The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Seth’s hand, buried in his pocket, clenched slightly, his expression cool. “What else would it be? What are you getting at?”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “The whole Ellis clan must’ve heard by now that I had a study session planned tonight. That prissy Danielle, who always kept her distance from my room, suddenly shows up with you in tow? What’s that about?”

Seth’s eyes narrowed.

“I don’t know what Danielle told you to get you here tonight, but let’s be clear. I’m glad you came. Still there are some scores to settle with her still.

“As for dinner tonight. If she dared to criticize anything about my dad, I’d have no problem wiping that smug look off her face. My dad’s kindness in her isn’t a free pass for her to pick fights or disrespect him. I’ve told her a thousand times to keep her distance from you, but she doesn’t listen. Instead, she flaunts your tutoring sessions in my face, parading her feelings for you.

“Do you think I should just let it slide, or should I teach her a lesson?”d2

Cicely paused, then looked up, with a lazy, soft smile on her face. “I was really angry at that time, couldn’t remain indifferent. I genuinely hope that if one day I’m with a guy who’s interested in me, you’d feel just like me, dying to tear him apart in your heart.”

Seth’s slender eyes finally moved, and he looked down at her quietly, his hand in his pocket tightening, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“You should be glad I didn’t just stand by. If I ever do, Seth, you’ll lose more than just my attitude.”

Seth silently watched her.

Cicely, used to his cold demeanor, huffed softly and stepped down from the stairs.

“If Danielle isn’t hopelessly stupid or playing tricks, she should be able to keep up in twenty days, tops. Don’t think I don’t know that senior year is just a review of the past two years.”

“You think you’re not dumb, so did you spend an entire vacation to study on purpose?”

At his words, Cicely descended the steps, turned around, and looked up at Seth. “As if you couldn’t see I was doing it on purpose.”

Seth scoffed. Watching his reaction, Cicely’s beautiful eyes danced, her face unable to hide a smile. She rested her hand on the banister, tilting her head, her smile languid. “Why didn’t you call me out on it?”

Seth’s brow twitched, and he descended the steps, looking down at her with a rare, carefree smile. “It’s not that I didn’t call you out. I just think you’re genuinely clueless.”

Cicely’s smile faltered for a moment, but as he passed by her, she relaxed, turning to follow him without concern.

After saying goodbye to Creighton, Seth headed straight for the door.

Cicely’s world didn’t revolve solely around Seth. Joel had been helping her these past few days, and admittedly, she’d given Seth too much attention, neglecting Joel.

Once outside, she made sure to see Joel off properly. The family driver had been waiting for a while, and Cicely saw Joel to his car. “Be careful on the road, and text me when you get home.”

Dressed in a simple yet expensive dress, Cicely stood tall and graceful, her face wearing a gentle smile. Her sweet voice was full of smile.

Cicely was the kind of girl who could easily smile at anyone, familiar or not. Most of her smiles were lazy, tinged with an air of indifference. That polite smile was obviously fake to anyone who looked closely, not reaching the eyes or touching the heart, but at that moment, her smile was warm and genuinely thankful.

In every way, her feelings for Joel were different.

Joel’s car pulled away first, followed by Seth’s. He stood by his car door, watching Cicely wave goodbye to Joel with a cold gaze. Only when Joel’s car had disappeared did she lower her hand, tuck them behind her back, and walk over to Seth.

Scanning the surroundings, she quipped, “So, you only helped me with one question tonight, and after all those days tutoring her, she doesn’t even show up? She sure knows how to play the grand lady.”

Seth opened his car door, responding indifferently, “You don’t have to force it.”

as the window open, the vehicle starting

a surge of irritation turning her around. “Jerk, what did I

from the couch, holding

“All sent off?”

“Yeah.”

took the glass, and finished the milk, then linked arms with Creighton and

his other hand on the banister, let out a sigh. Cicely looked back at him.

“You are just sixteen years old. Are you sure he’s

again, perhaps just reflecting on Seth’s rare visit. She remained silent for a moment, then answered, “Dad, I’m only sixteen and still have a lot to learn, but you’ve got twenty-nine years on me. Tell me, do you honestly think there’s someone better out there than

a probing

dozens of times. If I was going to

only so large. Between all the galas and gatherings, it was always the same few faces. Besides, their kids

Her recent question was nothing short of asking how Seth measured up, given her feelings for him. She already knew

what if, in the end, he

frown creased Cicely’s brow as she silently

choose? Across all of Park City, no one can match what I was born into. I can offer him everything no other woman can, including the entire Ellis

get more. No amount of effort guarantees an equal return, especially not with feelings,

her expression one of confusion. “I never expected an equal return. I can give him my all, as long

and daughter prompted Creighton to lay out the harsh truth. “Perhaps, despite giving him your all, you might never

him everything, including undivided, unconditional love. I can satisfy his ambitions and pride. I

an answer that would make immediate sense

begun to, invest in Seth. She wasn’t wrong, after all.

could have a career, with the Ellis

with

have a family, and Cicely was more than capable

Ellis family was supreme, and Cicely’s beauty and

he needed to do was

kid didn’t like Cicely. If it came down

Creighton offered a reassuring smile. “Maybe you’re right.

smile finally broke across Cicely’s face.

just blind indulgence. Had Cicely fancied another man, or had he disapproved, no amount of persuasion would

phone. Joel’s message had come in

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on Seth’s profile to send a message.

earlier than Joel. In reality, traffic had delayed him, and Seth had only

the living room,

clad in a silk burgundy nightgown, emerged from the kitchen

subtle smile played across his lips as his fingers danced across the screen. [Would I be anywhere

[You got home and didn’t

I had to

must’ve gotten the wrong impression. With that thought, the

up, he saw Patty standing in the kitchen doorway, sipping water and watching him. “You’re home later than usual tonight. Have

“Yeah.”

the little princess of

paused for a moment, then

been pampered all her life, with people bending over backward for her. In contrast, Danielle is the one