The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Cole was left speechless. “What did you say?”

Azriel’s gaze slid from Phoebe, who was now hidden under the covers, to Cole. Azriel’s tone was indifferent, yet it seemed to chill to the bone. “Can’t understand what I said, or are you deaf?”

“You…” Cole pointed at him, struggling for words that wouldn’t come.

This guy looked polished on the surface, but his actions and words were always unexpected. From the moment he strode in, bristling with fury, it was clear he wasn’t someone to trifle with.

Everyone else seemed to give him a wide berth, his presence alone demanded it. He didn’t seem like just anybody. Now, his actions to be so bold in his presence made Cole reconsider whether this was a man he wanted to cross.

After all, Phoebe seemed to be on good terms with him, and while he didn’t seem easy to get along with, an ally was far better than an enemy. With the Alonso family teetering on the edge, the last thing they needed was another storm brewing, giving that Chloe an opportunity to exploit.d2

Glancing once more at the still figure on the bed, Cole just snorted and walked out the door.

With the door closed, the room fell silent. Minutes passed before Phoebe couldn’t take it anymore and threw off the covers. Azriel was still there, standing like a sentinel.

Phoebe’s eyes were red-rimmed, but she managed a smile at Azriel. “Thanks for sticking up for me.”

“I got you involved,” Azriel said, locking eyes with her, his own gaze deep and still.

Phoebe shook her head, “It’s my fault. I couldn’t turn Grayson down. But still, I don’t know why Grayson did this.”

“If you wanna cry, just cry. Why hold it in when you feel wronged and sad?”Azriel seemed to have ignored her words, focusing instead on her eyes, which were red yet forced into a smile.

Phoebe stared back at him quietly, “What good would crying do?”

What would it change? It would only bring impatience from those so-called family members, as it was a sign of weakness in others’ eyes.

She was already seen as weak; no need to remind them of that.

“Go ahead with your work. I didn’t sleep well last night.” Her voice was barely a whisper, tinged with a sob.

Azriel watched her silently for a moment, then turned and left the ward.

Under the covers, Phoebe bit her lip hard, but tears still soaked into the pillow. She couldn’t understand why, after all these years of accumulated grievances, this time it hurt so much.

When Angie rushed in, Phoebe was already asleep. Noticing her swollen eyes, Angie sighed softly.

Poor, silly girl.

*

When Phoebe awoke, it was noon. Azriel sat beside her, watching over her. Seeing her awake, he called Jace to prepare lunch.

“Why are you still here?” Phoebe was pleasantly surprised.

Azriel simply looked at her, “Cried it out?”

Phoebe pressed her lips together, slightly embarrassed.

“Give me your hand.”

Phoebe looked at him blankly, “What?”

Azriel nodded towards her arm, “Your hand.”

She extended her hand without understanding, and before she could react, she felt the weight of a lollipop in her palm. The wrapper was light pink, peach-flavored.

Her fingertips trembled as she looked in astonishment at the man across from her, his expression indifferent. “How did you…”

“I told you before, crying kids get candy. Seems like you’ve forgotten completely.”

Azriel’s words hit home. “You are

was the only one who

She was loud, desperate for him to hear, “I’ve always remembered. Only you would give me candy after I cried. Others… other people… ah…” Years of suppressed grievances and sorrows found their release, and she cried out

let her cry unabated, patting her head and handing her tissues. After returning, he had learned a bit about her life. The Alonso family treated her differently than their eldest daughter, but they weren’t stingy with material

on, I’m here. There’ll be

laughed. “I’m not much of

“This mess is indeed my fault.

“Alivia?”

nodded, “Grayson and I grew up together, so

dots, “Alivia

and understood why. I made my position clear, and Alivia seemed to accept

quietly, then suddenly asked, “Why did you suddenly send her away

gaze, an instense look

looked away, embarrassed, “Ah.

was indeed curious

did almost happen, and it was me being self-righteous so as not to

over those words, feeling a

time of day, and you chose me instead?”

didn’t say anything, which pretty

her tongue, “But he’s got a fiancée. Forget it, he’s always been

up. And there he was, fooling around with

but think Grayson was

deny her words, and instead, he changed the subject, “Has your father always treated you like this over the

favors Wendy a little bit more, but we kind of get along. I spent most of my time at school, and they hardly even thought of me. It’s just

I can’t even imagine what else they would be willing to do for the sake of this family. Though I’ve been tied to it my whole life, rather than letting Wendy wreck

lips and

most people would hear this and

Azriel said

child praised

*

You found your lollipop dude?” The next

believe it, after all these years

right away, didn’t he? And then he teased you? Made you his personal servant for life?

would be too busy running away from me to conspire. Besides, it’s not like he recognized me at first glance when we met again, and besides, I was at fault back

was wrong to suggest he had ulterior motives towards you,

open in shock, her face turning beet red, “How could

Honey, you’re in the prime of youth, blooming like a rose. He doesn’t look like he’s hurting for cash, so watch

it seemed steam might pour out at any moment. Angie couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh at the

with her face all swollen up. Looks like

her head to watch the video with Angie, then nodded,

“They apologized

a well-known institution backed by magnates, always holding their heads high, this act of apology was indeed

see it

“You

Phoebe shook her head.

to believe that the Alonso family would stand up for her, rven if the whole mistress situation was a misunderstanding. So, it must’ve

Damon online. Chloe has really

even kicked Damon out of the Harper

with a sigh. “It seems we’re both in the same boat. With all this mess in the Harper family, my dad’s also trying to seize control, and everything’s just chaotic. I’m

about it, Damon leaving the

sick. They were already married. What era are we in that marriage still depends on family status? Besides, could Damon choose a bad wife? Stubborn old

knows what will become of our families in the end. One wrong step, and our lives could be

was also struggling. As the two worried about their futures, the clock struck noon. Noticing the time,

Azriel walked in. He nodded at Angie as a greeting and approached

he was carrying. She rose from her chair with a nonchalant shrug. “If you’ve got company,

mouth hung open, her expression oddly perplexed,