The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2004

Charlie followed Seth around, busy with various tasks, naturally aware of why Ms. Cicely, who lacked nothing, would be working here.

It must be for Mr. Diaz's birthday, she probably wanted to give him a gift. Though Charlie had no clue what the gift was.

He truly hadn't expected that a woman who always seemed so nonchalant and indifferent to others would stoop to working just to afford a present for someone. Her fondness for Mr. Diaz wasn't just superficial, was it?

They stood in a corner behind Cicely, out of her line of sight.

Seth's gaze lingered before turning towards the observant restaurant manager beside him. "Has anyone asked if she's had lunch yet?"

The manager paused, recalling Seth's intense focus on the pianist earlier, and quickly replied with a smile, "Not yet. Today's been hectic. She started playing as soon as she arrived. She won't have a break until after two."d2

Seth frowned slightly.

"She ordered her meal for after two. All signature dishes from the restaurant. Odd, considering every meal she picks is pricey and she's always dressed to the nines. Can't fathom why she'd need to work for cash. To say she just loves playing piano doesn't seem quite right."

When she first came in, she was upfront about the pay.

Charlie sighed inwardly. He might not know if Ms. Cicely enjoyed playing the piano, but she definitely had a thing for Mr. Diaz.

Seth knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn't suffer for anything, not even for something she loved. Yet there she was, clearly not at her best, choosing to sit there.

When had her love for him become more important than her love for herself?

Seth glanced back at Cicely's silhouette, then said indifferently, "Don't tell her we asked about her today. Act like we were never here."

The manager didn't get it, but the authoritative aura around Seth was unmistakable, so he nodded, "Sure thing."

*

At two, the patrons had left and Cicely made her way to the restroom. As she washed her hands, two young servers came in, chatting and laughing—they had just finished lunch.

Cicely was stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof demeanor had kept them at bay. But after an incident where one of them accidentally stained her dress and she didn't make a fuss, they realized she was just naturally reserved. Gradually, they started chatting more openly with her.

Seeing her emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked up their conversation.

"Emiliana really hit the jackpot this time, landed a part in a huge project. The buzz alone says it's going to be a hit. Even a small role is a huge step up from the extras work she's been doing. Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana's message? She's treating us to dinner tonight."

Cicely shook her head, "Haven't checked my phone, but she probably wouldn't invite me."

"Why not? You've covered her shifts so she could audition. She's mentioned how grateful she is. Don't worry, she'll definitely invite you."

Cicely caught their reflection in the mirror, "She said she's grateful?"

They nodded, "More than once."

"Hm."

Cicely turned off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried her hands. She wasn't fazed; it was no skin off her back to swap shifts.

Back in the locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw a missed call from Seth and a message from Emiliana.

She opened Emiliana's message first. [Hey, I landed a great role in a major series! I'm thrilled. I owe a lot to the help I've received at the restaurant, especially from you. I know you're busy, so I sent this message. Please come tonight. Here's the address...]

Emiliana had actually invited her.

Cicely smiled faintly but didn't text back. Instead, she returned Seth's call.

The phone rang for a while before he picked up. Cicely's mood was good, her voice light. "You called?"

A calm voice came through, "Where are you?"

Cicely locked her locker and headed out with her bag, "Out for lunch, why?"

Seth paused, "Charlie was going to bring you lunch, but you weren't there."

"Had you told me you'd arrange lunch, I wouldn't have left."

"I wanted you to stay home."

"I thought I was sorting out lunch myself."

"And what did you have?"

Cicely approached her table, where a server was setting down her meal. "A baguette with foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak with red wine sauce."

"Sounds good. How was it?"

"Not bad."

Another pause on the line.

"Does it still hurt?"

"Were you with Cicely last night?"

Seth didn't reply, his expression darkening.

"You're still seeing her? You promised me it wouldn't go any further."

Impatience flickered in Seth's eyes as he looked up, his gaze sweeping past Danielle.

Danielle stiffened, her hands clenched together, her face paling.

"Cut to the chase. Why did you want me back here?"

Patty, incensed by his attitude, pressed on, "So, your relationship with Cicely is suddenly non-consequential to you, is that it??"

Seth's voice was cold, "Are you just realizing that she and I never really split up?"

"So when are you going to end things with her?!"

Seth remained silent. This was his typical response to Patty. He didn't want to lie, but he knew the truth was something Patty couldn't accept. Silence was his best recourse.

Sensing the barely concealed irritation and anger in Seth's eyes, Patty's own heat diminished, "I know you're sensible, and I trust you won't break your word. Danielle came to see you last night with a request, but you didn't give her a chance, which is why I've called you here tonight. I heard you're investing in the film industry, and there's a blockbuster series in the works? Danielle wants to act. She's familiar with the source material and has her eye on a minor role. She's hoping you can pull some strings for her."

Finally, Seth's gaze rested on Danielle, "You're looking for an easy way in through me?"

Danielle bit her lip, "I feel I'm perfect for the role."

"If you'd been following the news, you'd know that the cast is already set. The director was involved in every step of the casting process, from open auditions to final selection. Tell me, which of the actors do you think is unfit? And if you were so interested in the role, why didn't you audition in the first place?"

Confronted with Seth's intensity, Danielle's voice trembled, "I... I was focused on stage plays at the time, and by the time I found out, it was too late."

"Then the role isn't for you," Seth said, rejecting her bluntly.

This series was his first ace in the film industry, and he couldn't afford any mistakes, not even with the smallest supporting role.

"Seth!" Patty objected to his tone, "I may not understand all the ins and outs, but I've heard the role Danielle wants is a minor one, and she wouldn't intentionally hold you back. Please, as a favor to me, let her have the part."

Seth's expression had turned icy, the tension palpable in the room.

Patty felt a twinge of fear and softened her tone, "If you agree to this for Danielle, I'll lay off the topic of you and Cicely for a while. I won't bring it up again anytime soon. I trust you'll handle things appropriately and not disappoint me."

With that, Patty reiterated her point, a reminder to Seth that the situation with Cicely was only on hold, definitely not resolved.