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.

at his watch, the hands moving silently. Beneath the

beating in an erratic rhythmCharlie followed Seth around, busy with

who lacked nothing, would be working

Mr. Diaz’s birthday, she probably wanted to give

clue what the

that a woman

to others would stoop to working just to

Diaz

behind Cicely,

before turning towards

asked if she’s

Enter title…

recalling Seth’s intense focus on

a smile, “Not yet. Today’s been hectic. She

arrived. She won’t have a break until

Seth frowned slightly.

two. All signature dishes from the

is pricey and

need to work for cash. To

piano doesn’t seem quite

came in, she

He might not know if

had a thing

better. Someone as pampered as Cicely wouldn’t

something she loved. Yet there she

choosing to sit there.

for him become more important

silhouette, then said indifferently,

today. Act like we were never

didn’t get it, but the authoritative aura around Seth

he

*

the patrons had left and Cicely made her

two young servers came in, chatting and

just finished lunch.

stunning, her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof

an incident where one of

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

chatting more openly

emerge, they greeted her cheerfully and picked up

conversation.

landed a part in a huge project.

going to be a hit. Even a small

doing. Oh, hey, did you

treating us to dinner

checked my phone, but she

invite me.”

covered her shifts

grateful she is. Don’t worry,

caught their reflection in the mirror, “She said

nodded, “More

“Hm.”

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

no skin off her back to

in the locker room, she pulled out her phone and saw a missed

a message

first. [Hey, I landed a great role

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…]

had actually invited

didn’t text back. Instead, she returned Seth’s

a while before he picked up. Cicely’s mood

voice light. “You called?”

came through, “Where

her locker and headed out with her bag, “Out

was going to bring you

you’d arrange lunch,

wanted you to

thought I was sorting

what did

server

gras, shrimp with cheese gratin, and a

sauce.”

good. How was

“Not bad.”

on

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

catch on at first, but when Seth repeated the

mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten.

playful.

bring medicine home tonight.

settled into her chair, “Okay,

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

a noticeably good mood, her meal

she paid and

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office

insisting he come home for dinner. His brow furrowed, but

to deliver

learning Seth wouldn’t

didn’t dwell on it.

dinner?” she

“No, not yet.”

Since he’s not coming

to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still hanging

and Seth, a misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted

but

reading his mind, replied with a gentle smile,

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

going to cheer her on. After all, she

of relief, then quickly offered, “If

you a

before nodding, “That

grinned; he really liked

At the Diaz household.

room where Danielle and Patty

conversation.

saw him, “Why didn’t you

birthday?”

carrying the chill of the outdoors, handed his

responses brief. “Had a

you with Cicely last

reply, his expression

seeing her? You promised me it

in Seth’s eyes as he looked up, his

Danielle.

hands clenched together, her face

the chase. Why did you

pressed on, “So, your

to you, is that

cold, “Are you just realizing that she and I never

up?”

are you going to end things with

silent. This was his typical response to

knew the truth was something Patty couldn’t

best recourse.

irritation and anger in Seth’s eyes, Patty’s

know you’re sensible, and I trust you won’t

with

which is why I’ve called you here tonight. I heard

series in the works? Danielle

the source material and has

can pull some strings

gaze rested on Danielle, “You’re looking for an easy way

through me?”

“I feel I’m perfect

know that the cast is already set.

step of the casting process, from open

final selection. Tell me, which of the actors do you think is

why didn’t

Danielle’s voice trembled,

time, and by the time

isn’t for you,” Seth said,

his first ace in the film industry, and he

even with the

his tone, “I may not understand all the ins

Danielle wants is a minor one, and

back. Please, as a favor to me, let

icy, the tension palpable

twinge of fear and softened her tone, “If you agree to

off the topic of you and Cicely

anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately

me.”

point, a reminder to Seth that the situation

on hold,

offer to dine at

time he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie briefed him

after freshening up, it wasn’t

first time Cicely had accepted an invitation

gathering.

a change from her usual reluctance

saving every penny

with just a little left for

sent home was fixed,

for the month. Inviting everyone

Enter title…

a tough decision for her, biting the bullet

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

a clean environment, clearly chosen with

the cost of such a place was nothing to

but the drinks were a considerable

Emiliana sneaking glances at her wallet while topping up

look of subtle unease and

fun, but Cicely put

her and called out, asking where she was

nonchalantly. However, she walked

the bartender. “Charge the room 206 tab to this

to eat or drink, just keep it

take a second glance at the black card

of him.

“Sure thing.”

behind her; it was Emiliana,

her

Cicely was about to pick up the tab. “There’s

have enough money, and you’ve helped me too many times

wanted to

not talk about it. I have

it is my pleasure. It makes me

She couldn’t truly believe Cicely found joy

for Cicely to help her

hard every day

faintly, “To be honest, I’m not short of money,

earned with my own hands.

realization, “You’re saving

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How

of people think that way, right? A

money you earned feels more meaningful

the one you love.”

of

Cicely asked again and saw Emiliana nod, her expression showed

many people thought the same

someone, that’s when you’d come

gift, I would treasure it

her words, Cicely’s furrowed brow and

work like this, so naturally, he

him

lost in thought as she

that couldn’t be hidden in her little proud

so

just how much she cared for

together, and

ring on your ring finger

like he’s quite possessive, locking you

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

when you’re married normal?”

for a moment,

married?”

dried her hands and made a shushing

couldn’t hide her surprise, but being on the fringes

well

the restroom, Cicely checked her phone just as

and Cicely stepped aside to take

you not coming

I’ll head

the address. I’ll come

“Okay.”

Seth’s car was waiting right outside the

Seth cast another

was at the

he meant, “It’s a decent spot for a

cash.”

into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like her. You’ve

fair share of invitations over the years, but I’ve rarely seen you

alright, quite easy on the

flatly, “Just being easy

kind of place. If you

wonder how far you’d

only person in the world who knows

that question.”

neither confirming

seemed to ponder the question herself, then said after

sure how far I’d go for you. I guess we only

happens.”

do you think we might encounter

a peaceful life as Mrs. Diaz

smiled slightly, “Is that a

the steering wheel, the watch

changing with the streetlights they

its colors flickering in the passing

the reasons for changes, besides subjective

influenced by objective factors.

desires, while hopeful, may one day become

luxury.

“It is.”

more to

the smile on Seth’s lips gradually faded.

of life do you think being married

or constantly

thought about all that,” Cicely said with a bright

inside the car. “I

I want to live together

the life I picture with you is all rainbows and sunshine.

the fantasy. Otherwise,

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

various trivial matters before realizing they had arrived at their

I’ll whip up some pasta for you,” Seth

entered their cozy apartment.

“How’d you know I

episode not

a knowing look.

learned

Enter title…

to the hospital

Pain was something she feared, and

least favorite places. So, needless to say, she avoided

out and

Cicely made

later, she emerged to find Seth reigniting the stove.

a hearty sauce over the perfectly cooked

before

delightful. Cicely’s palate, refined over

she relished every

or if it

for her.

eat for a while, Seth stepped

“Send

designs. We need to

the time Seth finished his call and

Noting the half-eaten plate of pasta, he asked indifferently,

already?”

nodded, “Yeah, I can’t

the plate toward himself, and started eating

her utensils.

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

his simple

him in silence, not mentioning anything about the Diaz

agreement between them. If Seth

about their secret marriage or anything

and Emiliana, whom Cicely

and wife. Their hidden marriage was another

between them.

in Emiliana, or

home by Patty once

had never went to

received any blessings from her. She even

or anyone but her. The exact reasons were unclear,

intuition was strong.

got the marriage license. As for the wedding

to wear it on his ring

she have any feelings about

Yes, she did.

couldn’t appear in front of Patty. Since

have his reasons. If

provoke it, so she timidly hid herself and avoided causing

with him peacefully, to stay

of them, without any third person interfering.

to disrupt their harmonious

she had never analyzed a situation in such

finished the pasta, he gazed at her and suggested, “Instead

should’ve gone to take

head, “I’d rather spend every second

shower.”

crept onto Seth’s lips. “Is

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

after cleaning up the dishes, he

to the bed,

to her injuries, Cicely’s initial resistance

tend to her. She was content with his devotion and

were moments, in the thick of their intimacy,

if he loved her. But she knew better than

suppressed the thought, having played out the scenario in

many times already. She couldn’t imagine Seth ever

words to her.

*

Both of them had the scent of

the

stay here all the time?” she

better taken care of at the Ellis family.

would want you to stay here. You

can spend more time

his explanation with a grain of

want, you can stay here for a bit.

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

fingers gently playing

snuggled closer to him.

me move

for a moment before changing the subject.

that girl you

smiled subtly before settling back into a

a period drama with a complicated

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

a shot.

a role amidst such

audition for the next project. There

the current project’s cast

you have to

a smile as he teased her earlobe. “Already

on our

this me

you up with some

owe

tilted her chin

a series of deep, lingering kissesCicely had always thought that Seth’s

her arrival, and there

acting role, hadn’t

keeping up with her shifts at the

she’d play a couple of tunes on

for Cicely. Cicely would treat her to lunch in

the restaurant at midday, Cicely noticed the

Cicely had

hushed voices: “Cicely, Emiliana’s been with

Looks like she might be getting

Enter title…

confused. “What

shook their heads. “Not sure, but

walked in. She missed a

is pretty particular, and a mistake here

forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was

who had been at the same get-together a few days

look.

snatched by someone else.”

brows knitted together. It was clear to everyone that

hopes on this

already cast? Did some bigwig step

mix of anger and sympathy

abnormal has become the norm.

some women

in the

why not fight

the name of

her character?”

about it at the party –

Emiliana’s character is named Sue, a clever maid close

strategist. Though a servant, her intelligence

a tragic end at the hands of the villain. It’s the

and

Era of Elegance? Sue?

thoughtfully, then headed towards the

the door, she found Emiliana

lost

Emiliana quickly

stopping only

her face

guard by her sudden move, stammered,

“Have you been crying?”

Emiliana pursed her lips

tears.

is still marketable. How

froze

her hand and tossed her bag onto

I can get that role

was even

to be with

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

Cicely? What are you

loaded. If this role truly hinges

sponsor you.”

paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. “You… no… that’s

possible!”

You think I can’t do

shook her head. “Even if you could, it’s

much. I live within my

feels terrible, especially when

no return. In this

just waiting to be pushed out. Are

of a role you worked so hard to

one’s going to pity you. Roles aren’t irreplaceable –

But miss this chance,

a crossroads in

another Seth. She wanted to secure her place

she took was aimed at that turning point. People

ambitions, just like her now,

“Cicely, I love acting, but I’m starting

this industry.”

voice broke with emotion, tears streaming down her

the awards next year.

get what I’m saying? The

cash, unless… unless it’s the investors themselves who

production’s backers with your own money, it’s

worth it.”

replacing Emiliana wasn’t just anyone; it was

investors behind the show.

asking, “Do you know who the

shook her head. “Not a clue. The promos

never heard of before. Must be a new

firm.”

eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

two had agreed to

few days, Seth had been

enough for both their

early and headed straight for the kitchen. She

scrutinized the contents, and, after a bit of

gathered an

then pulled out her phone, scrolled through a few recipes,

prepping the food. Once everything was

arms, and

what seemed like an eternity, she sidled

then finally reached out to turn on the

flames leapt up, she took two pale-faced steps back, but

and bracing herself, she moved

proper order, she

followed by the vegetables.

all, it was all going to be stir-fried together;

or so

a gourmet chef; if the food was edible and

consider it a

Seth opened the door, a

smells greeted him in the apartment.

his shoes, and walked in to find three

soup so clear that only a few sprigs of parsley

visible.

an eyebrow, he looked towards the kitchen, only to hear a

behind, “You’re back?”

there was Cicely, fresh from a shower, in

standing at the dining room

in the apartment he could

these days, he was sure,

along with

away to make you dinner, and

you even taste it?”

her, “You

her hair in

lazily leaned against

his jacket, Seth sat down and noticed the rice was actually

Rice was easy. Just follow the smart cooker’s instructions,

says, and it’s a

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

the table.

a bite and his expression froze momentarily. He managed

watched, amused, but kept

Seth looked up,

at the dishes on the table, her eyes betraying

look appetizing, so they probably

looked at her. “And you

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

keep you company.”

hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your

and glanced at

that

to the red marks

spots. “Why

know your own limits,

“Is it a crime to want

a first-aid kit, and sat next to her. “It stopped hurting

while ago.”

like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging

first-aid

Enter title…

that

most

minor injuries.d2

a smile, “Who knows? Maybe

now life’s paying me back

you could just stay out of

out of trouble?” Cicely chuckled lightly,

to you?”

the uptake, sensed something

into her eyes, brimming

think I’ve been way too tame compared to my

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

other woman would probably not be as patient.

I’m head

he finished treating the last

medical kit. “So tell me,

wounds and spoke indifferently, “No one else

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

bush, Cicely cut

of the show you’ve recently invested

Seth’s brow furrowed.

some digging online, and there

that’s not

town—Era of Elegance—is that

any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it

normal to be interested in things related to you,

with Seth, never hiding her feelings or thoughts

him.

mine.” Seth

sole investor, C&P Entertainment

“Yes.”

confirming

your company sign any

“Not yet.”

a mistress on

coldly, “If there’s something on your mind,

around the bush and make me

“Just a few words and you’re this

speaking my mind, it’s because

want to make things awkward between

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

and give me an explanation, not to

long,

up, eyed the dishes on the

it’s that unpalatable,

up to scratch, and I’d hate for you

pasta or something.”

the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth’s

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

plate, which

yourself.”

the oil splattered across the

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

make you

rubbed her wrist and walked

room.

leave, Seth silently finished his meal and headed to the

clean up the mess.

a battlefield.

floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered

sink and began to prep for pasta,

call Charlie.

where Cicely’s been today,

I have to go back

be all right to

“Fine.”

in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself from

sour mood.

opened, and the tall figure of

“Come eat.”

told you, I’m

pulled back her covers as if he hadn’t heard

a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, “So

yourself to make a point, you think that’s

it’s meaningful isn’t really up to me to decide. Maybe I’m

right now. Forcing me will only make it worse.

I’m hungry, I’ll

these words would likely irritate Seth further, she conceded

keep it warm,

watched her for a moment, then

her mood spoiled by Seth’s dismissive

clutching a

her, he towered

I expect you to,

meal once

didn’t respond, but as soon as Seth disappeared into the bathroom,

from

almost sparkling, and the dining room was tidied

of spaghetti sat on

“expect” from him just now sounded like

how she listened. For now, she

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

probably meant he’d tossed the

plate, hinting it’d

took a seat and picked up a fork, twirling a

Seth’s touch

she was just easy to appease or if

way, most of her

dissipated.

whole plate of spaghetti. Seth knew her

still serve her a generous

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