Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena rubbed her forehead, feeling momentarily speechless, so she just sent back an emoji.

However, her cool demeanor didn't deter Lily, who quickly fired off another message. [Selena, I still think you and Callum make a better pair. I mean, your husband is... sure, he's hot, but with that icy stare, he's kind of scary! I hardly dare to get close to him!] Selena disagreed with the first part-she and Dr. Campbell were just friends-but she couldn't deny the second part.

Lily pressed on, [Selena, if you weren't married, would you go for Callum?]

Selena shook her head and chuckled. This girl really wasn't afraid to ask anything.

Selena wasn't keen on answering such a hypothetical question, but Lily's persistent barrage of pleading emojis wore her down. With a resigned smile, Selena seriously considered it and replied, "Who wouldn't be drawn to a sweet guy like Dr. Campbell?" Sure, Dr. Campbell's taste might be questionable, but his decade-long devotion to a woman who didn't choose him, and his loyalty without badmouthing anyone, spoke volumes.

With a solid family background, a thriving career, and an even temperament, he was resilient and strong-perfect husband material. Had she not been married, had she not fallen for Everett before meeting someone like Dr. Campbell, she might have been swayed. But... in this world, there were no what-ifs.

About half an hour later, Selena strolled back to the hospital room with a bowl of freshly washed grapes. Josh had calmed down completely and was back to his friendly self as if the earlier drama was just a mirage.

They chatted for a bit until he got tired, and then she and Everett headed out together.

By the time they made it back to Moon Bay, the night was well underway.

Selena had mapped through the car and plane rides, and now was wide awake. She indulged in a soothing hot bath and then sat at her vanity, diligently going through her skincare routine.

Everett, having showered in the guest bathroom, walked in just as Selena was applying lotion. She was bent over, rubbing it onto her calves, with the neckline of her nightgown hanging loose. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

From where he stood, the view was quite tempting. His Adam's apple bobbed unconsciously, a hint of desire stirring.

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Everett discreetly looked away, settling on the bed and saying with a slightly rough voice, "Selena, can you help me with some ointment?" Selena was about to throw a cheeky comment when he added, "Five thousand dollars."

Her retort died on her lips. Who turns down easy money? With a playful grin, Selena grabbed the medical kit and joined him on the bed. He turned his back to her, shrugging off his robe to reveal a back littered with bruises, clear evidence of Josh's heavy-handedness. Selena paused briefly, thinking he might have deserved it, then carefully dabbed ointment on his wounds, her touch softening unconsciously. The room fell silent, a peacefulness settling in that they hadn't shared in quite some time, almost like a comforting lull.

Everett caught her gentle expression from the corner of his eye and suddenly asked, "What did you think of what Grandpa said today?"