The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2033

Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

"Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude you're expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing's happened? I've been doing just that for a long time, but it seems like it hasn't worked."

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

"Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you into some heartless jerk?"

Suddenly, Seth's eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely's eyes, yet she laughed, "A confrontation would mean putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be easier for you? Fine, now that everything's out in the open, can you honestly let Danielle go?"

Seth's lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant and dripping with sarcasm.

"When she's fully recovered," he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, "Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?"

Seth remained silent.

"The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I've always looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting, like watching a fly. I've always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I feel like a joke. A person I've always despised has become my biggest threat. I'm worried that one day this person, whom I've trampled underfoot, will step on my face and laugh at my failure.

"I've thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That's why I've been compromising, praying that I won't be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity is in your hands; what else do you want from me?"

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against her face.

"I haven't been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at me. But don't reach out to other men, Cicely. I don't like that."

"Other men? Oh, I hadn't realized I am still so attractive. Just a second encounter and I've already stolen a heart. You don't like it, so I can't do it. Is that it? It seems you're well aware of how much I like you, that's why you can say such things so easily.

"If you're aware, then there's no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won't give other men a chance. My feelings aren't so cheap, not until I truly believe they're worthless."

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

"Go eat if you haven't. I'm not in the mood for dinner with you."

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually changed by Seth.

She didn't want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet hair, and tonight, she didn't want him drying it for her either.

Seth's gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers with a calm expression.

"I'll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I'll follow up on Danielle's condition until she's healed. I promised her a new show, and that's it. No other promises, nothing else between us. Your worries won't happen," he said, standing by the window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

"You're making a commitment tonight. You'll take care of her until she's better, you'll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?"

"Right."

"Good. I trust you."

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn't satisfied, but couldn't pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

"Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?"

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

"No, I haven't thought about it. You won't," he said with conviction, as if he knew her through and through.

Cicely's eyes flickered, then closed, "I can't imagine it either."

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms' breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe's reflected patterns, his arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn't want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn't slept late the previous night and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. "Ms. Cicely, I'm here to take you to school."

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn't be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys. "There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me."

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames. The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one was a solo shot of Cicely.