If Selena hadn''t witnessed with her own eyesst night how he and Margot were wrapped up in each other''s arms, she might have doubted herself, thinking she was being unfair to him. She tried to force a smile, but it just wouldn''te. Oblivious to her unease, Everett seemed oddly pleased by the slight usation in her voice. "What''s up? Did you miss me?"


    "Not really, just curious," she replied, pushing him away to get up and freshen up.


    She was so close that she caught a whiff of the perfume, and that familiar, nauseating feeling began to bubble up inside her again. If she stayed, she feared she might actually be sick.


    Mistaking her reluctance for yfulness, Everett grabbed her wrist and pulled her back onto the bed. "Selena, I''ve missed you too."


    His hand slid up her thigh, inching higher.


    A chill ran through Selena. She knew what he was after. By now, she could read the signs of his desire like a book. Biting her lip, she felt a mix of hurt and anger.


    She had nned to give him a chance to exin, to be honest about seeing Margot. She wouldn''t have felt so disgusted if he had just been truthful. Instead of being honest, he lied and seemed focused only on sex. Her mind was in turmoil, not ready to tackle their issues, and she certainly wasn''t in the mood to indulge him.


    But Selena knew his persistent nature well enough. Outright refusal would only seem like a game to him. Her only choice was to feign annoyance. "You... you go take a shower first."


    Everett paused at her words, his dark eyes narrowing as he leaned closer to her ear, teasing, "Disgusted with me, huh?"


    "Yes, I''m disgusted with you!" she snapped, her voice rising as she shoved him away.


    He stumbled back, caught off guard. Finally, he seemed to notice her irritation, studying her closely. "Are you mad because I didn''te homest night?"


    Selena''s fingers trembled slightly. She knew she had to keep herposure, as his intuition was sharp. ying along, she adopted an upset tone. "No, your work is important, I get it."


    As expected, the shadow in Everett''s eyes lifted, reced by a charming smile. "Mrs. Bet, I''ll take the day off just for you. Does that make you happy?"


    His tenderness and thoughtfulness


    made Selena almost believe, if only for a moment, thatst night hadn''t happened. That Margot hadn''t gone to see him. That she hadn''t heard those words from Joy.


    They were still in the vi, surrounded by the evidence of their recent passionate encounters, like when Ava teasingly said they had the vibe of newlyweds. More than anything, Selena wished this wasn''t just a dream.


    Suddenly, she hugged Everett, pressing her cheek against his chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. "Everett," she murmured his name softly. Everett, enjoying her affectionate gesture, gently stroked her hair. "Hmm?"Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Selena''s voice was barely a whisper, almost lost in the air. "Everett, do you love me?"


    He had talked about starting over, making things work, and not getting a divorce, but he never said if he loved her. At first, she hadn''t dared ask, but now, she desperately needed to know how he truly felt about her and starting over.