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

in their routine, she’d find herself unintentionally showing

hostility towards

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

refute them.

she knew it was

did it

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

appeared so harmonious.

found the desecrated lilies, and

a captivating sight at Angel’s Haven

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

orphanage, and

was Yasmine. Just days after planting, I saw her by the garden, holding a trowel and looking

uprooting the seedlings with that trowel,”

like… like when she looks

lilies were planted by Serana,

another.

up, but

added extra seeds after Serana planted, knowing the germination rate was low. And

thinned them out so the others

blamed her out

frustrating and laughable.

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

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

concern.

about Serana. There’s no motive.

head of the orphanage didn’t jump to conclusions based on the children’s words, agreeing with

the lilies

for the time being, and the investigation continued quietly, possibly

reprimand for the culprit.

scene of the

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

a long table, as Serana was

playing with colorful paper, greeted him casually.

books he’d been carrying – a surprising choice

grown accustomed to.

a word, he shook the books, and out fluttered colorful petals.

covered in the petals of lilies, pressed flat

heart felt

his lips curved in

all

by the table, not much taller than the piece

to hold a universe of secrets, now veiled with a

care much about them,” he

and let out a light chuckle. “And what, pray tell, should I

long moment. “Indeed, Serana picked them up. She cried over them