Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

They'd gone on a bit of a shopping spree for the baby who hadn't even arrived yet, picking up everything from adorable little outfits to tiny toys and more.

Selena chuckled, rubbing her forehead. "We've still got some time before the baby gets here, and honestly, you've bought way too much..."

Joy shrugged, grinning like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I couldn't help myself. Everything's just so cute! This is my godson we're talking about. Of course, as his godmother, I want to spoil him!" What could Selena do but accept the gesture? She called Ava over to pack everything away neatly.

Joy sipped her coffee, scanning Selena's face, and seemed to relax. "Selena, you look great. Seeing you doing well really puts my mind at ease."

The last time she'd seen Selena in the hospital, she looked like a strong breeze might knock her over, her skin pale and her whole demeanor fragile. Now, her cheeks had a healthy glow, she'd filled out a bit, and the worry that had been etched in her brow had softened into something more peaceful. Clearly, Everett had been taking good care of her.

Selena gave a soft smile, not denying it.

Even though she hadn't fully healed from past hurts, life kept moving, and she had to look ahead. With Everett showing signs of change, whether for the baby or herself, she was willing to give him another chance. They chatted a bit more until Joy's phone buzzed. She glanced at it and answered, "I'm about ready here, alright, come pick me up. I'll be waiting."

She hung up and Selena, catching a man's voice on the line, raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?"

Joy didn't hold back. "My boyfriend."

Selena's eyes widened. "Wait, you... when did you get a boyfriend?"

Sure, Joy loved hitting the clubs and enjoyed a bit of flirtation, but she'd never actually claimed anyone as her boyfriend before.

She always said flirting was fine, but she'd never put her heart into it.

This was the first time she'd ever called someone her boyfriend!

Joy laughed. "Met him on a family-arranged blind date. I'm not getting any younger, and you've been married for years with a kid on the way. Can't let you get too far ahead, right?"

But her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Selena paused, then asked, "Do you like him?"

"He's alright, I guess. My parents are thrilled, so we're just seeing how things go," Joy replied with her usual carefree attitude.

Selena nodded slowly. "Having options is a good thing."

A match where they were on equal footing and didn't dislike each other was considered a decent marriage in their world.

It beat her mismatched marriage

with Everett, where she'd bent over backwards just to be looked down on. And even when she wanted out, she felt stuck.

Joy seemed to pick up on her thoughts and offered some comfort. "Selena, no matter what, Everett's turned a corner. They do say 'A

husband, right? And once your baby's born, things will likely settle even more. You'll definitely find happiness."

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Despite the encouraging words, Selena thought she heard a hint of sadness in Joy's voice.

She looked up quickly at Joy, who was still smiling, showing no signs of distress.

Maybe it was just her imagination...

Selena returned the smile. "Alright, I'll do my best."

A few minutes later, Joy's boyfriend's car pulled up outside. Selena walked her out, catching sight of a handsome man waiting.

He nodded in greeting, and Selena nodded back.

Everett returned right on schedule that evening.

At dinner, he placed a piece of chicken on Selena's plate and asked, "Did Joy drop by this afternoon?"

"Yeah."

Even though he'd given her the

freedom to come and go as she pleased, the security detail around

the villa hadn't been lifted, and he was aware of her every move.

QUMS

Swallowing a bite of food, Selena's dark eyes met Everett's. "Can I ask you something?"