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

her way more times than necessary

you need glasses?” Yasmine

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

traced her finger across her phone’s

barely perceptible. “All this

level, “Am I that cheap in

“Then what’s your reason?”

“Just feeling annoyed.”

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

off. “Do you want me to

gripped the steering wheel

Boyd. She didn’t care, but he wouldn’t allow distance. His watchful eyes seemed to follow her more closely than ever. Any guy that

an item. Rumors reached

relationship

the cafeteria, ignoring Serana sitting across from her,

to the ever-composed Boyd, and silently shoveled

a bit slow on the uptake,

paused. “When did

Silence.

More silence.

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

mouth to speak, but

stared into his 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.

taken two steps before being pulled toward the exit. They stopped at the basketball

inhaled deeply and

frowned. “Escape?

what I

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,

“Who’s your love rival?”

her temple and exhaled, “Alright,

Serana and

As for the rumors, we know what’s up. I don’t mind, but if it bothers you, I can

cut through

intensity, “You

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

that has to happen

she spoke after a moment of silence, “When I first heard the rumor, I found it ridiculous. Just the rumor alone seemed absurd

“Why?” he pressed.

to give one, it’s probably because I’m too narrow-minded to fully 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

clearly displeased by Yasmine’s

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

Her confidence was disarming,

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