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?

never felt

her. And in their routine, she’d find herself

hostility

kids at Angel’s Haven Orphanage noticed too, whispering behind their backs, but

refute them.

knew it

it start,

it was when the lilies in the garden bloomed exceptionally beautiful, and

appeared so harmonious.

days later, she found the desecrated lilies, and realized something had

captivating sight at Angel’s Haven Orphanage. Now,

leaves shredded, and stems snapped. Such an act was a significant

and

by the garden, holding a trowel and

her too, uprooting the seedlings with

frightening, like… like when she looks at Serana,”

The lilies were planted by Serana, so it

another.

up, but Yasmine just

added extra seeds after Serana planted, knowing the

them out so the others

understand these simple gardening concepts and blamed her out

frustrating and laughable.

by the ruined garden, picking up

drew even more displeasure at Yasmine, but the children’s naive and ignorant gazes

concern.

particular feelings about Serana. There’s no motive. It wasn’t me,”

conclusions based on the

lilies thrived

being, and the investigation continued quietly,

reprimand for the culprit.

of the “crime,” seemed

appearance in craft class, he paired up

at a long table, as Serana

playing with colorful paper, greeted him

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

grown accustomed to.

a word, he shook the books, and out fluttered

the petals of lilies, pressed flat and

felt inexplicably

him, his eyes serene but his lips curved in a casual

all those

her with a detached gaze, standing by the table, not much taller than

universe of secrets, now veiled

don’t seem to care

light chuckle. “And

moment. “Indeed, Serana picked them up.