The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Serana glanced at Boyd, her mind a blank slate as to what to say next. However, nothing was inappropriate about Yasmine’s actions afterwards. They munched on slices of cake and sipped on coffee, making small talk about how each other had been lately.

Aside from her initial sharp words, Yasmine’s demeanor was so faultlessly normal you couldn’t pick a bone with it. If there was anything to comment on, it was that her phone never seemed to leave her hand for long.

But the more she played it cool, the more both Serana and Boyd felt something was off.

“Do you come here often?” Boyd asked casually as Yasmine’s plate became crumb-free.

Yasmine gave a half-smile. “Yeah.”

“It is a nice place,” he admitted.d2

Taking a sip of her coffee, Yasmine leaned back in her chair. “Yeah.”

Boyd pursed his lips, and silence fell like a curtain.

Serana looked on, worry creasing her forehead. For years, Boyd had always been the one looking down on others, never the one to seek out chit-chat.

Serana could tell he was trying to find common ground, to say something – anything – to ease the tension with Yasmine.

Even though Yasmine was sitting there with them, who could really say where her thoughts were?

The misunderstanding that had started over a jar of flowers seemed resolved, and they were interacting like before. But was there real forgiveness from Yasmine? Not likely.

There they were, sitting across from each other, yet it felt like miles between them. Serana was curious – could Yasmine ever truly like someone?

What would she be like? What lengths would she go to? She’d love to see that.

But who would be the one to break through?

Yasmine’s phone rang, but she ignored it, standing up instead. “You guys carry on. I’ve got something else to attend to. I’ll head out first.”

She answered the phone as she pulled out her chair.

Boyd stood, reaching to catch Yasmine’s wrist. Phone to her ear, Yasmine looked at him. “Something else?”

Boyd stared for a moment. “Where are you off to?”

“Home.”

Derek’s figure appeared beside them. He eyed the hand Boyd had on Yasmine. “You want something?”

Boyd’s grip tightened unintentionally.

Yasmine pulled her hand back, phone down. “Should be clear now.”

—

Serana watched through the glass as Yasmine’s car pulled away, and only then did she breathe a sigh of relief. “She’s still the same.”

Boyd didn’t respond.

the car, Yasmine’s expression remained

her way more times than

glasses?” Yasmine

No contact for two months and suddenly you’re sharing desserts and coffee? What’s

her finger across her phone’s screen, engrossed in Candy Crush. “Their

perceptible. “All this

level, “Am I that cheap in

“Then what’s your reason?”

“Just feeling annoyed.”

nodded, a classic Yasmine response. “Those were just kid’s squabbles from when we were

cut him off. “Do you want me to jump out and end

wheel

allow distance. His watchful eyes seemed to follow her more closely than ever. Any guy that approached her would be

everyone got the impression that they were an item. Rumors

a relationship

sitting across from her, Yasmine addressed Boyd directly, “Rumor

the ever-composed Boyd, and silently shoveled food into

“You’re a bit slow on the uptake,

paused. “When did this

Silence.

More silence.

to Serana, “Clearly, there’s some misunderstanding. Don’t overthink it.” She wasn’t about to deal with a surprise

to speak, but Boyd set down

eyes for two seconds. Almost as he stood up, she abruptly stood up as well. “Feeling queasy

Boyd’s expression darkened.

stopped at the

between them until Boyd inhaled deeply and spoke, “Were you trying

frowned. “Escape?

what

getting a ‘friend’ like Serana nearly did me in. Now, out of nowhere, I get a ‘boyfriend’ and a love rival? Boyd, are you trying to say I’ve had it too easy, or

“Who’s your love rival?”

and exhaled, “Alright, so I’m being

and

Yasmine held up a hand. “Your thing with her is none of my business. As for the rumors, we know what’s up. I don’t mind, but if it bothers you, I can clear things

Boyd’s voice cut through the

gaze on her with a penetrating intensity, “You sure you’re not just playing dumb with

paused for a moment, leaned against the nearby railing, and let out a laugh. “Me, playing dumb? What’s up? Are we, like, actually dating or something? How come I, the person involved, am the last to know? Have you been openly courting me, or poured out your heart in a confession, or have we held hands and

of that has to happen for it to be considered real dating,

Yasmine’s brow as she spoke after a moment of silence, “When I first heard the rumor, I found it ridiculous. Just the rumor

“Why?” he pressed.

all, if it weren’t for your insistence on linking our childhoods together, I would’ve probably stayed completely cut off from you. I think I’ve been pretty generous by interacting with you and Serana up to

clearly

make amends, and don’t confuse those

was disarming,

joke of unrequited feelings. However, the look in Boyd’s eyes that she had seen in the cafeteria left no