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 angry is bad for your

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let

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

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

even if you wish for a life of

will Seth. Even blood relatives

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

three or four decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll

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

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her most

second that you’re off the hook just because you’re

You

up from your grave and

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

me for

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

were you, I wouldn’t starve myself

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

up at the nurse standing by.

eats or

“Understood.”

took a

at her again, turning

take two steps, the door

as the man who

Cicely brought

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

the door. She reached

Ray, feeling

clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

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

the one who nearly took advantage of me that

score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

what he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

Let’s put

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

and dependent. Let’s not make her situation

exchange, could

to Danielle, his expression

know Danielle

that so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll take my

left the hospital room. “Ray

can’t hold him accountable. He’s

yesterday, but I didn’t let him

in her

again brought back the chaos of that

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

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on the

It’s clear she means a lot

this accident was orchestrated by

at

so much he’d nearly get her

*

stood by Danielle’s bed. His

had no idea it would turn out

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to go

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

chance for

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his

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

not to be fooled

what you can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

he had his sights set on bringing

by a guy who hasn’t graduated from college

make everyone relax their guard

delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent but was

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

hadn’t shown

at the receiving

of color. She had

delve into it. She didn’t want to confront

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it, which is why I

before. I’ve checked with the

a rough road ahead.

ask

didn’t look up, her voice

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

was it just a

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

a motive, my only desire

“It’s different. The

be so obstinate. If you knew the

would you still have stepped

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

are you hoping

his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to

died,

or not, that’s the answer I

have to play the villain in front

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

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

Ray this composed yet so

slightly. She was afraid

was no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, only

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when

for a moment then tightened. She

familiar, faint smile

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

Came to check on her with some

silence, she

a cripple, so don’t

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

Seth was worried about.

to check on

lately. She thought it might give you a

gaze faltered for a

scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to

of

volatile, and 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

sooner she

ties with her.”

into the pockets

I braved the disgust

anger, just a serene

more she displayed it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to

learned just a

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

have the time to join me. And as it happens, I

meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

me?” The question floated into Seth’s

looked up to find

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for a

Dad at the

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling

green pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

her brows, and

out of the

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about

to be

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

give us a heads

upstairs,

and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some

her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

frown deepened as she turned and headed

servants to bring out what

a plate of the brownish buckwheat

carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her

you prepared for my father’s

frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

dishes. Even if we prepared

folks’ meals

there’s no need to

Brody well enough not to doubt

family’s dining table was always a feast

the study, she found Creighton slumped in

resting on his chest, his

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began

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

corner for

in love, insisting on living with Seth

father alone

herself deeply in

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs

servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable

rascal, why didn’t you tell

to

at her. “You’re not fighting

there be so many

“He’s busy with work, and I was

the

for

He listens to you more

to me.”

I’ll talk

for the rest of

playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off

chiming in with

golden; don’t

was lively and bustling, and even the servants

Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

Creighton inquired

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

you two

us to

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario

all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait

showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

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

message imply for me to

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

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple

as an invitation for

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

into the living room.

couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

all

planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped out,

her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting, are

breath, “Just came

the coffee

to

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to dine with him, and

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

Ellis family estate isn’t

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

here for

crossed Seth’s brow

set down his

I not explain

Now that you’ve explained

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

over the same person or

mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve

here just

I have some. I’m on holiday, but

fact, on my

I saw my dad and changed

me, but he could use some company.

I’m not

her lips

last part, coupled with her subtle

on the

noon.

believe it? If not, she

amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just a

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

took a sip from his water glass.

by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

her shopping app for little

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

liked doodling when

was knocked, the servant opened it

of frost, stepping inside.

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and wait

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth

on my way

up, turned around,

this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of

upstairs.

those men possibly have to talk about for so

out? The servant had refilled their water

to the

been a while since she’d indulged

into the tub and let

view of the

by rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

had

glimpsing at them had become a

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place

edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With

again. She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and she instinctively

her eyes,

and she looked up to see the man frowning at

side of the tub.

first to drown in a

was startled, but it was by the

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried

next to her and began to

“What

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

one do in a bathroom?

towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

out. Before she could leave, she

to her chest and glared up at him.

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her

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

lips with a voice that was low and

“You should be

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet,

preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her

hair for

“No.”

of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

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

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

that this man had a hundred ways

her anger before

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

yanked away by

arms crossing in front of

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

into his chest to rinse it clean with the

eyes closed, Cicely

without merit. After all, there were more than

for this

hair, he nudged her toward

he took a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

you planning to stay

there any

to your apartment, it’s quite a trek

here. I can’t

will.”

of anger tinged

as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking up

compared to

better.”

can’t sleep by

gaze drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her

warm water from the shower cascading over her

to prevent water from

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which left

something insistent pressing against her and came to

the showerhead aside, his hand on

forehead against hers. “We should get

tightened, “Let go.

not going out

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

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made

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

“This is

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

to keep it down in a

around his waist, and as

she was

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed her

him, her soft hair spreading across the

the bed, facing her.

away, his long arm scooped her

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d

too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The

new ones added from

protective—or so

tend to it. Yet now, with her body

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

Still groggy and listless, she

exercise and were

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of

fix that habit

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

is the

for your health, and too

the most important

didn’t you leave

Cicely speechless for

office. Why would I leave with

office, duh! Perfect timing with your

ending up

clear reluctance.

he didn’t

“You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

of elegance and lazy

have lunch

were already leaving her

had come up several times at

as if leaving her alone in the hospital

a table was incredibly inappropriate and

were set to visit the hospital

who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

have

returned in time for

while Cicely sat

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

the bathroom, and

her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find

climbed into bed to

had finished

over, brushed her forehead

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

Wait for

can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

“Then what

chuckled, “Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

gently, “Then

being pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

gasping for air. She lifted her hands

letting out a soft whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to

guard with their unintentional cuteness,

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

handsome face just inches from hers. A

misunderstanding warrants a penalty

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

Punish me any way you

tilted her head, calmly and

because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline,

give me

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a

gently caressing her smooth chin,

moved from his face

ever heard, love and

the start, the more they might hate them

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

eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though. Even if

which I doubt it will. I

sting to the nerve, his dark

he cracked a faint smile. He let go

already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

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

then paused, “If

you up my way.”

find out what

from the shower, Cicely was propped up

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her

there something you need to

me at the office

talking, he swiped and tapped on her phone

know anything about business, what am I

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to tag along with

thing in

have to

Do you think your dad asking you to learn more

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future, your only sure bet is the

family forever. If one day,

of a weak moment and start eating away at you,

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

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there to

when truly in your own hands,

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You

maybe you want to leave me one day without

to her, his gazes were

further. “It sounds like

a

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and he

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced

be so quick to assume. In

reflecting on why I harbor

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

as you can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded for

text.

of bed, lifting the covers.

Naturally, I

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her face

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

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two

his face looking worse than

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

with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

for

sleeping face and

wonder Creighton was in a rush to find

phone and tossing it aside, he watched the

as he pulled her into

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep her

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

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

Already prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are you out of

mind?!”

swung his legs out

shine, off to the

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this the

comforter off with

straight at him, but what strength could she muster just out

pillow at

was close by, and the pillow barely

I’m not

picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

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

wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away,

a sly

aside and stomped off to the

onto his

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows,

Seth, as

reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

started brushing. It was not like she needed his

toothpaste. The

smile of

to the

the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed to

smiled and didn’t

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

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

immediate deployment.

the computer;

turned her face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

understand, and we can go over it

you

a

frowned, “You’re leaving

wolves in the office

on the reading; I’ll

retort

glanced at her before leaving the

had been darting around, a clear sign

she possibly stir up in

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

of marks with her pen, but within half an hour, the

her phone

later, she left the office, returning after another half-hour

the drawers,

a pen and doodled on a

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

desk and

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the

student.

did you get through?” he

to me, so I’m

morning and you’re proud

stung.

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

his desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

he found her doodles—a

a confident, flamboyant

and flushed slightly, but

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited

she declared as if it justified

and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

No

the files

arm pulled her into

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

her waist,

taking

“What do you mean?”

softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct all

Now, you

attitude. If

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

you, and it’s

but Seth had no

feel like harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s to

away and leaned back in

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

from a

have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking of the

hungry.” His mood was as frosty as

office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by

with food, while he didn’t

her way.

leave it.

huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

her with an

onto the couch and picked up the

we have to sleep together every night. If you

wait until

“How long are

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in a

you sure you want to keep

silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

continued to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

had stayed in

but under Seth’s watchful eye, that wasn’t

various department

progress reviews, the

Ellis family, even if it

image for her father, she couldn’t afford to

workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and

in a while.”

should probably

I’ve already

moved to the

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

but when it came down to it, Cicely knew

deal with things as they come. If Patty was in a good

more. If not, best to steer

Patty wasn’t

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

call and returned after a few minutes,

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water

broke the ice. “Spit it out, will you?

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told if

him always buzzing around, she

he hadn’t even mentioned anything

a strand of her hair, her

overheard General

this new mechanical equipment upgrade

old models. We could corner the market

the

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

Diaz International? Given the ties

family, why haven’t you considered

fish like the Harper

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

family picks Diaz International, the rest

Seth, so many would kill

not up for it, or do you just chicken

the Watsons? Or is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

more fitting partners than Diaz International.

family, are you suggesting

to make things easier for Diaz

wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s

Why sweat the

you, I’ll bang

a half-smile.

scared to take the

fries. What’s the point of running Diaz

you wouldn’t have to

up. Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

she thought about it, the more

eyes but said

propped her chin in her hands and smiled at

actually go through with that? Assess the value

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

personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice

How about

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

in Diaz International?”

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

your mother, it’s probably

been thinking

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he

last bit of Diaz International. So what if

a carefree smile on her face. “Then

to let

tightened, clearly displeased

thinly. “Then isn’t my

the Ellis family

to tick you off?” The

that belonged to none

glanced at her mug, then switched on her charm

already standing opposite her, her

wariness.

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

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

to

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

don’t even think about laying a finger on

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

wasn’t bringing it up, neither

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

at the Diaz

dining with Patty might be the real way to

the night was out of

the drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

are you off

“Same as today.”

alone in

I’ll disturb your

car

her slender finger.

a few seconds before slowly

half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received

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

to open them now, I can bring them out

said,

were indeed many packages. Cicely

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open

knife.

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

not only unpacked them but also studied them.

many times more

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to

“Go freshen up; we’re

him a white

had a notable heft, and

with her name beneath. Beside her was a

rest of the items were pairs, hers in

light.

think of buying

did I

and it

spoke while still engrossed in the

in the world. Seth

to get

the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting

scattered, but after reviewing a

the same as

department heads yesterday.

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

knock on the door.

with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these parcels, they’re

addressed to you.”

at the sight, “Put them

chair, she resumed her

Seth returned to an office transformed. His

holder, several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his,

cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee

to question the wisdom of

nothing

“What’s for lunch

much work did you

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

the computer, bringing

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

hungry,” she

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of

the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

reward, I’ll take you out for

escaping the office for a meal was music

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for reports

stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

about company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

time for

a hectic affair.

and C&P were arranged to hold

same day, at the same hotel,

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between

on the south, the other north,

Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from

was distractingly handsome,

away. Cicely

her to the Diaz International gala

deliver the expected pleasantries,

whisking her away to the Ellis

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

father present, the

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

and well-wishes, almost like a

receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of it,” Seth

hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

a lot

at her coolly, “And plenty

even curious to take a

your intentions weren’t so transparent, I

have considered it.”

to admire the

one day I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

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

its grand slam start

envy of

cozy up to Seth was

unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists,

the C&P event was deliberate,

after, Charlie

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at

a commotion over at

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist, “What’s

back soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose and

was slouched on the steps

of hard liquor. His face flushed

sneer, using the steps for

to his feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with

word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing

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

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for

provoked you; we were just in

the we

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the

hung in the air, the implications clear to

about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s family had

had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

to confirm

you are still a shareholder in

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

their shares when

who, even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this isn’t my place.

event. I can’t do anything at

and I

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

Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

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

what makes you think you can destroy Diaz

remark seemed to strip away the last shred of

drunken stupor in his eyes, which

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next

shards scattering across

glass pierced through the festive din

heart to skip

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

the jagged remains of the

let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

circle to avoid

clung to Seth,

blood fell onto Seth’s

about to fall out of

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually cool and composed,

blade, seething

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

she gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

as it

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned,

thinking straight. Have you had

think provoking him will do you now? What

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the physical reaction

eyes made it clear to him—she

fear, anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

on a clear cut on her right arm. He grasped

dark. “Where else

bit her lip, and tears

panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk to

last ounce of self-control seemed to crumble

fear—all converged and

“My… my ankle hurts,”

in her last desperate

heels and, with a

his arms.

to the ground by Charlie, who had

knee on his

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

had caused him a

had swung past

had been cut

Ray, pinned down

could only shout at Seth’s

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

done!”

falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

but not

she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

she greeted them with

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

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

concern

concern, which he channeled into anger towards

a day of hardship in

new year,

“it’s not his fault.

listen and

“Am I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

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

pain stop, then

himself

natter until all his words were

lifetime, could he not see

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

the moment at the gala when she

shield him with her

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on

he could process these swirling emotions, the

the doctor, then

red eyes and pursed lips,

her arms and

passed under her knees, lifting her from the

slight sense of peace to the

watching.

and Seth back to

returning to the Ellis residence was

had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

after the gala, Seth stayed

Cicely company.

up –

leaving her side.

Seth was impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet

from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

despite the

pressure and Cicely would wince. This

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

feel as tense

sitting with Creighton that

turned

and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

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

most of

talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

had postponed the deal which

year to after

Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking

the same as it had

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

company

voice and being able to look up and see

just before the new

had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

than on previous

family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the topic of the

to the

mood didn’t match the generosity of

legally married,

the most appropriate

moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a

at home,

as she had returned to spend a few

for festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

left with them to pick up

Danielle alone in the

too heartless. After negotiating with

bring her

didn’t comment. However, the image of two

other, feels sad

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for the

the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

that it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

Cicely not being home for the New

feast knowing

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

encountered Danielle, who should

Her face immediately

was chatting happily with Danielle.

room, her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had

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

said that made

Seth asked, ignoring

the couch. His voice was as flat as the

storm.

clasped

couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

her chest, but she fought

best not to let her

dad who applied for her

Ellis family. You stay

is

ashamed?”

even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

contain her fury. “The guest I invite

got herself

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

of her every single day of the

“By that

an accident and play the

Ellis family’s

anger, and she whirled to glare

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

for a mother figure that you have

her?”

“Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out

you who’s

“You…”

voice

and smiling, settled on

quietly awaited Seth’s

celebrate, not to start a scene and

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

Comments ()

0/255