Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena wasn't as icy as before, but she didn't exactly warm up either.

Once they stepped into the master bedroom, the door closed with a solid thud. Clothes lay scattered on the floor as Everett wrapped his arms around Selena's slender waist, lifting her up close to him, wanting to drink in every detail of her. In those moments, when she seemed to give in, he felt like he still had a hold on her.noveldrama

But Selena wished it were different. She preferred if he kept things simple, just taking care of his physical needs without all the theatrics. Unfortunately, when it came to their intimate moments, Everett was always in the driver's seat. She couldn't fight it or run from it, her voice breaking under the weight of it all.

Biting into his shoulder, her voice a mix of tears and anger, she muttered, "Everett, you're such a jerk!"

Yet, his heart felt a twinge of something tender.

That night, the echoes of their intimacy lingered for hours on end...

In the morning, Selena predictably overslept. Everett took over, getting their son ready for the day, helping him wash up, get dressed, and eat breakfast. Little Mateo grumbled, but there was an unmistakable smile tugging at his lips.

Ava, standing nearby, chimed in, "Sir, if you're gonna stay out, at least let us know. Mateo wouldn't go to bed last night because he missed you."

Mateo's cheeks turned crimson as he shot back, "No, I didn't."

Everett glanced at his son, choosing not to call out the fib. But it did leave a small sting.

Yesterday, Selena picking him up from the bar and spending the night was probably more about their son than about her. It was Mateo who needed him, not her-

When Selena finally woke up, it was almost noon. Her phone rang, and after fumbling around for a bit, she answered. It was Joy on the line.

After agreeing to catch up over afternoon tea, Selena figured it was about time they reconnected. Meeting near Mateo's school seemed perfect, as she could pick him up afterward.

Joy, noticing Selena's radiant appearance, couldn't help but tease, "Selena, seems like things are pretty rosy with Everett now that you're back together."

Selena looked down, stirring her coffee gently. The ups and downs of life, only those living it could truly understand.

Initially, she had only planned to partner up with Everett to raise their son, but after a heart-to-heart with Mateo, her outlook was quietly shifting. The impact of a family on a child's life is huge.

An unhappy childhood takes a

lifetime to mend. She worried their issues might spill over to Mateo. Even if she wasn't ready to forgive Everett completely, maybe... for their son's sake, she could give it another shot?

"For Mateo's sake, are you willing to compromise?" Joy asked with a hint of concern. "What if there was no Mateo?" Selena barely caught it, "What?"

Joy shook her head, "Nothing. It's about time. Let me join you to pick up Mateo. I've missed my godson too."

...

Mateo was settling in well at school, visibly brighter, which eased Selena's worries.

A couple of weeks later, the school planned a camping trip, with a morning hike, a barbecue and stargazing at night, and a descent the next day. To encourage independence, parents weren't allowed to tag along.

Selena was anxious but seeing Mateo's excitement, she couldn't bring herself to say no. She went over every detail, reminding him to stay safe, seek out teachers if needed, or call her right away. Mateo nodded obediently.

Everett, watching from the couch, saw her fussing and smiled, holding back from his usual speech about boys needing to be tough and independent.

Back in their room, Selena was still thinking about what else to pack for Mateo when Everett's warm arms wrapped around her from behind. His kisses trailed to her ear, his voice smooth and teasing, "Mrs. Bennett, your husband's off on a business trip tomorrow, and it'll be a long one. Aren't you going to give me a few parting words, hmm?"