Chapter 217
He could feel her chest rising and falling with frustration. Everett, however, was in high spirits. He let go of her, adjusted his suit jacket with a touch of flair, and walked away with confident strides.
Once he was gone, Selena slumped against the sofa, feeling drained. Having spent so many years in the business world, Everett was as shrewd as they come. He seemed determined to make things difficult for her, and she knew she couldn't match his cunning. There was no running, no hiding. Love was just out of reach...
That afternoon, Selena made her way back to Brook's place. Derick, as always, was quick on his feet. The crowd of debt collectors that had been causing a ruckus outside had vanished, leaving the house enveloped in a tranquil calm, as if the recent chaos had never happened.
A servant handed Selena a cup of steaming tea, gratitude shining in his eyes. After all, if the family went under, they'd be out of a job too, and finding a steady, well-paying gig these days was no easy feat.
Brook had finally had a good night's sleep without the usual nightmares, and the dark circles under his eyes had faded, bringing back his usual cheerful self. "Selena, you didn't have to come all the way back just for me. I'm alright now, and don't worry, with Everett around, there's nothing to fear!"
Selena tightened her grip on her cup, wrestling with the decision of whether to tell her uncle the truth about her relationship with Everett.
Oblivious to her inner conflict, Brook kept talking, "Selena, it's obvious Everett cares a lot about you, or he wouldn't be protecting you and us. They say no marriage is without its bumps, but it's all about understanding and making compromises to make it work."
"Look at your aunt and me. Haven't I put up with her quirks for the sake of our marriage? That's how we've managed to keep things peaceful. So, maybe it's time you let go of old grudges against Everett and stop pushing him away."
He clasped Selena's hand, speaking earnestly, "When you head back, try to keep your fiery temper in check and make a good life with Everett. Your happiness is all I want, alright?"
Maybe the close brush with disaster had mellowed him, stripping away his previous impatience and flamboyance, and leaving him with a serene desire for a peaceful life. His words almost carried a sense of wisdom.
Selena had so much she wanted to say and so many grievances to air. Her uncle was the closest family she had, someone she could always turn to.
But at this moment, she saw the
hope in her uncle's eyes, the familiar surroundings of the villa, and the contentment in the servants' faces, and her throat tightened. She found herself unable to speak.
If her compromise could bring peace to her loved ones, maybe it was worth it.
After all, she'd already spent three years being the dutiful and compliant Mrs. Bennett, hadn't she? That evening, Selena decided to cook, preparing a spread that catered to Everett's preferences.
When Everett walked into the villa, he was greeted by the delicious aromas wafting through the air He saw Selena, apron-tied, placing the last dish on the table.
When she saw him, her smile was calm and welcoming. "You're back. Go change, and we'll have dinner."NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
He raised an eyebrow; this scene was all too familiar.
For the past three years, Mrs. Bennett had taken care of him just like this.
The familiar feeling washed over him, and his good mood lifted even more. He could tell that Selena had finally learned to pick her battles.
It was a feeling akin to clinching the toughest deal in business, filled with a thrill and a sense of accomplishment.
After dinner, Everett had wrapped up his work in the study and returned to the bedroom. Selena had prepared a warm bath, and the temperature was just right.
He wrapped his arms around her
slender waist, kissed her softly on her lips, and, in a husky tone, asked,
to join me in the bath?"
"Mrs. Bennett, would you li asked,