Novel & Cerita The Enticing Ceo’s Chosen Bride

I should have smiled and nodded and counted my blessings. Instead I heard myself ask, "Who was she? The real bride?" Something shifted behind his eyes. Just slightly. Just for a second. "That is not your concern." "I wore her dress," I said. "I spoke her vows. I think it's a little bit my concern." His jaw tightened. "Her name is Vivienne Cole. She was... a prior arrangement." He said the last two words like they tasted stale. "She chose not to appear." I nodded slowly. Something told me that wasn't the whole truth but I also didn't have the energy to pull at that thread tonight.

Ian said. .... The bar beach at Willow-ridge looked like a paradise by the time the decorations were finished. Every lady that had gathered there could not help but be eaten by suspense over who the bride will be. All of them had come dressed in their best outfit incase the CEO is to choose from among the crowd. However their hopes were dashed the moment, Selene Wilson made her entry. The woman looked stunning and dazzling that her exquisiteness gave away the answer. Everyone agreed that Selene was a bad choice for Kevin but who were they to voice out their opinion. They merely watched as Kevin and Selene shared a short dance and then everywhere became quiet.

The aisle felt longer than it should have. Ethan stood at the far end of the aisle, composed and unreadable. The vows were brief. When it was over, the official smiled. “By the authority vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife.” The words hit me. I was now Ethan’s wife. “You may kiss the bride.” Ethan turned to me The kiss deepened more than it ought to and was longer than necessary. Cameras flashed wildly, clicking pictures. I pulled back from him slightly, my breath uneven.

A champagne glass catching the light. A handwritten place card. The bride's bouquet resting on a chair. She paused near the sweetheart table. Everything looked perfect. Painfully perfect. "You have an eye for details." The familiar voice made her turn. It was the wedding planner, Emilia. A woman in her early forties with sharp green eyes and the calm confidence of someone who had organized hundreds of weddings. "I've been watching you work," Emilia continued. "You notice things most photographers miss." Nora shrugged modestly.

The woman asked him, politely while trying her best to keep her professionalism. “No, my bride has already selected this on her own for our wedding,” he said, but his words completely befuddled that woman. His bride? She saw him making the payments and grabbing that gown before he turned around and left but that woman continued to gaze at his retracting figure because her head continued to repeat his words. ‘No, my bride has already selected this on her own for our wedding…….’ Did his bride have already seen this gown but how when Ezrene Soler was the very first and only person whom she had shown this wedding gown?

“Yes, I was too hasty about this. We should discuss this matter with the family.” He quickly invited everyone inside. After taking a closer look at Celeste's appearance, he nodded with satisfaction. Sure enough, this woman was very beautiful and perfect from every angle. She was the best choice for his son. To be frank, even Lazlo was attracted to her. “My son is getting married today, but his bride is very ugly, so I want to use you in place of the bride. After this, you can become my son's concubine,” Lazlo said condescendingly as if Celeste should see it as an honor.

WILLIAM'S POV In my study, I sat back into the Burgundy seat, a glass of brandy between my fingers as the young model worked her magic with her mouth down my length. Across from me, the main entertainment for the night sat on a velvet chaise, in a blue see-through dress with silver studs at the nape. A brunette whose mother had begged for her to have a chance with me. In exchange for money, of course. Her laughter was fake, shallow as the pool outside.

“No. But it wasn’t easy.” My laughter is hollow, bitter as ash. “Of course it wasn’t. It’s Travis Forger.” The name falls from my lips like gunpowder—dangerous, explosive, impossible to ignore. CEO. Billionaire. The man who owns everything except his own heart. And tonight, I’m supposed to marry him. Willing or not. I let the glass slip from my fingers, shattering against the Persian rug with a sound too loud in the stillness. My breath catches.

“It is tradition that the future king chooses a mate. A queen to stand beside him. Someone to guide, to rule, to protect this realm with. And after much consideration, after hardship, betrayal, and loss, I’ve made my choice.” The crowd holds its breath. I look straight ahead. Not at any one person, not even at Elise, though I know she’s there. Standing tall. Smiling, probably. Ready to claim what she believes is hers. But I don’t give her that satisfaction. Not yet. I straighten my shoulders. My tone is clipped. Final. Cold as the steel coiled in my gut. “My chosen bride-to-be…” I pause. “…is Elise.”

Harrison laughed, explaining, "Your Highness, there's no need to worry. Only unmarried men are allowed to participate. Moreover, the bride’s chosen one is positioned favorably, and there are attendants around to ensure that the person she chooses catches the ball." Understanding now, Ethan smiled, "I see." Harrison pulled Ethan closer, his eyes sparkling, "Your Highness, there’s a bride about to throw her ball over there. Let’s go see!" The two quickly made their way towards the crowd gathered below a balcony. The bride, adorned beautifully, her face radiant and excited, wore a flowing red gown. Her face glowed with anticipation. She scanned the crowd below, searching for her chosen one. Sud