Chapter 49
In the dining room, sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the man at the head of the table. His features. made you stop and stare–dark eyes, a strong nose, and a jawline that was both smooth and rugged. The light seemed to wrap around him, making him look almost ethereal.
Even though they were practically at each other’s throats these days, Selena had to admit that this jerk ticked all her boxes when it came to looks. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have fallen for him so hard, getting lost in what she now saw as her own silly infatuation.
But seriously, it was already noon. What was he still doing here?
His cool, detached voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He scoffed, “You sleep like a log. Just a few days away, and your sleep schedule is all over the place. Is this any way to live a healthy life?”
Selena just rolled her eyes. Before he spoke, he looked like a dream; the moment he opened his mouth, reality hit hard.
She walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down, her smile a tad more forced than she intended. “Mr. Bennett, was there something. urgent this morning?”
Everett, not missing a beat, said, “No.”
“Then why can’t I sleep in?” Selena leaned back, lounging comfortably. “I’m all about this lifestyle now.”
She used to follow the crack–of–dawn routine just to keep up with him. But now? She was doing whatever felt right for her. No more bending over backwards.
Everett frowned, his eyes growing colder as if he just couldn’t wrap his head around her newfound independence–or maybe he just didn’t like it.
Over the years, Selena had gotten pretty good at picking up on his moods, especially in the morning. Back in the day, even a hint of displeasure from him would have her scrambling to make things right.!!
So now, she could see his disapproval clear as day
Selena just shrugged it off with a smile. “Do you hate the new me that much?!
Everett huffed, his silence saying it all.
Selena gave him an innocent blink. “Well, that’s too bad!”)
Just then, Ava set a plate of food in front of her. Everett, trying to keep his cool, said, “Eat.”
Selena was hungry, sure, but one look at the same old meal and her appetite vanished. She’d been indulging in her favorite dishes while away and wasn’t about to start compromising now.
“I’m just not feeling hungry. You go ahead. I’m heading out to grab something else.” With that, she got up, ready to leave.
Everett’s face darkened, and he slammed his fork down. “Selena, is the food here not good enough for you?”
“Honestly? It’s the same stuff over and over. I’m tired of it. I’d rather eat out now.”
Selena’s response was casual, not catching the hidden meaning in his words.
Everett felt a surge of frustration. She had just spent a few days away, and now home–cooked meals weren’t enough for her? “Sit down and eat, he demanded,
his words sharp and icy R
Selena finally sensed the tension but was still puzzled. What was his problem now?”
If he wanted his meals, he could enjoy them solo. Did he expect her to keep up the charade just because she used to? Maybe she’d spoiled him too much before.
Nowhere in their arrangement did it say she had to break bread with him every time!!
Ignoring him, Selena acted like she hadn’t heard a thing and headed for the door.
But Everett, unable to contain his simmering anger, suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her back toward the table.
