Mystery Bride's Revenge (Selina)

"Alright, honey, I got it. I'll sweet-talk Susic a bit during dinner, and help bridge the gap between you two. Even though she's not your birth mom. I can tell Susic and Mr. Brady are a great match. That's a good thing"

Thanks for that, honey... And why did you switch from calling him to Mr. Brady again?" Trevon frowned slightly, feeling the formality set in

Tll call him whatever 1 fancy, don't forget l'in the woman who's bringing home the bacon for you. I say east, you don't dare say west, or you might just make me mad and lose such a wonderful wife"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Selina replied with a firmness that didn't allow for argument. She wasn't one to pamper Trevon too much, she believed that if you're too obedient, you'd end up taken for granted!

"Whatever you say, honey." Trevon said and ended the call. He slouched comfortably on his sofa, a small smile playing on his lips, his gaze warm and tender. Is this the feeling of having a home, a devoted woman waiting for you? Trevon hadn't always known what that felt like, but he understood now, and just in time. To meet the woman he loved most when he was at his best was life's greatest fortune.

Then, Samuel gave him a call.

Dad.

1 heard from Susie that they've invited Selina over for dinner, something about celebrating her winning that jewelry design contest.

Yeah, Selina told me about it.

I've been trying to get in touch with Charm through the web lately, to no avail. Trevon, have you picked up any leads?"

Trevon's heart skipped, recalling the conversation with his father Samuel had discussed Charm at length, willing to establish a specialized underground division just for this enigmatic figure, offering vast resources, funding, and security for Charm. Little did Samuel know that the famed web hacker, always close, was none other than Selina! "Sorry, Dad, I've got nothing..."

Samuel didn't doubt him. After all, with national resources at their disposal and still no clue about Charm's identity, it was not a surprise that many countries were keen to win Charm over Samuel's only hope was that Charm had always been a Clusian and had a patriot's heart!

Black-hat hackers who never reveal themselves or mingle deeply with others were tough to recruit, Samuel knew, but the hope of having Charm on their side to aid the country's growth and strengthen it spurred him on to keep trying.

"I get it. Try to make some time for that dinner. Don't be such a stranger at home. Susie misses you. I used to think you were too young, without a life partner, so I didn't press on. But now you have Selina, you know what I mean?" Trevon paused, then said with a knowing smile, "I do, Dad... and thanks."

"What're you thanking me for? We're family. And I'm glad you've grown up sensible, that my and your mother's failed marriage didn't affect you negatively, and that you've accepted Susie. You're busy, I'll let you go." "Okay

Hanging up, Trevon couldn't help but wonder... what would Samuel's face look like when he discovered that Charm he'd been yearning for was Selina? That would surely be a sight worth seeing.

00+66%

Selina pulled up to the cozy diner with Susie and Nora, apologetic as she set down her bag, "Sorry I'm late, traffic was a nightmare.

There you go, even the best can't beat a traffic jam, Nora chuckled, knowing full well that Selina's driving skills were on par with a professional race car driver. But even she had to bow to the crawl of downtown traffic.

"Don't let this little spot fool you, Selina. It might not match the fancy restaurants Trevon has taken you to, but the owner here, a good friend of mine for years has got skills. You've got to try their grilled chicken. It'll have you licking your fingers, promise!" "I'll hold you to that."

Chatting about family affairs with Susie and Nora, Selina effortlessly chimed in, blending in perfectly and frequently bringing Susie to bursts of joyful laughter.

"Mom. I've always said, my brother scored big time landing a wife like Selina. Gorgeous, smart, eloquent, and a genius to bool!"

"Will you ever quit it with the sweet talk?"

Susie playfully flicked Nora's forehead before turning to Selina. Selina, don't mind her. I've spoiled that girl rotten. She speaks her mind too freely."

"Not at all, I love that Nora is genuine... she sees me as her sister, and I feel the same about her."

Susie was touched by Selina's words, but something weighed on her, prompting her to ask. "Selina, you and Trevon haven't gone public with the news yet, but the folks at the Brady residence... they know, don't they? Have they reached out to you?" "No."

The folks Susie mentioned referred to the elders in the Brady residence.

Even the Hudson family was aware of Selina's existence, which meant the Brady family couldn't possibly be in the dark. Yet they had made no move. Selina surmised that they probably thought Trevon was just toying with her. They figured that Trevon marrying Selina was just for show. They believed once the novelty wore off, Selina would just be cast aside.

"They're not easy to deal with, still not acknowledging my existence... With families like these, social status is everything Samuel is like that, and Trevon, being the chosen one to lead the Brady family, carries that weight as well. If you ever come face to face with them, you must be very careful."

Susie shouldn't say these things, but she likes Selina and can see that Trevon is sincere. She hopes that the two of them won't end up as helpless as Susie is.

Nora, usually bubbly, was also somber at the mention of the elders in the Brady residence. "Selina, you've got to be careful... I seriously dislike those people. Even when everyone is happy, they're still giving my mom a hard time..." Patting Nora on the head, Selina assured, "It's okay, I've got this."

That's when the entrees arrived. Susie clapped her hands together. "Enough with the mood-killers. We're here to celebrate Selina's victory. Let's enjoy the food. Try this, Selina, it's really good." "Yeah!"

Meanwhile, three figures burst into the diner.

Barry! That wretched woman is here! Time to pay back what you owe me! David, accompanied by a bald, burly man, walked in and upon seeing Susie. He rushed forward and flipped the dishes on the table onto the floor, Nora bellowed, "Uncle David, have you lost your mind?"