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.
Millie’s daughter. You just can’t! Do
Patty’s voice pitched into hysteria, her body
control slipping away.
furrowed in concern as he rose to his feet. Patty, her
the floor, clutched her head in her hands, her eyes
it always her? Why can’t I
shadow?!”
office had grown too loud, and secretaries
worst, rushed in only to find Patty in the throes of
the onlookers scurried away, closing
them with
Patty’s shoulders, trying
hands, her face a canvas of desperate pleading
Seth? Be a good boy,
you mustn’t fall for her daughter. Isn’t Danielle good
Ellis family’s eye, and
other girl, any girl at all, just not her.”An
physician, who administered
Patty was now resting
rarely been sick in recent
this. What happened
Seth’s expression was icy.
wasn’t talking and looked rather pallid, so
piece of advice. “Please do not upset her
so well with this over the
Enter title…
bed in the break room, silently watching Patty’s
thought
called out to
away from Patty, remained silent for a
spoke softly, “I understand.”
his desk, pulled
cigarette. He lit it and then picked up his cell phone, pacing
window.
the
Occasionally, a faint wisp of smoke rose
vanished into the air.
fiddled with his phone for
cigarette was down to the butt, he turned and
ashtray on the desk. Once again he looked at
it.
she woke up
and appeared to
had joined her for breakfast, and now that her
they felt much relieved.
starting soon. Got everything you need? If you don’t feel up to it,
prepare everything
“Clothes, shoes? Maybe I’ll pop
pick out some nice pens
hadn’t really visited a
can go
porridge, pausing briefly when
suggestion, then
to change. While
rang. It
hesitation, she
“Hello?”
to answer so quickly, and for a moment, there was
prolonged silence.
wrong number or what?” Cicely glanced
indeed him.
took a moment for Seth to speak, his voice
asleep.”
you decided to bother me while I
sleeping?”
you hadn’t answered, I wouldn’t have called
are
fever gone?
to keep
from the other end, “And your foot?
didn’t respond right away.
Cicely spoke first, “Seth, what do you really want to
so hesitant? Do I have some kind
scrape heal completely in less than twelve
valid point to argue, she spoke
take care and we’ll talk after you’ve
tightening on
simply said “Okay” and hung
lay beside
her head, then
things seemed clear to her, yet they were still
held her back. She feared that asking one more question
answer she
on the bed for several minutes until there
Mr. Creighton wants you
maid got no reply, “Miss? Are you
bedroom door swung open, and Cicely stepped out.
have
just shook
Cicely descended the stairs.
room sat a
he
slight
The Watson Hotel. I’m terribly sorry
that caused
someone from the hotel coming to
gave a wry smile, approached him, and looked
across
The Watson Hotel? You don’t look
you get to run
casually stepped back a half-step, maintaining a
to my father’s influence.”
eyes twinkled as it clicked, “Ah, so you’re the
That explains it.”
nodded, acknowledging her assumption. “Though the incident
harm can’t be undone, I felt it was
person. How can we
head, pretending to ponder
a playful smile,
lightly and said.
chin
three days, so how about you keeping me
paused a beat, “Not worried about your boyfriend
from accompanying me? Are you apologizing to
or to me?”
a hint of chill. “I do not believe that I owe that
apologies.”
“Alright then. You’re coming shopping with me
chimed in at just the
want to cross the
opened the car
aside, taking the wheel
smells like
about that.” Without further
away from the Ellis family estate, there
two strangers. Claud broke the silence, “You looked a bit
earlier. I heard from your dad that your fever’s
lazily against the seatback,
I got a
seemed to be a story behind those words, but Claud didn’t
not too familiar with P City, so do you have a specific destination
today?”
hit the stationery
“What
Is that a
“No problem.”
for a while longer
at
“Sure.”
smartphone model and got herself
took out her
nearly new phone,
“Sure.”
this quietly, offering no
on a shopping spree would
the woman beside him seemed to have even less of it than he
and out of the stationery store
few pens and notebooks.
break. Let’s
shop stop and a restaurant meal,
a phone, another ten in
the day spent at the coffee shop and
through the mall for three
the minute. Hers wasn’t
*
showbiz, and the recent
skyrocketing, with
celebrities starting to rebel, but their scripts
from other shareholders eager to dump them before
were watching closely,
to push Ray’s family
were forced to sell off their
but no one
would drop further with time. They didn’t expect all the highquality scripts to be snapped up so quickly
widespread confusion. Who was this
the screen, couldn’t
Who indeed?
him, and now,
any
She knew he had intentions in the film
expected him to actually pull off starting a company and securing topnotch scripts on his
she wasn’t savvy about the ins and
was highly lucrative. High quality, solid teams, and good
success was almost
and extravagant action, it was obvious he
it was of significant importance. He
to establish a firm foothold in the industry –
was exactly what she admired in a
morning, Claud arrived at the Ellis family
first day was stationery
second day,
the third day, Claud asked directly, “Which mall
mall today. I’m sick
I’ve never been
at her feet, “You
“Absolutely.”
afternoon, Claud was carrying Cicely
alarmed the butler
happened?”
gathered in the living room, Claud
Seth’s for a brief moment, the intensity
unforgettable.
“What’s going on…
thing after another lately.
set in a cold expression, said tersely, “She hurt
refused to
silence before Creighton acted, ordering Brody
doctor.
room on the right, upstairs. If you think you can
longer.” Cicely, who had been
suddenly spoke up.
started to approach, stopped in his tracks at
and carried her upstairs, with Creighton
Claud dusted off his impeccable
her. “That’s enough. I accept
suddenly lifting the hem of
“What
a glimpse of blood seeping out from the edge
asked, “Do you have
eyes caught the figure
pulled her
grabbing a wet wipe from the
beside Cicely’s bed.
hands with a nonchalance, and
hurt
doesn’t seem right.”
here is done,”
paused, his gaze dropping to meet hers as a faint smile played
his lips. “Who says I’m here on a job? Can’t a
without
hint of surprise flickering across
of his eyebrow, Claude’s eyes briefly
wet wipe aside. “Let me
offered, reaching out toward Cicely’s
contact, another hand intercepted.
meet
take it from here,” Seth said coolly.
gaze narrowing slightly at
that you’re obliged
an eyebrow, Claud withdrew his hand and
to stick
her tone laced with impatience.
am right now? Just go, you’re making
standing there.”
eyes changed as they rested on her,
concern.
Enter title…
a shadow pass over his features, his
of anger
thick hostility rolling off Seth, Claud averted his gaze.
worried about me, I can’t have you fretting any longer. I’ll
number. Call me
absently, her mind clearly elsewhere, coping
pain in her foot that threatened to knock her unconscious.
response seemed to carry a
left, Seth pursed his lips tightly, silently sitting
and then shifted his gaze to
Cicely flinched.
her leg, his grip
eventually allowed him to remove her shoe,
her pants, and slide off her
just one sock revealed a foot that
heel, with blood matted and flesh raw. The fabric sticking to
up with tears
inhaled sharply. “How on earth did you manage to
the pain at
at
Cicely’s voice was tinged with a cry, “Dad, my foot hurts, and
my
other shoe. He held her
word.
in by Isaac,
lady, aren’t you the one who hates pain the
notice such severe abrasions?” As he spoke, he opened the
antiseptic and bandages. “Isn’t school
you should wait it out. No
the doctor added.
of the antiseptic bottle in his hand,
stay away from me? I hate seeing
“I know you don’t
hurt again.” He turned, with tweezers and cotton ball
hand.
pull her foot back, but Seth’s grip did not
stern face. “Do you think these feet are
pale, her
the doctor, his grasp on her
her.”
pain!” Cicely’s face turned
medicine.”
help, but he knew coddling her
solve anything.
for a moment,” he said before stepping
“Dad! It hurts!”
ordeal of dressing the wound, the doctor, his hair in
sobbing girl on the bed and shook his head hopelessly.
infection will be
You can’t take any more.” he
his arms, supporting her
and gently placed her back down.
on her forehead and the tip of her nose;
her hair damp at
you are crying?” Seth’s cold demeanor softened somewhat at
Cicely looked up at him, her voice tinged with frustration and pain. “My
and you’re telling me I
knew they were done for? Usually, you make a fuss over a
running around like a madwoman for three
time of
dropped, and her voice was muffled as she admitted, “Yeah,
kinda fun.”
intensely at
the quilt and slipped beneath it. “I’m fine for now.
Enter title…
Seth didn’t move from
moment, his eyes landed on the
It’s the latest model, different from what he had seen
that she hadn’t bothered to set a passcode, and
in
Issac.
was a call history with the Ellis family’s
a flicker of emotion, Seth blocked and deleted
call in,
doing this, he lowered his head to look at
He dialed his own number from her phone
my number
you do it yourself? You’ve got the phone,” Cicely
knitting together.
know how,” Seth stated firmly, leaving no
the phone from him, a mix
you looking
silently, his gaze fixed on the phone
saved his number.
my contacts?” Cicely’s voice was
of me admitting it?” Seth’s tone was
“I guess I want to hear out
you’d delete my contacts.”
her voice. “Never mind,
now? These next
I don’t want to see you.
to have your hands full with your victories, so I
I’d appreciate the
as she finished speaking.
sickly, still held an undeniable beauty
for a few weeks,
alone, or do you need someone
voice was
at his stoic, handsome face. Her nose
rising in her chest, threatening to
eyes.
these years, a few weeks shouldn’t matter. Seth,
with.
Right?”
Seth’s gazes seemed to
subtle as the ripple
in the
to keep you company? You seemed to
past few days,”
“Can we not talk about
Seth’s voice was suddenly sharp and cold, “are you trying
with me?”
into a weary smile. “I don’t want to talk about this
up, you can’t get too close to other
a matter of principle.”
stretched between them, heavy and
looked Seth in the eyes,
tightly. “Fine, I
without anyone’s
Fluttering
hand gently caressing her face, fingers tangled
voice was a low, husky whisper, “Did you hurt
to avoid seeing me?”
flickered, trying to turn away from
fingers gently stroking her hair. “If we broke
with another man?”
‘broke up’ stung Cicely like needles to her heart.
I’m fully recovered? Or did you come here
up, of course,
I supposed
the desire to be a strong,
want to be alone. I want to date, to marry, to have
home as a dependable refuge
my father’s
worrying. There’s not much I can do
So if not you,
Your questions are pointless.”
seemed to
marry, to have children… Each word tightened
on her hair.
you love me? How can you love
man?” He spat the last words out as if they left
his mouth.
a chill
purpose,” Seth warned, his
his voice laced with restrained anger. “Did you intentionally get
to
Intentionally…
took a few seconds for the implication to hit Cicely,
you mean
could finish her denial, Seth’s lips
even close her eyes, completely taken aback
move from this man.
of the moment, his chiseled face hovered
locked on hers in a silent exchange. As their gazes met,
stopping the passionate kiss. Instead, he deepened it,
lips with an intensity that left her
push
pinned them above her head. She
heat of him
couldn’t claim to be familiar with them
weight
the hospital that had
Perhaps it was her attempt to
all over again, with no
two continued to rise, and Cicely’s
softened under the kisses. She found herself pressed into
hoping he would stop at an
lips, however, had other plans, trailing down
the buttons of her
her earlobe. Almost reflexively, she
against his shoulders.
found herself lost in his dark,
a beat. She tried to avert her gaze, but he
husky, carrying a rasp she’d never
suffer,” he stared intensely at her.
subjecting yourself to this. To say you’re heartless
you’re the one who knows how
him feel double the heartache,
future plans with another man. When it came to
one could
the master of
wouldn’t choose such a foolish way. You’re the
even
in these next few days if I
of your
“Cicely.”
words. His dark
caressing her soft skin. As
again, slowly: “Let’s get
seemed an eternity, she managed to ask, “What
say?”
slight smile, straightened up,
to leave me. You’re using this method to escape, and
might use the same method to hurt yourself. If we get
have these wild
clung to a thread of reason, “Is it really just my
thoughts?”
I might regret it in the next
your answer now. Will you
Pity? Guilt for your
towards me?”
said all of the above, would you refuse to marry
silent for a moment, “Marriage is a
you take full
immediately, pondering as he gazed at
me you’re
married to me might not be the
you trying to make me say
watched her, their silent battle of wills culminating
‘yes’ is what
can’t predict the future; I only know
and you don’t need to
asked if you loved me; promises seem too
were the most ironic
you’re on board then,” Seth concluded, clearly not keen on
topic.
and clear, “Yes,
her for a moment before
“You remember my cell
that up
the air of a pampered heiress, her
she chose to remember. And Seth’s number
one of them.
Enter title…
other guys or things that shouldn’t be on your
eyebrow, “Not much to
her chin for a moment,
just this once. I won’t accept you getting hurt in any way.
get yourself
What, am I a porcelain
a porcelain doll,” he murmured, almost absently, as his
softly against her cheek.
before. Even though both
hell, Cicely felt there was
once only existed
hypothetically, was about to
had never thought he would be the one to bring it up first. Even
marriage, she’d expected it
thought you are feeling unwell?
her head. “When do
young; by the book,
books. Do you want to handle it, or should I have
step in?”
coolly.
would arrange
“So when can we?”
“After your injuries heal.”
the nightstand
the headboard. “To prevent any
better sign a contract.”
she flipped open the notebook.
it to Seth.
Seth proposed to Miss Cicely, who
to get a marriage certificate as soon as her injuries are
backing out.” She then signed her
right corner.
glanced at the writing, a smirk tugging at his lips,
a promise; I
his hand, “No, we
signing your name is nothing to you, but it
mind at ease.”
hand flew across the page, leaving a
signature behind her own.
was satisfied and put the notebook back in
*
Seth
Creighton couldn’t believe
“She’s agreed.”
breath, “You’re both young, haven’t been
afraid of having
fading twilight
he spoke softly, “I’m afraid. That’s why
away.”
him for a long while, “What are
dropped, his hand twitching at his
“Do you love her?”
said,” Creighton’s question finally prompted Seth to speak
another man, fall in love, get married, and have
into a smirk, “Yes. No matter how
woman is, she still needs a man
on. Especially Cicely, she’s
independent. If not you, then
look. She might act like she does what
listens to me.”
lips were
her words
she can’t be with any
suddenly laughed. Two questions
somehow cleared Creighton’s own
knew what he was
*
over twenty days for Cicely’s legs
their marriage certificate ten days earlier. The
wait another two years until she reached the
was a public event; they
to talk about.
life hadn’t
for
be anything less than grand. He didn’t
apartment.
the Cicely’s Mansion
Seth declined without hesitation.
school and usually picked
Charlie do
her up, so seeing Seth in the driver’s seat today was a pleasant
your busy
quite, but not everything needs to be done
he watched her buckle
pulled away.
now.
had held her tongue for three months, but she couldn’t
any longer.
as he turned to look at her, “You’re
eighteen. I don’t like
enough, but
cheeks flushed
blush made a soft laugh escape
“What’s so funny!”
him laugh was something she thought might be
he always
Unfair.
soon realized they weren’t
“Why are we not heading back to the Ellis
voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and
we get there,”
half-expected Seth to take her out for a fancy
downtown bistros that served artisanal dishes, but
more and more familiar to her.
gates of Cicely’s Mansion that
where they were. “What are we doing here?” she
out of the window.
remained silent, a mysterious smile playing
the grand entrance of Cicely’s Mansion
a vacant lot nearby.Seth opened the
car. As she looked at the desolate land in
“Why here?”
half-smile as he leaned against the car, his
land with a sense of ownership. “I bought this
simply.
Cicely’s eyes swept across the
drew her close,
his embrace. His gaze dropped
her cheek.
Enter title…
future home,” he murmured, his voice a low
ears.
looked up
delight. But then, a shadow of pragmatism
when is this going
the curve of
voice as firm as his grip. “After
you away from the Ellis clan
foreheads nearly touched, his words a gentle
sparkled with emotion,
family to our
to go through
right next
his eyes lingering on her
skin. “It’s for those times when you might get
It would be quite the workout, and if you go too
have to go through a lot
her brow and pushed him away slightly.
living together and you’re already planning
scenarios?”
you’ll never get mad at me?” Seth raised
“I can’t guarantee I won’t
about to declare she wouldn’t,
find me that annoying?”
you stay next door, I can find you
looking for you. Do you want to spend that
you rather spend
brows, pondering for a moment. The answer in her
the smiling eyes of Seth,
it.
I wouldn’t make it easy for
I was mad enough to leave and you
just a simple spat. As long as you’re
matter how long it takes, the moment
she loved him too much to
enough to part ways.
to finish speaking, his eyes still
now, but what if I don’t
on?”
better not
caressed her smooth cheek, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
I’ll take back
eyebrow, not used to seeing Seth this tender.
into his chest. “I’ve
his posture accommodating her in the
embrace.
her head on Seth’s shoulder,
house next door. After a moment of silence, she made an
over to my place
her light, floral body wash filled his senses,
against his, an
tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing against her hair,
delicate fragrance.
to invite a man over like
shade pinker. “I… I
her ears. “Is that so?Cicely’s “I
approached the villa’s grand entrance, Cicely lowered her
in the code. She’d barely tapped in a few digits when
her, his arm encircling
from above her head.
“020727, and then?”
hovered over the keypad,
“9” before
Cicely nodded.
Enter title…
half-smile as he entered the remaining
91227
paused for a brief moment, then slowly pushed the enter button. The
lock disengaging echoed through
at him, “How
of 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