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 it

to irk her. And in their

hostility towards

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

refute them.

she knew it

it

was when the lilies in the garden bloomed exceptionally

appeared so harmonious.

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

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

leaves shredded, and stems snapped. Such an act was

and the

I saw her by the garden,

the seedlings with that trowel,”

garden was frightening, like… like when she looks

like Serana. We all know that. The lilies were planted

another.

piled up, but

merely added extra seeds after Serana planted,

thinned them

these simple gardening concepts and blamed

frustrating and laughable.

knelt by the ruined garden, picking up

more displeasure at Yasmine, but the children’s naive and ignorant gazes didn’t warrant

concern.

any particular feelings about Serana. There’s

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

After all, the lilies thrived mainly because of

for the time being, and the

reprimand for the culprit.

who hadn’t visited the scene of the “crime,” seemed indifferent to the whole

following afternoon, during a rare appearance in craft class, he

a long table, as Serana was already working

colorful paper, greeted him casually.

carrying –

grown accustomed to.

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

covered in the petals of

heart felt

serene but his lips curved in a

all those

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

a universe of secrets, now veiled with

care much about them,”

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

picked them up. She cried over