Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

As Selena looked down at her kids, her eyes softened once more. She scooped up Haley, took Mateo's hand, and headed into the house, completely ignoring Everett. He just stood there, frozen, watching her cold, distant figure retreat, his brow furrowed deeply.

Yesterday, even though she didn't accept his feelings, she was still kind of calm with him. They had to deal with each other because of the kids. So, what had changed? Why was she acting so different today?

What on earth had happened?

Everett instinctively glanced at Ava, hoping for some answers. But as soon as he started to speak, Ava snorted at him, saying, "Take your time leaving," before waddling inside without looking back. The door slammed shut with a thud.

Everett was left standing there, confused and wondering what he had done wrong this time.

Selena, having missed her kids after some time apart, couldn't get enough of them. She hugged one, then the other, not wanting to let go. Mateo and Haley clung to her like little magnets, chatting away.

Mateo mostly talked about school stuff, while Haley kept bringing up Everett.

"Mommy, Daddy did my hair, but it's not as nice as when you do it," she said, pointing to her head where a lopsided ponytail sat.

Selena noticed it and, despite her mood, couldn't help but chuckle. Seems like even he had his flaws.

"Let Mommy fix it for you," Selena said gently. She untied her daughter's hair, carefully combed it, and skillfully tied it up again.

"Is this better?" she asked.

Haley admired herself in a small mirror, turning her head this way and that, clearly pleased.

Selena shook her head, amused.

Mateo snuggled into his mom's arms, hesitated a bit, then softly asked, "Mom, aren't you going to make up with Dad?"

As a kid, he naturally wished his

parents could be happy together as a family, Selena understood Mateo's hopes and worries, but from her perspective, she and Everett seemed beyond repair.

She didn't want to sugarcoat things for the kids.

Haley was too young to get it, but Mateo understood quite a bit.noveldrama

Selena spoke earnestly, "Mateo, the feelings between your dad and me are complicated. You might not get it all, but two people should be together for happiness and stabil not to live like they're on a rotter coaster every day."

"Your dad is a great father, but he wasn't a great husband. I don't have the confidence to go back into a marriage with him, but he's stiff your and Haley's dad, and that willnever change. So, don't worry, okay?"

Mateo nodded, sort of getting it.

But he couldn't help but ask, gripping his mom's fingers, "Mom, even if Dad realizes his mistakes, you wouldn't be his wife again?"

He even gave an example. There was a kid in his class whose parents always fought. But then, the dad really tried hard, and the mom became his wife again.

Selena chuckled at his innocent words. Such simple, sweet thoughts, but sadly... her relationship with Everett had been through too much.

Her heart just couldn't take another round of chaos.

Everett stood quietly by the door, listening to the mother and children's conversation, the light in his eyes fading bit by bit.