The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Ella’s breath hitched, each word a barb hooking into her resolve.

“I told you before, if you’re gonna leave, make it forever. You think you’re tough stuff, huh?”

Her voice trembled as she fought to steady her emotions, “Yes, I’m tough stuff, so why should I not come back just because you don’t want to see me? P City doesn’t bear your last name, Noah.”

Noah’s already frosty features creased further into a scowl at her retort. “But here, it might as well,” he shot back.

Ella’s fists clenched at her sides, her breathing labored. She was trying, really trying, to keep her cool, but he was leagues beyond her reach.

Four years had passed – years that were hers as much as they belonged to anyone else. She’d worked her fingers to the bone to mature and excel, but he had changed too. No matter how hard she worked, she couldn’t close the widening gap between them.d2

In that moment, defeat washed over her.

She’d thought by being her best self, sticking to her lane, focusing on her own life, she wouldn’t keep thinking about him, and letting his words touch her.

However, here she was, being hurt by his words.

She thought she’d moved on. So what was the point of all those years she’d been away?

The man before her now seemed even more chiseled, his detached demeanor from years ago now encased in sharp ice, daunting, almost warning that anyone who dared approach would be silently skewered.

“So, what now?”

Her lips curled into a defiant smile, her eyes locked on his, devoid of any real warmth. Her bravado was a shaky facade, a mere whisper.

Suddenly, Noah felt a pang in his chest, a shattering of the icy walls he’d built around his heart at her expression. Words he’d been brewing in his throat felt venomous upon the realization.

His hand twitched, a part of him desperate to break free from the chains within, to pull her into his embrace, but he caught himself, his fists clenching, his arms retracting smoothly. His lips parted but then sealed into a sharp line.

Ella knew all too well the words he’d almost let slip. Even though he hadn’t said them, she still felt the sting of her own imagined retort.

She closed her eyes briefly, her hands uncurling. “I know what you want to say. Don’t worry, I won’t stay here.”

Noah stiffened.

“I’ll move out. But even if I’m adopted, I’m still Grandpa’s granddaughter, and I will visit him. I hope you won’t stand in my way. Just consider this me begging you.”

Her voice was indifferent as she spoke, turning away to grab the bag of medicine from the coffee table, and bounded up the stairs, unwilling to stay another minute with him.

Noah remained still, then moved to the empty staircase, his Adam’s apple bobbing with unsaid words. He was suddenly overcome with an unprecedented sense of defeat.

Four years of pent-up fury dissipated at the mere second sight of her. What did all his years of resolve amount to?

The next day, Ella didn’t mention last night’s events to Jon. She knew it would only anger him further with Noah. She wasn’t doing Noah a favor, only that she didn’t want to upset her grandfather.

Today, Paul arrived at the Tretton family estate.

With school about to break for summer, Ella was notified to collect some certificates from two years prior. Paul was picking her up for the trip to the school.

Jon didn’t hesitate to let her go, always keen to give the young ones their space.

At the school, Ella hardly recognized anyone. Most had graduated, with few continuing on to postgraduate studies.

Ella had become somewhat of a celebrity at the school. Electronic banners at every gate heralded a warm welcome back to their alumnus.

Paul chuckled at the sight, “Feeling proud and honored?”

Ella rubbed her forehead, “How about we switch the name to yours?”

Paul seemed to actually consider it for a moment, grimacing. Ella couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle at the look on his face. There was no pride at all, but embarrassment was quite sufficient.

After collecting her certificates, they came to discuss her upcoming job role. The school treated her with great respect, both in attitude and salary.

Then, the faculty suggested a tour. Ella was hesitant, but when she was brought to the auditorium, introduced with pomp, and invited to speak, she was bemused. It was a ruse to rally the students.

She took the stage reluctantly, shared a bit about her experience abroad, and stepped down under applause. She didn’t dare to stay any longer after that, grabbed her certificates and hurriedly slipped away.

north gate. Paul didn’t drive, and Ella knew his intent. She thought for a moment, “Let’s grab some

eateries, some with

before, forbidding street food, but that never stopped her from sneaking out with friends for a forbidden taste. Now, with

to expect her reaction, not

hefty helping of barbecue and Pho left Ella so full she teared up. Paul, arm supporting her, was both amused and helpless,

like it could be the last meal, Uncle Noah was so strict, every time

then smiled, “Now that you’ll be staying

lips, “Help me

“What?”

a place near the school for now. It’ll be

stopped, “Are you really set on moving out on your

took a deep breath, nodding,

it

nonchalantly, “Let’s just browse

the way to drop Ella off at her place, Paul received a phone call. His expression

Ella twice before saying,

implication behind his invitation. If she decided to accompany Paul to this business cocktail

signified both confirmation and announcement. From that point forward, in P City, they would

it?” Ella asked after a

the side of the road. “Tomorrow evening at eight.” He let out a deep breath and turned to face her, “Are

“I understand,” Ella interrupted.

before pulling her into his arms.

returning home, without considering her. He had flatly refused, leaving behind words that he would “wait for her

indeed waited two

upright, morally

up tomorrow, and I’ll arrange a dress for

“Alright.”

definition, was a socializing event. It invited the most prominent companies in

attend. There were state-owned entities involved, intent on boosting the city’s economy. For small businesses, it was an

arrived at the hotel

dressed in a champagne-colored strapless gown with her hair neatly pinned up at the nape of her neck, adorning a simple set of diamond jewelry. It wasn’t flamboyantly luxurious but lent her

who knew of him by reputation. When he arrived at the party with

a cocktail party, and understandably, she was a bit nervous. Years ago, she had attended similar events, but always tagging along with Noah, never worrying about how others viewed her. Whether it was people attempting to chat her up or those

a reassuring pat, whispering, “Don’t

Ella hummed in agreement.

one to Ella, then leaned in and whispered, “The man coming over is Mr. Hans. You don’t need to

slightly, her lashes casting a shadow as she leaned closer to

and then turned to Ella with a smile, asking Paul, “And

ease, Paul wrapped his arm around Ella’s waist and replied, “My girlfriend,

to Ella with a tender look, “Ella, this

nodded to Mr. Hans, “Pleased to meet

with a chuckle and then looked

Paul, a

clarified, “She’s the granddaughter of the

go of any skepticism

Productions was the leading national television station with such an extraordinary reach that it had become one of the key icons of

was a homegrown P City dynasty, deeply rooted and incomprehensibly wealthy. Forming an association with the Tretton family was something many

throughout the banquet hall. Amidst the

collective gaze to the entrance, where a familiar figure

CEO

“It’s Noah.”

big deal? I

couple

“And the Ziems, too.”

good relations with all of them. It’s not strange that he’s here

everyone they mentioned, but aside from knowing the Harpers were Damon and Chloe, she had no clue who those

all here, yet where

her gaze from Noah and scanned the hall, seeking out familiar faces. Could they really have

Paul’s embrace, and it was impossible for him not to notice. He could only hold her tighter, looking down at her

closer than before. At this moment, if Paul were to dip his head just slightly, his lips would meet hers. Indeed, his eyes unexpectedly

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