Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

To keep up appearances, Selena quickly grabbed a bite for lunch and caught a short nap before heading out. She had an appointment today to check out a potential wedding venue.

On her way there, her phone buzzed with a call from Joy, saying she was off work and free to join her. Selena raised her eyebrows in surprise; Joy was known for being a workaholic, always eager to prove her worth to Everett, and she hardly ever took a day off. After a moment's pause, Selena came right out with it, "Did Everett ask you to tag along with me?"

"Selena, you've got me figured out," Joy admitted, unable to keep the secret. "Everett was concerned about you going solo, so he asked me to join. Although, I was more than happy to come."

Selena got the gist. Everett couldn't be there himself, so he sent Joy in his place. He was probably tied up with Margot and her kid.

Of course, Selena wouldn't give Joy a hard time. After meeting up, they headed out together to check out the venue.

Later, as dinner time rolled around, her phone rang-it was Everett.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Where are you?" he inquired.

Selena and Joy had just reached the mall and were scouting for a place to eat. She told him as much.

"Great, I'm nearby. How about I swing by and we grab dinner together?"

Selena was taken aback. He wasn't busy with Margot today? Or maybe he'd juggled his schedule to make time for her?

His voice came through again, "What do you feel like eating?"

She still felt a bit resentful towards him. Catching sight of a Sichuan hotpot sign, she grinned slyly, "So, whatever I want, you'll have too?" Everett's voice was as soft as ever, "Of course. You've always gone along with my choices. Now it's your turn."

Oh, he's in for a treat now.

"Alright then, come over. I'll be waiting."

After hanging up, Selena went to make a reservation. The restaurant was a busy spot in the mall, so they'd probably have to wait their turn.

Joy quickly detached her arm from Selena's. "Selena, I won't be your third wheel. My mom's cooked up some soup at home, so I'm off for some home-cooked goodness. Catch you later!" And with that, she was gone in a flash, a whirlwind no one could catch.

Selena chuckled, shaking her head. Joy, ever blunt, always turned into a nervous wreck around Everett-a consistency that never wavered over the years.

Selena secured their spot and sat on a bench by the entrance to wait.

This hotpot place was notorious for

its fiery dishes, and were even too much for a spice lover like her.

Everett, who couldn't handle heat, would definitely find it would

overwhelming.

Just thinking about it was a bit satisfying.

l.ne

Just then, waiter carefully passed by with a pot of the restaurant's infamous spicy broth. Normally, she loved it, but this time the smell made her stomach do a flip. Content. belongs to

She had to hold her chest, feeling a wave of nausea.

"Selena, are you okay?"

Everett was by her side in no time, his long strides closing the distance. He rested a hand on her shoulder, crouching down to look her in the eye, concern etched in his dark eyes.

Selena herself wasn't sure what was wrong. Maybe she was just hungry and light-headed?

Once she felt a bit steadier, she said, "I'm going to splash some water on my face in the restroom."

"Alright, I'll walk you there."

With his arm around her waist, Everett guided her to the restroom entrance.

"I'll be right here if you need anything."

"Okay," she nodded.

At the sink, Selena rinsed her mouth and splashed her face with cold water, which seemed to ease the queasiness a bit.

Nearby, two women were chatting as they washed their hands.

Woman 1: "You've been feeling queasy lately. Think you might be pregnant? Have you checked?"

Woman 2 replied with excitement, "I did this morning, and it's positive!"

Hearing their conversation, Selena looked at her reflection in the mirror, her face turning as pale as a sheet.