The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1923

Everywhere you went, the buzz was about today's scandalous news. The whispers were louder about Serana's miscarriage than the possibility of Yasmine and Nick sharing more than just a hotel room.

"This has to be the biggest scoop in years. Exes staying at the same hotel, the ex-girlfriend shacking up with some new guy, and the ex-boyfriend with another woman."

"And I heard that Serana lost the baby because the guy got too drunk last night, and well, during the deed he wasn't careful, went too hard and you know."

"No way, I heard they found her in the bathroom, probably just slipped, right?"

"Who knows the real story? But the idea that it was from being too rough, that's just distasteful, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah."d2

The coffee shop was abuzz with the gossip. Yasmine ordered a latte, listening to the chatter with a detached amusement.

Lost the baby from being too rough? She smirked, a cold edge to her smile. That was brutal, a clever move indeed.

Was Serana so determined to keep Boyd's attention that she'd resort to such extremes? The price seemed steep.

Perhaps her words in the corridor had really gotten under Serana's skin.

Desperate times.

Leaning back with her coffee, Yasmine's face was a mask of sarcasm. Comparing herself to Serana, she felt a touch more balanced. At least she wasn't that ruthless.

To stay by Boyd's side, Serana was willing to carry another man's child. And then, to stay with him, she was cold enough to lose it. Even one of these acts was beyond her capabilities.

It wasn't until someone sat across from her that Yasmine turned, straightening up.

"Sorry I'm late."

Yasmine offered a wry smile. "It's alright, Mr. Summers. With such news breaking, you must have your hands full. I understand."

Nick took a deep breath. "It's not too bad for me, it's just not looking good for you."

"The Summers name is well-known in P City. You getting wrapped up in this scandal is not great for your reputation. But I see through these matters. How does Ms. Petry plan to handle this?"

As Yasmine spoke, Nick's face tensed. He glanced around and took a hefty gulp of his coffee. "You're smart. My mother has indeed thought of a few ways out, but to completely shut the media up, we need to make our relationship official. That's the best solution."

Yasmine chuckled. "I could explain to the press that last night was a misunderstanding."

Nick waved his hand dismissively. "Your explanation won't do much. It's better if... my... we should get married. It is also my mother’s intention."

Yasmine sipped her latte in silence for a moment.

"You want to marry me?" she asked abruptly.

Nick stared at her radiant face. "Personally, you're beautiful, and you'd make a fine Mrs. Summers."

Nodding, Yasmine said, "Marrying into the Summers family of P City is tempting, but as far as I know, your family isn't doing so great."

Nick's expression soured.

Yasmine pressed on, "I'm quite optimistic about the future of the domestic entertainment industry. Marrying you isn't out of the question, but the Summers family would need to make a gesture of goodwill, don't you think?"

"The entertainment industry… You're not thinking of getting your hands on Pulse Entertainment, are you?"

"Well, I wouldn't dream so big. I'm more interested in seeing how sincere you are. If I marry into the Summers family, what's mine becomes yours, right? It's just about having some assurance. Besides, Pulse Entertainment isn't what it used to be. Shares are just numbers, after all."

Nick looked troubled. Yasmine added, "Let's face it, Ms. Petry is at her wit's end with Pulse Entertainment. It might just wither away in her hands. Maybe I could turn things around?"

"You?" Nick was skeptical. His mother had struggled for years with no success. What made this fresh graduate think she could do better?

Yasmine leaned back, smirking. "Mr. Summers, your mother's getting on in years, and times are changing. We must look ahead, don't you agree?"

Nick was silent, pondering. Finally, he looked at Yasmine. "A marriage in exchange for company shares, with you driving a hard bargain. This is new to me."

Yasmine pushed her now-cold latte aside. "It was just a misunderstanding. If I said I wanted to marry you because I liked you, loved you, would you believe me?"

Nick shrugged. "You could choose not to marry me. But you're straightforward, and I like that. I won't overthink it. I do fancy you, but your attitude…"