The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2018

Over the course of a month, C&P Entertainment brazenly poached talent, leaving Ray's family's painstakingly cultivated artists in short supply. Subsequently, an anonymous tip-off brought Ray’s shady dealings to light, uncovering significant tax issues. It was a blow upon a blow, and eventually, Ray’s dynasty changed hands, becoming a subsidiary of C&P Entertainment.

It wasn't exactly a long period, but it left a lasting impact on the industry.

When did it all begin? It started with that gala. Everyone thought Seth was after the resources held by Ray's family. But they were all mistaken. From the start, Seth's target was probably Ray's family itself.

Deeply calculating, his moves were invisible but lethal.

Cicely wasn't clueless, but what did it have to do with her?

*d2 This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Maybe Seth did have a word with Danielle. During the six months it took to film the period drama, Danielle never appeared before Cicely again, nor did she return to the Ellis estate.

The filming took quite a bit of time, but in the industry, it wasn't considered too long. After all, for period dramas, some sets required a significant amount of time for construction.

As the post-production and editing phase kicked in, aimed at delivering the best viewing experience and meeting the criteria for various awards, Seth was plunged into another round of busyness.

The main cast, including Danielle, began their promotional tours. Times changed, and people changed too. Danielle's popularity was still quite good.

Now, Danielle had her fans and her haters. Her aristocratic demeanor conveyed a sense of unattainable beauty, as if to dislike her was to reveal one's own lack of taste.

Cicely had hardly spent any time at the Ellis estate over those six months. She was curious why Seth never brought up that issue, but if he didn't mention it, she certainly wasn't going to.

If Patty came over, Cicely thought it would be a good opportunity to clear the air. But that conversation never happened. Not once.

And Seth never suggested taking her to visit Patty back home, not even during Thanksgiving.

Seth had hired a nanny. Meals and housekeeping were scheduled to the minute.

Cicely had wanted to treat Emiliana to a taste of living off capital, but Seth had other plans for her, casting her in a supporting role in another production.

Emiliana was elated at the audition, happier than if she had been offered a lead role.

Seth said that Cicely's approach wasn't really doing Emiliana any favors. Cicely didn't understand but didn't argue, seeing how content Emiliana was.

Life went on, uneventful and steady. Their matrimonial home had been under construction for some time.

Cicely would visit the site when she felt bored. The foundation alone took time to lay, and her impatience gnawed at her. All she envisioned was within reach, yet time seemed to drag on interminably.

Cicely often saw Danielle's roles on TV and the internet. Then she realized that emotions could fade with the monotony of daily life. Danielle was behaving, and now, watching her through a screen, Cicely no longer felt the urge to tear her apart.

But then again, there's wisdom in the old saying: experience comes with age. Her father had urged her to be patient, perhaps with this exact outcome in mind.

She was still too young after all.

After turning off the video, Cicely took a deep breath and dialed the number of Creighton's family doctor.

"Ms. Cicely."

As she walked out of the classroom with a book in hand, Cicely spoke, "How's my father's health lately? Could you give me some details, please?"

Dr. Hanna replied with a polite smile in her voice, "I've just completed Mr. Ellis' check-up, and his health is excellent. Blood pressure and sugar levels are stable, and he looks to be in good spirits. Mood has a big impact on health, so we hope he keeps up his current lifestyle."

Creighton's voice came through the phone, a bit exasperated, "Is Cicely checking in on me again?"

"Here, give me the phone."

Cicely listened quietly until she heard Creighton's breath close to the phone, then teased, "So, you're actually quite happy when I'm not at home, huh? From Dr. Hanna's tone, you might be getting your youth back any day now."

Creighton had wanted to chide Cicely for neglecting him since she had Seth as she hardly visited the Ellis estate once a month. However, she seemed to preempt his complaint, shutting him down before he could even start. "You little rascal. Are you out of school? I’ll have Isaac pick you up and come home for dinner." Creighton's tone was indulgent yet helpless.

"No can do. For the sake of your longevity, it's probably better I don't visit too often."

Creighton knew her all too well and snorted, "You wouldn't be planning to dine out at some new restaurant with Seth again, would you?"

Cicely mischievously chuckled, "Exactly!"

Creighton grunted, "Then tomorrow. Come home for dinner tomorrow night."

Cicely sighed as if put upon, "Alright, we won't make other plans for tomorrow then."

With a huff, Creighton hung up the phone.

Dr. Hanna took the phone back, relieved, while Creighton's smile faded slightly.

"Mr. Ellis," the doctor began, "everything I've just discussed with Miss Cicely is accurate. Your health is stable right now, and I hope it stays that way. She's a lot more attentive than other children, making sure to check in every month without fail. She really cares about you. After all, there's nothing more comforting to a child than knowing their parent is in good health."

Creighton managed a small smile at the doctor's words, but a hint of melancholy clouded his eyes. "I know. Who doesn't want to live a long, full life? But how many of us get to blow out a hundred candles?"

"Just take care of yourself and keep that spirit high, and anything's possible," chimed in Brody, who was standing nearby.

Creighton let out a wry chuckle and shook his head, "I'll go with the flow, I guess. But I do need to hang on a bit longer, to see more of Cicely's happy, fulfilled moments."

The mere thought of his daughter's face when her mother had passed away years ago sent a sharp pang through Creighton's heart, as if his breath could shatter it into pieces.

How could he not know how much his daughter loved him?

Just because he knew, he could not imagine how sad and heartbroken Cicely would be if that day really came. But fortunately, if that day were to come, Cicely wouldn't have to face it alone. She had Seth whom she deeply loved by her side.

Yes, Isaac chose to keep Creighton's condition hidden from Cicely. In truth, aside from the necessary medical staff, no one knew of Creighton's health issues.

Creighton's heart issues had prompted him to undergo a bypass surgery two years ago, arranged by Lana, under the pretext of going on vacation abroad.

Lana, the sole daughter of the Ellis family, Creighton's sister, and Cicely's aunt.

Having married into a prominent family overseas, where her husband's influence and the myriad of responsibilities that came with it didn't allow her out of his sight, she rarely returned home, just to avoid worrying her husband and putting the Ellis family in unnecessary danger.

When Lana had made the decision to marry and move abroad, she had braced herself for what was nearly the abandonment of her family. Although it pained her to feel like she failed her role as daughter, she couldn't forsake the man who would do anything for her.