The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1860

Chapter 1860

No freaking way!

Nathan blinked. Pinching Anya's chubby cheeks, he teased, "Come on, my little munchkin, flash me another smile."

But Anya was having none of it at this point.

The little girl was at that age where she needed constant praise, and after Nathan had offhandedly called her ugly, she was a mix of hurt, angry, and pouty. Smiling was the last thing on her mind.

With her lips pursed and brows furrowed, she twisted her little shoulders away, wanting nothing to do with Nathan.

"Hey, look at that temper," Nathan chuckled, genuinely puzzled about who she might have gotten that from.d1

Yulia? He rarely, if ever, saw Yulia throw a tantrum. Thinking about it, Yulia seemed mostly well- behaved. But ever since that Ronald started hogging the spotlight, he began to suspect that Yulia was not as innocent as she seemed.

Raising an eyebrow, Nathan scratched Anya's chin playfully. "Are you going to smile or what?"

"Hmph, Nathan, you're annoying."

Nathan grinned, scooping Anya up in his arms. "If you won't smile, then so be it. I don't have much of a memory for my brother's grins anyway. I'll ask him about it tomorrow."

Carrying Anya out, they were met by Carly in the living room, who quickly said, “Dinner’s all warmed up. Should I call Yulia to join us?”

Nathan hoisted a moody Anya onto his shoulder. “No need, I’ll bring something up to her in a bit.”

Anya, initially nervous high up on Nathan's shoulder, clung to his head for dear life. Once she was sure he wouldn't drop her, her fears dissolved into giggles, the previous insult forgotten.

Carly watched Anya's happiness spread and couldn't help but smile with relief.

"I'll go get ready then. Anya should be going to bed soon. You guys eat, and I'll take care of her."

Nathan nodded, and Anya, now addicted to the fun of riding on his neck, wriggled and laughed even more.

"You aiming for the stars or what?" He gripped her tightly, playfully swaying her back and forth, which made her cling to him, laughing and screaming.

After a few minutes, Nathan's feeling of unease grew. "All right, that's enough. Time to get ready for bed."

He set Anya down on the couch as Carly came out with a tray of food. Taking the tray from Carly, Nathan glanced at Anya, who was now curled up in a ball on the couch. "Make sure you sleep tight, you hear?"

Anya pouted and huffed but said nothing.

Upstairs, Yulia was sprawled out in bed, too tired to move a muscle.

Nathan, with his appetite and build, was not a man to be trifled with. Too many times Yulia felt like he'd nearly done her in. The art of gentleness was something she wished she could teach him.

The bedroom door opened with a familiar kick from an impatient foot. Yulia’s eyelids fluttered but she didn’t open her eyes.

There was movement in the room, but she didn’t mind. However, she couldn’t ignore it when Nathan's familiar scent enveloped her, and his kisses trapped her, his broad, warm palm sneaking under the covers, causing mischief on her skin.

She had to pay attention now.

She pushed his hand away and propped herself against his shoulder, catching her breath as she opened her eyes to look at him. “I’m tired.”

Nathan nibbled on her lip and chuckled softly, “Don’t flatter yourself. Even if you wanted me now, you couldn't have me.”

With that, he flipped the covers back, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her to the sofa by the window, where he sat down with her on his lap.

When Yulia saw the food on the coffee table, she remembered she hadn’t eaten at all. Now that food was in sight, her stomach eagerly joined the conversation. Her stomach grumbled on cue.

Nathan snorted with laughter. Yulia, face flushed, clutched the towel and tried to slide off his lap, but Nathan’s arm wrapped around her waist and he picked up a bowl of food.

“Stay put.”

Trapped, Yulia protested, “I’m hungry too. I want to eat.”

Nathan forked up a bite and fed it to her.

Yulia reluctantly accepted and eventually chewed instinctively.

Nathan watched her comply and took a bite himself. After she finished, he fed her another mouthful.

Carly had prepared lots of food, knowing Nathan's appetite.

Throughout the meal, Nathan alternated between feeding himself and Yulia. Of course, he ate more, and Yulia ate less. Eventually, Yulia was full and refused more food, but Nathan stubbornly fed her a couple more spoonfuls before giving up.

With some food in her, Yulia's fatigue eased a bit.

After a quick shower in the bathroom, it was nearly dawn. The tiredness had subsided, but her internal clock, plus the recent exertion, had taken their toll. Once back in bed, she fell asleep in Nathan's arms.

Nathan had been distracted all day. At the company, his brother was hardly managing things, and his inbox was flooded with unread documents.

Now, with both body and mind relaxed and not wanting to leave the comfort of his bed, he skimmed through the emails on his phone. With a rough idea in mind, he tossed the phone aside, content with the soft woman in his arms, and drifted off to sleep.

--

The next day, Yulia woke first, courtesy of her internal clock. She saw Nathan and stiffened for just a moment before relaxing, smiling softly as she lay on his chest, gazing at his peaceful face.

A man with such a devilish charm, it was as though he was crafted solely to tempt women. In his quiet moments, he seemed almost gentle.

She reached out and sketched his features in the air, admiring the canvas that should rightfully be shared with the world, not just her. His beauty begged for exploration, but here he was, hers and hers alone. At least for now.

The thought alone made the corners of her lips curve into a wider grin. He pretended to be a playboy, but turned out to be an innocent virgin?

Pfft.

The term innocent virgin popped into Yulia's head unexpectedly, and she couldn't suppress a soft chuckle.

At such a close distance, Nathan woke up as soon as she pressed against his chest. Now, hearing her inexplicable laugh, he couldn't help but feel it had something to do with him.

Opening his eyes to stare at her, he saw that indeed, her smile was particularly cheeky.

"What's got you all giggly this early, huh? Dreaming up some R-rated scenarios about me?"

Yulia glanced at him, the amusement still playing on her face. "R-rated? Why can't your mind wander to something more for a change?"

"Hmph," Nathan snorted with a laugh, "You're lying here in my arms, as naked as the day you were born, and you expect me to strike up a conversation about next year's charity gala?"

"Pfft." Yulia laughed again, successfully entertained by his comment, "Well, as for next year's plans, it's not like we can't consider them. Besides, which corporation wouldn't want to show their face at a charity event?"

Nathan scoffed, "How about we kick off a rural charity project right now?"

Yulia replied, "Sure, why don't you start by outlining the proposal?"

Nathan raised an eyebrow, his hands becoming restless, "I think right now, this area seems particularly in need of some charity and attention."

Yulia tensed up instantly, grabbing his wandering hand and blushing, "Don't mess around."

As if Nathan would listen to her protests.

...

Thankfully, they both knew they had to work today.

After freshening up and dressing, they went downstairs where Carly was already having breakfast with Anya. Yulia felt a twinge of guilt seeing Anya again after nearly a day apart.

"Yulipop!" Anya called out happily as she saw her.

Yulia sat down beside her and gently patted her head.

Anya blinked her large eyes at her, "Yulipop, did Nathan give you a nice massage last night?"

Yulia paused, "Massage?"

"Yeah, Carly and Nathan said you weren't feeling well, and Nathan massaged you to make you feel better."

Confused, Yulia glanced at Carly, who was sporting an awkward smile. Realizing the implication behind Anya's words, Yulia wished she could just disappear into thin air. Turning to Nathan, she found him grinning in a most infuriating way.

"Yulipop? You're all red. Are you running a fever?"

"No, I'm fine, just feeling a bit warm all of a sudden."

Anya nodded, "I see."

After breakfast, Nathan suddenly suggested, "How about we head over to my brother's place for dinner tonight? They've been eating like royalty ever since he got a pregnant wife."

Normally, his brother did not eat much, but now with a pregnant wife, the meals were envy-worthy.

Yulia didn't think much of it and simply agreed, "Sure," as she put on her shoes and headed for the door.

"Wait up." Nathan called out to her, slipping on his shoes as well.

"What's up?"

He grabbed her hand, "I'm taking you to work."

Yulia hesitated, "I can drive myself."

Nathan scowled, "I'm taking you! From now on, I'll be the one to drive you to work."

Yulia smirked, "You're not still hung up on Ronald driving me yesterday, are you?"

Not denying it, Nathan pulled her out the door, his tone filled with warning. "If you dare get into another guy's car again, I swear I'll tie you to the roof and let you get blown away. Believe it?"

Tied to the car roof? Like a hood ornament? Yulia couldn't help but find the whole situation absurdly funny. His jealousy certainly had some creativity to it.

"So, about tonight..."

"I'll pick you up for my brother's place."

"Alright then."

Arguing with him was futile once he'd made up his mind.

The two of them walked downstairs together, only to find Ronald's car at the entrance of the apartment building. Yulia stopped in her tracks, her face instantly changed from a smile to a cold expression as Ronald got out of the car.

The mention of Anya from him last night was something she couldn't easily let go. He had plainly told her that it was Nathan who had put her and Anya in the spotlight. Although he suspected that Anya was related to Nathan, he deliberately mentioned Anya in Nathan's presence. If Nathan even had the slightest suspicion and pursued it, how long could she keep Anya's parentage a secret?

Ronald's expression was obviously tired. Seeing Yulia and Nathan come out as a pair, his brows furrowed even more tightly. Yulia didn't want to pay any attention to him. His decision last night was enough to erase any remaining goodwill she had for him.

As Nathan tugged on her arm, she looked up to find him glaring coldly at her. She took a step forward, following Nathan to his car.

Ronald called out to her, "Yulia."

Yulia stopped and faced him. "I don't want a divorce right now."

Ronald's expression twisted in shock, "Why? Is he forcing you into something? Don't be afraid. Whatever it is, tell me. I'll help you sort it out."

"Ronald!" Yulia took a deep breath, "He's not forcing me. It's my own decision. I've fallen for him, so I don't want a divorce."

Ronald's mouth hung open, unable to speak for a moment, "What... what did you say?"

Yulia stood firm, "I love him."

"Yulia," Ronald nearly interrupted her, "I never said you had to be with me. If you can't accept that, I won't force you. Don't dismiss me with that kind of excuse."

Yulia shook her head, "I'm not. I'm telling the truth. I have no reason to lie to you. I'm just that kind of fickle woman, not worth your persistence."

Ronald's face was ashen, "But you said you wanted to divorce him yesterday."

"The divorce was because I couldn't stand him being with other women. I said it was because of Anya, but Anya was just part of the reason."

As the last word rang out, Nathan wrapped Yulia in his arms, pressing her against the car in a frenzy of kisses. "I sure do love those words."

Yulia was caught off guard, her lips a mess from his kisses, and all of it in full view of onlookers. The flush of embarrassment overwhelmed her. She had no idea how to react.

She buried her face in the crook of his neck, too ashamed to look up. "Stop... Not like this."

"What can I do when you're so damn irresistible?" Nathan planted a fierce kiss on her ear and then held her tight, turning to face Ronald. "Buddy, did you get that?"

Ronald's fists clenched, his gaze dark and intense, "She was with me once. Do you even know what happened between us? Doesn't it bother you at all?"

Nathan's expression turned stone cold, "Don't you dare use that childish tactic to drive a wedge between us. I'm not some saint looking for a virgin. I don't need my woman to have a spotless past. You can't put a price on the fact that I like her, and if anyone dares to mess with her again, they'll have to answer to me."

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