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.”

over as Azriel’s words hit home. “You are that

was the only

loud, desperate for him to hear, “I’ve always remembered. Only you would give me candy after I cried. Others… other people… ah…”

but they weren’t stingy with material things. It wasn’t until this morning, when he witnessed her so-called father’s harsh words and attitude,

now on, I’m here. There’ll be plenty

through her sobs, laughed. “I’m not much of a crier. I won’t

moment said: “This mess is indeed my fault. Grayson probably acted

“Alivia?”

together, so did Alivia. When feelings get

the dots, “Alivia likes

sense Grayson’s resentment and understood why. I made my position clear, and Alivia seemed to accept it. She

“Why did you suddenly send her

gaze, an instense

looked away,

was indeed curious about his

was me being self-righteous so as not to hold her back.”

Phoebe mulled over those words,

you chose me instead?” If she had to come up with a

say anything, which

“But he’s got a fiancée. Forget

fooling around with other women while betrothed. Didn’t he spare a single thought for the girl

she couldn’t help but think Grayson

he changed the subject,

expression gradually hardened, “Not exactly. He’s always been more focused on wealth and power. He favors Wendy a little bit more, but we kind of get along. I spent most of my time at school, and

now, but I’m not too heartbroken, even kind of glad. The Alonso family seemed like it could devour one’s humanity. I can’t even imagine what else they would be willing to do for the sake

pursed his lips and nodded,

I bet most people would hear

not,” Azriel said

a child praised by a

*

lollipop dude?” The next

I couldn’t believe it, after all these years he’s changed so

away, didn’t he? And then he teased you? Made you his personal

“Conspiracy? With the Alonso family being avoided like the plague? Others would be too busy running away from me to conspire. Besides, it’s not like

was wrong to suggest he had ulterior motives towards

open in shock,

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

but cover

“She’s sitting in a wheelchair, with her face all swollen up. Looks like she got a good thrashing. That should

her head to watch the video with Angie, then nodded, “I know.

seemed surprised, “They apologized to

holding their heads high, this act of apology was

didn’t see

with a gossip-hungry look on her face, “You really don’t

Phoebe shook her head.

her, rven if the whole mistress situation

outrage against Chloe and Damon online. Chloe has really hit

my grandfather, he even kicked Damon out of the

back in her chair 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 scared

sigh, “When you think about it, Damon leaving the Harper family was

They were already married.

what will become of our families in the end. One wrong step,

also struggling. As the two worried about their futures, the

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

her gaze landed on the lunchbox he was carrying. She rose from her chair with a nonchalant shrug. “If you’ve got company, I’ll head

her expression oddly