The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1970

Cicely felt a twinge in her heart, a sting she couldn't quite place. She blinked a few times, unable to help herself, and held her gaze steady on him. It wasn't that she was trying to decipher any hidden signals in his expression; she simply didn't know what to do next.

She should be saying something assertive, something like, "There are plenty of great guys out there. Dozens would kill to be in your shoes, Seth. I'm not desperate for you." But even as she thought it, such statements felt like self-deception. The so-called 'strong' words would sound unconvincing coming from her lips, and ridiculous to anyone listening. Cicely had no interest in making a fool of herself for others' amusement.

After a long moment, she brushed back her hair and tilted her head slightly, offering Seth a faint smile. "My head's telling me this isn't the time for a scene."

Her fingers intertwined nervously as she paused, her voice growing tense. Realizing she couldn't quite capture the right emotion to express her strength, not weakness, she let her voice turn cold. "I can't stand to look at you right now. Just disappear from my sight."

The sky above them darkened, and a gust of wind whipped through the space between them. Seth watched her quietly for a moment before standing up and widening the gap between them.

Cicely walked past him, her footsteps echoing chaotically on the concrete. Raindrops began to fall, pattering against the car windows—one, two, three.d2

Seth turned to watch her retreating figure grow distant. As the rain grew heavier and the Ellis' family butler ran to Cicely with an umbrella in a fluster, Seth finally climbed back into the driver's seat. He watched through the car window as Cicely entered the villa and disappeared from view before he started the car and drove away.

She would be just fine without anyone. Who could possibly be irreplaceable to her?

*

True to her word, Seth vanished from Cicely's life. She stayed home, not wanting to worry Creighton with her unhappiness, and spent three days in the kitchen, learning to cook.

Everyone knew Cicely was dating Seth, and the servants all assumed her sudden interest in cooking was to impress him, a romantic gesture common among young lovers.

Cicely had never been one for the kitchen, and the staff wouldn't dare let her near the stove, relegating her to picking vegetables, a task that already proved challenging enough. Had it not been for her insistence, they wouldn't have let her touch a knife at all. Then, she spent most of her time dicing carrots, a task the servants assigned under the guise of honing her knife skills.

Danielle seemed to lead a fulfilling life, rarely seen as she was busy with studies, dance, and violin lessons.

Cicely didn't pay much mind to Danielle's whereabouts. Everyone had their own pursuits. Hers was now mastering carrots in the kitchen, while Danielle chose to enrich herself in other ways.

What a coincidence. Cicely had just heard some gossip about Danielle earlier in the afternoon, and then Danielle ended up joining them for dinner. As dinner neared its end, Danielle put down her fork and revealed the reason for her rare presence at the family meal.

"A theater company approached me recently. They're grooming actors for a new play, and I want to pursue acting with them," she stated matter-of-factly, not seeking approval but merely informing them out of courtesy.

Creighton wiped his mouth with a napkin, his expression neutral. "What about your studies?"

"I'll try to balance both."

"What’s the scale of the play? When is it, and how long will it run?"

"It's a national tour—possibly international. Training starts next year, and I'll join the troupe. It could be a month, a year, or a decade."

Creighton looked at her, a faint smile gracing his lips. "So you're setting a course for your future? A lifetime in theater?"

Danielle nodded. "I love the stage. Acting has always been my dream. If I can spend my life doing it, I'll be happy."

"I thought you might join the company, with your shares in the family business."

She offered a thin smile. "Don't worry, I'll make it clear and not cause any trouble."

Creighton looked at her, chuckling softly. "You've always been decisive. I won't dictate your life, just be sure to take care of yourself."

"I know," Danielle replied, her voice devoid of emotion.

Cicely, who had barely touched her food, now listlessly poked at her food. Creighton glanced at her, pursing his lips. "And you, Cicely? What are your plans?"

She lazily looked up. "Go to school, I guess."

"You can't be a student forever."

After a brief pause, Cicely propped her chin on her hand. "Well. I guess I'll join the company."