Chapter 7

Juliet didn't deny it. She lifted her chin slightly, her tone full of pride.

"Yeah, that's my mom."

"What? Your mom's a chef now? You're kidding, right?"

Selena's gentle, calm voice carried a soft smile. "I'm not kidding, Elsie. I started my own business recently. I have a cooking channel where I post recipes and videos, and I also take private catering requests. If you ever need someone, feel free to reach out."

The girl she addressed, Elsie Dickinson, flushed a little, clearly caught off guard by how kind and beautiful Selena was.

"Ms. Jones, you actually remember my name?"

"Of course," Selena said warmly. "I remember all of Juliet's classmates."

Then, she looked at the rest of the group. "If anyone else has questions, you're welcome to ask me."

Selena had already prepared herself for this moment.

Once the former wife of a wealthy businessman, she was now working as a chef—a fact people would inevitably talk about later.

So rather than hide, she chose to face it head-on.

She and Juliet had already talked about it. Juliet didn't care what others said about Selena's work. As long as Selena earned an honest living, Juliet would always be proud of her.

And since this was Leona's event, no one dared say anything rude, despite what they might actually think. In fact, a few of them even asked for Selena's contact information and said they'd love to hire her in the future.

Some followed her new cooking account, where she had just posted a few clips from today's event—the start of something new.

Afterward, Selena went to rest for a bit, leaving the young people to enjoy the afternoon.

From the kitchen window, she could see the garden outside. The grass was lush and green, the sunlight soft.

In the distance, inside the gazebo, stood a tall figure, Zachary. He was on the phone.

Selena remembered he hadn't gone to work today. He likely stayed around for the kids' gathering. He hadn't even had a proper lunch.

Leona had kindly introduced clients to her, but without Zachary's permission, none of this would've been possible. And after what he had done to help her last time, Selena felt she owed him some thanks.

"Mr. Maxwell," she said, "I'd like to make Mr. Foster a small afternoon tea, just to thank him for his help today."

"Of course." Vince nodded. "Just one thing—he doesn't eat sweets. You can make whatever else you like."

"Got it."

Selena worked quickly. With the ingredients on hand, she prepared a simple tea and a few light snacks, nothing too fancy.

Carrying the tray, she walked toward the gazebo just as Zachary ended his call.

Her bright eyes curved with a gentle smile. "Mr. Foster, I made some tea and snacks. I hope you'll like them."

Zachary's dark eyes flickered slightly as he sat down.

Selena poured the tea right away. Her long, pale fingers held the teapot gracefully. The faint pink of her nails caught the light for a moment before she set the cup in front of him.

"This is from your own tea leaves," she said softly. "I just added a little twist. I hope it suits your taste. Just a small token of appreciation."

Zachary took a sip. The familiar tea carried a new note of fragrance, subtle but distinct.

He couldn't quite place what it was, but somehow, it reminded him of her—warm, delicate, and quietly lingering, blending seamlessly with the tea's aroma.

His gaze darkened slightly as he set the cup down. His voice was low and steady.

"No need to thank me. It was nothing."

"For you, maybe. But it meant a lot to me," she said with a soft grin.

He didn't respond, just continued drinking his tea in silence.

Selena decided not to disturb him. "I'll let you enjoy it, then. Excuse me."

She turned to leave.

Zachary's eyes followed her as the faint scent of tea lingered in the air, his expression unreadable, his gaze resting on her retreating figure for a long time.

By late afternoon, Leona's friends began to head home. Both Leona and Juliet were in high spirits, chatting excitedly about how well the day had gone.

"Don't go home tonight," Leona said. "You and Juliet can stay here, Ms. Jones. We'll go to school together in the morning."

Selena was the first to shake her head. "Juliet can stay, but I'll go home. It's better that way."

Staying overnight felt inappropriate.

But Leona quickly hugged her arm, something she had wanted to do all day.

"Please, Ms. Jones, stay! Juliet always says she sleeps best when you're there. And I want to sleep with you too! Don't worry, Uncle Zach went out. He's probably at some business dinner, and he won't be back until late."

Selena couldn't help laughing at the girl's persistence and eventually agreed.

That evening, after dinner, Selena lay on the bed with the two girls.

Leona snuggled close to her, sighing softly. "This is so nice. You know, I've always been jealous of Juliet. She's had her mom by her side all her life."

Leona's parents worked overseas most of the time. That had always been her biggest regret. She loved her mother, but she couldn't help admiring Selena—the kind of mom who was always there.

Juliet grinned. "We're best friends, right? My mom's your mom."

Selena wrapped her arms around both girls, her voice low and soothing. Before long, they drifted off to sleep.

But Selena herself couldn't.

She never slept well outside her own home. Besides, nighttime always brought back the same painful thoughts.

By day, she seemed strong and composed. But once the house went quiet, she couldn't stop questioning herself.

Why had her marriage failed after more than a decade? Why had Jonathan cheated? Was it because she really was what people said—just a woman who knew how to spend money and depend on her husband? Was she truly worthless without him, nothing but a pretty face?

She had brought up divorce, all confident, but deep down, she knew the blow had cut deeper than she would ever admit.

Restless, Selena finally got up and quietly slipped out of the bedroom.

The living room downstairs was dimly lit. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she froze. Someone was sitting on the couch, back turned toward her.

Her heart skipped, but she quickly realized who it must be.

Zachary.

By the glow of the floor lamp, she saw him sitting there with his eyes closed. He looked different from how he did in the day; less cold, more human.

His brows were slightly furrowed, his face tired. The warm light hit his sharp nose and jawline, highlighting his strong, quiet features. His shirt collar was open, his tie hanging loose, his long frame relaxed against the sofa in a way that seemed both worn out and effortlessly attractive.

Selena hesitated, thinking about whether to approach. She was just about to speak when his eyes suddenly opened.

Those dark eyes were sharp and deep, like blades cutting through the quiet night. His whole presence shifted in an instant—commanding, intense, and almost suffocating.