The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2078

Seth came to the hospital once more.

Finding Cicely's room was a breeze, and there stood Coco, cautiously pushing the door open.

Behind her was the housekeeper who had always treated him with utmost respect. Now, as she encountered Seth, her mouth opened as if to speak, but ultimately, she only let out a sigh.

In a hushed tone, the housekeeper said, “Ms. Cicely is sleeping, sir. Please don’t wake her.”

Approaching the bedside, Seth saw the woman lying there, asleep. A needle was inserted into her arm, secured with two pieces of medical tape across her hand.

The housekeeper whispered, “Her veins are too fine on the back of her hand. The nurse tried several times but couldn’t get the IV right. They had to move it to her arm, and even then, it took two attempts. Ms. Cicely seemed in a lot of pain. She broke out in a cold sweat.”d2

Seth stood silently, his lips a thin line, even his breaths shallow. She was indeed in pain. She always feared the pain the most.

“Mr. Diaz,” the housekeeper finally spoke up after a long pause, “is Ms. Danielle your girlfriend?”

Coco, caught off guard, glanced at the housekeeper in panic and unconsciously shrank back.

Seth lifted his gaze indifferently toward her. The housekeeper clasped her hands together, staring at the sickly Cicely with concern, “Not many people around here think highly of Ms. Cicely’s status. But she isn’t like those indiscreet women out there. This morning, Ms. Cicely saw the news about you visiting Ms. Danielle at the hospital late at night. She said she wasn’t angry, and that she had no right to be.”

Seth’s expression darkened instantly. “The news?”

The housekeeper nodded, “Yes, the news. Mr. Diaz, you weren’t aware? It’s probably the hottest topic right now, the lovey-dovey stories about you and Ms. Danielle.”

Pulling out his smartphone, Seth quickly scanned the web. Gripping his phone tightly, he turned and exited the room with a stony face.

Charlie arrived in a hurry upon receiving a call, and when he saw Seth’s grim expression, his heart skipped a beat. “Mr. Diaz...”

“What’s with the news online?”

“The news about you and Ms. Danielle? It’s just...” Charlie hesitated, “You’ve said before we shouldn’t pay attention to such news.”

Seth’s icy demeanor grew even colder, “I want all of it pulled down.”

Charlie glanced behind Seth at the hospital room door—not Ms. Danielle’s room—and deduced that the only other person who would be hospitalized and matter enough to Mr. Diaz to bother about a scandal was Ms. Cicely.

“Right away, sir.”

“And put out an official statement to clarify...”

Charlie paused mid-stride, “What should the statement say?”

“That Danielle and I are not in the kind of relationship they think we are.”

Charlie blinked, momentarily frozen.

Noticing this, Seth’s eyes narrowed, the chill in his gaze intensifying. “Do I need to replace you?”

“Mr. Diaz, does it have to be now?” Charlie ventured cautiously, “You mentioned just last night that in half a month, it’ll be Thanksgiving.”

Seth’s expression changed abruptly, his heart sinking.

Charlie, observing the shift in mood, was all the more certain in those few silent seconds that no matter if it was three years or three decades, no one could ever take Ms. Cicely’s place in Mr. Diaz’s heart.

She was irreplaceable.

They had given each other their most innocent and straightforward emotions during their most naïve years.

It was precious because it was young and pure; it was flawed because it was young and pure. These two people had endured and experienced hardships unimaginable to others during what should have been their most carefree years. They had survived the toughest times. If it were him, he wouldn't call it quits now either.

Yet, despite this, Mr. Diaz’s words just now still caused him an involuntary start. Matters that had been steadfast for years, things insisted upon all this time, were about to be overturned because of Ms. Cicely.

It just wasn’t right.

It seemed Seth also remembered something, rubbing his temple as if to ease a headache. After a while, he said in a low voice, “Find the assistant who gave the interview at the hospital entrance last night, and fire them.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, nodding, “I’ll see to it immediately.”

*

Sitting by the hospital bed, Seth quietly watched Cicely’s pale face. His hand reached out to caress her cheek, fingertips trembling ever so slightly, as if he were afraid of waking her.

It turned out that when she said "sick" last night, she wasn't trying to hurt him but was actually feeling unwell.

It was his own presumption.

*

When it was time to remove the IV, Cicely woke up. Her eyes fluttered open, blurrily focusing until the man’s hazy, handsome face came into sharp relief.

Her lashes flickered slightly, a hint of pain crossing her features as the nurse withdrew the needle.

Sensng her fine imperceptible expression, Seth's gentle expression instantly covered with a layer of frost. “Were you the one who administered her IV?”

The nurse’s heart tightened, frozen with fear. “Yes...”

“Get out and tell whoever sent you that both of you can leave this hospital for good.”

Tears welled in the nurse’s eyes, “I...”

Cicely spoke up emotionlessly at that moment, “I’m feeling much better now. I don’t think I need the drip anymore, right?”

The nurse, with tears in her eyes, shook her head meekly, “The doctor prescribed medication for three days.”

“But I feel much better now.”

“Cicely, you should stay in the hospital for further observation until you’re fully recovered.” Seth pressed down gently on her as she attempted to rise, his voice containing a restrained gentleness.

“I don’t like hospitals.”

Seeing her stubborn expression, Seth fell silent for a moment before conceding, “Fine. I’ll take you home.”

Cicely paused.

At that moment, the door to the room was knocked upon, and the housekeeper stepped out to answer it.

It was Charlie’s voice. “Is Mr. Diaz here?”

The housekeeper: “He’s inside.”

Charlie walked in, his smile broadening upon seeing Cicely awake, “Ms. Cicely, you’re up.”

Cicely ignored him. Charlie didn’t mind and turned to Seth, “Mr. Diaz...”

Charlie hesitated, calling out but then holding back his words, glancing at Cicely several times as if to avoid discussing certain topics in her presence.

Cicely furrowed her brow, her voice a whisper of frustration. "Let go, I need to use the restroom."

"I'll come with you."

"Seth."

Her voice was faint, just a murmur of his name, but it rooted Seth in place. His outstretched hand hung in mid-air before he reluctantly drew it back and straightened up. His voice was a husky whisper when he finally spoke. "Okay, go by yourself."

Charlie watched from the sidelines, his heart pounding with a shock he couldn't hide. He'd never seen Mr. Diaz, the unshakable, look so vulnerable.

Cicely still felt a bit dizzy, but it was nothing compared to the nausea of the morning. She was definitely on the mend.

Seth's gaze never left Cicely's retreating figure, a silent guardian until the bathroom door clicked shut. Only then did he turn to Charlie, his expression cold and detached. "What is it?"

"Ms. Danielle has been asking for you. I didn't tell her you were here."

Seth closed his eyes briefly, acknowledging with a noncommittal grunt, his eyes drifting back to the closed bathroom door.

Charlie waited in vain for a more substantial response before impatience got the better of him. "Mr. Diaz, if Ms. Danielle finds out you're here with Ms. Cicely, there'll be another scene. So..."

So, either Cicely should transfer hospitals, or he should stop visiting, or...

"I'll take her home in a bit."

Propped against the bathroom door, Cicely heard this and chuckled. So, to keep Danielle in the dark, he was going to take her home and tuck her away?

"Mr. Diaz, maybe I should take Ms. Cicely home. You're too high profile. It's bound to tip off Ms. Danielle."

Cicely didn't linger on the conversation; she stepped into the restroom. When she emerged, Seth was gone, leaving only Charlie, his face wearing a respectful smile. "Ms. Cicely, Mr. Diaz had to step out for a moment, but he asked me to arrange your ride home."

Cicely slid back under the covers. "Well, I suddenly feel quite unwell again, so I've decided not to be discharged."

Charlie blinked, taken aback by her sudden change of heart. "Ms. Cicely, if you stay in the hospital, it's difficult for Mr. Diaz to visit."

His voice trailed off as realization dawned. That was exactly why she chose to stay in the hospital, wasn't it? To make it difficult for him to visit.