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.

didn’t drive, and Ella knew his intent. She thought for a

university area was littered with budget-friendly eateries, some with

before, forbidding street food, but that never stopped her from sneaking out with friends for a forbidden taste. Now, with lunchtime upon them, there was no

reaction,

Paul, arm supporting her, was both amused and helpless, “To see someone eat themselves into tears

last meal, Uncle Noah was so

Noah, then smiled, “Now that you’ll be staying at

“Help me look for an

“What?”

the school for now. It’ll

stopped, “Are you really set

deep breath, nodding, “Yes. I have to

it

just browse around. I’m stuffed from that

call. His expression turned curious during the call,

he glanced at Ella twice before saying, “There’s a business cocktail party tomorrow. Would you

the implication behind his invitation. If she decided to accompany Paul to this business cocktail party, it would be

beginning. It signified both confirmation and announcement. From that point forward, in

is it?” Ella asked after a lengthy silence in the smoothly

“Tomorrow evening at eight.” He let out a deep breath and

“I understand,” Ella interrupted.

before pulling her into his arms. He said nothing, but Ella

else if he found someone he liked after returning home, without considering her.

indeed waited two years for

measure, Paul was a man she could rely on. He came from a good family, was physically attractive, upright, morally

and

“Alright.”

definition, was a socializing event. It

state-owned entities involved, intent on boosting the city’s economy. For small businesses, it was an opportunity to align with larger corporations, either through partnerships or joint ventures,

7:15 PM, Paul arrived

hair neatly pinned up at the nape of her neck, adorning a simple set of diamond jewelry. It wasn’t

cultivated some connections, as well as acquaintances who knew of him by reputation. When he arrived at the party with Ella,

of 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 harboring doubts, Noah would effortlessly take care of it

gave her hand a reassuring pat, whispering, “Don’t be

Ella hummed in agreement.

of champagne from a waiter, handing one to Ella, then leaned in and whispered, “The man coming over is Mr. Hans. You don’t need to pay

her head slightly, her lashes casting a shadow as she leaned closer to Paul, listening intently to his words. To onlookers,

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

his arm around

turned to Ella with a tender look, “Ella,

to Mr. Hans, “Pleased to meet

chuckle and then

back to Paul, a realization dawning, “Visionary

just smiled and clarified, “She’s the granddaughter of the Tretton

of any skepticism or curiosity, as people

was beyond question. Visionary Productions was the leading national television station with such an

wealthy. Forming an association with the Tretton family was something many could only dream of. Even though everyone knew that the Tretton family’s granddaughter

throughout the banquet hall. Amidst

entrance, where a familiar figure confidently

CEO of

“It’s Noah.”

I saw the

couple

“And the Ziems, too.”

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

from knowing the Harpers were Damon and Chloe, she had no clue who those

all here,

gaze from Noah and scanned the hall, seeking out familiar faces.

impossible for him not to notice. He could only

closer than before. At this moment, if Paul were to dip his

cheeks flushed crimson, and she stepped back.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join