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 moving

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

nothing,

be for Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably wanted to give

clue

a woman who always seemed

to working just to afford a

fondness for Mr. Diaz wasn’t just

a corner behind Cicely, out of her

lingered before turning

him. “Has anyone asked if she’s had

Enter title…

Seth’s intense focus on the pianist

a smile, “Not yet. Today’s

She won’t have a break until

Seth frowned slightly.

after two. All signature

considering every meal she picks is

need to work for cash.

piano doesn’t

came in, she was

inwardly. He might not know if Ms. Cicely enjoyed playing

had a thing for Mr.

Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t

she loved. Yet there she was,

choosing to sit there.

love for him become more important than

at Cicely’s silhouette, then said

today. Act like we

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

he nodded,

*

left and Cicely made her

two young servers

just finished lunch.

grace undeniable.

But after an incident where one of them

didn’t make a fuss, they realized she was

started chatting

emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked up

conversation.

hit the jackpot this time, landed a part in

going to be a hit. Even a small role is a

Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana’s

us to dinner

shook her head, “Haven’t checked

invite me.”

shifts

Don’t worry, she’ll definitely invite

in the

“More

“Hm.”

off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried her hands. She

off

locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw a

a

message first. [Hey, I

owe a lot to the

busy, so I sent this message. Please

tonight. Here’s the address…]

actually invited

text back.

rang for a while before he picked up. Cicely’s mood was

voice light. “You called?”

voice came through,

headed out with her bag, “Out

bring you lunch,

you’d arrange lunch, I

wanted you to

I was

did you

where a server was

shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak

sauce.”

good. How was

“Not bad.”

pause on the

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

at first, but when Seth repeated

would’ve forgotten. Now it hurts again.”

playful.

bring medicine home tonight. Finish

her chair, “Okay, what time will you be

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

up with a noticeably good mood, her

eating, she

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared

home for dinner. His brow furrowed,

to deliver Cicely’s

felt a twinge of disappointment learning Seth wouldn’t be back, but

didn’t dwell on it.

you had dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

meal’s on me. Since he’s not coming back, I’ve

hesitate, the events from lunchtime

nearly taking root.

but couldn’t find the right

his mind, replied with a gentle smile, “You’re

it’s a female colleague. She nailed her

cheer her on. After all, she

of relief, then quickly offered,

give you

a moment before nodding, “That would be

grinned; he really liked her forthright

At the Diaz household.

where Danielle and Patty were

conversation.

saw him, “Why didn’t you come home

birthday?”

chill of the outdoors, handed his coat to the butler,

brief.

with Cicely

didn’t reply, his

promised me

flickered in Seth’s eyes as he looked

Danielle.

stiffened, her hands clenched

the chase. Why did you want me

his attitude, pressed on, “So, your relationship

to you, is

voice was cold, “Are you just realizing that she and I

up?”

are you going

This was his typical response to

knew the truth was something

best recourse.

and

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

came to see you last night with a request,

which is why I’ve called you here tonight. I heard you’re

a blockbuster series in the works?

and

you can pull some

rested on Danielle, “You’re looking

through me?”

bit her lip, “I feel I’m perfect

know that

of the casting process, from

the actors do

so interested in the role, why didn’t you audition in

voice trembled,

time, and by the time

for you,” Seth

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

even with the smallest supporting

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

the role Danielle wants is a minor one, and

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

the tension

of fear and softened

and Cicely for a while. I won’t bring

I trust you’ll handle things

me.”

Patty reiterated her point, a reminder to Seth that the situation

was only on

offer to dine

he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him

and after freshening up, it wasn’t until 9:30 that he called

time Cicely had accepted an invitation to

gathering.

seemed genuinely thrilled, a change from her usual

diner, saving every penny she

countryside, with just a little

the allowance she sent home was fixed, any slack on her part could

the month.

Enter title…

been a tough decision for

just a local joint

a clean environment, clearly chosen

of such a place was nothing to write home about.

drinks

at her wallet while topping

of subtle unease and worry on her

with fun, but Cicely

spotted her and called out,

replied nonchalantly. However, she walked straight to the

“Charge the room

eat or drink, just keep it

couldn’t help but take a second glance at the black card in

of him.

“Sure thing.”

soft call came from behind her; it was Emiliana,

about her

caught the moment Cicely was about to pick up the

and you’ve helped me too

wanted to properly thank

tone was indifferent, “Let’s not talk about

my pleasure.

She couldn’t truly

a way for Cicely to help her

day to earn money

honest, I’m not short of money, but I lack

my own

moment of realization, “You’re saving to buy

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How did you

people

money you earned feels more

the one you love.”

of people think

saw Emiliana nod, her expression

many people

you’d come up

I would treasure

and eyes relaxed.

like this, so naturally, he

him not

lost in thought as she

hidden in her

was truly beautiful. Usually so cool and detached,

just how much she

restroom together,

remarked casually, “Wearing a ring

he’s quite possessive, locking you down so

her finger and

when you’re married normal?”

was caught off guard for a moment, “Married? You’re

married?”

hands and made a

being on the fringes of

all too well the value of keeping

the restroom, Cicely checked her phone

Cicely stepped aside to take the

not coming

I’ll head back

address. I’ll come get

“Okay.”

Seth’s car was waiting

Seth cast another

I was

meant, “It’s a decent spot for a young

cash.”

into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like her. You’ve

of invitations over the years, but I’ve

quite easy on

rarity,” Seth said flatly, “Just being easy on the eyes is enough for

and go to that kind of place.

I wonder how

the only person in the

that question.”

was silent, neither confirming nor

ponder the question herself, then

not quite sure how far I’d go for you. I guess we only find

happens.”

you think we might

to live a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz for

“Is that a

at his hand on the steering wheel, the watch

with

on his wrist, its colors flickering in the passing

reasons for changes, besides

influenced by objective factors.

the most ordinary of desires, while hopeful,

luxury.

“It is.”

nothing more to

Seth’s lips gradually

you think being

meet, or constantly on

about all that,” Cicely said with a

slightly somber atmosphere inside the car. “I like you, a lot.

live together with you and

know, the life I picture with you is all

fantasy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have

chatter filled the air as Seth and

realizing they had

I’ll whip up some pasta for you,”

entered their cozy apartment.

“How’d you know I haven’t eaten

poisoning episode not

a knowing look.

she had learned her lesson

Enter title…

the hospital with a terrible stomach ache

soon forget. Pain was something she

places. So, needless

when out and

obedient “I see,” Cicely made her way to the

an hour later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting

over the

before handing the dish to

was delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over

relished every bite, unsure

or if it was simply because Seth

for her.

a while, Seth stepped out onto

answer a call on his phone. “Send me the

need to stay on schedule

time Seth finished his call and came back, Cicely had

half-eaten plate of pasta,

already?”

“Yeah, I can’t eat

pulled the plate toward himself, and

her utensils.

hands, Cicely asked, “Didn’t

his

silence, not mentioning

between them.

ask. Not about their secret marriage or anything else. Only

Emiliana, whom Cicely had met that evening,

were husband and wife. Their hidden marriage was another

between them.

Cicely had an inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or maybe it

had been called back home by Patty once

She had never

nor received any blessings

Danielle or anyone but her. The exact reasons were

intuition was strong.

they had got the marriage license. As for

to wear it on his ring

he was always alone. Did she

Yes, she did.

couldn’t appear in front of Patty. Since Seth

his reasons. If Patty was

so she timidly hid

just wanted to be with him peacefully, to stay in their

third person interfering. Things were fine as

to disrupt

seemed that she had never analyzed a

Seth finished the pasta, he gazed

should’ve gone to take

“I’d rather spend every second

shower.”

slight smile crept onto Seth’s lips.

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

he meant that after cleaning up the dishes,

then to the bed,

to her injuries, Cicely’s initial resistance faded,

to her. She was content with

were moments, in the thick of their

he loved her. But she knew better than

suppressed the thought, having played out the scenario in

She couldn’t imagine

words to her.

*

them had

but she preferred the

just stay here all

be better

think your father would want you to stay here.

can spend more time with

took his explanation with a grain of

injured, if you want, you can stay here for

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

her, his fingers gently playing with

snuggled closer to him. “If

let me move

moment before changing

that girl you took

smiled subtly before settling back into a

a complicated name

lately; I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t

works? Maybe give her a shot. She must have some

role amidst

for the next project. There might be

project’s cast is already

have

smile as he

interests on our second night

this me doing you a favor

with

guess I owe you one,

gently tilted her

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

her arrival, and there was no talk

busy with her latest acting role, hadn’t been

keeping up with her shifts

lunch rush, she’d play

in for Cicely. Cicely would

entering the restaurant at

grim. Knowing Cicely had been getting

hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s

now. Looks like

Enter title…

confused.

sure, but Emiliana seemed off

missed a few

pretty

but repeated

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

with a worried look. “I heard

snatched by someone else.”

brows knitted together. It was

all her hopes on this

the roles already cast? Did some bigwig

exchanged glances, a mix of anger

the norm. Now, anyone

some women have sugar

even a minor role in the background isn’t safe. With all

not fight for the lead roles?

“What’s the name of Emiliana’s production,

her character?”

remember? We talked about it at

Emiliana’s character is named Sue, a clever maid

a servant, her intelligence is unmatched,

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

hearts and leaves them

Era of Elegance? Sue?

murmured thoughtfully, then headed towards the dressing

opening the door, she found Emiliana sitting on the

lost

Emiliana quickly stood up. “You’re

straight up to her, stopping only inches away. She

her face

by her sudden

“Have you been crying?”

question, Emiliana pursed her lips tightly,

tears.

face is still marketable. How about I become your

expression froze

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

I can get

even more

slightly, “Don’t want to be with

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

“Ci… Cicely?

this role truly hinges

sponsor you.”

widening in

possible!”

think I

you could, it’s not

I live within

debt feels terrible, especially when it’s

no return. In this business, financial intervention is

you’re just waiting to be pushed

of a role you

one’s going to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable

else. But miss this chance, and it

Each choice is a crossroads in life; ambition is

Seth. She wanted

aimed at that turning

just like her now, getting

“Cicely, I love acting, but

this industry.”

emotion,

production was obviously aiming for the

interference? Cicely, you get

it’s the investors themselves who

your own money, it’s not right, and I’m

worth it.”

Emiliana wasn’t

investors behind the show.

“Do you

her head. “Not a clue. The promos only

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

firm.”

thoughtfully. “A new

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

two had agreed to have dinner together

the past few days, Seth had been cooking dinner. The dishes

enough for

and headed straight for

the fridge, scrutinized the contents, and, after a bit

gathered an assortment of

then pulled out her phone, scrolled

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

her arms, and stood watching over it,

an eternity, she sidled over to the

reached out to turn

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

moved closer

the proper order, she

followed by the vegetables.

all, it was all going to be stir-fried together; when

or so Cicely

wasn’t a gourmet chef; if the food was

consider it a resounding

moment Seth opened the door, a smoky haze and

greeted him

walked in to find three barely recognizable

clear

visible.

towards the kitchen,

behind, “You’re back?”

Cicely, fresh from

hair, standing at the dining

every window in the apartment he could

of these days,

along

to make you dinner, and you’re

you even taste it?”

at her, “You

in the towel, securing it

leaned against the table,

his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the rice was actually

easy. Just follow the smart cooker’s instructions, measure

as the internet says, and it’s a

pick up his fork, she couldn’t help but smirk from

the table.

took a bite and his expression froze momentarily. He managed to

Cicely watched, amused,

Seth

the dishes on the table, her

so

looked at her. “And

up her fork. “If you’re feeling lonely,

keep you company.”

mid-air, hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your

tantrum?”Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at

that get

gaze followed to the red marks on

examining the small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge

do know your own limits,

hand, “Is it a

stood up, fetched a first-aid kit, and sat next to her. “It stopped

while ago.”

Seth gently held her dodging

from the kit. “This first-aid kit

Enter title…

that is?

from the standard emergency supplies, most

minor injuries.d2

care, Cicely cracked a smile,

now

just stay out of trouble, none

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

to you?”

slow on the uptake, sensed

into her eyes,

to my old self, and you

even notice. I’ve held back

any other woman would probably not be as

I’m head over heels

he finished treating the last burn and

tell

glanced at the treated wounds and spoke indifferently, “No one

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

bush, Cicely cut straight to the chase,

name of the show you’ve

Seth’s brow furrowed.

and there are a few shows with massive

they’re all about to air. The one that’s not yet shot but is

of Elegance—is that

shown any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it

It’s normal to be

always upfront with Seth, never hiding her

him.

Seth didn’t deny

as the sole investor, C&P

“Yes.”

confirming

sign any

“Not yet.”

mistress

“If there’s something on your mind, just say it.

around the bush

few words and you’re this

my mind, it’s because I’m trying

don’t want to make

figure out why I’m being

give me an explanation, not to

can’t wait too long, a day,

stood up, eyed the dishes on the table, then dumped

into the trash. “If it’s that unpalatable, no need to force it.

hate for you to get sick over it. Make yourself

pasta or something.”

the second dish, her wrist was grasped.

His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say I

words, Cicely released the plate,

yourself.”

at the oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips but

fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re

make you

rubbed her wrist and walked out of

room.

Seth silently finished his meal and headed to the

clean up the mess.

kitchen looked like a battlefield. Trash

with footprints, oil,

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

call Charlie.

Cicely’s been today,

to go back home

all right to give you the results

“Fine.”

scrolling through her phone, trying to

sour mood.

bedroom door opened, and the tall figure

“Come eat.”

you, I’m not

pulled back her covers as

aside her phone, “So my

make a point,

really up to me to decide.

only

I’m hungry, I’ll find

would likely irritate

it warm,

a moment, then left the bedroom silently.

mood spoiled by

hour later, Seth returned, clutching a

he towered over her with a look

gonna take a shower. I expect you

your meal

soon as Seth disappeared into the

slid out from under the

kitchen was almost sparkling, and the dining

A steaming plate of

sounded

she chose to

been sitting out

meant he’d

up a new plate, hinting

took a seat and picked up a fork, twirling a strand

had Seth’s

to appease or if

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

dissipated.

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

serve her a

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