The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1864

Man, this was freaking awesome. After playing second fiddle to Damon for more than two decades, it felt like Nathan had finally got his moment in the sun, thanks to his little girl.

Yulia never expected him to be so over the moon about this of all things. She wasn't sure how to feel about this. Shouldn't he be more thrilled about suddenly having a daughter? Well, he was just a big goofball for being so chuffed about edging out his big brother.

Damon's brow furrowed slightly, his expression cooling off.

Chloe paused for a moment, then, realizing what was going on, pressed a finger to her lips to hide her smile.b2

That Nathan, what a character. Life with him must be full of laughter. He was like a big kid, really. His way of thinking was totally off the beaten track.

Nathan was still basking in his own glory, looking all smug. Even Yulia, standing beside him, felt the urge to throttle him. Some people just didn't get slapped enough growing up.

Little Anya could sense Damon's mood was off and carefully slid off his lap. She was smart as a whip. She had got her dad's knack for reading a room, except she was a thousand times better at it.

Damon glanced at her briefly, then subtly looked away.

Anya ran to the foot of the stairs, craning her neck to look up at Yulia and Nathan. "Nathan, Nathan, do you have a daughter?"

Watching Anya's innocent face, Nathan felt his heart swell with affection. "Yep!"

Anya's little mouth puckered, and her brows furrowed slightly, her big eyes filled with sadness. "Where is she then..."

Nathan walked down the stairs and scooped Anya up in his arms. "Come here, sweetheart, say 'Papa.'"

Yulia immediately covered her face with her hand. Who was going to deal with this troublemaker?

Anya was totally confused by Nathan. "What's a Papa?"

Nathan laughed, "Papa is another word for 'Dad.' Now, say 'Dad.'"

Anya's eyes flickered nervously, unsure of what to do, and she looked to Yulia for guidance. Those eyes were filled with anxiety, questioning, and hope.

Yulia's heart was a mix of tenderness and guilt. She knew that from the very first moment Anya laid eyes on Nathan, she felt an inexplicable closeness.

The fact that Anya called Nathan 'Dad' at first sight nearly scared Yulia to death. She knew, it was an innate bond.

Throughout their time together, she could feel that both Nathan and Anya were being pulled by this connection.

Anya liked Nathan. In her heart, Nathan had long been her "buddy," her closest person.

The one she considered her closest person, in her understanding, was the 'Dad' role she had never met but had always longed for. And clearly, Nathan had already filled that role.

Anya thought that she wasn't his daughter. Still, Yulia kept it a secret. Indeed, no woman could be more heartless than her.

Yulia managed a small smile and nodded gently, "Go on, Anya, call him 'Dad.'"

Anya's eyes sparkled with surprise, and she turned her gaze back to Nathan. After staring at him for a while, her little mouth quivered, and a cry trembled in her voice. "Is Nathan really my Dad?"

Nathan was taken aback by Anya's sudden tearful look and felt a twinge of unease. "Don't you like me being your Dad?"

Anya cupped Nathan's face, tears brimming in her eyes, "Is Nathan my real Dad?"

Anya's simple question made everyone realize what she was asking. She wanted Nathan to be her real Dad, not just someone she had to call 'Dad' halfway through her life.

Nathan's heart clenched painfully as Anya looked at him with those big, tear-filled eyes. Nodding repeatedly, he kissed her cheek. "Yeah, I am your real Dad."

Anya's little hands, still cupping his face, tightened slightly.

"Really?"

"Yeah, Anya. You're Yulipop's and my precious daughter. Yulipop is Mommy, I am Daddy, and Anya is our little girl."

Anya sniffled, resting her forehead against Nathan's, "So Nathan is really my Daddy."

"That's right!" Nathan gently rubbed Anya's head.

Anya sniffled again, wrapping her arms tightly around Nathan's neck, burying her head in his shoulder.

"Daddy."

"Whoa, damn."

Nathan's nose tingled, and he almost cried out. Damn it all! It was all Yulia's fault for not telling him sooner.

Yulia, who was already moved to tears, suddenly snapped back to reality at Nathan's outburst. "What did you just say?"

She couldn't help but punch him lightly on the back. He always knew how to spoil the moment.

Anya seemed used to Nathan's silliness. She was completely lost in the happiness of having just found her Daddy. "Daddy."

"Hey, my good girl." Nathan responded without missing a beat this time.

"Daddy." Anya said again, straightening up and looking at him, "I think 'Nathan' sounds better."

"What... what'd you say?!" Nathan replied reflexively, then frowned as he realized what she meant.

Anya answered obediently, "I think 'Nathan' sounds better. Can I still call you Nathan?"

Nathan's face darkened, "No. You have to call me 'Dad' from now on."