Chapter 30

Selina was charmed by Nora's genuine, bubbly grin. It felt completely authentic. She smiled back, taking Nora's hand. "Hi there, Nora. Trevon's mentioned you, too, you know." Nora frowned. "As if Trevon has time! He wouldn't waste time talking about me."

"He does talk about you," Selina reassured her, though her smile softened slightly. She remembered a dinner where Trevon had mentioned Nora; the look in his eyes had revealed more than annoyance—a deep brotherly affection. Even the formidable Trevon, the Brarly family's powerhouse, had a soft spot for his sister.

For Selina, the Harvey family's long-lost daughter, life was supposed to be about catching up on lost love and attention after twenty-one years. At least, that's what her old self had envisioned. Instead, she'd faced rejection, a near-fatal fall from a roof, and a brutal dog attack.

Nora noticed the sadness in Selina's eyes and gently squeezed her hand. Turning to Devin, she said, "Devin, can I spend some time alone with Selina?"

"Sure thing. I'll fix you both some snacks," Devin replied kindly.

After Devin left, Nora snuggled closer to Selina on the couch and regaled her with hilarious childhood stories about Trevon. Selina laughed uproariously, unable to reconcile the serious Trevon she knew with this goofy kid. No one would believe these tales matched the current Trevon.

Nora was a ray of sunshine, bringing warmth and a breath of fresh air. She felt like a childhood friend, utterly devoid of any "rich heiress" airs. Beneath her sweet exterior, she was just a fun-loving, down-to-earth girl. Selina instantly liked her.

"Look, I need to apologize," Nora said mischievously. "Trevon was furious about our family pushing him into blind dates. So, I might have posted a fake wedding announcement online…"

Selina grinned, understanding instantly. Of course, it was Nora, the family prankster, who'd started the whole mess. The thought of Trevon, of all people, being the subject of such a prank was absurd. Perhaps this was the universe's way of bringing them together in their unconventional, "let's-make-this-work" marriage. "I'm not mad. You were trying to help him, weren't you?"

"Exactly! And now that he has you, I feel much better. Look, I'm no expert, but you're awesome, and my instincts are pretty good. Plus, you're gorgeous, and if Trevon's into you, you must be amazing. I hope we become close sisters-in-law!" Nora exclaimed, beaming.

Nora genuinely liked Selina; she was unlike the superficial girls who’d tried to ingratiate themselves with her to get close to Trevon. Meeting someone as beautiful and engaging as Selina was a first for Nora. No wonder Trevon was smitten.

"The feeling's mutual," Selina smiled.

They spent the afternoon chatting animatedly. Nora, reluctant to end their time together, squeezed Selina's hand. "Awesome people don't meet often enough. Let's go to that amazing restaurant. My treat!"

"But Trevon will be home soon. Maybe we should stay," Selina suggested.

"No way!" Nora protested. "If Trevon shows up, he'll ruin our fun. Please, as a favor?" Her pleading eyes were irresistible.

Selina gave in; she found it hard to refuse Nora. She ruffled Nora's hair affectionately, which sparked a thought: "How amazing would it be if my sister, Ashley, were like Nora? They both come from wealthy families. Why is my own sister trying to destroy me, while Nora is so sweet and kind?" "Okay, I'll text Trevon."

"Wait! Don't be too buddy-buddy with Trevon yet. You're not married, and some guys find that off-putting," Nora teased, winking. "And trust me, Trevon has a temper. Don't let him know your every move."

Selina shrugged. Hanging out with Trevon's sister didn't require his constant updates.

When Trevon arrived home, the house was unusually quiet. "Where's Selina?" he asked, frowning.

"She went out to dinner with Ms. Nora Brady," Devin replied.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Devin looked uncomfortable. "Ms. Brady intended to, but Ms. Nora Brady persuaded her."

"That little rascal," Trevon muttered, texting Selina: "Where are you guys?"

Selina replied with a picture of Nora and a cupcake: [Out with Nora at a restaurant. She's super sweet. I really like her.]

Trevon replied: [I just hope she's on her best behavior with you.]

The playful tone in his text made Selina smile. Clearly, the siblings cared deeply for each other.

"Oh man, I bet Trevon's giving me a hard time!" Nora complained, playfully mimicking annoyance as she fired off a text to Trevon. Then, a surprised voice interrupted: "Nora? Is that really you? What are the odds?"