The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

But Boyd didn’t release her. “Is there no other way?” he asked.

“Right now, seeing you just annoys me. You’d better stay out of my sight for a while.”

Boyd’s frown deepened, his silence lingering. “How long is ‘a while’?”

“I’m not sure.” It could be days, or months. As time passed, he might realize there was no need to cling so tightly.

“Do you think that’s an answer?”

Yasmine chuckled. “To be honest, I’d be happy never to see you again. Can you accept that answer?”d2

He didn’t respond, his mouth a tight, sharp line.

Yasmine laughed softly at his expression. “Three months, then.”

Three more months until graduation. That answer seemed to weigh heavily on Boyd.

Three months, whether it was the symbolic end to their college life or just a simple cycle of 90 days, he couldn’t accept either. How many college days did one get in life, or sets of 90 days? Unless absolutely necessary, he didn’t want to waste a single day.

“You should know that as long as I know you exist in this world, as long as I can see you, touch you, I can’t keep my distance completely.”

Yasmine felt a vein throb in her temple. Were sweet words a natural instinct for men? To any other woman, those words would have been a downfall. The whole ‘to the ends of the earth’ or ‘faithful until the mountains crumble’ spiel was touching, sure. But pretty words had their place, and right now, she saw his persistence as nothing more than a nuisance.

“Boyd, don’t you think you’re being a bit presumptuous? You’re dissatisfied with whatever answer I give. How about you tell me what you want?”

After a long stare, Boyd finally said, “Yasmine, you know I can’t let you go. But you’re unhappy, you don’t want to see me, and I respect that. I hope it won’t be for too long. If you won’t make a statement, I won’t wait forever. I hope you can cool off over the next few days.”

Yasmine raised an eyebrow, seemingly in agreement, then glanced at her captured hand.

Boyd let go.

Derek, trailing behind Yasmine, had no idea whether her acquiescence was genuine. “Hey, you’re not just stringing him along to get rid of him, are you?”

“Why is breaking up so hard?”

Derek smirked. “Because he likes you. And honestly, with your temper, I doubt anyone but Boyd could put up with you.”

Yasmine shot him a look. “What’s wrong with my temper? Did I throw a fit or cause a scene?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. You should leave some room for negotiation. You’re so absolute. You don’t give others a choice.”

Yasmine scoffed. “By that logic, should a convicted murderer have the choice not to die?”

“There! You see?” Derek pointed excitedly at her. “You go straight for the death penalty. But Boyd’s not a murderer, is he?”

“Do people need to commit murder to get a death penalty?”

his forehead speechlessly. “Fine! Do

—

indeed stayed away

latest campus gossip. Seeing Yasmine walking to

center of it all, Serana, drew plenty of attention too. At first, she also stayed away from school. When she reappeared,

by Serana at the entrance of the science building, Yasmine couldn’t

I heard about your cafeteria showdown with Boyd. Maybe we should

Yasmine cut her off without a second

paused, but her expression remained neutral. She was used

feelings for Boyd. He’s always looked out for me, and if he weren’t exceptional, you wouldn’t be with him. But Boyd likes you, not me. And there’s no need to accuse him of confusing old friendships with love. If he truly liked me, I’d be happy, but if that were the case, we

the reason I considered dating someone else was to give you peace of mind. But that’s just one reason. I also wanted

birds with one stone, and you, being smart, surely understand that better than I do. So, there’s no

with your relationship with Boyd. And if you don’t trust me, at least trust him. Ask

This was probably the most Serana had ever said

the right words, but finding a simple response to Serana’s lengthy speech proved difficult. “I don’t care if you have a thousand reasons for dating now. Do you think

who says that means I have to trust him completely? Falling for him, I guess, isn’t his fault, but when he knows you’ve got a thing for him and still insists on taking care of you, letting you harbor fantasies—that, I’m sorry to say, is prime “jerk” behavior

crush on Boyd and promising not to mess with our relationship? Accusing me of being unfair, heartless, and

out a derisive snort, “And why, pray tell, do you think

front of Yasmine, no matter what she did,

book in her hand, smiling at her, “Isn’t it

it? By coming clean to you, I wanted you to know you

sighed, stepping closer to Serana and leaning in to look her in the eyes, then smiled. “Did Boyd stop

Serana’s face stiffened.

this, Yasmine’s smirk grew colder. “Looks like you came here to take your

pick the wrong target? He ignores you, and you come to me, what’s the use? Do you really expect me to patch things up

Yasmine was pointless. Whatever Serana said could easily be dismissed by Yasmine’s nonchalant words. Everything she said to Yasmine might as well have been gibberish. Her thoughts were stripped bare. Anything she said or

to speak but couldn’t utter a word. What was the point

she could do, tears welling up in her eyes before finally spilling

an eyebrow. “Tears don’t get you

she propped the rolled book on her shoulder and walked

Serana suddenly grabbed her, her voice breaking

stumbled but regained her composure to find Serana looking at her with tearful eyes. “What will it take for you to stop

here you are, all teary-eyed, begging me to let you stay by his side? Serana, are you out of your mind? If you want to be with him, talk to him. What’s the point in

cares about your feelings, and you threaten him with a

choice. You need to face reality. Aren’t you in a relationship? Or do you plan on being with him even after

“I won’t get married.”

Yasmine’s forehead. “Lunatic.” At her

family. It’s impossible for us to be together. Why do you insist

hitting someone, she would have turned back and slapped that madwoman hard. Pulling out her phone, she called Boyd for the first time in a week. The call connected quickly,

to your

was a pause on

came over to give me a piece of her mind. I told you that dating you is just one disaster after another.

laid down the gauntlet and hung

left his office, his assistant looked puzzled, “Mr. Boyd, the meeting is

“Cancel it!”