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 silently. Beneath

erratic rhythmCharlie followed

who lacked nothing, would

must be for Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably

no clue

hadn’t expected that a woman who

others would stoop to working just to

fondness for Mr. Diaz

in a corner behind Cicely, out

turning towards

asked if she’s

Enter title…

manager paused, recalling Seth’s intense focus on the pianist

smile, “Not yet. Today’s

she arrived. She won’t

Seth frowned slightly.

for after two. All signature dishes

is

fathom why she’d need to work for cash. To say

piano doesn’t seem quite

she was upfront about the

He might not know if Ms. Cicely

she definitely had a thing

knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t

there she was, clearly

choosing to sit there.

her love for him become more important than her

silhouette, then said indifferently, “Don’t

her today. Act like

didn’t get it, but the authoritative aura

so he

*

patrons had left and Cicely

her hands, two young servers came in, chatting and

just finished lunch.

was stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof

after an incident where one of them

she didn’t make a fuss, they realized

started chatting more

her emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and

conversation.

landed a part in

be a hit. Even a small role is a huge step

she’s been doing. Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana’s

us to dinner

head, “Haven’t checked

invite me.”

shifts so

she is. Don’t worry, she’ll

in the mirror, “She said she’s

nodded, “More

“Hm.”

tore off a paper towel,

skin off her back to

out her phone and

and a message from

[Hey, I landed a

thrilled. I owe a lot to the

know you’re busy, so I sent this message. Please

tonight. Here’s the address…]

actually

faintly but didn’t text

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

voice light. “You called?”

came through, “Where are

locker and headed out with her bag, “Out for

bring

told me you’d arrange lunch, I wouldn’t

you

thought I was sorting

what did you

a server

with foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak

sauce.”

How was

“Not bad.”

pause on

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

when Seth

hadn’t mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten.

playful.

bring medicine home tonight.

chair, “Okay, what time will you

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

hung up with a noticeably good mood, her

she paid

*

workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office when

dinner. His brow furrowed, but

Charlie to

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

didn’t dwell on it.

dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

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

events

taking

out, but

if reading his mind, replied with a

it’s a female colleague.

her on. After all, she made a point of inviting

relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s any trouble for

you a

for a moment before

really liked her forthright

At the Diaz household.

into the living room where Danielle and Patty were

conversation.

him,

birthday?”

outdoors,

and responses brief. “Had a few

you with Cicely last

didn’t reply, his expression

promised me it

he looked up,

Danielle.

clenched together, her face

chase. Why did

his attitude, pressed on, “So, your relationship

non-consequential to you, is that

cold, “Are you just realizing that she and

up?”

going to end things

his typical response

truth was something Patty couldn’t

best recourse.

and anger in Seth’s eyes,

“I know you’re sensible, and

with a request, but you

you here tonight. I heard you’re investing

series

She’s familiar with the source material and

can pull

“You’re looking for

through me?”

feel I’m perfect for the

news, you’d know that

of

me, which of the actors do

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

voice trembled, “I… I

time, and by the time I found

isn’t for you,” Seth said, rejecting her

ace in the

even with

his tone, “I may not

wants is a minor one, and she

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

expression had turned icy, the tension

fear and softened her tone,

off the topic of you and Cicely for a while. I

you’ll

me.”

her point, a

was only on hold,

offer to dine at the

he got home, Cicely was still

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

was probably the first time Cicely had accepted an invitation

gathering.

a change

diner, saving every penny she

with just a little left for her own

sent home was fixed, any slack on her

ends meet for the month.

Enter title…

been a tough decision for her, biting the bullet

means, just a

a clean environment, clearly chosen

place

the drinks

Emiliana sneaking glances at her wallet

subtle unease and worry

room was alive with fun, but Cicely put down her

spotted her and called out,

replied nonchalantly. However, she walked straight to

her card to the bartender. “Charge the room 206 tab to this

eat or

second glance at the black card in

of him.

“Sure thing.”

call came from behind her; it was Emiliana, who had

her being

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

money, and you’ve

I just wanted to

indifferent, “Let’s not talk about it.

is my pleasure. It makes me

was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t

merely a way for Cicely to help

day to earn

I’m not short of money, but I lack

with my own

of realization, “You’re saving to buy a gift

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How

people think that way, right? A

bought with money you earned feels more meaningful

the one you love.”

of people

and saw Emiliana nod, her expression

So, many people thought the

you’d come up with that kind of idea.

a gift, I would treasure

and eyes relaxed.

to work like this, so

him

a little lost in thought as

be hidden

Usually so cool and detached, this

how much she cared

to the restroom together, and

a ring on your

possessive, locking you down so

her finger and smiled, “Isn’t

when you’re married normal?”

for a moment, “Married?

married?”

hands and

couldn’t hide her surprise, but being on the fringes

all too well the value

restroom, Cicely checked her

and Cicely stepped aside to take

not

home, huh? I’ll head back

the address. I’ll come

“Okay.”

gathering early, and Seth’s car was

Seth cast another glance at the unpretentious

was at the

“It’s a

cash.”

into traffic, he mused,

fair share of invitations over the years, but

she’s alright, quite easy on the

Seth said flatly, “Just being easy on

to that kind

how far you’d

probably the only person in the world who knows

that question.”

silent, neither confirming

ponder the question herself, then

not quite sure how far I’d go for you. I

happens.”

Diaz, what do you think

I’d prefer to live a peaceful life

“Is that a

his hand on the steering wheel, the

of light, changing with the

on his wrist, its colors

reasons for changes, besides subjective factors, were

influenced by objective factors.

desires,

luxury.

“It is.”

had nothing more to ask

lips gradually faded.

being married

or constantly on

thought about all that,” Cicely said with a

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

want to live together with you and do a bunch of

the life I picture with you is all rainbows and sunshine.

bad stuff creep into the fantasy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have

chatter filled the air as Seth and Cicely

various trivial matters before realizing

some pasta for you,” Seth suggested

entered their cozy apartment.

know I

the last food poisoning episode not teach you anything?”

a knowing look.

learned

Enter title…

rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach ache

forget. Pain was something she feared,

least favorite places. So,

out

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

find Seth reigniting the stove. In two

poured a hearty sauce over the

boiled egg before

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

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

of perfection or if it was simply

for her.

Seth stepped out onto

“Send me the blueprints, and

two set designs. We need to stay

time Seth finished his call and came back, Cicely had put

knife. Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta,

already?”

I

her, pulled the plate toward himself, and

her utensils.

hands, Cicely asked,

his

mentioning anything about the Diaz family

unspoken agreement between them. If Seth didn’t

wouldn’t ask. Not about their

family, themselves, and Emiliana, whom Cicely had

wife. Their

between them.

an inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or maybe it was

called back home by Patty once agai, and she just needed

had never went to visit her

any blessings from

her. The exact reasons

intuition was strong.

they had got the marriage license. As for the wedding

ring finger. Whenever

was always alone. Did she have any

Yes, she did.

appear in front of Patty. Since Seth chose to keep it

reasons. If Patty

it, so she timidly hid herself and

peacefully, to stay in their own little world

third person interfering. Things

want to

that she had never analyzed

pasta, he gazed at her and suggested, “Instead

should’ve gone

her head, “I’d rather spend every second I can with

shower.”

smile crept onto Seth’s lips. “Is

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

meant that after cleaning up

the bed,

her injuries, Cicely’s

to her. She was content with his

in

he loved her. But she knew

she suppressed the thought, having played out the scenario

couldn’t imagine

words to her.

*

rolled into Seth’s arms. Both of them had

the scent coming

just stay

place is not convenient. You will be better

you to stay here. You still have two

more time

his explanation with a grain of salt.

you can stay here for a bit. And in

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

his fingers gently playing with her hair. “Not

to him. “If I say I’m not

let me move

before changing

that girl you took

into a neutral expression.

a period drama with a complicated name I

I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t you have

Maybe give her a shot. She must

a role amidst such

her audition for the next project. There might

project’s cast is already

wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her in

a smile as he teased

else’s interests on our

eyebrow playfully, “Consider this

you up with

I owe you

tilted her chin upward as

kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s “a while”

passed since her arrival, and there

with her latest acting role, hadn’t been on set

up with

lunch rush, she’d play a couple of tunes on

for Cicely. Cicely would treat her to lunch

the restaurant at midday, Cicely noticed the

had

hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been

Looks like she might

Enter title…

frowned, confused.

“Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off

a

complained. Our clientele is pretty particular,

but repeated complaints?

at the same get-together a few days

look. “I heard

snatched by someone else.”

brows knitted together. It was clear to

hopes on

the roles already cast? Did some

mix of anger

norm. Now, anyone can

it’s because some women have sugar

role in the background isn’t safe. With all

people have, why not fight for the lead roles? Just bad

“What’s the

her character?”

you remember? We talked about it at the party –

named Sue, a clever

lead’s strategist. Though a servant, her

of

hearts and

Era of Elegance? Sue?

then

Emiliana sitting on the floor,

locker, lost

enter, Emiliana quickly

to her, stopping

examining her

by her sudden move, stammered,

“Have you been crying?”

question, Emiliana pursed her lips tightly, barely holding

tears.

is still marketable. How

froze in

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

can get that role for

was even more

to be with

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

“Ci… Cicely? What are you

I’m loaded. If this role truly hinges on financial backing,

sponsor you.”

paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. “You…

possible!”

think I

her head. “Even if you could, it’s not right. I can’t

dare to take on too much. I live within my means

especially when it’s such a large

this

just waiting to be pushed out. Are you really going to

of a role you worked

going to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable

this chance,

is a crossroads in life;

there wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to

she took was aimed at that turning point. People

like her now, getting what

with tears. “Cicely, I love acting, but

this industry.”

broke with emotion, tears streaming down

production was obviously aiming for the awards next year. How could

get what I’m

unless… unless it’s the investors themselves who want this.

with your own money, it’s

worth it.”

person replacing Emiliana wasn’t just anyone; it

investors behind the show.

“Do you

her head. “Not a clue. The promos only

of

firm.”

thoughtfully. “A

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

had agreed to

few days, Seth had been cooking

enough for

home early and headed straight for the kitchen. She

the fridge, scrutinized the contents, and, after

gathered an assortment

scrolled

the food. Once everything was ready, Cicely

gas stove, crossed her arms, and stood watching over

an eternity, she

mitts, then finally reached

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

bracing herself, she moved closer and

regard for the proper order, she

followed by the vegetables.

was all going to be stir-fried together; when they

– or

wasn’t a gourmet chef; if the food was edible and went down the

consider it

door, a smoky haze and an

him in

walked in to find three barely

dining table, with a soup so clear that only

visible.

looked towards the

behind, “You’re back?”

there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in her

at the dining

went around opening every window in the apartment he

One of these days, he was sure, the place would

in flames along with her

away to make you dinner, and

you even taste it?”

looked at her, “You think

to eat?” Cicely wrapped her hair in the towel, securing

against the table, watching

sat down and noticed the rice

follow the smart

as the internet says, and

his fork, she couldn’t

the table.

his expression froze momentarily.

Cicely watched, amused, but

the meal, Seth looked

at the dishes on the table, her eyes

so

her. “And you

eyebrow, picking up her fork. “If you’re

keep you company.”

Cicely’s. “Is

her brow and glanced at her arm. “Hurt myself

that get

the red marks on her wrist, he

small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge to

do know your own limits,

a crime to

kit, and sat next to her.

while ago.”

gently held her dodging hand

“This first-aid kit wasn’t this stocked

Enter title…

that

the standard emergency supplies, most of it

minor injuries.d2

care, Cicely cracked a smile,

as a kid, and now life’s paying me

could just stay out of trouble, none of this

Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly

to you?”

the uptake, sensed something off at her laugh.

her eyes, brimming with

way too tame compared to my old self, and you take it

even notice. I’ve held

any other woman would probably not be as patient. But what can

head

flicker crossed Seth’s brow as he finished treating the last burn and

“So tell me, who’s got you

glanced at the treated wounds and spoke indifferently, “No

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to the

the show you’ve

Seth’s brow furrowed.

and there are a few shows with massive

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

town—Era of Elegance—is that

in this

to be interested in things related to

was always upfront with Seth, never hiding her feelings or

him.

Seth didn’t

the sole investor, C&P Entertainment is your

“Yes.”

confirming her

sign

“Not yet.”

mistress

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

bush and make me

words

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

I don’t want to make things

I’m

soon and give me an explanation, not to mention a

long, a day,

the

trash. “If it’s that unpalatable, no

I’d hate for you to get

pasta or something.”

dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth’s voice was

His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say

released the plate, which clattered back onto the table,

yourself.”

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

up a fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re not hungry now, wait

done. I’ll make you

her wrist and walked out of the

room.

finished his meal

clean up the mess.

a battlefield. Trash overflowed with broken plates

with footprints,

and began to prep for pasta,

call Charlie.

been

I have to go back home tonight for

right

“Fine.”

bed scrolling through her phone,

sour mood.

door opened, and the

“Come eat.”

you, I’m not

as if he

a chill, Cicely set aside her

a point, you think

me to decide. Maybe I’m just

will only make it

I’ll find something to

likely irritate Seth further, she conceded

it warm, I’ll

a moment, then left the bedroom silently.

mood spoiled

returned, clutching a bathrobe as he

he towered over her with a

I expect you to, you know,

meal once

as soon as Seth

slid out from

almost sparkling, and the dining room was

plate of spaghetti sat

just now sounded

she chose to believe

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

meant he’d tossed the old

up a new plate, hinting it’d be

up a fork, twirling a strand of

It had Seth’s touch

if she was just easy to appease or if

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

dissipated.

plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her appetite,

still serve her a

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