The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2025

As the year drew to a close, industries buzzed with annual reviews and projections for the coming year. For celebrities like Danielle, it wasn't just about attending award shows and galas; it was also about locking in their schedules for the new year.

Danielle's popularity had surged, and she had been networking with producers and directors at various events.

Offers poured in, including some from major productions. After much deliberation, Danielle secured a lead role in a big-budget historical drama that would be her focus for the upcoming year.

Seth, too, had a fair share of events to attend.

Given that they moved in the same circles, running into each other was pretty normal.

It was the justifiable excuse Cicely had found for Seth in advance as she stood in the hospital hallway, propped up against the wall.d2

When Cicely arrived at the hospital, Charlie was standing guard at the door of the patient's room. From Charlie's expression, Cicely deduced that Seth's injuries weren't too severe.

Her stiff body, which had strained to get there, instantly relaxed a bit as she supported herself with her hands against the corridor wall. She patiently waited for her legs, which had almost given way due to weakness, to slowly regain strength.

Seth had been in a car accident, and Cicely couldn't recall how she had managed to get to the hospital. It was as if she had amnesia, unable to remember how her heart had raced, as if it had stopped beating.

"Ms. Cicely," Charlie began, "Mr. Diaz is okay, just a mild concussion, some cuts, and bruises, and a few scrapes from shattered glass. Nothing too serious. But Miss Danielle, she's still in surgery."

Cicely's hand on the wall twitched slightly, her gaze flitting over the door of the patient's room and settling on Charlie's face as his voice trailed off. "I'm going to see him," she said.

Charlie's face stiffened for a moment, "Mr. Diaz is not in the room right now."

Cicely blinked and nodded, her tone neutral, "Where's Danielle's operating room?"

Charlie forced a smile, "Mr. Diaz asked me to wait here for you."

Two seconds later, Cicely chuckled, "Charlie, there's no need to be so cautious. Danielle is my cousin, after all. I should check on her, whether or not she's in there because of Seth."

Charlie considered this and realized she had a point, but since Mr. Diaz had specifically instructed him to stay with Ms. Cicely, he must have had his reasons.

Sensing Charlie’s hesitance, Cicely just turned to go. She didn't need to wait for Charlie to guide her; if she was determined to find out, there were plenty of ways to do so.

Charlie hurried after her, "Ms. Cicely. I'll take you there." It was something they could have found out from the reception desk. Why hold back information and risk getting on her bad side later?

Before they even reached the operating room, they saw Seth's tall and lean silhouette outside. Even in a hospital gown, he was instantly recognizable.

His head was bandaged, and his face and neck had patches of medical tape. His arms and legs probably did too, hidden under the gown.

He stood motionless in front of the operating room. His expression was characteristically stoic, but as Cicely drew closer, she saw the slight furrow of his brow, a clear sign of his concern.

Upon seeing her, he glanced briefly at Charlie, who immediately lowered his head.

Cicely moved to stand beside him, facing the operating room door, "How long has it been?"

Seth glanced at her overly calm face, his brow creasing slightly before he looked up at the digital display above the operating room door, "Seventy-six minutes."

Cicely tugged at her lip, seventy-six minutes. So precise.

"I see," she replied lightly, "Is it serious?"

"Mhm." Seth kept his gaze on her, seemingly reluctant to discuss Danielle's condition. He then asked, "Anything else you want to know?"

Cicely smiled, turning to him, "You're not a doctor, and neither am I. I wouldn't understand the jargon. I guess neither of us really knows how severe it is. What else should I ask? Or maybe I should be asking something else?"

Her smile remained gentle, her voice soft and slow, devoid of any aggression. It was as if nothing had happened at all. She also didn't seem keen on putting on a show of sisterly concern while Danielle was undergoing a critical surgery. Her demeanor was too realistic and genuine.

Charlie watched from the side, suddenly thinking it might be better to be a bit more pretentious in life. After all, it was two people who had been in the car accident that night.

"Well," Cicely suddenly said as if remembering something, "How did the accident happen in the first place?"

Charlie closed his eyes briefly.

Seth's eyes narrowed slightly, "It was intentional. We're still investigating."

Cicely nodded, "I see," and turned back to the operating room door.

"Cicely," Seth's deep voice lingered on her name.

"Hm?" She turned to him, a puzzled look in her eyes.

"Aren't you going to ask how I'm doing?"

Cicely finally gave him a once-over. Just one glance. Then her soft gaze softened further with a smile, "Charlie told me you weren't seriously hurt."

"He says it's not serious, and you don't ask?"

"I'm not blind." She looked up at the digital clock overhead, "You've been standing out here for eighty minutes and seem fine. Do I really need to ask how serious it is? If you want me to ask, I can. So, how badly are you hurt?"

Charlie's heart skipped a beat. This was it. Mr. Diaz had fallen into his own trap. If he said it was serious, standing outside Ms. Danielle's operating room for so long would seem like an act of profound concern and affection.

Seth stared at Cicely's ever-gentle face and finally said, "Not serious."

Cicely raised an eyebrow and, after standing for a moment, sat down on a nearby chair.

Charlie took a call and left, apparently regarding the car accident investigation.

Twenty minutes later, with no change at the operating room door, Cicely stood up, "I'm tired. If you're not going back to your room, I'll go home. I'll come back to see you tomorrow."

Her relationship with Danielle didn't warrant keeping vigil at the door of her operating room.

It was past 1 a.m.

She hadn't alarmed her father or grandfather with the news of Danielle's accident, not wanting to spook them in the dead of night.

Seth must've been concerned for Patty, hence aside from himself, Cicely, Issac whom she called later, and Danielle's assistant Allie who rushed over, there was no one else.

The mood was somber, but what else could you expect? It was bedtime for most, and energy was a scarce commodity.

Cicely's voice seemed too distinct in the silent corridor. Allie glanced at her, then at Seth, unsure what to say next.

Seth turned to look at Cicely, his eyes red with fatigue.

Seeing this, Cicely offered, "How about I go back to the room with you to rest?"

Seth was silent for a beat, "You can head home first."

Issac's expression turned a shade colder.

Cicely nodded, "Alright, I'll leave then and come back tomorrow."

"Mm."

With that single syllable response, Cicely turned and walked away, her figure disappearing around the corridor's bend while Seth watched until she was out of sight.

Now it was just Seth and Allie in the hallway. Allie, feeling awkward, ventured, "Mr. Diaz, there's no need for us all to be here. You're hurt too. Why don't you get some rest? I'll stay on watch and let you know if anything comes up."