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 of simple side dishes by

from the spiciness, rushing to pour

grew imperceptibly colder. She continued eating, her appetite

she’d shunned such spicy, intense flavors. Now, they were oddly appealing. She understood why but despised the

no intention of changing for anyone, especially Boyd. Yet, because of him, she now

one threat against it could make her waver or even

She hated it.

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

crowd at a small shop today, and figured it

this kind of food.

best if I could get

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

her ringing phone, her furrowed brow betrayed her irritation. With a grumpy “Who’s

was a pause before Boyd’s voice

with sleep, flickered briefly before focusing, the drowsiness quickly replaced by a cold demeanor.

hospital corridor,

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

his hand harder against his forehead. “When did you

voice laced with sarcasm. “If I had been kidnapped, I’d probably be

a shadow crossing his

her laughter. “Of course it’s nonsense. Even if I were actually kidnapped, I

tone didn’t allow for any further conversation on the matter, especially not over the

over,” he

cold and firm. “If you want to hear me say it’s over, then come. If not, don’t

have to let me explain about

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

only woman

make it harder for you. Just focus on taking

Boyd a chance to respond, she

temper was certainly

temples, feeling a headache coming on as he

“Mr. Boyd.”

assistant snapped him back to reality. He slowly opened his eyes and turned around after a brief pause.

“Johnson’s been released.”

darkened immediately, and his

troubled, “We’ve tried everything, but we just couldn’t keep it under

temples throbbed as he rubbed his forehead, eventually saying, “Arrange for more people to watch over the

assistant nodded solemnly,

the assistant spoke again, “The department heads are all waiting for you to convene

but he still went to Serana’s ward to check on her. Seeing her sound asleep, he instructed his assistant to keep a close

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 would never have gone this far. She had to keep this baby; there was no going back now. From the beginning, she knew there was

bed, she

entered the room, his brow furrowed at the sight of the distraught Serana. “Ms.

her head, her voice a

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

meetings for her brought her both joy and guilt. He still cared for her just as he always had. She never intended to stay by his side as his partner, but as long as he didn’t abandon her, it was