The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1991-2000
“I said, this is something between the two of us.” Seth’s tone left no room for
argument.
Creighton squinted at him for a moment. “I thought you didn’t like her? I
intended to entrust her to you, but if you feel it’s too much, I won’t force you.
What’s important is that I don’t want to give you another chance to break her
heart.”
Seth didn’t reply, but his intentions were clear and firm.
At that moment, Brody walked in, followed closely by his son Issac. Both men
wore grim expressions.
“Sir.”
Enter title…
Creighton turned his attention to Brody. “What’s the matter?”d2
Brody glanced at Seth before saying, “We’ve just been to the hotel to get a
handle on the situation. The banquet had to be cut short because of an incident.
Mr. Ray’s personal misconduct has been leaked, and his family’s company is in
damage control mode. But given the number of reputable media outlets present
as witnesses, it’s unlikely their PR spin will do much good. We’ll have a clearer
picture by tomorrow morning.”
This result was exactly what Seth had initially desired. He understood that, even
without Brody spelling it out.
Creighton snorted, unsurprised by the news.
“There’s something else, sir.” Brody hesitated, his expression more serious than
before.
“Out with it.”
“Yes, sir.” Brody nodded. “According to the hotel receptionist, Mr. Ray was
forcing himself on Miss Danielle. She tried to resist but called for help when she
couldn’t fend him off. However, in the end…”
Creighton’s head shot up, his face a storm of rage. “In the end, what?”
“Well, apparently, Miss Danielle was so frightened that when she saw Mr. Ray
dragging Cicely into the room, she… she ran away.”
Creighton bolted upright from the couch.
He stared at Brody for a long moment before bursting into a grim laugh. “You’re
telling me Cicely saved Danielle, and then Danielle left Cicely behind and ran
off?!”
Rarely had Brody seen Creighton lose his temper, and he dared not speak
further.
Issac stepped forward, pulling out his phone. “Here’s the security footage from
the hotel. It should make it very clear whether Miss Danielle acted out of fear or
deliberately.”
Creighton practically snatched the phone from his hand.
Issac withdrew, casting a glance at Seth. “I bet you already have an idea
whether Miss Danielle was deliberate or not, without even seeing the footage.”
Seth, with his stoic good looks, stepped beside Creighton.
On the screen, Danielle was seen helping Ray into a room, struggling at the
door. Barefoot, Cicely walked into the lounge, high heels in hand, trying to help
Danielle.
Then Cicely got caught by Ray, looking back at Danielle with a gaze that
seemed to expect the obvious—that Danielle would help her in return.
But Danielle just stood at the door, coldly watching Cicely struggle, shaking her
head and deciding to leave.
The confusion and fear in Cicely’s eyes as she was dragged into the room and
the door slammed shut, cutting off all hope, sank into the hearts of the
onlookers.
The phone’s screen began to shake as Creighton’s hand trembled
uncontrollably. The footage continued with Danielle encountering reporters, then
meeting Seth, and pretending to know nothing as she hurried away with him.
With a loud “thud,” Creighton threw the phone onto the coffee table. “Where’s
Danielle? Where is she?!” His booming voice detonated like a bomb in the living
room.
Knowing something had gone wrong that night, he had guessed what Seth had
been plotting. Even if Cicely ended up the victim, he had thought it was just an
unfortunate accident. He hadn’t anticipated that this “accident” was
orchestrated.
Issac said calmly, “I’ve sent people to look for her.”
Outside, two cars pulled up to the house.
Danielle was brought out of one, followed by Erik from the other. He didn’t even
glance at Danielle as he hustled into the living room, leaning on his cane.
“Where’s Cicely?!”
Issac had barely finished when Erik’s anxious voice filled the room. He was
asking about Cicely’s condition as soon as he entered.
Creighton tried to contain his rage in front of his father but failed.
Brody quickly said, “Miss is resting now, sir. Please be at ease.”
Seeing so many people in the living room, Erik asked, “What in the world is
going on?”
There was a moment of silence. Then Creighton saw Danielle coming in from
behind, her hands crossed in front of her, her face a mix of anxiety and evasion.
He approached her slowly, his icy gaze lingering on her face. Finally, he raised
his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
Danielle fell to the ground from the blow.
Erik furrowed his brow deeply. “What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?!”
Creighton stood towering over Danielle, pointing shakily at her. “Ungrateful…”
Blood trickled from the corner of Danielle’s mouth.
Creighton swayed, and Brody quickly stepped in to support him. “We’ve always
tolerated your mutual disdain, and if you think it’s your right as a member of the
Ellis family, then fine. But just on the matter at hand, Danielle, how could you
convince yourself to abandon her? She was trying to save you! And you
deliberately left her to fend for herself! How could you!”
Tears splattered onto the floor as Danielle clutched her face, but no words could
escape her lips.
“Do you really think you can keep this hidden? Or did you think, even if Cicely
were in trouble, I wouldn’t lay a finger on you?!”
From those words, Erik could sense something amiss. When he spoke again,
his voice was heavy with disappointment, “What happened, Danielle? What
does it mean that you abandoned Cicely?”
Creighton pointed an accusing finger at Danielle, “This… this ungrateful brat.”
He tried to speak but was too choked with rage to continue.
Issac stepped forward, picked up the smartphone, and handed it to Erik. “This is
the security footage from the hotel. You’ll see everything you need to know.”
Danielle trembled, suddenly looked up, and her gaze fell straight onto Seth, who
was standing off to the side, his expression unreadable. He was cool and
detached, revealing nothing but indifference. And yet, Danielle felt a shame so
deep it seemed to scald her.
Erik didn’t finish watching the video before tossing the smartphone at Danielle’s
feet. “What did you think you’d gain from doing this, other than possibly
destroying Cicely? All these years, where did your uncle fail you? Did Cicely
ever wrong you in a way that warranted this betrayal? He pratically raised a wolf
in sheep’s clothing, a snake ready to strike!”
The humiliation, the crushing accusations, they left Danielle with nowhere to
hide. One was her so-called uncle, and the other was her grandfather. The two
people in this world closest to her, now, for the sake of Cicely, they were
dragging her name through the mud.
Rising slowly to her feet, Danielle said, “I’m sorry, okay? I made a mistake.
Everything you’re saying is right. I’m ungrateful, an ingrate. Cicely has her real
father’s doting, and her grandfather’s love; if she’s wronged, you all jump to her
defense. But it’s different for me. The whole sky falls down for Cicely’s slightest
discomfort. The surveillance shows I was the one insulted first. Yet none of you
mention that?”
Creighton’s face contorted with anger. “Don’t you dare distort the truth! Cicely
was trying to save you!”
“So it’s only right that I’m the one who should be bullied today?” Danielle said,
her voice cold. “I’m not trying to excuse myself. It was wrong to leave Cicely
behind, and selfish, too. I admit to all of it. So, what’s next? What do you want to
do? Come on, I’m ready to pay for my actions.”
Creighton trembled with fury. She had been so sure from the start that he
wouldn’t do anything to her, which was why she dared to commit such a
heartless act. She lacked compassion, but as an elder, he could not act without
honor.
“This matter is between her and me, Dad, Grandpa. Please, don’t interfere.”
A detached and indifferent voice came from upstairs – Cicely, leaning against
the railing in her pajamas, looked down at the chaotic living room. With such a
commotion below, it was impossible for her not to hear.
Seth looked up, Cicely was descending the stairs, barefoot. A flicker of concern
crossed his face as he went to her and scooped her into his arms.
“Do I need to remind you how annoying you’ve been today?” Cicely asked,
gazing at him.
His voice low and husky, Seth replied, “You’re not wearing shoes.”
At that, Cicely barely smiled, and she let Seth carry her, her gaze settling on
Danielle. Their eyes met, and Danielle felt another wave of embarrassment.
“Hold me closer. I have a few things to say to Danielle.”
As Seth approached Danielle with Cicely in his arms, Danielle instinctively
stepped back. Cicely’s eyes held a faint smile, “Seth just asked do I want to
break up with him?”
Seth’s complexion changed subtly, his grip tightening.
“Do you think if I told him I wanted to split, he’d choose you over me?”
Danielle’s lips pressed tightly together, her fists clenched.
Cicely turned to Seth, “Would you?”
“No.”
Cicely looked back at Danielle and continued, “To be honest, before tonight, I
might never have asked him that question because I wasn’t sure he’d say ‘no.’
But now, do you know why I asked? He probably feels some kind of debt
towards me. I’m okay now, so I can afford to feel relieved that it was me who
took the hit tonight. If it had been you, his guilt would have shifted to you. And if
you wanted to take advantage of that guilt to make him stay with you, it might
just work..”
Danielle’s eyes, which had been filled with doubt, widened in shock. “Why…”
“Because I’m his girlfriend, but I had to play your knight in shining armor. So
tonight, if either of us had gotten hurt, he would’ve been to blame. Why do you
think he’d feel guilty?”
The possibility that had begun to dawn on Danielle shattered with Cicely’s
words.
Creighton frowned at her. After all this, she was still covering for Seth.
However, having Danielle know the whole truth would cause trouble, not just for
Seth, but for her, too, assuming she didn’t want to break up with him.
“But let’s be clear, what you did tonight, abandoning me, that’s a debt I still
intend to settle. I hold grudges, and I won’t let you off easily if I catch you. Can
we just let it go for tonight? I’m feeling terrible, and I can’t sleep with all this
noise.”
Grandpa and Dad couldn’t really kill Danielle, but without her stepping in, it
seemed this scene tonight could never end.
“I’m going back to bed. She was your responsibility, after all, so it’s only right
you see her out. If you’re planning to take her home, put me down.”
Seth looked at her, said nothing, but turned and carried her upstairs.
Cicely smiled, letting him take her away.Danielle watched as Seth cradled Cicely in his arms and walked away, her mind
swirling with Cicely’s recent words.
“He probably feels some kind of debt towards me. I’m okay now, so I can afford
to feel relieved that it was me who took the hit tonight. If it had been you, his
guilt would have shifted to you. And if you wanted to take advantage of that guilt
to make him stay with you, it might just work.”
“There are so many kinds of love. It doesn’t always have to be romantic to be
together.”
Patty’s words from Cicely’s debutante ball suddenly crowded Danielle’s thoughts
at this moment. She hadn’t understood then, but now, she was beginning to. It
Enter title…
didn’t have to be love that brings people together, guilt could do the trick too.
“To be with the one you love makes you a winner in life. You must learn to be
content and not ask for too much.”
Patty’s words from the past now seemed to resonate deeply within her, but it
seemed Cicely had beaten her to the punch.d2
Seth felt guilty towards her. He felt guilt for not protecting her tonight. Everyone
could see that the power in their relationship had never been in Cicely’s hands,
but now, it seemed to have shifted to her. As long as she played her cards right
with that guilt, Seth would stay by her side.
And the one who made it all possible was Danielle.
Cicely stepping in to stop any further pursuit had also given Erik and Creighton
a way out. Digging deeper wouldn’t change anything.
“Issac, see her out,” Creighton ordered coldly, motioning towards Danielle.
Issac nodded, stepping outside to make the arrangements.
Erik’s gaze on Danielle was heavy with disappointment and chill.
“How can two kids raised under the same roof turn out so different, one with
such a selfish and spiteful heart?”
Danielle felt desolate and met his words with a bitter laugh. “In your eyes, she’s
always been the better one.”
Erik took a deep breath. “No one’s been comparing you two. It’s you who’s
made her your rival all these years. You both are Ellis’, and her successes don’t
threaten you, nor do yours affect her. Eventually, the family legacy will belong to
just you two, and no one wishes more for you two to get along than us. Forget it,
if you were going to change, it wouldn’t have taken till today. You’re grown with
your own mind, and we can’t constrain you. Pursue your dreams if you wish, but
if you’re going to measure yourself against Cicely, just stay with the Ellis family.
We can afford to keep you.”
“No need. I’ve been a thorn in your side for years, and I don’t deserve to be a
freeloader.” With those final words, she turned and left coldly.
Erik’s brow knitted in frustration.
Creighton’s breathing grew heavy, he sank into the sofa, his head lowered,
struggling to get over the hurdle.
The tension in the air thickened, and Brody felt a sense of helplessness beside
him. “Sir, perhaps Miss Danielle is just more sensitive since she’s an orphan.
Her attitude over the years might stem from being hung up on her mother’s
story.”
At the mention of this, both Erik and Creighton’s expressions shifted slightly.
“If she’s unsatisfied, she should take it up with me. It was solely my decision to
stop her mother from entering our family. She has no right to take it out on
Cicely.”
Brody said no more. Creighton had always worried that living with Erik might
make Danielle uncomfortable or even worsen their conflicts, which was why he
allowed her to stay, but it hadn’t changed anything.
After a while, Creighton sighed and waved his hand dismissively. “Let it go, Dad,
don’t bother with it anymore. Tonight, Cicely… it didn’t lead to irreversible
consequences, so let it be.”
Again with ‘let it be.’
Brody stood aside, watching Creighton’s helpless demeanor, feeling a pang of
sympathy. Time and again, it was Creighton who made the concessions
because of Danielle.
Family skeletons were meant to stay in the closet, and no matter how ruthless,
one couldn’t cut off their own flesh and blood, especially the only child left by his
own brother.
“Sir, perhaps you should stay here for the night. It’s getting late.” Brody tactfully
changed the subject.
Erik, not wanting to go through any more trouble, nodded in agreement.
*
Cicely was placed back into bed by Seth, burrowing beneath the covers.
“I really feel awful right now, so do the smart thing and leave. You must have a
lot to deal with, just close the door on your way out.”
Seth watched her turn her back to him as usual, standing still for a long while
before finally turning to leave.
Exiting the Ellis family home, he took out his phone, which had been vibrating all
night. It was filled with calls from Patty. He gave it a cursory glance and then
switched it off.
*
The next morning, the events of the previous night had fully fermented and
exploded. Negative comments and skeletons from the past were dragged into
the light.
Fans of their signed artists were clamoring for contract terminations, and scripts
under
Ray’s management faced a near-universal boycott.
The turn of events was within Seth’s expectations except for one thing—Ray’s
crippled.
He had never considered it.
Even when he decided to use Danielle, he had never thought he’d lay a hand on
Ray. But who could have foreseen it would come down to Cicely?
Unacceptable.
He had wanted to shelter her from the darkness and filth of society, keep her
untouched by its ugliness. How then could he bear to see her consumed by it?
Destroy Ray? He had wanted to kill him.
Seth sat alone in his office, his expression as frosty as the atmosphere, the
room itself felt like it was in the grip of winter.
Suddenly, the door swung open. Patty stormed in, her shawl tight in her grip, her
face set in a stormy expression.
Seth gave her a brief glance before turning away, picking up a document from
his desk. He didn’t say a word, allowing Patty’s upcoming tirade to unfold.
His indifference only fanned the flames of Patty’s fury. “I specifically asked you
to help Danielle shake off Ray’s obsessive grip, Seth, but instead you practically
gift-wrapped her and handed her over to him. What the heck were you
thinking?!”
“She wants to act, and Ray’s got the connections and the clout in the theater
scene. She wants it, and she didn’t say no. It was her choice.”
Patty squinted at him, a fierce glint in her eyes. “And was it her choice when she
almost got raped by that bastard? You can’t keep seeing Cicely. Call it quits,
now. If we’re talking crushes, Danielle’s probably head over heels for you too.
Personality-wise, Danielle’s a way better match for you. And let’s not forget,
because of your negligence yesterday, Danielle almost got herself in a real
mess. Do you have any idea how devastated a girl with a spotless reputation
can be if she’s nearly raped? You are responsible for this, Seth.”
Seth looked up, his gaze icy as he met Patty’s accusation. “If you’re so keen to
bring up last night’s fiasco, then you should know it wasn’t Danielle who nearly
got raped.”
Patty scoffed with disbelief. “She was asking for it.”
A frown creased Seth’s brow.
“She’s narrow-minded, jealous because you’re getting too close to Danielle. She
went to that party of her own volition. Nobody invited her. If she gets in trouble,
she’s asking for it.”
After a moment, Seth’s stern features suddenly twisted into a mocking sneer,
accompanied by a low, cold chuckle. He tossed his pen onto the desk and
leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his voice laced with a frosty
edge. “So, if my girlfriend Cicely gets into trouble, she’s asking for it, but I’m
supposed to take responsibility for Danielle? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”
Patty had never seen Seth so wickedly nonchalant, and for a second, she
seemed utterly lost.
“So you’re that eager to set me up with Danielle, huh? She’s all grace and poise,
a perfect match for me.” Seth reached for a drawer to pull out a cigarette, but
then he stopped himself and pushed it shut. “Since she’s so graceful and
compliant, does that mean I can parade around with other women, push them
onto someone else, and then take responsibility when things go south?”
Patty’s face was a picture of disbelief. “You… what?”
“At that point, will this perfectly suited, adoring woman be able to stay calm and
magnanimous, welcoming them into our lives?”
Patty stared at Seth as if he were a creature from another world. “Have you lost
your mind?”
“Am I crazy?” Seth’s laugh was tinged with sarcasm. “I’d have to be out of my
mind to agree to take Danielle to that party, knowing full well it would cause
drama with Cicely.”
Patty’s brow furrowed as she digested Seth’s words, her expression suddenly
turning ashen. “Don’t tell me you had an ulterior motive for taking Danielle to
that party.”
“Curious about my motive?” Seth’s smile was thin. “The current state of Ray’s
family is my motive.”
Patty’s eyes widened in shock. “So you… you deliberately set Danielle up.”
“Too bad Danielle ended up pushing Cicely out in the end.” The icy humor in
Seth’s eyes faded as he spoke.
“What do you mean Danielle pushed Cicely out?” Patty stopped mid-sentence,
her puzzled gaze freezing as it met Seth’s. It seemed unthinkable, yet her
rational mind told her it was exactly something Danielle would do.
“Cicely said she was actually relieved it was her and not Danielle. Because if it
had been Danielle, I might have felt guilty enough to agree to be with her. But as
it stands, it wasn’t Danielle.
“The truth is, I’ve put up with Cicely smashing my car and creating a scene, and
I never thought about breaking up with her. But I still decided to take Danielle
out. Because, from the get-go, I never intended to take responsibility for her.
“I ignored Danielle at the party, I didn’t lay a finger on her when we got back to
the Ellis estate, and the fact that she’s still fine now is the most dignity I’ve
afforded her—just because I planned to use her from the start.”
Seth looked straight at Patty. “After all this, do you get my point? If you think my
attitude doesn’t matter, go tell Danielle that I only wanted to use her last night.
See if she’s heartbroken or just upset, and if she still wants to keep her crush on
me.”
Patty was speechless. She was filled with confusion and doubt about Seth.
When had he become so hard and merciless? When had he become so
ruthless?
“Why did you change like this? You’re just…”
“If I don’t change, the world will leave me behind. Do you think I want to live the
rest of my life branded as some trophy boy living off a woman?”
Patty finally understood it. Her eyebrows knitted together as her voice took on a
sharp edge. “Is it because of Cicely?! What are you plotting? Because she’s the
Ellis family’s precious daughter, you’re doing all this just to prove you’re worthy
of her, aren’t you?! For her, you’d sacrifice Danielle…”
She caught her breath, horror dawning on her. Her son, her own flesh and
blood, could be such a terrifying person.
For Cicely, for Millie’s daughter, he’d become this obsessed.
But why?
Why was it that Millie had two men so fiercely in love with her? One, who wore
his heart on his sleeve while the other, loved humbly and silently. The man
openly in love with Millie was the same man Patty herself cherished, and the
other was Patty’s own husband, who professed his love for her and pledged to
nurture and protect her for the rest of their lives.
She had thought that not marrying the man she loved and instead settling for a
man who loved her was the right choice. Yet she hadn’t expected that Tod didn’t
love her at all; he loved Millie, who was in Creighton’s arms. He facilitated Millie
and Creighton’s love, trapping her in his world for a lifetime, all to give Millie a
peaceful life.
One was heartless, and the other was a complete fraud.
She hated Millie. She hated Millie for ruining her life.
But why? How could her son fall fr Millie’s daughter?
Seth’s mom had always been the epitome of poise and grace, but now, as she
stood before him, her composure was shattered like a dropped porcelain vase.
The usually serene Patty was a storm of emotions, her voice sharp as broken
glass.
for Cicely, not Millie’s daughter. You just
voice pitched into hysteria, her
control slipping away.
concern as he rose to his feet. Patty, her elegant
clutched her head
is it always her? Why can’t I
shadow?!”
commotion in the office had grown too loud, and secretaries
find Patty in the throes
Seth barked coldly, and the onlookers scurried away, closing the
them with a
reached for Patty’s shoulders, trying to steady her, but
hands, her face a canvas of desperate pleading and
Be a good boy, and listen to your mother, won’t
fall for her daughter.
apple of the Ellis family’s eye,
any other girl, any girl at all, just not her.”An hour later, the
physician, who administered a sedative
now resting in
rarely been sick in recent years, and you’ve always
What happened
Seth’s expression was icy.
wasn’t talking and looked rather pallid, so the doctor carefully
advice. “Please do not upset her again,
wishes. You’ve been doing so well with
Enter title…
in the break room, silently
thought
doctor called out to him
from Patty, remained silent for a few seconds, and
spoke softly, “I understand.”
to his
a cigarette. He lit it and then picked up his cell
window.
the window stood
of smoke rose from that
vanished into the air.
phone for a while,
the cigarette was down to the butt, he
desk. Once again he looked at his phone, finally
it.
she woke up
to
joined her for breakfast,
they felt much relieved.
need? If you don’t feel
someone prepare everything for
for a moment, “Clothes, shoes? Maybe I’ll pop by
pick out some nice pens and
she realized she hadn’t really visited a
can go with
another spoonful of porridge, pausing briefly when she
suggestion, then nodded lightly.
upstairs to change. While she was halfway
phone rang. It
she
“Hello?”
her to answer so quickly, and for a moment, there
prolonged silence.
the wrong number or what?” Cicely glanced at the screen;
indeed him.
to speak, his voice deep. “I thought
asleep.”
laughed, “So you decided to bother me while I was supposed
sleeping?”
hadn’t answered, I wouldn’t
frowned, “What are you talking
fever gone?
supposed to keep
the other end, “And your foot? Is
time, Cicely didn’t respond right away. Silence fell on Seth’s
first, “Seth, what do you really want
so hesitant? Do I have some kind of rapid
a scrape heal completely in
valid point to argue, she spoke
care and we’ll talk after
on the phone. After about
said “Okay” and
wearing jeans; her T-shirt lay beside her
her head, then sat
things seemed clear to her, yet they were still uncertain. She wanted
her back. She feared that asking one
the answer she
on the bed for several minutes until there was a knock on the
Mr. Creighton wants you to
reply, “Miss? Are you
swung open, and
visitor have
just shook her
Cicely descended the stairs.
living room sat a young, handsome man
he was no
slight forced warmth in his otherwise
Cicely, I manage The Watson Hotel. I’m terribly
night that
understood; this was someone from the hotel coming to apologize
She gave a wry smile, approached him,
face across from
in charge of The Watson Hotel?
did you get to
back a
to my father’s influence.”
it clicked, “Ah, so you’re the
That explains it.”
simply nodded, acknowledging her
the harm can’t be undone, I felt it was necessary to
in person. How can we make
Cicely tilted her head, pretending to ponder
smile, “Do
lightly and
chin up
about you keeping me company
beat, “Not worried about
from accompanying me? Are you
or to me?”
smile held a hint of chill. “I do not believe that I owe that gentleman
apologies.”
raised an eyebrow, “Alright then. You’re coming shopping with me
at just the right moment,
it. Who’d want to cross the
Claud personally opened the car door
step aside, taking the
smells like disinfectant,” Cicely
that.” Without further ado, Claud started the
away from the Ellis
broke the silence, “You
from your dad that your fever’s
seatback, watching
ground. “Yeah. I got a call I
be a story behind those words, but Claud
City, so do
today?”
the stationery
“What
Is that
“No problem.”
for a while longer until Cicely
a stop at a
“Sure.”
smartphone
then took out her old phone, “Trade this
glanced at the nearly new phone, “We’ll take
“Sure.”
quietly, offering no comment.
on a shopping spree would be the
beside him seemed to have even less of it than he
were in and out of the stationery store in less than
few pens and notebooks.
need a break. Let’s sit
coffee shop stop and a
minutes buying a phone, another ten in the
with the rest of the day spent at the coffee shop and now
an easy mission based on Cicely’s physical strength,
the mall for
the minute. Hers
*
was in showbiz, and the recent scandal
with endless
managed celebrities starting
pressure from other shareholders eager to dump
producers were watching closely,
to push Ray’s family
were forced to sell off
scripts, but no one was a fool;
expect all the highquality scripts to be snapped
news caused widespread confusion. Who was
on the screen, couldn’t help
Who indeed?
orchestrated by him, and now, there was no way
leave any
had
off starting a company and securing topnotch scripts on his first
about the ins and
High quality,
was almost
and extravagant action, it was obvious
unless it was of significant importance. He had been planning for
foothold in the industry
exactly what she admired
the morning, Claud arrived at the Ellis family estate
day was
second day, malls
directly, “Which
sick of clothes and
I’ve never been
feet, “You sure
“Absolutely.”
four in the afternoon, Claud was carrying Cicely
butler
happened?”
living
a brief moment, the intensity in
unforgettable.
going on…
thing after another lately.
in a cold expression, said tersely, “She hurt
and refused to go to the
of silence before Creighton acted, ordering Brody to call
doctor.
on the right, upstairs. If you
Cicely, who had been frowning the
suddenly spoke up.
just started to approach, stopped in
and carried her
Cicely on the bed, Claud dusted
from her. “That’s enough. I accept
lingered, staring at her before suddenly
flinched back, “What are
out from
He stared at her and asked,
eyes caught the
her feet
grabbing a wet wipe from
beside Cicely’s bed.
wiped his hands with a nonchalance, and
amusement park. You got hurt on my watch, so just walking
doesn’t seem right.”
here is
hers as a faint smile played
lips. “Who says I’m here on a
without
him, a hint of surprise
quirk of his eyebrow, Claude’s eyes briefly darted to her feet before
aside. “Let
offered, reaching out toward
he could make contact, another
to meet Seth’s indifferent
said coolly. “It’s the
narrowing slightly at
that you’re
his hand and
me to stick
glance, her
am right now? Just go, you’re
standing there.”
they rested on her,
concern.
Enter title…
felt a shadow pass over his features,
mixture of anger
off Seth, Claud averted his gaze.
you fretting any longer. I’ll head
my number. Call me
Cicely murmured absently, her mind clearly elsewhere, coping with
that threatened to knock her unconscious. To
to carry a different
Claud left, Seth pursed his lips tightly, silently sitting on the edge of
Cicely and then shifted his gaze to
Cicely flinched.
her leg, his grip firm despite her
eventually allowed him
pants, and slide
sock revealed a foot that was starkly pale against
of her heel, with blood matted and flesh raw.
Cicely’s eyes well up
inhaled sharply. “How on earth did you manage to do this to
feel the pain at
lifted his gaze, looking at her
a cry,
me. Soon my
shoe. He
word.
doctor, practically dragged in by Isaac, wore a look of
the one who
not notice such severe abrasions?” As he spoke, he opened
practiced ease, finding antiseptic and
wait it out. No need to show up
the doctor added.
bottle in his
you stay away from me?
doctor chuckled wryly. “I know you don’t
yourself get hurt again.” He turned,
hand.
to pull her foot back, but Seth’s grip did not relent.
“Do you
her vulnerability and weakness
doctor, his grasp on her foot tightening.
her.”
in pain!” Cicely’s face turned even
medicine.” Seth
to Creighton for help, but he knew coddling her
solve anything.
bear it for a moment,” he said before
“Dad! It hurts!”
the ordeal of dressing the wound, the doctor, his hair
the bed and shook his head hopelessly.
wet; otherwise, the infection will be more painful.
You can’t take any more.” he advised before quickly
his arms, supporting her
the blanket and gently placed her back down.
pale, glistened with sweat on her forehead and the tip
red, and her hair
crying?” Seth’s cold demeanor
her voice tinged with frustration and pain.
done for, and you’re telling me
were done for? Usually, you
you are running around like a madwoman for
having the time
voice was muffled as she
kinda fun.”
stared intensely
the quilt and slipped beneath it. “I’m fine for now. You can
Enter title…
Seth didn’t move from her
a moment, his eyes
the latest model, different from what he had seen her
noting that she hadn’t bothered to set a passcode, and
contacts in
Issac. The
history with the Ellis family’s landline
emotion, Seth blocked and
call in,
doing this, he lowered his head to look at the
her phone
my number to
you do it yourself? You’ve got the
knitting together.
don’t know how,” Seth stated firmly, leaving no room for
the phone from him, a mix of irritation and challenge
“Are you looking for
silently, his gaze fixed on the phone as
saved his number.
Cicely’s voice was cold
soft chuckle escaping her. “I guess I want to hear out
you’d delete my contacts.”
resignation in her
it. Can you leave now? These next few days, maybe
don’t want
seem to have your hands full with
I’d appreciate
quietly as she
held an undeniable beauty
see me for a few weeks, and
home alone, or
was
Cicely stared at his
to the swell of emotion rising in her chest,
eyes.
these years, a few weeks shouldn’t matter.
to be with. As long
Right?”
Seth’s gazes seemed to
as the ripple of an unseen
in the
to keep you company? You seemed
past few days,” he
didn’t deny it. “Can we
voice was suddenly sharp and cold, “are
with me?”
smile. “I don’t want to talk about this right
of breaking up, you can’t get too close to
a matter of principle.”
between them, heavy and
clenched the quilt, looked Seth in the eyes, and after a moment
eyes tightly. “Fine, I can get through a few weeks
without anyone’s
Fluttering her
her face, fingers
was a low, husky whisper, “Did you
to avoid seeing me?”
to turn away from his intense gaze, but his
back, fingers gently stroking her hair. “If we
with another man?”
like needles to her heart. “Didn’t
fully recovered? Or did you come here
to discuss this? If we broke up, of
am I supposed to stay
don’t have lofty ambitions, nor the desire
alone. I want to date, to
home as a
my father’s greatest wish. I
I can’t keep him worrying. There’s not much I can do
happiness. So if not you, it would definitely be someone
Your questions are pointless.”
word she spoke seemed to darken Seth’s expression further.
date, to marry, to have children… Each word
on her hair.
you love me? How can you love me, while getting married and
He spat the last words
his mouth.
chill run down
Seth warned, his forehead pressed
voice laced with restrained anger. “Did you intentionally get
to upset
Intentionally…
seconds for the implication to hit Cicely, and her eyes widened
“What do you mean intentionally?
Seth’s lips captured hers in a deep,
eyes, completely taken
move from this man.
warmth of the moment, his
dark eyes locked on hers in a silent exchange. As their gazes
the passionate kiss. Instead, he
with an intensity that left her
push him away, but he caught her
her head. She could feel the firmness
hers, the heat of him seeping through the
kisses, yet she couldn’t claim to be familiar with them
the bed, under the weight of his desire and
recent encounter in the hospital that had
her attempt to
all over again, with
two continued to rise, and Cicely’s
She found herself pressed
would
however, had other plans,
buttons of her blouse
tongue brushed against her earlobe.
against his shoulders.
herself lost in his dark,
gaze, but he forced
husky, carrying a rasp
he stared intensely at her. “You did it on
subjecting yourself to this. To say you’re heartless is not
how to play with
him feel double the heartache, intensifying his guilt, and
plans with another
one could
her lip, she retorted, “Am I the master of hearts? Have
choose such a foolish way. You’re the smartest,
you can’t wait even a fortnight to confront me
would you do in these
of your
“Cicely.”
through her words. His dark eyes
gently caressing her soft skin. As she
again, slowly:
eternity, she
say?”
a slight smile, straightened up, and withdrew his
leave me. You’re using this method
might use the same method to hurt yourself. If we get
have these wild thoughts
but clung to a thread of reason, “Is it really
thoughts?”
This decision was impulsive, and I might regret
answer now. Will you
Guilt for your recent
towards me?”
the above, would you
was silent for a moment, “Marriage is a serious matter. If
take full responsibility for this
immediately, pondering as he gazed
“Don’t tell me you’re already
might not be
to make me say
simply watched her, their silent battle of wills
I’m proposing. Your ‘yes’ is what I want to
nodded, “We can’t predict the future; I
you don’t need
if you loved me; promises seem
most
a value steeped in irony. “So you’re
topic.
firm and clear, “Yes,
moment before suddenly reaching
chin, “You remember my cell
bring that up all of
air of a
things she chose to remember. And Seth’s number
one of them.
Enter title…
other guys or things that shouldn’t be on
an eyebrow, “Not much to
for a moment,
with you, but just this once. I won’t accept you getting hurt in any
get yourself
I
he murmured, almost absently, as his
softly against her cheek.
mood was far lighter than before. Even though both
hell, Cicely felt there was no
once only existed
was about to become a
had never thought he would be the one to bring it
she’d expected it would be her
thought you are feeling
shaking her head. “When do we
by the book, we can’t register
want to handle it, or
step in?”
said coolly.
arrange the
“So when can we?”
“After your injuries heal.”
reached into the nightstand
herself up against the headboard.
better sign a contract.”
she flipped open the notebook. It
it to Seth.
proposed to Miss Cicely, who
certificate as
will hold, no backing out.” She then signed her
right corner.
smirk tugging at
promise; I
hand, “No, we can’t be too sure about
back out, signing your name is nothing to you, but it will
mind at ease.”
Seth’s hand flew across the page, leaving a
signature behind her own.
satisfied and put the
*
Seth
Creighton couldn’t
“She’s agreed.”
“You’re both young,
afraid of
the fading twilight outside the
spoke softly, “I’m afraid. That’s why we
away.”
him for a long while, “What are you
hand twitching at
“Do you love her?”
Seth to speak up, “if
fall in love, get
lips twisted into a smirk, “Yes.
is, she still needs a man to accompany her and a
on. Especially Cicely, she’s never positioned herself as
If not you, then someone
help her look. She might act like she does
listens to me.”
lips were
her words hit a
can’t be with
Two questions and non-answers,
cleared Creighton’s own
probably knew what he was laughing
*
over twenty days for Cicely’s legs to heal
their marriage certificate ten days
two years until she reached the legal
all, a wedding was a public event; they couldn’t give the public
to talk about.
life
for their marriage. The mansion for the
less than grand. He
apartment.
move into the Cicely’s Mansion he
Seth declined without hesitation.
usually picked her up unless something
have Charlie
her up, so seeing Seth in the driver’s
your
to be done today,” Seth replied, his
watched her buckle up. He
pulled away.
three months now. How
for three months, but she couldn’t keep it
any longer.
look at her, “You’re that
You’re only eighteen. I
words seemed innocent enough, but
Cicely’s cheeks
blush made a soft laugh escape Seth’s
“What’s so funny!”
laugh was something she thought
when he did laugh, he always
Unfair.
Cicely soon realized they weren’t
we not heading back to the Ellis
her voice tinged with
get there,” came the
Seth to take her out for
that served artisanal dishes, but as they drove
became more and more familiar to her. It wasn’t until the
impressive wrought-iron gates of Cicely’s Mansion that
were. “What are we doing here?” she
out of the window.
silent, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. The car
Cicely’s
on a vacant lot nearby.Seth opened the car door
looked at the desolate land
“Why here?”
lips quirked into a half-smile as he
sense of ownership. “I bought
simply.
it?” Cicely’s eyes swept
a smooth gesture, Seth drew her close, and
into his embrace. His gaze dropped to
her cheek.
Enter title…
home,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble
ears.
skipped a beat, and she looked
delight. But then, a shadow of pragmatism
this
the curve of her delicate waist, tightening
promised, his voice as firm as
the Ellis clan
a gentle caress, as if
sparkled with emotion, struck
the Ellis family to our
You didn’t need to go through
is right next
lingering on
for those times
the workout,
have to go through a lot of
furrowed her brow and pushed him away slightly. “We haven’t
already
scenarios?”
get mad at me?” Seth
can’t guarantee I won’t ever make
was about to declare she wouldn’t, but
find me that annoying?”
you stay next door, I can find you easily. If you go far,
you. Do you want to spend that
you rather spend
for a moment. The
the smiling eyes of Seth, but she was somewhat unwilling to
it.
I’m really mad, of course I wouldn’t make it easy for you. No matter how
you. But if you knew I was
than just a simple
it takes, the moment I see you, I’d
she loved him too much to stay
enough to part ways.
waited for her to finish speaking, his eyes still
say that now, but what if I
on?”
“Then you better not let me
caressed her smooth cheek, his
I’ll take back what I said
an eyebrow, not used to
and nestled into his
close, his posture
embrace.
the affection, Cicely rested her head on
her house next door. After a moment of silence,
to come over to
wash filled his senses, her soft
against his, an
nose brushing against her hair,
delicate fragrance.
what it means to invite
shade pinker. “I…
reached her ears. “Is that so?Cicely’s “I don’t know” was met with Seth’s
grand entrance, Cicely lowered her head
the code. She’d barely tapped in a few digits
her, his arm encircling her
from above her head.
“020727, and then?”
hovered over
hand reached out, pressing a “9” before
Cicely nodded.
Enter title…
curved into a half-smile as he
91227
a brief moment, then slowly pushed the enter button.
the lock disengaging echoed
surprised, turned to look at him, “How
answering, Seth gently pushed her into the house, swung
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 1991-2000
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1991-2000
The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 1991-2000 .
In Chapter 1991-2000 of the The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride series, The passage describes a conflict between Chloe and Keira. Keira has hurt Chloe, and Lance Olson is caught in the middle. An old lady named Hannah observes the situation, and she wants to meet Chloe due to her good nature. However, there is a potential issue with her grandson's arrival......... Will this Chapter 1991-2000 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 1991-2000 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 1991-2000
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1991-2000