The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 1984

Charlie revved up the engine and, following his hunch, chuckled, "Figured out a way to cheer up Ms. Cicely, eh?"

A nearly imperceptible furrow crossed Seth's brow, a flicker of light passing through the darkness of his eyes.

*

Patty sat on the couch with a frosty expression, while Danielle sat beside her, her face etched with a hint of worry.

Seth walked in, prompting Danielle to quickly stand up. "Seth..."

Spilling the day's events and getting Patty this riled up was bound to backfire on her. Sure enough, Seth ignored her and focused his gaze on Patty.d2

Patty, sensing Danielle's unease, stood up and glared at Seth coldly. "I pressured Danielle into telling me, so if you’re looking to blame someone, blame me. But seriously, isn't Cicely having someone trash your car way out of line compared to the truths Danielle shared with me?"

Seth casually undid his suit jacket, and the housekeeper hurried to take it from him. "She's angry with me, so her throwing a fit is to be expected. No harm done."

Danielle's eyes flickered with unease. The anger in Patty’s eyes, however, intensified. "So her being upset justifies smashing your car? No harm done? You sure have a big heart. Seth, let me tell you once more, you can date Cicely, but don't you dare take it any further. With her pampered ways, the Diaz family won’t cater to her. She’s throwing a tantrum, right? Perfect timing for you to break it off."

Seth’s lips curled into a cool half-smile, a hint of frost touching his dark gaze. He didn’t respond to Patty, instead, he turned to look at Danielle. His face held a smile, foreign and chilling to Danielle.

At this moment, Charlie walked in from outside. Patty felt a bit displeased about Charlie's sudden appearance, but Seth spoke up."I've got your gown for tomorrow's gala ready."

Patty was taken aback, not expecting this. Danielle stared in disbelief at the box in Charlie's hands.

Charlie met her gaze with a stiff smile. "Mr. Diaz picked this out for you in Audrey's Boutique before coming home."

Still in disbelief, Danielle looked to Seth for confirmation. Seth did not deny it, "This is your first time attending a gala. You should prepare well." His words echoed Charlie's claim.

Charlie stepped forward, handing the box to Danielle. She accepted it, placed it on the coffee table, and carefully opened it. Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Inside was a white knee-length dress with asymmetric shoulder straps and a crystal brooch at the left breast. It’s simple in design, yet unmistakably luxurious.

Danielle's excitement waned as she stared at the dress. She had envisioned a statement-making, flowing gown, not this understated, albeit high-end piece.

It seemed more suited for… She bit her lip, suppressing the name that almost slipped out.

Putting the dress away, she smiled at Seth, "Thank you, I do like it, but why…" Why did he go out of his way to get her a dress, and from Audrey's Boutique no less...

"If you like it, that's all that matters," Seth said coolly. "I'll pick you up tomorrow night."

Patty, puzzled by Seth's behavior, couldn't fathom any reason for his atypical actions today. However, seeing him show such thoughtfulness for Danielle was comforting. She had worried he might refuse when she first suggested he take Danielle to the gala. To her surprise, he agreed. At

that point, she was taken aback, but her ultimate goal was achieved, so she had nothing more to say.

Perhaps he was also concerned about Danielle being harassed by that notorious playboy, Ray, who had been doggedly pursuing her, even following her to several cities.

This gala, partially orchestrated by Ray, had extended an invitation to Danielle—an invitation she would typically refuse without hesitation. However, the gala's focus on script auctions—plays, musicals, screenplays—with renowned directors, screenwriters, producers, and actors in attendance offered top-tier opportunities not open to just anyone.

Danielle, keen on establishing herself in the theatrical industry, saw it as a prime opportunity. Despite the invitation coming Ray, she didn't want to turn it down. Yet, she was wary of Ray seizing the chance to pester her, perhaps even using money to lure or intimidate her into compliance.

To prevent any trouble from Ray at the gala and to make him back off, she had Seth play the role of her "knight in shining armor." She had been ready to coerce him into agreeing if necessary, but he had surprisingly complied without a fuss. And not only did he agree, but he went as far as to prepare a gown for her.

"Charlie, make sure you drive Ms. Danielle home later."

"Sure thing."

After Seth had gone upstairs, Patty furrowed her brow. She felt as if there was something important they hadn't finished discussing.

Regardless of whom the dress suited best, receiving such a considerate gift from Seth for the first time was enough to make Danielle happy.

After sending Danielle off, Patty remembered what topic had been glossed over by Seth. Her expression darkened as she glanced at the clock, deciding not to pursue Seth further.

*

After finishing her milk, Cicely received a message from Isaac.

[Tomorrow's party is going to be epic. Mr. Diaz is escorting Miss Danielle.]

Cicely placed the cup on the coffee table, and the cup made a gentle sound. She stared at the mobile phone screen for a long time, and her narrowed eyes gradually relaxed a bit. [Tell me what you know.] She demanded, rising from the plush sofa and ascending the staircase with phone in hand.

Upon reaching her bedroom, she made a beeline for the bathroom. After a quick shower, she emerged with a towel slung over her shoulders, her hair still dripping.

She checked her phone and saw a message from Issac. [The Peck family's involved with the party. It's a high-profile affair, all major players from the entertainment industry. Miss Danielle wants to go but is worried about Mr. Ray pestering her, so Mrs. Diaz asked her son to accompany Miss Danielle.]

Cicely snorted derisively. She tossed the phone onto the bed and returned to the bathroom to blow- dry her hair.

In less than five minutes, Cicely reappeared, her hair no longer dripping but still damp. She sat on the edge of the bed, distracted herself with a mobile game, and once her hair felt almost dry, she slipped under the covers.

The next morning, she woke feeling groggy, thinking she hadn't slept well, and dozed off again.

When she finally got up close to ten, she went downstairs after freshening up, and the butler, noting her listless appearance, couldn't help but ask, "Miss, are you feeling unwell?"

Creighton, who had just taken a stroll outside, set down his water glass and looked at her upon hearing the words. "Are you feeling ill?"

Cicely descended the stairs, leaning on the banister, "I'm fine, probably just not adjusted to the change of seasons. Caught a bit of a chill, I guess."

Brody hurried to the kitchen to instruct the cook to prepare some ginger tea.

After a hearty meal and her tea, Cicely changed into warmer clothes: a knee-length black A-line skirt with a row of buttons down the slant and a slit that teasingly revealed her slender legs. She paired it with a black blouse, whose light green and orange-red accents added a youthful vibrancy to her dignified charm.

Creighton approved of her outfit for the day, "Heading out?"

"Yes. Bored at home. Spotted a dress I liked, want to see it in person."

"You're feeling better?"

"Much."

Aside from a slight heaviness in her head, she felt okay.

Creighton nodded, "Have Issac go with you."

"Alright."

*

Arriving at Ollie's, Cicely headed straight for the boutique where she'd seen the dress the day before.

"Ms. Cicely, welcome back," the sales associate greeted her eagerly, recognizing her as a regular.

With a brief acknowledgment, Cicely browsed the store before settling on the sofa, "The dress I reserved last night, I'd like to try it on."

The associate hesitated, prompting Cicely to raise an eyebrow, "Is there a problem?"

Quickly recovering, the associate smiled, "Not at all, I'll fetch it for you."

Cicely emerged from the fitting room, and the associate couldn't hide her admiration and envy.

As the fitting room door swung open, the other staff members were dazzled, unable to resist praising her. "Ms. Cicely, you look absolutely stunning in that dress."

In fact, the new product had just arrived, and when they first saw it, it didn't strike them as particularly stunning. The design was simple, lacking any prominent highlights. However, the price was surprisingly high. The only noticeable thing that seemed valuable was probably the brooch on the chest.

They wondered if it would sell at all, but before their worries could grow, Cicely had called to reserve it. They marveled at the rich taste they couldn't understand.

Now, seeing Cicely wearing it, they truly appreciated the designer's work. On her, the simple design was transformed into something astonishing and luxurious. But of course, not just anyone could exude such grace. Raised in the lap of luxury by the Ellis family, even if Cicely were to wear mere rags, she'd still look elegant and sophisticated.

"Ms. Cicely, this dress suits both high-end parties and casual wear," the sales associate commented with a smile.

Cicely examined herself in the mirror, turning to check the dress from different angles, then nodded, "I'll take that dress too."

As another associate fetched the dress, Cicely disappeared back into the fitting room. She reappeared dressed in her own clothes and approached the counter to pay. The cashier listed the prices and handed over a neatly packaged bag.

Upon hearing the mentioned amount and seeing only a single bag, Cicely lifted an eyebrow in query, "Has there been some kind of mistake?"

The cashier blinked, "Pardon?"

The sales associate quickly interjected, "What seems to be the problem, Ms. Cicely?"

Cicely calmly placed her card on the counter, "You forgot to pack the dress I reserved, and the price wasn't included. That dress should earn you a hefty commission."

The associate paused, then asked with some confusion, "You already have that dress, don't you? Do you want another one?"

Cicely paused, then looked up, "I believe I only reserved one dress over the phone yesterday. I didn't pay, and I didn't receive it. What do you mean by 'another'?"

"Oh." The realization dawned on the associate, who covered her mouth with her hand, then quickly laughed, "My mistake. Another customer reserved the same dress last night. I thought you'd sent him to pick it up. Sorry, Ms. Cicely."

Cicely rarely concerned herself with matters unrelated to her. Anyone could buy the same dress, but who it was didn't interest her.

"Wrap it up. I'll pay by card."

"Of course," the associate signaled to the cashier, who swiped the card, deducting an amount that would sustain an average family for a year.

As the associate packaged the dress, another whispered, "Are we still supposed to get another one? The one from last night..."

"Shush. Maybe Mr. Seth hasn't had the chance to give it to her yet. If it's a surprise, wouldn't we be spoiling it?"

"But isn't this dress a bit pricey? Getting two of the same, isn't that a bit... you know?"

"Does she look like she's short on cash? Besides, it's not like we can say anything about it. If we speak up, it's bad news. If we don't, it's just her buying an extra dress and us making an extra sale. We're all sharp cookies here. A little thought and nobody's going to give us grief for it."

After saying that, the associate took the packaged bag and walked out. Handing the bag to Cicely, she added, "We've only stocked two of these beauties at our P City branch. In a way, you could say it's practically your own private couture, right?"

Issac reached over and took the bag from behind. Cicely, however, just offered a bored smile and remained silent.

Such unabashed flattery and deceit. They claimed there were two, yet they were telling her it was unique and tailor-made now? Did they really think she was some kind of brainless heiress?

Cicely didn’t rush out of the boutique. Instead, she browsed some cosmetics and picked out a pair of heels that would match the dress perfectly. After all, it was the heels that really made a dress pop. Sure, they can be a pain to wear, but she felt it was worth it.

Maybe last time she just wasn't used to them. Perhaps after a few more blisters, a bit more pain, and a little bloodshed, one day she'd master them completely and be unapologetically beautiful.