The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

What was going on here? Was she pregnant too? And by the same guy?

Man, what a mess.

Yasmine went through the entire examination process with a calm demeanor, showing no expression whatsoever.

The nurse accompanying her couldn’t utter any superfluous chatter, feeling even a smile might upset some delicate balance.

For other pregnant women, going for prenatal check-ups was usually more sweet than nervous. After all, they were carrying new life—an embodiment of love and a beacon of hope for the future. So many profound reasons to be elated.

Sure, there were exceptions, but Yasmine’s level of detachment was unprecedented in the nurse’s experience.d2

Post-examination, Yasmine collected her report and headed into the doctor’s office. The physician reviewed her test results and gave her a rundown of her current condition—all normal, with some advice for the early stages of pregnancy.

Yet, the doctor’s words seemed to echo in an empty room, meeting no response from Yasmine. Noting her silence, the doctor prodded, “Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Yasmine lifted her gaze, offering the doctor a brief glance before eyeing the papers in his hand. After a few seconds, she asked, “When’s the best time for a termination?”

The doctor blinked in confusion. “Uh?”

This was a stark contrast to her recent elation upon finding out about the pregnancy.

“The optimal time is between 6 to 7 weeks, though you could proceed now. Are you sure…”

Yasmine’s lips were pressed into a thin line, her thumb absently stroking her belly. After a while, she stood up, took those reports, and with a calm demeanor, uttered a ‘thank you.’ Following that, she walked out of the office.

The waiting room was still crowded with curious eyes that followed her exit.

Ignoring their interest, she turned her back on the maternity ward. Where Boyd had whisked Serana off to was none of her concern.

She descended to the underground parking lot, drove off, and soon found herself at a diner, where she quietly sipped her cereal before heading home.

Bryson and Derek had gone to the office, and Aliza was probably at the grocery store.

After changing clothes, Yasmine slumped on the couch and flipped on the TV, her gaze flatly skimming across the entertainment news.

Aliza returned from the grocery store to find her lounging at home. “Skipping school today?” she asked with a smile.

Yasmine straightened up, replying with a noncommittal hum.

“I got loads of fruit. Hang tight, I’ll fix you up some.”

“Thanks, Aliza,” Yasmine said, switching the channel.

After preparing a fruit bowl, Aliza asked, “What do you fancy for lunch?”

Nibbling on fruit, Yasmine recalled a little eatery she had noticed on her drive home. “Ever had Pho?”

Aliza shook her head. She was still adapting to local food since arriving from Y Country, and such a niche dish hadn’t crossed her path.

Yasmine nodded. “Let’s try that for lunch. I’ll look up a recipe online.”

Aliza wouldn’t object.

enjoyed Pho with a couple

coughed from the spiciness, rushing to pour

grew imperceptibly colder. She continued eating, her appetite

they were oddly appealing. She

Yet, because of him, she now craved what she once would have ignored. She loathed

it could make her waver or

She hated it.

she decided against another bite and asked, “Since when do you go for this kind of food?

curious. Saw a crowd at a small shop today, and

really can’t take this kind of food. Do you still want

be best if I could get tired of it in the shortest time

to grasp Yasmine’s logic but respecting her persistence, silently disposed of her barely-touched bowl of

ringing phone, her furrowed brow betrayed her irritation. With a

before Boyd’s voice came

the drowsiness quickly replaced by a cold demeanor. “What do you

of a hospital corridor, pinched the bridge of

her. “What, should I bring Serana a fruit basket and help you take

pressed his hand harder against his forehead. “When

with sarcasm. “If I had been kidnapped, I’d probably be dead by now,

grip on his brow tightened, a shadow crossing his face.

chuckled, a tinge of sarcasm in her laughter. “Of course it’s nonsense. Even if I were actually kidnapped, I wouldn’t reach out

further conversation

coming over,” he

you want to hear me say it’s over, then come. If not, don’t even think about showing

to let

of your mind? I’ve told you I don’t want to talk. Can’t you understand

life, Yasmine was the only

focus on taking care of her. But

a chance to respond, she hung

was certainly

temples, feeling a headache coming on as he

“Mr. Boyd.”

back to reality. He slowly opened his eyes and turned around after a brief pause. “What

“Johnson’s been released.”

and his

but we just couldn’t

temples throbbed as he rubbed his forehead, eventually saying, “Arrange for

nodded

you to convene a meeting about the new project development. You’ve delayed it

ward to check on her. Seeing her sound asleep, he instructed his assistant to keep a close watch on her before leaving

Boyd left, Serana woke up, relieved to find herself in the familiar hospital room. She sat up slowly, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. The thought of what she might be facing

this far. She had to keep this baby; there was no going back now. From the beginning, she

on the bed, she

room, his brow furrowed at the sight of the distraught Serana. “Ms. Serana, you’re awake.

head, her voice a whisper,

for a meeting. It’s important, and he’s already postponed it three days for you. If he doesn’t show up today, other

as he always had. She never intended to stay by