The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

The Angel’s Haven Orphanage wasn’t exactly a beacon for philanthropy. Nestled in an unassuming corner of town,

it was too small to catch the eye of tycoons or celebrities looking for a charity to boost their image. Without the lure

of media buzz, the orphanage didn’t attract those seeking to showcase their generosity for a PR boost. Everyone

knew that big gestures during a crisis got more attention than the quiet struggle of making ends meet.

Still, Angel’s Haven Orphanage stayed afloat through the years, thanks to the silent support of a few true

philanthropists who didn’t need their names in lights.

Yasmine was too young to understand these complexities at six or seven. But as she grew older, the weight of the

orphanage’s struggles became more apparent. The quality of meals improved with every benefactor’s visit, and the

director’s smile returned briefly, teaching Yasmine that their survival hinged on the kindness of strangers.

To the kids, these visitors were akin to Santa Claus, distributing cookies, toys, or books in the classroom, leaving

them beaming with joy. All except for one boy, who, despite his tender age, always seemed to cloak himself in

solitude, warding off any approach with an invisible barrier.

for her part, often sat alone by the flowerbeds, with a

find a friend among them, yet over

their motives too simple, their attempts at friendship too

their entourage of journalists,

rehearsed lines, only to wear a look

world that only accepted the good, everyone had to

grew as she watched from the sidelines, until one

just like her. Their eyes met, and it was clear that if she wanted to understand him,

try a different tactic.

reached the same conclusion. Both had seen through the

a silent game of getting to know each other, building

walls they thought unassailable.

others saw as “good friends,” a concept neither fully understood nor

richer for it, and even the director seemed relieved, seeing in

of normalcy.

Then Serena arrived.

learned that Serena was seven