After all, even Mateo could sense the tension between them. But after Mateo''s incident, Everett really stepped up, bing the rock Selena leaned on, and she found herself softening towards him. Her usual cold gaze towards Everett had warmed a bit.


    Ava, being a woman herself, could see the changes clearly. Selena, on the other hand, just lowered her eyes, avoiding the topic as she continued washing strawberries. But Ava wasn''t letting her off the hook this time. With sincerity, she said, "Madam, I''ve been watching the gentleman for a while now. It''s clear he truly wants to make things right. He''s been spending all his time outside of work with you and Mateo. He''s even cut back on his work hours, staying home more often."


    Ava sighed with a touch of nostalgia. "Life rarely goes as nned. Let''s not dwell on the past... If you''re meant to be together for life, you should hold onto the good things."


    With the wisdom of her years, Ava added, "We women have our needs as we age, and let''s face it, the gentleman''s still got his charm, probably more than those so-called young studs out there..."


    Selena''s eyes widened in shock. "What are you saying!"


    Selena was so embarrassed she wanted to curl up and disappear, quickly covering Ava''s mouth. "Stop, stop talking."


    Understanding Selena''s shyness, Ava went quiet but encouraged her to think it over. Letting go of the past is important; it''s essential to look forward.


    Selena nced up, her eyesnding on Everett''s handsome profile, and she bit her lip softly. Could she really let go of the past?


    As autumn turned to winter, the seasons were shifting once again. Selena took Mateo for a follow-up at the hospital, and hearing that his vocal cords were healing well brought her joy.


    Next to the hospital was a big mall, and Selena, as usual, nned to pick up some new clothes for her Uncle Ricky. Plus, new action figures had juste out, and Mateo had been pleading with her to get them since the night before.


    While they were shopping, Everett sent a message. He first asked about Mateo''s check-up results. After Selena replied, there was a pause before another message came through.


    Selena''s eyes widened a bit, surprised by his words. He asked: [Our anniversary ising up. How would Mrs. Bet like to celebrate?]


    Their wedding anniversary... It had almost slipped from her memory. The sudden reminder stirred a lot of thoughts.


    Back in the day, she was the one


    eager to celebrate, and now, it was him wanting to spend the day with her. She typed "not interested" but hesitated to send it. ncing at her son, who was happily holding a toy, she deleted those words and typed something else.


    At Bet Corporation, in the CEO''s office, a notification dinged, lighting up the screen. Everett, sitting behind his desk, felt an unexpected wave of nervousness.


    Despite their years together, he felt


    like a young guy on his first date, anxious that his beloved wife might turn him down. Taking a deep


    breath, he opened the message with hope.


    en


    [Whatever]


    IMS


    Sure, it might seem dismissive, but to Everett, it was a chance. A chance to make a good impression, a chance to win her heart back. He replied confidently: [I promise Mrs. Bet will be delighted.]


    Feeling upbeat, Everett called Alex to book the best restaurant and arrange for Bulgarian roses to be flown in...


    Three dayster, Everett signed off on thest document, closed it, stood up, and put on his jacket. He also took a gift box from the safe.


    Inside was a gift he''d carefully chosen for their sixth anniversary. Suddenly, the office door flew open, and Alex rushed in.


    Her expression was anxious, and her tone urgent, "Mr. Everett, there''s a problem-"