Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena snapped back to reality and quickly reached for Mateo.

But it was too late. Everett had already caught on, his dark eyes shifting towards them. He spotted his son first before his gaze landed on her.

Seconds later, he rose and sauntered over with those long strides of his.

After months apart, there he was-Everett, standing in front of Selena again. Mateo ran up, wrapping his little arms around his dad's leg, calling out to him.

Everett looked down at his son, ruffling his fluffy hair. It seemed like the little guy had shot up a bit.

After a pause, he said in a voice that was rough around the edges, "Selena, how've you been?"

His deep, dark eyes fixed on her like they always did, as if nothing had changed.

Selena could only feel the irony.

Even now, he was putting on that affectionate act.

Why the charade?

If he really cared, he wouldn't have gone silent on her for so long.

Of course, with a new love interest, why would he care about an old flame's tears?

Just then, Theresa walked over too, casually linking her arm with Everett's and flashing Selena a smile.

"So, you're the former Mrs. Bennett? Hi there, I'm Theresa from the well-known Lynn family."

Maybe it was her youth, maybe her spoiled upbringing, but her intent to ruffle feathers was crystal clear.

Selena ignored her, acting like she wasn't even there.

She scooped up Mateo and turned to leave.

Theresa didn't expect to be brushed off like that, and it ruffled her feathers. She grumbled, "Who does she think she is? So rude!"

But when she looked up, she met Everett's icy stare, and it startled her enough to drop his arm.

...

Out on the terrace, fireworks burst into the sky.

Newport's holiday fireworks were always something special, and they used to be Selena's favorite.

But now, every time she saw them, she was dragged back to the past, to those times when Everett held her as they watched together.

Memories that tugged at her heartstrings.

Now they were too painful to revisit.

Selena covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.noveldrama

She thought, thank goodness for the fireworks and cheers drowning out her sobs.

Finally, she could release the tears she'd been holding back for so long.

As the first fireworks show wrapped up, Selena managed to pull herself together. She wiped away her tears and ted Mateo back to their suite.

BAUMS

Ava, ever observant, immediately noticed her red eyes and asked, "Ma'am, what's wrong? Have you been crying?"

Selena was about to brush it off with an excuse, but Mateo beat her to it.

"Ava, it's my fault. I saw Dad and called out to him, and it made Mom upset." He looked so guilty.

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on his mom's hand, “Mom, I'm sorry. I won't do

it again. I just..."

He didn't finish, but Selena knew. He just missed his dad.

After so long without seeing him, he'd momentarily forgotten Ava's warnings.

Of course, Selena wouldn't blame him. So young and caught between them, was tough on him. At home, he avoided bringing up his dad to keep from upsetting her.

His maturity tugged at her heart. She hugged him tight and smothered him in kisses, "It's not your fault, sweetheart. No need to

apologize."

Ava was seething, muttering about how the holiday had been wrecked.

What should've been a lovely celebration had turned sour.

Selena called for the check, then left with Ava and the kids.

Because of the holiday, traffic was a nightmare, and their driver was stuck at the intersection, unable to get through.

The wind at the door was fierce, so Selena and Ava bundled up the kids in their jackets, not wanting them to catch a chill.