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 for

I will be driven

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking

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

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

up hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How

if you wish for a life

it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives

you think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve

decades to live? How patient do you

day out? Or rather, do you think Seth

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she

to her most

think for a second that you’re off the hook just

of running away. You were so proud, weren’t

dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse

better soon, you

me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before

Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

myself just to

and over until you’re willing to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

lift, it froze in place. To eat or not to eat,

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

looked up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

at her again, turning towards the

steps, the door swung

the man who entered caught her

sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his

returned from the

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as she

the door. She reached out and

feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

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

nearly took advantage of me that night when

score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

“Does what he say

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m

Let’s put

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

dependent. Let’s not make her situation

exchange, could

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here

I know Danielle is

with a smile, “Then I must have

cleared up, I’ll take

left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved in

can’t hold him

by yesterday, but I

bag in her hands

back the chaos of that night,

that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a

feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink,

for Danielle. It’s clear she means

orchestrated by his family for

at

liked Danielle so much he’d nearly get

*

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

concern and guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea it

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more attention

clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics

said, not looking up from her plate. “Is

happening to him now, and

for a comeback, but now, you

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were

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

you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

dad said the

started his agency, he had his sights set on bringing

fledgling talent agency, run by a

to make everyone relax their guard against

blow. He played innocent but

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

you, and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who

receiving end of my

color. She had pondered this question before,

into it. She didn’t want to confront the potential cruelty

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t believe

with

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead.

to ask

her voice restrained

of that car for him, was it truly out

him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

to look at Ray. “Does

only desire was to win him

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

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

severe, would you still have

Danielle set her fork down and looked

are you hoping

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect

not brushing you off. If I had died,

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

have to play the villain in front of

for you, it’s like denying

since I can’t, I need to find a reason

seen Ray this composed yet so

She was afraid of Ray in this state.

was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when he

on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

smile on her face.

gaze was heavy. “You hate

Came to check on her with some

brief silence, she

a

Cicely arrived at the

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr. Diaz,

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

thought it might give you a

gaze faltered for a

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

the corners of her eyes and

moods are volatile, and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

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

when I’m

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the

why I braved the disgust

demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and

more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer,

learned just

his touch. “Whether I

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

meal with you

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

The question floated into Seth’s

looked

She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for

Dad at

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

at the sprawling

pines stood tall

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and

the car

occasionally moving about

seemed to be

at the sound of her arrival, a look

you give us a heads

upstairs,

finished lunch not too long ago and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight

she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

carrots and

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted

you prepared for my

to reply,

said helplessly, “Sir has been

asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

folks’ meals

sir says there’s no need

to doubt

family’s dining table was always a feast

she found Creighton slumped in a

book resting on his chest,

and her eyes began

now had but one master. That grand dining table now

a humble corner for his simple

in love,

alone in

herself deeply in her

gently covering him with a

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to find

something with the servants, his face lit up

why didn’t you tell me you were

got secrets to

“You’re not fighting with Seth

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

settling onto the couch. “He’s busy with work, and I was

all the home-cooked

over for dinner

him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

talk to

the rest of

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with

golden;

and bustling, and

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

Creighton inquired

too busy to make

“Are you two really

hope for us to be

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic

she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

she

at the Ellis estate’s

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are you

your message imply for me to

voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple

as an invitation for

he had pulled

into the living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

hard these past few

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take care

The dishes were all tailored to his

on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

a deep breath, “Just came out to

over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up

to the

Enter title…

her return to dine

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

isn’t as

bottle, her expression nonchalant.

here for the near

brow as he methodically chewed

down his

not explain myself clearly

Now that you’ve explained

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

the

with a napkin, “So you’re

here just on

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

time. In fact, on my way back

on staying, but then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You

he could use some company. Are

not

impassive, her lips curled in

hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it seemed

an answer had been placed on the question she had left

noon.

believe it? If

twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

from his water glass.

by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the

to her what their conversation

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor items

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

liked doodling

knocked, the servant opened it to

frost, stepping inside.

him, “How heartless, sending

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit

need, I just have an errand. Mr.

I’ll be on my way

looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding

of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

talk about for

had

to the bathroom

while since she’d indulged in a good soak.

temperature, she slid into the tub

the bathroom window was a view

It seemed they had

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had

at them

the edge of the bathtub,

the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing

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

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

eyes, her hand was caught midair, and

looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by the man

had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

tried to shake off his grip, but he

Then he stood next to her and began to undress in a brazen

“What

continued without missing a beat,

one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the tub

leave, she was scooped up into

to her chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

the woman in his

than usual. He

with a voice that was low

deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle

her

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through her

your hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the shower

waited for her consent before

Seth’s hand covered

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a

her anger before it

an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

yanked away by

front of

modesty she could.

hair

chest to

closed, Cicely considered

there were more than a couple

for

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her

he took a quick

expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to

any reason I

your apartment, it’s quite a trek

You insist on staying here. I can’t exactly haul

will.”

of anger

he drew closer to her.

is nothing compared to spending

better.”

sleep by

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out to

water from the shower cascading over her

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

his succinct and cryptic response,

insistent pressing

the showerhead aside, his hand on

against hers. “We should get out and

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

going out just

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

with a familiarity that made it all too

she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice, more

“This is the Ellis

you seemed not to mind. Though,

it

legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

she was on

turning off the hairdryer and slipping her

him, her soft hair spreading across

to the other side of the bed,

long arm scooped her into his

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she tried

exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already gone. The patchy marks

new ones added from last

protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

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

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her

groggy and listless, she found Creighton

returned from their morning exercise and

shook his head with a mix of

really should fix that habit

milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

“Sleeping in is the best part

is bad for your health,

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

didn’t you

Cicely speechless for

went to the office. Why

timing with your

at the company instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t

clear reluctance.

why he didn’t mention

quite good at passing the

really didn’t tell

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

with your grandfather

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her

posture a blend of elegance and lazy

lunch

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

had come up several times at

alone in the hospital while the rest

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

they were set to visit the hospital the

say the Ellis family

would have a problem with

for dinner. His timing

first, while Cicely

up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

to the bathroom,

a quick shower,

to play with

it seemed like Seth had finished his

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

on the

for

horny can you be? It’s been days on end. What

you up to?”

hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what

chuckled, “Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we have yet to

pushed him gently, “Then

her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with

for air. She lifted

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed

with their

death? I wouldn’t dream

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

a little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

a penalty for self-justification, then

Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

the same amused expression, yet a chill

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

head, calmly and

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

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline,

give me

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face,

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You like me

hand moved from his

have you ever heard, love and

start, the

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s

with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though.

which I doubt it will. I

his dark eyes

smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin and stood

already missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so be good

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

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of

shower, Cicely was propped up in

She glanced at him, then refocused on the still

game.

the phone from her

there something you need to tell

me at the office

and tapped on

don’t know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to tag along

thing in the

have to

girl? Do you think your dad asking

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your

won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one day,

moment and start

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

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s there to

in your

him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

you want to

her, his gazes

chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

a trail

But beyond these

didn’t improve, and

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced

In fact, instead of

why

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

much as you can before sleep, and ask me about anything

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just downloaded

a blur of text. “What will you be

glanced at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not

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

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and walk out. Her

wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching

looking worse

the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only

sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her hand and

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her

sleeping face

Creighton was in a rush to find her

phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled her

arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep

silent again, and

petty.

＊

next morning, he woke Cicely

a cup of strong coffee. Even

to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of

off to the

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

Cicely flung the comforter off with a

straight at him, but what strength could

pillow at

the pillow barely registered

this, I’m not

pillow, and placed it

If I don’t see you up by the time I’m

me to wake

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of

into a

covers aside and stomped off

toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as if on

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

brushing. It was not

toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile of her

to the Ellis

the document from last night did

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed

smiled

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

and

immediate deployment.

computer;

turned her face away, “Computers have

anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

no matter what excuse

it. Reluctantly, she moved to

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we can go

will you be

to a

leaving me

there wolves in the office

reading; I’ll

retort

glanced at her

been darting around, a clear

stir up in

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously

marks with her pen, but

and her phone was

later, she left the office, returning after

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

pen and doodled on a

phone and

desk and

before noon. Cicely

student.

much did you

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

whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

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

noticing the black notebook she had

he found her doodles—a

in a

slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth

she declared as

sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

files and approached him. Before

his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

office,” Cicely said, leaning

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes

and respectful. Now, you can’t even

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful?

it’s intentional, Mr.

of impunity, but Seth had no comeback, “So

like harboring intentions towards

our current relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

from a local diner, indeed

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

by a flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?” she

table laden with food,

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had to finish

and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

looked up at her with

and picked up

said we have to sleep together every night. If you

wait until

stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

you sure you want to keep butting heads

grip on her silverware tightened before

to

and

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

stayed in

wanted to slack off, but under

with him summoning various department heads for

reviews, the office atmosphere

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

her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as slacking

of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

go downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

“I should probably let

need, I’ve already told

and moved to the door

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

it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to play it by

come. If Patty was

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

that Patty wasn’t

naturally, Cicely wasn’t

the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some

Enter title…

aside to take a call and returned

Cicely. He took a sip of warm

the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told if she didn’t understand

could ask him. But with him always buzzing

hadn’t even mentioned

her hair, her palm warming against the

“I overheard

this new mechanical equipment

the socks off the old

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

bidding

the deal over to Diaz International? Given

Ellis family, why

fish like the Harper family, and

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

Ellis family’s offer just

If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

Seth, so many would kill for

do you just chicken out when you see the likes

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

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

with the Ellis family, are you suggesting

to make things easier for

by his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

Why sweat

for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile. “Is there

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might

up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about any flak

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

she thought about it, the more feasible

eyes

chin in her

we actually go through with that? Assess the value of

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

to me personally, and I’ll cut

How about

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

mother, it’s

know, I’ve been thinking that

my sleeve that gives me an edge over

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

International. So what if I

sofa, with a carefree smile

to let it

clearly displeased with

just smiled thinly. “Then

Ellis

did Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to

mug, then switched

her, her

wariness.

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

family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep things

the future. You

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

International.”

her eyes carrying

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

up, his expression

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

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

the real way to make

night was

the drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

car window,

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

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

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them

for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored

them now, I can bring

said, “Well, bring them out,

Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

She not only unpacked them but also studied

was many times more

when she read documents.

he came down to find

“Go freshen up; we’re up early

a white travel

had a notable heft, and engraved on it was

her was a matching black

The rest of the items

light.

you think of buying

this time did I

it

spoke while still engrossed in the small items,

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say much

her to

white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

and setting the staff to

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

she realized they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at the sight, “Put them on

she resumed

Seth returned to an office

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

with a cushion

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

of leaving her

she’d done nothing

“What’s for

much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

hungry,” she

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

I’ll take

prospect of escaping the office for a

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

staff for

and even if Cicely

she couldn’t help

it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

day, at the same hotel,

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis Corporation

on the south, the other north,

just below Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress

pair of silver

elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

were simple in design, yet undeniably from

was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

away. Cicely

International gala to make the rounds,

and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

her away to

gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost

guests, receiving blessings

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care

chin in her hand, Cicely teased with

a lot

her coolly, “And plenty of male

to take

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

“Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely understood

there, and even more

C&P, after its grand slam start

of many. Naturally, the

up to Seth was

Seth was not a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the

commotion over at

darkened. As he

his wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of

Ray was slouched on the steps of

nearly finished bottle of

a sneer, using the steps for support

to his feet and

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a

word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

flashing a thumbs-up

seen just how ruthless you can be.

writes history, that I

never provoked you; we were just in your

coveted what the we had,

such drama on the eve of their

hung in the air, the implications clear to everyone

about Seth’s tactics, about how

whim because Ray had once made an indecent

fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been

to

still a shareholder in your family business,

this place

shares when

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

assured, I know this isn’t

is your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything

last of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz International

you. You destroyed my company, so tell me,

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment,

think you can destroy Diaz

the last shred of

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

looked as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

the

shards scattering across the polished

glass pierced through the festive din like

causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

Seth, her high heels a clumsy

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

out a breathless

pulling Seth’s

a circle

to Seth, her body

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

to fall

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt

blood on

and his face, usually

bloodied sword blade, seething

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

gripped

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

straight. Have you had too much to

provoking him will do

you?!”

and though her

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

welling up in her eyes made it

anger,

gripped his heart as

resting on a clear cut on her right arm. He

else are you

and

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk

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

and broke down

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

in her last desperate lunge to save

heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

tackled to the ground

knee on his back,

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

had caused him

broken bottle had swung

he acted swiftly, Cicely had

pinned down by Charlie and

shout at Seth’s retreating

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for everything

done!”

falter

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

too shallow, but not

been treated, her wounds

eyes were red and swollen

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie had

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

concern

his concern, which

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

new year, this happens! Seth,

his fault. I was the one

and followed

her a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt

pain stop, then go

he said, cutting himself

his words were stuffed back

lifetime, could he not see through

her hair somewhat

when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions, the

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

eyes and pursed lips,

lifted her arms and

her knees, lifting her from

brought a slight sense

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

returning to the Ellis residence was the best

all, she had never mentioned

gala, Seth

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

leaving her side. Apart

impeccable

actions were bittersweet

the bathroom to

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution,

in pressure and Cicely would wince.

beside her, who seemed

as tense as

Ellis residence, any sitting with

turned to business

her room, insisted Seth take her

went, even if it was just to the living room or the study. So she

most

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

had postponed the deal which should

year to after

if Diaz International was

response was the same as it had

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort

to Seth’s voice and being able to look up

before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

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

on

family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

she brought up the topic of the New Year’s

Cicely back to the

as Patty’s mood didn’t

they were legally married, spending

the most appropriate and normal thing to

a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

days when she was not at home, the vastness of

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

gatherings, would leave

*

Eve, Seth took

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

Danielle alone in the

Year was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

bring

the image of two old people

at each other, feels sad

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as

of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

that it might

staff had been bustling since yesterday,

not being home for the New Year’s

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss

didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely,

who should have been

face

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw

expression paused for

smiling.

also had a

crossed her face, but she

way she said that made

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

His voice was as flat as

storm.

clasped

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

holidays, could we?”

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

to let

my dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going

Ellis family. You stay here

is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her

herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

taking care of her

curled into a sneer. “By

accident and play the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t

the Ellis family’s dinners even more

turned pale with anger, and she whirled

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

so desperate for a mother figure that

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t take

you who’s making him feel

“You…”

deep voice

light and smiling,

quietly awaited Seth’s next

to celebrate, not to start a scene

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