The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1890

The moment the branch snapped, Yasmine's heart skipped a beat as if she were plummeting down a cliffside. But in that brief instant, she felt an odd sense of relief.

At last, she could shake off Boyd and Serana, those two thorns in her side. Now, she could breathe easy, no longer needing to trouble her mind over their drama. It had been quite the headache dealing with them both.

Boyd would be pleased. Serana, the apple of his eye, was safe and Yasmine, the heartless one, wouldn't be a sore sight for him anymore.

She wasn't a fool though. She wouldn't gamble with her life just to play matchmaker for them. In this moment, she was determined to survive at all costs.

Thankfully, it wasn't a sheer cliff she was dealing with.

However, the fall from the tree to the mountain's side was significant, and when she landed, the impact sent a jolt through her body as if every organ had been shattered. The pain was so intense, she couldn't pinpoint where it hurt the most.d2

As she slid down the mountain, the thick underbrush and brambles tore at her clothes, now muddy and ripped. Instinctively, she reached for anything to steady herself.

At first, her descent was too rapid, and each grasp at stability only led to more sliding. After several attempts, she managed to slow down.

Finally, gripping a protruding rock, she steadied herself, but the rain had loosened the stones, and before she could catch her breath, the rock split, sending her sliding down once again.

Rain washed soil down the mountainside, forming streams of mud that cascaded over her. Twigs snapped and pebbles pelted her from above. Thorns scratched her face, and her clothes were a mess, revealing legs and arms littered with cuts of all sizes.

Initially, she had the strength to struggle, to fight for her life, but as the cold rain numbed her pain, her strength waned. Though her speed had lessened, even grasping for a handhold became too much effort.

Yasmine sighed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips in the midst of the downpour.

The irony wasn't lost on her. Risking her life to save the very person she despised, it sounded like a heroic tale of self-sacrifice.

But when had she ever been the saintly type?

Yasmine mused ruefully. Well, if this was to be her end, at least she’d leave behind a noble reputation.

Darkness enveloped her, punctuated only by occasional flashes of lightning. And then, just when she felt her body hanging in mid-air, she plummeted once more.

She braced for death's embrace, but it was only a moment before she hit the ground again, her body wracked with the same excruciating pain as before, her organs aching.

This time, a metallic taste filled her mouth.

A bolt of lightning illuminated her surroundings, revealing she had landed on a flat stretch of land—likely the base of the mountain. Exhausted and in pain, she lay there for a while, moving her limbs feebly before finally settling down.

Using the lightning's flash, she surveyed the area. The rain stung her face, and she could barely open her eyes.

She raised her hand to shield them, lying silently in the downpour, wondering if she'd ever walk or use her hands again.

She was drained, hurting, and struggling seemed futile.

Bryson wouldn’t give up on her. Nor would the cops. They lived by the rule: no body, no case. The question was whether she'd live to see their rescue.

After what felt like an eternity, a light suddenly swept her way, followed by a voice she recognized. "Yasmine?!"

She weakly moved her arm, "I'm here..."

Her voice was faint, but the person heard her. Yasmine could sense someone closing in until the light finally settled on her.

"It's me, Ava!" Ava rushed over, shocked by Yasmine's battered state. The young girl was visibly shaken as she helped Yasmine to her feet. "Oh my God, did you really fall from the top?"

Yasmine slumped against her, "More like flew down."

Ava wiped the mud from her face, "You're one lucky lady."

"I didn't expect you to be the one to come."

Ava brushed Yasmine's hair back, "Did you forget? This mountain is my stomping ground. No one knows it better than me. If you fell from the top, this is the worst place you could end up."

Yasmine managed a weak smile, "Truly the worst."

"Stop talking. Save your strength. The police and Bryson are looking for you. And hey, there's a cave nearby, hidden away. Let me take you there. This rain is too heavy."

"I can't walk..."

Ava helped Yasmine sit up and handed her a flashlight. Then she turned, kneeling in front of her, "Climb on my back."

Yasmine looked at Ava's slender, fragile silhouette, feeling a mix of pain, vulnerability, and gratitude. Hot tears flowed down her rain-chilled cheeks. "You can't carry me."

Ava was silent for a while before sitting down slowly. "But why do it this way?"

"I just want some peace. It would be best if they all thought I was dead. They'd be relieved, and I'd get my peace and quiet."

"Do you hate them that much?"

Yasmine shook her head. "Hate's not the word. But getting tangled up with them is just annoying. I don't have the time to mess with them."

She certainly didn't want to see Boyd with that guilt-ridden, self-reproachful look on his face after this ordeal. And then there would be another endless entanglement.

She needed to stop this.

"I'm really tired now. Just do as I say, and only tell Bryson when it's time."

Ava nodded. She was used to following Yasmine's requests without question.

Yasmine closed her eyes, fell silent for a while, and then suddenly asked, "Do you have my bracelets with you?"

Ava shook her head. "Those things are way too valuable for me to carry around. They're locked up in the cabinet at home."

After another pause, Yasmine spoke again, "Then never mind."

And she didn't speak again.

--

Boyd couldn't believe what the officer was saying and chased after him. "What's really going on? Yasmine despises Serana. How could she possibly..."

"If you say it's impossible, then it must be," the officer replied, too indifferent to bother with a kid's concerns.

Seeing his dismissive attitude, Boyd's panic escalated. "What actually happened?"

"I don't know. We were already investigating this matter. Aren't you concerned about that young girl who knows what happened? Let her rest, and we can inquire tomorrow. It's not too late."