The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Today had already been a whirlwind for Yulia, and she had simply assumed Nathan’s impromptu visit was driven by

his notorious appetite for a free meal.

She hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly. Or so dramatically.

She was utterly blindsided. Completely unprepared.

Though she and Nathan had laid their feelings bare the night before, Yulia had carefully skirted around the subject

of Anya.b2

Her fear was palpable—if something were to happen between her and Nathan, at least he wouldn’t be quick to hold

Anya back. Now, it seemed she was being cornered into acknowledging Anya’s parentage. It wasn’t paranoia if she

felt like she’d been set up today, was it?

But who could have masterminded such a scheme? Damon and Chloe? A glance at the pair revealed nothing amiss.

Nathan?

If he’d orchestrated this whole scenario, surely he’d have avoided the potential smackdown from his brother, right?

Or was it a conspiracy between Nathan, Damon, and Chloe? Shaking her head, Yulia doubted Nathan would go that

far.

Despite the suddenness of the situation, it seemed to be unfolding quite naturally, but the more natural it felt, the

more Yulia sensed something was off. Yet, without proof, she was stuck in her suspicions.

Her wary gaze lingered on Chloe, who was merely holding her phone with a casual smile. To suspect her of any

wrongdoing felt like a cardinal sin.

“This is a bit hard to explain,” admitted Yulia with a sheepish grin.

Chloe chuckled. “They don’t need an explanation. As long as they’re sure Anya is their beloved granddaughter,

that’s all that matters. As for whatever’s going on between you and Nathan, that’s between the two of you. They

don’t need to be involved.”

Yulia felt the sting of truth in Chloe’s words. Indeed, Nathan’s parents had never meddled in the younger

generation’s love lives. Whether it was Damon, Nathan, Chloe, or herself, none had faced scrutiny or judgment

from them.

Considering Damon and Chloe’s own journey, it was clear their parents were supportive. As long as Damon’s mind

was made up, they had no objections. On the contrary, they showered them all with love. It was rare to find such

understanding family.

Yulia remained silent, and after a few seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance and dialed the phone

without further ado.

…

After cleaning himself up, Nathan descended the stairs to find the living room silent, everyone deep in their own

thoughts, including Anya, who clung to Damon’s leg with wide, bewildered eyes.

His entrance inevitably drew everyone’s attention. A single glance from his brother sent shivers down Nathan’s

spine. Clutching his nose and keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over to Yulia.

Anya, seeing Nathan unscathed, left Damon’s side and ran to him, hugging his legs and looking up in concern.

“Nathan, are you feeling better? Damon said you were feeling under the weather.”

Nathan’s lips twitched in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look. He never would’ve guessed his usually

stoic brother could spin such tales to a child.

Bending down, Nathan scooped Anya into his arms, feigning injury. “The bleeding’s stopped, but my nose still hurts

a bit.”

Anya, looking distressed, blew gently on his nose. “There, there. My breath will make it all better.”

Nathan nodded, his gaze lingering on Anya’s face. She didn’t mind his intense scrutiny and continued her tender

care. After a while, she looked up and asked softly, “Does it still hurt?”

Nathan shook his head slightly, nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle motion. “Just a little bit,” he murmured softly.

“I’ll keep blowing on it then,” Anya offered, her hands cupping his face, her touch as soft as feathers.

Nathan’s eyes never left Anya’s face, the emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring at sea.

His expression was not lost on the others.

His brother watched with cold disdain, his look one of sheer contempt.

Chloe’s eyes, on the other hand, shone with emotion. The natural bond between a father and daughter could soften

even the hardest of men.

Yulia, too, was touched, feeling the walls she’d built around herself crumbling bit by bit. Her lips twitched into a

smile, and the hands she’d been clenching in front of her relaxed.

Chloe, catching the subtle gesture out of the corner of her eye, focused back on her phone, her smile growing

wider.

After Anya seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted Nathan’s cheek gently. He grinned weakly, sighing as he

looked up, only to meet his brother’s icy gaze. A shiver ran down his spine, and he clutched Anya closer. “I… um…

suddenly remembered something urgent. Gotta run.”

“The business has been doing well these past few days,” Damon interjected coldly.

Nathan hesitated. “It’s personal. It’s really important personal stuff.”

“The folks will be here soon.” His brother’s tone was calm yet firm. “What personal matter could possibly be more

important than seeing them?”

Nathan was speechless, his lips twitching as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze bore into him

once more, and Nathan’s resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down next to Yulia, clutching Anya close.

Anya clambered off Nathan and returned to Damon’s side. Ever since he’d held her, she took every chance to

snuggle close.

Damon glanced at Chloe, who was eager to dote on Anya, then bent down and lifted Anya onto his lap.

Anya kicked her legs joyfully, only to be halted by Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly little limbs before

glancing at Chloe.

Chloe scooted closer with a wide grin, reaching out to caress Anya’s rosy cheeks.

“My sister-in-law!”

“Anya, sweetie, you’ve got to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a chuckle. “It’s not ‘sister-in-law’

anymore. From now on, it’s ‘Aunt Chloe.'”

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

At this, Nathan, who had been silent, suddenly looked up at Chloe. “Aunt Chloe?!”

Chloe glanced at him and continued to smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right. Call me Aunt Chloe.”

Anya blinked again, “Aunt Chloe.”

Chloe patted her head fondly and turned to Damon, “And call him Uncle.”

Anya looked at Damon and attempted, “Uncle?”

Her attempt at the word was slightly off but utterly adorable. Damon didn’t seem to mind as he grunted an

acknowledgment.

Nathan didn’t speak this time. Instead, he turned to Yulia, who seemed a bit uneasy. He suddenly stood up and

pulled her to her feet.

“What… what are you doing?”

“Come with me!”

He dragged Yulia upstairs without another word.

Yulia cast a desperate look at Chloe for help, but Chloe didn’t even glance her way. Overpowered by Nathan’s

strength, Yulia was taken upstairs to a guest room.

Nathan closed the door and pinned Yulia against the wall with a fierce grip on her chin. “Spill it, Yulia! What’s going

on?”

Yulia swallowed nervously, “We’re married, and you know Anya’s my daughter, which makes her yours too.”

“Is that so?” Nathan’s voice was icy. “Tell me straight – is Anya Ronald’s daughter or not?”

Yulia furrowed her brows, “When did I ever say she was Ronald’s.”

Nathan leaned in closer, “You didn’t refute it when he mentioned it yesterday. Just answer me – who is Anya’s real

father?”

Yulia’s eyes flickered, “Didn’t you say she looks like Damon today?”

Nathan narrowed his eyes, “What are you saying? She really is Damon’s daughter?”

Her expression darkened, “You later said she resembled your father, too.”

“So, she’s my father’s? Anya’s my sister?!”

Yulia kicked him hard in frustration. “Are you crazy? How could I be with your brother, your father, and then you?

What kind of woman do you take me for? If she looks like your brother and your father, didn’t you ever consider

she might resemble you?”

Nathan’s lips curled into a smug smile. “Did I know you before? When did I ever get a child with you?”

Taking in his barely concealed laughter, Yulia pursed her lips, “Maybe I’m mistaken. Anya’s father must be someone

else.”

His smile froze, “Someone else my foot. I am Anya’s real dad.”

Yulia’s lips twitched, “Nonsense. I didn’t even know you back then, so how could we have a child?”

He caught her wrist as she tried to push him away. “Tell me. Was that woman in Brookside you?”

Yulia raised an eyebrow, “No.”

Nathan paused, then snickered, “You deny it so quickly? Didn’t even think about it?”

She choked on her words, “Because it’s not me. What’s there to think about?”

He hummed, “Oh, really? Maybe I got it wrong. I remember being with another woman. I’ll have to have someone

look into it. If there’s a child of mine out there, I’ll have to bring them home.”

Yulia glared at him. “Didn’t you say there was only one woman last night?”