The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Grandpa was truly content with Ella’s life over the years. Paul had confirmed it too. She was doing well, leading a healthy lifestyle, studying hard, and maintaining a clean and wholesome social circle.

“Finally, you’re back. I was scared I might never see you again!”

“Grandpa.” Ella gripped Jon’s hand tightly. “You’re going to live to be a hundred.”

Jon chuckled, “If only it were that simple.”

“It is,” Ella insisted. “You deserve it, even if I had to give you some of my own years.”

“You silly girl, coming back all educated and still talking nonsense.” Though he pretended not to enjoy her words, Grandpa couldn’t block the wave of affection that washed over him. “I heard from Paul that you’re planning to stay abroad to teach. Does that mean you won’t be settling back home?”d2

Ella shook her head with a smile, “I’ll be staying here for now. They’ve made a special arrangement for me; I’ll be a visiting professor there and partake in a faculty exchange with Summit Ridge University here.”

Grandpa asked, puzzled, “What does that mean?”

“It means that while a professor from Summit Ridge University goes to Y Country, I’ll take up a position at Summit Ridge University back home.”

This explanation delighted Grandpa. “That’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Now you can stay close to me.”

“Grandpa, I’ll spend holidays with you, but once I start working, I might need to live on my own for convenience.”

Grandpa paused, not entirely supportive, “Why live alone?”

“Because it’ll be easier for work. But don’t worry, Grandpa, I’ll come to visit whenever I can.”

At that moment, the butler called in a maid to bring some refreshments. Noticing Grandpa’s slightly displeased expression, he chuckled: “The youngsters need their space, sir. Besides making work easier, it also makes dating more convenient.”

Grandpa’s gaze immediately landed on Paul.

Caught off guard by this direct look, Paul felt a bit awkward but still managed a smile, “Of course, selfishly, I support Ella’s decision.”

Grandpa instantly brightened up, “Well then, that’s settled.”

With Grandpa cheered up, the butler coughed softly and cautiously broached another subject, “Should we ask Mr. Noah to join us for dinner tonight?”

Grandpa’s smile instantly faded, and the atmosphere in the living room tensed. Everyone turned to look at Ella.

Ella appeared unfazed and inquired, “What’s wrong with him?”

Jon pursed his lips and gestured dismissively, “No need. He’ll just rile me up like always. He can come back if he wants, or just forget it – I’m not begging him to return.”

The butler sighed softly and went back to his duties.

“Grandpa, you and Uncle…”

Jon cut her off, “That’s none of your business. He’s been nothing but trouble lately. Just the sight of him irks me. Don’t bring him up.”

Ella nodded, saying no more.

Grandpa observed Ella’s expression discreetly, noting no trace of concern. His feelings were a complex mix of relief and resignation. So many years had passed, and it seemed she truly had moved on.

Ella didn’t have much to say or ask. She had occasionally heard from Paul about the developments in P City over the last couple of years. Naturally, this included mentions of Noah.

Talking about the Harper family inevitably led to Chloe, then Cicely and Seth. Mentioning Seth invariably brought up the entertainment industry and the media. Speaking of the media meant discussing the TV industry titan, the president of Summit Media, Noah.

Over the years, she had never deliberately sought out information about him. At first, there was resistance, but gradually she learned to accept it, from initial panic to eventual peace.

She knew of his endeavors but never delved into the details. He was doing well. After all, he was her uncle, and no problem was too big for him. He never needed anyone to worry about him.

“You are having dinner with us tonight, Paul.” Grandpa declared, unwilling to let Noah disrupt the mood.

Paul glanced at Ella and shook his head with a smile, “Ella just got back. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your time together. You guys should get some rest early.”

As they spoke, Paul stood up to leave. Despite Grandpa’s insistence that he stay, Paul departed.

him to the door. Stepping outside, she noticed the skies that had been blazing hours ago were now overcast. Dark clouds that had been

Ella

“Spend the next few days with Grandpa. I’ll pick you up in a couple of days to

“Sure,” Ella agreed readily.

and tossed her hair across her face, creating a soft,

to tuck her hair behind her ear, his gaze tender as he looked at her for a long moment, his fingers gently caressing her soft cheek. “Better get inside before you catch

“Okay.”

drive away before she turned and re-entered the

*

unsurprisingly all of Ella’s

dishes, and Grandpa

protest, Ella, truly exhausted, didn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase. She simply pulled out her pajamas, took a shower, and after silencing all alarms and setting her phone to

she awoke feeling adjusted to the local time zone, having

indoors, keeping Grandpa company while the rain continued off and on. The estate’s lush greenery, previously wilted from the sun’s scorching heat, now gleamed with

greenery and the earthy scent of damp soil. However, the elderly, like Jon, couldn’t muster the same enthusiasm for rainy days. The dreariness seemed to seep into his bones, making

trait among the older folks – a stubborn reluctance to seek medical attention. No matter how much discomfort they felt,

to keep Jon company and slowly noticed his spirit waning. It was then

of the situation, Ella insisted on calling a doctor without further ado. And, fearing that Jon might still be hiding something from her, she decided to take the

support and

at the entrance. Among them was a strikingly tall woman with a neat low ponytail, whose confident and accomplished aura was impossible to overlook

seemed that in addition to her

car, Rebecca quickly approached, trailed by a couple of interns with

what seems to be the trouble?”

aches and pains

issue. You need to speak up the moment you feel unwell. I work here, and I’m a doctor.

at his impatience whenever Noah was mentioned, Jon finally

to Ella with a polite, distant smile. “Back home,

how’ve

quite common for Rebecca to treat her

with the rain, and I wanted to get him

gave a thin smile, “Leave it to

hands in her coat pockets, nodded, “Thanks,

departments, but it seemed everything had been

the pockets of her white coat, asked casually, “When

to worry, so I didn’t

abroad really values you, and they

“That’s right.”

the glass at the MRI room, Rebecca inquired nonchalantly, “So,

responding, “Just for the summer for now, but I might

furrowed subtly, “Does

struck Ella as odd, considering Rebecca’s close relationship with Noah. Wouldn’t she know whether

“He doesn’t.”

sounding peculiar to Ella,

upset about her leaving without telling him years ago. Perhaps his concern was more

women stopped talking and entered the room to get

Jon was taken in, Ella saw a

stepped forward with a smile to greet the man approaching at a brisk pace. “You’re

on Rebecca

the usual age-related joint wear and the dampness of the rainy season that’s causing

simply nodded

arm with Noah’s, suggested, “Ella told me

indifferent, “When will

“In about an hour.”

“Okay.”

dwindled

the examination room door, leaning slightly against the wall, her hands clasped in front of her. She avoided looking at Noah, instead keeping her gaze on the molding across the wall,

as soon as Jon emerged, Ella immediately

sight of Noah, “What are

to smooth things over with a laugh, “Jon,