Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett frowned. "You done talking?"

"Yeah, I'm done."

"Is that all you say every time you come?" Not really.

Every year, Selena would sit here for ages, chatting with her parents, pouring out all the emotions she'd kept bottled up inside. This time, though, she had plenty on her mind before she arrived, but suddenly, she didn't feel like saying any of it. Everything she wanted to say was about him.

He was tangled up in all her ups and downs. Three years into their marriage, her world had shrunk to just him. Everything revolved around him. Now, there wasn't any point in talking about it. Everett wouldn't be part of it for the rest of her life. Selena definitely wasn't about to tell him any of this. There was no need to give him more ammo for his jabs, "You seem to want control of everything!"

His face darkened yet again. This moody guy must've had some serious issues.

Selena couldn't be bothered with him, so she gathered her things and started heading down the hill. If she got back late, she'd miss the evening banquet.

"Hold on."

Everett suddenly grabbed her wrist. Annoyed, Selena was about to snap at him when she saw him step forward and, just like she'd done earlier, he closed his eyes and prayed. Selena's heart skipped a beat.

Even after Everett stood up, she was still a bit dazed, looking up at his profile. "Why... why did you do that?"

"Since I'm here..." Everett took the bag from her and added, in a tone so casual it was hard to read any emotion, "and we're still married, paying respects to my in-laws is the right thing to do." Then, he started striding down the hill. Selena, trying to push down the whirlwind of feelings swirling inside her, pressed her lips together and followed.

...

In the afternoon, Everett and Selena

headed to the bridal shop Grace had booked to try on dresses. It was just a formality, and Selena thought about choosing something simple, but Everett wasn't having it. He insisted they bring out the best

dress in the shop.

But she knew it wasn't about him valuing her or the banquet; it was just his perfectionist streak. If he were going to do something, he'd do it to perfection, even if it was for a "fake" wedding.

Sadly, there weren't many top-notch dresses in a small town, so Mr. Perfectionist wasn't pleased with any of them.

Exhausted from trying on dresses, Selena slouched on the couch. "Mr. Bennett, it's not some grand royal wedding. Can you lower your high standards just this once? Let's just pick something and get through the evening."

Everett smirked, "Selena, that's not what you said three years ago when you wanted a wedding."

Back then, she was so bold, telling him she wanted a medieval-themed wedding, in a castle, broadcasted live for the world to see her joy. Her dress had to be the best, one-of-a-kind, her shoes made of crystal, and she wanted to ride in a pumpkin carriage like a princess, among other things.

"Did you forget your words?"

His reminder brought it all back to Selena. She wasn't being unreasonable; every girl dreams about her wedding, and she was no different. She thought their love was real, especially since she hadn't yet discovered Margot's existence.

She wanted a wedding that they'd never forget, so that when they were old and gray, they could still snuggle up and reminisce about their special day.

Now, Selena hated bringing up the past, as it only reminded her of how naive she'd been. She quickly shot back, "You didn't deliver on it either, did you? Let's not worry about it now. I'll have a grand one at my second wedding!"