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
pitched into hysteria,
control slipping away.
furrowed in concern as he rose to
head
“Millie, Millie, Millie, why is it always
shadow?!”
grown too loud, and secretaries
rushed in only to find
barked coldly, and the onlookers
with
Patty’s shoulders, trying to steady her, but she
face a canvas of desperate pleading
you hear me, Seth? Be a good boy, and listen to your
for her daughter. Isn’t Danielle
family’s eye, and she’s
If not her, then any other girl, any girl at all, just
private physician,
Patty was now resting
been sick in recent years, and
What happened
Seth’s expression was icy.
and looked rather pallid, so the
“Please do not upset
doing so well with this over
Enter title…
in the break room, silently watching Patty’s pale,
in thought
to him uncertainly, “Mr.
turned away from Patty, remained silent for a
spoke softly, “I understand.”
room, Seth walked to his desk, pulled open
lit it and then picked up his cell phone, pacing
window.
the window stood rigid as if
Occasionally, a faint wisp of smoke rose from that direction,
vanished into the air.
his phone for a while, pausing midway
was down to the butt, he turned and stubbed
desk. Once again he looked at his
it.
she woke
and appeared to be
her for breakfast, and now
they felt much relieved.
soon. Got everything you need? If you don’t feel up to it,
prepare everything
“Clothes,
and pick out some
hadn’t really visited a stationery
Isaac can go with
took another spoonful of porridge, pausing briefly when she
then nodded
upstairs to change. While she
It was
she
“Hello?”
hadn’t expected her to answer so quickly, and for
prolonged silence.
what?” Cicely
indeed him.
for Seth to speak, his voice deep. “I
asleep.”
to bother
sleeping?”
you hadn’t answered, I
are
fever gone? You
what, was I supposed to keep burning up
other end, “And your
Cicely didn’t respond right away. Silence fell on
what do you
become so hesitant? Do I have some kind
heal completely
point to argue, she spoke with
we’ll talk
tightening on the phone.
simply said “Okay” and hung
jeans; her T-shirt lay
pulled it over her head,
seemed clear to her, yet they were still uncertain. She
She feared
the answer she least wanted
bed for several minutes until there was a knock on the
Mr. Creighton wants
maid got no reply, “Miss? Are you
door swung open, and
any visitor have to do with
maid just shook her
Cicely descended the stairs.
room sat a young, handsome man whose
that he was no
a slight forced warmth in
I manage The Watson Hotel. I’m terribly sorry about
night that
from
a wry
handsome face across from
Hotel? You don’t look much older than
did you get to run
back a
to my father’s influence.”
so
That explains it.”
nodded, acknowledging her assumption.
can’t be undone, I felt it
in person. How can we make amends
head,
smile,
smiled lightly and
Cicely tilted her chin up and said with
days, so how about you keeping me company until
worried about your
jealousy stop you from accompanying me? Are you
or to me?”
hint of chill. “I do not believe that I
apologies.”
eyebrow, “Alright then. You’re coming
at just the right
want to cross the Watson family’s young
personally opened the car door
taking the wheel
car smells like
that.” Without further
Ellis family estate,
the silence, “You looked a bit
earlier. I heard from your dad that your fever’s
against the seatback, watching
the ground. “Yeah. I got
be a story behind
with P City, so do you have a
today?”
the
glanced at her, “What grade are
that a
“No problem.”
a while longer until Cicely suddenly said, “Actually,
at
“Sure.”
latest smartphone model and got
then took out her old
at the nearly new phone, “We’ll
“Sure.”
this quietly, offering no
on a shopping spree would be the ultimate
woman beside him seemed to have even less of
stationery store in less than ten minutes, with just
few pens and notebooks.
break. Let’s sit
coffee shop stop and a restaurant meal,
ten minutes buying a phone, another ten in the
rest of the day spent
easy mission based on Cicely’s physical strength,
through the
mood was souring by the minute. Hers
*
family business was in showbiz, and the recent scandal had sent
with endless
celebrities starting to rebel,
from other shareholders eager
Directors and producers were watching closely, leveraging
push Ray’s family to
forced to sell off
but no
time. They didn’t expect all the highquality scripts to be snapped up so quickly by
confusion. Who was
name on the screen, couldn’t help but
Who indeed?
by him, and now, there was no way that
any chances
She knew he had intentions
starting a company and securing topnotch
she wasn’t savvy about the ins and
lucrative. High quality, solid teams, and
was
and extravagant action, it was
it was of significant importance. He had been planning for so
to establish a firm foothold in the industry –
was exactly what
ten in the morning, Claud arrived at the
first day was stationery stores and
day, malls and
third day, Claud asked directly, “Which mall are
sick
park. I’ve never been
“You sure you
“Absolutely.”
was carrying Cicely back to the
butler who
happened?”
gathered in the living room, Claud entered carrying Cicely.
Seth’s for a brief moment, the intensity in
unforgettable.
“What’s going on… What
thing after another lately.
a cold expression, said tersely, “She hurt
refused to go to
was a moment of silence before Creighton acted,
doctor.
you think you can handle it, I
Cicely, who had been frowning the
suddenly spoke up.
approach, stopped
look and carried her upstairs, with Creighton following
Cicely on the bed, Claud dusted off
I accept your
staring at her before suddenly lifting
flinched back, “What
glimpse of blood seeping out from the edge of her
and asked, “Do you have
in, and Cicely’s eyes caught the
pulled her
grabbing
beside Cicely’s bed.
with a nonchalance, and said, “Hey, it was me who
park. You got hurt on my
doesn’t seem right.”
is done,”
“Who says I’m here on a job? Can’t a guy just
without
a hint
a quirk of his eyebrow, Claude’s eyes briefly darted
closer, tossing the wet wipe aside. “Let me help
he offered, reaching out
he could make contact, another hand intercepted.
to meet Seth’s indifferent
I’ll take it from here,” Seth said coolly. “It’s the least I
slightly at the
that you’re obliged
his hand and turned to Cicely.
me to
a sidelong glance, her tone laced with impatience. “Aren’t
worse than I am right now? Just go, you’re
standing there.”
eyes changed as they rested on her,
concern.
Enter title…
shadow pass
mixture of anger and something
Seth, Claud
about me, I can’t have you
number.
her mind clearly elsewhere, coping with
threatened to knock
to carry
Claud left, Seth pursed his lips tightly, silently sitting on
glanced at Cicely and then
Cicely flinched.
grip firm
eventually allowed him to remove her shoe, peel
of her pants, and slide
one sock revealed a foot that was starkly pale
of her heel, with blood matted and flesh
Cicely’s eyes well up with tears
did you manage to
the pain at the
lifted his gaze, looking at her with a detached
tinged with a cry, “Dad, my foot
Soon my whole body will
He held
word.
in by Isaac, wore a look
Cicely’s foot. “My lady, aren’t you the one
notice such severe abrasions?” As he spoke, he
finding antiseptic and bandages. “Isn’t
No need to show
the doctor added.
sight of the antiseptic bottle in his hand, Cicely’s
you stay away from me?
you don’t like me. If you truly despise
hurt again.” He
hand.
but Seth’s grip did not relent. Seth
“Do
her vulnerability and weakness
doctor, his grasp on
her.”
Cicely’s face
medicine.” Seth
to Creighton for help, but
solve anything.
moment,” he said before stepping out of the
“Dad! It hurts!”
the ordeal of dressing the wound, the doctor, his
the bed and shook
otherwise, the infection will be more painful. Just
You can’t take any more.” he advised before quickly making
in his
lifted the blanket and gently placed
pale, glistened with sweat on her forehead and the tip of her nose;
swollen red, and her hair damp at
crying?” Seth’s cold demeanor
him, her voice
for, and you’re telling me
Usually,
you are running around like a madwoman for three days,
the time
dropped, and her voice was muffled as she admitted, “Yeah,
kinda fun.”
intensely at
and slipped beneath it. “I’m fine
Enter title…
didn’t move from
her for a moment, his eyes
different from what he had seen her with
picked it up, noting that she hadn’t bothered to set a
two contacts in her
Issac. The other,
history with the
flicker of emotion, Seth
be able to call
this, he lowered his head
He dialed his own number from her phone and
number
you do it yourself? You’ve got the
knitting together.
stated firmly,
him, a mix of irritation
“Are you looking
watched her silently, his gaze fixed on the phone
saved his number.
contacts?” Cicely’s voice
of me admitting
a soft chuckle escaping her. “I guess I
you’d delete my contacts.”
her voice. “Never
These
don’t want to see you. Even if
hands full with your
I’d appreciate the same
she finished speaking. Her pale, delicate
an
me for a few weeks, and
to stay home alone, or do you need someone
was devoid
in bed, Cicely stared at his stoic,
the swell of emotion rising in her chest,
eyes.
few weeks
with who I want to be with.
Right?”
of Seth’s gazes seemed to
as the ripple of an
the deep
keep you company? You seemed to enjoy
past few days,”
deny it. “Can we not talk
sharp and cold, “are you
with me?”
weary smile. “I don’t want to talk
thinking of breaking up, you can’t
a matter of principle.”
them,
the quilt, looked Seth in the eyes, and after a moment
she closed her eyes tightly. “Fine, I can get
without anyone’s
landed on her brow. Fluttering her lashes, she
hand gently caressing her face, fingers
voice was a low, husky whisper, “Did you hurt
to avoid seeing me?”
to turn away from his intense gaze, but
stroking her hair. “If we broke up, would you
with another man?”
stung Cicely like needles to her heart. “Didn’t you
until I’m fully recovered? Or did you come here
If we broke up, of
am I supposed to stay single
don’t have lofty ambitions, nor the
to be alone. I want to date,
a dependable refuge for the
want, and it’s also my father’s greatest wish. I
keep him worrying. There’s not much I can do for him, but
my own happiness. So if not you, it would definitely
Your questions are pointless.”
she spoke seemed to darken Seth’s expression further.
marry, to have children…
on her hair.
love me? How can you love me, while getting married and
another man?” He spat the last words out as if
his mouth.
a chill run down her
Seth warned, his forehead
with restrained anger. “Did you
to
Intentionally…
seconds for the implication to
you mean intentionally? You…
denial, Seth’s lips
Cicely didn’t even close her eyes, completely
move from this man.
warmth of the moment, his chiseled
locked on hers in a silent exchange. As their gazes met,
stopping the passionate kiss. Instead, he deepened
lips with an intensity that left
tried to push him away, but he caught
her head. She could feel the firmness
him seeping through the
yet she couldn’t claim to
down on the bed, under the weight of his desire and
a recent encounter in the
mere thought. Perhaps it was her attempt
all over again, with no sign
between the two continued to rise, and Cicely’s already
found herself pressed into the bed,
would stop
other plans,
the buttons of her
against her earlobe.
against his shoulders.
in his
to avert her gaze, but
carrying a
let yourself suffer,” he stared intensely at
to this. To say you’re heartless is not
one who knows how to play
heartache, intensifying his guilt,
plans with another man.
one
the master of
wouldn’t choose such a foolish way. You’re
So, you can’t wait even
you do in these next few days
none of your
“Cicely.”
His dark eyes
his fingers gently caressing her soft skin. As she met
again, slowly: “Let’s get
After what seemed an eternity, she managed to ask, “What
say?”
gave a slight smile, straightened up, and withdrew his
using this method
to hurt yourself. If we get
have these
was still in shock but clung to a thread of reason, “Is it really just
thoughts?”
might regret it in
answer now. Will you
Pity? Guilt for your recent actions? Or
towards me?”
above, would
silent for a moment, “Marriage is a serious matter. If I respond
take full responsibility for
pondering as he gazed
panicked, “Don’t tell me you’re already regretting
me might not be the best
to make me
their silent battle of wills culminating in
is what
can’t predict the future; I only know what I want now. Seth,
and you don’t need to
you loved me;
end, promises were the most ironic and worthless
“So you’re on board then,” Seth concluded, clearly not keen on belaboring
topic.
voice was firm and clear, “Yes, I agree to
her for a moment before
remember my cell
bring that up all
might have the air of a pampered heiress,
for the things she chose to remember. And
one of them.
Enter title…
about any other guys or things that shouldn’t
an eyebrow, “Not much to
chin for a moment, “For the next few
once. I won’t accept you getting hurt in any way.
get yourself to a
I a porcelain
murmured, almost absently, as his
softly against her cheek.
was far lighter than before. Even though both of her
Cicely felt there was no
that once only existed in
discussed hypothetically, was about to
the one to bring it up first. Even if
expected it would be
thought you are feeling unwell? Not
shaking her head. “When do we get
young; by the book, we can’t register
we’ll do it off the books. Do you want to handle it, or
step in?”
said coolly. He was the one who proposed, so
arrange the
“So when can we?”
“After your injuries heal.”
into the nightstand drawer
the headboard. “To prevent any
better sign a contract.”
open the notebook. It wasn’t long
it to Seth.
to Miss
marriage certificate as soon
out.” She then signed
right corner.
a smirk tugging at his lips,
a promise; I won’t
the pen into his hand, “No, we can’t be too sure about the
out, signing your name is nothing
mind at ease.”
her, Seth’s hand flew across the
signature behind her own.
and put the
*
Cicely fell asleep, Seth went straight to
you say?” Creighton
“She’s agreed.”
a deep breath, “You’re both young,
afraid of having
dark eyes reflected the fading twilight outside the window. After
softly, “I’m afraid. That’s why we need to get
away.”
stared at him for a long while, “What are you afraid
his hand
“Do you love her?”
said,” Creighton’s question finally prompted Seth to speak
man, fall in love,
lips twisted into a smirk, “Yes.
is, she still needs a man to accompany her and
rely on. Especially Cicely, she’s
you, then
act like she
listens to me.”
lips were
words
know. But she can’t be with any other
Two questions and non-answers, but his
cleared Creighton’s
probably knew what he
*
days for Cicely’s legs to heal completely, but they
their marriage certificate ten days earlier. The
to wait another two years until she reached the legal age for
all, a wedding was a public event; they
to talk about.
marriage, life hadn’t changed
prepare a home for their marriage. The
be anything less than grand. He didn’t plan to use
apartment.
the Cicely’s Mansion
Seth declined without hesitation.
to school and usually picked
have Charlie
her up, so seeing Seth in the driver’s seat today was a
with your busy
but not everything needs to be done today,” Seth replied,
watched her buckle up.
pulled away.
three months now. How long are we
her tongue for three months, but she couldn’t keep
any longer.
eyes flickered as he turned to look
only eighteen. I don’t like
seemed innocent enough, but upon reflection,
cheeks
soft laugh escape
“What’s so funny!”
she thought might
he did laugh, he always managed
Unfair.
Cicely soon
“Why are we not heading back to the
her voice tinged with
when we get there,” came the vague
her out for a fancy
bistros that served artisanal dishes,
scenery became more and more familiar to her. It wasn’t until
gates of Cicely’s Mansion that
where they were. “What are
out of the window.
remained silent, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
Cicely’s Mansion but
nearby.Seth opened the car door for
she looked at the desolate land in front of her, she
“Why here?”
lips quirked into a half-smile as he leaned against the car,
with a sense of ownership. “I bought
simply.
swept across the vast
her close, and his arms
dropped to meet hers,
her cheek.
Enter title…
voice a low
ears.
beat, and she looked up at him, her
concealed delight. But then, a shadow of
this
traced the curve of her
voice as firm as his grip. “After the
Ellis clan
foreheads nearly touched, his words a
Cicely’s eyes sparkled with
Ellis family
need to go through
right
acknowledged, his eyes lingering on her flushed cheeks.
gently stroked her soft skin. “It’s for
storm off. It would be quite the workout, and if you go
through a
her brow and pushed him away slightly. “We haven’t
and you’re already planning for fights
scenarios?”
get mad at
“I can’t guarantee I won’t ever make you
declare she wouldn’t, but his words
find me that annoying?”
lips curled. “If you stay next door, I can find
to spend more time looking for you. Do you want to spend that time
would you rather spend it
for a moment. The answer in her
with the smiling eyes of Seth, but she was somewhat unwilling to
it.
mad, of course I wouldn’t make it easy
I was mad enough to leave and
me, that would be more than just a simple
matter how long it takes, the moment I see you, I’d
right.” After all, she loved him too much to
enough to part ways.
her to finish speaking, his
I don’t treat finding you
on?”
better not let me
cheek, his gaze deep and thoughtful. “In
take back what I
not used to seeing
neck and nestled into his chest.
held her close, his posture accommodating her in
embrace.
her head
to her house next door. After a moment of silence, she made
over to
her light, floral body wash filled his senses, her soft and
against his, an innocent
tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing
delicate fragrance.
know what it means to invite a
turned a shade pinker.
her ears. “Is that so?Cicely’s
grand
code. She’d barely tapped in a few digits
encircling her waist as
from above her head.
“020727, and then?”
over the keypad, curling
“9” before he asked in
Cicely nodded.
Enter title…
a half-smile as he entered
91227
then slowly
lock disengaging echoed
turned to look at him, “How
Seth gently pushed her
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