The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2045

While waiting for a coder to work his magic on her code, Cicely's phone buzzed with a new message. She checked it to find a text from Emiliana. [Sorry, just finished my scene. The wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it just from the photos, dying to see it in person.]

Emiliana's response touched on every girl's soft spot. Cicely was naturally thrilled that her wedding dress was the envy of another girl. [Come over and see it then,] she texted back.

[Can't tonight, I'm free tomorrow night though. How about then?]

Emiliana's message was followed by a string of emojis.

Cicely raised an eyebrow, [Tomorrow's Friday. Alright, we'll have dinner and then take a look.]

[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2

[Sure. Dismissed.]

[Got it, your Highness.]

Ever since her career took off, Emiliana had become more confident and lively. The two girls had grown more familiar and comfortable with each other.

There were no replies from Creighton and Erik. Cicely had gotten used to it, wondering if older folks just weren't into texting back.

She pocketed her phone and turned her attention back to the computer screen. "Are we almost there?"

"Just two more minutes, ma'am."

"Okay." She propped up her chin, bored. "Do you tech guys ever write viruses? Like, planting one in a hard drive to mess up someone's system, or hacking into computers to steal trade secrets?"

"We do write viruses, but it's rare and targeted. We’re mostly into software development or upgrading and reinforcing firewalls. As for hacking into computers to steal secrets, those kinds of machines are too well-guarded for us to break into. Take our computers here—our firewalls are crafted by top engineers from abroad, commissioned by Mr. Diaz. We're well-protected, no worries."

"I see," Cicely murmured, "so if there's corporate espionage, it must be an inside job?"

"That's correct, but that's a crime. No one would dare."

"Right."

"It's ready, ma'am."

"Huh?"

Her eyes moved to the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore an uncanny resemblance to Seth. The character was adorably dressed in a dapper outfit, with dark furrowed brows and a stern, haughty expression, strikingly similar to Seth’s typical demeanor.

She couldn't help but laugh, "So this is how you see Seth, huh?"

The tech sat upright, "Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please go easy on him, ma'am."

Cicely laughed out loud and said, "Move over. Let me try."

The tech yielded his seat and showed her a few game commands. With a few clicks, her character threw punches with "pow, pow, pow" sounds, and the face of mini Seth could even swell up a bit.

Cicely was laughing her head off. It was hard to imagine the real Seth ever taking a hit.

She played the simple game for over half an hour, and if Seth hadn't come looking for her in the office, suspecting she was causing chaos in the engineering department, she would have kept playing.

Her giggles echoed through the office space. The tech, whose seat she had taken, watched Seth approach with a thunderous expression, then glanced at the cartoon Mr. Diaz getting pummeled on the screen and felt his legs go weak. "Ma'am."

Cicely, engrossed in the game, ignored him.

"Mr. Seth..."

The "pow, pow, pow" continued. The office, which had been filled with the sound of typing, fell silent, making Cicely's computer sound even louder.

Realizing something was off, she sensed a chilling presence behind her. As she turned, she locked eyes with Seth's dark, ominous glare. The impact was so intense she blinked rapidly.

Seth glanced at the screen, his voice icy, "Having fun?"

"Yeah."

"Enjoying it?"

"Sorta."

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Should I thank you for getting yourself so excited?"

Cicely was speechless. This man had the nerve to make such a suggestive comment in public.

Seth grabbed her arm, lifting her from her seat, "Let's continue at home."

"No need, I've had my fill. Don't wanna play anymore."

He held her close, his hand tight against her skin, and she felt herself weaken. "I should try harder when you're this happy."

Under everyone's gaze, Seth whisked Cicely away.

The staff of engineering department collectively exhaled in relief. Thank heavens!

*

In the car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth as possible. "I was just playing a game. Stop looking for excuses to pick on me."

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle at Cicely's scrunched-up figure as he started the car and let the couple bicker.

"The engineering department isn't some playground. They work tirelessly to meet deadlines, and you're there distracting them with games?"

She had no comeback for that. "I was there to boost morale, and I realized they really do work hard. You should consider giving them a raise."

"They're paid for their work, but now they have to entertain you too. A raise does seem fair."

Cicely pouted, "It's really because you're the bully. They're just taking the fall for you. You owe them that raise."

"Am I bullying you?" Seth gave her a sidelong glance, pulling her close and resting his hand on her neck, his voice teasing. "How have I bullied you, hm?"

Cicely held her breath, "Did you know Camden called in sick today?" A blatant attempt to change the subject.

Seth's eyes narrowed slightly, "And that concerns you?"

"Just reminding you to care for your employees."

He glanced at her briefly, then turned to Charlie as traffic slowed, "Call Camden."

"Sure."

They came to a red light. Charlie quickly dialed Camden's number.

The phone rang for a good ten seconds before it was answered, the car's Bluetooth speaker crackling to life. "Hello, Charlie, is that you?"

Camden's voice sounded a tad frazzled, prompting Charlie to ask, "What's up, Camden? Something wrong?"

"No, it's just that some emergency came up, and I didn't have time to call in sick. You're here on behalf of Mr. Diaz, aren't you?"

Charlie's tone was even, "Not that. Mr. Diaz is right here. You can speak to him directly."

"For real? You are with Mr. Diaz..."

"What's so urgent that you don't even have a minute to call and ask for time off?" Seth's deep and stern voice cut through the air, while Cicely, accustomed to such scenes, merely watched as Camden's trembling voice grew even weaker on the other end.

"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Diaz, it won't happen again. It's just that I might not be able to make it back for a couple of days, and I was hoping to take this opportunity to ask for a few more days off."

"Tomorrow's Friday, and then it's the weekend. You can't make it back in three days?"

"Three days should do it, that's plenty. Thank you, Mr. Diaz."

"Alright."

After hanging up, Cicely lounged back against the cushion, drawling lazily: "Camden's got to be ten years older than you, and yet, just a phone call and you've got him stuttering and shaking like he's about to cry."

"The one paying his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread and butter, and you've got nowhere to cry when you lose your livelihood."

Cicely grimaced and glanced out the window at a couple of girls walking side by side, each with an ice cream in hand.

Yeah, she could have ice cream with Emiliana tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Emiliana.

"Oh right, I won't be joining you for dinner tomorrow night. I've got plans with Emiliana."

"What time will you be back?"

"Not sure. Emiliana rarely gets out, so dinner, a movie, or maybe just hang out somewhere? I'll be home before midnight for sure."

"Be back by ten at the latest. Otherwise, don't bother going out."

Cicely, "Do I not get to have a nightlife?"

"Am I not providing you with a satisfying nightlife?"

"Cough, cough, cough." Charlie, who was driving with utmost seriousness, choked unexpectedly.

Jesus. He hadn't anticipated this side of Mr. Diaz.

Cicely's cheeks burned as if scalded by boiling water. Decency masked in indecency was the most shameless of all.

*

Cicely had made a reservation at the restaurant Seth had taken her to on the day Danielle was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally gave it rave reviews as well.

After dinner, they spontaneously decided to catch a movie. The cinema was just two blocks away from the restaurant. They bought a couple of ice creams and enjoyed them while taking a leisurely stroll.

The summer nights were bustling with life. The square was crowded, and most of their conversation revolved around Cicely's upcoming wedding.

They were particularly focused on the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

"For bridesmaid, you. For groomsman, Issac's a given."

"Shouldn't the groomsmen be Mr. Diaz's call?"

"Hmm... the more the merrier! If not, Issac can just join my squad of bridesmaids."

Emiliana laughed, "You want him in a dress?"

"I'm afraid if I actually suggest it, he might just be up for it."