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 angry is bad for your health. If

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out a mocking

really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

she looked at Danielle,

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

wish for a life of disability, the Ellis

Seth. Even

you are in Seth’s

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

Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared

her

you’re off the hook

away. You were so proud,

up from your grave and lash your

get better soon, you might be able

me for

eyed the neatly laid out food before

icy, detached

starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

standing by. “Keep an eye on her. Let

she eats

“Understood.”

a

again, turning towards the door to

steps, the door swung

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught her

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of

returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

her brows

he opened the door. She

Ray, feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched

mixed with rage.

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

the one who nearly took advantage of me that night when

to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

never told you what

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the

raped me?”

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

it. Let’s put our grievances

straight. It was your

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is

dependent. Let’s not make her situation

the exchange, could hardly

expression

Of course, I know Danielle

a smile,

cleared up, I’ll

they left the hospital room.

hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here.

yesterday, but I didn’t let

the bag in her

Ray again brought back the chaos of that night,

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

playboy, surrounded

true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot

by his family for

at the

much he’d nearly get her killed?

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

Ray any more attention than she

shoveled

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your

looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary

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

a chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were

the downfall of my family

not to be fooled by his

imagine. My dad said the moment

his agency, he had his

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

make everyone relax

blow. He played innocent

That night, I wasn’t simply

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

at the receiving

color. She had pondered this question

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it, which is

with the doctors about

a rough road ahead. I came here today to

to ask

her voice restrained and

you stepped in front of that car for

it just a

and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

with a motive, my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s different. The accident

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

severe, would you still have stepped

fork down and looked

are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

off. If I had died, what would

or not, that’s the answer

the villain in front of me to push me away. At

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

I need to find a reason for

never seen Ray this composed yet

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

telling what

to.

*

the elevator on

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

grip on her purse slackened for a moment

familiar, faint smile on

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

had another episode. Came to check on

silence, she glanced

bullying a cripple, so

not long after Cicely arrived at

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried

here on your behalf to check

She thought it might give you

faltered for a

around her neck,

smile at the corners of her eyes and

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

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

person could hurt me when I’m

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the

why I braved the

overt anger,

displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out

he’d learned just

his touch. “Whether I have

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

sharing a meal with

blunt

trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s

a brief pause, he looked

for an answer, as

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered for a moment,

Dad at the

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family

sprawling

stood tall but failed to

vitality.

her brows, and

bit. She got out of the car

servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even

be cautious.

the sound of her arrival, a look

didn’t you give us a heads up,

upstairs,

ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some

stairs, turning to look at Brody from

step, “And what else?”

a couple

deepened as she turned and headed straight for

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

brownish buckwheat wraps

carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she

you prepared for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

has been preferring

for these dishes. Even

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are

no need to cook

enough not to doubt his words, but in

was

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

his chest, his head tilted,

and

estate now had but one master. That grand

corner for his

in love, insisting on living with Seth

father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in her

Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

woke from his nap and

his face lit up with an

little rascal, why didn’t you

to hide before

“You’re not fighting with Seth again, are

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

break, missing all the home-cooked

for

nodded, “You’ll have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

talk to

to Creighton for the rest of

chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with unsolicited

golden; don’t

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants were

Ellis family seemed to have

be.

dinner, Creighton

said he was too busy to make it back. Creighton

“Are you

exasperated, “Just hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

she

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

assist Seth

message imply

his coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

there’s no reason for a married

your message as an invitation

could respond, he had pulled her

into the living

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

few days,

“Not yet.”

ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few

all tailored

hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

with the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting,

“Just came out to grab my

the coffee table, bending down to pick up

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

return to dine with him,

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

Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy

bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

staying here for

brow as he methodically

set down

explain myself

understand very well. Now that you’ve explained it,

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you.

wasting time over the same person or

his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

here just on a

reason, I have some. I’m on holiday, but

time. In fact, on my way back today,

then I saw my dad

for me, but he could use some

not fighting

was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

the last part, coupled with her

answer had been placed on the

noon.

If not, she

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

sip from his

easy acquiescence, but the feeling

he disagreed

understand why

such an easy compromise.

father and

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor

notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit

no need, I just have an errand.

on my

turned around, and noticed a

seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her milk, Cicely

upstairs.

possibly have to talk

servant had refilled their

and went to the bathroom where

drawn. It had been a while since she’d indulged in a good

she slid into the tub and let out

a view of the garden

ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had asked

Over the years, glimpsing at them had become a

edge of the bathtub,

the

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue. With

she didn’t move again. She

felt a sudden chill.

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

towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she was lifted

and she looked up to see the

side of the tub.

first to drown in

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

of the room had dissipated when

feel cold.

tried to shake off his grip, but

and began to undress in

“What are

missing a beat, dropping

else does one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the

could leave, she was scooped up

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

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from either

the warm bath, more radiant than usual. He

was low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

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

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers

hair

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning

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

that this man had a hundred

her anger before it even

an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

away by

crossing in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

hair with

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

there were more than a couple

for this

he nudged her toward the wall to

he took a

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to stay

there any reason

it’s quite a trek from

You insist on staying here. I can’t exactly

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

curled into a smile as he drew closer

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

and he reached out to

the warm water from the

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

his succinct and cryptic response, which left

felt something insistent pressing against

realization, Seth had already set the

“We should get out and dry

tightened, “Let go. I can dry

not going

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

a familiarity that made it all too

bit her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice, more

“This is the Ellis

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not

it

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist, and

her vision blurred until she was

and slipping

away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

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

away, his long arm scooped her into his

he’d

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

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

with new ones added from last

gentle, and protective—or so

it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

into

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton

their morning exercise and were already two chess

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of affection

fix that habit

servant,

the best part of a

for your health, and too much sleep

either. Breakfast is the most important

you leave with

left Cicely

the office. Why would I leave with

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You

at the company instead of ending

showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he didn’t mention

at passing

really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know,

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting

a blend of elegance and lazy

lunch by

returned, and they were already leaving

before, Danielle’s name had come up several times

hospital while the rest of them

incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

were set to visit the hospital the

who dared say the Ellis family was

Danielle would have a

returned in time for dinner. His timing was

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat

before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

word, she went to the bathroom, and

After a quick shower, she emerged

bed to

had

brushed

give her a gentle peck on the lips.

for me,

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

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

pushed him gently, “Then

pushed away by her,

with unrestrained

air. She lifted her hands and started

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she managed to

guard with their unintentional cuteness,

I wouldn’t

he said with

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

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

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

I consider how

the same amused expression, yet

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you

head, calmly and seriously

I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So,

the heart to give

ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir

caressing her smooth chin,

Her hand moved from his face to his

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

start, the more they might hate

warm and

and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

to the nerve, his

let go of Cicely’s chin and stood

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and wait for

“If you’re

you up my way.”

find out what his method of

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up in bed,

She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

bed and snatched the

there something you need to tell

join me at the office

swiped and tapped on her phone

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

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag along with

thing in the

I have

girl? Do you think your dad

on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only

manage the Ellis family forever.

weak moment and start eating away

even know where to cry. Don’t be naive,

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s there

when truly in your

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think one day

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me

her, his gazes were unfathomably

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

who leaves a trail

these two

improve, and he

shadow in their depths

quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

be reflecting on why I harbor such uncomfortable

downloaded some files to your

sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

app he

a blur of text. “What will you

her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

I can’t stay by your

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and

wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

two hours. Approaching eleven at

his face looking

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

sleeping with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

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

face

a rush to find her a reliable

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

he pulled her into

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

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss

than a cup of strong coffee. Even for

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of

mind?!”

swung his legs out of bed,

off to

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up,

what strength could she muster

a pillow at

and the pillow barely registered upon

this, I’m not going

up the pillow, and placed it back on the

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

wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth

into a sly

aside and

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

Seth, as if on cue,

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

she started brushing.

simple as toothpaste. The frothy

the slight smile of

headed to

document from last night did

to know anything.

I supposed to

smiled

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

new desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

computer; you

turned her face away,

to anticipate this excuse, “There are

no matter

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

understand, and we

you be

a

leaving

wolves in the office

reading;

mouth to retort but held

at her before leaving

had been darting around, a clear sign she

she possibly stir up

Cicely did take the documents

pen, but within half an hour, the

her phone

the office,

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

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

desk and

noon. Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

much did you get through?”

it’s new to

files in a whole morning and you’re

stung.

that I’m even sitting here

noticing the black notebook she had

her doodles—a

written in a confident,

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited

as

and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on its

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and

into an embrace.

said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds of

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

and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

you, and it’s intentional,

impunity, but Seth had no comeback, “So

harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to

away and leaned back in his chair,

expression

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

was fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking of

His mood was as frosty as

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

this by

with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

it. Nobody said you had to

“Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

up at her

the couch and picked up

to sleep together

wait until you’re

long are you

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it

to

her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

continued to watch

and

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

and had stayed in his

but under Seth’s watchful eye,

department

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

heiress of the Ellis

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

end of the workday approached, Cicely found

the department leaders’ trembling,

much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll

in a while.”

“I should probably

need, I’ve

moved to the door to put on her

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t

when it came down to it, Cicely

they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

If not, best to

Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally,

off waiting by the door. She cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them

Enter title…

call and

sip of

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

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

But with him always buzzing around,

he hadn’t even

strand of her hair, her palm warming

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from

this new mechanical equipment upgrade

to knock the socks off the old models.

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

point. Instead of bidding

over to Diaz

Ellis family,

big fish like the Harper family, and the

the Ellis project.

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

and watch. Seth, so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

for it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes

it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the

Watsons are all more fitting partners

Ellis family, are

Ellis Corporation to make

his stance. “What’s wrong

what counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

of pride for you, I’ll

into a half-smile. “Is

“Too scared to take the big

running Diaz International? Might as

That way, you wouldn’t

up. Hmm, that’s actually a

it, the more feasible it

his eyes but

Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled

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

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

me personally, and I’ll cut you in

shares. How about

“What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the sudden

in Diaz International?”

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

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

father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you.

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched

International. So

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face.

to

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

under the Ellis family banner the best

International ever do to tick

a familiar tone that belonged to none other

her mug, then switched

her, her face a

wariness.

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

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

need to keep things

future is the future. You bite off only

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

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild,

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither

Seth had already stood up, his expression far from

go.”

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

suppressing

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz

with Patty might be the

the night was out

Ellis residence,

you off to

“Same as today.”

in

I’m there, I’ll disturb

car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking,

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

you?”

“No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the

them now, I can bring

her shoes and said,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

not only unpacked them but also studied

many times more focused

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find Cicely

freshen up;

looked up and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

it—it had a notable heft, and

her name beneath. Beside her was a matching

and name. The rest of the items

light.

think of

after coming back this time did I realize

and it feels

in the small items, her tone

natural thing in the

urged her to get

the white

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

scattered, but

she realized they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at the sight,

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her task with the craft

returned to an office transformed. His desk

holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with a

a cushion on the

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

acting as though she’d done nothing

for lunch

“How much work did

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

a few keys on the computer,

capturing every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware

hungry,” she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

progress today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on

I’ll take

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

*

stayed at the

summoning staff for

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

she

was time

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P

on the same day, at the same hotel, for

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

the south, the other north, distinctly

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the

of silver high-heeled shoes, and

she still stood out as the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

simple in design, yet undeniably

her side was distractingly

look away. Cicely

Diaz International

and deliver the expected pleasantries, to

her away

Corporation gala was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight was on

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were met

well-wishes, almost like a bride

guests, receiving blessings and

they found their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of

hand, Cicely teased

a lot of

her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

to

snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so transparent,

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

Seth replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring them

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the

profile there, and even more so in

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

of many. Naturally,

up to Seth

not a patient man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt

event was deliberate, with plenty

long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Diaz, Ray got drunk at the

over at Diaz International’s

and his demeanor darkened.

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

was out of sight, then

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps

to his feet and approached

each syllable with a bitterness

word with venom.

laughed coldly, flashing

seen just how

writes history, that I

provoked you; we

we

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve

hung in the air, the implications clear

about Seth’s tactics,

had once

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

speculated that it had

seemed to confirm

in your family

leave this place immediately.”

when

who, even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

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

International event. I can’t do

I have, and I can’t tarnish it.

company, so tell me, wouldn’t

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If

think you can destroy

seemed to strip away the last shred of Ray’s dignity.

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

he looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

the table next to Seth with such

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

pierced through the festive din

heart to skip a

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

of the bottle at

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

forward, pulling Seth’s arm

half a circle to avoid

Seth, her

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

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge

on his

and his face, usually cool and

sword blade, seething

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

unrestrained anger, she gripped his clothes tightly,

managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him.

thinking straight. Have you had too

provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction to

welling up in her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying,

anger,

pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

resting on a clear cut on her right arm.

else

her lip, and

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice, “Talk to

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

converged and broke down

my ankle

her last desperate lunge to save

heels and, with

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

knee on his back, restraining

Seth and was quick to

him a moment’s

had

Cicely had been cut on

Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

damn arrogant. One

done!”

falter

*

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

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

but not too

been treated, her wounds bandaged,

were red and swollen from

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and returned to the

a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds

their concern

concern, which he channeled into anger

known a day of hardship

new year, this

not his fault. I

listen and followed

her a glare. “Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

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

the pain

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

words were stuffed back

could he

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but

when she had unexpectedly run

shield him with her

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took

these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped

with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them

her knees, lifting her from the

a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the

the Ellis

all, she had never mentioned

rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

her, never leaving

impeccable

actions were bittersweet for

the bathroom to the

waiting.

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

slight shift in pressure and

silence from the man beside

as tense

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned to

bored in her room, insisted Seth

it was just to

to most of

talk about the

family.

which should have

year to after

Diaz International was

response was the same as it had been initially with

Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

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

able to

before the new year. After all,

had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

at this time. But

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish

the topic of the New Year’s Eve meal.

Cicely back to

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

they were legally married, spending

residence was the most appropriate and normal thing to

moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

home, the vastness of

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

for festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth took

residence.

left with them to pick up

agreed that leaving Danielle

After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring her

However, the image

at home, staring at each other, feels sad just thinking about it.

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company

then again, the thought of

it might

bustling since yesterday, and though they

for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital.

who should have

face immediately

with Danielle. When

room, her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a

her face, but

way she said that

Seth asked, ignoring her question

onto the couch. His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her chest, but she fought to keep it

to let her

who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here for

on Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

be here. Danielle got herself injured

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

her every single day of

curled into a sneer. “By that

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

family’s dinners

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare at

Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s

figure that you have to bring home

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice cut through the

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

quietly

to celebrate, not

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