The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2027

“No complaints, you’re doing great,” said Seth.

Cicely laughed. “I think I’m doing pretty well, too. But you seem less than thrilled with me, if I’m not mistaken.”

It was only then that the nurse, busy as a beaver tidying up, sensed the undercurrents of discord and made a hasty retreat from the room.

“You're doing a great job. So, since you don't like staying in the hospital, I'll be discharged to continue having you take care of me. What gave you the impression I’m dissatisfied?”

Seth’s tone was as flat as a pancake, devoid of ripples, patiently explaining as if he were the caregiver rather than the one in need of care.

Cicely held his gaze for a moment longer. “Falling ill is as common as rain, and there are things that don’t need to be spelled out by me. Whatever happens, I won’t be pointing fingers. Just focus on healing.”d2

Seth finally furrowed his brow, putting down his fork and looking up at Cicely. “What do you mean by 'whatever happens'?”

Cicely pursed her lips. “Nothing. Just saying.”

Seth didn’t buy her nonchalance, but he knew pressing for a real answer would be like getting blood from a stone.

“Charlie’s been waiting outside. You don’t look like you’ll be resting any time soon, and he’s probably brought a ton of work for you.”

Cicely stood up, opened the door to let Charlie in, then placed a glass of water by Seth’s side. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Charlie came in with a laptop and a stack of papers, quickly clearing the dinnerware from in front of Seth.

Once out of the room, Cicely shook off the chilly gaze that had clung to her like a second skin.

Charlie also sensed the underlying tension between the two under the calm exterior, but he had no clue. He could only systematically report the situation within the company to Seth.

Cicely stood before Danielle’s door for a long moment before pushing it open.

Danielle, who had finished her lunch not long before, was propped up in bed, eyeing Cicely coldly as she entered.

“What do you want?”

Cicely, “Just checking if you’ve kicked the bucket yet.”

Accustomed to Cicely’s acerbic wit, Danielle simply smirked. “Sorry to disappoint.”

Cicely approached and lifted the blanket off Danielle, who could only express her discontent and anger with her face.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely’s eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of Danielle's bandaged, immobile legs. She withdrew her hand, her gaze flicking over the bandages on Danielle’s hands.

“Indeed, very disappointing.”

Danielle let out a cold laugh but remained silent.

“Since you can’t die, try not to be a burden. It’s quite a feat to hurt others even in your condition.”

Danielle frowned. “What do you mean?”

Something clicked in Cicely’s head as she observed Danielle’s propped-up figure, a sudden epiphany.

With a sarcastic twist of her lips, she said, “After leaving your place, Seth’s got a fresh wound on his arm. People who don't know any better might think you two had a fight.”

Danielle paused, her expression faltering.

With a wound on his arm, he still held her.

A flicker of joy passed over her face, betraying her emotions until the presence of Cicely snapped her back to reality.

As Cicely turned to leave, she didn’t miss the fleeting joy on Danielle’s face—a clear answer to an unasked question.

Determined not to linger in the hospital, Cicely left to seek the comfort of home.

Charlie remained with Seth, their sparse conversation strictly business.

Half an hour after Cicely’s departure, the door stirred. Charlie, ready to relax, froze as he saw the newcomer.

A respectful woman stood at the door. “Good day, sir. I’m your new caregiver, hired by Ms. Cicely. Please let me know if you need anything.”

Charlie sneaked a glance at Seth, whose cold demeanor had turned downright icy.

The caregiver, caught off guard by the chill, looked to Charlie helplessly.

Seth, without comment, asked Charlie about some work-related items, then closed the file and stood up.

Danielle was still in the same position, watching a movie on her tablet.

She looked up with a smile as Seth entered. “Hey, Seth.”

Noticing her rigid posture, Seth approached. “Been sitting all afternoon?”

Danielle nodded.

Seth moved to lift her, but Danielle refused his help.

“I can ask someone else.”

Seth glanced at the maid from the Ellis family. “And who would that be?”

Danielle bit her lip, concerned. “Just be careful about your arm.”

Seth's bent posture came to a halt. He straightened up and lowered his gaze to look at her. "How did you know?"

Danielle hesitated, but still said, "Cicely came by this afternoon."

His dark eyes darkened a bit, but he still carefully helped Danielle lie back on the bed.

“How bad is it?”

“It’s nothing.”

His aloof manner left Danielle at a loss for words.

Cicely didn’t return that night, but she called the caregiver to check in.

Seth, overhearing, asked, “What did she say?”

“Not much, just glad you’re okay. She insisted I be careful with your arm. She’ll come by tomorrow.”

*

Cicely showed up the next day just past noon, finding Seth still in his hospital room.

Cicely's spirit seemed much brighter than the day before—refreshed and brimming with vitality.

She didn't like the hospital, not that there needed to be a reason. No one liked a place like that.

"You got some good rest yesterday," Seth remarked casually.

"Not bad." She placed a food container in front of him. "Brought you some chicken soup. It's really good."

The caretaker stepped forward, raised the bed table, and laid out the food from the containe, which was

light yet hearty.

Seth eyed the lunch before him, his mood cooling despite the lively Cicely before him today.

"What's wrong? Not to your taste?" Cicely asked.

Seth looked at her. "Why is there only one serving?"

Cicely seemed surprised. "Isn't it enough? I prepared it according to your usual portion. It's definitely not less."

"So, you're not eating with me?"