"I hope you''ll give me a shot at taking care of you and little Mateo, to protect you both for life."


    His sincerity was genuine, without any pushiness, just an honest expression of his feelings. Selena found herself speechless, her nned words stuck in her throat. Callum knew when to hold back.


    "Selena, you don''t have to answer me now. Take your time to think it over; I''ll be waiting."


    With that, he stood up to leave, giving her the space she needed.


    Selena walked him to the door, reminding him to drive safely, and watched his car vanish before heading back inside.


    Unexpectedly, she saw Ricky standing at the top of the stairs, watching her.


    Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness, like a teenager caught by a parent.


    Ricky came down, arms crossed, and asked, "Want a drink?"


    Selena, already struggling to sleep, found it even more unlikely now. She nodded eagerly.


    Ricky grabbed a bottle of his prized red wine from the cab, uncorked it, and poured two sses.


    They nestled into the couch like old times, clinking sses. Ricky sipped his wine, but Selena downed hers in one go.


    She coughed a little, struggling.


    Ricky handed her a tissue, joking, "No one''s gonna steal it from you, what''s the rush?"


    Selena wiped her lips, yfully tossed the crumpled tissue at him, "You little rascal, daring to boss your sister around now."


    She raised her hand as if to tweak his ear but ended up patting his head, "Hard to believe you''ve grown up, sharing a drink with me." They used to just share sodas.


    In many ways, Ricky was like a kid she''d raised herself, her affection for him nearly as deep as for little Mateo.


    Ricky ducked away from her "clutches" and turned serious.


    "Sis, what''s really on your mind? Are you sure you don''t like Dr. Campbell even a little?"


    Selena ran her fingers over the wine ss, then shook her head. With Ricky, she could speak her mind freely.


    It wasn''t about liking or disliking Callum; she hadn''t considered romance for years, maybe due to an old heartbreak, instinctively avoiding it.


    But Mateo''s needs made her rethink things. Alone, she couldn''t give him a full home and love; every child needs a dad...


    So, she had to face this head-on.


    Ricky, with a serious look, said, "If that''s the case, then Dr. Campbell might just be the right guy for you. Why not give him a chance?" Selena poured herself another ss, drinking quietly, still on the fence.


    Noticing her hesitation, Ricky''s dark. eyes


    somerowed, "Sis, there''s


    something I''ve never told you, but now think it''s time you knew"


    The next morning.


    Selena only fell asleep as dawn was breaking and didn''t wake up until midday.


    Heading downstairs, she heardughtering from the living room.


    As she drew closer, she saw Joy, a long-missed friend, ying with little Mateo, saying, "I''m your godmother, call me godmother." Mateo, with a serious little face, refused.


    Joy pretended to cry.


    Mateo, who couldn''t stand seeing women cry, whether adults or kids, reluctantly called her "godmother."


    Joy instantly brightened up.


    Realizing he''d been tricked, Mateo turned away, sulking.


    Selena couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Seeing Selena, Joy''s eyes filled with tears, then turned away, feeling hurt for being kept in the dark.


    Selena knew she was in the wrong


    but had her reasons; the fewer people who knew about Mateo the better, and she didn''t want her troubles to affect Joy.


    She walked over and hugged Joy tightly.


    Despite Joy''s struggle, Selena held on tighter.


    Soon, Joy relented, crying and teasing, "You''re like a stubborn band-aid."


    Feigning haughtiness, "I''m only forgiving you because my godson is so handsome! Don''t get too smug!"


    Selena nodded, "Got it-"


    Knowing her tastes well, Joy had brought over loads of delicious food, which Selena devoured, leaving her belly satisfyingly full.


    In the afternoon, Joy had to get back to work, hugging Mateo goodbye and promising to meet up for dinner over the weekend. Joy then drove to Bet Corporation.


    Instead of heading to her PR department, she went straight to the top floor, her heels clicking towards the CEO''s office. Near the door, Yasmine approached, "Ms. Joy, Mr. Everett is in a meeting and can''t see visitors right now."


    Joy''s sultry gaze met hers.


    The woman, once in, now in an expensive business suit, looked quite the part.


    Joy didn''t linger, pulling a small bag from her purse, "This is the hair


    sample Mr. Everett requestedel


    please pass it on to him."


    e ontent


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!