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.
at his watch, the hands moving silently. Beneath the
beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy with
who lacked nothing, would be working
Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably wanted to give
clue what the
that a woman
to others would stoop to working just to
Diaz
behind Cicely,
before turning towards
asked if she’s
Enter title…
recalling Seth’s intense focus on
a smile, “Not yet. Today’s been hectic. She
arrived. She won’t have a break until
Seth frowned slightly.
two. All signature dishes from the
is pricey and
need to work for cash. To
piano doesn’t seem quite
came in, she
He might not know if
had a thing
better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t
something she loved. Yet there she
choosing to sit there.
for him become more important
silhouette, then said indifferently,
today. Act like we were never
didn’t get it, but the authoritative aura around Seth
he
*
the patrons had left and Cicely made her
two young servers came in, chatting and
just finished lunch.
stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof
an incident where one of
dress and she didn’t make a fuss, they realized she
chatting more openly
emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked up
conversation.
landed a part in a huge project.
going to be a hit. Even a small
doing. Oh, hey, did you
treating us to dinner
checked my phone, but she
invite me.”
covered her shifts
grateful she is. Don’t worry,
caught their reflection in the mirror, “She said
nodded, “More
“Hm.”
off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried
no skin off her back to
in the locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw a missed
a message
first. [Hey, I landed a great role
owe a lot to the help I’ve received at
know you’re busy, so I sent this message. Please
tonight. Here’s the address…]
had actually invited
didn’t text back. Instead, she returned Seth’s
a while before he picked up. Cicely’s mood
voice light. “You called?”
came through, “Where
her locker and headed out with her bag, “Out
was going to bring you
you’d arrange lunch,
wanted you to
thought I was sorting
what did
server
gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a
sauce.”
good. How was
“Not bad.”
on
“Does it still hurt?”
“Hm?”
catch on at first, but when Seth repeated the
mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten.
playful.
bring medicine home tonight.
settled into her chair, “Okay,
“Around six-thirty.”
“Alright.”
a noticeably good mood, her meal
she paid and
*
the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office
insisting he come home for dinner. His brow furrowed, but
to deliver
learning Seth wouldn’t
didn’t dwell on it.
dinner?” she
“No, not yet.”
Since he’s not coming
to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging
and Seth, a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted
but
reading his mind, replied with a gentle smile,
it’s a female colleague. She nailed her audition, and
going to cheer her on. After all, she
of relief, then quickly offered, “If
you a
before nodding, “That
grinned; he really liked
At the Diaz household.
room where Danielle and Patty
conversation.
saw him, “Why didn’t you
birthday?”
carrying the chill of the outdoors, handed his
responses brief. “Had a
you with Cicely last
reply, his expression
seeing her? You promised me it
in Seth’s eyes as he looked up, his
Danielle.
hands clenched together, her face
the chase. Why did you
pressed on, “So, your
to you, is that
cold, “Are you just realizing that she and I never
up?”
are you going to end things with
silent. This was his typical response to
knew the truth was something Patty couldn’t
best recourse.
irritation and anger in Seth’s eyes, Patty’s
know you’re sensible, and I trust you won’t
with
which is why I’ve called you here tonight. I heard
series in the works? Danielle
the source material and has
can pull some strings
gaze rested on Danielle, “You’re looking for an easy way
through me?”
“I feel I’m perfect
know that the cast is already set.
step of the casting process, from open
final selection. Tell me, which of the actors do you think is
why didn’t
Danielle’s voice trembled,
time, and by the time
isn’t for you,” Seth said,
his first ace in the film industry, and he
even with the
his tone, “I may not understand all the ins
Danielle wants is a minor one, and
back. Please, as a favor to me, let
icy, the tension palpable
twinge of fear and softened her tone, “If you agree to
off the topic of you and Cicely
anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately
me.”
point, a reminder to Seth that the situation
on hold,
offer to dine at
time he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him
after freshening up, it wasn’t
first time Cicely had accepted an invitation
gathering.
a change from her usual reluctance
saving every penny
with just a little left for
sent home was fixed,
for the month. Inviting everyone
Enter title…
a tough decision for her, biting the bullet
eatery wasn’t upscale by any means, just a local joint known for great
a clean environment, clearly chosen with
the cost of such a place was nothing to
but the drinks were a considerable
Emiliana sneaking glances at her wallet while topping up
look of subtle unease and
fun, but Cicely put
her and called out, asking where she was
nonchalantly. However, she walked
the bartender. “Charge the room 206 tab to this
to eat or drink, just keep it
take a second glance at the black card
of him.
“Sure thing.”
behind her; it was Emiliana,
her
Cicely was about to pick up the tab. “There’s
have enough money, and you’ve helped me too many times
wanted to
not talk about it. I have
it is my pleasure. It makes me
She couldn’t truly believe Cicely found joy
for Cicely to help her
hard every day
faintly, “To be honest, I’m not short of money,
earned with my own hands.
realization, “You’re saving
special, aren’t you?”
paused, “How
of people think that way, right? A
money you earned feels more meaningful
the one you love.”
of
Cicely asked again and saw Emiliana nod, her expression showed
many people thought the same
someone, that’s when you’d come
gift, I would treasure it
her words, Cicely’s furrowed brow and
work like this, so naturally, he
him
lost in thought as she
that couldn’t be hidden in her little proud
so
just how much she cared for
together, and
ring on your ring finger
like he’s quite possessive, locking you
the ring on her finger and smiled, “Isn’t wearing a
when you’re married normal?”
for a moment,
married?”
dried her hands and made a shushing
couldn’t hide her surprise, but being on the fringes
well
the restroom, Cicely checked her phone just as
and Cicely stepped aside to take
you not coming
I’ll head
the address. I’ll come
“Okay.”
Seth’s car was waiting right outside the
Seth cast another
was at the
he meant, “It’s a decent spot for a
cash.”
into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like her. You’ve
fair share of invitations over the years, but I’ve rarely seen you
alright, quite easy on the
flatly, “Just being easy
kind of place. If you
wonder how far you’d
only person in the world who knows
that question.”
neither confirming
seemed to ponder the question herself, then said after
sure how far I’d go for you. I guess we only
happens.”
do you think we might encounter
a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz
smiled slightly, “Is that a
the steering wheel, the watch
changing with the streetlights they
its colors flickering in the passing
the reasons for changes, besides subjective
influenced by objective factors.
desires, while hopeful, may one day become
luxury.
“It is.”
more to
the smile on Seth’s lips gradually faded.
of life do you think being married
or constantly
thought about all that,” Cicely said with a bright
inside the car. “I
I want to live together
the life I picture with you is all rainbows and sunshine.
the fantasy. Otherwise,
the air as Seth and Cicely made their way home. They
various trivial matters before realizing they had arrived at their
I’ll whip up some pasta for you,” Seth
entered their cozy apartment.
“How’d you know I
episode not
a knowing look.
learned
Enter title…
to the hospital
Pain was something she feared, and
least favorite places. So, needless to say, she avoided
out and
Cicely made
later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove.
a hearty sauce over the perfectly cooked
before
delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over
she relished every
or if it
for her.
eat for a while, Seth stepped
“Send
designs. We need to
the time Seth finished his call and
Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta, he asked indifferently,
already?”
nodded, “Yeah, I can’t
the plate toward himself, and started eating
her utensils.
chin on her hands, Cicely asked, “Didn’t you have
his simple
him in silence, not mentioning anything about the Diaz
agreement between them. If Seth
about their secret marriage or anything
and Emiliana, whom Cicely
and wife. Their hidden marriage was another
between them.
in Emiliana, or
home by Patty once
had never went to
received any blessings from her. She even
or anyone but her. The exact reasons were unclear,
intuition was strong.
got the marriage license. As for the wedding
to wear it on his ring
she have any feelings about
Yes, she did.
couldn’t appear in front of Patty. Since
have his reasons. If
provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and avoided causing
with him peacefully, to stay
of them, without any third person interfering.
to disrupt their harmonious
she had never analyzed a situation in such
finished the pasta, he gazed at her and suggested, “Instead
should’ve gone to take
head, “I’d rather spend every second
shower.”
crept onto Seth’s lips. “Is
“Yeah.”
“Good to know.”
after cleaning up the dishes, he
to the bed,
to her injuries, Cicely’s initial resistance
tend to her. She was content with his devotion and
were moments, in the thick of their intimacy,
if he loved her. But she knew better than
suppressed the thought, having played out the scenario in
many times already. She couldn’t imagine Seth ever
words to her.
*
Both of them had the scent of
the
stay here all the time?” she
better taken care of at the Ellis family.
would want you to stay here. You
can spend more time
his explanation with a grain of
want, you can stay here for a bit.
future, you’re welcome anytime.”
“Okay.”
fingers gently playing
snuggled closer to him.
me move
for a moment before changing the subject.
that girl you
smiled subtly before settling back into a
a period drama with a complicated
lately; I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t you
a shot.
a role amidst such
audition for the next project. There
the current project’s cast
you have to
a smile as he teased her earlobe. “Already
on our
this me
you up with some
owe
tilted her chin
a series of deep, lingering kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s
her arrival, and there
acting role, hadn’t
keeping up with her shifts at the
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
hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been with
Looks like she might be getting
Enter title…
confused. “What
shook their heads. “Not sure, but
walked in. She missed a
is pretty particular, and a mistake here
forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was
who had been at the same get-together a few days
look.
snatched by someone else.”
brows knitted together. It was clear to everyone that
hopes on this
already cast? Did some bigwig step
mix of anger and sympathy
abnormal has become the norm.
some women
in the
why not fight
the name of
her character?”
about it at the party –
Emiliana’s character is named Sue, a clever maid close
strategist. Though a servant, her intelligence
a tragic end at the hands of the villain. It’s the
and
Era of Elegance? Sue?
thoughtfully, then headed towards the
the door, she found Emiliana
lost
Emiliana quickly
stopping only
her face
guard by her sudden move, stammered,
“Have you been crying?”
Emiliana pursed her lips
tears.
is still marketable. How
froze
her hand and tossed her bag onto
I can get that role
was even
to be with
me your ‘fairy godmother’?”
Cicely? What are you
loaded. If this role truly hinges
sponsor you.”
paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. “You… no… that’s
possible!”
You think I can’t do
shook her head. “Even if you could, it’s
much. I live within my
feels terrible, especially when
no return. In this
just waiting to be pushed out. Are
of a role you worked so hard to
one’s going to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable –
But miss this chance,
a crossroads in
another Seth. She wanted to secure her place
she took was aimed at that turning point. People
ambitions, just like her now,
“Cicely, I love acting, but I’m starting
this industry.”
voice broke with emotion, tears streaming down her
the awards next year.
get what I’m saying? The
cash, unless… unless it’s the investors themselves who
production’s backers with your own money, it’s
worth it.”
replacing Emiliana wasn’t just anyone; it was
investors behind the show.
asking, “Do you know who the
shook her head. “Not a clue. The promos
never heard of before. Must be a new
firm.”
eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”
*
two had agreed to
few days, Seth had been
enough for both their
early and headed straight for the kitchen. She
scrutinized the contents, and, after a bit of
gathered an
then pulled out her phone, scrolled through a few recipes,
prepping the food. Once everything was
arms, and
what seemed like an eternity, she sidled
then finally reached out to turn on the
flames leapt up, she took two pale-faced steps back, but
and bracing herself, she moved
proper order, she
followed by the vegetables.
all, it was all going to be stir-fried together;
or so
a gourmet chef; if the food was edible and
consider it a
Seth opened the door, a
smells greeted him in the apartment.
his shoes, and walked in to find three
soup so clear that only a few sprigs of parsley
visible.
an eyebrow, he looked towards the kitchen, only to hear a
behind, “You’re back?”
there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in
standing at the dining room
in the apartment he could
these days, he was sure,
along with
away to make you dinner, and
you even taste it?”
her, “You
her hair in
lazily leaned against
his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the rice was actually
Rice was easy. Just follow the smart cooker’s instructions,
says, and it’s a
Cicely watched him pick up his fork, she couldn’t help but smirk from
the table.
a bite and his expression froze momentarily. He managed
watched, amused, but kept
Seth looked up,
at the dishes on the table, her eyes betraying
look appetizing, so they probably
looked at her. “And you
quirked an eyebrow, picking up her fork. “If you’re feeling lonely,
keep you company.”
hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your
and glanced at
that
to the red marks
spots. “Why
know your own limits,
“Is it a crime to want
a first-aid kit, and sat next to her. “It stopped hurting
while ago.”
like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging
first-aid
Enter title…
that
most
minor injuries.d2
a smile, “Who knows? Maybe
now life’s paying me back
you could just stay out of
out of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly,
to you?”
the uptake, sensed something
into her eyes, brimming
think I’ve been way too tame compared to my
or maybe you don’t even notice. I’ve held back and yielded
other woman would probably not be as patient.
I’m head
he finished treating the last
medical kit. “So tell me,
wounds and spoke indifferently, “No one else
quite capable enough.”
“That leaves me.”
bush, Cicely cut
of the show you’ve recently invested
Seth’s brow furrowed.
some digging online, and there
that’s not
town—Era of Elegance—is that
any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it
normal to be interested in things related to you,
with Seth, never hiding her feelings or thoughts
him.
mine.” Seth
sole investor, C&P Entertainment
“Yes.”
confirming
your company sign any
“Not yet.”
a mistress on
coldly, “If there’s something on your mind,
around the bush and make me
“Just a few words and you’re this
speaking my mind, it’s because
want to make things awkward between
if you can’t figure out why I’m being like this, then please
and give me an explanation, not to
long,
up, eyed the dishes on the
it’s that unpalatable,
up to scratch, and I’d hate for you
pasta or something.”
the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth’s
ice, “Put it down.” His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did
plate, which
yourself.”
the oil splattered across the
Picking up a fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re not hungry
make you
rubbed her wrist and walked
room.
leave, Seth silently finished his meal and headed to the
clean up the mess.
a battlefield.
floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered
sink and began to prep for pasta,
call Charlie.
where Cicely’s been today,
I have to go back
be all right to
“Fine.”
in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself from
sour mood.
opened, and the tall figure of
“Come eat.”
told you, I’m
pulled back her covers as if he hadn’t heard
a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, “So
yourself to make a point, you think that’s
it’s meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m
right now. Forcing me will only make it worse.
I’m hungry, I’ll
these words would likely irritate Seth further, she conceded
keep it warm,
watched her for a moment, then
her mood spoiled by Seth’s dismissive
clutching a
her, he towered
I expect you to,
meal once
didn’t respond, but as soon as Seth disappeared into the bathroom,
from
almost sparkling, and the dining room was tidied
of spaghetti sat on
“expect” from him just now sounded like
how she listened. For now, she
didn’t seem like it had been sitting out for half an hour;
probably meant he’d tossed the
plate, hinting it’d
took a seat and picked up a fork, twirling a
Seth’s touch
she was just easy to appease or if
way, most of her
dissipated.
whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her
still serve her 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