Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

His voice was husky as he asked, "Is she alright?" The tension that had been building up all evening suddenly became too much, like floodgates opening, letting everything pour out. Her nose stung with emotion as she nodded, then shook her head. Everett could sense her inner turmoil. She wanted to say she was fine; after all, she'd gotten through so many years on her own. But after nearly losing her beloved son, how could she be okay? As a mother, she just didn't allow herself to break down.

His large hand gently stroked the back of her head as he whispered, "It's okay now, I'm here." He had been angry she didn't tell him about the incident, but seeing her pale, fragile face melted all his anger away. He just wanted to hold her, comfort her, and keep her from being scared any longer.

Everett found it hard to believe that he would one day care for someone so deeply, that he would fear for her and do anything just to see her smile again. Selena herself might not realize it, but she was truly remarkable. He was willingly wrapped around her little finger. Selena was taken aback. She knew she should pull away, that she shouldn't find solace in his arms as it might weaken her resolve. But in that moment, she felt utterly powerless to push him away. Only she knew the depth of her fear. When she ran into the fire, she thought if she couldn't find little Mateo, she'd rather join him. Mateo was the reason she survived and lived well these past years. In front of others, she always put on a brave face, staying positive and strong, because she didn't want anyone to worry about her, and she wanted to set an example for Mateo.noveldrama

The sudden fire had brought her deepest fears to the surface, leaving her with nowhere to hide. Although Everett's overbearing nature could be annoying, she couldn't deny she needed his support now. She slowly closed her eyes and leaned against his strong chest. The scent of pine on him was soothing.

Callum watched them in silence. Suddenly, he realized why he had lost. It wasn't that he wasn't good enough, or that his tactics were wrong. It was just that Selena's heart had never been his. Her feelings for Everett, whether love or hate, were intense and unwavering. That was a space no one else could enter. He turned and left the room, heavy-hearted.

After a moment of quiet, Everett lifted Selena and carried her to the couch, gently setting her down. He straightened up and began taking off his jacket, watch, and even his tie, unbuttoning his shirt. Selena, watching him, snapped back to reality and stared at him incredulously. "Everett, are you seriously in the mood right now?" Even if he was always a bit wild, this seemed over the line. She tried to get up and leave.

He raised an eyebrow and, with a swift motion, wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her back and pinning her arms behind her. His handsome face leaned in, both amused and exasperated. "Mrs. Bennett, what kind of nonsense are you thinking?" His long fingers lightly grazed her nose as he spoke with a tired voice, "I just flew back from America, more than twenty hours round trip, worried sick and unable to sleep. I'm exhausted and just want to rest."