The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1863

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?"