The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

The silence in the room was palpable, punctuated only by the soft dance of dust motes in the slanting sunlight that filtered through the curtains.

After what felt like an eternity, Seth’s chuckle broke the stillness, low and unexpected.

Cicely’s frown creased her smooth forehead.

Sitting up, Seth wrapped an arm around her, his lean, dark eyes heavy upon her. His lips curved in a gentle smile and his fingers caressed her cheek with such tenderness, his voice was disarmingly soft. “You said you still love me.”

Cicely’s lips, pink and full, pressed tightly together, and she remained silent.

Seth smiled, his long fingers hooking her jaw. Cicely’s delicate face and those scarlet lips always had an allure that one couldn’t help but kiss.d2

He didn’t resist; he leaned in and kissed her lightly.

Cicely’s gaze dropped, her eyelashes fluttering uncontrollably.

“You’re right. There’s a debt between us, lives taken that makes being together without remorse impossible. But I want to be with you.”

Cicely closed her eyes. They circled back to where they started.

Seth’s hand, previously caressing her cheek, retracted, and he looked at her with a faint smile. “What if I said I was willing to pay it back?”

Cicely blinked, confused. “Pay back what?”

“Life.”

The single word sent Cicely’s mind reeling.

What life? How could it be repaid? “What are you talking about?” she asked, her voice trembling despite herself.

“Our barrier is two lives. If I could repay them, would you agree to be with me?”

Cicely stood frozen, her complexion paling.

Seth watched her, a smile playing on his lips as he couldn’t help but touch her cheek again. “Speak up, Cicely. Is that it? If I could repay those lives, would you agree to be with me?”

She shook her head, taking a long moment before swatting his hand away. “Are you threatening me? Are you so sure I would never agree to such absurdity that you dare to propose it? Fine, yes. If you could pay it back, I would agree to be with you. So, what now? How will you pay? What will you pay with?”

Cicely was furious. He exploited her feelings for him time and again, certain of any outcome. Did he think as long as she loved him, he could always make her compromise?

Seth’s lips twitched, with a light smile in his dark eyes. “No backing out.” With that, he kissed her again, this time with a relaxed ease that pressed her back into the mattress in a barrage of kisses.

Cicely furrowed her brow. So, what now? His words were just talk.

After showering her in kisses until she was flushed, Seth finally released her, satisfied, and swung his legs off the bed to head into the bathroom.

When he returned, Cicely had already changed into her home clothes. He reached for her hand. “Let’s go have breakfast.”

Cicely glanced at him. “This is my house.”

just smiled and said

when Cicely halted. “Hugo should be up

downstairs. “The kid would starve

they saw Lana cradling Hugo, who clutched a bottle in

dark eyes lit up. “Mommy,

Cicely was speechless.

her downstairs. He walked over to Lana and reached

head. “Nope, I already ate a hot dog

take you out

You’re trying to get rid

to witness our private

Lana’s face darkened.

pulled away from Seth. “What are you

drew her back into his embrace.

suggested he

considerably, even as Cicely ate with an

was two boiled eggs accompanied by a dash of salt and pepper, and a sandwich, fresh and neatly made with vibrant green lettuce and red tomatoes—a

the meal, Cicely set down her utensils and looked at the man opposite her, who

“Full?”

asked, “Do you have something else to say

a word, he stood up, collected the dishes,

squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then followed him into the kitchen. Watching Seth’s bent form as he washed the dishes,

impatient for us to be together than I am.” He placed the last dish

don’t want to keep lingering in this unclear state

“Hmm.”

towel, leaned back against the counter,

had no patience left. “If you

Seth paused. “I do.”

words fell, he moved aside, pulling a paring knife from the knife block

echoed in her mind, the initial confusion turning

you dare to do

“If you’re afraid, then I’ll

a ghost, shook her head, her voice quivering. “No… Seth… don’t

Seth smiled faintly. “But I don’t want to drag this out any longer. Sorry to scare you, but this is something I must do. It seems to be the only way I can think

moment his words faded, he twisted the knife handle with a smirk, and, as casually as pinning a boutonniere to his chest, he plunged the knife into

trembling hands froze midair, her eyes widening to their utmost as the blade, inch by inch, disappeared into his chest. She stood there, stunned, as if her breath had been stolen, and her heart ceased to beat. Her blood had instantly halted its flow, leaving her body rigid and cold, devoid of

hue, as he

not

shake off Danielle, and I decided to turn you in to the authorities. I was the one who put

finally blinked, her breathing

just wanted to be with you. If I die, I lose everything.

his hand braced against his knee, his breathing growing labored. Blood dripped

but with a quiver. “You promised

living room to make a frantic call. Her fingers

sound of sirens filled the air outside. The front door burst open as paramedics

“Kitchen… he’s