Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

When Everett walked in, Selena was guiding Mateo down the stairs. Their eyes met halfway, a silent exchange that spoke volumes. Everett's gaze was deep and unreadable, while Selena's face remained calm, betraying no emotion. They kept up their unspoken agreement to maintain a sense of peace for their child's sake.

"Daddy, you're back!" Mateo's voice was full of excitement as he barreled down the stairs and leaped into his father's arms. He'd missed Everett the night before and had been asking about him repeatedly.

Everett bent to scoop up his son, planting a kiss on Mateo's chubby cheek and squeezing him a little tighter than usual. Mateo squirmed slightly, puzzled by the tight embrace. "Daddy, you're squishing me!" he giggled.

Everett loosened his hold, but he didn't set Mateo down. Instead, he carried him straight into the dining room. Ava had breakfast ready, as always, a lavish spread laid out on the table.

Everett settled Mateo into his chair and took a seat next to him, picking up a bowl of oatmeal to feed him. He'd always aimed to nurture Mateo's independence, encouraging him to do things on his own.

"Daddy, I can eat by myself now," Mateo piped up, curiosity in his voice.

"Don't you like it when Daddy feeds you?" Everett asked gently.

Mateo shook his head, then nodded with a soft, "I like it!" His voice was sweet and innocent.

Selena quietly took a seat across from them, focusing on her breakfast and allowing the father-son moment to unfold naturally.

After breakfast, Everett carefully wiped Mateo's mouth with a wet wipe and tidied his clothes. He turned to Selena, his voice low, "Let Alex take him to school today."noveldrama

Selena nodded, offering no resistance.

Everett led Mateo outside, buckling him into the car and giving Alex a few instructions before watching them drive away. Standing there, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and took a deep drag. The smoke caught him off guard, triggering a hefty cough.

Eventually, he returned indoors. Selena was in the tea room, brewing tea, the fragrant aroma filling the space in a soothing embrace. A pile of freshly picked flowers from the garden lay before her, and she was trimming them with scissors, preparing to arrange them in a vase.

Everett leaned against the

doorframe, just watching. Sunlight streamed in, bathing her in a gentle glow that made her look almost ethereal. He couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have her in his life.

He slowly walked in, took a seat, and poured himself a cup of tea, holding it without drinking. It was as if he was gathering his thoughts, figuring out how to begin.

Selena continued her task, not rushing him.

"Selena." His voice was hoarse, his words simple but laden with meaning. "She saved my life."

The bluntness of his statement caught Selena off guard momentarily. She assumed he was referring to the blood donation from years ago.

"So, what does that mean? Are you going to ignore the fact that she hurt Mateo? Selena's voice was steady, though she had already anticipated his decision and felt a pang of disappointment.

Everett lowered his eyes, his long lashes casting shadows that concealed his feelings. "Yasmine will leave Newport safely and go back to France."

He wasn't there to discuss or negotiate. He was there to tell her his decision.

Selena laughed, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You really don't deserve to be Mateo's father."

She stayed composed, her voice calm despite the tremor of emotion. "If that's your decision, I have nothing left to say. Leave, and from now on, stay away from us."

Everett closed his eyes, standing still for a long moment. It wasn't until Ava stormed in, brandishing a broom and shouting, that he finally moved to leave.

As he left, Ava hit him twice with the broom and managed to clip his foot with a suitcase she threw at him. She stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, delivering a parting shot. “If you come back to bother Ma'am and Mateo, I'll break your legs, you lousy man!"

"I'm so disappointed in you!" she yelled after him.