Watching them leave, Danielle’s hands clenched a little tighter, the stiffness

betraying her anxiety. She wished she hadn’t rushed back, longing instead to

present the birthday gift she had carefully chosen for him in person. Even a

chilly acceptance would have been preferable to having Cicely snatch it away

like she just had.

Seeing Cicely punch in the door code with practiced ease, as Seth Diaz stood

by, a chill shot through Danielle. Birthday, late night, two people and the scent of

alcohol on their breath…All these elements seemed to weave a narrative she

didn’t dare to read.

Maybe things were moving too fast between them. She couldn’t imagine Seth,

with his frosty demeanor, ever getting cozy with Cicely.

Enter title…

How could someone so cool and detached treat a woman with tenderness?

Danielle bit her lip hard, squashed down those thoughts, and stepped into the

elevator.

*d2

Back at home, Seth helped Cicely onto the couch.

Kicking off her shoes, Cicely watched as Seth came over to help her out of her

coat. It seemed like a routine she was well accustomed to. She lifted her arms

and tilted her head, her attention on the gift box in her hands.

“She came back just for your birthday, huh?”

Seth unzipped her down jacket, slid off one sleeve, and gave her a look that

was as unreadable as ever.

She switched the gift box to her other hand so he could remove her coat. As he

went to hang it up, she leaned back into the couch, inspecting the box, turning it

over in her hands. “You know, with her putting in so much effort and openly

making advances towards you, can I pretend not to care?”

Should she continue the charade, even when Danielle had already abandoned

it?

Seth approached her, looking down from his greater height, “There’s nothing

between her and me.”

Cicely gave a half-laugh, “You expect me not to worry about her?”

She rattled the box in her hand. “Even if you’re clear about it now, receiving gifts

on every special occasion is a bit much.”

His gaze finally landed on the box in her hands. Moments later, he snatched it

away and tossed it into the trash with a clang. “Satisfied?”

Cicely glanced at the trash can, smirked, and looked up at him with eyes that

twirled with mischief. “I’m dizzy.”

He smirked, “Are you trying to tell me that the dizziness from drinking comes

and goes?”

Cicely didn’t care, she just stretched out her arms towards Seth, “Take me to the

bedroom.”

Seth’s eyes narrowed, pausing on the skin of her neck.

Her arms moved slightly, urging him on. He looked away and finally lifted her in

his arms. He laid her down on the bed and Cicely curled up, supporting her

head with a slender arm. The hem of her burgundy dress had ridden up

carelessly, revealing the elegant lines of her legs. She gazed up at him, smiling.

“Seth, I’m drunk tonight, so you can take advantage of me if you want.”

The dark fire in his eyes was barely contained, even as they roamed over her.

Her beauty tonight was more striking than usual, the dress accentuating her

flawless figure.

At eighteen, she had the kind of allure that stirred envy in women and desire in

men. The way those men had looked at her tonight when she had taken off her

coat had left him feeling unsettled.

Cicely’s teasing had been light-hearted at first, but now the intensity of Seth’s

gaze was making her surprisingly nervous.

“Shall we take a shower?” His voice was huskier than she expected.

She nodded, “Sure.”

He continued to watch her. She didn’t move.

Finally, Seth bent down and carried her into the bathroom.

He had never intended to rush things now that she was of age. She must have

known that, which was why she felt so bold in teasing him.

He hadn’t been with a woman before and, at his age, men were particularly

vulnerable to such temptations. Perhaps she overestimated his self-control. Or

maybe, it was just her self-control she overestimated.

After the shower, Cicely felt like a cooked shrimp, her body limp and energy

sapped. She’d been seen entirely, touched almost thoroughly. Now in the soft

embrace of her bed, she breathed a sigh of relief, thinking her only task was to

sleep.

But she was wildly mistaken.

Seth pinched her chin, “Sobered up yet?”

She nodded, “Yes.”

His eyes swept her exposed skin and his lips curled into a slight smile. “Even if

you weren’t drunk, you know our relationship is such that I could take liberties

with you whenever I wish, right?”

Cicely blinked, “Yes, I know. So, is it time to sleep now?”

Seth raised an eyebrow, “Do you think the episode in the bathroom was

enough?”Cicely’s eyelids fluttered twice, betraying her effort to seem indifferent. “Or

what?”

Seth’s gaze drifted to her lips, “I think I made a mistake.”

Cicely furrowed her brows in confusion.

“I shouldn’t have just thought about keeping you like some naive doll, hidden

away. You need to see the harsh realities of the world to understand the

dangers that exist.”

Cicely was no fool; she could see through some people and situations better

than they could ever imagine. She always maintained a sense of vigilance,

Enter title…

aware of potential threats at any given moment. “There’s no need, I’m well

aware.”

“Are you?”d2

As he spoke, Cicely suddenly gasped, her eyes darting towards Seth in a slight

panic. His hand had stealthily slipped under the covers, his intentions crystal

clear. She instinctively recoiled.

“You not gonna let me touch you?”

“You are you serious?”

She was convinced he wouldn’t really sleep with her now.

“Isn’t your idea of ‘impropriety’ a bit naive?”

Cicely bit her lip, her beautiful eyes filled with timidness, “I’ve heard it hurts, and

I’m afraid of the pain.”

“So you’re planning to spend your life just letting me look and touch?”

Cicely’s eyes darted about, and before she could utter a word, Seth leaned in

closer, his presence enveloping her. “Don’t you want to have kids? Just looking

and touching won’t make that happen.”

Her grip on the covers relaxed slightly, and the tension in her body eased.

Seth’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

“Seth.” Cicely suddenly spoke up, “You’re raping me, aren’t you?”

Seth’s expression darkened instantly, “You’re saying what?”

Cicely repeated, “Raping.”

“Cicely.” The hand under the covers suddenly grasped her leg, his voice deep

and icy, “What do you think the purpose of that marriage certificate you’re

holding is?”

“To legally live together.”

“That includes legally having sex with you.”

Seth’s words were ground out through clenched teeth, each syllable as if

chewed up and spit out. His frankness was unexpected, almost shocking, but it

was precisely this rawness that made it all the more enticing.

Cicely had likely angered him; his words hit her like a physical force, stealing

her breath away. Before, she might not have thought much about it, but the topic

that just irked him was a sensitive one, and she felt a surge of nervousness.

Cicely was fresh from a bath, her skin soft and scented.

Underneath the covers, the restraint from the bathroom was returning with a

vengeance. The kiss was forceful, wandering down her neck to the tender spot

behind her ear, teasing her earlobe.

Cicely whimpered softly. Seth paused, staring at her flushed ear before bending

down again. When she shivered once more, a low chuckle escaped Seth.

Interesting.

Cicely felt he was mocking her inexperience. So she clenched her teeth,

determined not to be the butt of his amusement anymore. Seth seemed to be in

a playful mood, his kisses searching for her most sensitive spots.

The covers were pushed down, sparks slowly nearing the summit. Cicely,

sensing something, tried to escape, but Seth was ahead of her, anticipating her

move.

A sensation shot through her. Her arms, which had been propping her up,

suddenly lost their strength, and with a soft exclamation, she fell back into the

bedding.

This was madness. The feeling was foreign and uncontrollable. Her heart felt

like it was about to leap out of her chest.

The man before her was the man she loved, yearned for, the one she had

schemed to win over.

Unlike with Ray, she enjoyed his touch, even craved more. She truly loved him.

But why did she love him so much? She couldn’t even understand it herself. She

just wanted him, and no one else would do.

Slowly, she raised her hand to caress his damp hair, her palm resting against

his face, that handsome face lifting to meet her gaze. As if under a spell, she

leaned in closer to him, closing the gap between them. “Seth, why do I love you

so much?” she asked.

Seth threw aside the covers, realizing that tonight wouldn’t be so easily endured.

He was somewhat relieved she was of age. Perhaps if she weren’t, she wouldn’t

be able to escape him tonight.

Boundaries? Her specialty was pushing him to break them, time and time again.

“Why?” he asked as he pulled her into his embrace.

Cicely wrapped her arms around his shoulders, shaking her head, “I don’t know.

Do you know how much I love you?”

“How much?” Seth inquired.

Cicely tilted her head, giving the same answer, “I don’t know.”

Seth looked up at her, “You don’t know why you love me, and you don’t know

how much?”

She nodded, “Yeah. I don’t know. If I did, maybe one day I could avoid loving

you so much.”

Seth paused for a moment, “Even if you knew, it’s too late.”

He pressed her back down into the bedding.

One of the reasons they didn’t live together and he refrained from getting

physically close to her was because of her young age. He also considered the

possibility that she might regret and want to exit the marriage at any time, but he

had never truly hoped for such a day.

As he struggled internally, he gave her enough time. Now, her words suddenly

reminded him that he couldn’t allow it. She might not love him as much as she

did now, and she might truly disappear from his life.

He wouldn’t permit such a thought, not even for a second. So he decided he

wouldn’t leave her that option anymore.Seth never thought he’d see the day when Cicely would scare the living

daylights out of him. It happened in a moment of breakthrough.

Cicely’s scream nearly pierced his eardrums. Then came a convulsion, her face

turned as pale as a ghost, almost translucent.

“Ouch. Seth, are you trying to kill me?” Tears cascaded down Cicely’s cheeks, a

relentless torrent.

Sweat beaded on Seth’s forehead as he gritted his teeth, staring at her

seemingly lifeless form, torn between staying and fleeing. But then, she

furrowed her brow and uttered a pained cry.

“Ouch, don’t move.”

Enter title…

Seth, restraining himself, remained still. His hand found her forehead, his head

lowered to hers, his voice strained and husky. “Does it hurt that bad?”d2

Cicely bit her lip, eyes closed, with eyelids and lashes trembling together. She

nodded randomly, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by pain, and choked back a

sob with a couple of stifled sobs.

Time passed, and perhaps the pain had ebbed slightly, Cicely opened her eyes,

her cheeks flushed with a returning rosiness, but her eyes were rimmed red with

distress.

“Feeling better?”

Cicely gave a tiny nod, followed by a sniffle, “Is it this painful for every girl the

first time, or is it just your lousy technique ?”

Seth fell silent. The urge to throttle her surged within him.

After a moment of silence, Cicely inhaled sharply.

Seth rose and headed to the bathroom.

Cicely felt uneasy, the foreign sensation still distinct, the pain all too real. She

lay in bed, afraid to move. Watching Seth leave, her worry gnawed at her—had

their utterly unromantic “first time” left him utterly disillusioned?

Had he gone for good? Was he unsatisfied? Angry?

Alone in bed, she spiraled into helpless speculation. Would he seek comfort with

other women now?

Cicely blinked. This was serious.

When Seth returned from the bathroom with a towel, he found the woman in bed

biting her finger, lost in thought. He frowned, “What’s on your mind?”

Cicely turned quickly, shaking her head. “Nothing.”

Seth gave her a long look and then sat down beside her. His hand reached for

her leg.

Cicely protested with a whimper, trying to evade, “What are you doing?”

“Don’t move.” His tone was indifferent. He leaned down with the towel, and the

warmth of it touched her skin. Cicely’s initial resistance melted away, but then

came the flush of embarrassment.

“If you don’t have the guts, stop talking big. You were quick to talk about having

kids, and now you’re even shy for me to have a look?”

Indeed. But she couldn’t help it.

“It’s the first time…” her voice was barely audible.

“Yeah, I’ll give you time to adjust.”

Seth wiped carefully, the pure white towel now marked with stark red stains.

After he was done, Seth checked her over carefully, then looked up, his dark

eyes heavy with an emotion that seemed too thick to dissolve. “Still hurts?”

“It’s better.”

Hearing that, Seth stood up, picked her up, and placed her on the couch nearby.

Cicely was puzzled, lying there as Seth draped a blanket over her and turned

away without a word.

She grabbed the edge of his bathrobe, her expression pitiable, “You’re not

making me sleep on the couch as punishment for not satisfying you, are you?”

Seth grimanced, and he gently removed her hand, “Yeah, indeed it was less

than satisfying.”

“So once I’m not in pain…” Cicely’s gaze followed Seth anxiously.

Dissatisfaction in bed could spell disaster for a marriage.

“Of course, that’s how it is. You think you’ve fulfilled your duty in one go?” Seth

cut her off, but paused at the bedside to strip the sheets.

Cicely watched as he skillfully replaced the bedding with fresh linens. This was

a task so distant from his usual repertoire, yet he executed it with surprising

proficiency.

Hmm… The way he appeared all domestic was strangely attractive.

Once the bed was made, he carried her back and laid her down. Cicely’s eyes

crinkled with a smile, “Punishment over?”

Seth shot her a glance, “Next time, the punishment will last longer. Get some

sleep.” With that, he pulled the covers over her.

Taking the soiled linens, he disappeared into the bathroom. Before long, the

sound of running water filled the room.

A few minutes later, Seth emerged from the bathroom. He had taken another

shower and saw the woman lying there, with a pair of beautiful eyes staring at

him, “Why haven’t you slept yet?”

“Waiting for you.” Cicely patted the empty spot next to her.

Seth was not surprised. After all, they had sex and sharing a bed was natural.

He lifted the blanket and laid down. Cicely immediately snuggled up to him. She

rested on his arm, leaned into his chest, and wrapped her arms around his

waist.

Seth paused for a moment, looking down at her head for a few seconds, and

then he gave her his arm, his embrace, and his hand.

Cicely was particular about her bed and had never shared it with anyone. Seth

woke up before her, and she could feel when he got up. She felt disturbed and

frowned, but soon there was a sound at the door, and she was left alone in the

room.

All Cicely wanted now was peace, so she fell asleep again.

After some time, the door opened again. Hearing the noise, Cicely’s mind began

to vaguely remember the events of the previous night. She turned over, burying

half of her face into the soft pillow, lazily peeking through a slit in her eyes,

watching Seth dressing in front of the wardrobe.

Hearing her movement, he turned to her, “Stay home and rest today if you’re not

feeling well. I’ll call in sick for you.”

“Mmm…”

She hummed softly and closed her eyes again. Only when the rustling by the

wardrobe seemed to stop did she roll over and lazily lift her eyelids to look at

him.

The man was already impeccably dressed, his tall frame adorned with a crisp

white shirt and a dark suit, exuding an air of detached elegance.

Cicely sighed inwardly. He was every bit the man she adored.

“You’re not going to class today?”

“Clearly not.” Seth’s voice was cool as he approached, leaning in close, his

handsome face bringing a fresh, clean scent as he hovered over her.

His voice was a seductive whisper, his breath lightly caressing her face. “Does it

still hurt?”

Cicely’s ears turned pink, “Not anymore.”

A slight smirk graced Seth’s lips, “Are you sure?”

“I’m not too sure,” Cicely admitted with a touch of uncertainty.

Seth’s low chuckle rumbled from his throat, “Finally learned to back down, huh?”

“It’s called being wise,” Cicely retorted with a smirk.

“Uh huh, you always have the best excuses,” he teased.

Cicely smiled, reaching up to adjust his tie. “Got plans for today?”

“Not sure. If time allows, I might swing by the set for a bit.”

Cicely’s eyebrows arched as she recalled his recent flurry of activities. She

knew he’d been busy with his company and prepping for a shoot, but she had

no clue what project he was actually working on. She’d asked before, but Seth

had been evasive.

“Alright then.” That world was foreign to her, and she had little interest in it.

Seth caught her hand and bent down to kiss her. “Breakfast is warming on the

table. Make sure you eat.”

“Did you make it?”

He stuffed her hand back under the covers and stood up, “Do you really think

there’s a third person in this house?”

“Call me if you need anything. And don’t go wandering off.”

“Mmm-hmm,” Cicely nodded obediently.

Satisfied, Seth finally turned and left.

*

Cicely planned on catching some extra sleep, but the restlessness won. She got

out of bed and found a clean set of pajamas laid out for her. She slipped them

on, careful of the piercing pain from last night’s ordeal. She tiptoed gingerly to

the dining room, where a plate of sandwiches, milk, hard-boiled eggs, and a

vegetable salad waited under the warming lights.

Leaning on the table, she took a sip of milk and nibbled on an egg. A smile

spread across her lips as she pictured Seth, alone in the kitchen, methodically

preparing breakfast – even meticulously peeling eggs for her.

The man who used to be so cold and distant, who seemed impossible to warm

up was now unexpectedly affectionate and thoughtful. She had said she didn’t

expect Seth to love her, but maybe now she could star t to hope a little?

*

After breakfast, she settled on the living room couch and flipped on the TV to

watch a movie. Around eleven, her phone chimed with a message.

*

By noon, Charlie stood outside the door, carrying bags from a prestigious

restaurant. When no one answered, he called Seth directly. “Mr. Diaz, Ms.

Cicely seems to be out.”

Seth was at his desk, poring over documents with a stern focus. Hearing

Charlie’s words, a frown flickered across his brow. He dialed Cicely’s cell from

the landline, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried the apartment line too,

with no answer. “Use the code to check inside,” he instructed.

“Alright.”

Charlie entered the code Seth had given him and stepped inside. After a

thorough search, he confirmed, “Mr. Diaz, Ms. Cicely isn’t in the apartment.”

“Find out where she went.”

Seth hung up and grabbed his coat and keys, leaving the company in a swift

motion.

Charlie sent Seth the location he’d uncovered within ten minutes and hurried

over himself. The address was a high-class restaurant, a setting that seemed to

match Ms. Cicely’s dining style. Yet, the idea of her dining alone in such an

atmospheric venue seemed unlikely. It was either that, or perhaps Ms. Cicely,

unpredictable and independent, simply enjoyed the cuisine and chose to savor it

solo – not impossible.

Charlie considered these possibilities, but when he arrived at the restaurant and

caught sight of Ms. Cicely, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

Following shortly after, Seth’s typically stoic expression also betrayed a hint of

surprise.

“Mr. Diaz,” Charlie whispered, approaching discreetly, “I didn’t disturb Ms.

Cicely, but I’ve spoken with the owner. As you can see, she’s the pianist here.

For the past month, she’s come in every afternoon. Ms. Cicely has been working

here. She took an advance on her pay yesterday, and she’s still obligated to

work for another month.”

It was astonishing – a daughter of the affluent Ellis family, who lacked for

nothing, especially not money, working a job like this. If word got out, people

would think Charlie had lost his mind.

Seth watched the woman behind the piano, playing with practiced grace. Even

with half her face masked, he recognized her instantly. No other woman

possessed even a fraction of her innate elegance and pride.

Ballade pour Adeline… A beautiful love story that, according to legend, moved

the god of love.

glanced down at his watch, the

rhythmCharlie followed Seth around,

nothing, would

must be for Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably wanted to give him a

no clue what the

that a woman who always seemed

to others would stoop to working just

Mr. Diaz wasn’t

corner behind Cicely, out of her line

gaze lingered before turning towards the observant

him. “Has anyone asked if she’s had

Enter title…

Seth’s intense

smile, “Not yet. Today’s been hectic.

soon as she arrived. She won’t have a break until after

Seth frowned slightly.

for after two.

meal she picks is pricey

Can’t fathom why she’d need to

doesn’t seem

came in, she was upfront about the

know

had a thing

knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t suffer

for something she loved. Yet there she was,

choosing to sit there.

for him become more important than her

silhouette, then

her today. Act like we were

get it, but

he nodded, “Sure

*

and Cicely made her way to the restroom.

young servers came

just finished lunch.

grace undeniable.

at bay. But after an incident where one

dress and she didn’t make a fuss, they realized she was

started chatting

emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked up

conversation.

the jackpot this time, landed

says it’s going to be a hit. Even a small role is a huge step up

work she’s been doing. Oh, hey, did you

us to

head, “Haven’t checked my phone, but

invite me.”

shifts

Don’t worry, she’ll definitely invite

the mirror, “She said she’s

nodded, “More than

“Hm.”

turned off the tap, tore off a paper towel, and dried her

it was no skin off her back to swap

locker room, she pulled out

and a message from

I landed a great role in a

owe a lot to

know you’re busy, so I sent

tonight. Here’s the address…]

had actually invited

didn’t text back. Instead,

he picked up. Cicely’s

voice light. “You called?”

calm voice came through,

her locker and headed out with her bag,

going to bring you lunch,

you’d arrange lunch,

wanted you

was sorting out lunch

what did

her table, where a server

gras, shrimp with cheese

sauce.”

good. How

“Not bad.”

pause on the

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

on at first, but when Seth repeated

mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten. Now it hurts again.” Her tone

playful.

medicine home tonight.

settled into her chair, “Okay, what time will you be

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

up with a noticeably good mood, her meal suddenly more

eating, she paid

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared to

home for dinner. His brow furrowed, but he

Charlie to

felt a twinge of disappointment learning

didn’t dwell on it.

had dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

meal’s on me. Since he’s not coming back, I’ve got plans

seemed to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging

a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to ask

but

replied with

it’s a female colleague. She nailed her audition, and

all,

of relief, then quickly offered, “If it’s any trouble for you,

give you

a moment before nodding, “That would be

grinned; he really liked her forthright

At the Diaz household.

where Danielle

conversation.

she saw him, “Why didn’t you come

birthday?”

still carrying the chill of the outdoors, handed his coat to the

responses brief. “Had a

you with Cicely last

reply,

You promised me it

as he looked

Danielle.

her hands clenched

Why did you want

on,

non-consequential to you, is that

was cold, “Are you just realizing that she and

up?”

you going to end things with

remained silent. This was his typical response to Patty.

knew the truth was something Patty couldn’t accept. Silence was

best recourse.

irritation and anger in

and I trust you won’t break

came to see you last night with a request, but you didn’t give

you here tonight.

and there’s a blockbuster series in the works? Danielle wants

material and has her

you can pull

“You’re

through me?”

her lip, “I feel I’m perfect

the news, you’d know

of the casting process, from open

which of the actors do you think

role, why didn’t you

intensity, Danielle’s voice trembled,

and by the time I found out,

you,” Seth

his first ace in the film industry, and he

not even with the

objected to his tone, “I may not understand all the

Danielle wants is a minor one, and

you back. Please, as a favor to me,

icy, the tension palpable in the

twinge of fear and softened her

topic of you and Cicely for a while. I won’t

you’ll

me.”

a reminder to

only on hold, definitely

to dine

home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him

and after freshening up, it wasn’t

time Cicely had accepted an

gathering.

change from her usual

day’s work at the diner, saving every penny

folks in the countryside, with just a little

fixed, any slack on

for the month. Inviting

Enter title…

decision for her, biting the

means, just a local joint

a clean environment, clearly chosen

such a place was nothing to write home about. The

but the drinks

sneaking glances at her

unease and worry on her

alive with fun, but Cicely put down her glass and

leave. Someone spotted her and called out, asking where

However, she walked straight

her card to the bartender. “Charge the

they want to eat or drink, just keep

take a second glance at the

of him.

“Sure thing.”

A soft call came from behind her; it was

her being

about to pick up the tab. “There’s

enough money, and you’ve helped me too

to

tone was indifferent, “Let’s not talk about it. I have

my pleasure. It

She couldn’t truly

way for Cicely to help

work hard every day to

I’m not short of money, but

my own hands. It’s

of realization, “You’re saving to buy a gift

special, aren’t you?”

“How did you

a lot of people think

you earned feels

the one you love.”

lot of people think

Cicely asked again and saw Emiliana nod,

many people thought

come up with that kind of

such a gift, I would

Cicely’s furrowed brow and eyes relaxed. “This might be the

life I’ll have to work like this, so naturally, he has to treasure it

him not to take

a little lost in thought as she watched

be hidden in her little proud

truly beautiful. Usually so cool and detached,

just how much she cared

headed to the restroom together, and as

ring

possessive, locking

the ring on her finger and

when you’re married normal?”

caught off guard for

married?”

hands and

her surprise, but being

all too well the value of

checked her phone just as Seth

full swing, and Cicely

not coming back

home, huh? I’ll

address. I’ll

“Okay.”

left the gathering early, and Seth’s car was

Seth cast another glance at

I was at

he meant, “It’s a

cash.”

traffic, he mused,

invitations over the years,

she’s alright, quite easy on the

rarity,” Seth said flatly, “Just being easy

that kind

wonder how far you’d

the only person in

that question.”

silent, neither

herself, then said after a few

go for you. I guess we

happens.”

think we might encounter in

a peaceful life as Mrs.

slightly, “Is that a

glanced at his hand on the

light, changing with the streetlights they passed.

wrist, its colors flickering in

the reasons for changes,

influenced by objective factors.

even the most ordinary of desires, while hopeful, may one day become

luxury.

“It is.”

more

lips gradually faded. “If

think being married to me would

meet, or constantly

all that,”

the car. “I like you, a

mine. I want to live together with you and do a bunch of

you is all

into the fantasy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t

Seth and Cicely

realizing

some pasta for

entered their cozy apartment.

know I

not teach you anything?” Seth

a knowing look.

learned her lesson

Enter title…

being rushed to the hospital with a terrible

Pain was something she

least favorite places. So, needless to say, she

when out and

an obedient “I see,” Cicely made her way to the

an hour later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting

a hearty sauce over the perfectly cooked pasta and

egg before handing the

palate, refined over the

relished every bite,

if it was simply

for her.

watching her eat for a while, Seth stepped

his phone. “Send

two set designs. We need to stay on schedule

call and came back, Cicely had put down her

the half-eaten plate of pasta,

already?”

nodded, “Yeah, I can’t

her, pulled the plate toward himself, and

her utensils.

chin on her hands, Cicely

his simple

watched him in silence, not mentioning

was an unspoken agreement between them. If Seth

ask. Not about their secret marriage or anything else.

Emiliana, whom Cicely had

husband and wife. Their hidden marriage was

between them.

an inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or maybe it

had been called back home by Patty once agai,

emotions. She had never went to visit her

blessings from her. She

her. The exact reasons were unclear,

intuition was strong.

they had got the marriage license.

his ring finger. Whenever he returned to the

she have any

Yes, she did.

in front of Patty. Since Seth chose to keep it

have his reasons. If Patty

provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and avoided causing

with him peacefully, to stay in

them, without any third person interfering. Things were

want to disrupt their harmonious

analyzed a situation

the pasta, he gazed at her and

eat, you should’ve

shook her head, “I’d rather spend every second I can with you than

shower.”

slight smile crept onto Seth’s lips.

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

he meant that after

then to the bed, her cheeks

to her injuries, Cicely’s initial

her. She was content with his

moments, in the

he loved her. But she knew better than to risk

thought, having played

many times already. She couldn’t imagine

words to her.

*

Both of them

preferred the scent

Can’t I just stay

will be better taken care of at the Ellis family.

would want you to stay here. You still have two

more time with him.” Seth

took his explanation with a grain of salt.

since you’re injured, if you want, you can stay here

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

down at her, his fingers gently playing with

and snuggled closer to

let me move

silent for a moment before changing the subject.

that girl you took

into a neutral

in a period drama with a complicated name I can’t

over

Maybe give her a shot.

a role amidst

her audition for the next project. There might be a role

project’s cast is already

have to cast her in

as he teased

on our second night

“Consider this me doing you a favor

you up with

guess I owe you

that, his long fingers gently tilted her chin

conversation with a series of deep, lingering kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s “a while” meant just a few

arrival, and there

with her latest acting role, hadn’t been on set recently, but

keeping up with her shifts at the

during the lunch rush, she’d play a couple of tunes on the

Cicely would

the restaurant at midday, Cicely

Knowing Cicely had been

approached her with hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s

for a while now. Looks like she might be getting

Enter title…

confused. “What

heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off

she walked in. She missed a few notes while playing, and

pretty particular, and a mistake here

repeated complaints?

at the same get-together a few days

worried look. “I heard that Emiliana’s

snatched by someone else.”

It was clear to everyone that

her hopes on this

roles already cast? Did

glances, a mix of anger and sympathy

norm. Now, anyone can act,

women have sugar

Emiliana, even a minor role in the background isn’t safe. With all

those people have, why not fight

“What’s the

her character?”

about it at the

named Sue,

Though a servant, her intelligence is

end at the hands of the villain. It’s the kind of

and

Era of Elegance? Sue?

Cicely murmured thoughtfully, then headed towards the dressing

she found Emiliana sitting on

lost

Emiliana quickly stood up. “You’re

her, stopping only inches

her

guard by her sudden move,

“Have you been crying?”

Emiliana pursed her lips tightly, barely

tears.

is still marketable. How about I become

froze in surprise.

and tossed her bag onto a nearby chair. “If

money, I can get that role for

was even more

slightly, “Don’t want to be with me?

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

was still stunned. “Ci… Cicely? What are you talking

truly hinges

sponsor you.”

eyes widening in

possible!”

think

you could, it’s not

I live within my means and I don’t

especially

this business, financial intervention is

pushed out. Are you

you worked so hard

no one’s going to pity you.

chance, and it won’t come back. You

another me. Each choice is a crossroads in

be another Seth. She

step she took was aimed at that turning point. People

have ambitions, just like her now, getting what

“Cicely, I

this industry.”

voice broke with emotion, tears streaming down her

was obviously aiming for the

you get what I’m saying? The

unless it’s the investors themselves who want this.

with your own money, it’s not right, and I’m

worth it.”

replacing Emiliana wasn’t just anyone; it

investors behind the show.

“Do you know who the investors

head. “Not a clue. The promos only

a company I’ve never heard of before. Must be

firm.”

thoughtfully. “A

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

two had agreed to have dinner together at

few days, Seth had been cooking dinner. The

for

Cicely got home early and headed straight for the kitchen.

the contents, and, after a bit

gathered an assortment of

her phone, scrolled through

prepping the food. Once everything was ready, Cicely placed

arms, and stood watching over it,

eternity, she sidled

oven mitts, then finally reached out to turn on

up, she took two pale-faced steps back, but then,

breath and bracing herself, she moved

for the proper order, she dumped in all the

followed by the vegetables.

it was all going to be stir-fried together;

or

food was edible and went down

it a

door, a smoky haze and

greeted him

to find three

dining table, with a soup so clear

visible.

looked towards the kitchen, only to

behind, “You’re back?”

around, there was Cicely, fresh from

at the

went around opening every window in the apartment

these days, he was sure, the place

in flames along with her

slaving away to make

you even taste it?”

her, “You

Cicely wrapped her hair in the towel, securing it on top of

against the

Seth sat down and noticed the rice was actually fluffy

follow the

says, and it’s a

Cicely watched him pick up his fork, she couldn’t help but smirk

the table.

his expression froze

Cicely watched, amused,

the meal, Seth looked up, “Aren’t

on the table,

don’t look appetizing, so they probably don’t taste

her. “And

an eyebrow, picking up her fork. “If you’re feeling lonely, I

keep you company.”

Cicely’s. “Is this your way

at her arm. “Hurt myself just

that get

Seth’s gaze followed to the red marks on her wrist, he reached

spots. “Why the sudden

your

a crime to want to

up, fetched a first-aid kit, and sat next

while ago.”

held her dodging hand

antiseptic from the kit. “This first-aid kit wasn’t

Enter title…

why that is?

emergency supplies, most of it was for

minor injuries.d2

cracked a smile, “Who knows? Maybe I

easy as a kid, and now life’s

could just stay out of trouble, none of this would

of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly, “What exactly would

to you?”

the uptake, sensed something off

into her eyes, brimming

tame compared to my old self, and you

notice. I’ve

and any other woman would probably not be as patient. But what can

when I’m head

flicker crossed Seth’s brow as he finished

the medical kit. “So tell me, who’s got you upset

treated wounds and spoke indifferently, “No one else

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight

name of the show you’ve recently invested

Seth’s brow furrowed.

digging online, and there are a few shows

they’re all about to air. The one that’s not yet shot but is already the talk

town—Era of

interest in this stuff before. Why bring

normal to be interested in things

Seth, never hiding her feelings

him.

Seth didn’t deny

as the sole investor, C&P

“Yes.”

confirming

sign any

“Not yet.”

mistress on

looked at her coldly, “If there’s something on your

bush

slowly faded, “Just a few words and you’re this impatient with

because

And I don’t want to make things awkward

you can’t figure out why I’m being like this, then

soon and give me an explanation, not to mention a

too long, a

she stood up, eyed the dishes on

that unpalatable, no need to force

up to scratch, and I’d hate for you to get sick over it. Make yourself

pasta or something.”

reached for the second dish, her wrist was

met hers, frosty, “Did I

Cicely released the plate, which clattered back onto the table,

yourself.”

across the table,

a fork, he resumed eating. “If you’re not

done. I’ll make you some

be hungry tonight.” Cicely rubbed her

room.

finished his

clean up the mess.

kitchen looked like a battlefield.

with footprints, oil, water, and

sink and began to

call Charlie.

been

“Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home tonight for

be all right to give you the results

“Fine.”

through her phone, trying to

sour mood.

opened, and the tall figure

“Come eat.”

told you,

pulled back her covers as if he

chill, Cicely set aside her

a

it’s meaningful isn’t really up to me to

eat right now. Forcing me will only make it worse. I’m not into self-torture,

I’m hungry, I’ll find something

these words would likely irritate

it warm, I’ll

then

mood spoiled by Seth’s

hour later, Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe

Pausing before her, he towered over her with a look

a shower. I expect you to, you know, go out there

your meal

as Seth disappeared into

slid out from under

and the dining room

steaming plate of spaghetti sat on the

just now sounded like an

For now, she chose to believe

didn’t seem like it had been sitting out for half an

probably meant

new plate, hinting it’d be best

a

Seth’s touch all over

to appease or if his way

that good. Either way, most of her pent-up

dissipated.

plate of spaghetti. Seth knew

a generous portion

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