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.

down at his watch, the hands moving silently. Beneath

connected to his heart, beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy with

nothing, would

she probably wanted to give him a

clue

a woman who always seemed so nonchalant

to others would stoop to working just to afford a present for

for Mr. Diaz wasn’t just superficial,

behind Cicely, out of her

before turning towards the observant restaurant

asked if she’s had lunch

Enter title…

paused, recalling Seth’s intense focus on the pianist

yet. Today’s been

She won’t have a

Seth frowned slightly.

for after two. All

picks is pricey and she’s

why she’d need to work for cash. To say she

doesn’t seem quite

she was upfront

might not know if Ms. Cicely enjoyed playing

had a thing for Mr.

as pampered

something she loved. Yet there

choosing to sit there.

had her love for him become more important

silhouette, then said indifferently,

about her today. Act like

but the authoritative aura around

he nodded,

*

the patrons had left and Cicely made her way to the restroom.

her hands, two young servers came

just finished lunch.

her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof

them at bay. But after an incident where one

a fuss, they realized she was

chatting more openly with

greeted her cheerfully

conversation.

the jackpot this time, landed a part

a hit. Even a small role is

Oh, hey, did you get Emiliana’s

treating us to dinner

head, “Haven’t checked

invite me.”

shifts so she could audition. She’s

Don’t worry,

their reflection in the mirror, “She

“More

“Hm.”

tore off a

no skin off her

locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw

a message

opened Emiliana’s message first. [Hey, I landed a great role

thrilled. I owe a lot to the help I’ve received at

know you’re busy, so I sent this message. Please

tonight. Here’s the address…]

actually invited

didn’t text back.

for a while before he picked up. Cicely’s

voice light. “You called?”

voice came through,

out with her bag,

bring

me you’d arrange lunch, I

you

thought I was sorting out lunch

did

her table, where a server was setting down her meal.

foie gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a steak

sauce.”

How was

“Not bad.”

pause on the

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

catch on at first, but when Seth

forgotten.

playful.

medicine home tonight. Finish up and rest

chair, “Okay, what time will you be

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

hung up with a noticeably good mood, her

she paid

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave

home for dinner. His

to deliver

twinge of disappointment learning Seth wouldn’t

didn’t dwell on it.

dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

on me. Since he’s not

to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging

a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to

her out, but

as if reading his mind, replied

Don’t worry, it’s a female colleague. She

on. After all, she made a point

sigh of relief, then quickly

give you a

a moment before nodding,

really

At the Diaz household.

room where Danielle and Patty were

conversation.

him, “Why didn’t you come home

birthday?”

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

indifferent and responses brief.

with

didn’t reply, his

You promised me it wouldn’t

Seth’s eyes as he

Danielle.

clenched

chase. Why did you

his attitude, pressed on, “So, your

to you, is

voice was cold, “Are you just realizing

up?”

you going to end things with

was his typical

was something

best recourse.

the barely concealed irritation and anger

“I know you’re sensible, and I

with a request, but you

is why I’ve called you here tonight. I heard you’re investing

and there’s a blockbuster series in the

with the source material and has her eye on a

can pull

“You’re looking for an

through me?”

“I feel I’m perfect for

the news, you’d know that the cast is already set.

was involved in every step of the casting process, from

of the actors do you think is unfit? And

the role, why didn’t you audition in

Seth’s intensity, Danielle’s voice trembled, “I… I was

the time I found out, it

the role isn’t for you,”

series was his first ace in the

not even with the smallest

“I may not understand all the ins

role Danielle wants is a minor one, and she wouldn’t

you back. Please, as a favor to me, let her have

turned icy, the tension palpable

fear and softened her tone, “If you agree

the topic of you and

you’ll handle things appropriately and not

me.”

point, a

only on hold, definitely

to

got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him

up, it wasn’t

Cicely had accepted an invitation to this kind

gathering.

seemed genuinely thrilled, a change from her usual reluctance

a day’s work at the diner, saving every penny she could to

with just a little left for

she sent home was fixed, any slack on her part could

ends meet for the month. Inviting

Enter title…

a tough decision for her, biting the bullet as she

wasn’t upscale by any means, just a local joint known

clean environment, clearly chosen

cost of such a place was

but the drinks

at her wallet while topping up

subtle unease and worry

was alive with fun, but Cicely put down

her and called out, asking

she replied nonchalantly. However, she walked

card to the bartender. “Charge the room 206

they want to eat or drink,

a second glance at the black

of him.

“Sure thing.”

came from behind her; it

her

to pick

you’ve helped me too

to properly thank you

indifferent, “Let’s not talk about

is my

was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly

money. It was merely a way for Cicely to help her save

day

be honest, I’m not short

my own hands.

of realization, “You’re saving to buy a

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How did you

gently, “Because a lot of people think that way,

or bought with money you

the one you love.”

of people think

saw

So, many people thought the same

like someone, that’s when you’d come

such a gift, I would

brow and eyes relaxed. “This might

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

She had told him not to take it

a little lost in thought as she

hidden in her little

beautiful. Usually so cool and

how much she

together, and as

a ring on your ring finger means

quite possessive, locking you down

at the ring on her finger and smiled, “Isn’t

when you’re married normal?”

caught off guard for

married?”

her hands and made a

surprise, but being

well the value of

her phone just

full swing, and Cicely stepped aside to

you not

huh? I’ll

address.

“Okay.”

gathering early, and Seth’s car was waiting right outside the

in, Seth cast

thought I was at the

what he meant, “It’s a decent

cash.”

mused, “Seems

share of invitations over the years,

alright, quite easy on

rarity,” Seth said flatly, “Just being easy

go to that kind of place. If you really

wonder how far you’d

you’re probably the only person in the world who knows the answer

that question.”

neither confirming

the question herself, then said after

for you. I guess we only find out

happens.”

think we might encounter in the

a peaceful life as Mrs.

smiled slightly, “Is that

his hand on the

light, changing with the streetlights they

colors flickering in

changes, besides

influenced by objective factors.

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

luxury.

“It is.”

more to

gradually faded. “If

being married to me would

meet, or constantly on the

never really thought about all that,” Cicely said with

somber atmosphere inside the car. “I like you, a

mine. I want to live together with

know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows

fantasy. Otherwise,

hesitationIdle chatter filled the air as Seth and Cicely made their way home. They

matters before realizing they

a shower. I’ll whip up some pasta for

entered their cozy apartment.

know I haven’t eaten much

last food poisoning episode not teach you

a knowing look.

had learned her lesson

Enter title…

being rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach ache

Pain was

her least favorite places. So, needless to say,

out

obedient “I see,” Cicely

hour later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove. In

a hearty sauce over the

boiled egg before handing the dish

was delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over

tonight, she relished every

peak of perfection or if it was simply because Seth had made

for her.

for a while, Seth stepped out onto the living room

answer a call on his phone. “Send me the blueprints, and check the

designs. We need to stay on schedule with

and came back, Cicely had

knife. Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta, he asked

already?”

“Yeah, I

across from her, pulled the plate toward himself, and started eating

her utensils.

chin on her hands, Cicely asked, “Didn’t you have

was his

silence, not mentioning anything about the Diaz

unspoken agreement between them. If

about their secret

whom Cicely had met that

and wife. Their hidden marriage was another silent

between them.

an inexplicable trust in Emiliana, or

by Patty once agai, and

her emotions. She had never

married, nor received any blessings from her. She even

anyone but her. The exact reasons were unclear, but

intuition was strong.

had got the marriage license.

it on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to the

alone. Did she have any feelings

Yes, she did.

of Patty. Since

reasons. If Patty was another kind of

provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and

with him peacefully, to

two of them, without any third person

to disrupt

seemed that she had never analyzed

gazed

you should’ve

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

shower.”

slight smile crept onto Seth’s lips.

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

by that, he meant that after cleaning up

to the bathroom and then to the bed, her cheeks flushing a vivid

Seth applied ointment to her injuries, Cicely’s initial resistance faded,

let him tend to her. She was content with his devotion and

in the thick of their intimacy,

her. But

suppressed the thought, having played out

many times already. She couldn’t imagine Seth ever

words to her.

*

of them had

but she preferred the

nice. Can’t I just stay here all the time?” she

be better

to stay here. You

more time with

his explanation with a grain of

injured, if you want, you can stay here for a bit. And in

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

looked down at her, his fingers gently playing with

took a deep breath and snuggled closer to him. “If I

me

for a moment before changing the subject. “Did you enjoy

girl you took a liking

settling back into a neutral expression. “She

a period drama with a complicated name I can’t

lately; I’ve seen it all over the internet. Right, don’t

the works? Maybe give her a shot. She

role amidst such

her audition for the next project. There might be

current project’s

know. I wasn’t suggesting you have to cast her

lips curled into a smile as he teased her earlobe. “Already

else’s interests on our second night

arched an eyebrow playfully, “Consider this me

with some

I owe

long fingers gently tilted her chin upward

always thought that Seth’s “a

had passed since her arrival, and there was no talk of going

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

still keeping up with her shifts

play a couple of

in for Cicely. Cicely would

entering the restaurant at midday, Cicely

Cicely had been

hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been

Looks like she might be getting the

Enter title…

confused. “What

their heads. “Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from

She missed a few

pretty particular, and

forgiven, but repeated

the same

conversation with a worried look. “I heard that

snatched by someone else.”

It was clear to

her hopes

the roles already cast? Did some bigwig step

glances, a mix of anger and

become the norm. Now, anyone

because some women

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

why not fight for the lead roles?

the name of

her character?”

about it at the

Emiliana’s character is named Sue,

servant, her

at the hands of the

and

Era of Elegance? Sue?

murmured thoughtfully, then

she found Emiliana sitting on the floor,

locker, lost

quickly stood

to her, stopping only inches away. She

examining her face

off guard by her sudden

“Have you been crying?”

pursed her lips

tears.

is still marketable. How about I become

froze in

bag onto a nearby

get that

even more

“Don’t want to be

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

still stunned. “Ci… Cicely? What are

I’m loaded. If this role truly

sponsor you.”

her eyes widening in

possible!”

possible? You think I

you could, it’s

live within my means and I don’t want to be

in debt feels terrible, especially when it’s

this business,

waiting to be pushed out. Are you really going

role you worked so

no one’s going to pity you. Roles

miss this chance, and it won’t

another me. Each choice is a crossroads in life; ambition

like there wouldn’t be another Seth. She wanted to secure her

aimed at that turning point. People

have ambitions, just like her now, getting what

“Cicely, I love acting, but

this industry.”

broke with emotion, tears

obviously aiming for the awards next

get what

unless it’s the investors themselves

with your own money,

worth it.”

Emiliana wasn’t just anyone;

investors behind the show.

asking, “Do you know who the investors

a clue. The promos only

never heard of before. Must be a new

firm.”

narrowed thoughtfully. “A

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

agreed to have

Seth had been

enough for both their

Cicely got home early and headed straight

and,

gathered an assortment of

then pulled out her phone, scrolled through

the food. Once everything was ready, Cicely placed the

arms, and stood watching over

seemed like an eternity, she sidled over to the microwave, slipped

oven mitts, then finally reached out to

took two

and bracing herself, she moved closer and sprinkled in some

regard for the proper order, she dumped in all

followed by the vegetables.

be stir-fried together; when they went in didn’t

or

food was

it a

opened the door, a smoky

greeted him in the

shoes, and walked in to find three barely

table, with a soup so clear that only

visible.

the kitchen, only to hear a voice

behind, “You’re back?”

around, there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in

standing at the dining

in the

these days, he was

in flames along with her culinary

make you dinner, and

you even taste it?”

at her, “You think I

hair in the towel, securing

against

his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the

was easy. Just follow the smart cooker’s

as the internet says, and it’s a

up his fork,

the table.

expression froze momentarily. He managed to

watched, amused, but

meal, Seth

on the table, her

appetizing, so they

looked at her. “And you let me eat

picking up her fork.

keep you company.”

Cicely’s. “Is

tantrum?”Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm.

that get

to the red marks on her wrist, he reached

small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge

do know your own limits,

her hand, “Is it a crime to want to

kit, and sat

while ago.”

like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging

antiseptic from the kit. “This first-aid kit

Enter title…

that

most of it

minor injuries.d2

tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, “Who knows? Maybe

easy as a kid, and now

could just stay out of trouble,

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

to you?”

the uptake, sensed something off at her laugh.

her

think I’ve been way too tame compared to my old self,

or maybe you don’t even notice. I’ve held back

would probably not be as patient. But what

when I’m head over heels for

he finished treating

tell me, who’s got you

wounds and

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to

name of the show you’ve

Seth’s brow furrowed.

some digging online, and there are a few shows

air. The one that’s not yet shot but is

of Elegance—is

this stuff before. Why

curious. It’s normal to be interested

with Seth, never hiding her feelings or

him.

Seth didn’t

investor, C&P Entertainment is

“Yes.”

smiled, confirming

company sign

“Not yet.”

mistress on the

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

the bush and

“Just a few words and you’re

mind, it’s because I’m trying to

want to make things awkward between

I’m

me an explanation, not to mention a

long,

the dishes on the table,

that unpalatable, no need to

up to scratch, and I’d hate for you to get sick

pasta or something.”

the second dish, her wrist was grasped.

as ice, “Put it down.” His gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say

plate, which clattered back

yourself.”

the oil splattered across the table, pursed his

up a fork, he resumed eating. “If

make

tonight.” Cicely rubbed her wrist and walked out of the

room.

finished his meal and

clean up the mess.

kitchen looked like a battlefield.

with footprints, oil,

dishes in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a

call Charlie.

Cicely’s been

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

all right

“Fine.”

through her phone, trying

sour mood.

bedroom door opened, and the tall figure of

“Come eat.”

you,

and pulled back her covers as if he hadn’t

set aside her phone,

a

meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m just too

me will only make it worse. I’m

hungry, I’ll find something to

these words would likely irritate Seth further,

keep it warm, I’ll come

moment, then left the bedroom silently. Cicely

her mood spoiled by Seth’s

clutching a bathrobe as

he towered over her with a look

expect you to, you

your meal once I’m

but as soon as Seth disappeared into the bathroom,

slid out from

sparkling, and the dining

of spaghetti sat on

from him just now sounded like an

For now, she chose

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

meant he’d tossed

a new plate, hinting it’d be best

a fork, twirling a strand of spaghetti

Seth’s touch all

just easy to appease or if

way, most of her pent-up resentment

dissipated.

had never finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her

still serve her a generous

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