The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

up, you know. Getting angry is bad for

Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out

really am disabled for life, you’ll never be able to shake

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle,

smile. “How shameless are you

wish for a life of disability, the Ellis

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

How important do you think you are in Seth’s

four decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll be,

day in and day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she

to her most

for a second that you’re off

away. You were so proud, weren’t

you up from your grave and lash your corpse to satisfy

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able

blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

icy, detached voice

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to

until you’re willing to

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in place. To eat

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

at the nurse standing by.

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

look at her again, turning towards the door to

could take two steps, the door

as the man who entered caught her

of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

her brows as she

the door. She reached out and

feeling

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re

nearly took advantage of me that night when you were

that score yet, and here you are looking

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances

get your facts straight. It

not anyone else’s doing.

not make her situation

to the exchange, could

expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

course, I know

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then

I’ll take

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved

him

but I didn’t

her hands until her knuckles turned

again brought back the

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite

skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

proclaiming true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a

was orchestrated by his family for

at

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

by Danielle’s

“I’m sorry, I had no idea it would turn out

Ray any more

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

up from her

now, and

chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

his

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family from

not to be

My dad

he had his sights

agency, run by a guy who

to make everyone relax their guard against

blow. He played innocent but was

wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

hadn’t shown up, who do you

receiving

She had pondered

too afraid to delve into it. She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

took a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is why

checked with the doctors about your

ahead. I

to ask

didn’t look up, her voice restrained

of that car for him, was it truly out

life to save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve

to look at Ray. “Does it

Even with a motive, my only desire

a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident was

didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If

would you still

fork down

are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the

slightly. “Whether true or not, that’s the answer I needed to

you don’t have to play the villain in front of me

stop caring for you, it’s like

I need to find a reason

this composed yet so obsessively insane.

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when he saw

for a moment then tightened.

with a familiar, faint smile

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came to check on her with some

After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have

in bullying a cripple, so

long after Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

what Seth was worried

here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

She thought it might

gaze faltered for

neck, presenting only her

the corners of her eyes and lips

volatile, and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you think

hurt me when I’m fully able

darkened. “The sooner she

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

braved

that demeanor. No overt anger, just

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer,

just

his touch.

to join me. And as it happens, I don’t

a meal with

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

The question floated into Seth’s ears,

brief pause, he looked up to find

didn’t leave room for an answer,

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment,

at the Ellis

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

at the sprawling manor,

pines stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

brows, and the already

of the car

was empty, with servants occasionally

be cautious. “Miss, you’re

over at the sound of her

you give us a

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

some buckwheat

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of side

as she turned and headed straight for

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

a light salad of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the

for my

frightened to reply, their heads

has

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even

meals are quite simple. When

there’s no need

doubt his

dining table was

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

on his chest, his

Cicely, and her

but one master. That grand dining table

corner

over heels in love, insisting on

alone in the

deeply

Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

woke from his nap

face lit

you tell me

to hide before I

playfully glared at her. “You’re not fighting

there be so many quarrels?”

settling onto the couch. “He’s busy

the

over for dinner

nodded, “You’ll have to ask him. He

to me.”

talk

for the rest of

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

and son squared

chiming in

“Silence is golden; don’t

lively and bustling, and even the servants

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

Creighton inquired

said he was too busy to make

glance, “Are you

for us to

Creighton relented.

Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

from home. After all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up

Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s

assist Seth

imply for

hung his coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep apart.

your message as an invitation for us to

had pulled her into his

living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

few

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a

were all tailored to his

joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting,

came out to grab my water

her way over to the coffee table, bending

back to the dining

Enter title…

return to dine

from him did he glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy

water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s no fight.

for the

Seth’s brow

set down his

I not explain

very well. Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

for a sip, “I said I’m not

the same

napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve

here just on

insist on a reason, I have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re busy.

In fact,

then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You

could use

not fighting

her lips curled

with her

on the question she had left

noon.

believe it? If not, she would

in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

sip from his

by his easy

disagreed today,

why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in

to her what their conversation would be

matters.

for little home decor

and notebooks

she liked doodling when

front door was knocked, the servant opened it to find

inside.

heartless, sending you out in such cold weather,

the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

no need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring

on

looked up, turned around, and noticed a

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

have to talk about

The servant had refilled

to the bathroom where the

a while since she’d indulged in a

slid into the

view

lights. It

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her

the years, glimpsing at them had become

bathtub,

down against the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

she didn’t move again. She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness,

towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she

away, and she looked up to see the

side of the tub.

first

was by the

warmth of the room had dissipated

feel cold.

tried to

and began to undress

frowned, “What

missing a beat, dropping his

else does one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

Before she could leave, she was scooped up into

the towel to her chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

usual.

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share a

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

began to run his fingers through her

hair

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

anger before it even took

still, not moving an inch, as the

away

in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

into her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

merit. After all, there were

fallen for

her hair, he nudged her

took a quick

expression,

planning to

any reason

apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to the

insist on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay.

to spending

better.”

sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

the warm water from the shower cascading over her

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

and cryptic response, which left

felt something insistent pressing

set the showerhead aside,

hers. “We should get out and

go. I

we’re not going out just

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

apart, and he moved with a familiarity

bit her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit his

than pain. “This is the Ellis

wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to mind.

to keep it down in

was wrapped around his waist,

her vision blurred until she was on the

turning off the hairdryer and slipping

him, her soft hair spreading across the

side of the bed, facing her. As

turn away, his long

knowing he’d only persist if she tried to

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

already

faded, with new ones

so

now, with her body

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her

and listless, she found Creighton and her

from their morning exercise and

Cicely, Creighton shook his head

“You really should fix

by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

couch. “Sleeping in is the best

your health, and too

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are you still

you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless

office. Why would I

the office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

ending up clueless. What?

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

the couch, resting her elbow on

of elegance and lazy

have lunch

had just returned, and they were already leaving her to eat

name had come up several times at the

as if leaving her alone in the hospital

incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

were set to visit the

dared say the Ellis

to Danielle would have a

time for dinner. His

while Cicely sat with Creighton and

before going up to her bedroom, where

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering,

After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth still

into bed to play with

long after, it seemed like Seth had finished

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

for me,

you be? It’s been days on

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

“Then what

there are plenty of things we

him gently, “Then hurry up and

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed

penetrating with

gasping for air. She lifted her hands

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

to death?” she managed to say between

Seth off guard with their unintentional

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy

face just inches from hers. A gentle smile

a penalty for

I consider

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

ahead. Punish me any way you see

calmly and seriously

because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

the heart to give

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

her smooth chin, “You

moved from

have you ever heard, love

loves someone at the start, the more they might

warm and smiling

soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though.

comes, which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t

felt like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark

cracked a faint smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin and stood up

buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

off tonight. It’s still early, so be good and

to leave and then paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking her

the shower, Cicely was

glanced at

game.

snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something you

join me at the office tomorrow

he swiped and tapped on her

anything about

do there?”

you knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to tag along with me to

in the

I have to

good little girl? Do you think your dad asking you to learn

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future, your only sure

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

a weak moment and start eating away at

won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s there to

in your own hands,

him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

you want to leave me one day

to her, his gazes were unfathomably

further. “It sounds like you’re quite

leaves a trail of broken

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

expression didn’t improve, and he

shadow in their depths replaced

be so quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

reflecting on why I harbor such

back, “I’ve downloaded some files

before sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had

with a blur of text. “What will you be

out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

Naturally, I can’t stay by

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out.

understood all too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

looking worse

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

into bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced at the

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for

sleeping face

was in a rush to find her a reliable

phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

cold as he pulled her

arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

moment, Seth wanted to wake her

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further pursuit

petty.

＊

woke Cicely

a cup of strong coffee. Even

prone to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out

off to the

am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the hard

comforter off with a huff, sat up, and

could

pillow

and the pillow

so over this, I’m not going

picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed, “I’m

ready. If I don’t see you up by the time I’m

If you don’t want me to wake

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of

into a

the covers aside and stomped off

toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

took her brush, and Seth, as

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

started brushing.

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of

breakfast, they headed to

last night did you read?” Seth pretended

to know anything.

what am I supposed to

smiled

understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

prepared a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can keep

turned her face

excuse, “There are

She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

she

pile of folders.

understand, and we

will you be

to a C&P

leaving

in the

reading;

to retort

her

darting around, a clear

possibly stir up in

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take

her pen, but

her

left the office, returning after another

drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a black leather

she played with her phone and then, noticing the

desk and the

before noon. Cicely

student.

much did you

a bit challenging since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

whole morning and you’re proud of that?” His

stung.

bristled, “Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even

desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

he found her doodles—a passable

a

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if it

the bridge of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

the files and

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

leaning back

around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d

Now,

attitude.

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

and it’s intentional, Mr.

but Seth

feel like harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s

leaned back in his chair,

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

seemed to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the

a flat “Not hungry.” His mood

was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

this by myself?”

with food, while he

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody

her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

up at her

couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

have to sleep together every night.

wait until

long are you planning

attitude with me?”

it you who’s

sure you want to

on her silverware tightened

to watch

me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

had stayed

under Seth’s watchful

summoning various department heads for updates on

reports and progress reviews,

Ellis

couldn’t afford to

approached, Cicely found most

trembling, overly

word. She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

go downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll drive her

in a while.”

should probably let my

need, I’ve already

to the door

Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting

to it, Cicely knew she had

as they come. If Patty was in a good

more. If not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like

Patty wasn’t

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping an

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after a few minutes,

sip of warm water

broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if

ask him. But with him always buzzing around, she

even mentioned

of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

“I overheard General Manager from project

was talking about this new mechanical

socks off the old models. We could corner the market

family has the

of bidding and choosing

deal over to Diaz International? Given the

Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

fish like the Harper

Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

with the Ellis

Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

kill for that kind

or do you just chicken out when you see

is it just that you flat-out don’t want to

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I

Watsons are all more fitting partners

with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my

make things easier for

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance.

is what counts. Why sweat

of pride for you, I’ll bang the

twitched into a

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big

the point of running Diaz International? Might

up. That way, you wouldn’t have to

up. Hmm, that’s actually a pretty solid

about it, the more

eyes but

her chin

go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

International to me personally, and I’ll cut you in

How about

“What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if there’s anything on

besides your mother,

I’ve been thinking that I don’t

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he

last bit of Diaz International.

sofa, with a carefree

to let

thin lips tightened, clearly

just smiled thinly. “Then

the Ellis family banner the

to tick you off?” The voice

familiar tone that

mug, then switched

was already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea

ain’t too shabby,

No need to keep things

a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off only as much as

And a heads-up, don’t even think about laying a

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a

If Patty wasn’t bringing

up, his

go.”

probably mindful of

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

with Patty might be the real way to make

the night was out of

to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’ll

arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

a few seconds before slowly speaking,

“Should

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully.

today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

I can

her shoes and said, “Well, bring

many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

mat and started to slice open the parcels

knife.

–

but also studied them. Her demeanor

many times more focused and

when she read documents.

to find Cicely amidst an

up; we’re up

him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

heft, and

her was a matching black one, likely

portrait and name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers

light.

think of buying

back this time did I realize there are no traces of you

it

spoke while still engrossed in the small items, her

in the world. Seth didn’t say

urged her to get

white tumbler in the

contentedly.

estate and setting the staff to

still scattered, but after reviewing

were much the same as

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and

knock on the door.

Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at

she resumed her

returned to an office transformed. His

holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion

of flowers had even appeared on the

to question the wisdom of leaving

done nothing out

“What’s for lunch

much work

hesitantly added a fourth,

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing

bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

the new objects on the desk, and

take you out for

prospect of escaping the office for a meal

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

for reports and

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

she couldn’t help but be

settled, it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P

day, at the same hotel, for

twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were

on the south, the other

Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

she still stood out as the most eyecatching in the

of her birth, Cicely seemed

inferior. Her clothes were simple in

was distractingly handsome, a

look away. Cicely had

International gala

the expected pleasantries, to

before whisking her away to

Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

and father present, the spotlight was

the Ellis Corporation gala, they

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost

their guests, receiving blessings

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P gala

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

hand, Cicely teased

a lot of celebrity

“And plenty

to take

snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so transparent, I

have considered it.”

want to admire

“Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to

personal viewing.”

skipping the

there,

as a whole. C&P, after its grand

envy of many. Naturally, the

to Seth was

unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists, both

the C&P event was

However, not long after, Charlie

he spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and

commotion over at Diaz International’s

and his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

slouched on the

finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support as

to his feet and approached

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

laughed coldly, flashing

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

victor who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall of

family never provoked you; we were just in your way.

the we had,

drama on the eve

air, the implications clear to

Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s family

on a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass

had incensed him

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been a

seemed to

shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

leave this place immediately.”

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know

your Diaz International event. I

have, and I can’t

destroyed my company, so tell me,

International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

what makes you think you can

the last shred of Ray’s

the drunken stupor in his

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with such

shards

of the breaking glass pierced through the

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

strides towards Seth, her high heels a

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle

she let out a

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

spun half a circle to

to Seth,

drop of bright red blood fell onto

to fall out of

moment.

gasp reverberated

felt a surge of rage

blood on

out, and his face, usually cool and composed,

bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm

gripped

managed to

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her

slapped him. Stunned,

drunk and not thinking straight. Have

think provoking him will do

you?!”

pain, and though her

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction to her pain. But

it clear

anger, or

heart as he surveyed her injuries,

on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

“Where else are you

her lip, and tears fell from

and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk

seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl,

converged and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my

in her last desperate lunge to save

with a

his arms.

the ground by

a knee on his back, restraining his

and was quick to react

had caused him

had

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut

away, Ray, pinned down by

Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter in his

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter

shallow, but

then, she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the room.

the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds

their concern

mask his concern, which he

girl has never known a day of hardship in her life, and just

new year,

interjected, “it’s not his fault.

and followed

I

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt

the pain stop,

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

until all his words were stuffed back down

a lifetime, could he

somewhat disheveled

the moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on

could process these

to the doctor, then

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips,

lifted her arms

passed under her knees, lifting her

sense of peace to the two old

watching.

and Seth back to

returning to the Ellis residence was the best

had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

Seth stayed at the

Cicely company.

up – any time

never leaving her side. Apart from the

Seth was impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s caution, some

and Cicely would wince.

man beside her,

as tense as

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that

turned

and bored in her room,

he went, even if it was just to the living

to most of

heard them talk about the mechanical

family.

the deal which should have

to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

as it had been initially with her.

However, Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs,

Seth’s voice and being able to look

the Ellis residence just before the new year. After

been

on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

on previous

lavish

dinner table, she brought up the topic

bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t

were legally

was the most appropriate and normal thing to

paused for a moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

not at home, the vastness of the

Just as she had returned to spend a few days, the New Year, a

festive gatherings, would

*

the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

to bring

the image of two old people spending

other, feels sad just thinking about

liven things up, serving as company for the

then again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

feel that it might be better

staff had been bustling since yesterday, and

being home for

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss

at the hospital.

encountered Danielle, who should

Her face

with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

paused for

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it

that made it sound

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

the couch. His voice was

storm.

hands clasped

here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital

holidays, could we?”

her chest, but she fought to keep it in

not to let her

applied for her discharge.

family. You stay here for

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her

be here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

her every single day of

“By that logic, any woman who

play the damsel

family’s

pale with anger, and she whirled

is

that you have

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice

smiling, settled on a

quietly

you here to celebrate, not to start

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