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.

the hands moving

his heart, beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy

nothing,

Diaz’s birthday, she probably

had no clue what

woman who always seemed so

to working

fondness for Mr. Diaz wasn’t

Cicely, out of her line of

lingered before turning towards

“Has anyone asked if she’s

Enter title…

Seth’s intense

replied with a smile, “Not yet. Today’s

won’t have a break until after

Seth frowned slightly.

for after two. All signature dishes

she picks is pricey and she’s

fathom why she’d need to work for cash. To say she

piano doesn’t seem

came in, she was upfront

not know if Ms. Cicely enjoyed playing

definitely had a

knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t suffer for

she loved. Yet there she was, clearly not

choosing to sit there.

for him become

at Cicely’s silhouette, then said indifferently, “Don’t

today. Act like we were

didn’t get it, but the authoritative aura around

he

*

the patrons had left and Cicely

servers came in, chatting

just finished lunch.

stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof

an incident where one

and she didn’t make a fuss,

they started chatting

they greeted her

conversation.

the jackpot this time, landed a part in a huge project.

to be a hit. Even a

she’s been doing. Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana’s

treating us to

checked

invite me.”

covered her shifts

she is. Don’t

the mirror, “She said

nodded, “More than

“Hm.”

turned off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried her

it was no skin off

the locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw a

and a message

first. [Hey, I landed a great role in a

I’m thrilled. I owe a lot to

busy, so I

tonight. Here’s the address…]

had actually

smiled faintly but didn’t text back. Instead, she returned

before he picked up. Cicely’s

voice light. “You called?”

came through,

her locker and headed out with

paused, “Charlie was going to bring you lunch, but you weren’t

you told me you’d arrange

you

was

did you

a server was setting down

foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and

sauce.”

good. How was

“Not bad.”

on the

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

didn’t catch on at first, but when

it, I would’ve forgotten. Now

playful.

medicine home tonight. Finish up and

settled into her chair, “Okay, what time

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

up with a noticeably good mood, her meal suddenly more

eating, she

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared

come home for dinner. His

to deliver

learning Seth wouldn’t be back,

didn’t dwell on it.

you had dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

Since he’s not coming back, I’ve got

seemed to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging

taking root. He wanted to ask

out, but couldn’t find

replied with a gentle smile,

female colleague. She nailed her

all, she made a point

relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s any trouble for

you

moment before nodding, “That would be great,

really liked her

At the Diaz household.

where Danielle

conversation.

him, “Why didn’t you

birthday?”

the chill of the outdoors, handed his coat to the

indifferent and responses brief.

with Cicely

reply, his expression

seeing her? You promised me it wouldn’t go any

flickered in Seth’s eyes as he looked up,

Danielle.

her hands clenched

the chase. Why did

attitude, pressed on, “So, your relationship

you, is that

“Are you just realizing that she and I never

up?”

going to

This was his typical

truth was

best recourse.

the barely concealed irritation and anger in Seth’s eyes, Patty’s

sensible, and I trust you won’t break your

you last night with

here tonight. I

series in the works?

source material and

hoping you can pull some

gaze rested on Danielle, “You’re looking for an easy

through me?”

“I feel

you’d been following the news, you’d know that the cast

in every step of the casting process, from open

me, which of the actors do you think is unfit? And if

in the role, why didn’t you audition in the first

with Seth’s intensity, Danielle’s voice trembled, “I…

the time, and by the time I found out, it was

isn’t for you,” Seth

series was his first ace in the film industry, and he couldn’t afford

not even with the smallest

objected to his tone, “I may not understand all the ins

the role Danielle wants is

back. Please, as a favor to me, let her have the

turned icy, the

fear and softened her

I’ll lay off the topic of you and Cicely for a while.

soon. I trust you’ll

me.”

Patty reiterated her point, a

on

offer to dine at the

home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed

freshening up, it wasn’t

probably the first time Cicely had accepted an

gathering.

change from her usual reluctance

at the diner, saving every

in the countryside, with just a

allowance she sent home was fixed, any

for the month. Inviting

Enter title…

for her, biting the bullet as

just a

a clean environment, clearly chosen

cost of such a place was nothing to

but the drinks were

sneaking glances at her

a look of subtle unease

but Cicely put down her

Someone spotted her and called

she walked

the bartender. “Charge

to eat or

but take a second glance at

of him.

“Sure thing.”

behind her; it was Emiliana, who

about her

to pick up

enough money, and you’ve

I just wanted to properly thank you

was indifferent, “Let’s not talk about it. I

spending it is my pleasure. It makes me

was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly believe Cicely

for Cicely to

day

smiled faintly, “To be honest, I’m not short of

with my own

a moment of realization, “You’re saving to buy a

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How

smiled gently, “Because a lot of people think that way, right? A

you

the one you love.”

of

saw Emiliana nod,

many

really like someone, that’s when you’d come up with that kind of idea. If

would

Cicely’s furrowed brow and eyes relaxed. “This might

like this, so naturally, he has to treasure it for

She had told him

a little lost in thought

couldn’t be hidden

beautiful. Usually so cool

just how much she

headed to the restroom together, and as

a ring on

quite possessive, locking you down so

finger and smiled, “Isn’t wearing a wedding

when you’re married normal?”

was caught off guard for a moment, “Married?

married?”

and made a shushing

being

all too well

her phone

in full swing, and Cicely stepped aside to take

you not coming back

huh? I’ll head back

me the address.

“Okay.”

early, and Seth’s

Seth cast another glance

thought I was at

what he meant, “It’s a decent spot

cash.”

merged into traffic, he mused, “Seems

over the

alright, quite easy on

being easy on the eyes is enough for you

discomfort and go to that kind of place. If you really

I wonder how far you’d

think you’re probably the only person in the world who knows the answer

that question.”

was silent, neither

ponder the question herself, then said after

for you. I guess we only find

happens.”

you think we might encounter in

live a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz for

slightly, “Is

glanced at his hand on the steering

light, changing with the

wrist, its colors flickering in the passing lights.

the reasons for changes, besides subjective

influenced by objective factors.

desires, while hopeful, may

luxury.

“It is.”

nothing more

Seth’s lips gradually faded. “If that’s what you’re

you think being married

constantly on the

that,” Cicely said with a bright

the car. “I like you,

mine. I want to live together with you and do a bunch

know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows

into the fantasy. Otherwise,

filled the air as Seth and Cicely made their

matters before realizing they

up some pasta

entered their cozy apartment.

you know I haven’t eaten much

not

a knowing look.

learned

Enter title…

being rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach

she would soon forget. Pain was something she feared, and

So, needless to say, she avoided

when out and

see,” Cicely made her way to

she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove.

poured a hearty sauce over the perfectly

a boiled egg before handing the

Cicely’s palate, refined over the years,

every

perfection or if it was simply because

for her.

for a while, Seth

phone. “Send

set designs. We need to stay on schedule

his call and came

Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta, he

already?”

“Yeah, I can’t

across from her, pulled the plate

her utensils.

her chin on her hands, Cicely asked, “Didn’t you have

his

mentioning anything about

agreement between them. If

Not about their secret marriage or anything else. Only

and Emiliana, whom Cicely had met

wife. Their hidden marriage was another silent

between them.

had an inexplicable trust in Emiliana,

back home by Patty once agai, and

had never went to visit her mother-in-law

any blessings

Danielle or anyone but her. The

intuition was strong.

they had got the marriage

wear it on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to the

she have any feelings about

Yes, she did.

couldn’t appear in front of Patty. Since Seth chose

must have his reasons. If Patty

so she timidly hid

to

of them, without any third person interfering. Things were

want to disrupt their

analyzed a situation in such

Seth finished the pasta, he gazed at her

eat, you should’ve gone

rather spend every second I

shower.”

crept onto Seth’s lips. “Is

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

after cleaning up the dishes, he

the bed, her cheeks flushing

applied ointment to her injuries, Cicely’s

to her. She was

moments, in the thick

if he loved her. But she knew better

the thought, having played out the scenario

She couldn’t imagine Seth ever saying

words to her.

*

of them had the scent of the

but she preferred the scent

just stay here all the time?”

better taken care of at the

would want you to stay here. You still

spend more time with him.”

his explanation with a grain of salt.

injured, if you want, you can stay here for a

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

at her, his fingers gently playing with

to him. “If I say

let me

a moment before

show did that girl you took a

back into a

with a

promoted lately; I’ve seen it all over the

give her a shot.

a role

the next project. There might be a role

the current project’s cast is already

know. I wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her in this

a smile as he teased her

on

this me doing you

up with some

owe you

long fingers gently tilted her chin upward as he leaned in,

a series of deep, lingering kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s “a while” meant

and there

her latest acting role, hadn’t been on set

up with her

she’d play a couple of tunes

for Cicely. Cicely would treat her

entering the restaurant at midday, Cicely noticed

Knowing Cicely had been

approached her with hushed voices: “Cicely,

like she might be getting

Enter title…

confused.

their heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from

in. She missed a few notes while playing,

complained. Our clientele is pretty particular,

is forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was

server, who had been at the same get-together a few days

with a worried look. “I heard that Emiliana’s

snatched by someone else.”

together. It was clear to everyone that Emiliana

hopes on this

already cast? Did some bigwig step

a mix of anger and sympathy in their eyes.

abnormal has become the norm. Now, anyone can act, and

some women have

even a minor role in the background

those people have, why not fight for the lead roles? Just bad

“What’s the name

her character?”

it at the party

Sue, a clever maid close

lead’s strategist. Though a servant, her intelligence is unmatched,

at the hands of the villain. It’s the kind of role that

hearts and leaves them

Era of Elegance? Sue?

thoughtfully, then headed

the door, she found Emiliana

lost

quickly stood

straight up to her, stopping only inches away. She

her

caught off guard by her

“Have you been crying?”

Cicely’s question, Emiliana pursed her lips tightly,

tears.

face is still marketable. How about

froze in surprise.

hand and tossed her bag

I can get that role

even

be

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

was still stunned. “Ci… Cicely? What

I’m loaded. If this role truly hinges on financial backing, I might

sponsor you.”

paused, her eyes widening in

possible!”

not possible? You think I can’t do

you could, it’s not right. I

I live within my

terrible, especially

In this

backing, you’re just waiting to be pushed out. Are you really

role you

going to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable –

someone else. But miss this chance, and

is a crossroads in life; ambition is

wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to

she took was aimed at that

like her

filled with tears. “Cicely, I love acting,

this industry.”

emotion, tears

for the awards next year. How could

Cicely, you get

of cash, unless… unless it’s the investors themselves who want

production’s backers with your own money, it’s not right,

worth it.”

replacing Emiliana

investors behind the show.

“Do you know who

head. “Not a

heard of before. Must be a new

firm.”

narrowed thoughtfully.

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

to have dinner together

few days, Seth had been

enough for

headed straight

and, after a

gathered an

then pulled out her phone, scrolled through a

prepping the food. Once everything was ready, Cicely placed the pan

crossed her arms, and stood watching

seemed like an eternity, she

mitts, then finally reached out to turn on the

flames leapt up, she took two pale-faced

moved closer and sprinkled

the proper order,

followed by the vegetables.

to be stir-fried together;

– or

a gourmet chef; if the food was edible and went

it a

moment Seth opened the door,

smells greeted him

and walked in to find three

with a soup so clear

visible.

an eyebrow, he looked towards the

behind, “You’re back?”

was Cicely, fresh from

hair, standing at the dining

in the

days, he was sure, the place

along

to make you

you even taste it?”

looked at her,

in the towel, securing it

leaned against

down and

Just follow the smart

says, and it’s a

fork, she couldn’t help

the table.

and his expression froze momentarily. He managed to

watched, amused, but

through the meal, Seth looked

the dishes on the table,

“They don’t look appetizing, so they probably don’t taste great

at her. “And

picking up her fork.

keep you company.”

over Cicely’s. “Is

tantrum?”Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm. “Hurt myself just

would that get

the red marks on her wrist, he

hand, examining the small, prominent spots. “Why the

do know your own limits,

a crime

stood up, fetched a first-aid kit, and sat next

while ago.”

held

“This first-aid kit wasn’t this

Enter title…

that is?

most of it

minor injuries.d2

Cicely cracked a smile, “Who knows? Maybe

kid, and now

stay out of trouble, none

out of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly would that

to you?”

usually slow on the uptake, sensed

her eyes, brimming with

I’ve been way too tame compared to my

don’t even notice. I’ve held back and yielded

any other woman would probably not be as patient.

when I’m head over

he finished treating the last burn and

medical kit. “So tell me, who’s

treated wounds and spoke

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

bush, Cicely cut straight to

of the show you’ve recently

Seth’s brow furrowed.

some digging online, and there are

one that’s not yet shot but is

of Elegance—is that

in this stuff before. Why bring

It’s normal to be interested in things

Seth, never hiding

him.

mine.” Seth didn’t deny

as the sole investor, C&P Entertainment is your

“Yes.”

confirming

your company sign

“Not yet.”

a mistress

coldly, “If there’s something on your mind, just

bush and make

a few words

it’s because I’m trying to save you some

want to make things

I’m being like

and give me an explanation, not to mention

long, a day, two, maybe

the dishes on the table, then

it’s that unpalatable,

up to scratch, and I’d hate for you to get sick over it. Make yourself

pasta or something.”

for the second dish, her

it down.” His gaze met hers, frosty,

released the plate, which

yourself.”

at the oil splattered across the table, pursed

up a fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re not hungry now,

done. I’ll make you

Cicely rubbed her wrist and walked out

room.

finished his

clean up the mess.

like a battlefield.

the floor smeared with footprints, oil,

in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a moment

call Charlie.

Cicely’s been today, what’s

hesitated, “Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home tonight for some

would it be all right to give you

“Fine.”

bed scrolling through her phone, trying

sour mood.

the

“Come eat.”

you, I’m

her covers as if

aside her phone, “So my words mean

make a

meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m just too

eat right now. Forcing me will only make it

I’m hungry, I’ll find something

likely irritate Seth further, she conceded

warm,

moment, then

phone, her mood spoiled

Seth returned, clutching a

Pausing before her, he towered over her

shower. I expect you to, you know,

meal once I’m

as soon as Seth disappeared into

slid out from under the

kitchen was almost sparkling, and

steaming plate of spaghetti

“expect” from him just now sounded like an

she listened. For now, she chose to believe she

seem like it had been sitting out

his “expect” probably meant he’d tossed the

a new plate, hinting it’d

seat and picked up a fork,

Seth’s touch

just easy to appease or if his

was just that good. Either way, most of her pent-up

dissipated.

a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew

still serve her a generous portion each

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