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 hands moving silently. Beneath the band,
rhythmCharlie followed
who lacked nothing,
Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably wanted to give him
clue what
hadn’t expected that a woman who
to others would stoop to working just to
Mr. Diaz wasn’t
in a corner behind Cicely, out
before turning towards the
him. “Has anyone asked if she’s had lunch
Enter title…
recalling Seth’s intense
smile, “Not yet. Today’s been hectic.
as she arrived. She won’t have a break until after
Seth frowned slightly.
meal for after two. All
she picks is pricey
need to work for cash. To say she
piano doesn’t seem quite
first came in, she was upfront
might not know if Ms. Cicely
but she definitely had a thing
knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely
there she
choosing to sit there.
had her love for him become more important
silhouette, then
asked about her today. Act like we were
but the authoritative
he nodded,
*
left and Cicely made her way
young servers came in, chatting
just finished lunch.
her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof demeanor
at bay. But after an incident
dress and she didn’t make a fuss,
they started chatting
emerge, they greeted her
conversation.
this time, landed a part in a huge project.
says it’s going to be a hit. Even a small role is a huge step
work she’s been doing. Oh,
treating us to
her head, “Haven’t checked my phone, but
invite me.”
not? You’ve covered her shifts so she could
Don’t worry, she’ll
in the mirror, “She
nodded, “More than
“Hm.”
turned off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried her hands. She
off her back to swap
pulled out
and a
Emiliana’s message first. [Hey, I landed a
I owe a lot to the
know you’re busy, so I sent
tonight. Here’s the address…]
actually
smiled faintly but didn’t text back. Instead,
he picked up.
voice light. “You called?”
calm voice came
out with her bag, “Out for
bring you lunch, but
me you’d arrange lunch, I wouldn’t have
you to
thought I was
did
a server was setting down her meal.
cheese gratin,
sauce.”
good. How
“Not bad.”
pause on the
“Does it still hurt?”
“Hm?”
when
it, I would’ve forgotten. Now it hurts again.” Her
playful.
medicine home tonight.
into her chair, “Okay, what time will you be
“Around six-thirty.”
“Alright.”
hung up with a noticeably good mood, her meal
eating, she
*
the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office
for dinner. His brow furrowed, but
to deliver Cicely’s
learning Seth
didn’t dwell on it.
you had dinner?”
“No, not yet.”
on me. Since he’s not coming back, I’ve got plans
seemed to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still
misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to ask
out, but couldn’t find the
as if reading his mind, replied with a gentle smile, “You’re
worry, it’s a female colleague. She nailed her audition,
to cheer her on. After all, she made a point of
relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s any trouble for you,
give you
moment before nodding, “That
grinned; he really liked
At the Diaz household.
strode into the living room where Danielle
conversation.
him, “Why didn’t you come home
birthday?”
chill of the outdoors,
and responses brief. “Had
with Cicely
didn’t reply, his expression
You promised me it wouldn’t go
flickered in Seth’s eyes as he looked up,
Danielle.
hands clenched together,
the chase. Why did you want me
by his attitude, pressed on, “So,
non-consequential to you, is that
“Are you just realizing that she and
up?”
going to
his typical response to Patty.
was something Patty
best recourse.
irritation and anger in Seth’s eyes, Patty’s
“I know you’re sensible, and I
with a request, but you didn’t give
here
a blockbuster series in the works?
source material and has her eye on
can pull some strings for
rested on Danielle, “You’re looking for an easy way
through me?”
bit her lip, “I feel
you’d been following the news, you’d know that the cast is
was involved in every step of the casting process,
actors do you think is
so interested in the role, why didn’t you audition in the
voice trembled,
at the time, and by the time I
you,” Seth said, rejecting
ace in the film industry, and he couldn’t afford
not even with the smallest supporting
“I may
the role Danielle wants is a minor one,
as a favor to me, let her
turned icy, the
twinge of fear and softened her
you and Cicely for a while. I won’t
anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately and
me.”
reiterated her point, a reminder to Seth that the situation
on hold, definitely
the offer to dine at the
time he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie
after freshening up, it wasn’t until
Cicely had accepted
gathering.
genuinely thrilled, a change from her
a day’s work at the diner, saving every penny she could to
in the countryside, with just a little left for her own
home was fixed, any slack on her part could
ends meet for the month.
Enter title…
for
just a local joint known for
environment,
place was nothing to write home
plentiful, but the drinks were a considerable
glances at
a look of subtle unease and
with fun, but Cicely put down her
her and called out, asking where she was
she replied nonchalantly. However, she walked straight to the
card to the bartender. “Charge the room 206
to eat or drink,
take a second glance at the
of him.
“Sure thing.”
soft call came from behind her; it was Emiliana, who had
about her
the moment Cicely was about to pick up the tab. “There’s
and you’ve helped
just wanted to properly thank you
“Let’s not
and spending it is my pleasure. It makes me
was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly
It was merely a way for Cicely to help her save
work hard every day to earn
“To be honest, I’m not short of
my
a moment of realization, “You’re saving to buy a gift for
special, aren’t you?”
paused, “How did
“Because a lot of people think that way, right?
or bought with money you earned feels more
the one you love.”
of people
asked again and saw Emiliana
of frustration. So, many people thought the same
you’d come
I would treasure it
and eyes relaxed. “This
like this, so naturally, he has
told him
little lost in thought as she watched Cicely’s
hidden in
beautiful. Usually so cool and
just how much she cared for
headed to the restroom together, and
remarked casually, “Wearing a ring on your
he’s quite possessive, locking you down
the ring on her finger and
when you’re married normal?”
off guard for
married?”
dried her hands and
her surprise, but being on the
too well the value of
restroom, Cicely checked her phone just as Seth
and Cicely stepped
not
home, huh? I’ll head back
me the address. I’ll come
“Okay.”
Seth’s car
cast another glance at the unpretentious
was
“It’s a decent spot
cash.”
Seth merged into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like
share of invitations over the years, but I’ve rarely seen
she’s alright, quite easy
flatly, “Just being easy on
and go to that kind of place. If you really
wonder how far you’d
only person in the world who knows the
that question.”
silent, neither
seemed to ponder the question herself,
quite sure how far I’d go for you. I guess we
happens.”
Diaz, what do you think we might encounter in
to live a peaceful
smiled slightly, “Is that a
at his hand on the steering wheel,
with the streetlights they
his wrist, its colors flickering in the passing lights.
changes, besides subjective factors,
influenced by objective factors.
ordinary of desires, while
luxury.
“It is.”
had nothing more to
the smile on Seth’s lips gradually
being married to me would
or constantly
never really thought about all that,” Cicely said with a
the car. “I like you, a lot.
live together with you and do a bunch of
You know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows
the fantasy. Otherwise,
filled the air as Seth and
before realizing they
whip up some pasta for you,”
entered their cozy apartment.
know I haven’t eaten
poisoning episode not teach you anything?” Seth
a knowing look.
had learned her
Enter title…
being rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach ache
would soon forget. Pain
favorite places. So, needless to say, she
out and
obedient “I see,” Cicely made
an hour later, she emerged to find
hearty sauce over the perfectly
a boiled egg before handing the dish
refined over
But tonight, she relished every bite, unsure whether
peak of perfection or if it was simply because Seth had made
for her.
while, Seth
a call on his phone. “Send me the blueprints, and check
two set designs. We need to stay on schedule
finished his call and
the half-eaten plate of pasta, he asked indifferently,
already?”
“Yeah, I can’t eat
her, pulled the plate toward himself, and started eating
her utensils.
on her hands, Cicely
his simple
silence, not mentioning anything about the
an unspoken agreement between them. If Seth
Not about their secret marriage
whom Cicely had met
and wife. Their hidden marriage
between them.
trust in Emiliana, or maybe
had been called back home by Patty once agai, and she just needed
She had never went to visit her mother-in-law after
received any blessings from her. She even suspected
Danielle or anyone but her. The exact
intuition was strong.
had got the marriage license. As for the
on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to
was always alone. Did she have any
Yes, she did.
Patty. Since Seth
his reasons. If Patty
it, so she timidly hid herself
with him peacefully, to stay in their own little
them, without any third person interfering. Things were
to disrupt their
analyzed a situation in such
the pasta, he gazed at her and
me eat, you should’ve gone to take a
“I’d rather spend every second I can with you than
shower.”
slight smile crept onto Seth’s
“Yeah.”
“Good to know.”
meant that after cleaning up the
the bed,
her injuries, Cicely’s
She was content with his devotion
There were moments, in the thick of
her. But she
thought, having played out the scenario in
many times already. She couldn’t
words to her.
*
them
preferred the scent coming from
stay here all the time?” she
is not convenient. You will be better taken
you to stay here.
spend more time with him.”
his explanation with
injured, if you want, you can stay here for a bit. And
future, you’re welcome anytime.”
“Okay.”
at her, his fingers gently playing
a deep breath and snuggled closer to
me move
before changing the subject. “Did you enjoy
What show did that girl you took a liking to
smiled subtly before settling back into a neutral expression. “She got
period drama with a complicated name I can’t remember.
it all over the internet. Right, don’t
give her a shot. She must
role
her audition for the next project.
the current project’s cast
have
into a smile as he
on our second
arched an eyebrow playfully, “Consider this me doing
you up with
guess I owe you one,
his long fingers gently tilted her chin upward as he
had always thought that
passed since her arrival, and
with her latest acting role, hadn’t been
up with her shifts
she’d play a couple of tunes on
for Cicely. Cicely would treat her to lunch in
the restaurant at midday, Cicely noticed the
Cicely had been
hushed voices:
Looks like she might
Enter title…
frowned, confused. “What
“Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from
she walked in. She missed a few notes
Our clientele is pretty particular, and a
is forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was
had been at the same get-together a
conversation with a worried look. “I heard
snatched by someone else.”
knitted together. It was clear to everyone that
all her hopes on
roles already cast? Did
exchanged glances, a mix of anger and sympathy in their eyes.
the norm.
some women have sugar
minor role in the
not fight for the
“What’s the name
her character?”
you remember? We talked about it at the party – ‘Era of Elegance,’
character is named Sue,
Though a servant, her
hands of
hearts and
Era of Elegance? Sue?
then headed
door, she found Emiliana sitting on the
locker, lost
enter, Emiliana quickly stood up. “You’re
walked straight up to her, stopping only inches away. She
her face
her sudden
“Have you been crying?”
pursed her lips tightly, barely holding back
tears.
still marketable. How about I become your
froze in
her hand and tossed her bag
get that role
even
“Don’t want to be with
me your ‘fairy godmother’?”
“Ci… Cicely? What are you talking
If this role truly hinges on financial backing,
sponsor you.”
paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. “You…
possible!”
possible? You think I can’t
you could, it’s
I live within my means and I don’t want to be
in debt feels terrible, especially when
In this business, financial intervention is
just waiting to be pushed out. Are you really going
a role you worked so hard
going to pity you. Roles
miss this chance, and it
Each choice is a
be another Seth. She wanted to secure
step she took was aimed at that turning
have ambitions, just like her now,
filled with tears. “Cicely, I love acting, but
this industry.”
emotion, tears
aiming for the awards next year.
get what I’m saying?
unless… unless it’s the investors themselves
production’s backers with your own
worth it.”
replacing Emiliana wasn’t just
investors behind the show.
frowned, asking, “Do you know who the
shook her head. “Not a
I’ve never heard of
firm.”
eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”
*
had agreed to have dinner
Seth had been cooking dinner. The dishes were
for both
early and headed
the contents, and, after
an assortment of
phone, scrolled through a few recipes, and
Once everything was
her arms, and stood watching over
she sidled over
finally reached out to turn on the
leapt up, she took
she moved closer
for the proper order, she dumped in all
followed by the vegetables.
all, it was all going to be stir-fried together; when
or so
a gourmet chef; if the food was
consider it a resounding
opened the door, a smoky haze and
cooking smells greeted him
to find three barely
clear that only
visible.
eyebrow, he looked towards the kitchen, only to hear a voice
behind, “You’re back?”
around, there was Cicely, fresh from a
standing at the dining room
went around opening every window in the apartment he could
these days,
along with her
am, slaving away to make you dinner, and
you even taste it?”
looked at her, “You think
going to eat?” Cicely wrapped her hair in the towel,
lazily leaned against the table, watching
sat down and
was easy. Just follow the smart
as the internet says, and it’s
him pick up his fork, she couldn’t
the table.
a bite and his expression froze momentarily.
amused,
Seth
dishes on the table, her
“They don’t look appetizing, so
and looked at her. “And you let me
up her fork. “If you’re
keep you company.”
hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your way
brow and glanced at her
would that get
to the red marks on
hand, examining the small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge
know your
it a crime to want to
a first-aid kit, and sat next to her.
while ago.”
don’t like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging hand
“This first-aid kit wasn’t this stocked
Enter title…
why that is?
the standard emergency supplies, most of it was for
minor injuries.d2
his tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, “Who
kid, and now
you could just stay out of
trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly would that
to you?”
usually slow on the uptake,
into her
compared to my old self, and you take it
maybe you don’t even notice.
probably not be as patient.
I’m head over heels
crossed Seth’s brow as he finished treating the
the medical kit. “So tell
wounds and
quite capable enough.”
“That leaves me.”
keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to the
the show you’ve recently invested
Seth’s brow furrowed.
there are a few shows with massive
that’s not yet shot
of Elegance—is
shown any interest in this
normal to be interested in things related
with Seth, never hiding
him.
Seth didn’t deny
sole investor, C&P Entertainment
“Yes.”
smiled, confirming her
your company sign
“Not yet.”
mistress
at her coldly, “If there’s something on your mind,
around the bush and
“Just a few words and you’re this impatient
mind, it’s because
I don’t want to make things awkward
I’m being
me an explanation, not to mention a
wait too long, a
up, eyed the
into the trash. “If it’s that unpalatable, no need
I’d hate for you to get sick over it.
pasta or something.”
for the second dish, her wrist was
gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say I
Cicely released the plate, which
yourself.”
oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips but
up a fork, he resumed eating. “If
I’ll make you some
her wrist and walked out of the
room.
silently finished his meal
clean up the mess.
kitchen looked like a battlefield. Trash
floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered
in the sink and began to prep for
call Charlie.
Cicely’s been today,
hesitated, “Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home
it be all right to give you
“Fine.”
in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself
sour mood.
bedroom door opened, and the tall figure
“Come eat.”
told you, I’m
back her covers as
aside her phone,
yourself to make a point, you
meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m just
right now. Forcing me will only make it worse. I’m
I’m hungry, I’ll find something
likely irritate Seth further, she conceded
it warm, I’ll come
her for a moment, then
phone, her mood spoiled by Seth’s
later, Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe as he
Pausing before her, he towered over her
a shower. I expect you to, you know, go out
your meal
respond, but as soon as
slid out from
was almost sparkling, and the dining room
steaming plate of spaghetti sat on
now sounded like
she listened. For now, she chose to believe she
been
meant he’d tossed
hinting it’d be best
up a
bite. It had Seth’s touch
couldn’t tell if she was just easy to appease or if his way
that good. Either way, most
dissipated.
had never finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth
a generous
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2001-2010
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2001-2010
The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 2001-2010 .
In Chapter 2001-2010 of the The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride series, The passage describes a conflict between Chloe and Keira. Keira has hurt Chloe, and Lance Olson is caught in the middle. An old lady named Hannah observes the situation, and she wants to meet Chloe due to her good nature. However, there is a potential issue with her grandson's arrival......... Will this Chapter 2001-2010 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 2001-2010 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2001-2010
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2001-2010