The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Just as he was about to scoop up the little troublemaker and take him outside, the door of the room swung open and Elizabeth walked in.

“The guests have all arrived. Why don’t you bring the babies out for a bit?”

Rose took Colt over, and Chloe, cradling her son, prepared to join Damon in making their entrance.

As they reached the doorway, Elizabeth caught Chloe’s arm, hesitating as if torn whether to speak.

Chloe looked puzzled. “What’s up?”

Elizabeth glanced at Damon, then pulled Chloe aside and whispered:d2

“The thing is that Presley is here too. I think, in this situation, if he wants to hold the babies…”

Chloe nodded. “I understand.”

Elizabeth’s face showed a hint of apology. “I’m sorry, Chloe, I just can’t bear it. It’s pitiful to see him like that.”

“It’s all water under the bridge. No matter what, he’s their great-grandfather. I’m doing fine now. As long as the babies are healthy, I don’t have room in my heart for those unhappy memories. Don’t worry. A little respect for him in public is also respect for myself.”

Relieved, Elizabeth nodded. “I am so sorry you have to bear this.”

Chloe smiled reassuringly. “I get it a little. He wasn’t exactly kind to you either, or you wouldn’t have eloped with his son all those years ago. And yet, you still have a soft spot for him, don’t you?”

Elizabeth gave a wry smile. “What can I say? No matter how mean he can be, I just can’t bring myself to retaliate. As much as I hate him at times, I pity him too. I’ve come to terms with it over the years. It is what it is.”

Chloe chuckled. “Well, I’m the same. No matter how much he disapproves of me, I’m determined to outlive him. I’ll just indulge him for now.”

The words were slightly inappropriate, but they were honest.

Elizabeth also didn’t think there was anything to worry about. She gently squeezed Chloe’s arm as a reassuring gesture. “Give Damon a heads-up, so he doesn’t stir the pot.”

—

When Damon and Chloe emerged into the banquet hall, the bubbling conversations came to an abrupt halt. All eyes were drawn to them as they approached.

Most guests were eager to catch a glimpse of the twins, but with layers of security, no one could get too close. Not only had Damon prepared, but Stanley had also mustered additional hands, ensuring that not even a fly could breach the hotel’s perimeter.

The moment they appeared, Alyssa joyfully took Little Moon from Damon’s arms into hers.

Chloe glanced at Presley standing at the back and walked towards him, with baby in arms. They faced each other, expressions neutral, and it was impossible to discern what each was thinking.

Finally, almost simultaneously, their gazes fell on the Little Sun in her arms.

“This is Elio, we’ve chosen his name. If you’re not happy with it, you can pick another,” Chloe offered, extending her son towards Presley.

The gesture caught Presley off guard, his gaze fixated on her in disbelief. It wasn’t until he was sure she was serious about letting him hold the baby that he nervously opened his arms and carefully cradled the baby.

It was the first time in a hundred days that he’d held the baby, the first time he’d seen his face up close. Indeed, a Harper through and through, he’s the spitting image of Damon. Especially the boy’s eyes were calmly observing him. He could tell this baby would grow up wise, composed, and measured.

“I like the name Elio. Good, very good. No need for another name. And the little girl? What’s her name?”

Chloe managed a smile. “Luna.”

Presley’s smile broadened in satisfaction. “Elio, Luna. Excellent, both excellent.”

Chloe simply nodded. After all, these were her treasures. How could she give them just any names? Moreover, these names were given by Damon.

slowly advanced to stand beside the

coldly. “If I were Chloe, I wouldn’t

Presley ignored her comment.

banquet of my great-grandchildren, Elio and Luna. With your blessings, the Harper

he didn’t name names, it was clear to everyone that this was a concession, an acknowledgment, and even an olive branch to

a soft smile, subtle and unobtrusive,

a few close acquaintances requested to see the babies, and Chloe

evening. However, the babies only made a brief appearance at the banquet before

celebration banquet

home early, the household staff busily fussed over the two little ones, eagerly playing with them for

The appearance of the babies wasn’t publicized, but Presley’s words were the talk of

he had caused quite a stir in the past. He cut ties with his grandson, used the company to force an alliance marriage with the Alonso family,

to hold his great-grandchildren in his arms.

that. However,

to follow. Their ideas and beliefs were not always correct. Their way of life certainly

walk a path they deemed

defiance, but they overlooked that the young ones didn’t wish for their lives to be

see it from Presley’s perspective, some from an outsider’s, and some couldn’t help but offer an

on, people grew tired, the novelty faded, and the matter

—

clock had also readjusted itself along

get up at seven to prepare warm water, heat the baby bottles, and mix the

bottles with hot water and, out of habit,

weather had turned chilly. Outside the manor, the rows of ginkgo trees had turned a sea of yellow; leaves twirled down even without a breeze. Overnight,

the closest ginkgo to the manor’s entrance,

trench coat, hands in pockets, gazing towards the manor

two months ago, not

back then? Two such brilliant people, to have ended up

it in her to forgive, or perhaps,

years of pursuit, had taken her away on her coronation day for all the nation, even the world, to see, and even now, he stood

chose not to

the truth, her rage would exceed her mother’s by leaps and bounds, so much so that she might never let that man near her mother

such interference might

that her mother didn’t want to forgive him. It was just that there was no reason to forgive him. Her

need convincing to leave him. She needed a reason to forgive. So

this man was the one

and adeptly prepared two bottles of formula. Just as the temperature was right, the two little

their surprisingly strong

feed one

with the babies, Damon finally got

was as clear as day. If he had a moment, he’d first cradle his little girl, looking at her with

didn’t

girl wasn’t without its rewards. She adored him. Every time he returned from work, Little Moon’s bell-like laughter and excited flailing of tiny arms and legs

would watch him, kicking and wriggling, but her eyes never strayed from him, not until he was fully dressed, with Chloe helping him with

neatly tailored suit, Damon looked energetic, and his aura expanded and radiated with confidence. It left the little one giggling

too often for it to be just that. The little one truly loved

her little legs and chuckling as Chloe adjusted his tie. Looking at her joyous daughter, Chloe couldn’t help but

an eyebrow, wrapped his arms around Chloe’s

pressed against his chest as she looked

I look? Handsome

tinged with