Mystery Bride's Revenge

Selina couldn't help but let a sly smile curl her lips as Trevon's probing became more and more blatant. "First off, Mr. Brady, you're easy on the eyes and fit my taste perfectly. Second, I've looked into the history of Brilliance and believe that with your leadership and Insight Group's resources, it'll reach impressive heights. Working with a company that has such potential is a no-brainer."

"You've made the right choice, Angel. It's a pleasure doing business with you."

After discussing several key points of the collaboration, Selina revealed nothing extra. Seeing that his attempts to dig deeper weren't bearing fruit, and given that Selina's requirements were all quite reasonable, Trevon gladly accepted them all

"By the way." Selina added casually, "the day after we spoke, Timothy, the head of Clark Jewelry from Sokovis reached out to me, aiming for a partnership."

"Clark Jewelry..." Trevon's voice remained even, showing no signs of perturbation.

He was well aware of such a group's existence. Yet he had never considered Clark Jewelry a real competitor. Why would an eagle, soaring globally, regard a mere jester as a rival? It would be beneath him.

"I told him that if Clark Jewelry manages to win first place at the Sokovis Jewelry Design Contest I'll consider working with them. Since both of you are from Sokovis, Mr. Brady, I hope Brilliance doesn't make things awkward for

T

"No worries, that first place is basically in Brilliance's bag already because my wife is at Brilliance and she's planning to enter the contest.

"It seems you have much faith in your wife. Alright then, here's to a successful partnership."

Post phone call, Selina downed her coffee, packed her stuff, and was about to leave when her phone beeped with a new message from Trevon.

[My wife is like the brightest star in the night sky. Get close to her get to know her, and you'll be completely captivated by her brilliance, unable to break away. We should arrange for you two to meet.]

Selina arched an eyebrow. She thought, Trevon, really... Where does he pick up such cheesy lines? It's so uncool; it almost makes me cringe.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

As night fell, Selina and Trevon were having dinner in their villa.

"Honey, this is the material list. I hope you can bless me by allowing me to use Brilliance's assembly machines. I plan to handcraft necklaces for my friends myself."

"Of course." Trevon casually pocketed the list. When Devin stepped forward to take it, Trevon stopped him. "This is my wife's request. I intend to do it myself"

Caught off guard by the sudden show of affection, Devin let out a small cough and quickly exited the restaurant. It was as if he had become a glaringly obvious third wheel, a bright lightbulb that didn't quite fit in the room. Best to leave Selina and Trevon to their own liule world.

Selina thoroughly enjoyed Trevon's remark and, playing along, she sliced a piece of steak and held it up to his mouth. "Hubby, you're so good."

Trevon indulged in the bite, savoring it thoughtfully before elegantly wiping a speck of pepper sauce from the corner of his mouth. "Do you feel like marrying me is the happiest event of your life?"

"In lovey-dovey mode, I don't want to answer such long-term questions. But who doesn't like being spoiled? I'm happy. What about you? How did your meeting go today with Angel! Any progress on the collaboration?"

With a gleam in her eye, Selina knew exactly what she was fishing for, and Trevon was happy to play along. "It went splendidly. Angel even mentioned that if Clark Jewelry wins the pcoming Jewelry Design Contest, she's agreed to collaborate with them. Honey, you've got to help me bring home that first-place trophy, so to riff-raff can mess up my plans."

Deep down, Trevon was about seventy percent sure that Selina was Angel. He was just waiting for that decisive piece of evidence, like unmasking the number one hacker on the dark web, Charm. The thrill of the chase was delightful; he relished in the slow peeling away of Selina's masks

At his words, Selina rose and, like a playful kitten, she moved behind Trevon, her delicate white hands resting gently on his shoulders. Her voice was sweet as honey. "If I do win first place, breaking Clark Jewelry's scheme and securing a deal with Angel for the grand event, don't you think you owe me a little reward?"

"What would you like? It's yours for the asking."

Selina narrowed her eyes, her hands moving down and stopping over the chest, she could feel Trevon's heart beat steady and strong through his shirt. Her tone shifted to something more enigmatic as she said, "What if I want your life?"

"I would give it," Trevon responded without a trace of jest, utterly serious.

A few strands of Selina's hair fell forward, gently caressing the side of Trevon's face. She playfully rolled her eyes and murmured "But I think you're more useful to me alive, someone to spoil me."

Then I'll live, to spoil my darling wife.

She leaned down, and Trevon slightly lifted his gaze, their eyes sparking in midair, like a storm meeting a blaze.

Selina planted a soft kiss on Trevon's cheek. Despite the gentleness of her lips, it shocked him as though he had been. electrocuted, leaving him momentarily paralyzed. As Trevon came back to his senses, he looked at Selina dumbfounded. "Honey, you... "I promised a reward for my husband, didn't I? There it is. Alright, I'm full. I'm going to take a shower. Bye." With checks flushed, Selina made up a flimsy excuse and dashed off as if fleeing the scene, leaving Trevon in awe. That one kiss was full of reluctant necessity; instinct had taken over reason.

Devin watched in astonishment as Selina bolted out of the dining room without even a word. Before he could even ask what was wrong, she was sprinting upstairs. Left with a look of utter confusion, Devin stood there, dumbfounded.

Even after Selina had made it back to her room, her heartbeat refused to slow down for the longest time. Reflecting on the encounter, Selina covered her face in embarrassment. Was this making her look too unreserved? But it was Trevon, after all. He was so impressive, so handsome. When their eyes met, the proximity too close, it was nearly impossible to keep her composure. The allure of a good-looking man-it was a dangerous thing.

Meanwhile, Devin waited and waited. A good half-hour had passed, and Trevon hadn't shown any signs of movement. Selina never came back down. Concerned something was amiss, Devin mustered his courage and made his way back to the dining room. There he found Trevon sitting as before, his meal almost untouched

Devin ventured cautiously, "Mr. Brady, is something wrong?"

"Hmm... too sweet. I can't eat anymore, Trevon replied, standing up to leave, the corners of his lips never losing their curve. He might as well have had the word "Bliss" written across his forehead.

This scared Devin more than a little. The chef he'd paid top dollar to bring on board had always cooked according to Trevon's preferred tastes. Devin himself had approved the dishes every time before service, so what could be wrong? Or was it his own sense of taste? Was the dish too sweet? He decided that a trip to the hospital for a check-up might be in order. After all, better safe than sorry.