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.
into hysteria, her
control slipping away.
rose to his feet.
floor, clutched her head in her
“Millie, Millie, Millie, why is it always her? Why can’t
shadow?!”
grown too loud,
to find Patty in the throes
Seth barked coldly, and the onlookers scurried away, closing
them with
for Patty’s shoulders, trying
a canvas of desperate pleading
hear me, Seth? Be a good boy, and listen to your
mustn’t fall for her daughter. Isn’t
family’s eye, and
any girl at all, just
Patty’s private physician, who administered a sedative
Patty was now resting
recent years, and you’ve
this. What happened
Seth’s expression was icy.
talking and looked rather pallid, so
“Please do not
wishes. You’ve been doing so well with this over
Enter title…
bed in the break room, silently watching Patty’s
in thought
out to him uncertainly, “Mr.
slowly turned away from Patty, remained silent for a few seconds,
spoke softly, “I understand.”
his desk, pulled open a drawer, and
He lit it and then picked
window.
The figure by the window stood rigid as if
wisp of smoke rose from that
vanished into the air.
his phone for
the butt, he
the desk. Once again he looked at his
it.
woke up in the morning,
appeared to be
Creighton had joined her for breakfast, and now that her looking
they felt much relieved.
soon. Got everything you need? If you don’t feel up to it,
prepare everything for
moment, “Clothes, shoes? Maybe
pick out some nice pens and notebooks.”
she hadn’t really visited a stationery store in many
can go with
spoonful of porridge, pausing briefly
then nodded lightly.
to change.
phone rang. It
hesitation, she
“Hello?”
to answer so quickly, and for
prolonged silence.
wrong number or what?” Cicely glanced at the
indeed him.
moment for Seth to speak, his voice deep.
asleep.”
to bother me while
sleeping?”
hadn’t answered, I wouldn’t have
“What are
gone?
to keep burning
from the other end,
away.
“Seth, what
Do I have some kind of rapid self-healing
completely in less
valid point to argue, she spoke with
and we’ll talk after
on the phone.
said “Okay” and
only wearing jeans; her T-shirt lay beside her on
her
clear to her, yet they were still
her back. She feared that
she least wanted
for several minutes until there was a knock on
visitor downstairs. Mr. Creighton wants you to
maid got no reply, “Miss? Are
a moment, the bedroom door swung open, and Cicely
have
maid just
Cicely descended the stairs.
the living room sat a young,
immediately suggested that he was
her, he stood up, a slight forced warmth in his otherwise
I manage The Watson Hotel. I’m terribly sorry about
that
was someone from the hotel coming to
the damage. She gave a wry smile, approached
the handsome face across from her, her
in charge of The Watson Hotel? You
you get to run
a half-step, maintaining a
to my father’s influence.”
it clicked, “Ah, so you’re the son of
That explains it.”
her assumption. “Though the incident
and the harm can’t be undone, I felt it was
person. How can we make amends to
Cicely tilted her head, pretending
with a playful smile,
smiled lightly
tilted her chin up and said with a smile,
days, so how about
paused a beat, “Not worried about your
accompanying me? Are you apologizing
or to me?”
chill. “I do not believe that I owe that
apologies.”
raised an eyebrow, “Alright then. You’re coming
in at just the
Who’d want to cross the Watson family’s young master,
car door for Cicely, and
aside, taking
car smells like disinfectant,” Cicely
Without further ado, Claud
they drove away from the Ellis
the silence, “You looked a bit off
from your dad that your fever’s
seatback, watching the sycamore leaves
ground. “Yeah. I got a call I shouldn’t have
story behind those
so do you have a specific destination
today?”
hit the
her, “What
that a
“No problem.”
while longer until Cicely suddenly
at a
“Sure.”
walked out with the latest smartphone model and got herself a
She then took out her
glanced at the nearly new phone, “We’ll take
“Sure.”
this quietly, offering no
shopping spree would be
woman beside him seemed to have even less of it than he
store in less than ten minutes,
few pens and notebooks.
a break. Let’s
and a restaurant meal, they
buying a phone, another
of the day spent at the
mission based on Cicely’s
she powered through the mall
the minute. Hers wasn’t much
*
family business was in showbiz, and the recent scandal
with endless
only were their managed celebrities starting to rebel, but their
shareholders eager
producers were
full-scale boycott to push Ray’s
Ray’s family were forced to sell off their most valuable
eye on those scripts, but no
time. They didn’t expect all the highquality scripts to be snapped up so quickly by some unknown
caused widespread confusion. Who
unfamiliar name on the screen, couldn’t help
Who indeed?
been orchestrated by him, and now,
any
knew he had
a company and securing topnotch scripts
savvy about the ins and outs,
highly lucrative. High quality, solid teams,
was
and extravagant action, it
it was of significant importance. He had been planning for so
establish a firm foothold in the industry – he was
was exactly what she
arrived at
first day was
second day, malls
the third day, Claud asked directly, “Which mall are we hitting
mall today. I’m sick of clothes and shoes. Let’s go to
park. I’ve never
her feet, “You sure you
“Absolutely.”
was
the butler
happened?”
household gathered in the living room,
Seth’s for a brief moment, the
unforgettable.
“What’s going on…
thing after another lately.
cold expression, said tersely, “She
to go to the
was a moment of silence before Creighton acted, ordering Brody to call
doctor.
If you think you can handle it, I don’t
longer.” Cicely, who had been
suddenly spoke up.
had just started to approach, stopped in
a look and carried her upstairs, with
on the bed, Claud dusted off
from her. “That’s enough. I accept your apology.
before suddenly lifting the hem
“What
out from
and asked, “Do you have a
and Cicely’s eyes caught the figure
pulled her feet
hand back, casually grabbing a wet
beside Cicely’s bed.
his hands with a nonchalance, and said, “Hey, it
You got hurt on my watch, so
doesn’t seem right.”
here is done,” Cicely
paused, his gaze dropping to meet hers as a
of his lips. “Who says I’m here on a job? Can’t a
alright without
hint of
his eyebrow, Claude’s eyes briefly darted to her feet
wipe aside. “Let
reaching out
contact,
meet Seth’s
Seth said coolly. “It’s the least I
at the scene
that you’re obliged to
eyebrow, Claud withdrew his hand
to
shot him a sidelong glance, her tone
I am right now? Just go, you’re making me
standing there.”
changed as they rested on her, a
concern.
Enter title…
the exchange, felt a shadow pass over his features,
of anger and something
Seth, Claud averted his gaze.
can’t have you fretting any longer.
number. Call me
absently, her mind clearly
pain in her foot that threatened to knock
seemed to carry a
his lips tightly, silently
glanced at Cicely and then shifted his gaze to
Cicely flinched.
grip firm
tighten and eventually allowed him to remove her shoe,
cuff of her pants,
a foot that was starkly pale against
matted and flesh raw. The fabric
made Cicely’s eyes well up with tears from the sheer
on earth did you manage to do this
feel the pain
looking at her with
with a cry,
at me. Soon my whole
shoe. He
word.
doctor, practically dragged in by
“My lady, aren’t you the one who hates
such severe abrasions?” As he spoke, he opened the
practiced ease, finding antiseptic and
No need to show
the doctor added.
antiseptic bottle in
from me? I hate seeing
chuckled wryly. “I know you don’t
let yourself get hurt again.” He turned, with tweezers and
hand.
foot back, but Seth’s grip did not
“Do you think these feet
face was pale, her
back to the doctor, his grasp on her foot
her.”
Cicely’s
the medicine.” Seth
Creighton for help, but he knew coddling
solve anything.
he said before stepping out
“Dad! It hurts!”
of dressing the wound, the
bed and shook his
get it wet; otherwise, the infection will be more
any more.” he advised before quickly making
his arms, supporting
the blanket and gently placed her
forehead and the tip of her
her
crying?” Seth’s cold demeanor softened somewhat at the sight
her voice
you’re telling me I can’t
for? Usually, you make
like
time
was muffled
kinda fun.”
intensely at
it. “I’m fine
Enter title…
move
moment, his eyes
model, different from what he had
picked it up, noting that she hadn’t bothered to set a
contacts in her
Issac.
history with the Ellis family’s
emotion, Seth blocked
call in,
doing this, he lowered his head to look
dialed his own number from her phone and then handed it
number to your
it yourself? You’ve got the phone,” Cicely
knitting together.
how,” Seth stated firmly, leaving
phone from him, a mix of irritation
“Are you looking for
watched her silently, his gaze
saved his number.
my contacts?” Cicely’s
point of me admitting it?” Seth’s tone was equally
a soft chuckle escaping her. “I
you’d delete my contacts.”
took a deep breath, resignation in her voice.
it. Can you leave now? These next few
I don’t want to see you.
hands full with your victories, so
and I’d
watched her quietly as she finished
still held an undeniable beauty
don’t want to see me for a few
you plan to stay home alone, or do you need someone
His voice was devoid
at his stoic, handsome face. Her nose tingled,
swell of emotion rising in her chest, threatening to spill from
eyes.
few weeks shouldn’t matter.
I want to be with. As
Right?”
gazes seemed to conceal
them, subtle as the ripple of
in the deep
want Claud to keep you company? You seemed to
few days,” he said
didn’t deny it. “Can we not talk about
and cold,
with me?”
smile. “I don’t want to
up, you can’t get too close to other men.
a matter of principle.”
them, heavy
clenched the quilt, looked Seth in
she closed her eyes tightly. “Fine, I can
own without anyone’s
touch landed on her brow. Fluttering her lashes, she
hand gently caressing her face,
was a low, husky whisper, “Did you hurt
to avoid seeing me?”
eyes flickered, trying to turn away from
hair. “If we
with another man?”
‘broke up’ stung Cicely like needles to her heart.
I’m fully
up, of course, I’d be with other
am I supposed to stay
lofty ambitions, nor the desire to be a
be alone. I want
a dependable refuge for the rest of my
my father’s greatest
him worrying. There’s not much I can do for
So if not you,
Your questions are pointless.”
word she spoke seemed to darken Seth’s
To date, to marry, to have children… Each word
on her hair.
can you love me,
man?” He spat the last words
his mouth.
felt a chill run
provoke me on purpose,” Seth warned, his
with restrained anger. “Did you intentionally get
just to upset
Intentionally…
a few seconds for the implication
“What do you mean
her denial, Seth’s lips captured hers in
close her eyes, completely
move from this man.
his chiseled face
hers in a silent exchange.
him stopping the passionate
with an intensity that
senses, tried to push him away, but he caught her
her head. She could feel the firmness of
the heat of him seeping through the blankets.
to his kisses, yet she couldn’t claim
on the bed, under the weight of
in the hospital that had
it was her attempt to
again, with no
continued
under the kisses. She found herself pressed into
just hoping he would stop at an
lips, however, had other plans, trailing
her blouse and
against her
against his shoulders.
herself lost in his dark, enigmatic
She tried to avert her gaze, but he forced her to face
and husky, carrying a rasp she’d never
stared intensely at her. “You did
yourself to this. To say you’re heartless is not
knows how to play with people’s hearts
the heartache, intensifying his guilt,
future plans with another
one could
lip, she retorted, “Am I the master of hearts? Have I
wouldn’t choose such a foolish way. You’re the
can’t wait even a fortnight to
these next few
none of
“Cicely.”
cut through her words. His dark eyes
face, his fingers gently caressing her soft skin.
spoke again,
an eternity, she managed to
say?”
slight smile, straightened up, and
to leave me. You’re using this method to escape,
same method to hurt yourself. If we get married,
these
but clung to a thread of reason, “Is it
thoughts?”
decision was impulsive, and I might regret it
answer now.
sparked this impulse? Pity? Guilt for your recent
towards me?”
above,
silent for a moment, “Marriage is a serious
you take full responsibility
immediately, pondering
me you’re already
married to me might not
to make me say
watched her, their silent battle
Your ‘yes’ is what I want
the future; I only know what I want
say this lightly, and you don’t
if you loved me; promises
the end, promises were the most ironic
value steeped in irony. “So you’re on
topic.
was firm and clear, “Yes, I
a moment before suddenly reaching out to
“You remember my cell number,
up
of a pampered heiress, her
for the things she chose to remember.
one of them.
Enter title…
any other guys or things that shouldn’t be on
arched an eyebrow, “Not much
fingers gently caressed her chin for a moment, “For
won’t accept you getting hurt in any way.
yourself to a
way? What, am I a
doll,” he murmured,
softly against her cheek.
mood was far lighter than before. Even though both of
felt there was no
only existed in her imagination,
about to
would be the one to bring it
marriage, she’d expected it
are feeling unwell?
her head. “When do we get
the book,
want to handle it,
step in?”
take care of it,” Seth said coolly. He was the one who
arrange
“So when can we?”
“After your injuries heal.”
paused, then reached into the nightstand drawer for
herself up against the headboard. “To prevent any
better sign a contract.”
spoke, she flipped open the notebook. It wasn’t long before
it to Seth.
this date, Mr. Seth proposed to Miss Cicely, who
marriage certificate as soon as
no backing out.” She then
right corner.
at
I
into his hand, “No, we can’t be
out, signing your name is nothing to
mind at ease.”
her, Seth’s hand flew across the page, leaving
signature behind her own.
satisfied and put the notebook back in
*
Seth went straight
did you say?” Creighton
“She’s agreed.”
a deep breath, “You’re both
you afraid of
dark eyes reflected the fading twilight
he spoke softly, “I’m afraid. That’s why we need to
away.”
long while, “What are
hand twitching at his
“Do you love her?”
said,” Creighton’s question finally prompted Seth to
she’ll find another man, fall in love, get married, and
lips twisted into a smirk, “Yes.
is, she still needs a man to accompany
rely on. Especially Cicely, she’s
independent. If not you, then someone else. If she doesn’t
might act like she does what she wants, but
listens to me.”
were pressed
words hit a
can’t be with
suddenly laughed. Two questions
somehow cleared Creighton’s own
probably knew what he
*
Cicely’s legs to heal completely, but they
gotten their marriage certificate ten
years until she reached
public event; they couldn’t give
to talk about.
with marriage, life hadn’t
to prepare a home for
couldn’t be anything less than grand.
apartment.
the Cicely’s Mansion he
Seth declined without hesitation.
and usually picked her up unless
Charlie do it. Lately,
the driver’s seat today
your
not everything needs to be done today,” Seth replied, his
detachment as he watched her buckle up. He
pulled away.
married three months now. How long are we going
had held her tongue for three months, but she
any longer.
as he turned to look at her,
You’re only eighteen. I don’t like leaving things
seemed innocent enough, but
cheeks flushed deep
soft laugh
“What’s so funny!”
she thought might be a
he always managed
Unfair.
drove on, Cicely soon realized they weren’t heading where
are we not heading back to the
tinged with a mix of curiosity and
see when we get
to take her out for
served artisanal
more and more familiar to her. It wasn’t until the
impressive wrought-iron gates of
are
out of the window.
silent, a mysterious smile playing on
grand entrance of Cicely’s Mansion but
on a vacant lot nearby.Seth opened the car door for her, and Cicely, with
car. As she looked at the
“Why here?”
into a half-smile as he leaned against the
of ownership. “I bought this place,”
simply.
eyes swept across the
smooth gesture, Seth drew her close, and his
his embrace. His gaze dropped to meet hers,
her cheek.
Enter title…
voice a low rumble that
ears.
beat, and she looked up
But then, a shadow of pragmatism crossed her
when is this going to
traced the curve of
promised, his voice as firm as his grip. “After the wedding,
away from the Ellis clan and bring
words a gentle caress, as if afraid to
Cicely’s eyes sparkled with emotion, struck
the Ellis family to
this place? You didn’t need to go through
right next
eyes lingering on
for those times when
would be quite the workout, and if you go too far, you’d
go through a
pushed him away slightly. “We
you’re already planning for
scenarios?”
think you’ll never get mad at me?” Seth
smile on his lips. “I can’t guarantee I won’t
was about to declare she wouldn’t, but his
find me that annoying?”
stay next door, I can find you easily. If you go
for you. Do you want to spend
would you rather spend it with
furrowed her brows, pondering for a moment. The answer in her
of Seth, but she was
it.
wouldn’t make it easy for
you knew I was mad enough to leave and you
that would be more than just a simple spat. As
the moment
to make things right.” After all, she loved him too much
enough to part ways.
to finish speaking, his eyes still crinkled with
say that now, but what if I don’t treat finding you as a priority
on?”
better not
fingers caressed her smooth cheek, his gaze deep and
I’ll take back what I said
not used to seeing Seth
into his chest. “I’ve
held her close, his posture accommodating her in the
embrace.
rested her head on Seth’s
house next door. After a moment of silence, she made
to my place for
floral body wash filled his
against his, an
nose brushing against her
delicate fragrance.
know what it means to invite a man
shade pinker. “I… I don’t
so?Cicely’s “I don’t know” was
villa’s grand entrance,
tapped in
behind her, his arm encircling her
from above her head.
“020727, and then?”
hovered over the keypad, curling
out, pressing a “9” before he asked
Cicely nodded.
Enter title…
half-smile as he entered
91227
paused for a brief moment, then slowly pushed the enter button.
disengaging
at
of answering, Seth gently pushed her into the house, swung the
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 1991-2000
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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