Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena was taken aback for a good while. It wasn't until the man gave her a

playful pinch on the waist that she snapped out of it. Her thick lashes fluttered as she asked, "Did you really call off the engagement? Why?" Wasn't he all about those arranged marriages?

Everett chuckled at her surprise and shot back, "Selena, what do you think? You're always so hard to please, never happy with anything, and your heart's way too sensitive. As a guy, don't I have to give in a little?"noveldrama

His tone had a hint of frustration, but it wasn't a real complaint. Everett was the kind of guy who never looked back once he made a decision. No matter how much he tried to weigh things, he just couldn't sidestep the enigma that was Selena. For someone so usually cold-hearted, it was shocking that she could get under his skin at all.

Since that was the case, he was at peace with it. Everett had never met a challenge he couldn't conquer; it was just about outdoing his past self. He was convinced that the man he was now would come out on top! That was his confidence speaking.

Selena stayed quiet, her emotions a whirlwind. Honestly, she never thought Everett would budge. He usually just made everyone else bend.

"Say something!" Everett prodded, giving her lip a gentle nip.

Selena sighed, pushing him back a bit, "Everett, are you part dog? Always biting." She took a deep breath and asked, "Do you even know how to love?"

She'd seen enough of his cold, mechanical heart lately. When Dr. Campbell mentioned side effects, she never imagined they'd be this intense. Her world had been turned upside down again, and she lost the love she thought she had. Even so, deep down, she knew that if she had to do it all over again, she'd make the same choice. She'd save his life. Living, after all, was what mattered most.

Everett held her close, his voice a soothing rumble, "I might not know now, but I can learn. You just gotta be patient with me, okay?"

Selena was skeptical, "And how exactly are you gonna do that?"

Everett hesitated, deciding not to bring up the hypnosis. It was a gamble, and he didn't want to let her down if it didn't work. Plus, if she found out he needed hypnosis just to feet love for her again, her pride might take a hit, and she'd be upset all over again. Better to wait until she was more receptive.

He kept it vague, simply saying, "You'll see."

Selena had her suspicions. Her gut told her he was hiding something. She wanted

to ask, but Everett didn't give her the chance. His fingers traced her lips with a

teasing intimacy, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

"Selena, it's been a while since we... well, if you're not tired, maybe we could..."

Before he could finish, Selena clamped her eyes shut.

Everett was left hanging, "Really? That blunt, huh? I thought you liked it."

Even though he knew she was faking sleep, he couldn't bring himself to call her out. He needed to recharge, tomorrow was another day with things to do. They had time on their side, no need to rush. Once

hey

was back at full strength, he'd make sure to unleash everything he'd been holding back.

He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

...

Selena didn't know if it was the

't know

meds or the rare peace she felt with Everett, but she slept like a log. Not a single dream, and when she opened her eyes, the sun was already up. She even took a moment to stretch, which was unusual for her

Looking over to the other side of the bed, Everett was already gone, but the

evidence of last night assured her it hadn't been a dream.