Chapter 16

Trevon brushed a stray strand of Selina's hair back before walking away, a sly grin playing on his lips. He'd watched from the shadows as Selina handled Madelyn, the voluble one. There was a strange satisfaction in seeing her stand up for herself. Selina was certainly an intriguing woman.

Night fell. Selina heard herself pleading, "No, please! I'm begging you, Dad. I swear I didn't do it… Mom, you have to believe me! Mom! Manuel, trust me. I didn't lay a finger on Ashley!" Then the Harveys' shouts rang out: "We don't want a wicked girl like you in this house! Better off dead! Get out!"

Selina jolted awake, drenched in sweat. She gasped for breath, clutching her throat as if feeling a deep, invisible wound. The panic slowly subsided.

"I can't believe this… A fresh start, free from that toxic family circus, and I'm still haunted by the same old nightmare," Selina scoffed. Breaking free from the mental scars wouldn't be easy, but at least this time, she saw through their lies. It was a new dawn, truly.

After a quick breakfast with Trevon, Selina hit the gym. While weight training, she pondered her future. Once, she craved her family's love and attention. Now, free from their grasp, perhaps it was time to focus on a career, to build something of her own.

Devin approached. "Excuse me, Mrs. Brady, the Hudson family sent someone to see you." He looked like he wanted to shield Selina from these visitors. They knew she was Trevon's wife, but his instincts told him their reasons were dubious. Still, Selina would have to face the Hudsons eventually.

Devin glanced covertly at Trevon for guidance. Trevon replied enigmatically, "Try to keep it civil." Devin wondered who needed the warning more—Selina or the visitors.

Selina tossed her towel into the bin nonchalantly. "Madelyn again?"

"Yes, and someone else—Lauren Hudson, Madelyn's mother. She's Mr. Brady's aunt by marriage."

"Do I have to see them?" Selina asked.

Devin sighed lightly. "No rule says you must, but as Mr. Brady's wife… sooner or later, they're your circus."

"Fine. Let them in."

Lauren and Madelyn entered.

"Didn't see Trevon pulling a wife out of a hat. I gotta see the one who made the cut. Any girl joining the Brady family has to have some serious clout," Lauren declared.

"Oh, Mom, she looked like she shopped at a yard sale—nothing posh about her. Bet she worked some angles on Trevon," Madelyn grumbled.

Lauren snapped, tapping Madelyn's forehead. "You think the Brady family would open their doors to just anyone? And Trevon wouldn't waste his time. Zip it, girl. Trevon's your cousin, and you'll never be with him." Madelyn whined.

Lauren and Madelyn waited over an hour. Lauren, initially intimidated by Selina's past, grew impatient. She confronted Devin. "What gives? Why hasn't Trevon's wife shown up yet?" Devin replied politely, "She just finished at the gym and is showering. Wants to look her best for you… You know how it goes; some people like to take their time getting ready."

"There's no excuse for making us wait this long! It's disrespectful!" Lauren complained.

"Yeah, Mom, I told you—she's got no class," Madelyn chimed in. "I complained to Trevon and he kicked me out! He's changed—it's all because of her."

"What's the commotion?" Selina's calm voice filled the room.

Dressed in a sleek black tank top, sporty jacket, joggers, and slides—all black—with her makeup-free face and long hair loosely pulled back, Selina looked effortlessly radiant, hands in her pockets, exuding a relaxed air. She was stunning, her presence brightening the room even in simple attire.

Lauren was taken aback. It was clear why Trevon was captivated—Selina's beauty was arresting.

"Lauren, have a seat," Selina said easily, settling onto the couch. "Sorry you had to wait."

Madelyn blurted out, visibly upset, "You… you did this on purpose! How could it take you an hour without even putting on makeup?" Selina's natural look made Madelyn's two hours of makeup seem excessive. She grew even angrier at the thought.

"I did have some on, but I felt better without it, so I took it off," Selina retorted, eyeing Madelyn. "Madelyn, you might want to go easy on the makeup, or it'll do a number on your skin. I could barely get it off my hand yesterday after accidentally touching your face." Madelyn fumed, embarrassed, but Lauren shot her a look to silence her.

"I had to see for myself when I heard Trevon had tied the knot. As his aunt, I'm curious," Lauren said. "What's your family like?"

"Selina. I don't have a family anymore—I'm on my own."

Lauren's forced smile faltered. "Don't kid around…"

"No joke. Trevon loves me so much and gives me whatever I want," Selina continued confidently. "He'd snag the stars if I asked. We're married, and when we're ready, we're planning the biggest wedding bash you've ever seen. Then, a honeymoon around the globe. Marriage is… isn't it, Lauren? Two people just brought together by fate like that?"

Stunned into silence, Lauren had no response. Trevon, a longtime bachelor free from gossip, now had Selina declaring herself mistress of the house, coming and going as she pleased, even Devin treating her with deference. Selina, indeed, seemed to be the one.