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.
down at his watch, the hands moving silently. Beneath
connected to his heart, beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy with
nothing, would
she probably wanted to give him a
clue
a woman who always seemed so nonchalant
to others would stoop to working just to afford a present for
for Mr. Diaz wasn’t just superficial,
behind Cicely, out of her
before turning towards the observant restaurant
asked if she’s had lunch
Enter title…
paused, recalling Seth’s intense focus on the pianist
yet. Today’s been
She won’t have a
Seth frowned slightly.
for after two. All
picks is pricey and she’s
why she’d need to work for cash. To say she
doesn’t seem quite
she was upfront
might not know if Ms. Cicely enjoyed playing
had a thing for Mr.
as pampered
something she loved. Yet there
choosing to sit there.
had her love for him become more important
silhouette, then said indifferently,
about her today. Act like
but the authoritative aura around
he nodded,
*
the patrons had left and Cicely made her way to the restroom.
her hands, two young servers came
just finished lunch.
her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof
them at bay. But after an incident where one
a fuss, they realized she was
chatting more openly with
greeted her cheerfully
conversation.
the jackpot this time, landed a part
a hit. Even a small role is
Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana’s
treating us to dinner
head, “Haven’t checked
invite me.”
shifts so she could audition. She’s
Don’t worry,
their reflection in the mirror, “She
“More
“Hm.”
tore off a
no skin off her
locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw
a message
opened Emiliana’s message first. [Hey, I landed a great role
thrilled. I owe a lot to the help I’ve received at
know you’re busy, so I sent this message. Please
tonight. Here’s the address…]
actually invited
didn’t text back.
for a while before he picked up. Cicely’s
voice light. “You called?”
voice came through,
out with her bag,
bring
me you’d arrange lunch, I
you
thought I was sorting out lunch
did
her table, where a server was setting down her meal.
foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak
sauce.”
How was
“Not bad.”
pause on the
“Does it still hurt?”
“Hm?”
catch on at first, but when Seth
forgotten.
playful.
medicine home tonight. Finish up and rest
chair, “Okay, what time will you be
“Around six-thirty.”
“Alright.”
hung up with a noticeably good mood, her
she paid
*
the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave
home for dinner. His
to deliver
twinge of disappointment learning Seth wouldn’t
didn’t dwell on it.
dinner?” she
“No, not yet.”
on me. Since he’s not
to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging
a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to
her out, but
as if reading his mind, replied
Don’t worry, it’s a female colleague. She
on. After all, she made a point
sigh of relief, then quickly
give you a
a moment before nodding,
really
At the Diaz household.
room where Danielle and Patty were
conversation.
him, “Why didn’t you come home
birthday?”
carrying the chill of the outdoors, handed his coat to the
indifferent and responses brief.
with
didn’t reply, his
You promised me it wouldn’t
Seth’s eyes as he
Danielle.
clenched
chase. Why did you
his attitude, pressed on, “So, your
to you, is
voice was cold, “Are you just realizing
up?”
you going to end things with
was his typical
was something
best recourse.
the barely concealed irritation and anger
“I know you’re sensible, and I
with a request, but you
is why I’ve called you here tonight. I heard you’re investing
and there’s a blockbuster series in the
with the source material and has her eye on a
can pull
“You’re looking for an
through me?”
“I feel I’m perfect for
the news, you’d know that the cast is already set.
was involved in every step of the casting process, from
of the actors do you think is unfit? And
the role, why didn’t you audition in
Seth’s intensity, Danielle’s voice trembled, “I… I was
the time I found out, it
the role isn’t for you,”
series was his first ace in the
not even with the smallest
“I may not understand all the ins
role Danielle wants is a minor one, and she wouldn’t
you back. Please, as a favor to me, let her have
turned icy, the tension palpable
fear and softened her tone, “If you agree
the topic of you and
you’ll handle things appropriately and not
me.”
point, a
only on hold, definitely
to
got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him
up, it wasn’t
Cicely had accepted an invitation to this kind
gathering.
seemed genuinely thrilled, a change from her usual reluctance
a day’s work at the diner, saving every penny she could to
with just a little left for
she sent home was fixed, any slack on her part could
ends meet for the month. Inviting
Enter title…
a tough decision for her, biting the bullet as she
wasn’t upscale by any means, just a local joint known
clean environment, clearly chosen
cost of such a place was
but the drinks
at her wallet while topping up
subtle unease and worry
was alive with fun, but Cicely put down
her and called out, asking
she replied nonchalantly. However, she walked
card to the bartender. “Charge the room 206
they want to eat or drink,
a second glance at the black
of him.
“Sure thing.”
came from behind her; it
her
to pick
you’ve helped me too
to properly thank you
indifferent, “Let’s not talk about
is my
was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly
money. It was merely a way for Cicely to help her save
day
be honest, I’m not short
my own hands.
of realization, “You’re saving to buy a
special, aren’t you?”
paused, “How did you
gently, “Because a lot of people think that way,
or bought with money you
the one you love.”
of people think
saw
So, many people thought the same
like someone, that’s when you’d come
such a gift, I would
brow and eyes relaxed. “This might
life I’ll have to work like this, so naturally, he has to
She had told him not to take it
a little lost in thought as she
hidden in her little
beautiful. Usually so cool and
how much she
together, and as
a ring on your ring finger means
quite possessive, locking you down
at the ring on her finger and smiled, “Isn’t
when you’re married normal?”
caught off guard for
married?”
her hands and made a
surprise, but being
well the value of
her phone just
full swing, and Cicely stepped aside to
you not
huh? I’ll
address.
“Okay.”
gathering early, and Seth’s car was waiting right outside the
in, Seth cast
thought I was at the
what he meant, “It’s a decent
cash.”
mused, “Seems
share of invitations over the years,
alright, quite easy on
rarity,” Seth said flatly, “Just being easy
go to that kind of place. If you really
wonder how far you’d
you’re probably the only person in the world who knows the answer
that question.”
neither confirming
the question herself, then said after
for you. I guess we only find out
happens.”
think we might encounter in the
a peaceful life as Mrs.
smiled slightly, “Is that
his hand on the
light, changing with the streetlights they
colors flickering in
changes, besides
influenced by objective factors.
the most ordinary of desires, while hopeful, may one day
luxury.
“It is.”
more to
gradually faded. “If
being married to me would
meet, or constantly on the
never really thought about all that,” Cicely said with
somber atmosphere inside the car. “I like you, a
mine. I want to live together with
know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows
fantasy. Otherwise,
hesitationIdle chatter filled the air as Seth and Cicely made their way home. They
matters before realizing they
a shower. I’ll whip up some pasta for
entered their cozy apartment.
know I haven’t eaten much
last food poisoning episode not teach you
a knowing look.
had learned her lesson
Enter title…
being rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach ache
Pain was
her least favorite places. So, needless to say,
out
obedient “I see,” Cicely
hour later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove. In
a hearty sauce over the
boiled egg before handing the dish
was delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over
tonight, she relished every
peak of perfection or if it was simply because Seth had made
for her.
for a while, Seth stepped out onto the living room
answer a call on his phone. “Send me the blueprints, and check the
designs. We need to stay on schedule with
and came back, Cicely had
knife. Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta, he asked
already?”
“Yeah, I
across from her, pulled the plate toward himself, and started eating
her utensils.
chin on her hands, Cicely asked, “Didn’t you have
was his
silence, not mentioning anything about the Diaz
unspoken agreement between them. If
about their secret
whom Cicely had met that
and wife. Their hidden marriage was another silent
between them.
an inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or
by Patty once agai, and
her emotions. She had never
married, nor received any blessings from her. She even
anyone but her. The exact reasons were unclear, but
intuition was strong.
had got the marriage license.
it on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to the
alone. Did she have any feelings
Yes, she did.
of Patty. Since
reasons. If Patty was another kind of
provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and
with him peacefully, to
two of them, without any third person
to disrupt
seemed that she had never analyzed
gazed
you should’ve
head, “I’d rather spend every second I can with you than
shower.”
slight smile crept onto Seth’s lips.
“Yeah.”
“Good to know.”
by that, he meant that after cleaning up
to the bathroom and then to the bed, her cheeks flushing a vivid
Seth applied ointment to her injuries, Cicely’s initial resistance faded,
let him tend to her. She was content with his devotion and
in the thick of their intimacy,
her. But
suppressed the thought, having played out
many times already. She couldn’t imagine Seth ever
words to her.
*
of them had
but she preferred the
nice. Can’t I just stay here all the time?” she
be better
to stay here. You
more time with
his explanation with a grain of
injured, if you want, you can stay here for a bit. And in
future, you’re welcome anytime.”
“Okay.”
looked down at her, his fingers gently playing with
took a deep breath and snuggled closer to him. “If I
me
for a moment before changing the subject. “Did you enjoy
girl you took a liking
settling back into a neutral expression. “She
a period drama with a complicated name I can’t
lately; I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t
the works? Maybe give her a shot. She
role amidst such
her audition for the next project. There might be
current project’s
know. I wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her
lips curled into a smile as he teased her earlobe. “Already
else’s interests on our second night
arched an eyebrow playfully, “Consider this me
with some
I owe
long fingers gently tilted her chin upward
always thought that Seth’s “a
had passed since her arrival, and there was no talk of going
her latest acting role, hadn’t been on set recently,
still keeping up with her shifts
play a couple of
in for Cicely. Cicely would
entering the restaurant at midday, Cicely
Cicely had been
hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been
Looks like she might be getting the
Enter title…
confused. “What
their heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from
She missed a few
pretty particular, and
forgiven, but repeated
the same
conversation with a worried look. “I heard that
snatched by someone else.”
It was clear to
her hopes
the roles already cast? Did some bigwig step
glances, a mix of anger and
become the norm. Now, anyone
because some women
Emiliana, even a minor role in the background isn’t safe. With
why not fight for the lead roles?
the name of
her character?”
about it at the
Emiliana’s character is named Sue,
servant, her
at the hands of the
and
Era of Elegance? Sue?
murmured thoughtfully, then
she found Emiliana sitting on the floor,
locker, lost
quickly stood
to her, stopping only inches away. She
examining her face
off guard by her sudden
“Have you been crying?”
pursed her lips
tears.
is still marketable. How about I become
froze in
bag onto a nearby
get that
even more
“Don’t want to be
me your ‘fairy godmother’?”
still stunned. “Ci… Cicely? What are
I’m loaded. If this role truly
sponsor you.”
her eyes widening in
possible!”
possible? You think I
you could, it’s
live within my means and I don’t want to be
in debt feels terrible, especially when it’s
this business,
waiting to be pushed out. Are you really going
role you worked so
no one’s going to pity you. Roles
miss this chance, and it won’t
another me. Each choice is a crossroads in life; ambition
like there wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to secure her
aimed at that turning point. People
have ambitions, just like her now, getting what
“Cicely, I love acting, but
this industry.”
broke with emotion, tears
obviously aiming for the awards next
get what
unless it’s the investors themselves
with your own money,
worth it.”
Emiliana wasn’t just anyone;
investors behind the show.
asking, “Do you know who the investors
a clue. The promos only
never heard of before. Must be a new
firm.”
narrowed thoughtfully. “A
Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”
*
agreed to have
Seth had been
enough for both their
Cicely got home early and headed straight
and,
gathered an assortment of
then pulled out her phone, scrolled through
the food. Once everything was ready, Cicely placed the
arms, and stood watching over
seemed like an eternity, she sidled over to the microwave, slipped
oven mitts, then finally reached out to
took two
and bracing herself, she moved closer and sprinkled in some
regard for the proper order, she dumped in all
followed by the vegetables.
be stir-fried together; when they went in didn’t
or
food was
it a
opened the door, a smoky
greeted him in the
shoes, and walked in to find three barely
table, with a soup so clear that only
visible.
the kitchen, only to hear a voice
behind, “You’re back?”
around, there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in
standing at the dining
in the
these days, he was
in flames along with her culinary
make you dinner, and
you even taste it?”
at her, “You think I
hair in the towel, securing
against
his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the
was easy. Just follow the smart cooker’s
as the internet says, and it’s a
up his fork,
the table.
expression froze momentarily. He managed to
watched, amused, but
meal, Seth
on the table, her
appetizing, so they
looked at her. “And you let me eat
picking up her fork.
keep you company.”
Cicely’s. “Is
tantrum?”Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm.
that get
to the red marks on her wrist, he reached
small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge
do know your own limits,
her hand, “Is it a crime to want to
kit, and sat
while ago.”
like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging
antiseptic from the kit. “This first-aid kit
Enter title…
that
most of it
minor injuries.d2
tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, “Who knows? Maybe
easy as a kid, and now
could just stay out of trouble,
out of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly would
to you?”
the uptake, sensed something off at her laugh.
her
think I’ve been way too tame compared to my old self,
or maybe you don’t even notice. I’ve held back
would probably not be as patient. But what
when I’m head over heels for
he finished treating
tell me, who’s got you
wounds and
quite capable enough.”
“That leaves me.”
keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to
name of the show you’ve
Seth’s brow furrowed.
some digging online, and there are a few shows
air. The one that’s not yet shot but is
of Elegance—is
this stuff before. Why
curious. It’s normal to be interested
with Seth, never hiding her feelings or
him.
Seth didn’t
investor, C&P Entertainment is
“Yes.”
smiled, confirming
company sign
“Not yet.”
mistress on the
at her coldly, “If there’s something on your
the bush and
“Just a few words and you’re
mind, it’s because I’m trying to
want to make things awkward between
I’m
me an explanation, not to mention a
long,
the dishes on the table,
that unpalatable, no need to
up to scratch, and I’d hate for you to get sick
pasta or something.”
the second dish, her wrist was grasped.
as ice, “Put it down.” His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say
plate, which clattered back
yourself.”
the oil splattered across the table, pursed his
up a fork, he resumed eating. “If
make
tonight.” Cicely rubbed her wrist and walked out of the
room.
finished his meal and
clean up the mess.
kitchen looked like a battlefield.
with footprints, oil,
dishes in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a
call Charlie.
Cicely’s been
“Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home tonight
all right
“Fine.”
through her phone, trying
sour mood.
bedroom door opened, and the tall figure of
“Come eat.”
you,
and pulled back her covers as if he hadn’t
set aside her phone,
a
meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m just too
me will only make it worse. I’m
hungry, I’ll find something to
these words would likely irritate Seth further,
keep it warm, I’ll come
moment, then left the bedroom silently. Cicely
her mood spoiled by Seth’s
he towered over her with a look
expect you to, you
your meal once I’m
but as soon as Seth disappeared into the bathroom,
slid out from
sparkling, and the dining
of spaghetti sat on
from him just now sounded like an
For now, she chose
didn’t seem like it had been sitting out for half
meant he’d tossed
a new plate, hinting it’d be best
a fork, twirling a strand of spaghetti
Seth’s touch all
just easy to appease or if
way, most of her pent-up resentment
dissipated.
had never finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her
still serve her a generous
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