The man reached out to pull her close, but she, fueled by anger, grabbed his hand and bit down hard, leaving a crescent-shaped mark on his palm. Everett almost burst outughing.


    It seemed like he always had the upper hand, but in truth, she was just as fierce in her retaliation. His body was a canvas of scratches and bites, each one a testament to her fiery spirit. Those tiny, rebellious teeth of hers-sooner orter, he''d tame them. Images flitted through Everett''s mind, making his eyes darken with intensity. Just then, a knock on the door broke his reverie. Ava''s voice came from outside, "Sir, the rice pudding is ready."


    His wandering thoughts dissipated, and he took a moment topose himself before stepping out of bed. He walked to the door, took the tray from Ava, and returned.


    In just that short moment, Selena had already drifted off again, her head lolling to one side. But Everett wasn''t about to let her off the hook so easily. He set the tray on the bedside table, then settled himself at the head of the bed, gently pulling Selena up to lean against him. Taking up the bowl, he began feeding her spoonful by spoonful.


    At first, Selena scrunched her eyebrows, stubbornly refusing to open her mouth. But after he murmured something into her ear, she cracked open her eyes, red at him, and reluctantly took a bite.


    Eventually, she gave in, albeit grudgingly. But after just half a bowl, she pushed it away, unable to take more.


    Everett, seeing her struggle, didn''t press her further. He finished the remaining half himself, then rinsed their mouths before pulling her close, both of them sinking into a deep sleep.


    It waste morning when Selena''s eyes finally fluttered open. As awareness crept in, a wave of soreness washed over her, making her wince.


    She couldn''t help but mentally curse Everett, that infuriating man! It''s not like he didn''t have other women to bother, yet he kept zeroing in on her!


    Selena soaked in a hot bath, easing some of the tension from her body. Afterward, she slipped into a high-necked dress as usual, covering up before heading downstairs for breakfast.


    She wasn''t exactly hungry, but she


    was the kind of person who could have a down day but wouldn''t let it dragon. After all, she had hepson to think of!  t


    Kon


    She forced herself to eat until she''d had enough, then set her utensils down. Just as she was about to leave, Ava sneaked over with a bowl of dark, thick soup.


    Checking to make sure they were alone, Ava whispered, "Ma''am, this soup is specially made for you, to help strengthen your body. Please drink it."


    Strengthen her body... Thest thing Selena wanted was to strengthen her body, which might make it easier for her to get pregnant.


    She was about to refuse when a thought struck her. She licked her lips and quietly asked, "Where did this soupe from? Is it from... Derick?" Ava''s eyes widened with admiration. "You''re so sharp, ma''am."


    Selena hadn''t even mentioned it, and yet she''d figured it out.


    Selena''s gaze fell on the bowl of soup, and a warmth spread through her chest. She''d been betting on Derick''s empathy, hoping he''d lend her a hand. Even if he didn''t, at least he wouldn''t betray her.


    She''d judged him right!Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    A faint smile tugged at Selena''s lips as she took the bowl and brought it to her lips, ready to drink it all down.


    But a cold voice cut through the moment, "What are you drinking?"


    Startled, Selena''s hand jerked, almost spilling the soup. She looked up to see Everett, his face unreadable, striding towards her with purpose.