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.

car, Yasmine’s expression

way more times than necessary within

you need glasses?” Yasmine casually

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

finger across her phone’s screen, engrossed

“All this for

on the level, “Am I that cheap in

“Then what’s your reason?”

“Just feeling annoyed.”

Yasmine response. “Those were just kid’s squabbles from when we were ten. Holding onto that, or keeping score

want me to jump out

the steering wheel tighter.

avoiding Boyd. She didn’t care, but he wouldn’t allow distance. His watchful eyes seemed to follow

the impression that they were an item. Rumors reached Yasmine, and she

a relationship with

in the cafeteria, ignoring Serana sitting across from her, Yasmine addressed Boyd directly, “Rumor has it we’re

Boyd,

“You’re a bit slow on

“When did

Silence.

More silence.

some misunderstanding. Don’t overthink it.” She wasn’t about to deal with

mouth to speak, but Boyd

two seconds. Almost as he stood up, she abruptly stood up as well. “Feeling queasy all of a sudden. Enjoy your meal.

Boyd’s expression darkened.

the exit. They stopped at the basketball court next to the cafeteria,

them until Boyd inhaled deeply

frowned. “Escape? Why would

what

Now, out of nowhere, I get a ‘boyfriend’ and a love rival? Boyd, are you trying to say I’ve had

“Who’s your love rival?”

her temple and exhaled,

Serana and I

is none of my business. As for the rumors, we know what’s up. I don’t mind, but if it

voice cut through the air, sharper than

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

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

eyes never leaving hers, “So, all of that has to happen for it to

I first heard the rumor, I found it ridiculous. Just the rumor alone

“Why?” he pressed.

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 this point. If I had to get involved with you in any other way, that would

knitted together, clearly displeased by

you,” she continued, “don’t use your guilt towards me as a way to make amends, and don’t confuse those childhood bonds

disarming, silencing

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