Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett sat up, casting a gaze over Selena, who was fast asleep on the floor. The streetlights outside spilled just enough light into the room to reveal her serene sleeping face. She seemed to be lost in a pleasant dream, her eyebrows relaxed and a slight smile playing on her lips.

Everett clenched his fists, the veins on the back of his hands standing out in frustration. What had driven him to this backwater place to endure such hardship? Damn, could she really just ignore him like that?

Unable to hold back his anger and frustration any longer, he kicked her blanket, not bothering with any politeness. "Get up!"

Maybe it was the comfort of familiar surroundings, but Selena was deep in sleep and didn't hear him at all. Everett's lips twisted into an angry smirk. He got out of bed, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her awake. "Selena, quit pretending you're asleep!" Selena blinked her eyes open, disoriented at first. But within seconds, upon seeing his icy expression, she shivered involuntarily as her awareness snapped back. Normally, she would be a bit grumpy when woken up. She used to put up with Everett out of love in the past. Now, she just wanted to sock him. "Everett, what's wrong with you?" she snapped, glaring at him, not bothering to hide her irritation.

Everett's expression was even darker, his lips curling into a tight line as he barked, "I'm hungry. Make me something to eat."

This time, he wasn't just picking a fight. He'd rushed to the airport right after a morning meeting, refused the airline food as he always did, and skipped dinner. All he'd had was a business breakfast and a cup of tea. Before they got married, his hectic schedule had his meals all over the place, which always upset his stomach. But Selena, aiming to be the perfect wife and mother, made sure he ate properly.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

When he was home, she'd join him for meals. When he was at work, she'd either bring him a homemade meal at work or remind him to eat through calls or texts. Even if he ignored her, she'd have Derick pass on her reminders, playing the role of a meticulous caretaker.

Thanks to her efforts, his eating habits improved, and his stomach issues had eased up. Now, the old discomfort was back, his lips pale from hunger. But in the dim light, Selena didn't notice how unwell he looked. She just found his demanding attitude ridiculous.

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"I called you for dinner, and you didn't eat. Now you're hungry and expect me to jump to it," she shot back. "Everett, if you're so hungry order takeout yourself. You've got a phone, don't you? You know how to use DoorDash, right? Learn to be self-sufficient!"

Selena pushed him away and snuggled back into her cozy blanket. Everett's annoyance spiked at her dismissive attitude. She used to be so attuned to him, always noticing when he wasn't feeling well.

He pressed a hand to his stomach, speaking icily. "Selena, I don't eat takeout. Either you cook, or I'll wake Marian. Your choice."

Not waiting for her response, he headed for the door. Waking Marian would undoubtedly alert her grandmother, and Selena saw through his transparent ploy.

With a few calming breaths, she sat up, glaring at his back, her teeth nearly grinding as she relented, "Fine, I'll cook for you!"

Just as he was about to turn the door handle, he paused, a triumphant smile creeping onto his lips. Then, her voice cut through the silence behind him, "Ten thousand dollars per meal."