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.

Yasmine’s expression remained

her way more times than necessary within

need glasses?” Yasmine casually

nothing to say? No contact for two months and suddenly you’re sharing desserts and coffee? What’s going on in

traced her finger across her phone’s screen, engrossed in

was barely perceptible. “All this for a free

stars on the level, “Am I that cheap in

“Then what’s your reason?”

“Just feeling annoyed.”

squabbles from when we were ten. Holding onto that, or keeping score with them,

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

wheel tighter. “Can’t

His watchful eyes seemed to follow her more closely than ever. Any guy that approached her would be “taken care of” by Boyd before she

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

a relationship with

lunch in the cafeteria, ignoring Serana sitting across from her, Yasmine addressed Boyd directly, “Rumor

turning to the ever-composed Boyd, and silently shoveled food

eyes flickered. “You’re a bit

paused. “When

Silence.

More silence.

misunderstanding. Don’t overthink it.” She wasn’t

to speak, but Boyd set

eyes for 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.

before being pulled toward the exit. They stopped at the basketball court next to the cafeteria, where Boyd finally let

stretched between them until Boyd inhaled deeply

“Escape? Why would

know what I

a moment, then nodded. “Years ago, suddenly getting a ‘friend’ like Serana nearly did me in. Now, out of nowhere, I get a ‘boyfriend’ and a love rival? Boyd, are

“Who’s your love rival?”

temple and exhaled, “Alright, so I’m being

and I

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

voice cut through

a penetrating intensity, “You sure

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

never leaving hers, “So, all of that has

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

“Why?” he pressed.

let go of the past misunderstandings between us. After 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 this point. If I had to get involved with you in any other way,

knitted together, clearly displeased by

remind you,” she continued, “don’t use your guilt towards me as a way to make amends, and don’t confuse those childhood bonds and the so-called love from us spending

was brutally honest. Her confidence was disarming, silencing any retort before it could be

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