The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride - Chapter 2005

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Seth had declined the offer to dine at the Diaz's residence.

By the time he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him on Cicely's whereabouts, and after
freshening up, it wasn't until 9:30 that he called her.

It was probably the first time Cicely had accepted an invitation to this kind of gathering.

Emiliana seemed genuinely thrilled, a change from her usual reluctance to miss even a day's work
at the diner, saving every penny she could to send back to her folks in the countryside, with just a
little left for her own pocket money.

Since the allowance she sent home was fixed, any slack on her part could mean she wouldn't make
ends meet for the month. Inviting everyone out for dinner tonight must have been a tough decision
for her, biting the bullet as she did.

The eatery wasn't upscale by any means, just a local joint known for great value and a clean
environment, clearly chosen with care.d2

For Cicely, the cost of such a place was nothing to write home about. The food was plentiful, but the
drinks were a considerable expense.

Cicely caught Emiliana sneaking glances at her wallet while topping up the drinks, a look of subtle
unease and worry on her face.

The private room was alive with fun, but Cicely put down her glass and stood up to leave. Someone
spotted her and called out, asking where she was headed. "Bathroom," she replied nonchalantly.
However, she walked straight to the bar and handed her card to the bartender. "Charge the room
206 tab to this card, please. Whatever they want to eat or drink, just keep it coming."

The bartender couldn't help but take a second glance at the black card in front of him.

"Cicely." A soft call came from behind her; it was Emiliana, who had followed, concerned about her
being alone.

She caught the moment Cicely was about to pick up the tab. "There's really no need. I have enough
money, and you've helped me too many times already. Tonight, I just wanted to properly thank you
all."

"Thanks?" Cicely's tone was indifferent, "Let's not talk about it. I have money to spare, and spending
it is my pleasure. It makes me happy."

Emiliana was slightly taken aback. She couldn't truly believe Cicely found joy in spending money. It
was merely a way for Cicely to help her save her dignity.

"You work hard every day to earn money too."

Cicely smiled faintly, "To be honest, I'm not short of money, but I lack money that I've earned with
my own hands. It's different."

Emiliana had a moment of realization, "You're saving to buy a gift for someone special, aren't you?"

Cicely paused, "How did you know?"

Emiliana smiled gently, "Because a lot of people think that way, right? A gift that you made or
bought with money you earned feels more meaningful to give to the one you love."

"A lot of people think that?"

When Cicely asked again and saw Emiliana nod, her expression showed a touch of frustration. So,
many people thought the same way.

"If you really like someone, that's when you'd come up with that kind of idea. If I received such a gift,
I would treasure it for a lifetime."

At her words, Cicely's furrowed brow and eyes relaxed. "This might be the only time in my life I'll
have to work like this, so naturally, he has to treasure it for a lifetime." She had told him not to take it
off.

Emiliana was a little lost in thought as she watched Cicely's happiness and smugness that couldn't
be hidden in her little proud face.

Cicely was truly beautiful. Usually so cool and detached, this expression showed just how much she
cared for him.

The two headed to the restroom together, and as they washed their hands, Emiliana remarked
casually, "Wearing a ring on your ring finger means you're married. Seems like he's quite
possessive, locking you down so early."

Cicely glanced at the ring on her finger and smiled, "Isn't wearing a wedding ring when you're
married normal?"

Emiliana was caught off guard for a moment, "Married? You're already married?"

Cicely dried her hands and made a shushing gesture.

Emiliana couldn't hide her surprise, but being on the fringes of show business, she knew all too well
the value of keeping quiet.

Returning from the restroom, Cicely checked her phone just as Seth called. The party was in full
swing, and Cicely stepped aside to take the call.

"Are you not coming back yet?"

"You're home, huh? I'll head back now."

"Send me the address. I'll come get you."

Cicely left the gathering early, and Seth's car was waiting right outside the diner. As she buckled
herself in, Seth cast another glance at the unpretentious local eatery. "I thought I was at the wrong
place."

Cicely could tell what he meant, "It's a decent spot for a young girl without much cash."

As Seth merged into traffic, he mused, "Seems you really like her. You've had your fair share of
invitations over the years, but I've rarely seen you attend."

"Yeah, she's alright, quite easy on the eyes."

"A rarity," Seth said flatly, "Just being easy on the eyes is enough for you to endure discomfort and
go to that kind of place. If you really liked someone special, I wonder how far you'd go?"

"I think you're probably the only person in the world who knows the answer to that question."

Seth was silent, neither confirming nor denying.

Cicely seemed to ponder the question herself, then said after a few seconds, "I'm not quite sure
how far I'd go for you. I guess we only find out when it happens."

"Mrs. Diaz, what do you think we might encounter in the future?"

"Who knows. I'd prefer to live a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz for good."

Seth smiled slightly, "Is that a hope?"

Cicely glanced at his hand on the steering wheel, the watch on his wrist catching glints of light,
changing with the streetlights they passed. The watch remained firmly on his wrist, its colors
flickering in the passing lights. Many things, the reasons for changes, besides subjective factors,
were mostly influenced by objective factors.

So even the most ordinary of desires, while hopeful, may one day become a luxury.

She had nothing more to ask for.

But the smile on Seth's lips gradually faded. "If that's what you're hoping for, what kind of life do you
think being married to me would be? Struggling to make ends meet, or constantly on the move?"

"I never really thought about all that," Cicely said with a bright tone, deliberately stirring the slightly
somber atmosphere inside the car. "I like you, a lot. I want you to be all mine. I want to live together
with you and do a bunch of things with you. You know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows and
sunshine. I never let the bad stuff creep into the fantasy. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen to marry
you without hesitation."