The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2024

Cicely was undeniably beautiful, a local belle known for her stunning looks since childhood. Her inherent pride was unmatched, and while some found her personality challenging, many envied her grace and radiance.

Seth was convinced he had seen her at her most beautiful. Yet the moment he looked up and saw her, his eyes involuntarily narrowed. Her beauty was elastic, always managing to shatter previous notions of elegance and allure.

At the bridal boutique, the photographer cradled the camera, constantly shifting angles to capture Cicely in this moment.

Cicely was slightly embarrassed by the revealing marks, and though she never felt constrained by her wardrobe before, today she felt an unusual sense of nervousness. "How does it look?"

Seth's gaze swept over her again, "Gorgeous, but maybe the next one will be even better."

Was that a diplomatic way of expressing dissatisfaction?d2

The attendant beside Cicely quickly added, "Ms. Cicely's figure is perfect. This gown highlights all of her best features."

Seth's gaze fixated on Cicely's face, "Do you like it?"

A hint of disappointment flickered in Cicely's eyes, "Of course, I'd hope you'd like it too."

Suddenly, Seth stood and walked towards her. She watched in confusion as he lifted the trailing veil from behind her, wrapped it around her shoulders, then around her waist, and finally tied a knot above her knee. After stepping back to take another look, he nodded satisfactorily, "If it's like this, then this one might work after all."

Cicely fell silent.

The attendants finally understood the situation. Aside from his handsome looks, Seth seemed to carry an adorable possessiveness and a strong hint of jealousy.

"Then perhaps we shouldn't bother with this one." If the gown's only advantage was to be concealed, what was the point?

Seth couldn't be happier. "Try on some others then."

Cicely couldn't even muster up anger, only to retreat back into the dressing room.

Seth smirked and settled back onto the couch.

Trying on wedding dresses took time, and most of the staff were gathered around, watching Seth and anticipating Cicely's next appearance.

An employee entered, calling the manager, "The actors from our partnered production are here to try on dresses."

"I'll be right there." The woman acknowledged as Manager greeted Seth and hurried off.

Cicely chose a more conservative dress for her second fitting, a long-sleeve lace gown with a small train and a V-neck. Unsurprisingly, Seth was pleased.

Cicely rolled her eyes. This man, despite his young age, had rather conservative tastes.

The photographer snapped a few more pictures, including some of Seth and Cicely together.

After trying on two dresses, Cicely was exhausted. She couldn't tell if Seth was growing impatient, but she was ready to surrender.

They left the VIP dressing room, Seth went to get the car, and Cicely spoke to the receptionist, "Please save a copy of the photos we took."

"Sure, may I have your email?"

Cicely wrote down her address.

"This one for the beginning, this one for the grand finale."

Cicely's brow furrowed at the familiar voice, and as she turned to leave, Danielle's gaze fell upon her.

Danielle's confusion turned to a dark realization upon seeing Cicely's face.

Cicely had no intention of putting on a show for her. She walked away, but as she passed by, Danielle suddenly grabbed her arm with a grip that made Cicely frown. She turned to see a panicked Danielle, whose voice quivering, "What are you doing here?"

Cicely glanced coldly at her gripped arm, "Let go."

Danielle's grip tightened, but upon seeing Cicely's angry and impatient face, she relented and asked again, "What are you doing here?"

"Is it any of your business?"

"Are you here to try on dresses with someone, or are you..."

"Do you think there's anyone worth my time to accompany to a dress fitting?"

Danielle's face paled, "You mean you..."

"What else?"

Cicely gave her a chilling look, "We're both in P City, and I get the whole 'hard to avoid' thing, but you'd better learn to take a detour when you see me. If that's too much, at least don't come looking for me. I'm holding back now, not because I can't take action. Understand?"

Danielle stood pale as Cicely's words echoed. They weren't new, but they struck hard. All Danielle could focus on was that Cicely was here trying on wedding dresses, which meant she was getting married. To whom? Who else but Seth could Cicely marry?

Rubbing her wrist, Cicely left the boutique with a cold expression, finding Seth's car waiting at the entrance.

Danielle belatedly followed, witnessing Cicely get into Seth's car. If not for the white pillar she clung to, she might have collapsed then and there. "Danielle, are you okay?" Her fellow actor noticed Danielle's distress and came over. Danielle's nails dug into the pillar, her eyes filled with panic. How could Patty ever agree to their marriage? No, this can't be.

As Danielle watched the car disappear through the glass doors, her gaze never wavered. She bit her lip, staring blankly out the door, lost in thought.

On New Year's Day, the Ellis family announced Seth and Cicely's wedding date was set for the following July 28th. Despite the preparations, the news caused quite a stir in P City.

A few days later, Patty paid a visit to the Ellis home.

Cicely, spending the holiday with the Ellis family, descended the stairs to face an unpleasant scene. Patty was there, looking as somber as ever, sitting next to Danielle.

Danielle's complexion was pallid, hardly any trace of a smile on her face. Danielle always had that resting bitch face, so Cicely didn't pay her much attention. "Patty, long time no see."

Patty managed a thin smile, "Indeed, it's been a while. You've been overly generous with the holiday gifts. So many for New Year's, you shouldn't have." Cicely took a seat next to Creighton, "It's the least I could do."

"Though, I must say, you've become quite the stranger at our house. The gifts always come through a third party. This ruby necklace, I've been coveting for ages but could never find a place to buy it. I mentioned it to Seth a couple of times, but to no avail. I had nearly given up hope, and then you surprised me with it. I absolutely adore it, and Seth mentioned you went through quite some trouble to get it. Very thoughtful of you."

Cicely paused, her gaze fixing on the gleaming ruby necklace around Patty's neck, clearly of considerable value. She had no idea Patty wanted it, let alone bought it or sent it to her. So Seth got it and passed i off as a gift from her to curry favor with her mother-in-law?

Cicely forced a smile, "Seth really deserves most of the credit."

Patty's smile returned as she shifted her focus back to Creighton, "The thought that our families are about to be united took me by surprise. Me and Tod's son with you and Millie's daughter. Your friend and my friend. Sounds quite charming, doesn't it?"

The irony in Patty's laughter was unmistakable. She said it sounded nice, but her demeanor suggested it was more of a joke. There was a clear insinuation in her words.

Creighton's expression darkened slightly, "It's all fate. Family ties doubling up, always a joyous occasion."

Patty sipped her tea, concealing her smirk, "Indeed."

"Oh, by the way." As if recalling something, Patty set down her cup, "Danielle is doing quite well in the entertainment industry. And with Seth now involved in the scene, he'll surely look out for her. Don't worry about Danielle. It seems Cicely's planning to step back from company matters. Seth might be busier, but that's to be expected. Still, we hope he'll avoid unnecessary complications."

Cicely's smile grew wider and colder. Patty was implying that for Seth's convenience in taking care of Danielle, it only made sense for her contracts to be with Seth's company. Since Cicely wouldn't be managing the company, she should keep out of it and not cause Seth any trouble.

Cicely responded with a frosty politeness, "With Danielle's career flourishing, we've little to worry about. Should any issue arise, the Ellis family would undoubtedly have her back. I am the one marrying Seth, not Danielle. She's not my responsibility, and Seth has no obligation to cater to her needs. As long as she remains unmarried, it's the Ellis family's duty to take care of her, not someone else's." Patty's smile faded ever so slightly, "Someone else?"

"To the Diaz family, isn't she just that? I know you and her mother are close friends, but as you just mentioned, my mother is your best friend as well. Why haven't you considered me like a daughter all these years?"

Patty looked at Cicely's carefree, beautiful face, her anger turning into laughter. "Well, I've never seen you as an outsider."

"Then perhaps I've been ungrateful, feeling like an outsider all this time. Fortunately, we'll soon be family, and I trust you'll treat us with kindness. For the sake of my future with Seth and the Diaz family, let's not let outsiders disrupt our harmony. A stable home is the foundation of success, don't you agree?"

The implication was clear: don't let someone like Danielle create chaos at home, causing Seth distress and impacting his work-that would be the "unnecessary trouble."

Patty's gaze on Cicely grew icy. "The Ellis family will lean on Seth in the future. Whether it's the Ellis family or him looking after Danielle, it's all the same."

"That's a concern for another day. There will always be many people the Ellis family needs to look after."

Cicely's lips curled into a cold smirk, her eyes turning towards Danielle, who had been silent throughout.

"Danielle will indeed need special attention. It seems Seth and I will have to find you a suitable match to marry off. Right?"

Danielle's already pale complexion turned even paler. Seth finding her a husband? The thought was more torturous than death itself. Cicely knew just how to twist the knife.

"My life is my own, and it doesn't need managing by anyone else."

"Such independence sounds commendable, but can you truly handle it on your own? Danielle, no one denies you're an Ellis. Have some self-awareness, and don't impose on others. If you're facing trouble, seek your family, not outsiders."

Danielle's hands clenched tightly, her face a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Seriously, when I finally marry into the Diaz family, you think you can still squabble with me over scraps, just because Patty dotes on you? Sure, you could try, but then you'd be the one putting Patty in a tight spot, not me. She spoils you rotten, and you should be grateful for that, not wear out your welcome."

The issue with Danielle was the focal point of conflict between Cicely and Seth, as well as between Cicely and the entire Diaz family. It was rare for them to meet up, so while what Cicely said wasn't exactly polite, today was the day to lay all her cards on the table, even if it meant taking a hit to Danielle's pride.

"But I really can't figure out what difficult matter it is. You can't solve it on your own, and the Ellis family can't solve it, but someone like Patty, who seems unaware of worldly matters, can take care of it." Danielle couldn't muster a reply. Even Patty herself, who was standing nearby, began to reassess Danielle with new scrutiny after Cicely's words.

Danielle had no comeback for Cicely. Every time, Cicely's arguments seemed the most convincing, sounding like the absolute truth. Every time, Danielle felt exposed, her thoughts laid bare. Cicely was all too familiar with Danielle's silenced, frustrated demeanor, and she gave a small, knowing smile. "If you decided on your own two feet, have a spine."

Danielle was losing control, "You think you're so perfect? What have you got to be proud of? What right do you have to judge whether I have a backbone or not?"

Her sharp tone made everyone in the living room turn to stare at her.

Cicely raised an eyebrow, leisurely took a sip of her water, and said slowly, "I have the right as the lady from the Ellis family, and I have the chops to win over Seth, to offer him everything that the Ellis family has to offer. Does that work for you?"

Danielle's hands clenched tighter, her face turning even paler. Cicely's claim of winning Seth left her utterly defeated.

Danielle's discomfort was palpable to everyone, as Cicely nonchalantly picked up her glass once more, her eyes warmly detached, betraying a serene smile as if all was right in the world.

Patty pursed her lips, unable to counter Cicely's words. Young as she was, Cicely had a sharp tongue. Even Patty's intervention hadn't been enough to secure Danielle's contract, and she was left speechless by Cicely's few pointed remarks.

Patty knew Seth truly found Danielle to be a nuisance. If his previous confessions were sincere, then Danielle was indeed a problem.

The topic was dropped, and throughout the meal, Danielle kept glancing at Patty, hoping she'd bring up her contract once more. But aside from a few brief eye contacts with Cicely, the matter of her contract was never mentioned again.

Danielle bit her lip, her heart seething with resentment.

After lunch, Danielle left with Patty. The silence during their drive prompted Patty to finally glance at her. "Think about it, if Cicely managed to keep Seth on a leash, whatever the reason, that's her skill. You two are both from the Ellis family, starting from the same line, but Seth chose her in the end. Maybe you should consider why. She used some tricks, but to get what one wants, a little strategy is necessary. Why wait for it to be handed to you on a silver platter?"

"You don't need to be so down. Even if Seth marries her, it won't last. He's just after the Ellis family's influence. Men always have some ambition."

This was Seth's reasoning, and at first, Patty was shocked. She had her doubts. But so what?

A marriage followed by a harsh abandonment, wouldn't the hurt be doubled?

Millie made Patty miserable for the rest of her life and even in death, Millie's daughter seduced her son.

This mother and daughter, whoever got punished, it would be a consolation for Patty, a delicious revenge.

Why? Why could Millie have all the love?

The love she yearned for but couldn't have was Millie's. The love she settled for, hoping to relish the feeling of being loved, turned out to be a lie centered around Millie.

What shouldn't be Millie's was all hers.

What Patty couldn't have was a tragedy, and what she did have was a farce. Her life had become a pathetic joke because of Millie. And now, even Millie's daughter was living a charmed life that others envied.

It was utterly detestable.

Now, it seemed like karma had come full circle.

Danielle's eyes reddened, "So Seth doesn't love Cicely? If he really gets the Ellis family, will he really abandon her? Patty, is all of this true? Can he really do it? There are many ways to get the Ellis family. I'll have shares in it, too. Why didn't he choose me to help him instead of going to all this trouble with Cicely?"

Patty's face darkened, "Creighton holds the reins of the Ellis family's power. Do you think he'll choose you over her?"

Danielle paused, realizing it was a reasonable explanation. But then again, if Creighton was out of the picture and Cicely wasn't with Seth, with Seth's current reputation in the Ellis family, the power would still likely be his. Why bother getting married with Cicely?

She fell silent, her anxiety growing. The more she thought about it, the more desperate and hopeless the answers seemed.

Although Patty didn't get a response from Danielle, Danielle's words weighed heavily on her heart. Because Danielle's reasoning made sense.

Around New Year's, the big award ceremonies began in earnest.

As expected, "Era of Elegance" swept up the major awards. Danielle was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and as a guest performer at the awards show, she performed a dance that reignited her popularity.

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