The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

No freaking way!

Nathan blinked. Pinching Anya’s chubby cheeks, he teased, “Come on, my little munchkin, flash me another smile.”

But Anya was having none of it at this point.

The little girl was at that age where she needed constant praise, and after Nathan had offhandedly called her ugly,

she was a mix of hurt, angry, and pouty. Smiling was the last thing on her mind.

With her lips pursed and brows furrowed, she twisted her little shoulders away, wanting nothing to do with Nathan.

“Hey, look at that temper,” Nathan chuckled, genuinely puzzled about who she might have gotten that from.d1

Yulia? He rarely, if ever, saw Yulia throw a tantrum. Thinking about it, Yulia seemed mostly well-behaved. But ever

since that Ronald started hogging the spotlight, he began to suspect that Yulia was not as innocent as she seemed.

Raising an eyebrow, Nathan scratched Anya’s chin playfully. “Are you going to smile or what?”

“Hmph, Nathan, you’re annoying.”

Nathan grinned, scooping Anya up in his arms. “If you won’t smile, then so be it. I don’t have much of a memory for

my brother’s grins anyway. I’ll ask him about it tomorrow.”

Carrying Anya out, they were met by Carly in the living room, who quickly said, “Dinner’s all warmed up. Should I

call Yulia to join us?”

Nathan hoisted a moody Anya onto his shoulder. “No need, I’ll bring something up to her in a bit.”

Anya, initially nervous high up on Nathan’s shoulder, clung to his head for dear life. Once she was sure he wouldn’t

drop her, her fears dissolved into giggles, the previous insult forgotten.

Carly watched Anya’s happiness spread and couldn’t help but smile with relief.

“I’ll go get ready then. Anya should be going to bed soon. You guys eat, and I’ll take care of her.”

Nathan nodded, and Anya, now addicted to the fun of riding on his neck, wriggled and laughed even more.

“You aiming for the stars or what?” He gripped her tightly, playfully swaying her back and forth, which made her

cling to him, laughing and screaming.

After a few minutes, Nathan’s feeling of unease grew. “All right, that’s enough. Time to get ready for bed.”

He set Anya down on the couch as Carly came out with a tray of food. Taking the tray from Carly, Nathan glanced

at Anya, who was now curled up in a ball on the couch. “Make sure you sleep tight, you hear?”

Anya pouted and huffed but said nothing.

Upstairs, Yulia was sprawled out in bed, too tired to move a muscle.

to be trifled with. Too many times Yulia felt like he’d nearly

of gentleness was something

kick from an impatient

her eyes.

movement in the room, but she didn’t mind. However, she couldn’t ignore it when

and his kisses trapped her, his broad, warm palm sneaking under

on her skin.

to pay attention

pushed his hand away and propped herself against his shoulder, catching her breath as she

at him.

and chuckled softly, “Don’t flatter yourself. Even

me.”

covers back, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her to the sofa

with her on

Yulia saw the food on the coffee table, she remembered she hadn’t eaten at all. Now that food

the conversation.

snorted with laughter. Yulia, face flushed, clutched the towel and tried to slide off

around her waist and he picked up a bowl

“Stay put.”

“I’m hungry too. I want to

up a bite and fed it

reluctantly accepted and eventually chewed

comply and took a bite himself. After she finished, he fed her

prepared lots of food, knowing

the meal, Nathan alternated between feeding himself and Yulia. Of course, he

was full and refused more food,

before giving up.

some food in her,

quick shower in the bathroom, it was nearly dawn. The tiredness had

taken their toll. Once back in bed, she

day. At the company, his brother was hardly managing things, and his inbox

flooded with unread documents.

with both body and mind relaxed and not wanting to leave the comfort of

a rough idea in mind, he tossed the phone

and drifted off to

—

first, courtesy of her internal clock. She saw Nathan and stiffened for just

on his chest, gazing at his peaceful

charm, it was as though he was crafted solely to tempt

seemed almost gentle.

in the air, admiring the canvas that should rightfully

His beauty begged for exploration, but here

the corners of her lips curve into a wider grin. He pretended to be

be an innocent

Pfft.

popped into Yulia’s head

a close distance, Nathan woke up as soon as she pressed against his

it had something to do

her, he saw that indeed, her smile

early, huh?