The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Today had already been a whirlwind for Yulia, and she had simply assumed Nathan’s impromptu visit was driven by his notorious appetite for a free meal.

She hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly. Or so dramatically.

She was utterly blindsided. Completely unprepared.

Though she and Nathan had laid their feelings bare the night before, Yulia had carefully skirted around the subject of Anya.b2

Her fear was palpable—if something were to happen between her and Nathan, at least he wouldn’t be quick to hold Anya back. Now, it seemed she was being cornered into acknowledging Anya’s parentage. It wasn’t paranoia if she felt like she’d been set up today, was it?

But who could have masterminded such a scheme? Damon and Chloe? A glance at the pair revealed nothing amiss.

Nathan?

If he’d orchestrated this whole scenario, surely he’d have avoided the potential smackdown from his brother, right?

Or was it a conspiracy between Nathan, Damon, and Chloe? Shaking her head, Yulia doubted Nathan would go that far.

Despite the suddenness of the situation, it seemed to be unfolding quite naturally, but the more natural it felt, the more Yulia sensed something was off. Yet, without proof, she was stuck in her suspicions.

Her wary gaze lingered on Chloe, who was merely holding her phone with a casual smile. To suspect her of any wrongdoing felt like a cardinal sin.

“This is a bit hard to explain,” admitted Yulia with a sheepish grin.

Chloe chuckled. “They don’t need an explanation. As long as they’re sure Anya is their beloved granddaughter, that’s all that matters. As for whatever’s going on between you and Nathan, that’s between the two of you. They don’t need to be involved.”

Yulia felt the sting of truth in Chloe’s words. Indeed, Nathan’s parents had never meddled in the younger generation’s love lives. Whether it was Damon, Nathan, Chloe, or herself, none had faced scrutiny or judgment from them.

Considering Damon and Chloe’s own journey, it was clear their parents were supportive. As long as Damon’s mind was made up, they had no objections. On the contrary, they showered them all with love. It was rare to find such understanding family.

Yulia remained silent, and after a few seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance and dialed the phone without further ado.

…

After cleaning himself up, Nathan descended the stairs to find the living room silent, everyone deep in their own thoughts, including Anya, who clung to Damon’s leg with wide, bewildered eyes.

His entrance inevitably drew everyone’s attention. A single glance from his brother sent shivers down Nathan’s spine. Clutching his nose and keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over to Yulia.

Anya, seeing Nathan unscathed, left Damon’s side and ran to him, hugging his legs and looking up in concern. “Nathan, are you feeling better? Damon said you were feeling under the weather.”

Nathan’s lips twitched in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look. He never would’ve guessed his usually stoic brother could spin such tales to a child.

Bending down, Nathan scooped Anya into his arms, feigning injury. “The bleeding’s stopped, but my nose still hurts a bit.”

Anya, looking distressed, blew gently on his nose. “There, there. My breath will make it all better.”

Nathan nodded, his gaze lingering on Anya’s face. She didn’t mind his intense scrutiny and continued her tender care. After a while, she looked up and asked softly, “Does it still hurt?”

Nathan shook his head slightly, nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle motion. “Just a little bit,” he murmured softly.

“I’ll keep blowing on it then,” Anya offered, her hands cupping his face, her touch as soft as feathers.

Nathan’s eyes never left Anya’s face, the emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring at sea.

not lost on

brother watched with cold disdain,

on the other hand, shone with emotion. The natural bond between a father and daughter

by bit. Her lips twitched into a

her eye, focused back on her phone, her smile

seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted Nathan’s cheek gently. He grinned weakly, sighing as he looked up, only to meet his brother’s icy gaze. A shiver ran down his

these past few days,”

It’s really important

His brother’s tone was calm yet firm. “What personal matter could possibly be

as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze bore into him once more, and Nathan’s resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down

to Damon’s side. Ever since he’d held her, she took every

Chloe, who was eager to dote on

Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly little limbs before glancing at

wide grin, reaching out to

“My sister-in-law!”

to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a chuckle. “It’s not

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

silent, suddenly looked up at Chloe.

to smile at

blinked again, “Aunt

fondly and turned to Damon,

at Damon and

adorable. Damon didn’t seem

time. Instead, he turned to Yulia, who seemed a bit

what are

“Come with me!”

dragged Yulia upstairs without another

Chloe didn’t even glance her way. Overpowered by Nathan’s strength, Yulia was taken upstairs

Yulia against the wall with a fierce grip on her chin. “Spill it, Yulia!

and you know Anya’s my daughter,

Nathan’s voice was icy. “Tell me straight – is Anya Ronald’s daughter or

did I

“You didn’t refute it when he mentioned it yesterday. Just answer me – who is Anya’s real

say she

you saying? She really is

expression darkened, “You later said she

father’s? Anya’s

kicked him hard in frustration. “Are you crazy? How could I be with your brother, your father, and then you? What kind of woman do

curled into a smug smile. “Did I know you before? When did I ever get

laughter, Yulia pursed her lips,

“Someone else my foot. I am Anya’s real

“Nonsense. I didn’t even know you back then, so

push him away. “Tell me. Was that woman in

an eyebrow,

“You deny it so

choked on her words, “Because it’s not

it wrong. I remember being with another woman. I’ll have to have someone look into it. If there’s a child of mine out

“Didn’t you say there was