Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

As a top-notch journalist, Selena had a nose for a juicy story. But she didn't want to come off as too nosy, so she simply nodded and said, "I'd love to hear more about it." Callum's face lit up with a gentle smile as he reminisced, "Actually, when I was a teenager, I spent some time here. I really grew attached to the people."

Selena paused, stunned, staring at him in disbelief. He was three or four years older than her, and when he mentioned his teenage years, it clicked-it was the same time she returned here after losing her parents. She thought she knew everyone around, especially someone as striking as him. How could she have completely missed him?

...

Everett couldn't catch a wink last night, likely due to one too many drinks, and ended up sleeping in today. By the time he emerged from his room, the sun was already blazing in the sky.

Marian was tidying up the living room and greeted him with a cheerful, "Morning! Breakfast's ready in the kitchen. I'll heat it up for you."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

She wiped her hands on her apron, ready to head to the kitchen, but Everett stopped her. "Where's Selena? I haven't seen her around."

"There is this medical team for the charity clinic at the park. She went there with Grace."

The clinic meant Callum would be there, too. Everett's eyes darkened, his lips pressing into a tight, cold line.

Marian, picking up on his mood, cautiously asked, "Is everything okay? Are you feeling alright?"

Without a word, Everett strode out the door.

"Hey, aren't you going to have breakfast?" Marian called after him, puzzled. "What's the rush?"

...

As the sun blazed down, Selena and

Callum took a break under a huge oak tree. The tree, rumored to be a century old, was a park landmark and a hot spot for social media snaps.

Curiosity got the better of her, and Selena asked, "Dr. Campbell, did you really live around here? Did we ever meet?"

Callum's gaze shifted from the sparkling lake to her face. Her features were so well-defined, alluring with makeup, and naturally beautiful without.

"We actually..." he started, then

paused as a leaf landed in her hair. He chuckled and changed the subject. "You've got a leaf in your hair Let me get it out for you." en

"Oh, okay." Selena obliged, tilting her head slightly.

Everett ran into Grace at the park entrance, and she pointed him toward the lake where Selena was. As he approached, he caught sight of them.

Callum and Selena stood facing each other, his hand reaching toward her hair, her lips curved in a soft smile. It looked like the perfect picture of a budding romance!

A flash of intensity crossed Everett's

eyes. In a few quick strides, he

reached them, grasped Selena's delicate wrist and pulled her into his arms just as Callum's fingers were about to touch her hair.

"What are you two up to?" he asked, his voice calm, but Selena could feel the tension beneath.

Surprised, she looked up at him. "How did you find me here?"

Everett's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes. Locking eyes with her, he replied with a question, "Should I not be here?"