Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

She wanted to ask, "Everett, do you have a bit of a thing for me?" But she held back. As the words reached her lips, they took a detour.

Everett lazily lifted his eyelids, the dim bedroom light softening his features as he gazed intently at her. Selena's heart raced wildly, thumping in her ears.

"The whole party incident-let's just forget it ever happened and not bring it up again."

Everett's words hit her like a cold shower, dousing the hopeful flicker in her heart. In those few seconds, Selena's mind raced through countless potential responses he might give, but she never expected this one-the most painful of all.

So, he did all this just to make amends for publicly humiliating her at the party and leaving her to face the embarrassment alone. Was he worried she'd cause a scene now, tarnishing Margot's reputation and making it hard for him to marry her later? What a gentleman, Selena thought sarcastically.

With a forced smile, Selena said, "Alright, you've gone above and beyond. I should be reasonable-let's call it even."

She said the words, but Everett sensed something was off in her tone. Just as he was about to speak, she cut him off. "It's late. You should get some sleep. I won't crowd you; I'll bunk with Grandma tonight."

Without a pause, she got up and quickly headed for the door.

growing.

...

and sat on the swing. Her father had crafted it for her

nearby, laughing and teasing, "You spoil her so much. Her standards will be sky-high-how will she ever

as you and as smart as me, so she will find someone who loves her even

"Right, Selena?" he'd say.

voice, she'd

a kid, clueless about love, but she tucked those words away in her heart, holding them

as she'd hoped though. She didn't marry someone who loved her deeply instead, she

Selena raised her hand and slapped herself

grip. Selena, get a grip!'

...

the park. Rubbing the back of her head, she said, "Selena, my heart feels a

her a look, calling her out, "Grandma, your heart feels tight, and you're rubbing