The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

get all worked up, you know. Getting angry

Seth and I will be

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh.

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

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle,

a faint smile. “How shameless are you to say

Sadly for you, even if you wish

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed

important do you think you

How patient do you

day in and day out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her

a second that you’re

running away. You were

dig you up from your grave and lash

Maybe if you get better soon, you might

me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

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

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

annoying.”

as her arm began to lift, it froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

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

she eats or

“Understood.”

a

at her again, turning towards the door to leave. But

take two steps, the door

paused, her expression darkening as the man

The sight of Cicely brought a surge

returned from the

front of Cicely.

her

the door. She reached out and

feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re misdirecting your

of me that night when you were

settle that score yet, and here you are looking

castrated you myself.”

hit

never told you

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

faint smile, she

Let’s put our grievances aside for

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

doing.

dependent. Let’s not make her situation

listening to the exchange, could

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

course, I know

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then

cleared up, I’ll take my

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital

so we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been

yesterday, but I didn’t let

bag in her hands until her

back the chaos of that night, the

and terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems

rich playboy, surrounded by

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the

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

accident was orchestrated by his

at

he’d nearly get

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

had no idea

give Ray any

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

of the tactics used,

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

to him now, and

was at least a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his

the downfall

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

can imagine. My dad said the moment he

his sights set on bringing

talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t

make everyone relax

fatal blow. He

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

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

receiving end of my

color. She had pondered this question before, but

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t

checked with

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to

ask you

up, her voice restrained and

car for him, was it truly out

him, or was it just a

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray.

a motive, my only desire was to win him

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

to be so obstinate.

you still have

silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at

are you

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush me

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point of

true or not, that’s the answer I needed to

villain in front of me

it’s like denying everything

since I can’t, I need to

never seen Ray this

the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray

telling what kind

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

with a familiar, faint smile on

“You hate hospitals. What are you doing

heard she had another episode. Came to check on

brief silence, she glanced at

bullying a cripple, so

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

what Seth was

behalf to check on Miss

thought it

faltered for a

her neck, presenting

corners of

moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

when I’m fully able

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the

braved the disgust

demeanor. No overt anger, just a

the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

just

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

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

sharing a meal with you

with such blunt rejection,

me?” The question floated into Seth’s

brief pause, he looked

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

and the already

She got out of the

servants occasionally moving about

be

sound of her arrival, a

you give us a heads

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some buckwheat

up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

a couple of side

deepened as she turned and headed straight

stern face, she ordered the servants to

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps

carrots

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she lifted

for

servants were too frightened to

“Sir has been preferring

dishes.

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

no need to cook

doubt his words, but

family’s dining table was always a

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

Cicely, and

master. That

humble corner for his simple

head over heels in love, insisting on

her father alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

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

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to find

his face

rascal, why didn’t you

to hide before

playfully glared at her. “You’re not fighting with Seth

so many quarrels?”

couch. “He’s busy with

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

over for

ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

talk

to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She badgered

playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she placed bets

in with

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t meddle in the

and bustling, and even the servants

seemed to

be.

dinner, Creighton

too busy to make it back. Creighton

“Are you two

us to

Creighton relented.

message.

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

home. After all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up for

at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

frown and moved to assist Seth

message imply for

the rack, her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

no reason for a married couple to

invitation for us to stay here

respond, he had pulled her into his embrace and they

living room. “Good

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

hard these past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

the staff whip

dishes were all tailored to his

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

inexplicable stares of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting,

breath, “Just came out to grab my water

way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick

headed back to the

Enter title…

return to dine with him,

glance up at her. “If you really wanted to pick

estate isn’t as cozy

gripped her water bottle, her expression nonchalant.

staying here for the near

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down

I not explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with

the same person or

his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

back here just on

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

time. In fact, on my way

on staying, but then I saw my

for me, but he could use

prove I’m not fighting with

her lips curled in an almost imperceptible

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

answer had been placed on the question she

noon.

If not,

twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from his water glass. “As

easy

he disagreed today, it

understand why he

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in the

conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

shopping app for little home decor items –

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not

she liked doodling

door was knocked, the servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

stepping inside.

“How heartless, sending you out in such

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me

be on

looked up, turned around, and noticed

quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

a glass of milk.

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so

servant had refilled their water

to the bathroom where the bath

while since she’d indulged

she slid into the tub and let out a

bathroom window was a view of the garden and a

It seemed they

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had

at them

of the bathtub,

against the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her fatigue.

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

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively

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

towel fell away, and she looked up to see the man frowning at

side of the tub.

be the first

by the man who had appeared silently in

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he

next to her and

frowned, “What are

beat, dropping

does one do in a

beside the tub to cover herself, and stood

leave, she was

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

to do?”

his arms, her face

radiant than usual. He

was low and enticing. “Share a shower with

embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle

a prickly aura, he preferred her

demeanor.

run his fingers through her wet hair.

your hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower

for her consent before turning on the shower.

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

principles, but that this man had a hundred

anger before

an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

yanked away

awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

his chest to rinse it clean with the

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

there were more than

fallen for

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

he took a quick shower

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

you planning

any

it’s quite a trek from here to

You insist on staying here. I can’t exactly

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

curled into a smile as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking up

to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

sleep

drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

the warm water from the shower cascading

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing

his succinct and cryptic

suddenly felt something insistent pressing against

set the showerhead aside, his

hers. “We should

go. I can dry it

we’re not going

closed over

with a familiarity that made

scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

“This is the Ellis

it wasn’t convenient, but you

keep it

legs was wrapped around his waist,

she was on the brink of

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

from him, her soft hair spreading across

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

his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

strength to resist, knowing he’d

exhausted to

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already gone. The patchy

ones added from

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

now,

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

groggy and listless, she found

returned from their morning exercise and were already two

Cicely, Creighton shook his head

fix that

offered by the servant,

couch. “Sleeping in is the

bad for your health, and too much

either. Breakfast is the most important

you

Cicely speechless for

to the office. Why

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

at the company instead of ending up clueless.

face showing clear reluctance.

why he

good at passing

he really didn’t

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting

a blend of elegance and lazy

have lunch by yourself

they were already leaving her to

before, Danielle’s name had come up several times

alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat at

incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

visit the hospital

who dared say the Ellis family

to Danielle would have a problem

for dinner. His timing was

upstairs first, while

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

word, she went to the

quick shower, she

into bed to

seemed like Seth had finished his work. He stood up,

walked over, brushed her forehead with

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

Wait for me,

you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am I waiting

there are plenty of things we have yet

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry

her, Seth’s body pressed down,

penetrating with unrestrained

She

whimper. It

on her, just barely.

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

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

Diaz,” he said with a

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

just inches from hers.

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

expression, yet a chill seemed to

me

calmly and seriously

that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself,

to give me

her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his

caressing her smooth chin,

hand moved from his face

it, “But have you ever heard, love

start, the more they

into Seth’s warm and smiling

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

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

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

He let go of Cicely’s

missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

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

paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking

emerged from the shower, Cicely was

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

snatched the phone from her hands.

something you need to

me at the office

he swiped and tapped

about

do there?”

a little, you wouldn’t need to tag along with

in the

have

girl? Do you think your dad asking you to

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only sure

manage the Ellis family forever.

a weak moment and start eating away at

family, you won’t even know where to

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours

truly in your own hands, is

“What makes you insecure? You think

leave you? Or maybe you want

her, his

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

leaves a trail

just saying. But beyond these two reasons,

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

quick to assume. In fact, instead

why I

“I’ve downloaded

can before sleep, and ask me about anything

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he

with a blur of text.

her, then got out of bed, lifting the

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

mood.”

get up, grab a coat, and walk

all too well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking worse

the lights had

sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving. He then looked

face

in a rush to find her a

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

face cold as he

arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep

silent again, and any further pursuit would

petty.

＊

next morning, he woke Cicely with a

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely

grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a

mind?!”

he swung his legs

off

yanked the comforter over her head in

Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff,

strength could she muster

pillow at

by, and the pillow barely

I’m not

pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

If I don’t see you up by the time I’m

want me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of his

into a

threw the covers aside and stomped off to

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

took her brush, and Seth, as if on cue, applied toothpaste

reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile of her

they headed to the Ellis

of the document from last night did you read?”

to know anything.

I supposed to do at the

smiled and didn’t

understood why he hadn’t

and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

computer; you

face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse,

matter what excuse she came

an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

understand, and we

you be

a

leaving

there wolves in the

focus on the reading; I’ll be back

her mouth to retort but held back.

at her before leaving

around, a clear sign she was

stir up in the

did

of marks with her pen, but within half

and her phone was

left the office, returning after another half-hour

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

and doodled on a black leather notebook

she played with her phone and

desk and

promised, Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

much did you get through?” he

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

files in a whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here is

his desk, noticing the black notebook

her

written in a confident,

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth

declared as if

nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

prepared? No

clutched the files and approached

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace.

Cicely said, leaning back with

around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes

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

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not taking liberties,

is?”

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

you, and it’s

admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

harboring

our current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s

away and leaned back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

Charlie from a local

have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by

“Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

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

with food,

her way.

it, leave it.

huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

her

onto the couch and picked up the

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every

wait until

“How long are you

attitude with me?”

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

sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened before

continued to

with me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the

and had stayed in

to slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

with him summoning various department heads for updates on

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

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

for her father, she couldn’t afford to

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

department leaders’ trembling, overly

made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let my dad

need, I’ve

to

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

it, Cicely

things as they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

to steer

wasn’t her biggest

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely

door. She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

them

Enter title…

aside to take a call and

a sip of

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will you?

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if

him

he hadn’t even mentioned

her hair, her palm warming against the

overheard General Manager from

talking about this new mechanical equipment

old models. We could corner the market

family has the know-how and the development rights.

Instead of bidding and choosing

the deal over to Diaz International? Given the

the Ellis family, why

fish

Ellis project.

the Ellis family’s offer just

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

Seth, so many would kill for

or do you just chicken out when you see the likes

it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

Corporation, I can say that the

all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

Ellis family, are you suggesting I

Corporation to make things

stance. “What’s wrong

bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

of pride for you, I’ll

a half-smile.

take the

the point of running Diaz International? Might as well let

That way, you wouldn’t have to worry

Hmm, that’s actually a

about it, the more feasible

eyes but

silence, Cicely propped her chin

we actually go through with that? Assess the value of

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis

International to me personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How

her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

me, if there’s anything on this green

your mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

my sleeve that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

unfathomable as he watched

Diaz International. So what if I

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased with

thinly. “Then isn’t

Ellis family banner the

to tick you off?” The

that belonged to none other

then switched on her charm as she stood

opposite her, her face

wariness.

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

family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will

to

the future. You

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

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild,

Patty wasn’t bringing it

Seth had already stood up, his expression

go.”

mindful

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

the Diaz residence, but Cicely

Patty might be the real

night was out of

drive back to the Ellis residence,

you off

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly speaking,

into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

“No

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully.

parcels for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the

like to open them now, I can bring

changed her shoes and said, “Well,

indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged

started to slice open

knife.

were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

only unpacked them but also studied

was many times

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an

freshen up; we’re up

him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s

notable heft, and engraved on it was a portrait

her

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

light.

think of

I realize there are no traces of you

and it

while still engrossed in the small items, her

in the world. Seth didn’t

urged her to get some

seeing the white

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff

scattered, but after reviewing a

they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the sight, “Put

chair, she resumed her

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk

several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

a cushion on the

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

wisdom of leaving her alone in

nothing out of the

“What’s for lunch

work

fingers, then hesitantly added a

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only

hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

objects on the desk, and

I’ll take you out for

escaping the office for a meal was

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for reports and

and even if Cicely

company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

everything settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

the same day, at the same hotel,

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

on the south, the other

event was just below Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with no

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

pair of

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood

Cicely

in design,

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly

look away. Cicely

the Diaz International gala to

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

before whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

the spotlight

at the Ellis Corporation gala,

well-wishes, almost like a bride and groom

receiving blessings and

Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of

in her hand, Cicely teased with a

lot of celebrity beauties

at her coolly, “And plenty of

curious to take a

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

have considered it.”

to admire

I’ll

personal viewing.”

the

low profile there,

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

its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally, the

to Seth was

not a patient man, unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt and

the C&P event was deliberate,

However, not long after,

Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P

a commotion over at

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

his wrist,

back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and trailed after

was slouched on

finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

Seth with a sneer,

feet and

each syllable

word with venom.

flashing a thumbs-up

I’ve seen just how ruthless you can

I can’t blame anyone for the downfall of

provoked you;

you coveted what the we had, you

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of

words hung in the air, the implications

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

a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

it had been a

to confirm the

shareholder in your family business, my suggestion

place immediately.”

surrendered their shares when Ray’s

even after waking from a hospital

ten percent.

assured, I know this

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

I have, and I can’t tarnish it.

to you. You destroyed my company, so

International,

today?”

detachment, “If you

you think you can

remark seemed to strip away the

stupor in

looked as if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

sharp shards scattering across the polished

pierced through the festive

causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

her high heels a clumsy

of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

Seth’s arm and embracing

half a circle to

clung to Seth, her body

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand,

his arms seemed about to

moment.

reverberated

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

blood on his

his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm

she gripped his clothes tightly, her

managed to say, forcing herself to

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

Have

him will do you

you?!”

in pain, and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

eyes made it

anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

on a clear cut on her

“Where else

and tears fell from

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk

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

fear—all converged and broke down

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

twisted it in her last desperate lunge

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

his arms.

the ground by

knee on his back, restraining

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

him a moment’s hesitation. In

bottle had

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Ray, pinned down by

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter

shallow, but

had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen from

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

“Dad.”

and returned to the room.

for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod

concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into

known a day of hardship in

the new year, this happens!

suddenly interjected, “it’s not his fault. I was

listen and

shot her a glare. “Am I

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt if

the pain stop, then

himself off

his words were stuffed back down

a lifetime, could he

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

moment at the gala when she had

him

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on

could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

eyes and pursed

lifted her

passed under her knees, lifting

a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

Seth back to the

to the Ellis residence was

never mentioned leaving the

the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

washing up –

there to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

was impeccable in his

actions were

from the bathroom to the

waiting.

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

pressure and

heavy silence from the man beside her, who

feel as tense as a

with Creighton

inevitably turned

bored in her room, insisted Seth take her with

even if it was just to the living room

to most of their

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues

family.

postponed the deal which should have been

year to after

Diaz International was interested in taking

the same as it had been initially with

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

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

Seth’s voice and being able

Ellis residence just before the

who had been

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

on previous

prepared a lavish dinner for her.

table, she brought up the topic of the New Year’s Eve

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t

were legally

residence was the most appropriate and normal thing to

moment, glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

home,

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

gatherings, would

*

Eve, Seth

residence.

to pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

bring

comment. However, the image

other, feels sad just thinking about it. .

up, serving as company for

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

that it might be better off

been bustling since yesterday, and though

for the

sumptuous feast knowing

at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

should have

face immediately

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

the room, her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary

but she brushed

The way she said that

here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

His voice was as flat as the

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying a

leave her all alone in the

holidays, could we?”

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

best not to let her emotions flare out

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

family. You stay

“Patty is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury. “The guest

got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

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

of her every single day of

lips curled into a sneer. “By

just stage an accident and play the damsel in

family’s dinners even more

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled

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

for a mother figure that you

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

who’s making

“You…”

deep voice cut

and smiling,

she quietly awaited Seth’s next

to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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