, yet Ava felt a pang of sadness. She had witnessed how he had neglected their marriage and given Selena the cold shoulder. Even if Ava wanted to defend Mr. Bennett, she couldn't find the words. Swallowing her urge to say more, Ava simply reminded Selena to stay safe on her journey.

Selena nodded, climbed into the car, and shut the door without looking back.

and boarding like clockwork. Whether Everett showed up or not didn't seem

until the flight attendant announced the plane's imminent departure that Selena glanced up from her magazine at the empty seat beside her.

picked up her phone, saw the empty message inbox, and, with a

took off, climbing

was remote, so she hopped on a bus for another hour to reach

was eagerly waiting at the door. The moment she saw her granddaughter, she needed no

dear, I've missed you

her arms wide to embrace

her grandma let go and looked behind her expectantly, only to find no one else. "Selena, where's your husband? Wasn't he coming with

replied, a bit exasperated, "Grandma, who are you more excited to see, me

of course,

village are teasing me, questioning if I'm just making your marriage up. They say the man you married must not be worth showing off, and that's why you won't bring him around.