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 hands moving silently. Beneath the band,

rhythmCharlie followed

who lacked nothing,

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

clue what

hadn’t expected that a woman who

to others would stoop to working just to

Mr. Diaz wasn’t

in a corner behind Cicely, out

before turning towards the

him. “Has anyone asked if she’s had lunch

Enter title…

recalling Seth’s intense

smile, “Not yet. Today’s been hectic.

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

Seth frowned slightly.

meal for after two. All

she picks is pricey

need to work for cash. To say she

piano doesn’t seem quite

first came in, she was upfront

might not know if Ms. Cicely

but she definitely had a thing

knew better. Someone as pampered as Cicely

there she

choosing to sit there.

had her love for him become more important

silhouette, then

asked about her today. Act like we were

but the authoritative

he nodded,

*

left and Cicely made her way

young servers came in, chatting

just finished lunch.

her grace undeniable. Initially, her aloof demeanor

at bay. But after an incident

dress and she didn’t make a fuss,

they started chatting

emerge, they greeted her

conversation.

this time, landed a part in a huge project.

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

work she’s been doing. Oh,

treating us to

her head, “Haven’t checked my phone, but

invite me.”

not? You’ve covered her shifts so she could

Don’t worry, she’ll

in the mirror, “She

nodded, “More than

“Hm.”

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

off her back to swap

pulled out

and a

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

I owe a lot to the

know you’re busy, so I sent

tonight. Here’s the address…]

actually

smiled faintly but didn’t text back. Instead,

he picked up.

voice light. “You called?”

calm voice came

out with her bag, “Out for

bring you lunch, but

me you’d arrange lunch, I wouldn’t have

you to

thought I was

did

a server was setting down her meal.

cheese gratin,

sauce.”

good. How

“Not bad.”

pause on the

“Does it still hurt?”

“Hm?”

when

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

playful.

medicine home tonight.

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

“Around six-thirty.”

“Alright.”

hung up with a noticeably good mood, her meal

eating, she

*

the workday wound down, Seth prepared to leave the office

for dinner. His brow furrowed, but

to deliver Cicely’s

learning Seth

didn’t dwell on it.

you had dinner?”

“No, not yet.”

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

seemed to hesitate, the events from lunchtime still

misunderstanding nearly taking root. He wanted to ask

out, but couldn’t find the

as if reading his mind, replied with a gentle smile, “You’re

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

to cheer her on. After all, she made a point of

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

give you

moment before nodding, “That

grinned; he really liked

At the Diaz household.

strode into the living room where Danielle

conversation.

him, “Why didn’t you come home

birthday?”

chill of the outdoors,

and responses brief. “Had

with Cicely

didn’t reply, his expression

You promised me it wouldn’t go

flickered in Seth’s eyes as he looked up,

Danielle.

hands clenched together,

the chase. Why did you want me

by his attitude, pressed on, “So,

non-consequential to you, is that

“Are you just realizing that she and

up?”

going to

his typical response to Patty.

was something Patty

best recourse.

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

“I know you’re sensible, and I

with a request, but you didn’t give

here

a blockbuster series in the works?

source material and has her eye on

can pull some strings for

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

through me?”

bit her lip, “I feel

you’d been following the news, you’d know that the cast is

was involved in every step of the casting process,

actors do you think is

so interested in the role, why didn’t you audition in the

voice trembled,

at the time, and by the time I

you,” Seth said, rejecting

ace in the film industry, and he couldn’t afford

not even with the smallest supporting

“I may

the role Danielle wants is a minor one,

as a favor to me, let her

turned icy, the

twinge of fear and softened her

you and Cicely for a while. I won’t

anytime soon. I trust you’ll handle things appropriately and

me.”

reiterated her point, a reminder to Seth that the situation

on hold, definitely

the offer to dine at the

time he got home, Cicely was still out. Charlie

after freshening up, it wasn’t until

Cicely had accepted

gathering.

genuinely thrilled, a change from her

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

in the countryside, with just a little left for her own

home was fixed, any slack on her part could

ends meet for the month.

Enter title…

for

just a local joint known for

environment,

place was nothing to write home

plentiful, but the drinks were a considerable

glances at

a look of subtle unease and

with fun, but Cicely put down her

her and called out, asking where she was

she replied nonchalantly. However, she walked straight to the

card to the bartender. “Charge the room 206

to eat or drink,

take a second glance at the

of him.

“Sure thing.”

soft call came from behind her; it was Emiliana, who had

about her

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

and you’ve helped

just wanted to properly thank you

“Let’s not

and spending it is my pleasure. It makes me

was slightly taken aback. She couldn’t truly

It was merely a way for Cicely to help her save

work hard every day to earn

“To be honest, I’m not short of

my

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

special, aren’t you?”

paused, “How did

“Because a lot of people think that way, right?

or bought with money you earned feels more

the one you love.”

of people

asked again and saw Emiliana

of frustration. So, many people thought the same

you’d come

I would treasure it

and eyes relaxed. “This

like this, so naturally, he has

told him

little lost in thought as she watched Cicely’s

hidden in

beautiful. Usually so cool and

just how much she cared for

headed to the restroom together, and

remarked casually, “Wearing a ring on your

he’s quite possessive, locking you down

the ring on her finger and

when you’re married normal?”

off guard for

married?”

dried her hands and

her surprise, but being on the

too well the value of

restroom, Cicely checked her phone just as Seth

and Cicely stepped

not

home, huh? I’ll head back

me the address. I’ll come

“Okay.”

Seth’s car

cast another glance at the unpretentious

was

“It’s a decent spot

cash.”

Seth merged into traffic, he mused, “Seems you really like

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

she’s alright, quite easy

flatly, “Just being easy on

and go to that kind of place. If you really

wonder how far you’d

only person in the world who knows the

that question.”

silent, neither

seemed to ponder the question herself,

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

happens.”

Diaz, what do you think we might encounter in

to live a peaceful

smiled slightly, “Is that a

at his hand on the steering wheel,

with the streetlights they

his wrist, its colors flickering in the passing lights.

changes, besides subjective factors,

influenced by objective factors.

ordinary of desires, while

luxury.

“It is.”

had nothing more to

the smile on Seth’s lips gradually

being married to me would

or constantly

never really thought about all that,” Cicely said with a

the car. “I like you, a lot.

live together with you and do a bunch of

You know, the life I picture with you is all rainbows

the fantasy. Otherwise,

filled the air as Seth and

before realizing they

whip up some pasta for you,”

entered their cozy apartment.

know I haven’t eaten

poisoning episode not teach you anything?” Seth

a knowing look.

had learned her

Enter title…

being rushed to the hospital with a terrible stomach ache

would soon forget. Pain

favorite places. So, needless to say, she

out and

obedient “I see,” Cicely made

an hour later, she emerged to find

hearty sauce over the perfectly

a boiled egg before handing the dish

refined over

But tonight, she relished every bite, unsure whether

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

for her.

while, Seth

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

two set designs. We need to stay on schedule

finished his call and

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

already?”

“Yeah, I can’t eat

her, pulled the plate toward himself, and started eating

her utensils.

on her hands, Cicely

his simple

silence, not mentioning anything about the

an unspoken agreement between them. If Seth

Not about their secret marriage

whom Cicely had met

and wife. Their hidden marriage

between them.

trust in Emiliana, or maybe

had been called back home by Patty once agai, and she just needed

She had never went to visit her mother-in-law after

received any blessings from her. She even suspected

Danielle or anyone but her. The exact

intuition was strong.

had got the marriage license. As for the

on his ring finger. Whenever he returned to

was always alone. Did she have any

Yes, she did.

Patty. Since Seth

his reasons. If Patty

it, so she timidly hid herself

with him peacefully, to stay in their own little

them, without any third person interfering. Things were

to disrupt their

analyzed a situation in such

the pasta, he gazed at her and

me eat, you should’ve gone to take a

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

shower.”

slight smile crept onto Seth’s

“Yeah.”

“Good to know.”

meant that after cleaning up the

the bed,

her injuries, Cicely’s

She was content with his devotion

There were moments, in the thick of

her. But she

thought, having played out the scenario in

many times already. She couldn’t

words to her.

*

them

preferred the scent coming from

stay here all the time?” she

is not convenient. You will be better taken

you to stay here.

spend more time with him.”

his explanation with

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

future, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Okay.”

at her, his fingers gently playing

a deep breath and snuggled closer to

me move

before changing the subject. “Did you enjoy

What show did that girl you took a liking to

smiled subtly before settling back into a neutral expression. “She got

period drama with a complicated name I can’t remember.

it all over the internet. Right, don’t

give her a shot. She must

role

her audition for the next project.

the current project’s cast

have

into a smile as he

on our second

arched an eyebrow playfully, “Consider this me doing

you up with

guess I owe you one,

his long fingers gently tilted her chin upward as he

had always thought that

passed since her arrival, and

with her latest acting role, hadn’t been

up with her shifts

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 been

hushed voices:

Looks like she might

Enter title…

frowned, confused. “What

“Not sure, but Emiliana seemed off from

she walked in. She missed a few notes

Our clientele is pretty particular, and a

is forgiven, but repeated complaints? The manager was

had been at the same get-together a

conversation with a worried look. “I heard

snatched by someone else.”

knitted together. It was clear to everyone that

all her hopes on

roles already cast? Did

exchanged glances, a mix of anger and sympathy in their eyes.

the norm.

some women have sugar

minor role in the

not fight for the

“What’s the name

her character?”

you remember? We talked about it at the party – ‘Era of Elegance,’

character is named Sue,

Though a servant, her

hands of

hearts and

Era of Elegance? Sue?

then headed

door, she found Emiliana sitting on the

locker, lost

enter, Emiliana quickly stood up. “You’re

walked straight up to her, stopping only inches away. She

her face

her sudden

“Have you been crying?”

pursed her lips tightly, barely holding back

tears.

still marketable. How about I become your

froze in

her hand and tossed her bag

get that role

even

“Don’t want to be with

me your ‘fairy godmother’?”

“Ci… Cicely? What are you talking

If this role truly hinges on financial backing,

sponsor you.”

paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. “You…

possible!”

possible? You think I can’t

you could, it’s

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

in debt feels terrible, especially when

In this business, financial intervention is

just waiting to be pushed out. Are you really going

a role you worked so hard

going to pity you. Roles

miss this chance, and it

Each choice is a

be another Seth. She wanted to secure

step she took was aimed at that turning

have ambitions, just like her now,

filled with tears. “Cicely, I love acting, but

this industry.”

emotion, tears

aiming for the awards next year.

get what I’m saying?

unless… unless it’s the investors themselves

production’s backers with your own

worth it.”

replacing Emiliana wasn’t just

investors behind the show.

frowned, asking, “Do you know who the

shook her head. “Not a

I’ve never heard of

firm.”

eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Emiliana nodded. “Yeah.”

*

had agreed to have dinner

Seth had been cooking dinner. The dishes were

for both

early and headed

the contents, and, after

an assortment of

phone, scrolled through a few recipes, and

Once everything was

her arms, and stood watching over

she sidled over

finally reached out to turn on the

leapt up, she took

she moved closer

for the proper order, she dumped in all

followed by the vegetables.

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

or so

a gourmet chef; if the food was

consider it a resounding

opened the door, a smoky haze and

cooking smells greeted him

to find three barely

clear that only

visible.

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

behind, “You’re back?”

around, there was Cicely, fresh from a

standing at the dining room

went around opening every window in the apartment he could

these days,

along with her

am, slaving away to make you dinner, and

you even taste it?”

looked at her, “You think

going to eat?” Cicely wrapped her hair in the towel,

lazily leaned against the table, watching

sat down and

was easy. Just follow the smart

as the internet says, and it’s

him pick up his fork, she couldn’t

the table.

a bite and his expression froze momentarily.

amused,

Seth

dishes on the table, her

“They don’t look appetizing, so

and looked at her. “And you let me

up her fork. “If you’re

keep you company.”

hovering over Cicely’s. “Is this your way

brow and glanced at her

would that get

to the red marks on

hand, examining the small, prominent spots. “Why the sudden urge

know your

it a crime to want to

a first-aid kit, and sat next to her.

while ago.”

don’t like scars.” Seth gently held her dodging hand

“This first-aid kit wasn’t this stocked

Enter title…

why that is?

the standard emergency supplies, most of it was for

minor injuries.d2

his tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, “Who

kid, and now

you could just stay out of

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

to you?”

usually slow on the uptake,

into her

compared to my old self, and you take it

maybe you don’t even notice.

probably not be as patient.

I’m head over heels

crossed Seth’s brow as he finished treating the

the medical kit. “So tell

wounds and

quite capable enough.”

“That leaves me.”

keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to the

the show you’ve recently invested

Seth’s brow furrowed.

there are a few shows with massive

that’s not yet shot

of Elegance—is

shown any interest in this

normal to be interested in things related

with Seth, never hiding

him.

Seth didn’t deny

sole investor, C&P Entertainment

“Yes.”

smiled, confirming her

your company sign

“Not yet.”

mistress

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

around the bush and

“Just a few words and you’re this impatient

mind, it’s because

I don’t want to make things awkward

I’m being

me an explanation, not to mention a

wait too long, a

up, eyed the

into the trash. “If it’s that unpalatable, no need

I’d hate for you to get sick over it.

pasta or something.”

for the second dish, her wrist was

gaze met hers, frosty, “Did I say I

Cicely released the plate, which

yourself.”

oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips but

up a fork, he resumed eating. “If

I’ll make you some

her wrist and walked out of the

room.

silently finished his meal

clean up the mess.

kitchen looked like a battlefield. Trash

floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered

in the sink and began to prep for

call Charlie.

Cicely’s been today,

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

it be all right to give you

“Fine.”

in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself

sour mood.

bedroom door opened, and the tall figure

“Come eat.”

told you, I’m

back her covers as

aside her phone,

yourself to make a point, you

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

right now. Forcing me will only make it worse. I’m

I’m hungry, I’ll find something

likely irritate Seth further, she conceded

it warm, I’ll come

her for a moment, then

phone, her mood spoiled by Seth’s

later, Seth returned, clutching a bathrobe as he

Pausing before her, he towered over her

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

your meal

respond, but as soon as

slid out from

was almost sparkling, and the dining room

steaming plate of spaghetti sat on

now sounded like

she listened. For now, she chose to believe she

been

meant he’d tossed

hinting it’d be best

up a

bite. It had Seth’s touch

couldn’t tell if she was just easy to appease or if his way

that good. Either way, most

dissipated.

had never finished a whole plate of spaghetti. Seth

a generous

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