The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Though they had seen much of life’s harsh realities, the children at the local orphanage couldn’t fathom the depths of darkness that might dwell in the heart of a seven-year-old girl who had just lost her parents.

Serana kept to herself, a solitary figure in the corner, quiet and well-behaved in class, and equally so during recess, watching the others play with an expressionless demeanor, like a still pond devoid of life.

Perhaps they sensed a kindred spirit in her, or maybe it was pity, or a thick slather of curiosity, but from that point on, Boyd had someone else woven into the tapestry of his childhood.

From then until now, Serana had become a thread running through the narrative of his life.

In their daily interactions, Serana was the picture of innocence, speaking in gentle whispers, looking at people with sincerity and care. Even as the years passed and she grew, she never changed – tender and fragile, yet brave and stubborn.

Outwardly, she seemed as delicate as a glass figurine, always needing protection, yet she fiercely tried to prove her strength, insisting she didn’t need anyone’s care and could even protect others.d2

Such a girl was irresistibly endearing – tender and attentive, pure and kind, brave, stubborn, and resilient.

Like her long, dark hair, the number of people drawn to her grew day by day. And it was true what they said – girls should have long hair.

Yasmine was beautiful but frosty by nature. Others kept their distance. From start to finish, Boyd was her only constant, and she never felt lonely. At least, not until she suddenly realized what loneliness was and found that certain things had become inevitable.

Boyd’s time was no longer solely dedicated to her as he began to learn deeper subjects beyond the basic curriculum.

Companion? She had never considered Boyd’s presence as companionship before.

But when did it start? It wasn’t when Boyd’s time began to scatter, leaving more for Serana.

Was it from the moments they shared meals together, or those occasional breaks when they sat beside the flower beds?

Or when they planted a lily bulb together, one digging a hole, the other tenderly placing the bulb inside?

She never felt it then.

But somehow, Serana began to irk her. And in their routine, she’d find herself unintentionally showing indifference or even hostility towards Serana.

The other kids at Angel’s Haven Orphanage noticed too, whispering behind their backs, but she never bothered to refute them.

Because she knew it was true.

When did it start, exactly?

Perhaps it was when the lilies in the garden bloomed exceptionally beautiful, and the two silhouettes sitting together appeared so harmonious.

And then, a few days later, she found the desecrated lilies, and realized something had changed.

The garden’s vibrant lilies had been a captivating sight at Angel’s Haven Orphanage. Now, they were mostly dead, their petals scattered, leaves shredded, and stems snapped. Such an act was a significant event in the otherwise tranquil orphanage, and the investigation began.

“It was Yasmine. Just days after planting, I saw her by the garden, holding a trowel and looking pensive,” said one.

“I saw her too, uprooting the seedlings with that trowel,” added another.

“Recently, her gaze towards the garden was frightening, like… like when she looks at Serana,” a third chimed in.

We all know that. The lilies were planted by Serana, so it

accusations piled up, but Yasmine just

the germination rate was low. And when the seedlings grew too dense, she thinned them out so

concepts and blamed her out of ignorance,

with tears streaming down her face. Her tears drew

have any particular feelings about Serana. There’s

head of the orphanage didn’t jump to conclusions based on the children’s words, agreeing with Yasmine’s simple statement. After all, the

and the investigation

scene of the “crime,” seemed indifferent to the whole

rare appearance in craft class, he paired up with Yasmine, who had been working alone at a

greeted him casually.

– a surprising

he shook the books, and out fluttered colorful petals. One book after another,

heart felt inexplicably

curved in a casual smile.

not much taller than the piece of furniture itself. However, those eyes seemed to hold a universe of secrets, now veiled with a frosty

don’t seem to care

out a light chuckle.

stared at her for a long moment. “Indeed, Serana picked them up. She

her hands. “So, you think I should

look rather happy as it

of conversation. Always skirting full disclosure,

to sink, a suffocating weight. “Don’t I have the right

second before continuing, “Do you think

over the petals. “Didn’t you say you had

Yasmine froze, her heart laced with an inexplicable

one, shadowy and blurred. She had no particular fondness for

rooted deep within her, yet she

motive. What

does disliking someone need

herself, but his

would I have a problem

for a while before responding. “You’re asking

lips. “Even so, it’s just a matter of probability. There are plenty who don’t like her. Why

green paper and began

Yasmine watched coldly.

entire orphanage,

Yasmine hadn’t managed to create

patiently pieced together the petals into a vibrant bouquet of lilies, carefully wrapped in colored paper,

long as you want.” His tone was still cool, but

joy and

nodded, with a hint of a smile

her heart ached. She thought it was

She was too scheming

Hmph.