The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1999

Chapter 1999

They added a marriage license to their relationship, and it seemed everything remained the same, but Cicely could clearly feel Seth's change.

He had always been reserved, but now there was a notable tenderness towards her. He would wrap her in gentle, considerate hugs and bestow upon her the deepest, most enchanting kisses. Rarely did he refuse any of her requests.

Cicely remained Cicely, the brash and pampered heiress of the Ellis family, the radiant and proud princess of P City.

A new, highly anticipated TV series was making waves, backed by a massive promotional campaign, a renowned producer, and a powerhouse director. After three months of casting, the actors were selected and just days ago, they had their grand kick-off event.

Seth, a few days later, seemed to shift his focus back to his studies, regularly attending school in a disciplined manner.

Cicely, contrary to expectations, got busier instead. Apart from the mornings when she could hitch a ride to school with him, she seldom went home with him after classes.d2

But Cicely would often visit his apartment. Each time she came, she brought an assortment of things.

Trinkets, potted plants, fine dining ware, exquisite bedding, matching towels, bathrobes, toothbrush holders, slippers, and later, cosmetics, clothes... Bit by bit, gradually, her presence began to mark every corner of the apartment.

In the blink of an eye, another month passed.

Kane was excited because he finally had a chance to indulge in some fun.

December 27 was Seth's birthday. A few days earlier, Kane had cheerfully made his presence known to the Diaz family and had secured Seth's time for the day.

Patty fully understood that young people have their own circles. Kane had a way of amusing people, and a few words were enough to make Patty burst into laughter, allowing him to take the dull Seth away.

Seth wasn't interested in all of this; the entire time, it was Kane who was having a blast. Securing the venue, inviting friends... it was all his doing.

As for the outcome? If anyone was initially puzzled as to why Kane opted for the dance floor rather than a private, lavish booth, their questions were answered when a group of seductive women took the stage, sensuously stripping off their clothes to the rhythm of the music.

The crowd cheered and hollered, giving Kane thumbs up, fully satisfied with his arrangements.

Kane, with hands in his pockets, accepted the compliments with casual grace.

Seth sat in the central booth, his frown deepening only slightly as the women took the stage. He remained silent, a couple of premium cigars laid out in front of him, surrounded by an array of spirits taking up two-thirds of the table.

The heavy metal music of the bar, the rowdy cheers, and the visual onslaught in front of him all highlighted the superficial yet hollow aspects of society. It was all gloss on the surface, but beneath lay nothing but tainted bones and blood.

Seth didn't disrupt the party he had been unprepared for. He casually draped his jacket over the couch, his shirt's top button undone, revealing a hint of collarbone, and reclined languidly on the sofa, cigarette in hand. He tossed the box aside after lighting up, the ember glowing in the dim light of the bar.

After mingling for a bit, Kane returned to find Seth lounging there, occasionally taking a drag, his gaze calmly surveying the revelers. Kane was surprised, but he sat down next to Seth, lighting a cigarette and crossing his legs with a chuckle. "I was worried you wouldn't enjoy this kind of thing, but looks like you're fitting in pretty well."

Seth's lips twitched slightly, his dark eyes lazily drifting towards Kane. "Knowing I wouldn't enjoy it, why did you arrange this?"

"You'll have to get used to these kinds of events eventually. Better to start early," Kane replied.

Seth's smile seemed more pronounced, a soft laugh buried in the cacophony around them. "Then I should really thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Kane took a drag, his gaze fixed on the stage. "No need for thanks. In five years, P City will be ours. It's all good for everyone."

Seth didn't reply, the smoke from his cigarette blurring his already indifferent face. After stubbing out his cigarette in the crystal ashtray, Seth checked his phone.

Kane rolled his eyes at the action. "You're the man of the hour tonight; you can't leave halfway through."

Seth put the phone down. "I can only stay until nine."

"Come on!" Kane protested. "The night hasn't even started at nine."

"I can't be late. Someone's waiting for me."

Kane's eyebrows shot up, then settled into a gossip-hungry arch.

"Who? Cicely the little Princess?"

Seth didn't respond, but the slight upward curve of his lips was all the confirmation Kane needed. Leaning in, Kane's expression was rife with intrigue. "Your romance with Cicely seems pretty solid these days. And you, lucky guy, have P City's most prestigious and beautiful girl wrapped around your finger. How's that, having such a delicate beauty all to yourself?"

Seth gave him a sidelong glance. "Don't pry into things you shouldn't. What does the answer matter to you?"

Kane shrugged. "Can't I be curious?"

"But what about the other lady of the Ellis family? I've been hearing a lot about her lately. She's getting quite the buzz for a supporting role in a play, nearly overshadowing the lead. A lot of guys and girls at school are treating her like a celebrity. She likes you too, doesn't she? She's bound to come back for your birthday, right?"

Seth picked up a drink from the table and said indifferently, "I wouldn't know."

"Hey, if she does come back to celebrate with you, would you turn her away?"

"I won't have the time," Seth replied after taking a sip.

"So, you've made up your mind about Cicely?"

Seth's lips curled into a smile as he glanced at a woman on stage shedding her shawl before returning his gaze to Kane. First he smiled, then he downed his drink in one go. After a pause, he slowly spoke, "Really? You're asking me that now?"

Kane blinked in confusion, "Huh? Now? When was I supposed to ask you?"

Seth was silent for a moment, lounging on the couch, fingers idly playing with the chain around his neck. He said flatly, "Some questions should never be asked because they were never meant to be

multiple-choice."

Kane paused, staring at him for a few seconds before clearing his throat and straightening up. He'd always pegged Cicely as a snooty little rich girl, all airs and graces. But Kane never guessed she'd be so crafty, to have Seth, the ice-cold, indifferent man, wrapped around her finger from start to finish. "Look, you didn't have to bail early. Why not just call her to come hang out?"

Seth's brow twitched imperceptibly, "She doesn't like places like this."

"How would you know if you never ask?"

Seth shot him a glacial look.

Kane stood up from the couch abruptly, "I'm off to the restroom."

Half an hour later, at nine o'clock sharp, Seth stood up, phone in hand.

Kane pressed down on his shoulder, "Man, we've barely touched our drinks. It's not every day we get together for a birthday – stay a little longer."

Seth coldly brushed Kane’s hand off his shoulder. "You guys carry on without me."

"Hey, don't go! I just called Cicely. She'll be here any minute."

At those words, Seth's expression darkened instantly. When he looked up again, a figure in a puffy coat with its collar pulled high, concealing most of her face, approached them. Even with her face mostly hidden, Seth knew exactly who it was.

Cicely approached, lowering her hood and collar, revealing a face so stunning it could steal the spotlight. He strode over, gripping her wrist. "What are you doing here?"

Cicely looked unfazed, "Well, I'm here for your birthday, of course."

She said this while peering toward the stage.

Seth's grip on her wrist tightened, "Let's go home."

Cicely slowly returned her gaze to Seth, her smile teasing. "Here to watch a strip show?"

Kane stepped forward, "Cicely, don't get it wrong. This was all my doing. Seth barely glanced at it tonight. And nobody's gotten fully naked."

Cicely glanced at him sideways, "Seems like you've been quite the observer tonight, keeping tabs on his every look."

Kane stiffened, stepping back with his arms crossed, "Cicely, aren't you being a bit unfair?"

Cicely smirked, "If you had a date with friends, why didn't you inform me? Worried I wouldn't fit in? That I'd embarrass you?"

"It's not that."

Cicely nodded thoughtfully, "Today's your birthday. I won't nitpick. Since I'm here, I might as well sit down for a bit. I've never actually seen a real strip show before."

With that, she pulled her hand free and walked inside.

Seth stood there, his face a thundercloud. Kane, sensing trouble, quickly followed Cicely.

The dancers on stage moved through their routine, and the crowd changed. The women's jackets lay scattered, their clothing strategically covering the private parts. What would seem normal on a beach felt laden with sultry undertones here.

Cicely stood watching for a moment, then remarked, "Nice figures, indeed."

Seth, face still thunderous, approached Kane and ordered curtly: "Shut it down."

"What? Cicely was enjoying it. Fine, everyone down."

Seth's icy glare, sharp as a blade, quickly made Kane backpedal.

The women on stage stopped, clutching their chests, quickly picking up their jackets and scurrying off.

"Why'd you send them away?" Cicely's words indicated protest, but she didn't seem disappointed as she turned and settled into a booth.

Seth stood frozen for a moment, then turned to see Cicely lounging on the couch with a bottle in hand, about to take a swig. His expression darkened once more, and he strode over, snatching the bottle from her grasp. "Stop messing around."

Cicely frowned, "Who says I'm messing? I don't know which is your glass, and I can't just use any..."

She trailed off with a coy smile. "Don't worry, it's your birthday, and you're the boss. Even if I'm upset, I wouldn't cause a scene today."

Seth looked at her intently, his brow furrowed. Eventually, unable to discern any ulterior motives, he said, "If that's the case, then behave and come home with me."

Cicely seemed disappointed, "Can't we stay a little longer? It's my first time in a place like this."

Seth was resolute, "No."

Cicely resisted, her whole body tensing, but Seth was unyielding, without room for debate. He leaned down and scooped her up in his arms.

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