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.

worked up, you know. Getting

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

coldly and then let

am disabled for life, you’ll never be able

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are

you, even if you wish

it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

important do you think you are in Seth’s heart?

live? How patient do you think he’ll

day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could ever

someone disabled?”

she

her most vulnerable

a second that you’re off the hook just because

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

you die, I will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you

don’t blame me

neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

you’re willing to eat, that’s if you don’t

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in place.

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

standing by. “Keep

eats

“Understood.”

took a

her again, turning towards

two steps, the door swung open from the

expression darkening as the man

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought

from the

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her

door. She reached out

feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

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

one who nearly took advantage of me that

even come to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say

raped me?”

faint smile, she

regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside for

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

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

Let’s not make

to the exchange, could

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not

Of course, I know

nodded with a smile, “Then I

up, I’ll

as they left the hospital room. “Ray

can’t hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here.

I

bag in her

back the chaos of

vivid and terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the

clear she means a lot

accident was orchestrated by his family

frowned at the

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her

*

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

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

mood to give Ray any

shoveled

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

she said, not looking up from her plate. “Is

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

least a chance for a

blown it for good.”

his knuckles

the

to be fooled by

imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

had his sights

by a guy who

on these things to make everyone relax

a fatal blow. He played innocent but

I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

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

the receiving end of

drained of color. She had

She didn’t want to confront the

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

with

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

ask you

up, her voice restrained and flat.

stepped in front of that car for him, was

it just a ploy to

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does

with a motive, my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s different. The

I didn’t expect my father to be so

severe, would you still have

her fork down and looked up at him. “What

answer are you hoping

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush

died,

or not, that’s

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

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

I would, but since I can’t, I need to find a reason for

Ray this composed

slightly. She was afraid of Ray

lose, there was no telling

to.

*

out of the elevator on the

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

her purse slackened for a moment

faint smile on her face.

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you

heard she had another episode. Came to check on her

a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

what Seth was

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

lately. She thought it

faltered

her neck, presenting only her

the corners of her

are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

light smile.

hurt me when I’m fully able

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

into the pockets of

why I braved

again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull

he’d learned just

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

you probably don’t have the time to join me. And as it happens, I don’t

meal with

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

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

he looked up to find the

for an answer, as if the question

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

through the gates

sprawling manor,

green pines stood tall

vitality.

her brows, and the already somewhat

of the car and walked towards the villa. The

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about

to be

rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise on his

you give us a heads

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

lunch not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

some

stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

were a

she turned and headed straight for the

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

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

a light salad of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to

prepared for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

asked for these dishes.

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When you’re

no need

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

family’s dining table was always

study, she found Creighton slumped

chest, his head

hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

vast estate now had but one master. That grand dining table

a humble corner for his simple

over heels in

father alone in

herself deeply in

Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs

the servants, his face

you tell me you

got secrets to hide before I

“You’re not fighting

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

couch. “He’s busy

on my break, missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how

for

have to ask him. He listens to you more

to me.”

talk to

for the rest of the afternoon. She

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with unsolicited

is golden; don’t meddle in

and bustling,

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned

be.

dinner, Creighton

make it back.

“Are you

us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario with

from home. After all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

Seth with his coat. “Why are you

message imply for

the rack, her voice

know.”

reason for a married couple to

your message as an invitation for

respond, he had pulled

the living room.

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

past few days, have

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up

dishes were all tailored to

him for dinner, but

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t

took a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

made her way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick

back to

Enter title…

to dine with

him did he glance up

isn’t

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

here for the

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down

explain

that you’ve explained it, it’s

water bottle for a sip, “I said

the

mouth with a napkin,

here just on

have some. I’m on holiday, but

short on time. In fact, on my way back today,

saw my dad and changed

for me, but he could use some company.

prove I’m not fighting

impassive, her lips curled in an almost imperceptible

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

answer had been placed on the question she

noon.

believe it? If not,

twitched in amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

from his water glass.

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

disagreed

why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in

their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

app for little home decor

sets, and notebooks with

liked doodling when

servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

heartless, sending you out

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can

need, I just have an errand. Mr.

on my way

up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

of

upstairs.

those men possibly have to talk

servant had refilled their water

some clothes and went to the

It had been a while since she’d indulged in a

she slid into the tub and

window was a view of the

rotating ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had

the years, glimpsing at them

the bathtub, staring

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and placed

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue.

she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

reached to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught

to see the man frowning at her from

side of the tub.

first

she was startled, but it was by the man who had appeared silently in

the room had dissipated

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he

to her and began to undress

“What are you

without missing a beat,

else does one do

towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

Before she could leave, she was scooped up

to her chest and glared up at

to do?”

at the woman in his arms,

bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a

with a voice that was low and enticing.

deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

her quiet,

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through

your hair

“No.”

the shower

waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A surge

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

principles, but that this man had a hundred

before

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

yanked away by

her arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with

her close into his chest to rinse it clean with the

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

there

fallen for

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the

he took a quick shower

him with a cool expression, Cicely

you planning to

there any reason I

quite a trek from here to

You insist on staying here. I

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

sleep

gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her

the shower cascading over

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

succinct and cryptic response, which

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her and came

the showerhead aside, his hand

hers. “We should get out

“Let go. I can

going

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

with a familiarity that

lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit

“This is

but you seemed not to

keep it down in a

was wrapped around his waist, and as the

until she was on the brink

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

her soft

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

his long arm scooped

the strength to resist, knowing he’d

exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy

faded, with new ones added from

protective—or so he seemed.

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

all too pleased.

and slipping into

groggy and listless, she found

their morning exercise and were already

Creighton shook his head with

should fix that habit

offered by the servant, sipped half

is the best part

your health, and too

most important meal. Why are you still

didn’t you leave

left Cicely speechless for a

Why would

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You

instead of ending up clueless. What?

frowned, her face showing clear

why he didn’t

at

he really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

her legs onto the

blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch by

just returned, and they were already leaving her to eat

had come

her alone in the hospital

table was incredibly inappropriate

to visit the hospital the next

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was

to Danielle would have

returned in time for dinner. His

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

the bathroom,

behind her. After a quick shower,

bed to play

seemed like Seth had finished his work.

brushed her forehead with his hand,

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

Wait for

looked up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing,

rest tonight?”

“Then what

there are plenty of things we have

him gently, “Then

pushed away by her,

penetrating with unrestrained

air. She lifted her

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It

on her, just barely.

me to

with their

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But

Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

warrants a penalty for self-justification,

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

expression,

Punish me any way

and seriously meeting his gaze.

because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline,

the heart to give me a severe punishment,

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

her smooth chin,

was candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from his

have you ever heard, love and hate are two extremes.

loves someone at the start, the more they might hate

into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

doubt it will. I wouldn’t

sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for

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

already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

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

“If you’re not obedient, I’ll have

you up my way.”

out what his method of waking her might be.

from the shower, Cicely was propped

a video game. She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands.

something you need to

me at

and tapped

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

do there?”

need to tag along with

in the

I have to

little girl? Do you think

on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future,

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

a weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

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

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours

truly in your own hands,

quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think

want to

her, his gazes were

chilled further. “It sounds like

who leaves a trail of broken

these two reasons, is there anything

expression didn’t improve, and

in their

quick to assume. In fact, instead of

on why I harbor

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

you can before sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

app he

blur of text. “What

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

Naturally, I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat, and walk out. Her

too well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two

face looking worse than

the bedroom, the lights had dimmed,

Seeing the woman sleeping with the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced at

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before

sleeping face and

Creighton was in a rush to find her a

tossing it aside, he

as he pulled her

man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up

sentence, she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

wasn’t petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

cup of strong coffee. Even

to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of times. “Are you out

mind?!”

swung his legs out

shine, off

Cicely yanked

face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

flung the comforter off with a huff,

him, but what strength could she muster just out of

a pillow at

by, and the pillow barely registered upon

so over this, I’m not

bent down, picked up the pillow, and placed it

I don’t see you up by the time I’m out,

to wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth turned away, the

into a

the covers aside and stomped off

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows,

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as

at their reflection. Seth

aside.

brushing. It was not like

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy

smile

to the Ellis

much of the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

what am I supposed to do at

smiled and

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

He had prepared a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

are on the computer;

turned her face away, “Computers

this excuse, “There are printed copies

felt like no matter what excuse she came up with,

for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over

you be

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

in the

on the reading; I’ll be back

mouth to retort but held

her before leaving the

had been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no

possibly stir

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

with her pen, but within half

her

the office, returning after another

through the drawers,

and doodled on a black leather notebook she

she played with her phone and

desk and the

before noon. Cicely sat there, the

student.

you get through?”

challenging since it’s new to me, so

three files in a whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

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

desk, noticing the

found her doodles—a passable

a confident, flamboyant

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

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited for an

as if it

and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on its

Come over here.”

No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

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

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

around her waist, his voice

taking

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d concoct all

tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

feel like harboring intentions

our current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to your

pushed her away and leaned back

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

was fetched by Charlie from a

seemed to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic

hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

the unmistakable

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?” she asked, her brow

food, while he didn’t even bother to

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody

eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

looked up at her with

onto the couch and

said we have to

wait until

long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

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

to keep

on her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

continued to watch

me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the

had stayed

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye,

him summoning various department heads for

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

the Ellis

for her father, she couldn’t

the end of the workday approached, Cicely

department leaders’ trembling,

hadn’t made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

twitched, “I should

need, I’ve

and moved to the door to

stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with Patty

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

they come.

not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was a

that Patty wasn’t her

chill outside was biting, and naturally,

off waiting by the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

and returned after a few

took a sip of warm

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

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

him always buzzing

even mentioned anything

a strand of her hair, her palm warming

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager

He was talking about this

socks off the old models.

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

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another

Diaz International? Given

Ellis family, why haven’t

“The big fish like the Harper family,

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

with the Ellis

Diaz International, the rest

Seth, so many would kill for

do you just chicken out when you

it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the Harper

are all more fitting partners than Diaz

the Ellis family, are you suggesting

to make

stance. “What’s wrong

bottom line is what counts. Why

pride for you, I’ll bang

twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

to take the big

the point of running Diaz

you wouldn’t

that’s actually a

about it,

his eyes but

propped her chin in her hands and smiled

actually go through with that?

you in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

to me personally, and I’ll cut

shares. How

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

to you besides your mother,

You know, I’ve been thinking that I

sleeve that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

of Diaz International. So

with a

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased with her

thinly. “Then isn’t

Ellis

did Diaz International ever do to tick you off?”

tone that belonged to

at her mug, then switched on her

already standing opposite her, her face a

wariness.

just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such

on the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will be

need to keep

the future. You bite off only

don’t even think

International.”

eyes carrying a

to speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

had already stood up, his

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

if forcefully suppressing

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

the

was out of the

Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

you

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office again,

there, I’ll disturb

against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

now, I can bring them out

shoes and said, “Well, bring them out,

indeed many packages. Cicely sat

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations in

She not only unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

times more

when she read documents.

came down to

“Go freshen up;

handed him a white

and

name beneath. Beside her was a matching

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

light.

you think

back this time did I realize there are

and it

the small items, her tone and

was the most natural thing in the world.

urged her to

the white tumbler

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting

was still scattered, but after reviewing a couple

the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

perked up at

she resumed her task with the craft

to an office transformed.

several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit

with a cushion on

even appeared on the coffee

wisdom of leaving her alone in

done nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

for lunch

work did you

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

computer, bringing up a video of

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

full of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

new objects on the desk,

I’ll take you out for

escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for

several days, and even

she

was time

a hectic affair.

and C&P

on the same day, at the same

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

south, the other north,

Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

of silver high-heeled shoes, and although

elaborately dressed as others, she still stood

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

simple in design, yet undeniably from

side was distractingly

onlookers to look away. Cicely had

her to the Diaz International gala to make

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

before whisking her away to the

Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

and father present, the spotlight was on

arrival at the

and well-wishes, almost

receiving

they found their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of

her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

are a lot

her coolly, “And plenty

even curious to

your intentions

have considered it.”

want to

day I’ll

personal viewing.”

about skipping the C&P gala.

to keep a low profile there, and even more so in the

after its grand

envy of many. Naturally, the number of

up to Seth

man, unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt and

the C&P event was

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

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

a commotion over

darkened.

his wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

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

Ray was slouched on the

of hard

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support

feet

emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing

I’ve seen just how ruthless

writes history, that I

Blame? My family never provoked you; we were

you coveted what the we had, you

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of their holiday

in the air,

tactics, about how

because Ray had once

fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike.

to confirm the

still a shareholder in your family

leave this place

their shares when

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this

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

the last of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

You destroyed my company, so

Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment,

what makes you think you can destroy

to strip away the last shred of

the drunken stupor in his eyes,

he looked as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively,

towards Seth, her high heels a

of the bottle at Seth,

color, and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm

spun half a circle to avoid the

clung to Seth, her body

drop of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand,

about to fall out of his

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a

blood on

on his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool and

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

gripped his clothes tightly, her

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

tall.

softened as it landed on her

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him.

and not thinking straight. Have you had too

him will do you now? What if he really

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

in her eyes made it clear to him—she

anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart

resting on a clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

else

and tears fell from

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk to

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

and broke

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

in her last desperate lunge to save

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

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had

knee on his

had been right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s

broken bottle had swung past

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure

don’t be so damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter in his

*

of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

sprained ankle and

but

already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

red

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned

time being. Seth gave a brief nod to

their concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

hardship in her life, and

new year, this happens! Seth,

his fault. I was the one

and followed

her a glare. “Am I

Enter title…

sniffled, “It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but

pain stop, then go

himself off mid-sentence. She

words were stuffed back down

he not see through her

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat

moment at the gala when

shield him

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took

these swirling emotions,

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

be, then she lifted her arms

knees, lifting her from

sense of

watching.

Seth

care, and returning to the Ellis

had never mentioned

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

– any time

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

impeccable in

actions were bittersweet for

bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some pain

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely

the man beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense as

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to business

alone and bored in her room, insisted

just to the living room or

most of their

about the

family.

deal which should have been

year to

asked Seth if Diaz International

the same as it

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

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found

voice and being able to

at the Ellis residence just before the new year.

been injured protecting Seth, Patty

on airs at this time. But

on

prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

up the topic of the New Year’s

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

was surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

since they were legally married, spending

appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis

she had returned to spend a few days, the New

for festive gatherings, would leave him

*

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

residence.

them to pick up Danielle from

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring

didn’t comment. However, the image of two

feels sad just thinking about

things up, serving as

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

that it might be better off without

been bustling since

to Cicely not being home for the

feast knowing Miss

didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been

face

chatting happily with Danielle.

expression paused for a moment, but then she

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

crossed her face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth,

she said that made it sound like

you doing here?” Seth asked,

couch. His voice was as flat as the

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying

We couldn’t leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she

let her emotions flare out

her discharge. If anyone was going to take

the Ellis family. You stay here

“Patty is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The guest I invite is the

Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner? I’d

in taking care of her every single day of

sneer. “By

stage an accident and play the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t

the Ellis family’s dinners even

and she whirled

at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s dear daughter?

mother figure that you have to bring home a woman

her?”

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

you who’s

“You…”

voice cut through

had been light and smiling, settled on a glass

as she quietly

celebrate, not to start

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