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