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.

expression was not

brother watched with cold disdain, his look one

The natural bond between a father and daughter

crumbling bit by bit. Her lips twitched into a

catching the subtle gesture out of the corner of her eye,

cheek gently. He grinned weakly, sighing as he looked up, only to meet

these past

personal. It’s really

be here soon.” His brother’s tone was calm yet firm. “What personal matter could possibly be more important than seeing

his lips twitching as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze bore into

Ever since he’d held her, she took

was eager to dote on

only to be halted by Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly

wide grin,

“My sister-in-law!”

sweetie, you’ve got to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

Nathan, who had been silent, suddenly looked up

and continued to smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right. Call me Aunt

blinked again,

turned to Damon, “And

at Damon

utterly adorable. Damon

speak this time. Instead, he turned to Yulia, who seemed a bit uneasy. He suddenly stood up

what are

“Come with me!”

upstairs without another

didn’t even glance her way. Overpowered by

Yulia against the wall with a fierce grip on her

know Anya’s my daughter, which makes

voice was icy. “Tell me straight – is

furrowed her brows, “When did I ever say

mentioned it yesterday.

say she looks like Damon

you saying? She really

“You later said she

my father’s? Anya’s my

father, and then you? What kind of woman do you take me for? If she looks like your brother and your father, didn’t you ever consider

you before? When did

lips, “Maybe I’m mistaken.

else my foot. I am Anya’s

twitched, “Nonsense. I didn’t even know you back then, so how could we

her wrist as she tried to push him

an

snickered, “You deny it

it’s not me. What’s there

I’ll have to have someone look into it. If there’s a child of mine out there, I’ll have to bring

glared at him. “Didn’t you say