The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2000

Chapter 2000

Cicely dangled her legs restlessly. "Seth, I really want to hang out here for a bit."

Kane scratched his temple, "Dude, the place is ours. Let Cicely have her fun."

Cicely arched an eyebrow at him, "Exactly, I'm already here. What's the point if I leave after just two minutes? Might as well not have come at all."

Seth remained unmoved.

"One hour, just one hour," Cicely lowered her demands.

Finally, Seth stopped in his tracks, glanced back at the now-private club, then at Cicely's hopeful eyes, and gently set her down. "Thirty minutes."d2

Cicely frowned. Seth made a move to pick her up again.

"Okay, okay, thirty minutes." Cicely dodged and headed toward the booth.

As Seth watched everyone make way for her, Cicely stood in the center of the booth, pulling off her jacket and handing it to a nearby server.

The people of P City knew that the Ellis family's heiress was a stunner. In her slightly puffy down coat, she was already turning heads, but when she shed the jacket, revealing a vintage burgundy cocktail dress underneath, the crowd was struck anew by her close-up radiance.

The direct impact was far stronger than the distant glimpses they were used to. Her delicate beauty, glowing skin, was even more striking in the slim-fitting velvet dress. The square neckline showcased her exquisite collarbones, leading up to her graceful neck, undoubtedly making her the belle of the ball.

In the eyes of everyone, while acknowledging and marveling at her beauty, there was also a deep- seated belief that a woman should be like her—pampered and spoiled, willful and arrogant, assertive and proud, living by her own rules. All the worst traits of a woman were forgivable in her.

Because she had the capital to back it up.

It was hard for people to take their eyes off her.

Wealthy background, beautiful face, top-notch figure... To win a woman like her was more than a stroke of luck; it was a blessing of several lifetimes.

As for such attention, Cicely seemed accustomed and showed no particular reaction, gracefully sitting down at the booth.

The server brought over new glasses and poured her a drink. Cicely lifted her glass and with a smile told the approaching stern-faced Seth, "Happy Birthday."

Then she raised her glass.

"Take a sip and see what happens." Seth's cold and stern voice suddenly echoed, causing Cicely to pause. She watched Seth across the rim of her cup, his icy gaze carrying a warning and threat.

"I'm just wishing you a happy birthday," she spoke, looking hurt, her tone even more so. She was clearly putting on an act, yet she managed to appear on the verge of tears, making her seem even more distressed.

The crowd's disgruntled glares fell upon Seth, full of reproach.

"It's no longer happy," Seth said dryly, his gaze lingering on her for a few seconds.

Kane couldn't stand it, "She's not a kid anymore. Aren't you being a bit too strict? Besides, having a drink under your watch, what's the harm? Cicely, come on, let's take one."

Cicely glanced at Seth, "Is that okay?" Her demure appearance gave Seth all the respect he could ask for.

"Man, oh man." Kane felt a lump in his stomach.

A wealthy family, stunning beauty, and on top of that, such sweetness, it was enough to make anyone envious. Seth was one lucky bastard.

Her submissive demeanor was rare for Seth, who knew she was just showing him respect in public. So, was he supposed to compromise now?

"If you don't say anything, I'll drink," Cicely said, tilting her glass slightly and taking a delicate sip.

Seth's lips tightened a fraction as he watched her taste the drink.

The liquor was strong. Cicely didn't particularly like it, but finding amusement in Seth's barely contained frustration, she downed two more sips.

Finally, as Seth's face grew darker, Cicely set down her glass. "It's nasty."

Kane suggested, "How about I make you a sweet cocktail?"

Cicely reluctantly nodded in agreement, "Sure." She felt like she was being treated like a minor.

But seeing Seth's expression, well, it was his birthday, and he called the shots.

Right on the half-hour mark, Seth, not saying a word, pulled Cicely, who had indulged in two sweet cocktails, to his side and started to leave.

"Hey." Kane glanced at the time and grimaced with a muttered curse, not bothering to follow them.

Seth found her coat and helped her into it, his handsome face tense as he observed her dazed state.

In the parking lot behind the club, Charlie was already waiting by the car. As Seth led Cicely out, he quickly opened the door for them.

*

In the end, it was the strong liquor that did her in. The moment Seth had pulled her up, Cicely began to understand why he was reluctant to let her drink that particular cocktail.

Her head was spinning. The whole ride was a blur, with Seth moving so fast. Now, sitting in the car with the heat on, she felt even worse. Leaning against Seth, she whimpered, "Seth, my head's spinning."

Charlie started the car, catching a rare glimpse of Seth grinding his teeth in the rearview mirror.

Without a response, Cicely looked up at him, her chin resting on his chest, her face flushed a rosy hue, her beautiful eyes misty. "Seth, my head's spinning. Rub it for me?"

Seth's gaze softened slightly as he looked down at her. "You deserve it."

Cicely furrowed her brow, propped herself up, and kissed his chin. "Dizzy..."

Her voice sounded almost tearful, like a plaintive kitten seeking favor.

Seth's eyes darkened. "You better remember how you feel right now and never touch alcohol again, or I might consider dunking you in a vat of it."

"No more drinks..." Cicely nuzzled against his chest, murmuring.

Within seconds, she felt his hand on her temple. She smiled, quiet and docile.

Before long, his fingers were weaving through her hair, gently massaging her scalp, the rustle of her hair blending with the rhythmic thud of his heartbeat in her ear.

Groggy and on the verge of sleep, Cicely was acutely aware of a pressing matter that needed attention. Fearing she'd actually nod off and mess everything up, she sat up from his embrace, fumbled in her pocket, and finally pulled out a small box. "Your birthday present," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

From the rearview mirror, Charlie stole a glance.

Seth took the box, opened it, and found a watch inside. It wasn't from a high-end brand. It seemed to be a lesser-known Swiss make, not particularly pricey. It was an odd choice for someone like Cicely, who had been born into wealth. And even more peculiar as a gift for him.

Cicely settled back in his arms, playfully waving her fingers. "Thank goodness for these..."

Seth raised an eyebrow, unsure what she meant.

"They'll have to suffer a bit longer though to pay off a debt," she murmured, her words slurred, yet the last two struck a chord in Seth's otherwise calm demeanor.

"What debt?" he asked, puzzled. The idea of Cicely owing anyone money seemed ludicrous.

Her gaze fell upon the watch in his hand, her fingers gently caressing the dial. "I was thinking of a ring initially, and it's not even that expensive."

"If a ring wasn’t convenient, then wearing this on the wrist works too. They say the vein in the ring finger is connected to the heart. So the wrist must be too, right?" Cicely intertwined her fingers with Seth's. "This way, it's not just the ring finger, but I've got a hold on all of them, haven't I?"

He looked at their clasped hands, his features soft and warm. "Yes."

"So, you better wear this watch for life. You can't lose it, and you can't let it stop."

She fastened the watch around his wrist. It was a simple design, timeless really. The silver band against Seth's skin looked fitting, matching his aura perfectly. She smiled with satisfaction, cradling his wrist and giving it a gentle kiss.

Seth, staring at her, reached out to stroke her hair.

"Who do you owe?"

Cicely didn't answer. "I don't want to go back to the Ellis estate. Dad will scold me."

"Alright, let's head to my place."

*

Truth be told, she was only slightly dizzy, her mind clear as day. Resting in Seth's arms had helped her recover quite a bit. It wasn't like her to be knocked out by a couple of drinks.

When it was time to get out of the car, she played up her inebriation. "Seth, look at me, I'm plastered. You'll have to carry me home."

Seth stared at her, now visibly better.

"Are you made of ice? My face is burning up. Help cool me down."

Not wanting to fuss in the cold weather, he bent down to lift her, but she refused. "I want a piggyback."

"Cicely!"

"Piggyback."

Seth sighed..

The elevator ascended and dinged at Seth's floor. A hunched figure straightened up, walking excitedly to the doors. Her face froze as she saw who was inside.

Seth, with Cicely on his back, stepped out to face the tall, slender woman in a brown trench coat and heels.

"Do you need something?"

This floor had only two apartments, and the other had been sold but remained empty. Danielle's appearance was clearly related to him.

Cicely, resting her chin on Seth's shoulder, watched Danielle indifferently. There was no overt emotion, but Danielle still felt she was being mocked, especially with the way they were facing her now.

Danielle found the depth of their relationship bewildering. How could Seth consent to bear the brunt of Cicely's weight on his shoulders? How could he pledge to protect her, even going so far as to usher her into his apartment in the wee hours of the night?

But Danielle didn't have the luxury to ponder the depth of their relationship, nor the right to voice her questions. With a strained smile, she said, "Patty mentioned Kane was throwing you a birthday bash and I couldn't find you. I had to wait here to wish you a happy birthday." She awkwardly held a gift box, unsure of what to do next. Seth's hands were occupied, cradling the woman on his back. The only option was to let Cicely down.

Cicely tilted her head, trying to gauge Seth's reaction, only catching a glimpse of his profile, impassive. Yet her breath, light and warm, tickled his neck, unbeknownst to her.

"Take it for me," he said directly, having seen the box in Danielle's grip.

Cicely blinked, catching on, and obediently reached out her hand. Danielle's grip on the box tightened.

"Seems like you're mistaken. That's not for you," Cicely said to Seth.

Danielle's face tensed, but she handed the box to Cicely nonetheless.

"Have a good night." Seth left with a casual remark, walking past her with Cicely on his back.

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