The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2000

Cicely dangled her legs restlessly. "Seth, I really want to hang out here for a bit."

Kane scratched his temple, "Dude, the place is ours. Let Cicely have her fun."

Cicely arched an eyebrow at him, "Exactly, I'm already here. What's the point if I leave after just two minutes? Might as well not have come at all."

Seth remained unmoved.

"One hour, just one hour," Cicely lowered her demands.

Finally, Seth stopped in his tracks, glanced back at the now-private club, then at Cicely's hopeful eyes, and gently set her down. "Thirty minutes."d2

Cicely frowned. Seth made a move to pick her up again.

"Okay, okay, thirty minutes." Cicely dodged and headed toward the booth.

As Seth watched everyone make way for her, Cicely stood in the center of the booth, pulling off her jacket and handing it to a nearby server.

The people of P City knew that the Ellis family's heiress was a stunner. In her slightly puffy down coat, she was already turning heads, but when she shed the jacket, revealing a vintage burgundy cocktail dress underneath, the crowd was struck anew by her close-up radiance.

The direct impact was far stronger than the distant glimpses they were used to. Her delicate beauty, glowing skin, was even more striking in the slim-fitting velvet dress. The square neckline showcased her exquisite collarbones, leading up to her graceful neck, undoubtedly making her the belle of the ball.

In the eyes of everyone, while acknowledging and marveling at her beauty, there was also a deep-seated belief that a woman should be like her—pampered and spoiled, willful and arrogant, assertive and proud, living by her own rules. All the worst traits of a woman were forgivable in her.

Because she had the capital to back it up.

It was hard for people to take their eyes off her.

Wealthy background, beautiful face, top-notch figure... To win a woman like her was more than a stroke of luck; it was a blessing of several lifetimes.

As for such attention, Cicely seemed accustomed and showed no particular reaction, gracefully sitting down at the booth.

The server brought over new glasses and poured her a drink. Cicely lifted her glass and with a smile told the approaching stern-faced Seth, "Happy Birthday."

Then she raised her glass.

"Take a sip and see what happens." Seth's cold and stern voice suddenly echoed, causing Cicely to pause. She watched Seth across the rim of her cup, his icy gaze carrying a warning and threat.

"I'm just wishing you a happy birthday," she spoke, looking hurt, her tone even more so. She was clearly putting on an act, yet she managed to appear on the verge of tears, making her seem even more distressed.

The crowd's disgruntled glares fell upon Seth, full of reproach.

"It's no longer happy," Seth said dryly, his gaze lingering on her for a few seconds.

Kane couldn't stand it, "She's not a kid anymore. Aren't you being a bit too strict? Besides, having a drink under your watch, what's the harm? Cicely, come on, let's take one."

Cicely glanced at Seth, "Is that okay?" Her demure appearance gave Seth all the respect he could ask for.

"Man, oh man." Kane felt a lump in his stomach.

A wealthy family, stunning beauty, and on top of that, such sweetness, it was enough to make anyone envious. Seth was one lucky bastard.

Her submissive demeanor was rare for Seth, who knew she was just showing him respect in public. So, was he supposed to compromise now?

"If you don't say anything, I'll drink," Cicely said, tilting her glass slightly and taking a delicate sip.

Seth's lips tightened a fraction as he watched her taste the drink.

The liquor was strong. Cicely didn't particularly like it, but finding amusement in Seth's barely contained frustration, she downed two more sips.

Finally, as Seth's face grew darker, Cicely set down her glass. "It's nasty."

Kane suggested, "How about I make you a sweet cocktail?"

Cicely reluctantly nodded in agreement, "Sure." She felt like she was being treated like a minor.

But seeing Seth's expression, well, it was his birthday, and he called the shots.

Right on the half-hour mark, Seth, not saying a word, pulled Cicely, who had indulged in two sweet cocktails, to his side and started to leave.

"Hey." Kane glanced at the time and grimaced with a muttered curse, not bothering to follow them.

Seth found her coat and helped her into it, his handsome face tense as he observed her dazed state.

In the parking lot behind the club, Charlie was already waiting by the car. As Seth led Cicely out, he quickly opened the door for them.

*

In the end, it was the strong liquor that did her in. The moment Seth had pulled her up, Cicely began to understand why he was reluctant to let her drink that particular cocktail.

Her head was spinning. The whole ride was a blur, with Seth moving so fast. Now, sitting in the car with the heat on, she felt even worse. Leaning against Seth, she whimpered, "Seth, my head's spinning."

Charlie started the car, catching a rare glimpse of Seth grinding his teeth in the rearview mirror.

Without a response, Cicely looked up at him, her chin resting on his chest, her face flushed a rosy hue, her beautiful eyes misty. "Seth, my head's spinning. Rub it for me?"

Seth's gaze softened slightly as he looked down at her. "You deserve it."