The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2123

Ella collapsed onto her bed at home after her nightly routine, her phone buzzing with activity from a group chat that included Rebecca. Since Rebecca's arrival, the chat seemed to come alive with chatter every single day.

At this very moment, the group was particularly animated, discussing engagement party plans. Rebecca, ever the thoughtful hostess, was inquiring about everyone's preferred vibe for the event. The conversation eventually even steered towards wedding talk.

The men in the group, eager to please Rebecca, were surprisingly invested in the discussion—a stark contrast to their usual indifference towards their own matrimonial plans.

Ella peered at her screen where the messages flied by, a wry smile playing on her lips before she exited the chat.

Let it be.

After the embarrassment that Ella had just caused in the afternoon, it was surprising that Rebecca would openly discuss such matters in a place where she knew Ella was present.d2

As a woman, Ella could sense Rebecca's hostility towards her. It was a warning, as clear as the one she felt from Noah, telling her to keep her distance.

She was curious, how Noah had placated Rebecca so quickly, that she accepted a truth that must have been shocking for her. Perhaps he held her, whispering reassurances that his relationship with Ella was nothing more than the well-known fact that they were uncle and niece, and that would never change.

Thinking of Noah's tender demeanor with other women sent a chill through Ella's heart. She couldn't fathom what was going through Noah's mind.

Rebecca was aware of Ella's feelings, and tonight, Ella had certainly returned the favor by embarrassing her. Did Noah ever consider how they were supposed to interact in the future?

As long as she remained within the Tretton family, and under his watchful eye, she was bound to encounter Rebecca, wasn't she? Or perhaps, he didn't take her feelings seriously at all? That was why he didn't bother to contemplate the complexities?

Taking a deep breath, Ella tossed her phone aside. What was the use in overthinking?

*

The next day at school, Ella shared her plans with Paul. "I haven't told my uncle about my plans to study in Y Country yet. I've just mentioned a vacation. He's arranged everything for me—flights, hotels, and even two bodyguards. He doesn't know you're joining me, so it's best to keep it that way. Otherwise, he'd never let me travel."

Paul nodded, "We leave on the 5th. So what you're saying is..."

"Yes, exactly what you're thinking. I don't know how he'd react if I were honest with him. If he says no, I'm not going anywhere," Ella said, her expression stoic.

Paul's expression hardened as well, since he didn't doubt Ella's suspicions for a second. Noah, though Ella's uncle, exhibited a peculiar possessiveness over her. Despite the personal growth opportunity at hand, the mere thought of Ella stepping out from under his watchful eye might lead to a refusal. Ella knew Noah too well after all these years by his side.

"I understand. But what about the bodyguards?"

"We'll see if we can shake them off. It might not matter if they come to Y Country. Once there, he can't do much about it."

"Alright," Paul said thoughtfully, a small smile creeping onto his face. "I'm looking forward to it. I've almost finished the itinerary. I'll send it over. See if there's anywhere else you'd really like to visit."

"Sounds good."

*

That afternoon, Noah's car was once again parked outside the school. Ella, tired of the back and forth, approached the vehicle and opened the passenger door, sliding into the back seat.

"I'm not your chauffeur," Noah's displeased voice came from the driver's seat, laden with icy undertones.

Without a word, Ella glanced at the queue of cars waiting to pick up students and scooted further into the seat before closing the door.

Noah remained motionless. The honking from behind grew more urgent, and Ella could almost visualize the anger of the drivers through the incessant sound. Yet, looking at Noah through the rearview mirror, he was stoic, unmoving. When he caught her gaze in the mirror, he briefly met her eyes. "Come sit in the front."

Gritting her teeth, Ella retorted, "What's so bad about playing chauffeur just once?"

"I don't want to."

The honks were starting to rattle Ella's nerves. Reluctantly, she moved to the front passenger seat, buckling up as soon as she sat down. The car shot forward the moment her seatbelt clicked.

Upon her return to the villa, the household staff greeted her with concern.

"Miss, have you been eating well these past few days? You look like you've lost weight."

"Please change your clothes first. Mr. Noah has specifically ordered your favorite dishes for tonight."

"Why stay by yourself? It's so inconvenient. No more tantrums. In the few days you were gone, I could tell Mr. Noah was moody. He's definitely not used to you being away from home."

Ella cracked a playful smile, sticking out her tongue as she held Lora's hand. "I have to learn to live on my own eventually. I won't be coming back here so much in the future."

Lora didn't catch on at first, but after seeing Ella's wink, she realized somwthing. "Why wouldn't it be convenient? Your uncle adores you. If you crave my cooking, he wouldn’t stop you from coming back."

Ella just smiled, "I'm starving. I'm going up to change."

"Alright, hurry up. Dinner is almost ready."

Ella's clothes in the bedroom closet were untouched; Noah never skimped on anything for her. The things he had moved to her apartment were almost all newly purchased. The clothes in this closet were what she was accustomed to wearing, most of which he had bought for her.

How could she remain indifferent to a man who cared for her so meticulously in every aspect of life?

Pushing aside the flood of emotions threatening to surface, she picked out a few of her regular outfits and tossed them onto the bed.

When she returned from the walk-in closet with a suitcase, she ran into Noah in the hallway. His eyes briefly swept over the luggage in her hand, his expression darkening. "What are you doing?"

Ella looked unfazed, "Summer break is almost here. I'll probably head straight home. I figured I'd just pack now so I can leave from there when I go on my trip."

Her explanation was flawless.

Noah replied, "There are clothes for you back home."

"These are my favorites," Ella said.

Noah's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he pressed his lips together and descended the stairs.

Ella breathed a sigh of relief.

For the next few days, Ella maintained her composure. In truth, she and Noah didn't spend much time together.

Noah often didn't have dinner at home, usually because he came back too late after having eaten out. They used to have breakfast and dinner together, whether at home or out, but things had changed. He had someone else to accompany now.

July had just begun, and summer vacation was hot on its heels.

Ella couldn't quite figure out if Noah had noticed something. He used to pick her up from school only occasionally due to work commitments, but lately, he seemed to have more free time, asking her every day when her classes ended and waiting at the school gates without fail.

How could he not be busy, with a fiancée to attend to, an engagement party to plan, and a never-ending workload?

However, now, picking her up seemed to be his top priority. It was going to be the last time, though.

They drove straight to the family estate. Throughout the journey, Ella kept looking out the window, not initiating any conversation. There was an inexplicable tension in the atmosphere inside the car.

Noah wasn't blind to the fact that without her initiating conversation, they seemed to lack common ground, just like he did with anyone else outside of formalities.

His irritation grew inexplicably. In the past, her chatter about trivial matters could be annoying, but now her silence felt even more uncomfortable.

Since she had made her feelings known, the distance between them seemed to grow, despite her physical proximity.

Suddenly, Ella reached into her pocket, pulled out a pair of earbuds, and put them in.

"There's music in the car," he pointed out, clearly disturbed by her shutting him out. "This music is all your doing."

She glanced at the car screen and finally put away her headphones, playing a song.

Indeed, everywhere she looked, there were traces of Noah indulging her. The music in his car was all downloaded to her taste. He seldom listened to music, preferring classical ones, while she enjoyed current pop hits, catchy tunes, and remixed DJ tracks.

Sometimes she would even dance wildly in his car, and he would let her be, except for the occasional scolding.

The sweet voice of a female singer filled the car, prompting Ella to lower her head and immerse herself in a guide to European tourist spots and must-see attractions.

The music didn't lighten the mood, and the atmosphere turned even heavier. Thankfully, they reached the estate soon enough, thanks to his fast driving and her distraction with the travel guide.

As soon as the car stopped, Ella unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out without a word.

"Grandpa, I'm home." she called out with a cheeriness that belied the tension from the car ride. Noah's gaze darkened a shade.