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.

get all worked up, you know. Getting angry is bad

and I will be driven

Enter title…

and then let out

disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

as she looked at

gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you

you, even if you wish for

will Seth. Even blood relatives fed

think you are in Seth’s heart?

or four decades to live? How patient do you

you day in and day out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word

to her most

think for a second that you’re

away. You were so proud, weren’t you? Well,

dig you up from your grave and lash

you get better soon, you might be able to slap me

blame me for bullying

neatly laid

icy, detached voice rang out

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself

to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in place. To

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

up at the nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

didn’t look at her again, turning towards the door to

steps, the door swung open

paused, her expression darkening as the

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense

the

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she

the door. She

Ray, feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting your

one who nearly took advantage of

haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr.

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances

Mr. Ray, get your facts straight. It

to this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

not

the exchange, could hardly believe the

to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

know

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll take

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital

him accountable. He’s been

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

back the

the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink,

Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot

this accident was orchestrated by

frowned at the

so much he’d nearly get her killed? That

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

“I’m sorry, I had no idea it

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

her fork clumsily, she shoveled

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used, your

from her plate. “Is it really necessary

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were white,

“He orchestrated the

I’ve told you not to be fooled by

you can imagine. My dad said

his agency, he had his sights set on

agency, run by a guy who hasn’t

to make everyone relax their guard against

blow. He played innocent

ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

shown up,

receiving

She had pondered this question

into it. She didn’t want to confront the

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which

checked with

albeit a rough road ahead.

to ask

didn’t look up, her voice

in front of that car for him, was

was it just

to look at Ray.

Even with a motive, my only desire was to win

“It’s different.

expect my father to be so obstinate. If

you

Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him. “What

are

pressed his lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

stared at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me off like

brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point

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

to play the villain in

for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt.

I need to find

never seen Ray this composed

the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray

no telling what kind of

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

on her purse slackened for a moment then

a familiar, faint smile

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you doing

episode. Came

silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have

bullying a cripple, so

long after Cicely arrived at

instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr.

here on your behalf to check

it might give you

faltered for

around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

of her eyes and lips was

are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

smile. “I have Issac with me.

hurt me when

“The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the

I braved the

again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just

the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

he’d learned just a week

his touch. “Whether I

have the time to join me. And as it

sharing a meal with

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s

trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s ears, simple

pause, he looked up to find the woman

leave room for an answer, as if the question

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment, her

at the Ellis

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family estate,

sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat

got out of the car and walked

occasionally moving about in

to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

sound of her arrival, a look of

didn’t you give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some buckwheat

turning to look

step, “And what else?”

a couple of

and headed straight

the servants to bring out what Creighton had

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

light salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants,

prepared for

servants were too frightened to

“Sir has been

these dishes. Even if we

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite

there’s no need

Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her

dining table was always a

found Creighton slumped in

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

one master. That grand dining table now

a humble corner for his simple

early, head over heels in love, insisting on living

her father alone

blamed herself deeply in her

Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to find

with the servants, his face lit up with

you tell me

got secrets to hide before

glared at her. “You’re not fighting with

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

and settling onto the couch. “He’s busy

missing all the

for dinner

He listens

to me.”

talk to

glued to Creighton for the rest of the

playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while

occasionally chiming in

golden; don’t meddle

was lively and bustling, and

seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired

he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving her

“Are you two

us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic

all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

she

Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

message imply for

voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a

invitation for us to stay

she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace and they

into the living room. “Good

couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

few days, have

“Not yet.”

ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a

all tailored to his

joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

with the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t

a deep breath, “Just came

way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up

to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine

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

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy

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

for

brow as he

down

I not explain myself clearly

that you’ve explained

said I’m not fighting with

over the same person

his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

back here just on a

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

but you’re short on time. In fact, on my way

I saw my dad and changed my mind.

time for me, but he could use some company. Are these

I’m not fighting with

face was impassive, her lips curled

with her subtle expression, it

placed on the

noon.

If

you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As you

his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

even if he disagreed today, it wouldn’t

came to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

her shopping app for

notebooks with pens.

liked doodling

opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and

I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring

on my way

up, turned around, and noticed

seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for

had refilled their water

found some clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath had

while since she’d

the water temperature, she slid into the tub and

was a view of

ground lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father to install

years, glimpsing at them had become

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place

of the tub,

over her eyes.

water, soothing her fatigue. With the

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and

remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair,

towel fell away, and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first to

startled, but it was by the man who had

room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he let

next to her and began

“What are you

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

does one do in a

towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

step out. Before she could leave, she

to her chest and glared up at him.

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed

than usual. He

was low and enticing.

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

her current bold, even

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her

hair

“No.”

spray of the

her consent before turning on the shower. A

hand covered her eyes.

but that this man had a hundred

before it

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d

yanked away

crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

into her hair with patience, massaging

to rinse it clean

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

all, there

for this

he nudged

took a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

you planning to

there any reason

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from

on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer to her.

to spending a whole night

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her into

the shower cascading

eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

on his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

something insistent pressing against her

the showerhead

should get out

“Let go. I can dry it

going out just

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

with a

her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She

“This is the

but you seemed not to

it down in a

was wrapped around

her, her vision blurred until she was

turning off the hairdryer and slipping her into

him, her soft hair

circled to the other side of the bed, facing her. As she

long

the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on

faded, with new ones added

protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks,

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose loungewear,

she

returned from their morning exercise and

his head with

fix that habit of skipping

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half

is the best part

for your

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are

didn’t you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless for

Why would I leave

with your holiday. You could learn

company instead of ending up clueless.

clear reluctance. “No,

why he didn’t mention

quite good at

really didn’t

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

her legs onto the

posture a blend of

you’ll have lunch

returned, and they were already

night before, Danielle’s name had come

if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of

incredibly inappropriate

they were set to visit the

who dared say the

would have a problem

for dinner.

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and

her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom, and upon

After a quick shower,

climbed into bed to play with her

Seth had finished his work. He stood up, saw

over, brushed her forehead with his

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going

Wait for me,

horny can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t let

rest tonight?”

what am I

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry up

her,

penetrating with

for air. She

out a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed to say

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

escaped him. “Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t dream of

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

sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

I consider how to punish

face held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

Punish me

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

confident, thinking that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

to give

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

caressing her smooth chin, “You

“Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from his face to

have you ever heard, love and hate

someone at the start, the more they might hate them

and

brows soft with

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a

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

shirt was already missing two buttons

unfastened the rest.

you off tonight. It’s still early, so be

then paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll have to

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking

the shower, Cicely

She glanced at him, then

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone

strongly, “Is there something you need to tell

join me at the

talking, he swiped and tapped on

anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

a little, you wouldn’t need to tag

thing in

have to

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

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your only sure bet is the Ellis

family forever. If one

of a weak moment and start eating

family, you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it

only when truly in your

you insecure? You think one day

Or maybe you want to leave me

Turning to her,

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve

who leaves a trail of broken

beyond these two reasons, is there

didn’t improve, and

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced

assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

why I harbor such

downloaded some files to your email.

sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app

a blur of text. “What

out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not happy

to reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay by your side

mood.”

a coat, and walk out.

it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two

face looking worse than

had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her before leaving.

sleeping face

a rush to find

and tossing it aside, he watched the woman

face cold as he pulled her into

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all

fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

of strong coffee. Even for school,

grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

Seth away, she kicked him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off to the

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

show your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up,

but what strength could she muster just

pillow at

the pillow

so over this, I’m not going to

pillow, and placed it back on the

by the time I’m out,

want me to wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

Seth turned away, the corners

into a

the covers aside and stomped

toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

Seth,

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

back on her task, she started brushing. It was

as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of her

breakfast, they headed to the Ellis Corporation

last night

to know anything.

am I supposed to do at

smiled

understood why he

new desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

on the computer; you can keep reading

face away,

to anticipate this excuse, “There

felt like no matter what

it. Reluctantly, she moved to

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over it

you

to a C&P

“You’re leaving

wolves in

the reading; I’ll be

mouth to retort but held back.

her

darting around, a clear

she possibly stir

Cicely did take the documents seriously

marks with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her

later, she left the office,

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

her phone and then,

desk and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

you get through?”

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

three files in a whole morning and you’re proud of that?” His

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that

his desk, noticing the black

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

in a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for

as if it

and sank

Come over here.”

prepared? No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

long arm pulled her into an

Cicely said, leaning

his grip tightened around her waist,

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds of

respectful. Now, you can’t even be bothered to

and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

and it’s intentional,

of impunity, but Seth had

feel like harboring

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to your

back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a local

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by

by a flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as

entire office was suffused with the

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?”

laden with food, while

her way.

it. Nobody said you had

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

looked up at her with

the couch and picked up the elegantly

we have to sleep together every

wait until you’re

face was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in

to keep

silverware tightened before

continued to

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since

stayed in

off, but under

department

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

the well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if it was just

her father, she couldn’t afford

approached, Cicely found most of her

leaders’ trembling, overly

made much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

need, I’ve already told

moved to the door to

but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to

things as they come. If Patty was

not, best to steer clear.

Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea

Enter title…

call and returned after a few minutes, sitting

He took a sip of

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

But with him always

hadn’t even mentioned anything

strand of her hair, her palm

“I overheard General

this

the socks off the old models. We could corner

tech. The Ellis family has the know-how and the development

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing

over to Diaz International?

family, why haven’t you

“The big fish like the Harper family, and the

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

deal with the Ellis family’s

Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can

Seth, so many would kill

it, or do you just chicken out when you

family, or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I

are all more fitting partners than Diaz International.

Ellis family, are you suggesting I use

Corporation to make things easier for

surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with

counts. Why sweat the small

pride for you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile. “Is

to take the big deals,

point of running Diaz International? Might

That way, you

up. Hmm, that’s actually

more she thought about it, the more feasible

narrowed his eyes but

chin in her hands and smiled

go through with that?

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis family?

I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How

all this rigmarole for? Why

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me,

to you besides your mother, it’s

You know, I’ve been

an

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

bit of Diaz International. So what if I

with a carefree smile on her face.

to

tightened, clearly displeased with her

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

under the Ellis family banner the

did Diaz International ever do to

a familiar tone that

her mug, then switched on her

opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

Then I figured it wasn’t such

too shabby, right? Especially since

No need to keep

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

a heads-up, don’t even think

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild,

wasn’t bringing it

Seth had already stood up, his expression

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of

forcefully suppressing a

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

the real way to

night was out of

the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

are you

“Same as today.”

in the office again,

there, I’ll disturb your

against the car window, twirling a strand of

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before

curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new

you?”

“No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss,

for you today; they’ve been

now, I can bring

said,

indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

She not only unpacked them but

instruction manuals was many times more focused

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to

up;

and handed him a white

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it was a

beneath. Beside her was

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

light.

you think of

I realize there are no traces

and it feels

still engrossed in the small items, her tone

natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t

urged her to get

the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

more. Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing a

much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then

knock on the door.

with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the

she resumed her task with

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion on

fresh bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

the wisdom of leaving her

though she’d done nothing out of the

for lunch

much work did

three fingers, then hesitantly added

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

“I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

new objects on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

a reward, I’ll take you out

escaping the office for a meal was

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at

for reports

stretched over several days, and even

she couldn’t

time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

International, and

on the same day, at the same hotel,

The

the south, the other north, distinctly

just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the

pair of

stood out as

of her birth, Cicely

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

onlookers to look away.

the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

away to the

gala was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight was

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

almost like a bride

guests, receiving blessings and drinks

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,”

her hand, Cicely

a lot of

at her coolly, “And plenty of

even curious to take

your intentions weren’t so transparent, I

have considered it.”

want to

one day I’ll bring them

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala.

profile there, and even more so in

as a whole. C&P, after its grand slam start and

the envy of many. Naturally, the number of

cozy up to Seth

a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering

Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk

over

his demeanor darkened.

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of sight, then rose

was slouched on the steps of the

bottle of hard

sneer, using the steps for

feet and approached

each syllable with a bitterness that

with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

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

history, that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall

provoked you; we were

you coveted what the we had, you seized my family’s

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve

in the air, the implications clear to everyone

about Seth’s tactics, about how

because Ray had once made an indecent

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had

seemed to

are still a shareholder in

this place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

assured, I know this isn’t my

your Diaz International event.

I can’t

to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me,

ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even

makes you think

away the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

high heels a clumsy match for her

remains of the bottle at Seth,

color, and she let out

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

half a circle to

clung to Seth,

of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the woman who

arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually

blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

gripped his clothes tightly, her

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

and not thinking straight. Have you had

think provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

pain, and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to

made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger, or

gripped his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

finally resting on a clear cut on her right

dark. “Where else are

her lip, and

restlessness

voice, “Talk to

last ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl, and

converged and

her face. “My… my ankle

twisted it in her last

at her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

a knee on

been right beside Seth and was quick to

caused him a moment’s

broken bottle had swung

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure

One day,

done!”

falter in his

*

of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to the

time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik

concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

day of hardship in her life, and just a

year, this happens! Seth,

Cicely suddenly interjected, “it’s not his

and

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt

the pain stop,

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

natter until all his words were stuffed back down

a lifetime, could he not see through her

somewhat disheveled

at the gala when she

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took

he could process these swirling

intently to the

red eyes and pursed lips, looking

could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them

under her knees, lifting her

slight sense of peace to

watching.

Seth back

to the Ellis residence

never mentioned

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to move,

carry her, never leaving her side.

impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

to the

waiting.

process, despite the

and Cicely would wince. This was

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed to make

as tense as a surgical

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

inevitably turned to business

and bored in her room, insisted Seth

to the living room

to most

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

postponed the deal which should

year to after

Seth if Diaz International was interested

response was the same as it

didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort

able to look up

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the

had been

to put on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on

lavish dinner for her.

table, she brought up the topic of the New

to the Diaz family

Patty’s mood didn’t match

since they were legally married, spending New

most appropriate and normal

a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt

was not at home, the vastness of

returned to spend a few days, the New Year,

would leave

*

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

residence.

pick up Danielle

that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

bring her

comment. However, the image of

other, feels sad just

things up, serving as company for

of Danielle’s haughty,

might be better off without

staff had been bustling since

not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

feast knowing Miss

at the hospital. And Cicely,

who should have been picked

Her face immediately

with Danielle. When

her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

but

she said that made it sound like Cicely was

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

the couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

clasped tightly,

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

holidays, could we?”

a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she fought to keep

her best not to let her emotions flare

my dad who applied for her discharge.

family. You

is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The guest

got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

wrong with

taking care of her every single day of

“By

and play the damsel in distress.

family’s dinners even more

with anger, and she

finger pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s

for a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

don’t

you who’s making

“You…”

voice cut through the

been light and smiling, settled on

quietly awaited Seth’s

not to start a

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