The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Though they had seen much of life’s harsh realities, the children at the local orphanage couldn’t fathom the depths

of darkness that might dwell in the heart of a seven-year-old girl who had just lost her parents.

Serana kept to herself, a solitary figure in the corner, quiet and well-behaved in class, and equally so during recess,

watching the others play with an expressionless demeanor, like a still pond devoid of life.

Perhaps they sensed a kindred spirit in her, or maybe it was pity, or a thick slather of curiosity, but from that point

on, Boyd had someone else woven into the tapestry of his childhood.

From then until now, Serana had become a thread running through the narrative of his life.

In their daily interactions, Serana was the picture of innocence, speaking in gentle whispers, looking at people with

sincerity and care. Even as the years passed and she grew, she never changed – tender and fragile, yet brave and

stubborn.

Outwardly, she seemed as delicate as a glass figurine, always needing protection, yet she fiercely tried to prove her

strength, insisting she didn’t need anyone’s care and could even protect others.d2

Such a girl was irresistibly endearing – tender and attentive, pure and kind, brave, stubborn, and resilient.

Like her long, dark hair, the number of people drawn to her grew day by day. And it was true what they said – girls

should have long hair.

Yasmine was beautiful but frosty by nature. Others kept their distance. From start to finish, Boyd was her only

constant, and she never felt lonely. At least, not until she suddenly realized what loneliness was and found that

certain things had become inevitable.

Boyd’s time was no longer solely dedicated to her as he began to learn deeper subjects beyond the basic

curriculum.

Companion? She had never considered Boyd’s presence as companionship before.

But when did it start? It wasn’t when Boyd’s time began to scatter, leaving more for Serana.

Was it from the moments they shared meals together, or those occasional breaks when they sat beside the flower

beds?

Or when they planted a lily bulb together, one digging a hole, the other tenderly placing the bulb inside?

felt

And in their routine, she’d

even hostility towards

too, whispering behind their backs,

refute them.

she knew it was

it

garden bloomed exceptionally beautiful,

appeared so harmonious.

then, a few days later, she found the desecrated lilies, and

been a captivating sight at Angel’s Haven Orphanage. Now,

leaves shredded, and stems snapped. Such

and the

was Yasmine. Just days after planting, I saw her by the

saw her too, uprooting the seedlings with that

was frightening, like… like when she looks at Serana,” a third chimed

all know that. The lilies were planted by Serana,

another.

accusations piled up, but Yasmine just

extra seeds after Serana planted,

them out so

and blamed her out of ignorance,

frustrating and laughable.

said nothing, just knelt by the ruined garden, picking up petals with tears streaming down

the children’s

concern.

Serana. There’s no motive.

to conclusions based on

statement. After all, the lilies thrived mainly because

being, and the investigation continued quietly, possibly leading to

reprimand for the culprit.

visited the scene of the “crime,”

following afternoon, during a rare appearance in craft class, he paired up with Yasmine, who had been

Serana was already working

paper, greeted

set down the heavy finance books he’d been carrying – a surprising choice

grown accustomed to.

books, and out fluttered colorful petals. One book after another, until

in the petals of lilies, pressed

felt inexplicably

eyes serene but his lips curved in a casual smile. “I recall Serana was the one

up all those

gaze, standing by the table, not much taller than

hold a universe of secrets, now veiled with a

don’t seem to care much

out a light chuckle. “And what, pray

her for a long moment. “Indeed, Serana picked them up. She