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.

straightforward, and they enjoyed Pho with a couple of simple

took one bite and immediately coughed from the spiciness, rushing to pour

amusing, Yasmine’s face grew imperceptibly colder. She continued

intense flavors. Now, they were oddly appealing. She understood why but despised the

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

threat against it could make her waver or even force her to surrender things she

She hated it.

asked, “Since when do you go for this

a small

no, I really can’t take this kind of food. Do you still

nodded, “Yes. It would be best if I could get

grasp Yasmine’s logic but respecting her persistence,

was jolted awake by her ringing phone, her furrowed brow betrayed her irritation. With a grumpy “Who’s this?” she

a pause before Boyd’s voice came through.

with sleep, flickered briefly before focusing, the drowsiness quickly replaced by

standing at the end of a hospital corridor, pinched the bridge of

escaping her. “What, should I bring Serana

against his forehead. “When did

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

grip on his brow tightened, a shadow crossing his face. “Don’t talk

Even if I were actually kidnapped, I wouldn’t reach out to you. Besides, you’re probably too busy to

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

over,” he

me say it’s over, then come. If not, don’t even think about showing up right now. Hearing your voice is already too

you have to let me explain about

I’ve told you I don’t want to

only woman who ever spoke to

Just focus on taking care of her. But Boyd, let me tell you, if

a chance to respond,

temper was

headache coming on as he stood

“Mr. Boyd.”

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

“Johnson’s been released.”

and his knitted

troubled, “We’ve tried everything, but we just

rubbed his forehead, eventually saying, “Arrange for

nodded solemnly,

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

to Serana’s ward to check on her. Seeing her sound

resting on her belly. The thought of what she might be facing caused her grip to tighten, and her

point, she would never have gone this far. She had to keep this baby; there was no going back

the bed, she sobbed quietly to

brow furrowed at the sight of the

head, her voice a

already postponed it three days

he always had. She never