“I said, this is something between the two of us.” Seth’s tone left no room for

argument.

Creighton squinted at him for a moment. “I thought you didn’t like her? I

intended to entrust her to you, but if you feel it’s too much, I won’t force you.

What’s important is that I don’t want to give you another chance to break her

heart.”

Seth didn’t reply, but his intentions were clear and firm.

At that moment, Brody walked in, followed closely by his son Issac. Both men

wore grim expressions.

“Sir.”

Enter title…

Creighton turned his attention to Brody. “What’s the matter?”d2

Brody glanced at Seth before saying, “We’ve just been to the hotel to get a

handle on the situation. The banquet had to be cut short because of an incident.

Mr. Ray’s personal misconduct has been leaked, and his family’s company is in

damage control mode. But given the number of reputable media outlets present

as witnesses, it’s unlikely their PR spin will do much good. We’ll have a clearer

picture by tomorrow morning.”

This result was exactly what Seth had initially desired. He understood that, even

without Brody spelling it out.

Creighton snorted, unsurprised by the news.

“There’s something else, sir.” Brody hesitated, his expression more serious than

before.

“Out with it.”

“Yes, sir.” Brody nodded. “According to the hotel receptionist, Mr. Ray was

forcing himself on Miss Danielle. She tried to resist but called for help when she

couldn’t fend him off. However, in the end…”

Creighton’s head shot up, his face a storm of rage. “In the end, what?”

“Well, apparently, Miss Danielle was so frightened that when she saw Mr. Ray

dragging Cicely into the room, she… she ran away.”

Creighton bolted upright from the couch.

He stared at Brody for a long moment before bursting into a grim laugh. “You’re

telling me Cicely saved Danielle, and then Danielle left Cicely behind and ran

off?!”

Rarely had Brody seen Creighton lose his temper, and he dared not speak

further.

Issac stepped forward, pulling out his phone. “Here’s the security footage from

the hotel. It should make it very clear whether Miss Danielle acted out of fear or

deliberately.”

Creighton practically snatched the phone from his hand.

Issac withdrew, casting a glance at Seth. “I bet you already have an idea

whether Miss Danielle was deliberate or not, without even seeing the footage.”

Seth, with his stoic good looks, stepped beside Creighton.

On the screen, Danielle was seen helping Ray into a room, struggling at the

door. Barefoot, Cicely walked into the lounge, high heels in hand, trying to help

Danielle.

Then Cicely got caught by Ray, looking back at Danielle with a gaze that

seemed to expect the obvious—that Danielle would help her in return.

But Danielle just stood at the door, coldly watching Cicely struggle, shaking her

head and deciding to leave.

The confusion and fear in Cicely’s eyes as she was dragged into the room and

the door slammed shut, cutting off all hope, sank into the hearts of the

onlookers.

The phone’s screen began to shake as Creighton’s hand trembled

uncontrollably. The footage continued with Danielle encountering reporters, then

meeting Seth, and pretending to know nothing as she hurried away with him.

With a loud “thud,” Creighton threw the phone onto the coffee table. “Where’s

Danielle? Where is she?!” His booming voice detonated like a bomb in the living

room.

Knowing something had gone wrong that night, he had guessed what Seth had

been plotting. Even if Cicely ended up the victim, he had thought it was just an

unfortunate accident. He hadn’t anticipated that this “accident” was

orchestrated.

Issac said calmly, “I’ve sent people to look for her.”

Outside, two cars pulled up to the house.

Danielle was brought out of one, followed by Erik from the other. He didn’t even

glance at Danielle as he hustled into the living room, leaning on his cane.

“Where’s Cicely?!”

Issac had barely finished when Erik’s anxious voice filled the room. He was

asking about Cicely’s condition as soon as he entered.

Creighton tried to contain his rage in front of his father but failed.

Brody quickly said, “Miss is resting now, sir. Please be at ease.”

Seeing so many people in the living room, Erik asked, “What in the world is

going on?”

There was a moment of silence. Then Creighton saw Danielle coming in from

behind, her hands crossed in front of her, her face a mix of anxiety and evasion.

He approached her slowly, his icy gaze lingering on her face. Finally, he raised

his hand and slapped her hard across the face.

Danielle fell to the ground from the blow.

Erik furrowed his brow deeply. “What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?!”

Creighton stood towering over Danielle, pointing shakily at her. “Ungrateful…”

Blood trickled from the corner of Danielle’s mouth.

Creighton swayed, and Brody quickly stepped in to support him. “We’ve always

tolerated your mutual disdain, and if you think it’s your right as a member of the

Ellis family, then fine. But just on the matter at hand, Danielle, how could you

convince yourself to abandon her? She was trying to save you! And you

deliberately left her to fend for herself! How could you!”

Tears splattered onto the floor as Danielle clutched her face, but no words could

escape her lips.

“Do you really think you can keep this hidden? Or did you think, even if Cicely

were in trouble, I wouldn’t lay a finger on you?!”

From those words, Erik could sense something amiss. When he spoke again,

his voice was heavy with disappointment, “What happened, Danielle? What

does it mean that you abandoned Cicely?”

Creighton pointed an accusing finger at Danielle, “This… this ungrateful brat.”

He tried to speak but was too choked with rage to continue.

Issac stepped forward, picked up the smartphone, and handed it to Erik. “This is

the security footage from the hotel. You’ll see everything you need to know.”

Danielle trembled, suddenly looked up, and her gaze fell straight onto Seth, who

was standing off to the side, his expression unreadable. He was cool and

detached, revealing nothing but indifference. And yet, Danielle felt a shame so

deep it seemed to scald her.

Erik didn’t finish watching the video before tossing the smartphone at Danielle’s

feet. “What did you think you’d gain from doing this, other than possibly

destroying Cicely? All these years, where did your uncle fail you? Did Cicely

ever wrong you in a way that warranted this betrayal? He pratically raised a wolf

in sheep’s clothing, a snake ready to strike!”

The humiliation, the crushing accusations, they left Danielle with nowhere to

hide. One was her so-called uncle, and the other was her grandfather. The two

people in this world closest to her, now, for the sake of Cicely, they were

dragging her name through the mud.

Rising slowly to her feet, Danielle said, “I’m sorry, okay? I made a mistake.

Everything you’re saying is right. I’m ungrateful, an ingrate. Cicely has her real

father’s doting, and her grandfather’s love; if she’s wronged, you all jump to her

defense. But it’s different for me. The whole sky falls down for Cicely’s slightest

discomfort. The surveillance shows I was the one insulted first. Yet none of you

mention that?”

Creighton’s face contorted with anger. “Don’t you dare distort the truth! Cicely

was trying to save you!”

“So it’s only right that I’m the one who should be bullied today?” Danielle said,

her voice cold. “I’m not trying to excuse myself. It was wrong to leave Cicely

behind, and selfish, too. I admit to all of it. So, what’s next? What do you want to

do? Come on, I’m ready to pay for my actions.”

Creighton trembled with fury. She had been so sure from the start that he

wouldn’t do anything to her, which was why she dared to commit such a

heartless act. She lacked compassion, but as an elder, he could not act without

honor.

“This matter is between her and me, Dad, Grandpa. Please, don’t interfere.”

A detached and indifferent voice came from upstairs – Cicely, leaning against

the railing in her pajamas, looked down at the chaotic living room. With such a

commotion below, it was impossible for her not to hear.

Seth looked up, Cicely was descending the stairs, barefoot. A flicker of concern

crossed his face as he went to her and scooped her into his arms.

“Do I need to remind you how annoying you’ve been today?” Cicely asked,

gazing at him.

His voice low and husky, Seth replied, “You’re not wearing shoes.”

At that, Cicely barely smiled, and she let Seth carry her, her gaze settling on

Danielle. Their eyes met, and Danielle felt another wave of embarrassment.

“Hold me closer. I have a few things to say to Danielle.”

As Seth approached Danielle with Cicely in his arms, Danielle instinctively

stepped back. Cicely’s eyes held a faint smile, “Seth just asked do I want to

break up with him?”

Seth’s complexion changed subtly, his grip tightening.

“Do you think if I told him I wanted to split, he’d choose you over me?”

Danielle’s lips pressed tightly together, her fists clenched.

Cicely turned to Seth, “Would you?”

“No.”

Cicely looked back at Danielle and continued, “To be honest, before tonight, I

might never have asked him that question because I wasn’t sure he’d say ‘no.’

But now, do you know why I asked? He probably feels some kind of debt

towards me. I’m okay now, so I can afford to feel relieved that it was me who

took the hit tonight. If it had been you, his guilt would have shifted to you. And if

you wanted to take advantage of that guilt to make him stay with you, it might

just work..”

Danielle’s eyes, which had been filled with doubt, widened in shock. “Why…”

“Because I’m his girlfriend, but I had to play your knight in shining armor. So

tonight, if either of us had gotten hurt, he would’ve been to blame. Why do you

think he’d feel guilty?”

The possibility that had begun to dawn on Danielle shattered with Cicely’s

words.

Creighton frowned at her. After all this, she was still covering for Seth.

However, having Danielle know the whole truth would cause trouble, not just for

Seth, but for her, too, assuming she didn’t want to break up with him.

“But let’s be clear, what you did tonight, abandoning me, that’s a debt I still

intend to settle. I hold grudges, and I won’t let you off easily if I catch you. Can

we just let it go for tonight? I’m feeling terrible, and I can’t sleep with all this

noise.”

Grandpa and Dad couldn’t really kill Danielle, but without her stepping in, it

seemed this scene tonight could never end.

“I’m going back to bed. She was your responsibility, after all, so it’s only right

you see her out. If you’re planning to take her home, put me down.”

Seth looked at her, said nothing, but turned and carried her upstairs.

Cicely smiled, letting him take her away.Danielle watched as Seth cradled Cicely in his arms and walked away, her mind

swirling with Cicely’s recent words.

“He probably feels some kind of debt towards me. I’m okay now, so I can afford

to feel relieved that it was me who took the hit tonight. If it had been you, his

guilt would have shifted to you. And if you wanted to take advantage of that guilt

to make him stay with you, it might just work.”

“There are so many kinds of love. It doesn’t always have to be romantic to be

together.”

Patty’s words from Cicely’s debutante ball suddenly crowded Danielle’s thoughts

at this moment. She hadn’t understood then, but now, she was beginning to. It

Enter title…

didn’t have to be love that brings people together, guilt could do the trick too.

“To be with the one you love makes you a winner in life. You must learn to be

content and not ask for too much.”

Patty’s words from the past now seemed to resonate deeply within her, but it

seemed Cicely had beaten her to the punch.d2

Seth felt guilty towards her. He felt guilt for not protecting her tonight. Everyone

could see that the power in their relationship had never been in Cicely’s hands,

but now, it seemed to have shifted to her. As long as she played her cards right

with that guilt, Seth would stay by her side.

And the one who made it all possible was Danielle.

Cicely stepping in to stop any further pursuit had also given Erik and Creighton

a way out. Digging deeper wouldn’t change anything.

“Issac, see her out,” Creighton ordered coldly, motioning towards Danielle.

Issac nodded, stepping outside to make the arrangements.

Erik’s gaze on Danielle was heavy with disappointment and chill.

“How can two kids raised under the same roof turn out so different, one with

such a selfish and spiteful heart?”

Danielle felt desolate and met his words with a bitter laugh. “In your eyes, she’s

always been the better one.”

Erik took a deep breath. “No one’s been comparing you two. It’s you who’s

made her your rival all these years. You both are Ellis’, and her successes don’t

threaten you, nor do yours affect her. Eventually, the family legacy will belong to

just you two, and no one wishes more for you two to get along than us. Forget it,

if you were going to change, it wouldn’t have taken till today. You’re grown with

your own mind, and we can’t constrain you. Pursue your dreams if you wish, but

if you’re going to measure yourself against Cicely, just stay with the Ellis family.

We can afford to keep you.”

“No need. I’ve been a thorn in your side for years, and I don’t deserve to be a

freeloader.” With those final words, she turned and left coldly.

Erik’s brow knitted in frustration.

Creighton’s breathing grew heavy, he sank into the sofa, his head lowered,

struggling to get over the hurdle.

The tension in the air thickened, and Brody felt a sense of helplessness beside

him. “Sir, perhaps Miss Danielle is just more sensitive since she’s an orphan.

Her attitude over the years might stem from being hung up on her mother’s

story.”

At the mention of this, both Erik and Creighton’s expressions shifted slightly.

“If she’s unsatisfied, she should take it up with me. It was solely my decision to

stop her mother from entering our family. She has no right to take it out on

Cicely.”

Brody said no more. Creighton had always worried that living with Erik might

make Danielle uncomfortable or even worsen their conflicts, which was why he

allowed her to stay, but it hadn’t changed anything.

After a while, Creighton sighed and waved his hand dismissively. “Let it go, Dad,

don’t bother with it anymore. Tonight, Cicely… it didn’t lead to irreversible

consequences, so let it be.”

Again with ‘let it be.’

Brody stood aside, watching Creighton’s helpless demeanor, feeling a pang of

sympathy. Time and again, it was Creighton who made the concessions

because of Danielle.

Family skeletons were meant to stay in the closet, and no matter how ruthless,

one couldn’t cut off their own flesh and blood, especially the only child left by his

own brother.

“Sir, perhaps you should stay here for the night. It’s getting late.” Brody tactfully

changed the subject.

Erik, not wanting to go through any more trouble, nodded in agreement.

*

Cicely was placed back into bed by Seth, burrowing beneath the covers.

“I really feel awful right now, so do the smart thing and leave. You must have a

lot to deal with, just close the door on your way out.”

Seth watched her turn her back to him as usual, standing still for a long while

before finally turning to leave.

Exiting the Ellis family home, he took out his phone, which had been vibrating all

night. It was filled with calls from Patty. He gave it a cursory glance and then

switched it off.

*

The next morning, the events of the previous night had fully fermented and

exploded. Negative comments and skeletons from the past were dragged into

the light.

Fans of their signed artists were clamoring for contract terminations, and scripts

under

Ray’s management faced a near-universal boycott.

The turn of events was within Seth’s expectations except for one thing—Ray’s

crippled.

He had never considered it.

Even when he decided to use Danielle, he had never thought he’d lay a hand on

Ray. But who could have foreseen it would come down to Cicely?

Unacceptable.

He had wanted to shelter her from the darkness and filth of society, keep her

untouched by its ugliness. How then could he bear to see her consumed by it?

Destroy Ray? He had wanted to kill him.

Seth sat alone in his office, his expression as frosty as the atmosphere, the

room itself felt like it was in the grip of winter.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Patty stormed in, her shawl tight in her grip, her

face set in a stormy expression.

Seth gave her a brief glance before turning away, picking up a document from

his desk. He didn’t say a word, allowing Patty’s upcoming tirade to unfold.

His indifference only fanned the flames of Patty’s fury. “I specifically asked you

to help Danielle shake off Ray’s obsessive grip, Seth, but instead you practically

gift-wrapped her and handed her over to him. What the heck were you

thinking?!”

“She wants to act, and Ray’s got the connections and the clout in the theater

scene. She wants it, and she didn’t say no. It was her choice.”

Patty squinted at him, a fierce glint in her eyes. “And was it her choice when she

almost got raped by that bastard? You can’t keep seeing Cicely. Call it quits,

now. If we’re talking crushes, Danielle’s probably head over heels for you too.

Personality-wise, Danielle’s a way better match for you. And let’s not forget,

because of your negligence yesterday, Danielle almost got herself in a real

mess. Do you have any idea how devastated a girl with a spotless reputation

can be if she’s nearly raped? You are responsible for this, Seth.”

Seth looked up, his gaze icy as he met Patty’s accusation. “If you’re so keen to

bring up last night’s fiasco, then you should know it wasn’t Danielle who nearly

got raped.”

Patty scoffed with disbelief. “She was asking for it.”

A frown creased Seth’s brow.

“She’s narrow-minded, jealous because you’re getting too close to Danielle. She

went to that party of her own volition. Nobody invited her. If she gets in trouble,

she’s asking for it.”

After a moment, Seth’s stern features suddenly twisted into a mocking sneer,

accompanied by a low, cold chuckle. He tossed his pen onto the desk and

leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his voice laced with a frosty

edge. “So, if my girlfriend Cicely gets into trouble, she’s asking for it, but I’m

supposed to take responsibility for Danielle? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”

Patty had never seen Seth so wickedly nonchalant, and for a second, she

seemed utterly lost.

“So you’re that eager to set me up with Danielle, huh? She’s all grace and poise,

a perfect match for me.” Seth reached for a drawer to pull out a cigarette, but

then he stopped himself and pushed it shut. “Since she’s so graceful and

compliant, does that mean I can parade around with other women, push them

onto someone else, and then take responsibility when things go south?”

Patty’s face was a picture of disbelief. “You… what?”

“At that point, will this perfectly suited, adoring woman be able to stay calm and

magnanimous, welcoming them into our lives?”

Patty stared at Seth as if he were a creature from another world. “Have you lost

your mind?”

“Am I crazy?” Seth’s laugh was tinged with sarcasm. “I’d have to be out of my

mind to agree to take Danielle to that party, knowing full well it would cause

drama with Cicely.”

Patty’s brow furrowed as she digested Seth’s words, her expression suddenly

turning ashen. “Don’t tell me you had an ulterior motive for taking Danielle to

that party.”

“Curious about my motive?” Seth’s smile was thin. “The current state of Ray’s

family is my motive.”

Patty’s eyes widened in shock. “So you… you deliberately set Danielle up.”

“Too bad Danielle ended up pushing Cicely out in the end.” The icy humor in

Seth’s eyes faded as he spoke.

“What do you mean Danielle pushed Cicely out?” Patty stopped mid-sentence,

her puzzled gaze freezing as it met Seth’s. It seemed unthinkable, yet her

rational mind told her it was exactly something Danielle would do.

“Cicely said she was actually relieved it was her and not Danielle. Because if it

had been Danielle, I might have felt guilty enough to agree to be with her. But as

it stands, it wasn’t Danielle.

“The truth is, I’ve put up with Cicely smashing my car and creating a scene, and

I never thought about breaking up with her. But I still decided to take Danielle

out. Because, from the get-go, I never intended to take responsibility for her.

“I ignored Danielle at the party, I didn’t lay a finger on her when we got back to

the Ellis estate, and the fact that she’s still fine now is the most dignity I’ve

afforded her—just because I planned to use her from the start.”

Seth looked straight at Patty. “After all this, do you get my point? If you think my

attitude doesn’t matter, go tell Danielle that I only wanted to use her last night.

See if she’s heartbroken or just upset, and if she still wants to keep her crush on

me.”

Patty was speechless. She was filled with confusion and doubt about Seth.

When had he become so hard and merciless? When had he become so

ruthless?

“Why did you change like this? You’re just…”

“If I don’t change, the world will leave me behind. Do you think I want to live the

rest of my life branded as some trophy boy living off a woman?”

Patty finally understood it. Her eyebrows knitted together as her voice took on a

sharp edge. “Is it because of Cicely?! What are you plotting? Because she’s the

Ellis family’s precious daughter, you’re doing all this just to prove you’re worthy

of her, aren’t you?! For her, you’d sacrifice Danielle…”

She caught her breath, horror dawning on her. Her son, her own flesh and

blood, could be such a terrifying person.

For Cicely, for Millie’s daughter, he’d become this obsessed.

But why?

Why was it that Millie had two men so fiercely in love with her? One, who wore

his heart on his sleeve while the other, loved humbly and silently. The man

openly in love with Millie was the same man Patty herself cherished, and the

other was Patty’s own husband, who professed his love for her and pledged to

nurture and protect her for the rest of their lives.

She had thought that not marrying the man she loved and instead settling for a

man who loved her was the right choice. Yet she hadn’t expected that Tod didn’t

love her at all; he loved Millie, who was in Creighton’s arms. He facilitated Millie

and Creighton’s love, trapping her in his world for a lifetime, all to give Millie a

peaceful life.

One was heartless, and the other was a complete fraud.

She hated Millie. She hated Millie for ruining her life.

But why? How could her son fall fr Millie’s daughter?

Seth’s mom had always been the epitome of poise and grace, but now, as she

stood before him, her composure was shattered like a dropped porcelain vase.

The usually serene Patty was a storm of emotions, her voice sharp as broken

glass.

not Millie’s daughter. You

pitched into hysteria, her body language screaming

control slipping away.

brow furrowed in concern as he rose to his

floor, clutched her head in her hands, her eyes

is it always her?

shadow?!”

the office had grown too loud, and secretaries

in only to find Patty in

Seth barked coldly, and the onlookers scurried away, closing the

with a

shoulders, trying to steady her, but

face a

good boy, and listen to

her daughter. Isn’t

family’s eye, and she’s

other girl, any girl at

had brought Patty’s private physician, who

down. Patty was now resting in

recent years, and you’ve always been

What

Seth’s expression was icy.

wasn’t talking and looked rather pallid, so

advice. “Please do not upset her again,

doing so well with this over the

Enter title…

the bed in the break

in thought for

out to him uncertainly, “Mr.

remained silent for

spoke softly, “I understand.”

to his desk, pulled open a drawer, and

then picked up his

window.

by the window stood rigid as

of smoke rose from that direction,

vanished into the air.

fiddled with his phone for a while,

was down to the butt, he turned and stubbed

desk. Once again he looked at his phone, finally

it.

fever had subsided. When she woke up in the morning, she

appeared to be

her for breakfast, and

they felt much relieved.

starting soon. Got everything you need? If you don’t feel up to

someone prepare everything for you,”

pondered for a moment, “Clothes, shoes? Maybe

out some nice pens and

she hadn’t really visited a stationery store

go

of porridge, pausing briefly when she

suggestion, then nodded

went upstairs to change. While

It was Seth

she picked

“Hello?”

to answer so quickly,

prolonged silence.

dial the wrong number or what?” Cicely glanced at

indeed him.

Seth to speak, his voice deep. “I thought you’d

asleep.”

laughed, “So you decided to bother me while I was supposed to

sleeping?”

hadn’t answered, I wouldn’t have

frowned, “What are

gone? You

to keep burning

the other end, “And your foot? Is it

away. Silence fell on

spoke first, “Seth, what do you

Do I have

heal completely in

to argue, she

take care and we’ll talk after you’ve

on the phone. After about

said “Okay” and hung

her T-shirt lay

pulled it over her

clear to her, yet

but anxiety held her back. She feared that

she least

sat on the bed for several minutes until there was a knock on

visitor downstairs. Mr. Creighton

got no reply, “Miss? Are

bedroom door swung open, and

any visitor have to do

maid just shook her

Cicely descended the stairs.

a young, handsome

that he was no ordinary gentleman.

stood up, a slight forced warmth in his

Ms. Cicely, I manage The Watson Hotel. I’m terribly sorry

night that caused you

was someone from the hotel coming to apologize

a wry smile, approached him, and

across from her, her gaze

Watson Hotel? You don’t look much older

did you get to run

a

to my father’s influence.”

clicked, “Ah, so you’re the

That explains it.”

simply nodded, acknowledging her assumption. “Though the

harm can’t be undone, I felt it was necessary to

How can we make amends

to do?” Cicely tilted her head, pretending to

a playful smile, “Do

lightly

chin up

three days, so how about you keeping me company

“Not worried about

jealousy stop you from accompanying me? Are you

or to me?”

a hint of chill. “I do not believe that

apologies.”

then.

at just the right moment, “Cicely, that’s

want to cross the

car door for Cicely, and

aside, taking the

like disinfectant,”

Without further ado, Claud

from the Ellis family estate,

broke the silence, “You

heard from your dad that your

lazily against the seatback, watching the sycamore

the ground. “Yeah. I got a call I shouldn’t have

seemed to be a story behind those

with P City, so do you have

today?”

the

at her, “What grade are

Is that

“No problem.”

a while longer until Cicely suddenly

stop at a phone

“Sure.”

smartphone model and got herself a

her old phone, “Trade this

nearly new phone, “We’ll

“Sure.”

quietly, offering no comment. He’d thought

on a shopping spree would be the

to have even less of

in and out of the stationery store in less than ten minutes,

few pens and notebooks.

need a break. Let’s

shop stop and a restaurant meal, they had

downtown, ten minutes buying a phone, another ten in

day spent at the

an easy mission based on Cicely’s physical

she powered through the mall for

by the

*

was in showbiz, and

with endless

managed celebrities starting to rebel, but their

pressure from other shareholders eager to dump them before

were watching closely,

a full-scale boycott to push Ray’s family

days, Ray’s family were forced

eye on those scripts, but no one was a fool;

all the highquality scripts to be snapped

Who was this new

unfamiliar name on the screen, couldn’t help

Who indeed?

and now, there

any

capable, alright. She knew he had

a company and securing topnotch scripts on

the ins and outs, she understood that the

High quality, solid teams, and

was

it was obvious he

it was of significant importance. He had

foothold in the industry – he

what she admired

arrived at the Ellis family estate

first day was stationery stores and

day, malls and

day, Claud asked directly, “Which mall are we hitting

sick of clothes and shoes. Let’s go to

I’ve never been to

feet, “You sure you want to do

“Absolutely.”

was carrying

pallor alarmed the butler who opened the door. “Miss,

happened?”

the household gathered in the living

brief moment, the intensity in the other man’s

unforgettable.

forward, “What’s going on… What now?” It seemed like

thing after another lately.

face set in a cold expression, said tersely, “She

refused to go to the

was a moment of silence before Creighton

doctor.

right, upstairs. If you think you can

longer.” Cicely, who had been frowning the

suddenly spoke up.

had just started to approach, stopped in his tracks at her

look and carried her upstairs,

Claud dusted

from her. “That’s enough. I accept your

at her before suddenly lifting the hem

flinched back, “What are you

of blood seeping out from the

stared at her and asked, “Do

in, and Cicely’s eyes caught the

pulled her feet

pulled his hand back, casually grabbing

beside Cicely’s bed.

a nonchalance, and said, “Hey,

You got hurt on

doesn’t seem right.”

is done,” Cicely

his gaze dropping to meet hers

says I’m here on a job? Can’t a guy just want to

without an

a hint of surprise

his eyebrow, Claude’s eyes briefly darted to her

the wet wipe aside.

offered, reaching out toward Cicely’s

could make contact, another

to meet Seth’s indifferent

Seth said

at the scene before

you’re

an eyebrow, Claud withdrew his hand and turned to Cicely. “Do

to

him a sidelong glance, her tone

now? Just go, you’re

standing there.”

in Claud’s eyes changed as they rested on her, a

concern.

Enter title…

exchange, felt a shadow pass over his

of anger and something

the thick hostility rolling off Seth, Claud averted his

worried about me, I can’t have you fretting any longer.

number. Call

absently, her mind clearly

in her foot that threatened to knock

response seemed to

lips tightly,

and then

Cicely flinched.

her leg, his grip firm despite her attempt to

hand tighten and eventually allowed him

of her pants, and slide off her

foot that was

her heel, with blood matted and flesh raw. The fabric

up with

on earth did you manage to do this to

you feel the

his gaze, looking at her with a

a cry,

me. Soon my

other shoe. He held her foot without saying

word.

in by Isaac, wore a look of

lady, aren’t you the one who hates

severe abrasions?” As he spoke, he opened the

ease, finding antiseptic and

wait it out. No need to show up in a

the doctor added.

antiseptic bottle in his hand,

away from me? I hate

doctor chuckled wryly. “I know you don’t like me. If you

hurt again.” He turned,

hand.

to pull her foot back, but Seth’s grip did not relent. Seth met

with a stern face. “Do

face was pale, her

doctor, his grasp

her.”

pain!” Cicely’s face turned even

the medicine.”

She looked to Creighton for help, but

solve anything.

bear it for a moment,” he said before stepping out

“Dad! It hurts!”

wound,

the bed and shook his

to get it wet; otherwise, the infection will be more

any more.” he advised before quickly

stood up and lifted her in his arms, supporting

lifted the blanket and gently

on her forehead and the

swollen red, and her

demeanor softened somewhat at the sight

distress. Cicely looked up at him, her voice tinged with frustration and

you’re telling me I can’t even cry about

they were done for? Usually, you make a fuss over

here you are running around like a madwoman for three days, and

having the time of your

dropped, and her voice was muffled as she admitted, “Yeah, it

kinda fun.”

intensely

clutched the quilt and slipped beneath it. “I’m fine for now.

Enter title…

Seth didn’t move

moment, his eyes

different from what

she hadn’t bothered to

two contacts in

Issac. The other,

call history with

flicker of emotion, Seth blocked and

to call in, nor she

this, he lowered his head to look at the woman peacefully

He dialed his own number from her phone and then handed it to

number to your

you do it yourself? You’ve got the phone,” Cicely

knitting together.

stated firmly, leaving no room for

the phone from him, a mix

you

her silently, his gaze

saved his number.

contacts?” Cicely’s voice was

point of me admitting it?” Seth’s

her. “I guess I

you’d delete my contacts.”

deep breath, resignation in her voice. “Never

now? These next few days, maybe even

I don’t want to

You seem to have your hands full with your victories, so I won’t

I’d appreciate the same

watched her quietly as she finished speaking. Her

sickly, still held an undeniable

me for a few weeks, and

alone, or do you need someone else to

His voice was devoid

bed, Cicely stared at his stoic,

in her

eyes.

years, a few weeks

with who I want to be with. As long as it’s not you,

Right?”

Seth’s gazes seemed to conceal untold thoughts, a flicker

through them, subtle as

the

to keep you company? You

past few days,” he said

didn’t deny it. “Can we not talk about

was suddenly sharp and cold, “are you trying

with me?”

lips twisted into a weary smile. “I don’t want to talk about

if you’re thinking of breaking up, you can’t get too close to

a matter of principle.”

stretched between them, heavy and

Seth in

“Fine, I can get through a few

without

her brow. Fluttering her

gently caressing her face, fingers tangled

low, husky whisper, “Did you

to avoid seeing me?”

turn away from his intense gaze,

hair. “If we broke up,

with another man?”

like needles to her heart. “Didn’t you

wait until I’m fully recovered? Or did you come

this? If we broke up,

I supposed

the desire

want to be alone. I want to date,

to have a complete home as a dependable refuge

my father’s greatest wish. I

much I can do for

if not you, it would definitely

Your questions are pointless.”

she spoke seemed to darken Seth’s expression further.

to marry, to have children… Each word

on her hair.

you love me, while

words

his mouth.

chill run down her

provoke me on purpose,” Seth warned, his

his voice laced with restrained anger. “Did

just to

Intentionally…

few seconds for the implication to

you mean intentionally? You…

her denial, Seth’s lips

even close her eyes,

move from this man.

the moment, his chiseled face

a silent exchange. As

him stopping the passionate kiss. Instead,

lips with an intensity that left

coming to her senses, tried to push him away, but he caught her

her head. She could feel the firmness of his

the heat of him

stranger to his kisses, yet she couldn’t claim to be familiar with

on the bed, under the weight of his desire and

encounter in the hospital that had her heart racing

was her attempt

all over again, with no sign of

temperature between the two continued

She found

just hoping he would stop at an appropriate

lips, however, had other plans, trailing

her

brushed against her

against his shoulders.

lost in his dark, enigmatic eyes,

gaze, but he forced

carrying a rasp she’d never heard

never let yourself suffer,” he stared intensely at her. “You did it on

yourself to this. To say you’re heartless is not accurate.

who knows how to play with people’s hearts the

made him feel double the heartache, intensifying his guilt, and

future plans with another man. When it came

no one could

her lip, she retorted, “Am I the master of hearts? Have I captured

I wouldn’t choose such a foolish way. You’re

So, you can’t wait even a fortnight to confront me

would you do in these next few days

none of your

“Cicely.”

words. His dark eyes

his fingers gently caressing her soft skin.

he spoke again, slowly:

eternity, she managed

say?”

slight smile, straightened up, and withdrew his hand.

to leave me. You’re using

to hurt yourself.

these

clung to a thread of

thoughts?”

was impulsive, and I might regret it in the next

now. Will

Guilt

towards me?”

above, would you

moment, “Marriage is a serious matter. If I

full responsibility for this

immediately, pondering as he gazed

panicked, “Don’t tell me you’re already

to me might not be the best thing

trying to make

simply watched her, their silent battle of wills culminating in

proposing. Your ‘yes’ is

can’t predict the future; I only know what I want

wouldn’t say this lightly, and you don’t need to make any

you loved

the most ironic and worthless

irony. “So you’re on board then,” Seth concluded, clearly

topic.

and clear, “Yes,

for a moment before suddenly reaching out to

remember my cell

up

air of a pampered heiress,

for the things she chose to remember. And Seth’s number

one of them.

Enter title…

guys or things that shouldn’t be on your

an eyebrow,

fingers gently caressed her chin for a moment, “For the next

but just this once. I won’t accept you

get yourself to

am I a porcelain

murmured, almost absently,

softly against her cheek.

before. Even though both of her feet

felt there was no happier time than

A notion that once only existed in her imagination, something

hypothetically, was about to become

never thought he would be the one to

she’d expected it would be her

you are

shaking her head.

the book, we can’t register

do it off the books. Do you want to handle it,

step in?”

it,” Seth said coolly. He was the

arrange the

“So when can we?”

“After your injuries heal.”

then reached into the nightstand

the headboard. “To

better sign a contract.”

open the notebook. It wasn’t long

it to Seth.

date, Mr. Seth proposed to Miss

to get a marriage certificate as

backing out.” She then signed her name in

right corner.

glanced at the writing, a smirk tugging at his

I won’t back

his hand, “No,

out, signing your name is nothing to

mind at ease.”

flew across the page,

signature behind her own.

satisfied and put the notebook back in the

*

Cicely fell asleep, Seth went

say?” Creighton couldn’t

“She’s agreed.”

“You’re both young, haven’t been

you afraid of

dark eyes reflected the fading twilight outside the window. After

softly, “I’m afraid. That’s why we need to get married

away.”

a long

hand twitching

“Do you love her?”

said,” Creighton’s question finally prompted Seth to

find another man, fall in

lips twisted into a smirk, “Yes.

woman is, she still needs a man to accompany her and a

Cicely, she’s never positioned

If not you, then someone else.

look. She might act

listens to me.”

lips were pressed

her words

But she can’t be with any other man,

Two questions and non-answers, but

somehow cleared Creighton’s

knew what

*

twenty days for Cicely’s legs to heal completely,

ten days earlier. The

years until she reached the legal

a public event; they

to talk about.

with marriage, life hadn’t changed

needed to prepare a home for their

anything less than grand. He didn’t

apartment.

into the Cicely’s Mansion he had given

Seth declined without hesitation.

school and usually picked her up

he’d have Charlie

the driver’s seat

your

quite, but not everything needs to be done

watched her

pulled away.

now. How long

three months,

any longer.

to look at her, “You’re

only eighteen. I don’t like leaving things

seemed innocent enough, but upon reflection, the

cheeks flushed

blush made a soft laugh escape Seth’s

“What’s so funny!”

him laugh was something she thought

did laugh, he

Unfair.

soon

heading back to the Ellis place? Where are

her voice tinged with a mix

get there,”

had half-expected Seth to take her out

that served artisanal dishes, but as they

familiar to her. It wasn’t

the impressive wrought-iron gates of

they were. “What are we doing here?” she

out of the window.

a mysterious smile playing on his

Cicely’s

on a vacant lot nearby.Seth opened the car door for

As she looked at the desolate land in front

“Why here?”

a half-smile as

with a sense of ownership. “I

simply.

swept across the vast

drew her close, and his arms encircled

embrace. His gaze dropped to meet hers, his

her cheek.

Enter title…

murmured, his voice a low rumble

ears.

a beat, and she looked up at him, her eyes

delight. But then, a shadow of pragmatism crossed her

this going to

the curve of her delicate waist, tightening

voice as firm

Ellis

his words a gentle caress, as

sparkled with

family to our

didn’t need to go through all

right

acknowledged, his eyes lingering on her

her soft skin. “It’s for those times when you might get

the workout, and if you go too far, you’d

to go through a lot

her brow and pushed him

living together and you’re already planning for

scenarios?”

honestly think you’ll never get mad at me?” Seth raised an

smile on his lips. “I can’t guarantee I won’t ever make

declare she wouldn’t, but his words gave her

find me that annoying?”

curled. “If you stay next door, I can find you easily. If you go

for you. Do you want to

rather spend

her brows, pondering for a moment. The answer in her

with the smiling eyes of Seth, but

it.

make it easy for you. No

takes you. But if you knew I was mad enough to leave

just a simple

takes, the moment I see you, I’d still

to make things right.” After all, she loved

enough to part ways.

finish speaking, his eyes still crinkled with

but what if I don’t

on?”

better not let me

fingers caressed her smooth cheek, his gaze deep

back what

not used to seeing Seth this tender. She

into his chest. “I’ve heard

posture accommodating her in the most

embrace.

the affection, Cicely rested her head on Seth’s

next door. After a moment of silence,

to my place

scent of her light, floral body wash filled his

against his,

head slightly, his nose brushing against her hair, inhaling

delicate fragrance.

means to invite a

shade

her ears. “Is that so?Cicely’s

villa’s grand entrance, Cicely lowered her

code. She’d barely tapped in

his arm encircling her waist as his voice

from above her head.

“020727, and then?”

hovered over

hand reached out, pressing a “9” before

Cicely nodded.

Enter title…

lips curved into a half-smile

91227

brief moment, then

disengaging echoed through

turned to look at him, “How did you

gently pushed her

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