The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

All summer long, Cicely was practically a fixture at the Diaz residence.

Her presence in Seth’s room was as constant as the daylight. Every corner bore her mark: her pillow nestled on the bed, the plushie she clutched in her sleep, a stash of her clothes tucked away in the closet, and even her go-to shampoo and body wash claimed a spot in the bathroom. Fresh flowers, handpicked daily, adorned the desk alongside an assortment of knick-knacks, while her study books leaned against his favored novels.

Usually, the invasion went unnoticed, but the silence that filled the room after she left spoke volumes. Seth would look around, and everywhere he turned, there was Cicely.

Even in moments of solitude, as he tried to immerse himself in a book, the soft clattering of desk ornaments disrupted the quiet, refusing to let him settle.

Cicely’s absence was as loud as her presence.

Seth eventually pushed his book aside, slumped into his chair, and gazed at the little trinkets scattered across his table. His dark eyes betrayed no emotion.d2

—

Girls of a similar age often became fast friends, but Cicely and Danielle’s relationship was far from that, despite living under the same roof. Their interactions were limited, reserved for only the most necessary of exchanges.

With an extra child in the mix, Creighton naturally kept a close eye on Danielle, ensuring she got her fair share of everything Cicely had. Even more, on multiple occasions, Creighton had taken Cicely aside to encourage her to look after Danielle, to give way when needed, reminding her that Danielle was new to all this, that being peers, they should naturally gravitate towards each other.

Perhaps it was Cicely’s innate rebellious streak, her dislike for her father’s attention towards any girl but her, or maybe it was the jealousy of Danielle’s longer history with Seth. Whatever the reason, or reasons, she nodded to her dad’s words, but her actions remained unchanged.

Danielle was aware of Cicely’s visits to the Diaz’s to see Seth. She found out the day Cicely returned from there for the first time. She hadn’t asked; it was during dinner when Cicely, absent-mindedly playing with her food, suddenly threw out a question, “You think Seth’s a bit weird? His room has chairs but no desk. What’s up with that?”

Danielle didn’t know why she asked, but she genuinely didn’t have a clue. “Maybe he hasn’t found the right desk yet?”

Cicely flashed a rare smile, “Really?”

At that moment, Danielle remembered something and looked up, “You went into his room?”

Cicely mumbled a vague affirmation, “He was tutoring me.”

Danielle’s grip tightened around her fork. Seth never liked people invading his room. It was the same abroad. Danielle remembered being turned away at his doorstep, his face stern and unwelcoming. She later learned about his peculiar habits from his mother and never stepped foot in his room again.

Over the years, Danielle had come to respect his boundaries, but she never imagined Cicely would shatter them so effortlessly.

Not just once, but all summer long.

Cicely would leave the house carrying things and return empty-handed. Danielle didn’t have to guess where those things ended up.

Pillows, throw cushions, stuffed animals, clothes, shampoos, body washes…

Danielle thought bitterly that Cicely might as well move in with him, and no one would bat an eye.

Was he that indulgent with Cicely?

Everyone adored Cicely, and cherished her.

Danielle had thought Cicely was the beloved princess of the Ellis family, pretty and sweet, winning favor of family with her charm, but it seemed everyone loved her, Seth included.

—

School was starting in two days, and after dinner one night, a call came from grandfather, who had been convalescing at home for over two months after a tragic loss of his dear son.

Creighton hung up and informed Cicely and Danielle that Grandfather Ellis would join them for lunch the next day.

That meant no visit to Seth’s place. Cicely felt a pang of disappointment.

Danielle’s face turned pale, her hands nervously twisting together, her eyes filled with panic. Creighton stepped forward and gently patted her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly. “Don’t worry, you’re the Ellis family’s granddaughter, just like Cicely. You’re a good girl. He will love you.”

Danielle wasn’t sure if Grandpa would like her. She only knew that he didn’t care for her mother, had never acknowledged her as a daughter in-law, even after her mother passed away. Auntie Patty had been angry when she spoke of it, and Danielle still didn’t quite understand why.

Cicely plucked two strawberries from the fruit bowl and headed upstairs. Once in her room, she pulled out her phone from beneath her pillow and dialed Seth’s number. The phone rang for ages, and Cicely could almost picture it, ringing out in his room, him unmoved as he finished the page he was on before picking up. Sometimes she wondered if she was the only one who ever called him, and that was why he was so lackadaisical about answering.

Finally, the call connected. Seth’s crisp voice came through, “What’s up?”

Cicely flopped onto her bed, fiddling with her plushie’s ear, a touch sullen. “I can’t make it over tomorrow. Do not bother to make my favorite dishes.”

There was a subtle shift in Seth’s brow, though his tone remained flat. “Alright.”

Cicely frowned, “Aren’t you gonna ask why?”

After a brief pause, his voice remained even, “Why?”

Cicely’s irritation flared at the dismissive tone, but she still replied, “Grandpa’s coming over.”

Seth hesitated for a moment before responding nonchalantly.

Taking a deep breath, Cicely hung up, squeezing the plushie’s ear in frustration. “Like kicking at the air and expecting a reaction.” she muttered, exasperated.

Seth tossed his phone onto the bed and stood in silence for a few seconds before turning and heading downstairs with a glass of water in hand.

The maid was deep in discussion with the other housekeepers about the next day’s menu, while Patty was engrossed in the news on the living room TV. She made a point of being present at the company every day. Even though Creighton had appointed a managing director she could trust, she felt the need to stay in the loop.

In reality, she was more of a figurehead. The financial reports made her head spin, and she ended up tossing the month-end summaries to the managing director, who then forwarded the data to Creighton for confirmation.

It would be more accurate to say that the company was an extension of the Ellis family.

But Patty’s attitude toward the whole situation was weird. She wasn’t fond of the Ellis family, yet she trusted Creighton implicitly.

saw Seth coming down, she barely

dining room and offhandedly said, “Keep lunch simple tomorrow. Cicely

acknowledged with a

suddenly called after him. “I heard that girl is skipping a grade

with

Patty probed further, “She’s not coming

glanced at her coolly, “It’s not my place to know every little

always been under the Ellis family’s wing. They all dote on their little princess. It’s best to stay in her good graces. That girl has a

get involved

doesn’t conflict with keeping her

nothing more and

Danielle’s new to the Ellis family, and

expression tightened, but he didn’t respond to

—

arrived promptly at

dress that Creighton had arranged for her,

a smile, his lips pressed in a tight line and his brows furrowed—an aura of inherent

face this so-called grandfather. He was her flesh and blood, yet he disliked her mother. She felt compelled to despise him, but respect was due,

faced his formidable presence, she found herself more anxious and frightened than

to Erik, “Dad, this is Danielle, Henry’s daughter. Danielle, call him

“Grandpa.” Her voice was tiny, filled with trepidation and

her for a moment before shifting his gaze to

Danielle pursed her lips.

if it was due to his father’s coldness toward Danielle or the way Cicely could exasperate him. “That girl, I told her to

Do you want her coming down with bed hair and giving me attitude?

his stern words, there was a hint

room, Erik turned his attention back to Danielle.

Creighton, who gave her a

family is your home. Just like Cicely, you are an Ellis daughter. The shares

Danielle could only nod.

descended the stairs, overhearing the exchange. “Grandpa, I’m jealous,” she

the old man’s stern face broke into a childlike grin at

so excited about your visit I couldn’t sleep. You should come unannounced next time, Grandpa. That way, I can get my beauty

really had no sense

“Alright, next time I’ll sneak in for a

He wondered how much of Cicely’s personality came from the other

—

especially kind to Danielle. It was no surprise to the Ellis family, only to

she wasn’t the only

past, and she answered each question as best she could. In summary, she had lived with Patty and Seth for as

lunch, the old man suggested, “You should move into the family estate and live with me from now

aback, instinctively glancing at

“Dad, let Danielle stay here. She and Cicely are close in age, and with school, it’s easier

sigh. “That being said, don’t you think it might be time to

darkened

Danielle chose to

in a simple shirt and black trousers, immaculately poised as dappled sunlight filtered through the dense sycamore leaves above, casting mottled shadows

figure of solitary grace,

to see him and ran over, looking up, “What brings

greeted Erik and Creighton with due respect. His gaze lingered on Danielle, who stood by Creighton’s side, before

for a long moment, something flickering in his gaze. “And who might this

“He’s the son of

a moment,

“Yes.”

Seth, Erik said,

Cicely standing

shirt. “I asked you why

of the car and handed him a tote bag. Taking it, Seth passed it to

give me… what is this?!” Expecting something delightful, her pretty face crumpled

barely perceptible smile touched Seth’s lips as he replied in a

model teacher, Mr. Seth.” Cicely was

else were you

her books,

with tension. Was this the Seth she knew? The remote, indifferent Seth used to be remote and indifferent, keeping everyone at arm’s length and having no time for pointless chit-chat. Yet, here he was, allowing Cicely

Everyone treated

family, but it was crystal clear, the affection he had for

just standing here?

into his pockets, “No, I should

“You’ve come all

ignored her protest and

his stubborn ways. Just as she was

paused, turning to look. Danielle had chased

furrowed, but Creighton blocked her view, patting her head gently, “Let’s

and turn, his gaze falling onto

Creighton took Cicely’s hand.

then looked up at him cautiously, “I haven’t

silent for a time, then, glancing at the retreating figure of Cicely being

her lip, “Yes.” Just, compared to Cicely, she felt like an outsider

words, Seth turned to leave, but his shirt was abruptly tugged. He frowned, looking down at the