The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1957

Chapter 1957

Seth's hand, buried in his pocket, clenched slightly, his expression cool. "What else would it be? What are you getting at?"

Cicely raised an eyebrow. "The whole Ellis clan must've heard by now that I had a study session planned tonight. That prissy Danielle, who always kept her distance from my room, suddenly shows up with you in tow? What's that about?"

Seth's eyes narrowed.

"I don't know what Danielle told you to get you here tonight, but let's be clear. I'm glad you came. Still there are some scores to settle with her still.

"As for dinner tonight. If she dared to criticize anything about my dad, I'd have no problem wiping that smug look off her face. My dad's kindness in her isn't a free pass for her to pick fights or disrespect him. I've told her a thousand times to keep her distance from you, but she doesn't listen. Instead, she flaunts your tutoring sessions in my face, parading her feelings for you.

"Do you think I should just let it slide, or should I teach her a lesson?"d2

Cicely paused, then looked up, with a lazy, soft smile on her face. "I was really angry at that time, couldn't remain indifferent. I genuinely hope that if one day I'm with a guy who's interested in me, you'd feel just like me, dying to tear him apart in your heart."

Seth's slender eyes finally moved, and he looked down at her quietly, his hand in his pocket tightening, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"You should be glad I didn't just stand by. If I ever do, Seth, you'll lose more than just my attitude."

Seth silently watched her.

Cicely, used to his cold demeanor, huffed softly and stepped down from the stairs.

"If Danielle isn't hopelessly stupid or playing tricks, she should be able to keep up in twenty days, tops. Don't think I don't know that senior year is just a review of the past two years."

"You think you're not dumb, so did you spend an entire vacation to study on purpose?"

At his words, Cicely descended the steps, turned around, and looked up at Seth. "As if you couldn't see I was doing it on purpose."

Seth scoffed. Watching his reaction, Cicely's beautiful eyes danced, her face unable to hide a smile. She rested her hand on the banister, tilting her head, her smile languid. "Why didn't you call me out on it?"

Seth's brow twitched, and he descended the steps, looking down at her with a rare, carefree smile. "It's not that I didn't call you out. I just think you're genuinely clueless."

Cicely's smile faltered for a moment, but as he passed by her, she relaxed, turning to follow him without concern.

After saying goodbye to Creighton, Seth headed straight for the door.

Cicely's world didn't revolve solely around Seth. Joel had been helping her these past few days, and admittedly, she'd given Seth too much attention, neglecting Joel.

Once outside, she made sure to see Joel off properly. The family driver had been waiting for a while, and Cicely saw Joel to his car. "Be careful on the road, and text me when you get home."

Dressed in a simple yet expensive dress, Cicely stood tall and graceful, her face wearing a gentle smile. Her sweet voice was full of smile.

Cicely was the kind of girl who could easily smile at anyone, familiar or not. Most of her smiles were lazy, tinged with an air of indifference. That polite smile was obviously fake to anyone who looked closely, not reaching the eyes or touching the heart, but at that moment, her smile was warm and genuinely thankful.

In every way, her feelings for Joel were different.

Joel's car pulled away first, followed by Seth's. He stood by his car door, watching Cicely wave goodbye to Joel with a cold gaze. Only when Joel's car had disappeared did she lower her hand, tuck them behind her back, and walk over to Seth.

Scanning the surroundings, she quipped, "So, you only helped me with one question tonight, and after all those days tutoring her, she doesn’t even show up? She sure knows how to play the grand lady."

Seth opened his car door, responding indifferently, "You don't have to force it."

Cicely frowned, watching him get into the car without leaving so much as the window open, the vehicle starting up and driving away the next second.

She opened her mouth as if to speak, watching the receding taillights, a surge of irritation turning her around. "Jerk, what did I ever do to him?"

Back in the house, Creighton stood up from the couch, holding a glass of milk.

"All sent off?"

"Yeah."

Cicely walked over, took the glass, and finished the milk, then linked arms with Creighton and headed for the stairs.

As she stepped up, Creighton, with his other hand on the banister, let out a sigh. Cicely looked back at him. "What's wrong?"

Creighton climbed another step. "You are just sixteen years old. Are you sure he's the one?"

Cicely didn't understand why her father was bringing this up again, perhaps just reflecting on Seth's rare visit. She remained silent for a moment, then answered, "Dad, I'm only sixteen and still have a lot to learn, but you've got twenty-nine years on me. Tell me, do you honestly think there's someone better out there than Seth?"

Creighton paused, stopping in his tracks and fixing her with a probing gaze. "What about the two boys from the Harpers?" he asked tentatively.

Cicely thought for a moment and then laughed. "I've met those two well over dozens of times. If I was going to fall for them, it would've happened by now."

Creighton pursed his lips, having anticipated her response. The social circles of Park City were only so large. Between all the galas and gatherings, it was always the same few faces. Besides, their kids all went to the same school. It wouldn't be unusual to say they'd crossed paths frequently. If there were any sparks, they would have ignited long ago.

Deep down, Creighton understood what his daughter was really after. Only what she liked could be considered the best. Her recent question was nothing short of asking how Seth measured up, given her feelings for him. She already knew his answer.

"And what if, in the end, he doesn't choose you?" he asked.

A frown creased Cicely's brow as she silently helped Creighton up the stairs.

"Then who would he choose? Across all of Park City, no one can match what I was born into. I can offer him everything no other woman can, including the entire Ellis legacy and myself."

Creighton sighed and shook his head. "Love isn't about giving more to get more. No amount of effort guarantees an equal return, especially not with feelings, Cicely."

Cicely's frown deepened, her expression one of confusion. "I never expected an equal return. I can give him my all, as long as he loves me and stays by my side."

Such a rare conversation about love between father and daughter prompted Creighton to lay out the harsh truth. "Perhaps, despite giving him your all, you might never receive any response."

"But Dad, I don't understand. What's he really looking for? A person can offer him everything, including undivided, unconditional love. I can satisfy his ambitions and pride. I can ensure his success and make him a winner in life. Isn't that what everyone wants out of life?"

Creighton looked intensely at her, unable to provide an answer that would make immediate sense to her.

Still, he saw her resolve. She was serious about, or had already begun to, invest in Seth. She wasn't wrong, after all. What more could a man desire in a lifetime?

He could have a career, with the Ellis family ready to catapult him to the top.

He could have love, with Cicely's feelings never hidden away.

He could have a family, and Cicely was more than capable of providing that.

He could have respect, for the position of the Ellis family was supreme, and Cicely's beauty and grace were recognized by all of P City. She would never let him suffer any indignity.

All he needed to do was stay by her side.

Moreover, it wasn't as if the kid didn't like Cicely. If it came down to entrusting Cicely to someone, Seth indeed was a good option.

Cicely seemed to be waiting for Creighton's response. Turning to meet her inquiring eyes, Creighton offered a reassuring smile. "Maybe you're right. As long as he's the one you've chosen, rest assured, I got your back."

A smile finally broke across Cicely's face. "Thanks, Dad."

Although Creighton had always doted on Cicely, he was well aware this wasn't just blind indulgence. Had Cicely fancied another man, or had he disapproved, no amount of persuasion would have sufficed.

After her bath, Cicely immediately reached for her phone. Joel's message had come in five minutes earlier: [I'm home.]

She replied: [Okay, get some rest.]

Then she tapped on Seth's profile to send a message. [Are you home yet?]

Given the time, Seth should have arrived home earlier than Joel. In reality, traffic had delayed him, and Seth had only just gotten home.

Stepping into the living room, his phone chimed.

Patty, clad in a silk burgundy nightgown, emerged from the kitchen with a glass of water.

Seth was checking his phone, and a subtle smile played across his lips as his fingers danced across the screen. [Would I be anywhere else?]

Cicely hadn't expected such a prompt reply. [You got home and didn't even tell me. Do I have to ask?]

Seth replied: [Did you ever say I had to check in with you when I get home?]

She must've gotten the wrong impression. With that thought, the hint of a smile vanished, replaced by a tight-lipped frown.

Looking up, he saw Patty standing in the kitchen doorway, sipping water and watching him. "You're home later than usual tonight. Have you had dinner?"

"Yeah."

Patty nodded, not prying further, but mentioned, "I heard the little princess of the Ellis family paid a visit last night?"

Seth paused for a moment, then nonchalantly affirmed.

"Seth, she has been pampered all her life, with people bending over backward for her. In contrast, Danielle is the one who needs more of your attention, understand?"

Seth's brow furrowed slightly. "I doubt any girl has it better than her."

In terms of living standards, who could outdo the Ellis family's daughters? Creighton certainly hadn't shortchanged Danielle.

Patty set her glass on a nearby cabinet, crossed her arms, and, leaning against the staircase, said lightly, "I'm not comparing her to anyone else. Just saying she doesn't have it as good as that little princess, that's all."

Seth's gaze turned cold. "So what, showering Danielle with a bit more concern makes her life more luxurious than Cicely's?"

Patty seemed oblivious to Seth's chill, nodding nonchalantly, "Exactly."

Then she turned and ascended the stairs, leaving a cryptic remark floating in her wake, "It seems that child has had too smooth a life." Too smooth for some people's liking.

Seth's eyes narrowed sharply. "Are you genuinely concerned about me looking out for Danielle, or are you just using me to vent your own frustrations?"

Patty halted in her tracks.

Seth watched her with a detached gaze as she slowly turned on the staircase to face him. "It could be both, maybe a bit of each."

With those words, the smile vanished from Patty's face. "I know you're smart, and you can see right through things, but tell me, do you not want to take care of Danielle, or is it that you can't stand to see Cicely being coddled?"

"Nobody needs my care." Seth's voice was icy as he ascended the stairs, brushing past Patty.

"Seth, don't push my buttons."

His tall silhouette paused briefly before disappearing around the corner.

Patty stood still for a moment before slowly making her way upstairs into her bedroom.

--

School was out right after finals. The grades would be posted online.

Cicely was all ease and confidence, clearly expecting good results.

Danielle was a bundle of nerves, too anxious to immediately seek out Seth for tutoring. Her performance was tied to him. If she hadn't done well, she couldn't face him.

Three days later, the results were out.

Danielle's grades were decent, not quite what she had hoped for. Some of the questions she'd gotten wrong were ones Seth had gone over with her.

Cicely, indeed, had done well, and although not in the same year as Danielle, she had scored a few points higher.

Creighton thought both girls did well. Before dinner that day, he cheerfully proposed a reward: a trip to a destination of their choice.

Cicely had outscored her by a few points, and Danielle felt a surge of competitive spirit, promptly declining, "I won't be going. I need to focus on my studies, especially with senior year coming up."

An offer Creighton had expected would be met with joy was bluntly rejected, and his smile slowly stiffened.

Cicely absolutely loathed Danielle, who always managed to get under her skin. "Danielle, after seven years of compulsory education, haven't you learned what 'biting the hand that feeds you' means?"

Cicely's disdain for Danielle was never hidden. While she often let things slide, she couldn't tolerate Danielle's constant provocation of Creighton.

Used to and fed up with Cicely's barbs, Danielle didn't retort, simply standing up and heading upstairs. "I'm not hungry. I'll get something when I feel like it."

That air of superiority irked Cicely so much she nearly yanked Danielle's hair out.

Creighton called her name in a low voice, shaking his head in disapproval.

Cicely rubbed her forehead, hugging a throw pillow to her chest, remaining silent. After a while, Creighton sighed deeply and said, "What you're really upset about is Seth tutoring her, right?"

Bingo.

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