Chapter 41
cherished and cared for.
Selena was totally caught off guard, her eyes widening in surprise. Everett's warm breath brushed against her face, and she could see his thick eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Honestly, she preferred kissing over anything else. Kisses felt pure like you were But for the past three years, each time he initiated a kiss, it was just a prelude to something physical, never about genuine closeness or affection. Besides that one time at a party when he kissed her just to shut her up, this was only the second time that seemed genuine. Selena didn't feel any warmth or sweetness, just shock and a bit of disbelief. Instinctively, she shoved him away. "What are you doing?" she asked, stepping back and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
Everett seemed taken aback by her strong reaction. Seeing her look so disgusted, his expression faltered.
It finally clicked for Selena what his so-called "signature" meant. She was taken aback. "You don't actually think this is charming, do you? Gross..."
Their marriage was all for show now. His actions weren't charming-they were just grotesque, weren't they? She couldn't help but spit twice in disdain.
Everett's gaze turned icy, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop. He laughed bitterly, emphasizing each word, "Selena, what's with the act? When you were pulling all those stunts to get my attention before, you weren't exactly shy."
Damn, the jerk was barking up the wrong tree again. Selena clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with fury, wanting nothing more than to slap him. But for her uncle, for Ricky, and for a smooth divorce to become a wealthy woman, for a brighter future, she couldn't lose her temper!
'Patience is a virtue,' she reminded herself, thinking of the five percent share in the Bennett Corporation. Her anger was quickly cooled by the thought of wealth. Deciding to ignore him, she put on a forced smile, "Now that you've had your say, I'll be going!"
Without giving him a chance to respond, she walked out, not looking back. Everett watched her disappear, his anger simmering. After a few deep breaths, he regained his composure.
Bradley, who had been quiet until now, chose this moment to speak up, "Mr. Bennett, I'll head out to work then."
Everett gave a slight nod. A few steps later, he suddenly asked, "What does 'gross' mean?"
Bradley paused, thinking it over before replying seriously, "It's modern slang, meaning disgusting."
...
Selena had barely settled into a taxi
when Everett's call came through again, making her frown with irritation Would it ever end? There had been months where he hadn't called or texted her at all, and now he was like a persistent
vno
telemarketer.
Even though she wanted to hang up, she couldn't help but answer, albeit reluctantly. "What now?"
"Come back home today. I'll have Derick pick you up," Everett's tone was cool, yet there was no mistaking the command in it.
Home? The word felt like a cruel
joke. She had once hoped Moon Bay would be their love nest, but he'd spent three years proving it was just her wishful thinking. But the contract was signed, and she wouldn't be stubborn about it. She'd treat it like a job with room and board Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Aside from the demanding boss, Moon Bay had pretty decent employee accommodation. "Alright, Mr. Everett, whatever you say. I'll move back tonight," she replied with a forced grin.
Even though she was playing along,
Everett could hear the sarcasm in her voice. His expression hardened and he added, "I've already spoken to Sydney. She's agreed to settle." Find some time to take Ricky to pay her a visit, and don't forget a gift."