The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Boyd idly pushed around the green beans on his plate and said coolly, “Compared to before.”

“Yeah. With all those books you read, you should grasp the concept of self-awareness. I know I’m not the most

straightforward person, and someday I might do something that’ll make y’all cringe. But what bugs me most is,

even if what they say is true, I can’t stand people bad-mouthing me. I won’t give them the satisfaction of calling me

shameless behind my back. I don’t need that kind of gossip in my life.”

Boyd watched as she flicked the onions from her salad to the side, her face twisted in disgust. He smirked slightly, “I

thought you didn’t care about such things?”

“So I should just let everyone nitpick at me?” Yasmine’s appetite vanished as she shoveled a few more forkfuls of

mashed potatoes into her mouth. “I am also a human being. I don’t care, so does that mean anyone can freely slap

a label on me?”

Boyd just looked at her, “You can always set the record straight.” He slowly took another bite, “But this is because

of what I said to you in art class, isn’t it? If it isn’t you, you could explain, or prove your innocence.”

Yasmine’s movements quickened, and soon her plate was empty, save for the pile of onions in the corner.d2

“No need.” She slammed her fork down a bit too hard, “If I’m already so despicable in everyone’s eyes, what’s the

point? Proving myself once means I might have to do it again. Who am I proving my innocence for? Them? Or you?

Who among you is worthy of my explanation?”

A shadow fell across Boyd’s usually clear-cut gaze. “It seems you feel quite wronged indeed.”

Yasmine stared at him for a moment before standing up abruptly. “You’re right, I’m no saint. To suffer baseless

accusations is indeed a grievance.”

Boyd finished his last bite of food, “So, isn’t that also one of the reasons to clear your name?”

“Not good enough.” Yasmine raised her voice, her chin up, her eyes looking down at Boyd with a chilly smile,

“They’ve wronged me for no reason, and you think proving my innocence is that simple?”

She picked up her plate and pushed back her chair, “They made me suffer, and I intend to make them suffer more.

Today, thanks to you, Boyd, I realized I still have a twisted sense of humor. An eye for an eye makes life more

interesting. So everyone had better watch out. Don’t think I’m just talking. I’m full of cunning plans, and not using

them would be a disservice.”

The whole cafeteria fell silent.

All the kids were looking at Yasmine, with confusion, disgust, and fear in their eyes. There were few people around

Yasmine, and fear of her was definitely a part of the reason.

Boyd glanced up at her, “You don’t care about the suspicions of others, but my words stir up such a reaction?”

paused, her grip on the plate tightening. She was silent for a moment before looking straight

said frankly, “Because I think no amount of reading can make up for your useless

and now to realize I’ve been wrong about you from the

his

with the force of

Nothing

got up with a worried look and approached

“Cut it.”

and walked away with

Her demeanor was clearly that

drastic.

face set as he followed her out. The rest of the

before they too

they stepped outside, Yasmine was by the flowerbed, yanking out the lilies

in front of everyone,

tossed the uprooted flowers at Serana’s feet. Staring at Serana, who had

Take them. They’re a gift. Keep them as long

kids couldn’t help but murmur

“You are ignorant and stupid.

surrounding chatter, she continued, “I can’t understand why you’d hide your

know it. Otherwise, what’s the

Serana’s feet,

be

turned to look at Boyd, her face sarcastic, “I’m not into playing

openly, and if people decide it’s me, I don’t feel

blamed, then I end up with the reputation of a cowardly schemer. Why go the longest

the

the meaning of

never naive or foolish.

the flowers, and the students crowded around her. Yasmine watched the throng

biting sarcasm, unaffected.

the director arrived. The students babbled the story, but the director was visibly upset,

said Yasmine was responsible for this. Without evidence, it’s irresponsible

were falsely

words hung

we saw her always hanging around the garden. If it wasn’t her, who else

anyone

flowers weren’t willfully

largely due to her care. She’s been tending to them all along. So, it couldn’t have been

what they cherish

in murmurs of

flowers were clearly

Serena did plant the seeds, but without Yasmine, that garden wouldn’t have thrived the

them, even if it wasn’t her, even if she

destroyed what

decided to destroy them, then she must have felt

worth her love, or perhaps, they didn’t deserve her

to the side was Boyd, whose eyes suddenly

gaze.

turned to the teachers nearby, “This afternoon’s class,

cultivating lilies.”

in agreement

spoke up, dusting the soil off

afternoon.”