The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1923

Everywhere you went, the buzz was about today's scandalous news. The whispers were louder about Serana's miscarriage than the possibility of Yasmine and Nick sharing more than just a hotel room.

"This has to be the biggest scoop in years. Exes staying at the same hotel, the ex-girlfriend shacking up with some new guy, and the ex-boyfriend with another woman."

"And I heard that Serana lost the baby because the guy got too drunk last night, and well, during the deed he wasn't careful, went too hard and you know."

"No way, I heard they found her in the bathroom, probably just slipped, right?"

"Who knows the real story? But the idea that it was from being too rough, that's just distasteful, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah."d2

The coffee shop was abuzz with the gossip. Yasmine ordered a latte, listening to the chatter with a detached amusement.

Lost the baby from being too rough? She smirked, a cold edge to her smile. That was brutal, a clever move indeed.

Was Serana so determined to keep Boyd's attention that she'd resort to such extremes? The price seemed steep.

Perhaps her words in the corridor had really gotten under Serana's skin.

Desperate times.

Leaning back with her coffee, Yasmine's face was a mask of sarcasm. Comparing herself to Serana, she felt a touch more balanced. At least she wasn't that ruthless.

To stay by Boyd's side, Serana was willing to carry another man's child. And then, to stay with him, she was cold enough to lose it. Even one of these acts was beyond her capabilities.

It wasn't until someone sat across from her that Yasmine turned, straightening up.

"Sorry I'm late."

Yasmine offered a wry smile. "It's alright, Mr. Summers. With such news breaking, you must have your hands full. I understand."

Nick took a deep breath. "It's not too bad for me, it's just not looking good for you."

"The Summers name is well-known in P City. You getting wrapped up in this scandal is not great for your reputation. But I see through these matters. How does Ms. Petry plan to handle this?"

As Yasmine spoke, Nick's face tensed. He glanced around and took a hefty gulp of his coffee. "You're smart. My mother has indeed thought of a few ways out, but to completely shut the media up, we need to make our relationship official. That's the best solution."

Yasmine chuckled. "I could explain to the press that last night was a misunderstanding."

Nick waved his hand dismissively. "Your explanation won't do much. It's better if... my... we should get married. It is also my mother’s intention."

Yasmine sipped her latte in silence for a moment.

"You want to marry me?" she asked abruptly.

Nick stared at her radiant face. "Personally, you're beautiful, and you'd make a fine Mrs. Summers."

Nodding, Yasmine said, "Marrying into the Summers family of P City is tempting, but as far as I know, your family isn't doing so great."

Nick's expression soured.

Yasmine pressed on, "I'm quite optimistic about the future of the domestic entertainment industry. Marrying you isn't out of the question, but the Summers family would need to make a gesture of goodwill, don't you think?"

"The entertainment industry… You're not thinking of getting your hands on Pulse Entertainment, are you?"

"Well, I wouldn't dream so big. I'm more interested in seeing how sincere you are. If I marry into the Summers family, what's mine becomes yours, right? It's just about having some assurance. Besides, Pulse Entertainment isn't what it used to be. Shares are just numbers, after all."

Nick looked troubled. Yasmine added, "Let's face it, Ms. Petry is at her wit's end with Pulse Entertainment. It might just wither away in her hands. Maybe I could turn things around?"

"You?" Nick was skeptical. His mother had struggled for years with no success. What made this fresh graduate think she could do better?

Yasmine leaned back, smirking. "Mr. Summers, your mother's getting on in years, and times are changing. We must look ahead, don't you agree?"

Nick was silent, pondering. Finally, he looked at Yasmine. "A marriage in exchange for company shares, with you driving a hard bargain. This is new to me."

Yasmine pushed her now-cold latte aside. "It was just a misunderstanding. If I said I wanted to marry you because I liked you, loved you, would you believe me?"

Nick shrugged. "You could choose not to marry me. But you're straightforward, and I like that. I won't overthink it. I do fancy you, but your attitude…"

Derek didn’t reply. What was she thinking? Was she trying to make Boyd give up for good, or was it revenge? Or perhaps, it was the allure of the Summers family?

But this was Yasmine. Whatever the reason, it couldn’t possibly be why she decided to marry Nick. Yet, the reality was staring them in the face. So, all this time, she had been lying, unable to let go, and only pretending to be carefree.

When Yasmine returned home, a heavy silence hung in the air. It was the first time she saw Bryson's face filled with both pain and anger.

Everyone was silent, clearly waiting for her to explain first.

“I won’t pack up my things here. I’ll be back to stay. I’ll be sorting out new clothes and necessities at the Summers' in the next few days.”

Silence.

More silence.

“And congratulate me, I guess. I’ve finally taken care of my lifelong matter.”

Bryson looked up at her sharply, “Congratulations? Miss, do you really mean that? You said nothing happened that night, so why marry him? Everyone knows that Nick is a…”

“A goof,” Yasmine interrupted, “he’s just not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to business. But he's good-looking and comes from a decent family. He's fun-loving but at least he's clean when it comes to women. He's easily swayed and gentle-natured. I doubt he'll force me to do anything. When you think about it, him being a goof might even be a plus, right?”

Bryson was taken aback by her words, “But do you like him?”

“Feelings can be developed. I don’t like him, and it’s not likely I’ll like anyone else, so why not choose a man who, apart from my feelings for him, is everything I want?”

Bryson: “You…”

“Bryson, I’ve told you to trust me. I wouldn’t mess up. I might be mediocre in love, but I’m all in when it comes to my career. Do you really want to see me ruled by my emotions for the rest of my life?”

Bryson opened his mouth, speechless from Yasmine’s retort. Of course, the answer was no. But was this marriage too rushed?

“Are you sure your decision this time isn’t driven by emotions?” Derek suddenly spoke up.

Yasmine’s smile faded slightly as she shot him a cold glance. “Trying to mess with my head?”