The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2008

Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm. "Hurt myself just to spite you? What would that get me?"

When Seth's gaze followed to the red marks on her wrist, he reached out to hold her hand, examining the small, prominent spots. "Why the sudden urge to cook? You do know your own limits, right?" Cicely withdrew her hand, "Is it a crime to want to make you dinner?"

Seth stood up, fetched a first-aid kit, and sat next to her. "It stopped hurting a while ago."

"I don't like scars." Seth gently held her dodging hand and began to carefully apply antiseptic from the kit. "This first-aid kit wasn't this stocked before. Ever wonder why that is? Hmm?"

Apart from the standard emergency supplies, most of it was for Cicely's frequent minor injuries.d2

Watching his tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, "Who knows? Maybe I had it too easy as a kid, and now life's paying me back with interest."

"If you could just stay out of trouble, none of this would happen."

"Stay out of trouble?" Cicely chuckled lightly, "What exactly would that look like to you?"

Even Seth, usually slow on the uptake, sensed something off at her laugh. He looked up into her eyes, brimming with mirth.

"I think I've been way too tame compared to my old self, and you take it for granted, or maybe you don't even notice. I've held back and yielded where I should, and any other woman would probably not be as patient. But what can I do when I'm head over heels for you?"

A flicker crossed Seth's brow as he finished treating the last burn and packed away the medical kit. "So tell me, who's got you upset today?"

Cicely glanced at the treated wounds and spoke indifferently, "No one else is quite capable enough."

"That leaves me."

Not keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to the chase, "What's the name of the show you've recently invested in?"

Seth's brow furrowed.

"I did some digging online, and there are a few shows with massive promotions, but they're all about to air. The one that's not yet shot but is already the talk of the town-Era of Elegance is that yours?" "You've never shown any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it up now?"

"Just got curious. It's normal to be interested in things related to you, right?" Cicely was always upfront with Seth, never hiding her feelings or thoughts from him.

"It's mine." Seth didn't deny it.

"So, as the sole investor, C&P Entertainment is your company?"

"Yes."

Cicely smiled, confirming her suspicions.

"Did your company sign any new talent?"

"Not yet."

"Got a mistress on the side?"

Seth looked at her coldly, "If there's something on your mind, just say it. Don't beat around the bush and make me guess."

Her smile slowly faded, "Just a few words and you're this impatient with me? If I'm not speaking my mind, it's because I'm trying to save you some dignity, Seth. And I don't want to make things awkward between us."

"So if you can't figure out why I'm being like this, then please discover the reason soon and give me an explanation, not to mention a satisfactory outcome. I can't wait too long, a day, two, maybe three." After her piece, she stood up, eyed the dishes on the table, then dumped them straight into the trash. "If it's that unpalatable, no need to force it. My cooking isn't up to scratch, and I'd hate for you to get sick over it. Make yourself some pasta or something."

As she reached for the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth's voice was as cold as ice, "Put it down." His gaze met hers, frosty, "Did I say I wouldn't eat?"

At his words, Cicely released the plate, which clattered back onto the table, "Suit yourself."

He looked at the oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips but released her wrist. Picking up a fork, he resumed eating. "If you're not hungry now, wait until I'm done. I'll make you some pasta."

"I won't be hungry tonight." Cicely rubbed her wrist and walked out of the dining room.

Watching her leave, Seth silently finished his meal and headed to the kitchen to clean up the mess.

The kitchen looked like a battlefield. Trash overflowed with broken plates and ruined food, the floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered herbs. He placed the dishes in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a moment to call Charlie.

"Check where Cicely's been today, what's happened?"

Charlie hesitated, "Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home tonight for some family matters, would it be all right to give you the results tomorrow?"

"Fine."

Cicely lay in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself from her sour mood.

The bedroom door opened, and the tall figure of Seth entered.

"Come eat."

"I told you, I'm not hungry."

He approached and pulled back her covers as if he hadn't heard her. "Let's go."

Feeling a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, "So my words mean nothing?"

"Starving yourself to make a point, you think that's meaningful?"

"Whether it's meaningful isn't really up to me to decide. Maybe I'm just too upset to eat right now. Forcing me will only make it worse. I'm not into self-torture, and when I'm hungry, I'll find something to eat." Knowing these words would likely irritate Seth further, she conceded slightly, "Just keep it warm, I'll come eat later."

He watched her for a moment, then left the bedroom silently. Cicely lost interest in her phone, her mood spoiled by Seth's dismissive attitude.

Half an hour later, Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe as he headed towards the bathroom. Pausing before her, he towered over her with a look that meant business. "I'm gonna take a shower. I expect you to, you know, go out there and finish your meal once I'm in."

Cicely didn't respond, but as soon as Seth disappeared into the bathroom, she reluctantly slid out from under the covers.

The kitchen was almost sparkling, and the dining room was tidied up immaculately. A steaming plate of spaghetti sat on the table.

The word "expect" from him just now sounded like an ultimatum and a threat no matter how she listened. For now, she chose to believe she had misunderstood.

The spaghetti didn't seem like it had been sitting out for half an hour; it looked freshly made. So his "expect" probably meant he'd tossed the old batch and whipped up a new plate, hinting it'd be best enjoyed while hot.

Cicely took a seat and picked up a fork, twirling a strand of spaghetti and taking a bite. It had Seth's touch all over it.

She couldn't tell if she was just easy to appease or if his way of winning people over was just that good. Either way, most of her pent-up resentment had dissipated.

She had never finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her appetite, but he'd still serve her a generous portion each time.

She didn't feel the need to cherish and force herself to finish the meal just because it was personally made by Seth. Like always, she left it half-eaten.

When she returned to the room, Seth had already come out of the bathroom.

"I didn't wash the dishes." After a quick announcement, Cicely retreated to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Seth stepped out of the bedroom. When he returned, Cicely was already lying in bed. He slipped under the covers beside her, but she didn't snuggle into his arms like before.

Cicely couldn't possibly fall asleep like this. She was aware of every move Seth made. Maybe sharing a bed for several nights had become routine, the initial excitement replaced by complacency. Habits are indeed terrifying things.

As the thought crossed her mind and she faced away from him, a sudden weight landed on her shoulder. The next moment, she was pulled into a familiar embrace.

"I don't think it's wise," Seth's voice rumbled in her ear, "to waste our time over external issues that have nothing to do with us, sleeping side by side but worlds apart."

Cicely pondered for a moment and realized he was right. She was just trying to justify herself to Emiliana and for some unknown actress Seth seemed to "value" for reasons unbeknownst to her. Disrupting the rare harmony between her and Seth over such things was indeed unwise.

With a soft "Hmm," she acknowledged his point, finding a comfortable position in his arms and nuzzling closer. Her breath, warm and soft against the open collar of his pajama shirt, seemed to stir a restlessness within him.

The bedroom, lit by only a nightlight, was silent. Seth's breathing grew deeper, a suppressed tension in the air.

"Cicely." Finally, he broke the quiet.

Cicely gave a lazy "Hmm" in response, but when no further words came, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. "What's up?"

"Your breathing is kind of annoying."

Cicely paused, her hazy mind instantly alert. "I'm sorry my breathing bothers you."

Before she could finish, her words were sealed by a firm kiss. Seth, guided by the dim light, found her lips with precision, leaving no room for air.

Cicely's indignation was cut short. As he kissed her, she realized that it was her breath that had enticed him.

This realization barely settled when Seth suddenly rolled on top of her. Each kiss seemed as if he wanted to devour her. And when the fabric of her nightgown started to slide down, the kisses turned scorching, the caresses more deliberate, Cicely understood Seth's intent.

"You..."

"It won't hurt as much this time."

As if anticipating her protest, Seth's husky voice interrupted her, his kissing and teasing relentless.

As he had said, it wasn't as agonizingly painful as the last time. This time, the pain was almost negligible compared to before. And soon, even the initial discomfort faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sensation he forced upon her, almost vindictively, each wave stronger than the last.

"Seth..."

Her murmured pleas seemed futile. Eventually, she could sense Seth's tenderness returning, his kisses softening, his voice comforting, but sleep took her before she could fully appreciate the change. When she woke up, Seth was gone. Blinded by the light peeking through the curtains, she realized it was late; Seth must have gone to the office.

As she attempted to reach for her phone, a soreness reminded her of the previous night's events.

Yes, she and Seth had truly done it.

She vaguely remembered refusing Seth's offer to help her bathe last night; now, the discomfort compelled her to head to the bathroom.

After showering and feeling refreshed, she glanced at the clock - it was just past ten. There was still time.

Era of Elegance set.

Connections in the entertainment world ran deep. While the average Joe might not recognize Cicely, key players in the industry certainly did.

Everyone on set knew that C&P Entertainment was the sole investor in their show, yet they were clueless about Seth. So when Cicely appeared on set, the courtesy extended to her had nothing to do with the respect owed to their sole investor.

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