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.”

watching him get into the car without leaving so much as the window open, the vehicle

opened her mouth as if to speak, watching the receding taillights, a surge of irritation turning her around. “Jerk, what

up from the couch, holding a

“All sent off?”

“Yeah.”

took the glass, and finished the milk,

up, Creighton, with his other hand on the banister, let out a sigh.

sixteen years

rare visit. She remained silent for a moment, then answered, “Dad, I’m only sixteen and

in his tracks and fixing her with a probing gaze. “What about the two boys from

laughed. “I’ve met those two well over dozens of

City were only so large. Between all the galas and gatherings, it was always the same few faces. Besides, their kids all went to the same school. It wouldn’t be unusual to say they’d crossed paths frequently. If there were any sparks,

Her recent question was nothing short of asking how

the end, he doesn’t choose you?”

she silently helped Creighton

I was born into. I can offer him everything no

and shook his head. “Love isn’t about giving more to get more. No amount of effort guarantees an equal return, especially not with

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

conversation about love between father and daughter prompted Creighton to lay out the harsh truth. “Perhaps, despite giving him your all,

can satisfy his

an answer that would make immediate sense to

her resolve. She was serious about, or had already begun to, invest in Seth.

with the Ellis family ready to catapult him

could have love, with Cicely’s feelings never

Cicely

was supreme, and Cicely’s beauty and grace

needed to do

If it came

response. Turning to meet her inquiring eyes, Creighton offered a reassuring smile. “Maybe you’re

finally broke across Cicely’s

on Cicely, he was well aware this wasn’t just blind indulgence. Had Cicely fancied another man, or had he disapproved,

for her phone. Joel’s message

rest.]Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All

she tapped on Seth’s profile to send a message. [Are you

the time, Seth should have arrived home earlier than Joel. In reality, traffic had

into the living room, his

in a silk burgundy nightgown, emerged from

his phone, and a subtle smile played across his lips as his fingers danced across

expected such a prompt reply. [You got home and didn’t even tell me. Do

ever say I had to check in with you when

gotten the wrong impression. With that thought, the hint of a smile vanished, replaced by a

kitchen doorway, sipping water and watching him. “You’re home later

“Yeah.”

the little princess of the Ellis family paid a visit last

a

pampered all her life, with people bending over backward for her. In contrast, Danielle