The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1924

“Yasmine!” Derek’s usual easygoing demeanor was nowhere to be seen, his face set in a stern mask from the get-go. “You don’t have to suffer in silence with all of us here to support you. Acting all nonchalant, like you’re above it all – who are you trying to impress? Can Boyd even see you? Every word you spit out is like a knife, Yasmine. You're all talk, trying to wound others with words that probably don’t even scratch the surface. But who’s really in pain here? You…”

“Are you suggesting that I’m ruining my own life just to get back at Boyd? Was I not clear enough, or are you having trouble understanding?”

“What else could it be?” Derek shot back immediately. “Why else would you rush into marriage with a man you've barely met? Are you after the Summers family fortune? Come on, Yasmine, don’t you find that laughable? You want success, you have Peck Innovations and your own assets. What can a dying Summers empire offer you? Is this convincing to you? Have you forgotten who you are?”

Yasmine’s expression turned icy. “That reason isn’t convincing enough? Fine, I’ll give you another. To completely rid myself of Boyd, and to take revenge on him, that's why I chose to marry Nick now. Yes, I’m hypocritical. I say I don’t care, but deep down, I do. It bothers me so much that I’m willing to use my life as a weapon against him. Now you have two reasons. That’s what you wanted to hear, isn’t it? Happy now?”

Derek frowned deeply at her. “You never cease to amaze me with your reasoning.”

Yasmine forced a smile. “Right, I don’t even recognize myself anymore. When did I become such a fool, such a madwoman in my own eyes?”d2

“What do we mean to you? Couldn’t you discuss your problems with us instead of going it alone?”

“No one can share my burden. Everyone knows the grand principles of life, but how miraculous are these principles, really? Have they ever healed anyone's pain?”

Had they? No. If everyone understood, then nobody in this world would feel pain.

“I’m doing my best to live life my way. There’s nothing wrong with that, Derek. At least I still want to live. To throw myself away over these things, to give up – that’s beneath me. I won’t stoop that low.”

Derek bit his lip hard, looking at her. “So you’re full of convincing reasons. But let me tell you, Yasmine, you’re nothing but a con artist. Fooling everyone, even yourself.”

Yasmine’s eyes flickered, and after a long silence, she turned and walked into her room.

--

Inside the room, Yasmine stared at the marriage certificate on the bed, expressionless.

So, she had married herself off. Just like that. Great.

Suddenly, a pounding on the apartment door broke the silence. The persistent, almost deafening knocking was nothing short of terrifying.

Aliza felt her heart might leap out of her chest from the sound.

As she peered fearfully from her room, the sight of the person hammering on the door only added to her anxiety and frustration.

Bryson could guess who was at the door without even looking.

Derek, seeing his mother’s helpless look, furrowed his brow, strode over, and violently swung the door open.

--

Boyd couldn’t possibly be unaware of the day’s news.

What had been a clear sky turned ominously overcast, thick clouds rolling in as the wind whipped his navy-blue shirt around him. His handsome face was dark with rage, eyes bloodshot, his whole demeanor brooding and disheveled.

Derek, unfazed by Boyd’s appearance, matched his grim expression.

Everyone knew, perhaps from being around Yasmine so long, that there was an unspoken rule – they didn't have the right to be angry. Derek had always been an affable, easygoing guy, much more reasonable than Yasmine when it came to discussing problems.

Now, seeing Derek like this, Boyd felt as though a sharp pain had pierced straight through his already tight grip on his heart.

He had refused to believe it. Despite the clarity of the images on the news, he had remained in denial.

He had never heard her mention Nick before. It was impossible for her to have any connection with Nick, much less be at a point of discussing marriage.

She couldn’t be marrying someone else. He had imagined her wedding countless times – the location, the style, the grandeur, her in a wedding dress, the kind of ring to buy, the vows he wanted to make...

Hadn’t she said she wanted to have a real life with him? Why then turn around and choose someone else?