The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2094

Chapter 2094

Cicely was never a stingy person. Kane might not be the most reliable guy around. But his gestureof buying ten bottles of Chardonnay from her was sincere enough. So it was natural for her toprepare this table full of delicious food.

Yeah, it was all about the Chardonnay.

Cicely guided Hugo to his chair, where the maid tied a bib around his neck and set out a non-slipfork and spoon in front of him.

Cicely was there just to tidy things up a bit, rolling up Hugo's sleeves for him. Cicely was muchcalmer and relaxed now than at the beginning when she wanted to hug Hugo all the time and wasall nervous and overwhelmed.

Grandpa was well, Hugo's eyes were healed, and she was free, living here with improvedconditions. Everything had settled down.

She was slowly reclaiming her own identity, the one she had three years ago, haughty, aloof, andheartless. No one could catch her eye.d2

Back then, everyone but Seth got that treatment. Now, it was the same for everyone.

Unchanged, yet changed.

Her radiant face had gained a touch of maturity and grace through those three years. Thearrogance in her brow persisted, yet it now held a certain fully-formed allure.

Seth's gaze never left Cicely.

She picked up the fork and served Hugo some food. "Want mom to blow on it?"

Hugo shook his head, "I can do it. You eat, Mommy."

Cicely smiled gently, caressing his cheek. "Good boy."

Even Kane found this version of Cicely unsettling. She was so different from before. He thought, inthese three years, Cicely had grown more than any of them.

The once haughty woman who needed assistance for every task, and couldn't lift a finger, was nowcaring for others.

Seth longed to sit next to Cicely, but ended up across from her. It was the safest distance to avoidirritating her and the perfect spot for discreet observation.

Kane, observing Seth's unusual timidity, shook his head. Love was a strange and wondrous thing.He bet that after dinner, Seth would be back in his room, wide awake with insomnia.

Sighing, Kane attempted to broach a subject with an elder's poise.

Cicely glanced at him, "Care for some peanuts?"

Kane, reading the hidden thorns in her amused eyes, opened his mouth in confusion. "Maybe a bitmore wine?"

Cicely frowned, "No alcohol served."

"C'mon, it's a rare gathering. Besides…" Kane winked towards Seth, "a little drink might help withsleep."

Cicely set down her fork, and Kane hastily added, "I will buy two bottles of Lafite in exchange forany wine you have. Is that OK?"

Cicely looked toward the maid, "Do we have any cheap beer?"

The maid nodded, "Two cases in the storeroom."

"Bring one up."

Kane was speechless.

*

Kane was all about helping Seth sleep, but in the end, he was the one who ended up paralyzed onthe couch clutching a bottle of wine.

Once Hugo finished his meal, Cicely had the maid take him upstairs. She glanced at Kane,mumbling nonsense on the sofa, a shadow crossing her expression. "Get him out of here before heruins my carpet."

With that, she turned to head upstairs.

"Cicely."

She paused, her delicate hand resting on the banister.

Seth forced a smile, "Goodnight."

Sounds of the dining room being tidied up mixed with Kane's muffled chatter. After a moment,Cicely's voice floated down, soft and delicate. “Goodnight."

Seth's heart skipped a beat. He had never realized how enchanting those words could be.

Kane slurred, "Cicely, I swear that I've never seen him making such a fool of himself. Damnhilarious..."

As Cicely's figure vanished at the top of the stairs, Seth looked away from the man slumped on thecouch, yanking him up by the collar and dragging him out of the villa.

"Ah. I'm choking... This is awful..."

Kane was eventually pushed into a car, Seth not even allowing him inside his home. Charlie wasinstructed to take Kane back.

"Mr. Diaz, any chance you'll be invited for dinner again soon?" Charlie couldn't resist asking as heturned the car around. It wasn't that he was particularly nosy, but he truly feared Mr. Diaz'sdemeanor from three years ago and just a few days ago.

When Mr. Diaz was happy, the entire company prospered. One man's happiness affected the well-being of thousands. Though it was Mr. Diaz's personal affair, it had far-reaching implications.

Seth glanced at him, saying slowly, "Do you want a raise?"

Charlie was taken aback, "Of course."

Seth nodded, "Then perform well."

Charlie thought to himself. “What did that mean?”

*

The next day at noon, the doorbell at Cicely's Mansion rang again. Cicely opened the door. Therestood Seth, impeccably dressed, holding two toy boxes. "Good afternoon."

Cicely leaned against the doorway, tilting her head slightly, "What's this about?"

"I'm here to deliver Hugo's belated gifts."

Cicely looked at him, saying nothing.

"I didn't cook, so I thought I’d drop by for lunch."

"I will but twenty bottles of Lafite."

Cicely looked down, silent for a moment, then turned and walked back into the living room, leavingthe door ajar.

*

The third day.

The fourth day.

The fifth...

Seth showed up at Cicely's Mansion at least once a day for a meal. The gifts for Hugo piled up inthe storage room.

Yet, humans are greedy creatures.

Cicely let him mooch meals, let him see Hugo, and interacted with him with calm indifference.These things would have satisfied him in the past, but she never once mentioned their past, nortalked about the future or whether she would leave.

His heart was hanging in mid-air. And he didn't dare bring it up, because any mention of the pastwas absolutely taboo for her.

He felt that maintaining the status quo was better than reopening old wounds. But all that sensitivityand withholding disintegrated the day Lana came to Cicely's Mansion for dinner a week later.

It was Lana who opened the door to the villa for him that day. Her brow creased slightly at the sightof him. "Well, " she said, her tone laced with disbelief. "I didn't think even you would have the nerveto show up here after everything."

Seth tensed the moment he laid eyes on Lana, his body coiling with an uneasy anticipation."What're you doing here?" he asked, voice tight.

Lana raised an eyebrow, her gaze playful yet piercing. "Packing up some things before I leave," shereplied casually.

Seth's grip on the gift he brought tightened noticeably.

Stepping aside, Lana granted him entry.

Inside, Cicely emerged from the kitchen holding a plate decorated with animal-shaped fruits,obviously prepared for Hugo. Her expression remained neutral upon seeing Seth, as she walkedover to the pillowed nook of the room.

Hugo was sprawled on the floor, his nose buried in a picture book. Once blind, now that he couldsee, he dedicated hours each day to devouring the pages of his books.

Cicely placed the plate beside him and handed him a pear. Hugo bit into it and then sat up, smiling."So sweet, thanks, mom."

Cicely returned the smile with a gentle voice, "You're welcome, darling."

When Hugo noticed Seth, Hugo greeted him with the same cheerfulness as usual. "Dad" hadbecome a natural part of Hugo's vocabulary. Seth's face, previously taut with tension, now forced acurve of a smile.

Hugo glanced between Cicely and Seth, sensing the odd atmosphere.

Cicely remained silent; she too was baffled. Why would Seth come to her home, uninvited, and thenact so coldly toward their son? Was she being too kind to him lately?

Though anger simmered within her, she restrained any outward display, especially with her aunt inthe room.

Dinner passed without Lana's departure being mentioned.

Lana was to stay the night.

After dinner, as Hugo yawned and the conversation dwindled, Lana gently touched his cheek."Tired, sweetie?"

Rubbing his eyes, Hugo nodded in agreement.

"Let's get you bathed and into bed early then. We have to rise with the sun tomorrow," Lanasuggested warmly.

Seth watched, his jaw clenching.

Obediently, Hugo slipped off the couch, shuffled into his little slippers, and toddled upstairs withLana.

Cicely lounged in the corner of the sofa, looking disinterested and lazily content. "Was theresomething else?" she asked without looking at Seth.

Seth studied her weary face, his lips parting slightly as she yawned. His mouth remained tightly shutas he watched her for a moment longer. Then, he approached her.

Before Cicely could get a clear look at him, she was scooped up into his arms. Holding onto hisshoulder, she murmured sleepily, "Seth."

Her tone attempted to sound stern, but it came out soft and without force.

Seth seemed to hear her clearly, though. "I'll carry you upstairs to rest."

Cicely didn't respond; she just leaned against him as he carried her to her room, laid her down, andremoved her shoes. As soon as her head touched the pillow, she curled up and fell asleep, hugginga cushion.

Seth lingered by the bed, his voice husky. "Aren't you going to take a bath?"

Cicely hummed a response.

"It's uncomfortable to sleep without bathing," he insisted.

She furrowed her brow. "Can you just let me be?"

Seth was silent, watching her delicate profile for a moment longer before turning off the lights andleaving just a nightlight on.

As she drifted between consciousness, Cicely could feel Seth's presence drawing closer, hiswarmth enveloping her. She guessed what he wanted to do; it was evident he was yearning to kissher. Yet, just inches away from her lips, he hesitated, breathing her in without making contact.

After what seemed like an eternity, Seth withdrew, and Cicely heard the soft click of the doorclosing. In the dim light, Cicely slowly opened her eyes and stared at the curtains that Seth had justdrawn. She seemed to be thinking about something, then closed her eyes again.

Seth stood outside the mansion, gazing back at the closed door, Cicely's delicate scent still lingeringin his nostrils, and his mind raced with the thought of Lana taking her away.

He had wanted to ask about it, almost did a hundred times. But he didn't know how to start, nor didhe dare to hear the answer.

What would he do if she really decided to leave?

*

Cicely had gone to bed early the previous night, vaguely remembering she had planned to bathebut instead slept straight through until dawn. She woke with a scowl, tossing the covers aside andheading for the shower.

After freshening up, she descended the stairs to replace the servants quietly tidying the living room.They looked surprised to see her awake so early. "Good morning, Miss," they greeted.

"Morning. Please change the bedding in my room," she instructed.

"Of course," they replied, and Cicely made her way to the kitchen.

Since living with Hugo, she'd taken to waking a little earlier each morning to prepare his breakfastpersonally. Today, with extra time, she decided to cook for him herself. She had once taken cookingclasses for Seth's sake, although she was never truly cut out for culinary arts—plus, Seth had neverwanted her in the kitchen.

Now, she could manage simple tasks like making porridge, toasting bread, and preparing a veggieomelet with salad dressing—even if her success rate with eggs wasn't perfect.

Half an hour later, Lana came downstairs with Hugo, both of them dressed and ready for the day.Hugo was decked out in a smart gray tracksuit with black sneakers and a white baseball cap, hisface framed by a pair of glasses. He looked clean-cut and trendy, like a little fashion icon.

Seeing Hugo decked out like that, Cicely couldn't help but laugh. Lana had always treated kids aslittle playthings.

"Come on, time for breakfast."

"Okay." Hugo reached out his little hands to remove his sunglasses, scampering happily towardsCicely.

Just after nine, the trio stepped out of the house, with Cicely carrying Hugo at the forefront. As soonas they left the villa, Cicely's brow furrowed in an instant.

Hugo blinked, his gaze falling on the man leaning against the column by the doorway. Seth's headturned towards them, recognizing Cicely, his foot shifted slightly, and he eventually pushed himselfup off the column he was supporting himself on.

Seth was always impeccably dressed in designer suits that seemed molded to his tall, lean figure,his handsome features carried an air of sophistication. Yet, Cicely felt an icy frost emanating fromhim; his cool, handsome face seemed a bit stiff, the skin around his eyes slightly reddened.

He turned to face her, his movements noticeably rigid. It seemed he wanted to approach her, but forsome reason, he stopped where he was.

Cicely glanced at his elegantly long legs, ensconced in suit pants, her expression darkening slightly,her eyes narrowing. She remembered clearly; he was wearing the same clothes as last night.

"Something wrong?" Lana came out holding Hugo, raising an eyebrow at the sight of Seth.

A servant followed with a travel bag. Seeing this, Seth's hands by his sides clenched into tight fists,his voice hoarse and devoid of warmth, as if thick ice had formed in his throat. "Where are yougoing?"

"Don't tell me you've been here all night?" Cicely's face grew even more thunderous at her ownwords.

Her question surprised Lana too.

Stayed here all night? Was it because of what Lana had told him when she opened the door?

Lana’s brow knitted, unsure how to feel. This man not only kept news from Lana but also restrictedher movements – just these two things had worn away any fondness Lana had for him, treating himas anything other than an enemy was already a sign of her magnanimity.

It was a spur-of-the-moment comment Lana had made last night; Lana hadn't expected him to takeit so seriously, to the point of standing guard by Cicely’s door all night. The weather at the end ofSeptember was chilly enough at night.

Lana knew, whether it was his efforts to stop her from taking Cicely away three years ago or hispreventing her return ever since, it all stemmed from one reason. Without extreme worry andinsecurity, nobody would resort to such drastic measures.

"So, do I need to report to you wherever I go in the future?"

Seth swallowed, "No need."

He paused, his gaze fixed on Cicely’s delicate face, and after a moment, he slowly spoke, "Are youleaving?"

Cicely frowned, "What do you think? We're all up early to go for a walk?"

A flicker crossed Seth's eyes.

"Mommy." Hugo, who had been looking at Seth, suddenly piped up, "Daddy looks sad. Maybe heshould come to the amusement park with us. Everyone's happy there."

Seth's eyes paused, "You are going to the amusement park?"

"Yeah, Grandma Lana's taking Mommy and me to the amusement park. I've never been therebefore."

"He's busy," Cicely cut in before Seth could respond, deciding for him. She didn't believe Seth wasthe type to step foot in an amusement park. Nor did she think someone who had stood through achilly autumn night would have the energy for such a place.

Hugo didn't dare contradict Cicely, as it was clear she was angry.

Seth felt a sudden ease wash over him, but the hope Hugo had sparked was quickly dashed,leaving disappointment in its wake.

After speaking, Cicely strode past Seth with a cold face. As she walked by Seth, he lightly graspedher wrist. "Can I come too?"

Cicely smoothly withdrew her hand, her voice cold, "Don't ask me. What you do is none of mybusiness."

Lana pursed her lips. Who had just said "he's busy"?

The three of them got into the car. Hugo was silent beside them.

The car was quiet. Cicely hadn't spoken since they got in. When the driver mentioned Seth's carwas following behind, her expression seemed to grow colder.

Now the atmosphere was so tense it made Lana feel somewhat guilty. A single comment hadcaused all this trouble. And she did not realize that it would lead to such an extreme reaction fromSeth.

Lana sighed softly and spoke, "Cicely, he thought I was going to take you away."