Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena grabbed a tissue and gently wiped away the child's tears, pulling him into a tender embrace until he drifted off to sleep. As she stepped out of the room, Ava approached, carrying a bowl of comforting chicken soup.

"Is he asleep?" Ava asked in a hushed tone. Selena smiled softly, "Yeah, he cried himself to sleep." Ava sighed, "Poor little guy." She couldn't hold back, launching into a rant about Everett. "If he couldn't step up as a good husband or father, he should've stayed out of it. By now, you might have been living it up in Italy with Dr. Campbell."

Selena settled into the sofa in the cozy living room, sipping the soup slowly.

"Oh, by the way," Ava remembered, "your birthday's coming up. Any plans?"

Birthday? Selena had almost forgotten. With her pregnancy taking a toll, she wasn't up for anything grand. "Let's keep it simple just a small dinner and a little cake. Mateo loves cake."

Ava nodded in agreement. Before leaving, she hesitated, seemed like she wanted to say something, but thought better of it and took the empty bowl downstairs.

Three days later, it was Selena's birthday. Ava was up at the crack of dawn, ready to show off her cooking skills with a grand feast. Mateo was right there with her, standing on a little stool, eager to help out.

Despite keeping things low-key, plenty remembered the occasion. Callum, swamped with surgery, couldn't be there but sent thoughtful gifts-books and supplements for expectant mothers. Joy, always on the go, was overseas for work, so she sent a generous gift of cash.

Her uncle and Ricky were due later to join the dinner. Even Blaine sent over an exquisite antique, making Ava wonder if Blaine had a thing Selena given the extravaga gesture. Selena could only chuckle at the thought.

But from Everett, there was nothing.

As night fell, after a cozy dinner, Mateo couldn't wait to dive into the cake. Selena was happy to indulge him. Ava brought out the cake, placing it on the coffee table. Mateo carefully placed the candles, and Ricky lit them, lifting Mateo up to sing a birthday song for Selena.

"Make a wish, ma'am," Ava prompted, Selena smiled, clasped her hands, and made a silent wish. Opening her eyes, she noticed a tall figure had slipped in unnoticed, his dark eyes fixed on her.

The candlelight cast a mysterious glow around him, and the lively room suddenly felt tense as everyone followed her gaze. Only Mateo was unfazed, excitedly calling out, "Daddy!"

Everett responded softly, stepping closer, his eyes never leaving Selena. "Happy birthday, Selena," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Ava and Ricky were less than thrilled, making their disapproval clear with a scoff. Brook, not wanting to stir trouble, nudged her son. Selena, however, remained unfazed.

"Thank you," she replied coolly, as if his presence didn't matter. She gently patted Mateo's head, "Wanna blow out the candles with me, sweetheart?"noveldrama

Mateo nodded eagerly, leaning in to blow out the candles with her. This celebration wasn't for Everett, and maybe none in the future would be.

Everett sat quietly, not imposing himself, waiting until the party wound down. Then, he gently took hold of Selena's wrist. "I have a gift for you," he said softly.