The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2052

Cicely fought to keep her words coherent, each syllable felt like she was severing the cord that she had nourished with her own blood between them, the pain was visceral. Seth's grip on her wrist was so strong it felt like her bones might shatter, and she winced in agony.

Instead, he just looked at her expression and suddenly sneered.

She was in pain now? He wanted to know how deep her pain ran, and to compare it to the torment he was enduring now. But in the end, seeing her pale, sweat-beaded face, he eased his grip. He still held her firmly, staring deeply into her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

"Fine."

Cicely's heart felt like plastic on an open flame, shriveling instantly.

Seth was an enigma, and the nature of his relationship with Cicely-whether it was affection, love, or indifference-was beyond Charlie's understanding. It seemed to Charlie that Mr. Diaz could act the same way with any other woman, if he wanted.d2

But which woman could make Mr. Diaz willing to do so?

Charlie didn't understand, but he sensed that the current standoff between the two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

"Mr. Diaz." Charlie tried to remind Seth to stay calm, knowing that making decisions in the heat of the moment was a bad idea.

Cicely, enduring the sharp pain in her heart, slowly nodded, "I'll prepare the divorce papers. The damage to Diaz International's operations is indeed my fault. As compensation, I'll transfer all of my Ellis Group shares to you."

Charlie was visibly shocked.

All of her shares in Diaz International? That could be enough to take over several Diaz Internationals.

Seth smirked, "Seems like I'm getting the better end of the deal after all. But Issac isn't dead yet, so this sweet deal is just a thought for now."

Cicely took a deep breath, "I'll have the divorce agreement prepared in advance."

Seth watched her silently for a moment longer, then finally let go of her hand. "But before that, Cicely, don't forget you're still my wife. You and your well-being are still my responsibility. Issac dies the day after tomorrow, and until then, you'd better swallow your food and water, even if you have to force it down. I'll even tie you to the bed if I have to make sure you get some sleep. So, it's in your best interest to behave and not provoke me."

Cicely's eyelashes trembled.

"Charlie!"

Charlie snapped to attention, "Yes, Mr. Diaz."

"Take her to see Issac, and in half an hour, set the nightcap in front of her and watch her finish it."

Charlie glanced at Cicely, torn, but obliged. "Understood."

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

Cicely watched his assertive retreating figure, her clenched fists tightening and then releasing. Finally, she lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions in her eyes, and walked away. Issac had been taken to the ICU.

Brody stood by, looking at his unconscious son on the hospital bed, tears streaming down his face.

Cicely stumbled as she entered the room but managed to steady herself with Charlie's help. She stared at the man on the bed, tears falling uncontrollably. All the tears of her life seemed to want to dry up in jus one day.

Charlie assisted Cicely closer to the lifeless Issac, and suddenly, she knelt before Brody.

"Miss!" Brody's voice quivered as he tried to lift her up.

However, Cicely grabbed his hand instead. She lowered her head, biting her lip tightly to keep the sadness coursing through her body down, and to keep her voice from sounding so shaking. "Brody, I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault, miss."

Cicely shook her head, her voice tense with endless regret and sorrow. "It is all my fault, Brody. It is all my fault."

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

Charlie could see that Brody still harbored regrets, and he still blamed Cicely. Regardless of the reasons, Issac's condition had something to do with her. Even if it was about duty or responsibility, the only son he had was about to be lost.

People might not believe it if you said Cicely was well-behaved and understanding, but they would believe if you said she was spoiled and petulant.

Brody had watched Cicely grow up, pampered and loved. She was sensible, indeed, but she was also petulant.

Yet he couldn't bring himself to truly blame her. Everyone was a victim in their own right.

"I'm sorry, Brody. I'm sorry." Cicely's slender shoulders shook as she repeated her apology.

Brody heaved a deep sigh, then knelt beside her. "Miss, Issac did the right thing. It's just fate."

Cicely took a deep breath, struggling to stand and helping Brody up with Charlie's assistance, then guiding him to sit down.

The busy medical staff approached to remind them, "You can stay at most 30 minutes tonight."

Seth made his way straight to the hospital's park, stopping in front of a row of cypress trees.

The events of the entire day replayed in his mind. In the end, it all came down to Cicely's every expression, and every word she spoke.

She seemed to wield a hundred ways to inflict pain, sharp, keen, and unerring.

If Issac died, she didn't want anything to do with him. The one who feared he would leave was her, and ironically, the one who didn't want him was also her.

A low, cool chuckle escaped his throat as he took out his phone with fingertips white from the cold. He dialed a number and waited for the call to connect, the phone pressed to his ear.

The summer night's warm breeze brushed by, people in the park walked and chatted, but in his world, there was only the sound of the call waiting tone.

"Hello?" A deep, steady voice eventually answered.

Seth slowly began, "Damon, I need a favor."

"A favor?" The voice on the other end fell silent for a split second, as if the words were unfamiliar, especially coming from Seth. "I've been following the news. If you want my help with Diaz International, no problem."

"I'll handle Diaz International myself."

Damon's lips curled into a smirk. This was the Seth he knew-oozing pride and arrogance from every pore. But if that were the case, what could possibly make him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

Damon's interest was piqued, a rare occurrence. "So, what's up?"

"Help me save someone."

"You're asking for help, which means this isn't going to be easy."

"That's right."

"And if we fail?"

Seth's expression turned to stone. "Failure is not an option."

No matter what. At any cost. Issac couldn't die.

Half an hour later, Seth found his way to the VIP hospital room. Charlie's reaction was more relaxed than expected.

Cicely was perched on a sofa outside the room, nibbling on a plate of neatly sliced fruit. It was her request, and Charlie had personally peeled and sliced it for her.

"Mr. Diaz."

Seth's gaze shifted from Cicely, his tone as flat as his expression. "I told you to prepare dinner, and you serve her this?"

"My apologies, Mr. Diaz," Charlie hastily replied. "Dinner will be just a little while longer. The missus wanted something from Carly's kitchen, and I've already informed Carly. She's on it."

Seth was surprised. He hadn't expected her to ask for anything to eat. It wasn't like her usual style, but it did remind him of the Cicely who never let herself be slighted.

His expression softened slightly as he took off his coat and approached the sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

Cicely didn't look up from her phone, occasionally picking up a piece of fruit and chewing with a crunch. He sat down beside her, watching as her plate of fruit neared empty yet she showed no sign of stopping. He finally spoke up. "You still need to eat dinner."

Cicely kept eating, "I'll eat dinner and fruit. I'll eat whatever I want. When did you start dictating my diet? Or is it that you think you've only got two days left to make me miserable?"

Her words were laced with venom, dripping with sarcasm. In the end, no one could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

Charlie glanced at Seth, trying to gauge his reaction. Charlie had to admit that Seth was truly good at hiding his emotions. If anyone else were in Mr. Diaz's shoes, they'd probably be angry, but Seth remained impassive, simply leaning back and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Better to eat less at night. Overeating will make you uncomfortable, and it will disturb my rest."

Cicely paused, "If you're so concerned, keep your distance. The bed at home must be comfortable, or anywhere else for that matter. Don't worry. Even if I'm in agony, I won't bother you."

Seth dropped his hands and looked at Charlie, "How many servings did Carly prepare?"

Charlie hesitated, "Enough for two."

"Hmm, tell her to pack some extra, I'm starving."

"Will do."

Cicely's eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

Charlie helped set it up, and as Cicely put away her phone and tried to stand, Seth picked up a bowl of soup and said flatly, "If you don't want me to force-feed you or make idle conversation, sit down and eat. You're the last person who should be wasting energy today."

Charlie handed her the utensils in timely fashion, "Ma'am, these are all dishes you requested. Don't let anger spoil your appetite."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Cicely's face, but she took the utensils anyway. Seth and Charlie were right.

They ate in silence, neither offering food to the other, their utensils never crossing paths.

Seth finished first and stood up, checking the time and glancing at Charlie. Charlie quickly exited the room.

"Take a shower after you eat." Seth looked down at Cicely, still leisurely enjoying her meal, and with that, he took his coat and left the room.

When Charlie stepped out, he was met by two imposing strangers, standing rigidly on either side of the room, obviously there to guard the Cicely's room. Startled, he saw Seth emerge behind them. "Sir, what

is "

Seth closed the door and gave him a level look. "Keep a close eye on her, especially don't let her step out of this room."

Charlie was puzzled. Watching the lady was a given, but not allowing her to leave and bringing in bodyguards, was this some kind of house arrest?

"If you can't manage that, consider donating your heart and lungs to Issac."

Charlie shuddered. Seth's expression was dead serious.

"Understood."

Cicely finished her meal with no intention of showering. She wanted to check on her father and see Issac again, but as soon as she opened the door, her vision blurred, and two arms barred her way. Regaining her composure, she faced the two men in black suits, their expressions blank as they stood in her path. Her brow furrowed as she turned to Charlie.

"What's all this?"

Charlie's scalp tingled with anxiety, "For your safety, ma'am."

"Really?" Cicely raised an eyebrow coolly, "Is Danielle and her mother out for revenge, planning to come kill me?"

Charlie had never known how to handle the little princess of P City, and now he was even more at a loss. "It is not like that, ma'am."

"No? Aside from those two lunatics, I really can't think of anyone else with such a grudge against me."

Charlie was at a loss for words.

On reflection, even though the P City princess was known for being haughty and proud, it seemed no one had really crossed her. Perhaps it was out of respect for her status as the heiress of the Ellis family, but he couldn't fathom who would pose a threat to her. It seemed that the only people who really couldn't stand her were Ms. Danielle and Mr. Diaz's mother. But after all, they were both saved by Mrs. Cicely, and it wouldn't be right for them to cause her any trouble at this time. So what exactly Mr. Diaz meant by his actions, Charlie didn't understand.

"For safety's sake, Mrs. Cicely, you should go back and rest."

"And what if I don't?"

Charlie sighed, "Then I'm sorry, ma'am, but I must insist."

Cicely's face was set in a frown as she attempted to leave, but the two men swiftly moved to block her, standing as two unyielding walls, determined not to let her step out of the hospital room. Knowing that forcing her way out would be futile, Cicely picked up her phone and dialed Seth's number.

It took a while for Seth to answer, his voice low and indifferent, rippling through the line without a hint of surprise. "Yes?"

"I want to go out."

"Have you taken a shower? If so, go to bed and sleep."

Cicely closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, "Seth, what do you mean?"

"Take a shower and get some rest."

"Seth!"

"Since you're calling me now, it proves my arrangements are correct. Don't waste my time. You don't like talking to me, do you? But if you've changed your mind, I can come right back and keep you company." Cicely hung up without another word.

Seth pocketed his phone and stepped out from the top floor's emergency exit. The ground below was alight with the constant flicker of neon signs and the red streams of traffic.

The city of P remained vibrant with life, and everything that had happened today was swallowed up in the urban pulse, as if leaving no trace.

Back in her hospital room, Cicely had taken a shower, her hair still damp.

Seth walked in with his jacket draped over his wrist, tossed it onto the couch, and headed straight for her.

Cicely was standing by the window, sipping water and gazing out at the night skyline that belonged uniquely to P City, lost in thought. She was aware of Seth's presence when he entered the room and even as he approached her. His tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

He reached out to touch her hair, "Should I dry it for you?"

Cicely swatted his hand away. "What is all this?" Cicely spoke slowly, her tone flat, "Are you afraid that I'm going to wait for an opportunity to flee the city after I ruin your program? Or do you think I'll choose to go into hiding because I don't want to divorce you?"

"You can rest easy. My dad and Issac are here; even if I were guilty, I wouldn't leave them. And if it's the latter, since I'm the one who initiated this, I surely don't need to be so cowardly as to back out now." Seth glanced at her coolly, then turned and walked into the bathroom, only to come out with a hairdryer and approach her again. "Sit on the bed."

Cicely's delicate hand clenched the water glass tightly. His nonchalant attitude was infuriating. Unable to contain her temper, she threw the warm water from the glass in Seth's face. "Who are you playing the good guy for? Afraid I won't write your shares into the divorce agreement? Don't worry, I will give them to you. Everyone knows my character; the Ellis Group is doomed under my watch. Rather than letting others scheme and take it from me, I'd rather give it to you. At least Diaz International will have some hope. Even if you don't covet it, I was going to give it to you eventually. Why else would I let you willingly manage the Ellis Group? I've given you the opportunity to covet what I have from the start, and after suffering for so long, it's time you got what you wanted."

His expensive light-colored shirt was soaked, drops of water still gathering and trickling down his cool, indifferent face. Even after being splashed, Seth had no reaction, but after hearing Cicely's words, his eyes, veiled with droplets, suddenly narrowed. "It's time we got what we wanted?"

Cicely laughed sarcastically, "Well, it's because of your mother, isn't it? She hates me because my father loved my mother, and because your father loved her too. What other reason could there be for her to agree to let her son marry me?"

Seth's expression darkened further, "Did you hear something?"

"The plots you and your mother conjured together? It's quite remarkable that I would get wind of it. So, why then? Well, Charlie mentioned it was for my safety. Is your mother sick again, ready to burst in here and stab me at any moment?"

For the first time, Seth's expression could be described as furious, "Cicely, even if you're trying to provoke me, I won't let you go out tonight. We can separate, sure, but only after Issac's dead the day after

tomorrow."

The water stopped dripping from his face, and with that, Seth took her hand and led her to the bed. "You've said too much tonight. If you want to keep talking, after I dry your hair, I'll listen for as long as you

want."

Cicely closed her eyes, letting him dry her hair. "So, I was that annoying before. You have quite the patience."

Seth paused for a moment, then continued to run his fingers through her scalp, her soft hair slipping through the warm air from the dryer. Afterward, he went into the bathroom himself.

Cicely opened the door to the room, and the two men were still stationed outside. Charlie leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Seeing Cicely, he suddenly stood up straight. "Ma'am."

Cicely looked impassive, "I want some milk."

Charlie was briefly taken aback, then quickly responded, "Right away, ma'am."

Cicely closed the door again.

When Seth came out of the shower, Charlie was just knocking on the door, holding a glass of milk.

"It's for Ms. Cicely."

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

Cicely leaned against the headboard, browsing her phone. The news was full of the day's events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

The Ellis Group was holding steady, thanks to Seth having taken the reins for a while now. With him at the helm, things were relatively stable.

Her dad's surgery had been a roaring success.

Danielle's face was ruined, her body riddled with shards of glass, large patches of skin burnt away. But she had dumb luck on her side. She had been close to the window when the blast threw her out, landing

her outside where she was scorched for a good while. At least she was still breathing, her organs miraculously unharmed.

How did that woman always manage to land on her feet? It's the good ones that die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

Cicely had enough of the screen and got up, grabbing the glass of milk. Charlie was thoughtful as ever; the milk was the perfect temperature. She tilted her head back, took a gulp, and then walked over to the

bed, pulling back the covers to slide in.

Seth was outside on a call, seemingly about the Ellis Group.

When he returned, he climbed into bed, pulling her into his embrace. Cicely wasn't asleep, and she didn't open her eyes in his arms. "We're on the brink of divorce. You find this amusing?"

"Not in the least. Maybe I should pin you down and have my way with you a few times? Would that be amusing?"

Cicely's eyes fluttered, her arm resting on her waist, palm on her belly, and she fell silent.

Today had been draining, and even though nothing had turned out as she had hoped, exhaustion took over, and Cicely quickly fell asleep. Her shallow breaths danced on his chest, the familiar soft warmth in

his arms, yet something felt different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

Seth gazed down at her smooth forehead and curled lashes, his arms around her tightening slightly. After a moment, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

The next day, under Seth's supervision, Cicely had breakfast and changed into clean clothes. "I want to go see my dad."

"You can visit him for 30 minutes this afternoon."

"I'm going to see Issac first."

Seth remained silent.

Cicely clenched her fists, looking up at Seth with a cold indifference. "You're not planning to keep me cooped up here for two days, are you?"

After a brief silence, Seth slipped into the clean clothes Charlie had laid out for him and said indifferently, "I'll come with you."

Cicely didn't bother to respond; it was pointless.

At the door, two men in black suits stood guard as Charlie lingered nearby, but with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

When they reached the ICU where Issac was supposed to be, there was no one there. Issac wasn't in his bed, and Brody wasn't by his side. The entire ICU had been cleared out, devoid of any trace of its

previous occupants.

Cicely's gaze landed on the empty scene, her mind buzzing, and then everything went blank.

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