The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Ella collapsed onto her bed at home after her nightly routine, her phone buzzing with activity from a group chat that included Rebecca. Since Rebecca’s arrival, the chat seemed to come alive with chatter every single day.

At this very moment, the group was particularly animated, discussing engagement party plans. Rebecca, ever the thoughtful hostess, was inquiring about everyone’s preferred vibe for the event. The conversation eventually even steered towards wedding talk.

The men in the group, eager to please Rebecca, were surprisingly invested in the discussion—a stark contrast to their usual indifference towards their own matrimonial plans.

Ella peered at her screen where the messages flied by, a wry smile playing on her lips before she exited the chat.

Let it be.

After the embarrassment that Ella had just caused in the afternoon, it was surprising that Rebecca would openly discuss such matters in a place where she knew Ella was present.d2

As a woman, Ella could sense Rebecca’s hostility towards her. It was a warning, as clear as the one she felt from Noah, telling her to keep her distance.

She was curious, how Noah had placated Rebecca so quickly, that she accepted a truth that must have been shocking for her. Perhaps he held her, whispering reassurances that his relationship with Ella was nothing more than the well-known fact that they were uncle and niece, and that would never change.

Thinking of Noah’s tender demeanor with other women sent a chill through Ella’s heart. She couldn’t fathom what was going through Noah’s mind.

Rebecca was aware of Ella’s feelings, and tonight, Ella had certainly returned the favor by embarrassing her. Did Noah ever consider how they were supposed to interact in the future?

As long as she remained within the Tretton family, and under his watchful eye, she was bound to encounter Rebecca, wasn’t she? Or perhaps, he didn’t take her feelings seriously at all? That was why he didn’t bother to contemplate the complexities?

Taking a deep breath, Ella tossed her phone aside. What was the use in overthinking?

*

The next day at school, Ella shared her plans with Paul. “I haven’t told my uncle about my plans to study in Y Country yet. I’ve just mentioned a vacation. He’s arranged everything for me—flights, hotels, and even two bodyguards. He doesn’t know you’re joining me, so it’s best to keep it that way. Otherwise, he’d never let me travel.”

Paul nodded, “We leave on the 5th. So what you’re saying is…”

“Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. I don’t know how he’d react if I were honest with him. If he says no, I’m not going anywhere,” Ella said, her expression stoic.

Paul’s expression hardened as well, since he didn’t doubt Ella’s suspicions for a second. Noah, though Ella’s uncle, exhibited a peculiar possessiveness over her. Despite the personal growth opportunity at hand, the mere thought of Ella stepping out from under his watchful eye might lead to a refusal. Ella knew Noah too well after all these years by his side.

“I understand. But what about the bodyguards?”

“We’ll see if we can shake them off. It might not matter if they come to Y Country. Once there, he can’t do much about it.”

“Alright,” Paul said thoughtfully, a small smile creeping onto his face. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve almost finished the itinerary. I’ll send it over. See if there’s anywhere else you’d really like to visit.”

“Sounds good.”

*

That afternoon, Noah’s car was once again parked outside the school. Ella, tired of the back and forth, approached the vehicle and opened the passenger door, sliding into the back seat.

“I’m not your chauffeur,” Noah’s displeased voice came from the driver’s seat, laden with icy undertones.

Without a word, Ella glanced at the queue of cars waiting to pick up students and scooted further into the seat before closing the door.

Noah remained motionless. The honking from behind grew more urgent, and Ella could almost visualize the anger of the drivers through the incessant sound. Yet, looking at Noah through the rearview mirror, he was stoic, unmoving. When he caught her gaze in the mirror, he briefly met her eyes. “Come sit in the front.”

Gritting her teeth, Ella retorted, “What’s so bad about playing chauffeur just once?”

“I don’t want to.”

The honks were starting to rattle Ella’s nerves. Reluctantly, she moved to the front passenger seat, buckling up as soon as she sat down. The car shot forward the moment her seatbelt clicked.

Upon her return to the villa, the household staff greeted her with concern.

“Miss, have you been eating well these past few days? You look like you’ve lost weight.”

“Please change your clothes first. Mr. Noah has specifically ordered your favorite dishes for tonight.”

“Why stay by yourself? It’s so inconvenient. No more tantrums. In the few days you were gone, I could tell Mr. Noah was moody. He’s definitely not used to you being away from home.”

Ella cracked a playful smile, sticking out her tongue as she held Lora’s hand. “I have to learn to live on my own eventually. I won’t be coming back here so much in the future.”

wouldn’t it be convenient?

just smiled, “I’m starving.

hurry up. Dinner is almost

Noah never skimped on anything for her. The things he had moved to her apartment were almost all newly purchased. The clothes in this closet

man who cared for her so meticulously in every aspect

of emotions threatening to surface, she picked out a few of her regular outfits and

a suitcase, she ran into Noah in the hallway. His eyes briefly swept over

looked unfazed, “Summer break is almost here. I’ll probably head straight home. I figured I’d just pack now so

Her explanation was flawless.

replied, “There are clothes for you back

my favorites,”

moment before he pressed his lips

breathed a sigh

days, Ella maintained her composure. In truth, she and

because he came back too late after having eaten out. They used to have breakfast and dinner together, whether at home or out, but

had just begun, and summer vacation

if Noah had noticed something. He used to pick her up from school only occasionally due to work commitments, but lately, he seemed to have more free time, asking her every day when her classes ended and

he not be busy, with a fiancée to attend to, an engagement

top priority. It was going to be the

drove straight to the family estate. Throughout the journey, Ella kept looking out the window, not initiating any conversation. There was an inexplicable tension in

to lack common ground, just like he did with anyone else outside

past, her chatter about trivial matters

she had made her feelings known, the distance between them seemed to grow, despite her

Ella reached into her pocket, pulled out a pair of earbuds, and put

out, clearly disturbed by her

the car screen and finally put away her headphones, playing a

all downloaded to her taste. He seldom listened to music, preferring classical ones,

would even dance wildly in his car, and he would let

car, prompting Ella to lower her head and immerse

Thankfully, they reached the estate soon enough, thanks to his fast driving and her distraction

stopped, Ella unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped

I’m home.” she called out with a cheeriness that belied the tension from the car ride.

seen Ella over the weekend and had been looking forward to her return. “You’ve finally home,” he

spend lots of time with you at home and beat you in ten games of chess,” she replied with a

talk,” Jon laughed

usual. Everyone attributed it to the longer-than-normal separation. However, Ella’s thoughts

dinner at the estate before leaving. Ella didn’t question it, and everyone

her grandfather.

fruit in silence, Jon sighed.

told Uncle that I’d be traveling abroad. You understand that staying by his side wouldn’t allow me to remain indifferent. To let go of these feelings, I need

“You’re right. Since it’s vacation time, if you want to travel abroad to clear your mind, go ahead. Has your uncle made arrangements for you? If

head gently. “Grandpa, I’m not

gripped her hand tighter.

“I don’t want to attend his engagement banquet. I don’t want to see him with another woman. I can’t bear this kind of situation without feeling sad and upset. In fact, I have already got the exchange student spot with Y Country’s Golden University, as has Paul. After graduation, we will get dual bachelor’s degrees

felt the grip of the old man on her hand becoming more and more forceful, even trembling slightly. She suppressed the sourness in her heart and continued, “I only told my uncle about my plan to go to Western Europe, and he wanted me to come back

when the time comes, not to let the guards stop me or to tell Noah too soon. I’m not sure how he’ll react

of time, trembled slightly. “A student exchange program? That

to tell him. If he disagrees, I won’t

you go abroad for two years, won’t you come back? Not even for holidays or to visit me?” The plea in

hand. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. While I’m away, you

child…” Jon shook his head, his eyes brimming with murky

I’m so

*

had a cocktail party that evening and came home slightly tipsy

home early or late, she would always run to him, chattering nonstop, bustling around him. Since she left the villa, he just couldn’t

changing his usual lifestyle, but now, for the first time, he felt as though things were no longer under his control. There were

had been keeping her grandfather company, playing chess, going for walks, and even trying to cook her grandfather’s favorite dishes herself. Noah had come back once, leaving right after

his promise not to mention Ella’s plans to study in Y

left, Noah

room sofa. Jon’s complexion was off, and he sat in silence, his face stern as he fiddled with the tea set on the nearby

talking, her gaze fixed on

room was oppressive