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.

you know. Getting

for life, Seth and I will

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh. “You’re

for life, you’ll

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at Danielle,

Cicely gave a faint smile.

Sadly for you, even if you wish for a

Even blood

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

three or four decades to live? How

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

someone disabled?”

as she glared

to her

that you’re off the hook just

away. You were

I will dig you up from your grave and lash your

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

me for bullying

the neatly laid out food before her.

detached voice

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

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

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

eats

“Understood.”

a deep

turning towards the door to leave. But

the door swung

the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought a

returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her

when he opened the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched as

mixed with rage.

don’t you think

nearly took advantage of me

to settle that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

It was

this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is

Let’s not make her

exchange, could hardly believe the

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest

nodded with a smile, “Then I must

cleared up, I’ll take

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

hold him accountable. He’s

I didn’t let him

in her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of that night, the

the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

rich playboy,

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot to him.

was orchestrated by his family for

at the

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

*

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

guilt. “I’m sorry, I had

to give Ray any more attention than

shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

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

her plate.

and your family is on its last

least a chance for a comeback,

blown it for good.”

his

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

his sights set on bringing

run by a guy who hasn’t

on these things to make everyone relax their guard

fatal blow. He played innocent

I wasn’t

if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do you think

the receiving end

had pondered this question

She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

checked with

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

ask

look up, her voice

stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly out of

it just a ploy to achieve some

to look at Ray.

my only desire

“It’s different. The accident

be so obstinate.

you still have stepped

Danielle set her fork

answer are

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush me off

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

or not, that’s

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

if I stop caring for you, it’s like denying

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

had never seen Ray this composed yet so

blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

out of the elevator on

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

on her purse slackened for a moment

smile on her

heavy. “You hate

had another episode. Came to check

she

in bullying a cripple, so

long after Cicely arrived at the

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

is here on your behalf to

it

gaze faltered

her neck,

the corners of her eyes and lips

your presence

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when I’m fully able and

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

into the pockets

I braved the

anger, just a serene

the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

just

avoiding his touch. “Whether I

time to join me. And as it happens, I

sharing a meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s

question

looked up to find

answer, as if the

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered

Dad at the

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family estate,

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling

tall

vitality.

brows, and the already somewhat

out of the car and walked towards the villa.

empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

her arrival, a look of surprise on his

didn’t you give us a

upstairs,

long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

a

deepened as she turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

face, she ordered the servants to bring

the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her

for

frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

“Sir has been preferring lighter meals

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When

sir says there’s no

doubt

table was

she found Creighton

a book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

master. That grand dining

a humble corner for his

had married early, head over heels in love, insisting

alone in

herself deeply in

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

nap and came

his face lit up with an

rascal, why didn’t you tell me

to hide

“You’re not fighting

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

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

break, missing all the

for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk to

for the rest of

chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

son squared off

chiming in

is golden; don’t meddle in the

was lively and bustling, and even the servants

seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired

was too busy to make it back.

you

for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait up for

eight, Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

Seth with

imply

rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to

know.”

no reason for a married

message as an invitation for us to stay here

pulled her into his embrace

living room.

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

few days, have you

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip

all tailored to

dinner, but

of her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting,

came out to grab my water

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

to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine with him, and

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

estate isn’t as cozy as

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

staying here for the

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down his

not explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even

sip, “I said

the same person

with a napkin, “So

back here just on

have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re

short on time. In fact, on

staying, but then I saw my dad and

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

prove I’m not fighting

her lips curled in an

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

had been placed on

noon.

If not,

amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

from his water

easy acquiescence, but the feeling

if he disagreed today,

to understand why

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather

to her what their conversation

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor items

and notebooks with pens. Not

but she liked

the servant opened

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

at him, “How heartless, sending you out

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait

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

be on my way

around, and noticed a

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for so long without any sign

servant had refilled their water

clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath

a while since she’d indulged in a good soak.

the tub and let out a

a view

ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had asked her father to install the

them had become a habit during

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for

edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

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

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and she

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

fell away, and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

the first to drown

it was by the man who had

of the room had dissipated when

feel cold.

guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

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

frowned, “What are

missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

does one do in a bathroom?

beside the tub

step out. Before she could leave, she was

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

to do?”

in his arms, her

the warm bath, more radiant than usual. He

that was low and enticing. “Share a shower with

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

to her quiet,

her current bold, even if

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through

hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the

her consent before turning on the shower. A

Seth’s hand

wasn’t that Cicely lacked principles, but that this

anger before

an inch,

yanked away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

into her hair with patience, massaging

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

without merit. After all, there were more than a

fallen for

to her hair, he nudged

a quick

him with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

you planning to

there any

it’s quite a trek from

staying here. I can’t exactly

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

smile as he drew closer

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

can’t sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

from the shower cascading over

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

on his succinct and cryptic response, which

something insistent pressing

had already set the showerhead

against hers. “We should get out and dry your

voice tightened, “Let go.

not going out

closed

moved with a

she’d scream out.

pain. “This is

but you seemed

to keep it down in

Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the

blurred until she was

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas,

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading

other side of the bed, facing her. As

to turn away, his long arm scooped her into

to resist, knowing he’d

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already gone. The

faded, with new ones added from last

gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

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

all too pleased.

slipping into her

Still groggy and listless, she

morning exercise and were

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with

should fix that

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of

breakfast is bad for your health, and too much

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

didn’t you leave with

Cicely speechless for

Why

timing with your

at the company instead of ending up clueless.

showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

really didn’t

didn’t know,

the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

blend of elegance and

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

were already leaving her to eat

before, Danielle’s name had come up

hospital while the

inappropriate and

to visit the hospital the next

Anyone who dared say

would have a problem

time for dinner. His timing was

while Cicely sat with

living room before going up to her

desk.

word, she went to the bathroom, and upon

her. After a quick shower, she emerged

into bed to play with

seemed like Seth had

brushed her forehead with

peck on the lips. “I’m going to

Wait for me,

“How horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

“Then what

Diaz, there are plenty of things we

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry

away by her, Seth’s body

with

air. She lifted her hands

letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she

off guard with

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

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he

sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as

face just inches from hers. A gentle

warrants a penalty for self-justification,

me? Shouldn’t I consider how

same amused expression, yet

“Go ahead. Punish me any way

and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

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

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

the heart to give

her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

chin,

Her hand moved from his face to his

it, “But have you ever heard, love and hate are

one loves someone at the start, the

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

which I doubt it will. I

nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a

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

two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

off tonight. It’s still early,

then paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of waking

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up in

glanced at

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her

“Is there something you

at

talking, he swiped and

don’t know anything about

do there?”

you knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to

thing in the

have

little girl? Do you think your dad asking you to

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your only

manage the Ellis family forever. If one day,

moment and start eating away at

won’t even know

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s

only when truly in your own

quietly, “What makes you

want to leave me one

fingers froze. Turning to her,

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

who leaves a

beyond these two reasons, is there

improve,

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

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

on why I harbor such uncomfortable

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

you can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had just

with a blur of text.

got out of bed, lifting

Naturally, I can’t stay by

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her

wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two

his face looking

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only

sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving. He

sleeping face

in a rush

phone and tossing it aside, he watched

he pulled her into his

arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep her up all

she fell silent again, and any further pursuit

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely

morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of bed,

off to the

yanked the comforter

Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do

flung the comforter off

at him, but what strength could she muster just

a pillow at

the pillow barely

I’m

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

see you up by the

wake

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth

into a

the covers aside and stomped off

toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as if

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

brushing.

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

slight smile

to

last night did you

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do at

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he

had prepared a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer;

turned her face away,

this excuse, “There are printed

She felt like no matter what excuse

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over

will you be

to a

leaving

there wolves in the

the reading; I’ll be back

retort but held back. “Just

glanced at her

a clear sign she was

stir up in

did take the

of marks with her pen, but within half

and her phone

minutes later, she left the office,

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a

played with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

desk and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

you get through?” he

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

three files in a whole morning and you’re

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m

his desk, noticing the black

found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a confident, flamboyant

slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away.

she declared as

and sank into his

Come over here.”

No

grudgingly clutched the files and

pulled her into

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a

grip tightened around her waist,

taking

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes

you. Sweet and respectful. Now,

and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I

and it’s intentional, Mr.

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback, “So

harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to your

her away and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

was fetched by Charlie from a

seemed to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking of

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

with the

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?” she

table laden with food, while

her way.

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

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

tonight.”

her with an

settled onto the couch and picked up

said we have to sleep

until you’re

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in a

you sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened

continued to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis

had stayed in his

but under Seth’s

department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

the well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if

father, she couldn’t afford

the workday approached, Cicely found

department leaders’ trembling,

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

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

should probably let my

need, I’ve

to the door to put on her

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least

Cicely knew she

things as they come. If Patty was in

not, best to

that Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally,

waiting by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after a few minutes, sitting

took a sip of warm water from his

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if she didn’t understand

him always buzzing

hadn’t even mentioned

strand of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

“I overheard General Manager from project

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment

to knock the socks off the old models.

has the know-how and the development rights.

point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given

and the Ellis family, why

big fish like the Harper family, and the

are all eyeing the Ellis project.

the Ellis family’s

picks Diaz International, the rest

many would kill

just chicken out when you see the

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

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can say that

Watsons are all more fitting partners

Ellis family, are you suggesting

Corporation to make things easier for

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

counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

you, I’ll bang the

mouth twitched into a half-smile.

scared to take the big deals,

fries. What’s the point of running Diaz

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

actually

thought about it, the more feasible

narrowed his eyes but said

her chin in

we actually go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

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

to me personally, and I’ll cut

How

all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

matters to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

unfathomable

Diaz International. So what if

the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face. “Then

to

tightened, clearly displeased

thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

Ellis family banner the

to tick you

tone that belonged to none other than

her mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

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

ain’t too shabby,

No need to

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

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

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

If Patty wasn’t bringing it

already stood up, his expression far

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

as if forcefully suppressing

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

be the real way to

night was out of

Ellis residence, Seth took the

you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the

I’ll disturb your

car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

a few seconds before

a half-smile, “Should I

you?”

shook her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully.

been temporarily

like to open them now, I can bring them

her shoes and said, “Well,

many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

of them were small items – mugs,

but also studied

was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely

freshen up; we’re up early

handed him a

had a notable heft, and engraved on

her was a

items were pairs, hers

light.

made you think

back this time did I realize there are no traces

it

the small

thing in the world.

to

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

and

was still scattered,

were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

she set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

at the sight, “Put them on the

chair, she resumed her task with

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

pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

cushion on

flowers had even appeared on

the wisdom of leaving her

as though she’d done nothing out of the ordinary,

for

“How much work did you get

raised three fingers, then hesitantly

keys on the computer, bringing up

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware

upward. “I’m hungry,” she stated,

closed the video.

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

spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and

reward, I’ll take you out

escaping the office for a meal was music to Cicely’s

*

stayed at the Ellis

for reports and

and

company affairs, she couldn’t help

time

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P

same day, at the same hotel, for

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

the south, the other north, distinctly

below Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the hem

a pair of silver high-heeled

still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

birth, Cicely seemed

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the top

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a

to look away.

had brought her to the Diaz International gala

expected

before whisking her away

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

father present, the spotlight was on

at the Ellis

well-wishes, almost like a bride and

receiving blessings

mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile, “I

a lot of celebrity

at her coolly, “And

curious to take

Seth retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

to admire

I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

the

low profile there,

its grand slam start and

grip, was the envy of

cozy up to Seth

patient man, unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists,

absence from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

Diaz, Ray got

over at

demeanor darkened. As

wrist, “What’s

soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of

was slouched on

nursing a nearly finished bottle of

sneer, using the steps for

his feet

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing a

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

victor who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone

provoked you;

you coveted what the we had, you

such drama on the eve of

the air, the implications

Seth’s tactics, about

a whim because Ray had once made

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm

in your

place immediately.” Seth

shares when Ray’s family had

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t

Diaz International event.

what I have, and I can’t tarnish

much to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

what makes you think

the last shred

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

he might lunge

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next

sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

of the breaking glass pierced

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

high heels a clumsy match for

remains of the

let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

circle

Seth, her body

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

arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

on his

stood out, and his face, usually cool

sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped

with pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

not thinking straight. Have

provoking him will do

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the physical reaction

made it

anger,

gripped his heart as he surveyed her

on a clear cut on

else are

bit her lip, and tears fell from

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice, “Talk to

of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

converged and broke down

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

twisted it in her

her high heels and, with

his arms.

to the ground

a knee on his

Seth and was quick to react when Ray

him a moment’s hesitation. In that

had

swiftly, Cicely had been

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

shallow, but not too

been treated, her wounds

red and

she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and

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

their concern

concern, which he channeled into anger towards

a day of hardship

year, this

his fault. I was the one

and

her a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt if you scold

make the pain stop, then go

I’ll stop,” he said, cutting himself off

all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

lifetime, could he not see through her

her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a new

process these swirling emotions, the

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

with red eyes and

she lifted her arms and wrapped them around

knees, lifting

slight sense of peace

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

returning to the Ellis residence was the best

she had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

Seth was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions

to the

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

in pressure and Cicely would wince.

heavy silence from the man beside

as tense as

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

turned

alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her with

was just to the living room or the study.

to most of their

the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled

year to after

asked Seth if Diaz International

it

didn’t

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort

being able to look up and

before the new year.

been injured

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

on previous

a lavish dinner for

the

bring Cicely back to

Patty’s mood didn’t match the

legally married, spending New Year’s at

most appropriate

moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep

home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

she had returned to spend a few

festive gatherings, would leave him

*

Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

left with them to pick up Danielle from the

leaving Danielle alone in

was too heartless. After negotiating with

to bring

image of two

each other, feels sad

up, serving

of

feel that it might

been bustling since yesterday, and

being home for

feast knowing

the hospital. And Cicely,

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been

Her face immediately

chatting happily with Danielle.

for a moment,

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also

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

that made it sound like

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

His voice was as flat as

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying a

her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

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

to let her emotions

for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

family. You stay here for the holidays…”

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

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her

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

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

of her every single day

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who fancies

accident and play the

family’s

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled to

finger pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis

mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction

who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through the

which had been light and smiling, settled on a glass on

she quietly awaited Seth’s next

brought you here to celebrate, not to start

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255