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.

drive, and Ella knew his intent. She thought for a moment, “Let’s grab some barbecue, then head to that

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

tight leash before, forbidding street food, but that never stopped her from sneaking out with friends for a forbidden

her reaction, not the least bit

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

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

the mention of Noah, then smiled, “Now that you’ll be staying at the school, there will be plenty more chances

pursed her lips, “Help me look for an

“What?”

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

stopped, “Are you really set on

took a deep breath, nodding, “Yes. I have to learn

it

nonchalantly, “Let’s just browse around.

expression turned

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

understanding the implication behind his invitation. If she decided to accompany Paul to this

announcement. From that point forward, in P City, they would be

a

pulled over to the side of the road. “Tomorrow evening at eight.” He let out

“I understand,” Ella interrupted.

her into his arms. He said nothing, but Ella understood

him to feel free to pursue someone else if he found someone he liked after returning home, without considering her. He had flatly refused, leaving

waited

man she could rely on. He came from a good family, was physically attractive, upright, morally sound, and sincerely devoted to her.

up tomorrow, and

“Alright.”

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

city’s economy. For small businesses, it was an opportunity to align with

Paul arrived at the hotel with

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 an aura of purity and

years, Paul had cultivated some connections, as well as acquaintances who knew

similar events, but always tagging along with Noah, never worrying about how others viewed her. Whether

reassuring pat, whispering,

Ella hummed in agreement.

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

closer to Paul, listening intently to his words. To onlookers, their exchange seemed

pleasantries, and then turned to Ella with

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

to Ella with a tender look, “Ella, this

and nodded to Mr. Hans, “Pleased to meet

with a chuckle and then

Paul,

and clarified, “She’s the

any skepticism or curiosity, as people began

P City was beyond question. Visionary Productions was the leading national television station with such an extraordinary reach that it had become one of the key icons

the Tretton family was something many could only dream of. Even though everyone knew that the Tretton family’s granddaughter was

the banquet hall. Amidst the whispers,

gaze to the entrance, where a

CEO

“It’s Noah.”

I saw

couple from CP

“And the Ziems, too.”

It’s not strange that

these people’s chatter. She knew everyone they mentioned, but aside from knowing the Harpers were

all here, yet where were

and scanned the hall, seeking out familiar faces. Could they really have undergone

notice. He could only hold her

Paul were to dip his head just slightly, his lips would meet hers. Indeed, his

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