The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2001-2010
Watching them leave, Danielle’s hands clenched a little tighter, the stiffness
betraying her anxiety. She wished she hadn’t rushed back, longing instead to
present the birthday gift she had carefully chosen for him in person. Even a
chilly acceptance would have been preferable to having Cicely snatch it away
like she just had.
Seeing Cicely punch in the door code with practiced ease, as Seth Diaz stood
by, a chill shot through Danielle. Birthday, late night, two people and the scent of
alcohol on their breath…All these elements seemed to weave a narrative she
didn’t dare to read.
Maybe things were moving too fast between them. She couldn’t imagine Seth,
with his frosty demeanor, ever getting cozy with Cicely.
Enter title…
How could someone so cool and detached treat a woman with tenderness?
Danielle bit her lip hard, squashed down those thoughts, and stepped into the
elevator.
*d2
Back at home, Seth helped Cicely onto the couch.
Kicking off her shoes, Cicely watched as Seth came over to help her out of her
coat. It seemed like a routine she was well accustomed to. She lifted her arms
and tilted her head, her attention on the gift box in her hands.
“She came back just for your birthday, huh?”
Seth unzipped her down jacket, slid off one sleeve, and gave her a look that
was as unreadable as ever.
She switched the gift box to her other hand so he could remove her coat. As he
went to hang it up, she leaned back into the couch, inspecting the box, turning it
over in her hands. “You know, with her putting in so much effort and openly
making advances towards you, can I pretend not to care?”
Should she continue the charade, even when Danielle had already abandoned
it?
Seth approached her, looking down from his greater height, “There’s nothing
between her and me.”
Cicely gave a half-laugh, “You expect me not to worry about her?”
She rattled the box in her hand. “Even if you’re clear about it now, receiving gifts
on every special occasion is a bit much.”
His gaze finally landed on the box in her hands. Moments later, he snatched it
away and tossed it into the trash with a clang. “Satisfied?”
Cicely glanced at the trash can, smirked, and looked up at him with eyes that
twirled with mischief. “I’m dizzy.”
He smirked, “Are you trying to tell me that the dizziness from drinking comes
and goes?”
Cicely didn’t care, she just stretched out her arms towards Seth, “Take me to the
bedroom.”
Seth’s eyes narrowed, pausing on the skin of her neck.
Her arms moved slightly, urging him on. He looked away and finally lifted her in
his arms. He laid her down on the bed and Cicely curled up, supporting her
head with a slender arm. The hem of her burgundy dress had ridden up
carelessly, revealing the elegant lines of her legs. She gazed up at him, smiling.
“Seth, I’m drunk tonight, so you can take advantage of me if you want.”
The dark fire in his eyes was barely contained, even as they roamed over her.
Her beauty tonight was more striking than usual, the dress accentuating her
flawless figure.
At eighteen, she had the kind of allure that stirred envy in women and desire in
men. The way those men had looked at her tonight when she had taken off her
coat had left him feeling unsettled.
Cicely’s teasing had been light-hearted at first, but now the intensity of Seth’s
gaze was making her surprisingly nervous.
“Shall we take a shower?” His voice was huskier than she expected.
She nodded, “Sure.”
He continued to watch her. She didn’t move.
Finally, Seth bent down and carried her into the bathroom.
He had never intended to rush things now that she was of age. She must have
known that, which was why she felt so bold in teasing him.
He hadn’t been with a woman before and, at his age, men were particularly
vulnerable to such temptations. Perhaps she overestimated his self-control. Or
maybe, it was just her self-control she overestimated.
After the shower, Cicely felt like a cooked shrimp, her body limp and energy
sapped. She’d been seen entirely, touched almost thoroughly. Now in the soft
embrace of her bed, she breathed a sigh of relief, thinking her only task was to
sleep.
But she was wildly mistaken.
Seth pinched her chin, “Sobered up yet?”
She nodded, “Yes.”
His eyes swept her exposed skin and his lips curled into a slight smile. “Even if
you weren’t drunk, you know our relationship is such that I could take liberties
with you whenever I wish, right?”
Cicely blinked, “Yes, I know. So, is it time to sleep now?”
Seth raised an eyebrow, “Do you think the episode in the bathroom was
enough?”Cicely’s eyelids fluttered twice, betraying her effort to seem indifferent. “Or
what?”
Seth’s gaze drifted to her lips, “I think I made a mistake.”
Cicely furrowed her brows in confusion.
“I shouldn’t have just thought about keeping you like some naive doll, hidden
away. You need to see the harsh realities of the world to understand the
dangers that exist.”
Cicely was no fool; she could see through some people and situations better
than they could ever imagine. She always maintained a sense of vigilance,
Enter title…
aware of potential threats at any given moment. “There’s no need, I’m well
aware.”
“Are you?”d2
As he spoke, Cicely suddenly gasped, her eyes darting towards Seth in a slight
panic. His hand had stealthily slipped under the covers, his intentions crystal
clear. She instinctively recoiled.
“You not gonna let me touch you?”
“You are you serious?”
She was convinced he wouldn’t really sleep with her now.
“Isn’t your idea of ‘impropriety’ a bit naive?”
Cicely bit her lip, her beautiful eyes filled with timidness, “I’ve heard it hurts, and
I’m afraid of the pain.”
“So you’re planning to spend your life just letting me look and touch?”
Cicely’s eyes darted about, and before she could utter a word, Seth leaned in
closer, his presence enveloping her. “Don’t you want to have kids? Just looking
and touching won’t make that happen.”
Her grip on the covers relaxed slightly, and the tension in her body eased.
Seth’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
“Seth.” Cicely suddenly spoke up, “You’re raping me, aren’t you?”
Seth’s expression darkened instantly, “You’re saying what?”
Cicely repeated, “Raping.”
“Cicely.” The hand under the covers suddenly grasped her leg, his voice deep
and icy, “What do you think the purpose of that marriage certificate you’re
holding is?”
“To legally live together.”
“That includes legally having sex with you.”
Seth’s words were ground out through clenched teeth, each syllable as if
chewed up and spit out. His frankness was unexpected, almost shocking, but it
was precisely this rawness that made it all the more enticing.
Cicely had likely angered him; his words hit her like a physical force, stealing
her breath away. Before, she might not have thought much about it, but the topic
that just irked him was a sensitive one, and she felt a surge of nervousness.
Cicely was fresh from a bath, her skin soft and scented.
Underneath the covers, the restraint from the bathroom was returning with a
vengeance. The kiss was forceful, wandering down her neck to the tender spot
behind her ear, teasing her earlobe.
Cicely whimpered softly. Seth paused, staring at her flushed ear before bending
down again. When she shivered once more, a low chuckle escaped Seth.
Interesting.
Cicely felt he was mocking her inexperience. So she clenched her teeth,
determined not to be the butt of his amusement anymore. Seth seemed to be in
a playful mood, his kisses searching for her most sensitive spots.
The covers were pushed down, sparks slowly nearing the summit. Cicely,
sensing something, tried to escape, but Seth was ahead of her, anticipating her
move.
A sensation shot through her. Her arms, which had been propping her up,
suddenly lost their strength, and with a soft exclamation, she fell back into the
bedding.
This was madness. The feeling was foreign and uncontrollable. Her heart felt
like it was about to leap out of her chest.
The man before her was the man she loved, yearned for, the one she had
schemed to win over.
Unlike with Ray, she enjoyed his touch, even craved more. She truly loved him.
But why did she love him so much? She couldn’t even understand it herself. She
just wanted him, and no one else would do.
Slowly, she raised her hand to caress his damp hair, her palm resting against
his face, that handsome face lifting to meet her gaze. As if under a spell, she
leaned in closer to him, closing the gap between them. “Seth, why do I love you
so much?” she asked.
Seth threw aside the covers, realizing that tonight wouldn’t be so easily endured.
He was somewhat relieved she was of age. Perhaps if she weren’t, she wouldn’t
be able to escape him tonight.
Boundaries? Her specialty was pushing him to break them, time and time again.
“Why?” he asked as he pulled her into his embrace.
Cicely wrapped her arms around his shoulders, shaking her head, “I don’t know.
Do you know how much I love you?”
“How much?” Seth inquired.
Cicely tilted her head, giving the same answer, “I don’t know.”
Seth looked up at her, “You don’t know why you love me, and you don’t know
how much?”
She nodded, “Yeah. I don’t know. If I did, maybe one day I could avoid loving
you so much.”
Seth paused for a moment, “Even if you knew, it’s too late.”
He pressed her back down into the bedding.
One of the reasons they didn’t live together and he refrained from getting
physically close to her was because of her young age. He also considered the
possibility that she might regret and want to exit the marriage at any time, but he
had never truly hoped for such a day.
As he struggled internally, he gave her enough time. Now, her words suddenly
reminded him that he couldn’t allow it. She might not love him as much as she
did now, and she might truly disappear from his life.
He wouldn’t permit such a thought, not even for a second. So he decided he
wouldn’t leave her that option anymore.Seth never thought he’d see the day when Cicely would scare the living
daylights out of him. It happened in a moment of breakthrough.
Cicely’s scream nearly pierced his eardrums. Then came a convulsion, her face
turned as pale as a ghost, almost translucent.
“Ouch. Seth, are you trying to kill me?” Tears cascaded down Cicely’s cheeks, a
relentless torrent.
Sweat beaded on Seth’s forehead as he gritted his teeth, staring at her
seemingly lifeless form, torn between staying and fleeing. But then, she
furrowed her brow and uttered a pained cry.
“Ouch, don’t move.”
Enter title…
Seth, restraining himself, remained still. His hand found her forehead, his head
lowered to hers, his voice strained and husky. “Does it hurt that bad?”d2
Cicely bit her lip, eyes closed, with eyelids and lashes trembling together. She
nodded randomly, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by pain, and choked back a
sob with a couple of stifled sobs.
Time passed, and perhaps the pain had ebbed slightly, Cicely opened her eyes,
her cheeks flushed with a returning rosiness, but her eyes were rimmed red with
distress.
“Feeling better?”
Cicely gave a tiny nod, followed by a sniffle, “Is it this painful for every girl the
first time, or is it just your lousy technique ?”
Seth fell silent. The urge to throttle her surged within him.
After a moment of silence, Cicely inhaled sharply.
Seth rose and headed to the bathroom.
Cicely felt uneasy, the foreign sensation still distinct, the pain all too real. She
lay in bed, afraid to move. Watching Seth leave, her worry gnawed at her—had
their utterly unromantic “first time” left him utterly disillusioned?
Had he gone for good? Was he unsatisfied? Angry?
Alone in bed, she spiraled into helpless speculation. Would he seek comfort with
other women now?
Cicely blinked. This was serious.
When Seth returned from the bathroom with a towel, he found the woman in bed
biting her finger, lost in thought. He frowned, “What’s on your mind?”
Cicely turned quickly, shaking her head. “Nothing.”
Seth gave her a long look and then sat down beside her. His hand reached for
her leg.
Cicely protested with a whimper, trying to evade, “What are you doing?”
“Don’t move.” His tone was indifferent. He leaned down with the towel, and the
warmth of it touched her skin. Cicely’s initial resistance melted away, but then
came the flush of embarrassment.
“If you don’t have the guts, stop talking big. You were quick to talk about having
kids, and now you’re even shy for me to have a look?”
Indeed. But she couldn’t help it.
“It’s the first time…” her voice was barely audible.
“Yeah, I’ll give you time to adjust.”
Seth wiped carefully, the pure white towel now marked with stark red stains.
After he was done, Seth checked her over carefully, then looked up, his dark
eyes heavy with an emotion that seemed too thick to dissolve. “Still hurts?”
“It’s better.”
Hearing that, Seth stood up, picked her up, and placed her on the couch nearby.
Cicely was puzzled, lying there as Seth draped a blanket over her and turned
away without a word.
She grabbed the edge of his bathrobe, her expression pitiable, “You’re not
making me sleep on the couch as punishment for not satisfying you, are you?”
Seth grimanced, and he gently removed her hand, “Yeah, indeed it was less
than satisfying.”
“So once I’m not in pain…” Cicely’s gaze followed Seth anxiously.
Dissatisfaction in bed could spell disaster for a marriage.
“Of course, that’s how it is. You think you’ve fulfilled your duty in one go?” Seth
cut her off, but paused at the bedside to strip the sheets.
Cicely watched as he skillfully replaced the bedding with fresh linens. This was
a task so distant from his usual repertoire, yet he executed it with surprising
proficiency.
Hmm… The way he appeared all domestic was strangely attractive.
Once the bed was made, he carried her back and laid her down. Cicely’s eyes
crinkled with a smile, “Punishment over?”
Seth shot her a glance, “Next time, the punishment will last longer. Get some
sleep.” With that, he pulled the covers over her.
Taking the soiled linens, he disappeared into the bathroom. Before long, the
sound of running water filled the room.
A few minutes later, Seth emerged from the bathroom. He had taken another
shower and saw the woman lying there, with a pair of beautiful eyes staring at
him, “Why haven’t you slept yet?”
“Waiting for you.” Cicely patted the empty spot next to her.
Seth was not surprised. After all, they had sex and sharing a bed was natural.
He lifted the blanket and laid down. Cicely immediately snuggled up to him. She
rested on his arm, leaned into his chest, and wrapped her arms around his
waist.
Seth paused for a moment, looking down at her head for a few seconds, and
then he gave her his arm, his embrace, and his hand.
Cicely was particular about her bed and had never shared it with anyone. Seth
woke up before her, and she could feel when he got up. She felt disturbed and
frowned, but soon there was a sound at the door, and she was left alone in the
room.
All Cicely wanted now was peace, so she fell asleep again.
After some time, the door opened again. Hearing the noise, Cicely’s mind began
to vaguely remember the events of the previous night. She turned over, burying
half of her face into the soft pillow, lazily peeking through a slit in her eyes,
watching Seth dressing in front of the wardrobe.
Hearing her movement, he turned to her, “Stay home and rest today if you’re not
feeling well. I’ll call in sick for you.”
“Mmm…”
She hummed softly and closed her eyes again. Only when the rustling by the
wardrobe seemed to stop did she roll over and lazily lift her eyelids to look at
him.
The man was already impeccably dressed, his tall frame adorned with a crisp
white shirt and a dark suit, exuding an air of detached elegance.
Cicely sighed inwardly. He was every bit the man she adored.
“You’re not going to class today?”
“Clearly not.” Seth’s voice was cool as he approached, leaning in close, his
handsome face bringing a fresh, clean scent as he hovered over her.
His voice was a seductive whisper, his breath lightly caressing her face. “Does it
still hurt?”
Cicely’s ears turned pink, “Not anymore.”
A slight smirk graced Seth’s lips, “Are you sure?”
“I’m not too sure,” Cicely admitted with a touch of uncertainty.
Seth’s low chuckle rumbled from his throat, “Finally learned to back down, huh?”
“It’s called being wise,” Cicely retorted with a smirk.
“Uh huh, you always have the best excuses,” he teased.
Cicely smiled, reaching up to adjust his tie. “Got plans for today?”
“Not sure. If time allows, I might swing by the set for a bit.”
Cicely’s eyebrows arched as she recalled his recent flurry of activities. She
knew he’d been busy with his company and prepping for a shoot, but she had
no clue what project he was actually working on. She’d asked before, but Seth
had been evasive.
“Alright then.” That world was foreign to her, and she had little interest in it.
Seth caught her hand and bent down to kiss her. “Breakfast is warming on the
table. Make sure you eat.”
“Did you make it?”
He stuffed her hand back under the covers and stood up, “Do you really think
there’s a third person in this house?”
“Call me if you need anything. And don’t go wandering off.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Cicely nodded obediently.
Satisfied, Seth finally turned and left.
*
Cicely planned on catching some extra sleep, but the restlessness won. She got
out of bed and found a clean set of pajamas laid out for her. She slipped them
on, careful of the piercing pain from last night’s ordeal. She tiptoed gingerly to
the dining room, where a plate of sandwiches, milk, hard-boiled eggs, and a
vegetable salad waited under the warming lights.
Leaning on the table, she took a sip of milk and nibbled on an egg. A smile
spread across her lips as she pictured Seth, alone in the kitchen, methodically
preparing breakfast – even meticulously peeling eggs for her.
The man who used to be so cold and distant, who seemed impossible to warm
up was now unexpectedly affectionate and thoughtful. She had said she didn’t
expect Seth to love her, but maybe now she could star t to hope a little?
*
After breakfast, she settled on the living room couch and flipped on the TV to
watch a movie. Around eleven, her phone chimed with a message.
*
By noon, Charlie stood outside the door, carrying bags from a prestigious
restaurant. When no one answered, he called Seth directly. “Mr. Diaz, Ms.
Cicely seems to be out.”
Seth was at his desk, poring over documents with a stern focus. Hearing
Charlie’s words, a frown flickered across his brow. He dialed Cicely’s cell from
the landline, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried the apartment line too,
with no answer. “Use the code to check inside,” he instructed.
“Alright.”
Charlie entered the code Seth had given him and stepped inside. After a
thorough search, he confirmed, “Mr. Diaz, Ms. Cicely isn’t in the apartment.”
“Find out where she went.”
Seth hung up and grabbed his coat and keys, leaving the company in a swift
motion.
Charlie sent Seth the location he’d uncovered within ten minutes and hurried
over himself. The address was a high-class restaurant, a setting that seemed to
match Ms. Cicely’s dining style. Yet, the idea of her dining alone in such an
atmospheric venue seemed unlikely. It was either that, or perhaps Ms. Cicely,
unpredictable and independent, simply enjoyed the cuisine and chose to savor it
solo – not impossible.
Charlie considered these possibilities, but when he arrived at the restaurant and
caught sight of Ms. Cicely, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Following shortly after, Seth’s typically stoic expression also betrayed a hint of
surprise.
“Mr. Diaz,” Charlie whispered, approaching discreetly, “I didn’t disturb Ms.
Cicely, but I’ve spoken with the owner. As you can see, she’s the pianist here.
For the past month, she’s come in every afternoon. Ms. Cicely has been working
here. She took an advance on her pay yesterday, and she’s still obligated to
work for another month.”
It was astonishing – a daughter of the affluent Ellis family, who lacked for
nothing, especially not money, working a job like this. If word got out, people
would think Charlie had lost his mind.
Seth watched the woman behind the piano, playing with practiced grace. Even
with half her face masked, he recognized her instantly. No other woman
possessed even a fraction of her innate elegance and pride.
Ballade pour Adeline… A beautiful love story that, according to legend, moved
the god of love.
glanced down at his watch, the hands
rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy with various tasks, naturally aware
lacked nothing, would
she probably wanted to give
no clue
that a woman who always seemed
stoop to working just to afford a
for Mr. Diaz wasn’t just superficial,
in a corner behind Cicely, out
lingered before turning
him. “Has anyone asked if
Enter title…
Seth’s intense focus on the pianist
yet. Today’s
She won’t have a break until after
Seth frowned slightly.
her meal for after two. All signature dishes
meal she picks is pricey and she’s always
to work for
doesn’t seem
in, she was upfront
inwardly. He might not know if Ms.
she definitely had
as pampered
for something she loved. Yet there she
choosing to sit there.
love for him become more
Cicely’s silhouette, then said indifferently, “Don’t
about her today. Act like we were
but the
he nodded, “Sure
*
patrons had left and Cicely made
young servers came in, chatting and laughing—they
just finished lunch.
grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof
bay. But after an incident where one
a fuss, they
chatting more openly with
emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked
conversation.
this time, landed a
to be a hit. Even
Oh,
us to dinner
head, “Haven’t checked my phone, but she probably
invite me.”
not? You’ve covered her shifts so she
she is. Don’t worry, she’ll
in the mirror, “She
“More than
“Hm.”
the tap, tore off a paper
off her back to
room, she pulled out her phone
and a message
opened Emiliana’s message first. [Hey, I landed a
thrilled. I owe a lot to the help
know you’re busy, so I sent this message. Please
tonight. Here’s the address…]
had actually
faintly but didn’t text back. Instead, she returned
before he picked up. Cicely’s mood was good,
voice light. “You called?”
came
headed out with her bag, “Out
was going to bring you lunch,
you told me you’d arrange
you
thought I was
did
approached her table, where a server was setting
foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin,
sauce.”
good. How
“Not bad.”
on
“Does it still hurt?”
“Hm?”
first, but when Seth repeated the question, she got it.
it, I would’ve forgotten. Now it hurts again.”
playful.
home tonight.
“Okay, what
“Around six-thirty.”
“Alright.”
noticeably good mood, her meal suddenly
eating, she
*
the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office when
he come home for dinner. His brow
Charlie to deliver
disappointment learning
didn’t dwell on it.
dinner?” she asked
“No, not yet.”
Since he’s not coming back,
hesitate, the events
Seth, a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to ask
had invited her out, but couldn’t find
if reading his mind, replied with
female colleague. She nailed her audition, and
going to cheer her on. After all, she made a point
sigh of relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s
you
moment before
really liked her forthright
At the Diaz household.
into the living room where Danielle and Patty were deep
conversation.
faded as she saw him, “Why
birthday?”
the outdoors, handed his
and responses brief.
with Cicely last
didn’t reply,
seeing her? You promised me it wouldn’t go
flickered in Seth’s eyes as he
Danielle.
hands clenched
chase. Why did you want
pressed on, “So, your
to you, is
“Are you just realizing that she and I never really
up?”
when are you going to end things with
silent. This was his typical response to
was something Patty couldn’t accept.
best recourse.
concealed irritation and anger in Seth’s eyes,
and I
came to see you last night with a
called you here tonight. I heard you’re investing
and there’s a blockbuster series in the works? Danielle
material and has her eye
hoping you can pull some strings
“You’re
through me?”
lip, “I feel I’m perfect for the
you’d know that the
was involved in every step of the casting process, from
me, which of the actors do you think is unfit? And if
the role, why
Seth’s intensity, Danielle’s voice trembled, “I… I was
by the time
you,” Seth
the film industry, and he
with
objected to his tone, “I may not understand
wants is
favor to me,
the tension palpable in
twinge of fear and softened her tone, “If
the topic of you and Cicely for a while. I won’t
anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately and
me.”
that, Patty reiterated her point, a
was only on
had declined the offer to dine at
Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him
and after freshening up, it wasn’t until 9:30 that he called
time Cicely had accepted an invitation to this kind
gathering.
genuinely thrilled, a change from her usual reluctance to
diner, saving
countryside, with just a little left
the allowance she sent home was fixed, any slack on her part could
for the month. Inviting everyone out
Enter title…
have been a tough decision for her, biting the bullet as she
any means, just a local joint
clean environment, clearly
the cost of such a place was nothing to write
but the drinks were a considerable
glances at her
subtle unease and worry on
with fun, but Cicely put down her glass and stood
leave. Someone spotted her and called out,
she walked straight to the
card to the bartender. “Charge the room
they want to eat or drink, just keep it
help but take a second glance
of him.
“Sure thing.”
A soft call came from behind her; it was Emiliana, who had
about her
to pick up the
and you’ve helped me too many times
just wanted to properly thank you
not talk
my pleasure.
slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly believe Cicely found joy
was merely a way for Cicely to help
every day to earn money
be honest, I’m not short
with my
of realization, “You’re saving to buy a gift
special, aren’t you?”
“How
people
money you
the one you love.”
of people think
again and saw Emiliana
frustration. So, many people thought
you really like someone, that’s when you’d come up with that kind of idea. If
gift, I would treasure
words, Cicely’s furrowed brow and eyes relaxed. “This might be the
I’ll have to work like this, so naturally, he has to treasure it
him
a little lost in thought as she watched Cicely’s
hidden in
truly beautiful. Usually so cool and detached,
much
two headed to the restroom together, and
“Wearing a ring on your ring
like he’s quite possessive, locking
her finger and smiled, “Isn’t
when you’re married normal?”
was caught off guard for
married?”
dried her hands and
surprise, but being
too well
Cicely checked her phone just as Seth called.
was in full swing, and Cicely
not coming back
huh? I’ll head back
me the address.
“Okay.”
gathering early, and Seth’s car was
cast another glance at the
“I thought I was
a decent spot for a
cash.”
into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like her. You’ve
of invitations over the
quite
flatly, “Just being easy on the eyes is enough for you
discomfort and go to that kind of place. If you
I wonder how
think you’re probably the only person in the world
that question.”
silent, neither confirming nor
herself, then said after
not quite sure how far I’d go for you. I guess we only find out
happens.”
think we might
to live a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz
smiled slightly, “Is that
glanced at his hand on the steering wheel, the watch on his
with
his wrist, its colors flickering in the passing lights.
the reasons for changes, besides subjective factors,
influenced by objective factors.
ordinary of desires, while hopeful, may one day become
luxury.
“It is.”
had nothing more to
Seth’s lips gradually faded. “If that’s what
being married to me
or constantly on
really thought about all that,” Cicely said with a bright
the car.
together with you and do a bunch
You know, the life I picture with you is all
creep into the fantasy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have
filled the air as Seth and Cicely made their
before realizing they had
whip up some pasta for
entered their cozy apartment.
know
not teach you anything?” Seth
a knowing look.
learned her lesson
Enter title…
rushed to the hospital
she would soon forget. Pain was something she feared,
places. So,
when out
Cicely made her way to the
find Seth reigniting the stove.
over the perfectly cooked
a boiled egg before handing the
refined over the years, was
every bite, unsure
of perfection or if
for her.
while, Seth stepped out onto the
phone. “Send me the
the last two set designs. We need to stay on schedule
Seth finished his call and came back, Cicely had put down
the half-eaten plate of pasta, he
already?”
“Yeah, I can’t
across from her, pulled the plate toward himself, and started eating
her utensils.
her chin on her hands,
was his simple
not mentioning anything about the Diaz family
agreement between
ask. Not about their secret marriage
and Emiliana, whom Cicely had met that evening,
were husband and wife. Their hidden
between them.
had an inexplicable trust in Emiliana,
called back home by Patty
never went to visit her
blessings from her. She even
Danielle or anyone but her. The
intuition was strong.
didn’t know that they had got the marriage
it on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to the
Did she have
Yes, she did.
front of Patty.
have his reasons. If Patty was another kind of
provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and avoided causing any
peacefully, to stay in their own little world of
two of them, without any third person interfering. Things were
didn’t want to disrupt their harmonious
analyzed
finished the pasta, he gazed at her
should’ve
shook her head, “I’d rather spend every second I can with you
shower.”
crept onto Seth’s lips. “Is that
“Yeah.”
“Good to know.”
that after cleaning up the dishes, he carried
bathroom and then to the bed,
her injuries, Cicely’s
her. She was content
There were moments, in the
if he loved her. But she knew better than to
had, so she suppressed the thought, having played
many times already. She couldn’t imagine
words to her.
*
Seth’s arms. Both of them had the
preferred the
I just stay here all
be better taken care of at the Ellis
father would want you to stay
spend more time with him.”
took his explanation with a grain
you’re injured, if you want, you can stay here for a bit. And in
future, you’re welcome anytime.”
“Okay.”
fingers gently playing
and snuggled closer to him.
let me
silent for a moment before
show did that girl you took a liking to
back into a neutral expression.
with a complicated name
I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t you have
Maybe give her a shot. She
a role amidst such
her audition for the next project. There might be a role
project’s cast is already
know. I wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her in
a smile as he teased her earlobe.
on our second
this me doing you
up with some
guess I owe you
long fingers gently tilted her chin
series of deep, lingering kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s “a while” meant just a few days, but
arrival, and there was no talk
role,
keeping up with her shifts
she’d play a
would treat her to lunch
at midday, Cicely noticed
Cicely had been getting
with hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been
for a while now. Looks like she might be getting the
Enter title…
frowned, confused. “What
heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from
she walked in. She missed a few
complained. Our clientele is pretty particular, and a
repeated complaints? The manager was
been at the same get-together a
look. “I heard that Emiliana’s
snatched by someone else.”
brows knitted together. It was clear to everyone
hopes on
the roles already cast?
a mix of anger and sympathy in their eyes.
the norm. Now, anyone can
some women have sugar daddies backing
in the background
fight
expression darkened. “What’s the name of Emiliana’s production,
her character?”
about it at
named Sue, a clever
a servant,
hands of the villain. It’s
and
Era of Elegance? Sue?
thoughtfully, then
found Emiliana sitting on the
lost
Emiliana quickly
stopping only
her face
by her sudden move, stammered, “Cicely,
“Have you been crying?”
Cicely’s question, Emiliana pursed her lips tightly, barely holding back
tears.
How about I become your
expression froze in surprise.
withdrew her hand and tossed her bag onto a nearby chair.
money, I can get that role for
even
“Don’t want to be with me?
me your ‘fairy godmother’?”
Cicely? What are you
If this role truly
sponsor you.”
in astonishment. “You… no… that’s
possible!”
not possible? You think I
head. “Even if you could, it’s not
to take on too much. I live within my means and I
debt feels terrible, especially
this business, financial
waiting to be pushed out. Are you
a role you worked so hard to
you. Roles aren’t
else. But miss this chance, and it
is a crossroads
like there wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to secure
took was aimed at that turning point. People always
have ambitions, just like her now, getting
filled with tears. “Cicely, I love acting, but
this industry.”
voice broke with emotion, tears streaming down
obviously aiming for the awards next year.
such interference? Cicely, you get what
unless… unless it’s the investors themselves who want
own
worth it.”
Emiliana wasn’t just
investors behind the show.
“Do you know who
a
heard of before. Must
firm.”
narrowed thoughtfully.
Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”
*
had agreed to have dinner
Seth had been cooking dinner. The dishes were
enough for both their
early and headed straight for
and, after a bit
gathered an assortment of
pulled out her phone, scrolled
food. Once everything was
gas stove, crossed her arms, and stood watching over it,
like an eternity, she sidled over to the microwave, slipped
mitts, then finally reached out to
she took two pale-faced steps back, but then,
moved closer and
for the proper order, she dumped in all
followed by the vegetables.
to be stir-fried together; when they went in didn’t
– or
chef; if the food was edible
it a
the door, a smoky
him in the apartment.
and walked in to find three barely recognizable dishes
table, with a soup so clear that only
visible.
towards the kitchen,
behind, “You’re back?”
around, there was Cicely, fresh from a shower,
standing at
went around opening every window in the apartment he
of these days, he was sure, the place would
flames along
am, slaving away to make you dinner, and you’re complaining
you even taste it?”
looked at her, “You
in the towel,
leaned against the
his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the rice was actually fluffy
easy. Just follow the
as the internet says, and it’s
pick up his fork, she couldn’t help but smirk
the table.
bite and his expression
amused,
through the meal, Seth looked up, “Aren’t
on the table,
don’t look appetizing, so they probably
eating and looked at her.
quirked an eyebrow, picking up her fork. “If you’re feeling lonely, I
keep you company.”
paused mid-air, hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your way of
tantrum?”Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm. “Hurt myself just
would that
red marks on her wrist,
prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge
do know your own limits,
her hand, “Is it a
and sat next to her. “It
while ago.”
scars.” Seth gently held her dodging hand and
“This first-aid kit wasn’t this stocked before.
Enter title…
that
standard emergency supplies, most of it was
minor injuries.d2
tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, “Who knows?
kid, and now life’s paying me
could just stay out of trouble,
of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly would that look
to you?”
the uptake, sensed
her eyes, brimming with
too tame compared to my old self, and you take
don’t even notice. I’ve held back
probably not be
head over heels for
flicker crossed Seth’s brow as he finished treating the last
kit. “So tell
glanced at the treated wounds and
quite capable enough.”
“That leaves me.”
bush, Cicely
name of the show you’ve recently invested
Seth’s brow furrowed.
online, and there are a few shows
The one that’s not yet shot
town—Era of Elegance—is
this stuff before. Why
normal to be interested in things related to
always upfront with Seth, never hiding her feelings or
him.
mine.” Seth didn’t deny
the sole investor, C&P
“Yes.”
confirming
sign
“Not yet.”
a mistress on the
coldly, “If there’s something on your mind, just say it.
bush
a few words and you’re this impatient
because I’m
don’t want to make
why I’m being like this, then
and give me an explanation, not to
too long, a
her piece, she stood up, eyed the dishes on
it’s that unpalatable, no need to
you to get sick
pasta or something.”
reached for the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth’s
ice, “Put it down.” His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say I
Cicely released the plate, which clattered back onto the
yourself.”
the table, pursed his lips but released
up a fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re
done. I’ll make you some
be hungry tonight.” Cicely rubbed her wrist
room.
Seth silently finished his meal and
clean up the mess.
like a battlefield. Trash overflowed with broken plates
the floor smeared with footprints, oil,
in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a
call Charlie.
been
I have to go back home
it be all right to give you
“Fine.”
bed scrolling through her
sour mood.
and the tall figure of
“Come eat.”
told you, I’m not
approached and pulled back her covers as
a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, “So my words
to make a point, you think
isn’t really up to me
only make it worse.
I’m hungry, I’ll
would likely irritate Seth further, she
warm, I’ll come
her for a moment, then left the bedroom
mood spoiled by Seth’s dismissive
Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe as he headed
her, he towered over her with a look
“I’m gonna take a shower. I expect you to,
your meal
but as soon as Seth disappeared
slid out from
sparkling, and the dining room was tidied
plate of spaghetti
him just now sounded like an ultimatum and
listened. For now, she chose to believe she had
like it had been sitting out
“expect” probably meant
a new plate, hinting it’d be
seat and picked up a fork, twirling a strand of spaghetti and
Seth’s touch
couldn’t tell if she was just easy to appease or if his way of winning
just that good. Either way, most of her
dissipated.
whole plate
a generous portion each
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2001-2010
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2001-2010
The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 2001-2010 .
In Chapter 2001-2010 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 2001-2010 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 2001-2010 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2001-2010
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2001-2010