The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2120

The craziest thing Ella ever did in her life was that when she turned twenty, bolstered by alcohol, she went into Noah's room.

Before she was kicked out of the bed, her cheek stung from a sharp slap.

As she was flung to the floor, the word "slut" crashed into her eardrums.

After she hit the ground, Ella was painfully aware that her heart was shattered, lying in ruins beneath her, a dignity pulverized by her own doing.

The air in the room held a frosty chill, oppressive, almost suffocating.

Ella had both hands supporting her on the ground, and her disheveled hair almost entirely obscured her lowered head, making it impossible to see any expression on her face. "Am I really that bad?" she asked, her voice eerily calm, devoid of the expected sobs and trembles.d2

Noah sat perched on the windowsill armchair, clad in dark blue pajamas. Between his fingers, he held a cigarette, its pale smoke doing nothing to soften the icy edge on his face. "Do you even know who you are?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Ella nodded slightly, "Yeah, grandpa's granddaughter, your niece."

"So you knew what you were doing. Have you no shame?"

Her fists clenched on the carpet. "It's just a title, isn't it? I share no blood with you all. I'm just the girl grandpa took in."

Noah pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray with force, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Ella, over the years, the Trettons have given you more than just a 'title'. Even if it's just that, you bear the Tretton name. Don't play those trashy games with me. You really think I'm that stupid? I'd advise you to get over whatever fantasy you're harboring, or you can just get the hell out of the Tretton family." Sitting on the floor, staring at her trembling hands, she couldn't move.

He'd accused her of playing trashing games more than once. Indeed, she had been playing games. There was that one time when she got too close to another boy and incurred his scolding. She naively thought it was jealousy, so she tried again, only to be met with his repeated scorn for her "trashy games".

He knew, and in his eyes, she was nothing but a childish clown, deluded and dancing for attention.

"Get out!" Noah's voice, heavy with anger, crashed down on her like a lead weight.

She blinked her dry eyes, and nodded slightly, using almost all of her strength to stand up from the ground.

She walked all the way to the door before she paused. "The Tretton family has given me so much, and I am very grateful to the Tretton family, grateful to my grandfather, grateful to you. So grateful that I am willing to repay it with my entire life."

Noah's voice was still chillingly cold, "I don't need you to repay it in this way."

"I know." Ella almost interrupted him, "I never thought of repaying it in this way. I didn't think clearly, and I was ungrateful. It won't happen again."

Noah didn't say anything anymore, Ella stayed for a few more seconds, then leaned on the door frame and stepped out of the room, closing his bedroom door behind her.

Back in her room, Ella sat on her bed, hands braced on the mattress, looking around her bedroom. Every corner and trinket spoke of luxury.

She's an orphan adopted into wealth, treated like a beloved daughter - what more could she ask for?

She's just being too greedy.

From Noah's reaction, she was consumed with a sense of extreme ungratefulness. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile, gripping the bedsheets, reminding herself she had no right to feel hurt or cry. Yet the tears wouldn't stop. Eventually, she gave up trying to hold them back.

After some time, she pulled herself together and splashed cold water on her swollen eyes in the bathroom.

The next morning, she was awakened by a knock on her door. "Miss, it's time for breakfast, or you'll be late for school."

Without looking in the mirror, she could feel her eyes were still puffy. She took a small mirror from the bedside table and after a silent moment, she said, "I'm not feeling well. I've already informed my advisor. I won't be going to school today."

The housekeeper asked with concern, "Miss, what seems to be the problem? Shall I have the butler call the family doctor to come and take a look at you?"

"No need," Ella replied. "I had a bit to drink last night and have a headache now. I just need some rest."

"Understood. Rest well."

The housekeeper descended the stairs, and Jon and Noah were in the dining room. "Ms. Ella isn't feeling well today and won't be attending school," the housekeeper informed them.

Jon frowned, "Not feeling well? What happened? Why don't you call the doctor?"

"She said it was from drinking last night, and she just needs more sleep this morning."

"Drinking?" Jon's eyes widened with disapproval as he turned to Noah. "And what kind of uncle are you? Not keeping an eye on her?"

Noah continued his breakfast unfazed, "She's twenty. A little drinking is fine."

"That's fine?" Jon's voice rose. "She's got a headache from it."

Jon's every word dripped with favoritism for Ella. Noah was used to it. "Maybe she's building her tolerance. It could help her protect herself if needed."

Jon was silent, his expression shifting subtly before he finally sighed, "Just make sure you keep an eye on her. She's at an age where it's easy to make mistakes." "I know," Noah responded, his indifference apparent.

Jon's face darkened, "She's at a delicate age. If something happens, no one can undo it."

"I understand."

With a hint of impatience in his eyes, Noah set down his utensils, grabbed his jacket, and left.

As the sound of the car engine faded into the distance, Jon resumed eating, then turned to the butler with a stern expression, "What exactly happened?"

The butler approached respectfully, "Ms. Ella went into Mr. Noah's room last night and got quite the scolding."

Jon's expression darkened, and after a moment, he sighed, "Ella's a good kid."

The butler agreed, "Indeed."

Ella didn't go back to sleep. She stood by the window, watching as Noah, with a coat draped over his wrist, casually opened the car door and got in.

His face was always adorned with that kind of icy indifference, a look that seemed to push people miles away. Even the aura he exuded was the same.

However, when he was with her, he a,ways showed unconditional adoration. She had even believed that he had reserved all his gentleness and patience just for her, that she was special to him. Only now did she realize that she had been too full of herself.

It was nothing more than an uncle's favoritism towards his niece, and she had mistaken it for love.

She made her way back to bed, called her advisor to excuse herself from classes, and then burrowed back under the covers to sleep. It wasn't until noon that she finally descended the stairs. What she hadn't anticipated was that there would be a visitor at home at this hour.

"Ella, you are up?" Jon's voice was warm and welcoming as he looked up at her descending the staircase, "Heard you were under the weather, so Paul swung by to check in on you."

At the mention, the man on the sofa stood up and turned, flashing her a smile. "Our advisor mentioned you were ill, so I thought I'd come see how you're doing."

"I'm much better now." Ella scratched her head, slightly embarrassed, "Thanks for coming by. It was just a hangover from drinking last night."

Paul paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Glad to hear you're okay."

"Ella, you should cut back on the booze, don't listen to your uncle about building your tolerance. If you really needed that, what use would he be?" Jon's playful scolding warmed her heart. "I got it. Grandpa, it won't happen again."

"Good. Lunch will be a bit yet, Paul, you'll stay for a meal. If you're bored, you two can take a walk in the yard, we'll call you when lunch is ready."

Ella hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Jon's face before she smiled, nodding in agreement, "Alright."

The Tretton family were originally from P City. The place where they lived now was an old estate on the outskirts of town, handed down from their ancestors. As the city grew and changed, many properties were lost to development and demolition. A century passed, and only this plot of land remained intact. After several renovations, the Tretton family's villa still retained an air of antiquity.

Passing through the arched corridors and several round gates, they came to a large backyard garden with a man-made lake.

The two chatted as they walked, mostly about school life. They were in the same finance program, of the same age, and their families had always been close. Their rapport at school was solid, and both were top students in their department, standouts that the school took pride in. On the school's forum for couple pairings, it was no surprise that they were both listed.

However, there was plenty of gossip about Ella as well. Like how she was only an adopted daughter of the Trettons and didn't have the pedigree of a true-blue heiress. Or how she didn't seem that smart, but had somehow gotten into Summit Ridge University's finance program with outstanding grades, and despite not seeming to try as hard as others, consistently ranked at the top of her class.

She lacked a glamorous pedigree but had an enviable upbringing and an academic prowess that was the envy of many.

At school, opinions about her were split down the middle, which was part of why she was such a notable figure.

"Have you heard about the Academic Bridges program the school's offering this year?"

Ella shook her head, "What's that?"

Paul explained, "The university has partnered with Golden University in Y Country. Each department will send two exchange students. You spend two years here and the remaining two abroad, with the chance to earn dual bachelor's degrees. And if you want to advance further, you can stay at the foreign university."

Ella slowed her pace, and they came to a stop on a white bridge over the lake. "So, you're thinking of going?"

Paul nodded, "I was hoping we could go together."

Ella froze, surprised by his suggestion.

Paul took a deep breath, "Don't feel pressured. I admit I like you, but I won't do anything you're not comfortable with. Going to Y Country with me doesn't mean you're agreeing to anything else. I just think with your credentials, you'd have no problem getting into the program. It just so happens to align with my own wishes because once we're abroad, I'll be the only one you can really rely on. If you accept my feelings then, great; if not, I won't press you. Regardless, this program seems like a win-win for me, but it ultimately depends on you."

Paul's candor and directness left Ella at a loss for words.

"Ella, I hope you'll think it over carefully. This opportunity is too good to miss. Don't reject the program just because of me. Like I said, agreeing to go to Y Country doesn't mean you're agreeing to anything with me. I respect your decision."

"I'll think about it." She seemed eager to break the awkwardness of the moment and quickly added, "Lunch should be ready by now. Let's head back."

Saying so, she turned away. After a few steps, Paul's voice called out from behind her. "Ella!"

Reluctantly, she turned around. There was a complex expression on Paul's face, which made her curious, "What's up?"

His lips were tightly pressed, and after a moment, he said slowly, "Maybe, this choice is a win-win for you too."

Ella didn't quite understand, and soon a servant's voice was calling them in the distance.

After lunch and seeing Paul off, the butler intercepted Ella with a smile. "Miss, it's a fine day, and Mr. Jon is waiting by the lakeside gazebo for a game of chess with you."

"Of course." She rarely spent a whole day at home and hadn't played with her grandfather in quite a while.

The gazebo was being set up for tea, with several plates of fruit already laid out.

"Grandpa." Ella ran over with a smile and glanced at the chessboard. "We're playing chess today, I see."

"Come on, you may not be the sharpest player, but I've been missing our games."

Ella pouted, "I am not that bad at chess."

"Let's see. Show me how much you've improved." Eager to play, Jon barely could contain his excitement. Ella huffed lightly, rolled up her sleeves with confidence, and took her seat across from him. "Watch me win a game and show you what I've got."

Jon couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. And she did win the first game. He nodded approvingly, "Not bad, you've gotten better. This time you only took back one move."

Ella shrugged off the defeat, her competitive spirit undiminished. "Anyway, I won this time. To beat you, Grandpa, I've been nagging Uncle Noah to teach me chess," she said with a playful grin. Jon chuckled, "All right, let's go another round."

As they set up the pieces for the second game, Jon's tone shifted, losing the light-hearted banter. Even his smile had faded.

Ella felt a sudden tightness in her chest. "What's wrong, Grandpa?"

"Did your Uncle Noah scold you last night?"

Ella's face turned ghostly pale; her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out.

Jon sighed deeply. "You're still young, Ella. Your thoughts on love aren't mature yet. I should have noticed your feelings sooner. I've never liked to force anyone's hand, including the romantic lives of you youngsters. Unless the person's character is in question, I wouldn't interfere. So even if you have feelings for him, if Noah isn't interested, I can't force him to accept you. That wouldn't be good for you either. Do you understand, Ella?"

Ella nodded, "I understand, Grandpa. Thank you for thinking so much about me."

Jon glanced at the chessboard, where Ella's strategy seemed to crumble under pressure. A silent head shake and a pang of empathy were all he could afford her. "Ella," he pressed on, "I'm going to ask you again, can you give up on Noah?"

Clutching a pawn in her hand, Ella remembered the unkind words Noah had uttered the night before and shook her head faintly. "I got it wrong," she whispered. "Uncle Noah has been nothing but kind to me. I'l act as though I never had those feelings. Grandpa, the wise cut their losses early, right?"

Jon nodded, his expression even more stern. "Good. If that's how you feel, then I'll pretend this never happened. And from now on, I won't allow such things to occur again, understand? If you slip up, don't blame me for being heartless."

Ella felt as if something sharp had scooped out half of her heart. She knew the outcome last night, but hearing it from her grandfather today made it suffocatingly painful, even more so than the night before. She understood that her grandfather wanted to crush her hopes completely. Though it was harsh, she also knew that he probably wanted to spare her from future hurt. Or perhaps, he was just trying to tell her that she and Noah were not meant to be.

Ella and Noah lived in a convenient city villa, suitable for the young and vibrant life they both led.

The weekend tradition was to return to the family estate.

Typically, Noah would drop Ella off at school on his way to work, and they'd stay in the city during the week.

Noah didn't come home last night. The next day, Ella was driven to school by a driver arranged by her grandfather.

At school, she faced unusual glares of defensiveness and hostility. She didn't even need to guess to know that the news about the Academic Bridges program had spread, making her the target of envy and resentment.

Her concerns were confirmed when her advisor called her in to discuss the very program. "This opportunity isn't just about good grades, Ella. Many are vying for this. Two years abroad can change everything, and the combined degrees would turn anyone green with envy. You realize how rare this is, right?"

So many people wanted this chance, but her advisor had to spend so much time persuading her. Even so, Ella still felt conflicted. "Can I have some time to think about it?"

The advisor sighed. "I hope you make up your mind quickly. These things can change at any moment."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you."

Exiting the office, she bumped into Paul waiting outside.

"How did it go?" he asked anxiously.

"I need to think it over."

Disappointment flashed in Paul's eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "No worries. You didn't say no, so there's still a chance."

Ella forced a smile, finding it difficult to look at him.

After school, she wandered aimlessly before eventually returning to the city villa. It wasn't too late when she arrived, but she walked in on a scene that made her heart skip a beat - Noah had come home.

As she stepped in, the smell of alcohol hit her. She found him in his bedroom, eyes closed, lying on the bed, with a woman by his side, unbuttoning his shirt.

Frozen at the doorway, her mind detonated with shock.

The woman, noticing Ella, retracted her hand with a natural grace and smiled politely. "Hello."

Ella nodded mechanically, "Hi."

The woman was made up, strikingly pretty in that effortlessly radiant kind of way, making Ella feel instantly inferior.

"You're his niece, right?" the woman continued with a warm smile.

Ella nodded again.

"He's been insisting he can't drink much because there's a kid at home. We all know he has a beloved niece he dotes on. Considering how long he's been single, it's probably you he's referring to."

Despite the woman's words painting a picture of Noah's affection for her, Ella felt no joy.

Without waiting for a response, the woman added, "Could you get him a glass of water? He's been asking for it."

"Sure."

Ella fetched the water, feeling like an outsider in her own home. When she returned upstairs, Noah was awake, propped up against the headboard, his shirt unbuttoned, hair slightly disheveled. The woman took the glass from Ella and handed it to him.

Standing there, Ella didn't know what to do until Noah's cold voice commanded her attention. "What are you waiting for? Go get some rest."

She hurried out of his room, clutching her shirt over her heart, closing her eyes tightly. So, was that woman staying in his room tonight?

She didn't know how she had slept through the night. When the alarm clock woke her up the next day, her thoughts came back, and her first reaction was heartache. She got up and headed for the shower. You had to get through the tough times, she told herself. There were things she needed to clear up with Noah, too.

But she didn't expect to see him waiting in the living room, as if he had something to say to her, as she descended the stairs. Pausing momentarily, she decided to take the initiative.

She strode down the stairs and blurted out, "Uncle Noah, I was impulsive before, and I understand your stance now, but you didn't have to go through the trouble of bringing a woman home just to remind me." The sharp sound of a clap cut her off mid-sentence. Her gaze fell on a set of keys that Noah had tossed onto the coffee table moments ago, leaving her puzzled. "What's this?"

Noah dropped his hand from his forehead, his voice cold and unyielding, "I bought an apartment near your college, a fancy one. You're going to live there from now on."

Ella staggered slightly, "You... you think I might still..."

Noah's face was stern as he cut her off coldly, "You're an adult now. Besides, there will be a lady of the house moving in here. It would be awkward for you to stay. It's not convenient."

Without regard for her feelings, he stood up, "And as for what you said, you're overthinking it. I'm not that petty."

"I'll have someone move your stuff to the apartment. Let me know if you need anything."

Ella didn't respond until long after Noah had left. Only then did she pick up the set of keys from the coffee table and after a while, let out a light chuckle.

The first thing Ella did when she went to school was head to the office. She agreed to go to the Y Country.

Paul was right; leaving was the best solution for her too. She needed to get both her domestic and international bachelor's degrees, and she had to put some distance between herself and Noah to get over him completely. She desperately needed a way to manage the jumbled mess of emotions she was feeling.

She let Noah arrange for her belongings to be moved from his villa to the apartment here, and she moved into the apartment that very day.

Two weeks before the summer break, her project application was successful, and it was highly likely she would depart for the Y Country on one of those summer days.

He was right. She really couldn't stay at his place any longer. And he was also right to do what he did. Who would want a woman who harbored feelings for him living under the same roof?

It was just an unstarted affair; it was better for her to give up on it early.

Maybe that was for the best.

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