Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

If Selena hadn't witnessed with her own eyes last night how he and Margot were wrapped up in each other's arms, she might have doubted herself, thinking she was being unfair to him. She tried to force a smile, but it just wouldn't come. Oblivious to her unease, Everett seemed oddly pleased by the slight accusation in her voice. "What's up? Did you miss me?"

"Not really, just curious," she replied, pushing him away to get up and freshen up.

She was so close that she caught a whiff of the perfume, and that familiar, nauseating feeling began to bubble up inside her again. If she stayed, she feared she might actually be sick.

Mistaking her reluctance for playfulness, Everett grabbed her wrist and pulled her back onto the bed. "Selena, I've missed you too."

His hand slid up her thigh, inching higher.

A chill ran through Selena. She knew what he was after. By now, she could read the signs of his desire like a book. Biting her lip, she felt a mix of hurt and anger.

She had planned to give him a chance to explain, to be honest about seeing Margot. She wouldn't have felt so disgusted if he had just been truthful. Instead of being honest, he lied and seemed focused only on sex. Her mind was in turmoil, not ready to tackle their issues, and she certainly wasn't in the mood to indulge him.

But Selena knew his persistent nature well enough. Outright refusal would only seem like a game to him. Her only choice was to feign annoyance. "You... you go take a shower first."

Everett paused at her words, his dark eyes narrowing as he leaned closer to her ear, teasing, "Disgusted with me, huh?"

"Yes, I'm disgusted with you!" she snapped, her voice rising as she shoved him away.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

He stumbled back, caught off guard. Finally, he seemed to notice her irritation, studying her closely. "Are you mad because I didn't come home last night?"

Selena's fingers trembled slightly. She knew she had to keep her composure, as his intuition was sharp. Playing along, she adopted an upset tone. "No, your work is important, I get it."

As expected, the shadow in Everett's eyes lifted, replaced by a charming smile. "Mrs. Bennett, I'll take the day off just for you. Does that make you happy?"

His tenderness and thoughtfulness

made Selena almost believe, if only for a moment, that last night hadn't happened. That Margot hadn't gone to see him. That she hadn't heard those words from Joy.

They were still in the villa, surrounded by the evidence of their recent passionate encounters, like when Ava teasingly said they had the vibe of newlyweds. More than anything, Selena wished this wasn't just a dream.

Suddenly, she hugged Everett, pressing her cheek against his chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. "Everett," she murmured his name softly. Everett, enjoying her affectionate gesture, gently stroked her hair. "Hmm?"

Selena's voice was barely a whisper, almost lost in the air. "Everett, do you love me?"

He had talked about starting over, making things work, and not getting a divorce, but he never said if he loved her. At first, she hadn't dared ask, but now, she desperately needed to know how he truly felt about her and starting over.