Chapter 15

Madelyn Hudson glared at Devin, her anger palpable. A maid stumbled in, breathless and near tears. "Mr. Brady, I'm so sorry, Madelyn just rushed past me; I couldn't stop her."

"Calm down, it's not your fault. You can go," Trevon said, his voice cool.

The maid nodded and quickly left.

"See, Devin? Trevon wanted me here," Madelyn sneered. Devin, ever composed, merely grimaced and turned away, slightly choked by Madelyn's heavy perfume. Selina smoothly rose from her seat. "You have a guest. I'll leave you to chat."

Madelyn's gaze then fell upon Selina. The bright dining room light illuminated Selina's pretty face, sparking Madelyn's jealousy and insecurity. Her eyes lingered on Selina's simple outfit, which appeared inexpensive. She jabbed a finger at Selina and snapped, "Who are you? Why are you here in Trevon's house!"

Selina started to answer, but Trevon intervened. "Madelyn, show some respect. She's my wife."

"What?" Madelyn looked stunned, her mouth agape. "Trevon, why am I the last to know?" She appeared on the verge of tears.

"Now you know. And spread the word to your family. Save me the trouble," Trevon said indifferently. Madelyn fumed, speechless.

Selina had anticipated drama. Unfazed by Madelyn's hostile demeanor, Selina simply said, "Whatever," and walked away. She needed some downtime—after all, she was only two days into this new life, free from her toxic family. This new body felt rejuvenated compared to her previous, weary one, years of enduring the Harvey family's abuse.

But Madelyn wouldn't let it go. She stomped toward Selina, hands on her hips, eyes blazing.

"What do you want now?" Selina asked.

Madelyn paused. "I want the truth! What tricks did you use to marry Trevon!"

"Why not chalk it up to love? If Trevon were weak, he wouldn't be running his family business," Selina retorted. "No way would he fall for you… You think you can go from zero to hero? Stop dreaming. Just look at your cheap outfit."

Madelyn's comments were melodramatic, as if from a cheesy television show. Selina smirked. "You might want to ease up on the drama, huh!" Madelyn was a scheming wannabe innocent, and Selina was done playing games.

"You—you have some nerve!" Madelyn was furious. "You're so rude! How could Trevon be with someone as low-class as you? Wait until I tell him that a woman with zero manners…"

Selina cut her off, gripping Madelyn's cheek firmly. Madelyn's eyes watered as she struggled, her words jumbled. "What the heck!"

Despite her seemingly slender frame, Selina possessed surprising strength. "Listen carefully," Selina tightened her grip. "I'm Trevon's wife—legally and officially. Got it? I don't care what kind of crush you have on him; he's off-limits. If you come at me again, I won't be so nice." Selina shoved Madelyn hard, causing her to stumble. With a final push, Selina sent Madelyn sprawling to the floor. "Ah!" Madelyn shrieked.

Shaking her hands, Selina left Madelyn wailing on the floor: "Trevon! Help! She's trying to murder me!"

Selina headed to the villa's gym to work out. There was something empowering about resuming her fitness routine.

Unseen at first, Trevon stood at the gym entrance, observing Selina's precise movements.

When she finished and saw him, Selina asked, "Did your crazy cousin finally leave?"

"Yes, I had her escorted out," Trevon replied.

Selina grabbed a towel. "About time."

"I wanted you to see what you're marrying into. My family has its quirks, but they're surprisingly good to me. I can't be too harsh with them, but you can. Keep them in line, just don't go overboard."

Selina pondered Trevon's situation. He wasn't like ruthless businessmen; his story was different. His parents divorced, and Madelyn was related to him through his mother. His father remarried and had another daughter. Even though Trevon's mother remarried, she maintained a complex but good relationship with him.

Lost in thought, Selina didn't notice Trevon approaching.

"If it gets too much, I've got your back," he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. She looked up, momentarily taken aback by his presence.

She couldn't deny his appeal—he was undeniably handsome. It wasn't just his looks; there was an innate grace in his movements. And his cologne! Subtle and pleasant, it lowered her guard. Selina bit her lip. "Don't go overboard! Got it. I'll handle it and stick to our year-long deal."

Trevon said, "Selina, you have skills, and… remember, in front of everyone else, it's 'honey' or 'Trevon.' We're in this charade together, and we might as well play our parts to the hilt."