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.

his watch, the hands

heart, beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed

who lacked nothing,

she probably wanted to give him

had no clue what

a woman who always seemed

working

for Mr. Diaz wasn’t just

Cicely, out of

before turning

“Has anyone asked if she’s had lunch

Enter title…

manager paused, recalling Seth’s intense focus

smile, “Not yet. Today’s been

She won’t have a break until after

Seth frowned slightly.

after two.

considering every meal she picks is pricey and

she’d need to

doesn’t

first came in, she

know if

she definitely had a thing for

knew better. Someone as pampered as

she loved. Yet there

choosing to sit there.

had her love for him become more important than her love

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

about her today. Act like

didn’t get it, but the authoritative aura around Seth

he

*

left and Cicely made her way to

hands, two young servers came in, chatting and

just finished lunch.

was stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her

But after an incident

didn’t make a fuss, they realized she was

started chatting more openly with

her cheerfully

conversation.

this time, landed

be a hit. Even a small role is

doing. Oh,

us to

head, “Haven’t checked

invite me.”

not? You’ve covered her shifts so she

grateful she is. Don’t worry, she’ll

reflection in the mirror, “She

“More than

“Hm.”

off a paper

skin off

room, she pulled out her

a

opened Emiliana’s message first. [Hey, I landed a great

a lot to the

busy,

tonight. Here’s the address…]

had actually

smiled faintly but didn’t text back.

before he picked up. Cicely’s

voice light. “You called?”

calm voice came through,

locked her locker and headed out with her bag, “Out for

to bring you lunch, but you

told me you’d arrange

wanted you

thought I was sorting

what did you

approached her table, where a server was setting

gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak with

sauce.”

How was

“Not bad.”

on

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

didn’t catch on at first, but when Seth repeated the

it, I would’ve forgotten. Now it hurts again.” Her

playful.

home tonight. Finish up and

into her chair, “Okay, what time will you be

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

with a noticeably good mood, her meal suddenly

eating, she

*

prepared to leave the office

insisting he come home for dinner. His brow furrowed, but

Charlie to

learning Seth wouldn’t be back, but

didn’t dwell on it.

you had dinner?” she asked

“No, not yet.”

he’s

hesitate, the events from lunchtime

Seth, a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted

invited her out, but couldn’t

mind, replied with

Don’t worry, it’s a female colleague. She nailed her

cheer her on. After all,

a sigh of relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s any trouble

give you a

a moment before nodding, “That would be

really liked

At the Diaz household.

into the living room where Danielle and

conversation.

smile faded as she saw him, “Why didn’t you come

birthday?”

still carrying the chill of the outdoors, handed his

and responses brief. “Had a

with Cicely last

didn’t reply, his

promised me it wouldn’t go any

eyes as he looked up,

Danielle.

hands clenched together,

Why did you want me

his attitude, pressed on, “So, your relationship with Cicely

non-consequential to you,

cold, “Are you just realizing that she and I

up?”

going

silent. This was his typical response to Patty.

was something Patty couldn’t accept.

best recourse.

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

“I know you’re sensible, and I trust you won’t break

to see you last night with a request, but you

I’ve called you here tonight.

a blockbuster series in the

She’s familiar with the source material and has

you can pull some strings for

on Danielle, “You’re

through me?”

feel I’m perfect

the news, you’d know that the cast is

involved in every step of the casting process,

Tell me, which of the actors do you think is

in the role, why didn’t

Danielle’s voice trembled, “I… I was focused

at the time, and by the time I

role isn’t for you,” Seth

his first ace in the film industry, and

even with

“I may not understand all the

is

as a favor to me, let her have the

had turned icy, the tension palpable in the

and softened her tone,

off the topic of you and Cicely for a while. I won’t bring it

anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately

me.”

point, a reminder to

was only on hold,

the offer to dine at the Diaz’s

Cicely was

up, it wasn’t until 9:30

Cicely had accepted

gathering.

change from

diner, saving every penny she could to

with just a little left for

home was fixed, any slack

for the month. Inviting everyone

Enter title…

a tough decision for her, biting the bullet

just a

environment, clearly chosen with

cost of such a place was nothing to

drinks were

glances at her wallet while

look of subtle unease and

alive with fun, but Cicely put down her glass and

called out, asking where

nonchalantly. However, she

her card to the bartender. “Charge the

they want to eat or

but take a second glance at the black card in

of him.

“Sure thing.”

came from behind

about her being

the moment Cicely was about to pick up the tab. “There’s really

you’ve helped me too

I just wanted to

not talk about it.

is my pleasure. It makes

couldn’t truly believe Cicely

money. It was merely a way for Cicely to help her

day

“To be honest, I’m not short of money, but I

earned with my own hands.

moment of realization, “You’re saving to buy

special, aren’t you?”

“How did you

people think

money you

the one you love.”

lot of people think

saw Emiliana nod, her expression showed

So, many people thought the same

come up with that kind

I would treasure it for a

her words, Cicely’s furrowed brow and

work like this, so naturally, he has to treasure

him not to take it

little lost in thought as she watched Cicely’s

that couldn’t be hidden

truly beautiful. Usually so cool and

just how much she cared for

restroom together, and as they

a ring on

like he’s quite possessive, locking

ring on her finger and smiled, “Isn’t wearing a wedding

when you’re married normal?”

caught off guard for a

married?”

dried her hands and made a

surprise, but being on the fringes of

too well the

checked her

and Cicely stepped aside to take

you not coming back

I’ll head back

the address. I’ll come

“Okay.”

early, and Seth’s car was waiting

she buckled herself in, Seth cast another glance at the

was at the

meant, “It’s a decent spot for a

cash.”

traffic, he mused, “Seems you really

the

quite easy

rarity,” Seth said flatly, “Just being easy on

go to that kind of

I wonder how

the only person in the world who knows

that question.”

silent, neither

herself, then said after

for you. I guess we

happens.”

you think we

I’d prefer to live a

smiled slightly, “Is that a

the steering wheel,

glints of light, changing with

wrist, its colors flickering in the passing lights.

reasons for changes, besides subjective factors,

influenced by objective factors.

most ordinary of desires,

luxury.

“It is.”

had nothing more to ask

on Seth’s lips gradually faded. “If that’s what

being married to me would be? Struggling to

or constantly on the

that,” Cicely said with a bright

atmosphere inside the car.

to live together with you and do a bunch

you is all rainbows

into the fantasy.

air as Seth and Cicely made

trivial matters before realizing they had arrived at their

up some pasta for you,” Seth

entered their cozy apartment.

“How’d you know I

poisoning episode not teach

a knowing look.

had learned

Enter title…

being rushed to the

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

her least favorite places. So, needless to

when out

“I see,” Cicely made her way to

hour later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove. In

over

before handing

flavor was delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over the

tonight, she relished every bite, unsure whether Seth’s culinary

or if it was simply

for her.

a while, Seth stepped out onto the living room

call on his phone. “Send me the blueprints,

last two set designs. We need to stay on schedule

call and came back, Cicely had put down

half-eaten plate of

already?”

I can’t

pulled the

her utensils.

chin on her hands, Cicely asked,

his simple

in silence, not mentioning anything about the Diaz family

was an unspoken agreement between them. If Seth didn’t

Not about their secret

family, themselves, and Emiliana, whom Cicely had met that

were husband and wife. Their hidden marriage

between them.

inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or

been called back home by Patty once

had never went

blessings from her. She even suspected

but her. The exact reasons were unclear, but

intuition was strong.

the marriage license. As for

his ring finger.

alone. Did she have

Yes, she did.

in front of Patty. Since

If

provoke it, so she timidly hid herself

him peacefully, to stay in their own little world of

two of them, without any third person

to disrupt

that she had never analyzed

the pasta, he gazed at her and

should’ve gone to take a

head, “I’d rather spend every second I

shower.”

onto Seth’s lips. “Is

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

that after cleaning up the

and then to the bed, her cheeks

her injuries,

her. She was content

in the thick of

her. But she knew better

the thought, having played out the scenario

She couldn’t imagine Seth ever

words to her.

*

Both of them had the scent of

she preferred the

is nice. Can’t I just stay here

be better taken

would want you to stay here. You

more time with him.”

took his explanation with a grain of salt.

you’re injured, if you want, you can stay here

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

looked down at her, his fingers gently

and snuggled closer to him.

let me move

was silent for a moment before

tonight? What show did that girl you

smiled subtly before settling back into a neutral

in a period drama with a complicated name I

it all over the internet.

Maybe give her a shot. She must have

a role

have her audition for the next project. There might be

current project’s

wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her in

as he teased her earlobe.

else’s interests on our

this

you up with some

owe you

her chin

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

passed since her arrival, and there was no talk of

latest acting role,

keeping up with her shifts at

lunch rush, she’d play a couple

in for Cicely. Cicely would treat her

at midday,

unusually grim. Knowing Cicely had been getting along

voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been

a while now. Looks like she might be getting

Enter title…

frowned, confused.

their heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed

She missed a few notes while playing,

complained. Our clientele is pretty particular, and a mistake

forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was

been at the same get-together a few

with a worried look. “I

snatched by someone else.”

was clear to

her hopes on

already cast? Did

servers exchanged glances, a mix of anger and sympathy in their

has become the norm. Now, anyone can act,

terrible, it’s because some women

role in the background isn’t safe. With all

those people have, why not fight for the

“What’s the

her character?”

We talked about it at the

character is named Sue, a

strategist. Though a servant,

the hands of the villain. It’s

hearts and leaves

Era of Elegance? Sue?

then

the door, she found Emiliana sitting on the

lost in

enter, Emiliana quickly stood up.

stopping

her

by her sudden move,

“Have you been crying?”

pursed her

tears.

face is still marketable. How about I

froze

her hand and tossed her bag onto a nearby chair. “If

can get that

was even more

be

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

Cicely? What

If this role truly hinges on financial backing,

sponsor you.”

eyes widening in astonishment.

possible!”

not possible? You think

if you could, it’s

much. I live within my means and

Being in debt feels terrible, especially when it’s such a large

no return. In this business, financial

to be pushed out. Are you

you

to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable –

But miss this chance, and it

a crossroads in life; ambition

there wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to secure

aimed

just like her now, getting what

tears. “Cicely, I love acting, but I’m starting to

this industry.”

emotion, tears

obviously aiming for the awards next

interference? Cicely, you get what

the investors themselves who want

a production’s backers with your own money, it’s not right, and I’m

worth it.”

understood. The person replacing Emiliana

investors behind the show.

frowned, asking, “Do you

head. “Not a clue. The promos only mention

a company I’ve never heard of before. Must be

firm.”

eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “A

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

two had agreed to have dinner

Seth had been cooking dinner. The dishes

enough for both

home early and headed straight for the

and, after a

gathered an assortment

phone, scrolled

food. Once everything was ready, Cicely placed

gas stove, crossed her arms, and stood watching over

what seemed like an eternity, she sidled over to the microwave, slipped

then finally reached

leapt up, she took two pale-faced steps back, but

she moved closer and sprinkled

order, she dumped in all

followed by the vegetables.

to be stir-fried together; when they went

or so

chef; if the food was edible and

it

the door, a smoky haze and an

of cooking smells greeted him in the apartment. He

to

clear that only a few sprigs

visible.

eyebrow, he looked towards the kitchen, only to hear

behind, “You’re back?”

around, there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in

hair, standing at the dining room

every window in the apartment he

kitchen.” One of these days, he was sure, the place would

in flames along with her culinary

I am, slaving away to make you dinner, and

you even taste it?”

at her, “You think I

wrapped her hair in

leaned against the table,

his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed

Just follow the smart cooker’s

as the internet says, and it’s a

watched him pick up his fork,

the table.

his expression froze momentarily. He

watched, amused, but kept

meal, Seth looked up,

glanced at the dishes on the table, her

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

eating and looked at her. “And

picking up her fork.

keep you company.”

Cicely’s. “Is this your

glanced at her arm. “Hurt myself

that

Seth’s gaze followed to the red marks on her wrist, he

hand, examining the small, prominent spots. “Why

do know your

“Is it a

a first-aid kit, and

while ago.”

gently held her dodging hand

“This first-aid kit wasn’t

Enter title…

why that

supplies, most of it was

minor injuries.d2

Cicely cracked a smile, “Who

now life’s paying me back with

just stay out of trouble, none of this would

lightly, “What exactly would

to you?”

the uptake, sensed something off at

into her

I’ve been way too tame compared to my old self, and you take it

even notice. I’ve

other woman would probably not be

I’m head

as he finished treating the last

kit. “So tell me, who’s got you upset

the treated wounds and

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

the bush, Cicely cut straight to the

of the show

Seth’s brow furrowed.

and there are a

they’re all about to air. The one that’s

of Elegance—is that

never shown any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it up

to be interested in things related to you,

never

him.

Seth didn’t

investor, C&P Entertainment is your

“Yes.”

smiled, confirming

sign any new

“Not yet.”

a mistress on

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

the bush and make

words and

speaking my mind, it’s because I’m trying to save you some

to

I’m being like

explanation, not to

can’t wait too long, a day, two, maybe

her piece, she stood up, eyed the dishes on the

unpalatable, no need

and I’d hate for you

pasta or something.”

for the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth’s

met hers, frosty,

released the plate, which clattered

yourself.”

oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips

up a fork, he resumed eating. “If

make you

her wrist

room.

finished his

clean up the mess.

looked like a battlefield. Trash

food, the floor smeared with footprints, oil,

sink and began to prep for pasta, taking

call Charlie.

been

hesitated, “Mr. Diaz, I have to go back

be all right to give you the

“Fine.”

scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself

sour mood.

the

“Come eat.”

told you, I’m

her covers as if he hadn’t

a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, “So my

to make a point, you

me to decide. Maybe I’m

Forcing me will only make

I’ll find something to

irritate Seth further,

it warm,

a moment, then left

her mood spoiled by Seth’s

later, Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe as

Pausing before her, he towered over her with a look

shower. I expect you to, you know,

your meal once

as Seth

from

almost sparkling, and the

of spaghetti

him just now sounded like an ultimatum and a threat

she chose to believe she

spaghetti didn’t seem like it had been sitting out for half an hour; it

his “expect” probably meant he’d tossed

a new plate, hinting it’d be best enjoyed while

seat and picked up a fork, twirling a strand of spaghetti and

bite. It had Seth’s touch all

tell if she was just easy to appease or if his way

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

dissipated.

finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her appetite,

still serve her a generous portion

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