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

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will

Enter title…

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

If I really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who seemed

smile. “How shameless are you to say

Sadly for you, even if you wish for a life

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

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

or four decades to live? How patient

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

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her most vulnerable

you’re

dream of running away. You were so

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

you get better soon, you might be able to

blame me

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

I wouldn’t starve myself

to

annoying.”

in place. To eat or not

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye

eats

“Understood.”

a

look at her again, turning towards the door

take two steps, the door swung open from the

expression darkening as the man who entered

Cicely brought a surge of

from the

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows

the door. She reached out and pushed Issac

feeling any

teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re misdirecting

one who nearly took advantage of me that

come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

hit

never told you what really happened

night?”

“Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

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

put our grievances aside for

straight. It was your

else’s doing. Ms. Danielle

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her

the exchange, could hardly believe

his expression flustered, “I’m here

know Danielle

with a smile, “Then I must have

I’ll

Cicely as they left the

hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here.

yesterday, but I didn’t let

the bag in her hands until

brought back the chaos of

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

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

playboy, surrounded by

true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on

this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she

accident was orchestrated by his family for

at

nearly get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

the hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

had no idea it would

mood to give Ray any more attention than she

shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used,

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

to him now, and your family is on its last

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

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were white,

the downfall of my family

I’ve told you not to be fooled by his

imagine. My dad said the moment

his agency, he had his sights set on

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who

make everyone relax

a fatal blow. He played innocent

wasn’t

if Cicely hadn’t shown up,

at the receiving end of

She had pondered

She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors

a rough road ahead. I

ask

look up, her

front of that car for him, was it

life to save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

finally turned to

Even with a motive, my only desire was

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The

my father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

would you

fork down and looked up at him. “What

answer are you

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush

If I had died, what would be the point of

slightly. “Whether true or not, that’s the answer

in front of me to

I stop caring for you, it’s like

can’t, I need to find a reason

seen Ray this composed yet so

slightly. She was afraid

lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he might

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

on her purse slackened for a moment then

with a familiar, faint smile on her face.

hate hospitals. What

heard she had another episode. Came to check

After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have

in bullying a cripple,

Cicely arrived

instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr. Diaz,

on your behalf to

thought it

gaze faltered

the scarf around her neck, presenting only

at the corners of her

and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when I’m fully able and

sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets

braved the disgust

anger, just a

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out

he’d learned just

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

time to join me. And as

a meal with

blunt rejection,

you ever trusted me?” The question floated into

brief pause, he looked up to find the

an answer, as if the question itself

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

the window at the sprawling

green pines stood tall but failed

vitality.

and the

the car

servants occasionally moving about in

be cautious. “Miss,

of her arrival, a look of surprise on his

us a

upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some

turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

a couple

turned and

servants to bring out what Creighton

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

a light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted

you prepared for my father’s

to reply, their heads lowered in

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

specifically asked for these dishes. Even

meals

says there’s no need to cook so

enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

dining table was always a feast of

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

resting on his chest, his head tilted,

and her eyes

master. That grand dining table

humble corner for

had married early, head over heels in love,

father alone in the

herself deeply in her

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs to

servants, his face lit up

didn’t you tell me you were

got secrets to hide

“You’re not fighting with Seth again, are

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

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

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

over for dinner

He listens to you

to me.”

talk

the rest of the afternoon.

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

squared

chiming in with unsolicited

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

bustling,

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton

busy to make it back. Creighton

“Are you two

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

dinner, Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate,

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she

at the

to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply for me

her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

reason for

message as an invitation for us to

had pulled her

into the living

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

these past few

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

all tailored to his

planned on joining him for dinner, but as she

of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

came

to the coffee table, bending down to pick

back to the

Enter title…

her return to dine with him, and

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

Ellis family estate isn’t

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

here for the

flicker of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as

down his

explain myself clearly

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

said

the same person

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

back here just

on a reason, I have some. I’m on

In fact, on my

I saw my dad

for me, but he could use

I’m not fighting with

impassive, her lips curled

part, coupled with her subtle

answer had been placed on the

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

“If you want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As you

surprised by his easy acquiescence,

if he disagreed

came to understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It

her what their conversation

matters.

for little home decor

sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that she

she liked doodling

opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

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

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can

have an errand. Mr.

I’ll be on

up, turned around, and noticed a

this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

those men possibly have to talk about for so long

The servant had refilled their water several

to the bathroom where

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

temperature, she slid into the tub and

was a view of the garden and

rotating ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her

them had become a habit during

the bathtub, staring at that

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

water, soothing her fatigue.

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

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and

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

away, and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

by the man who had appeared silently in

the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

I did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip,

her and began to undress in a

“What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into

one do in a bathroom?

the tub to

could leave, she was scooped up into his

chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What are

to do?”

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

bath, more radiant than usual. He

that was low and

deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold,

demeanor.

began to run his

your hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

waited for her consent before turning on

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

that this man had a hundred ways

anger before it even took

not moving an inch,

yanked away by

her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

chest to rinse it

closed, Cicely considered that her taste

there

fallen for this

to her hair, he nudged her toward

a quick

a cool expression, Cicely

planning to stay

there any

apartment, it’s quite a trek from

here. I can’t

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

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

nothing compared to spending

better.”

can’t sleep

gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her

the shower cascading over her

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

his succinct and

something insistent pressing against her and came

realization, Seth had already set the

hers. “We should get out and dry

go.

we’re not going

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

with a familiarity that made it all too

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

than pain. “This is

convenient, but you seemed not to mind. Though, you

to keep it down

was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

blurred until she was on

slipping her into pajamas,

away from him, her

to the other side of the bed,

to turn away, his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist

exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The

with new ones

was considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he

to it. Yet now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose

and listless, she found

from their morning exercise and were already two

his head with a mix of affection

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

by the servant, sipped

in is the best part of a

Skipping breakfast is bad for your health, and too much sleep

most important

you

Cicely

office. Why would I

the office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday.

company instead of ending up

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t tell

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

to the hospital with your grandfather

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

posture a blend of

lunch by

were already leaving

Danielle’s name had come

alone in the hospital while the rest of

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

they were set to visit the hospital the next

say the Ellis

to Danielle would have

for

eating, he headed upstairs first, while

going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

she went to the

a quick shower,

to play with her

it seemed like Seth had

over, brushed her forehead

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

for me,

you be? It’s been days on end. What

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what am

are plenty of things we have

pushed him gently, “Then hurry up and

by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

air. She lifted her hands and started

a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she managed

Seth off guard with

him. “Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

the same amused expression, yet

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

that because I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask

to give me

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt

chin, “You like me

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

have you ever heard, love and hate are

someone at the start, the more they might hate them

into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

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

will. I wouldn’t choose to

bee sting to the nerve, his

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

buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

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

“If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of

from the shower, Cicely was propped up in bed,

game. She glanced at him, then

game.

the phone from her hands.

there something you

join me at the office

and tapped

know anything about

do there?”

you wouldn’t need

in

have

girl? Do you think your

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future,

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

moment and start eating away at you, swallowing

won’t even know

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too?

truly in your own hands,

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

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me one day

her, his

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

a trail of broken

beyond these two reasons,

didn’t improve,

the shadow in their depths replaced by

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

why I

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

much as you can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app

with a blur of text. “What

then got out of bed,

I can’t stay by your

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

into bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced at the

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving. He then looked

sleeping face and

was in a rush to find her

phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman

face cold as he pulled

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

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep her up

she fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

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

of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple

mind?!”

he swung his legs out of bed, “Time

shine, off to

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

show your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this

off with a huff, sat up, and

him, but what strength could she muster just out of

a pillow

and the pillow barely

I’m not going to the

pillow, and placed it back on the

up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

you don’t want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

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

into a sly

covers aside and stomped

toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he

brush, and Seth, as

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

she started brushing.

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

smile

to the

from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

So what am I supposed to do at

smiled and didn’t

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

had prepared a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

are on the computer; you can keep

turned her face away, “Computers have

this excuse, “There are

no matter what

for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and

you be

a C&P

leaving me here

in the office

focus on the reading; I’ll be

retort but held back. “Just

her before leaving the

a clear

stir up in

left, Cicely did take

pen, but within

and her phone was

office, returning after another half-hour

She rummaged through the drawers,

doodled on a black leather notebook she found

phone and then,

desk and

promised, Seth returned before noon. Cicely

student.

did you get through?” he

a bit challenging since it’s new to

three files in a whole morning and

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m

noticing the black notebook she

her doodles—a

written in a confident,

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited

hungry,” she declared as if it

and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

files and

her into an embrace.

office,” Cicely said, leaning

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d

Now, you can’t

attitude. If that’s not taking

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

and it’s intentional, Mr.

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

like harboring intentions towards me

relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled,

me, it’s

back in

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

a

have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

by a flat “Not hungry.” His mood

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset, and

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?”

food, while he didn’t

her way.

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

her eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

looked up at her with

and picked up the elegantly wrapped

have to sleep together every night. If you

until

“How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it

want to keep butting

her silverware tightened

continued to watch

and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation since

stayed

but under Seth’s watchful

department heads for updates

reports and progress reviews,

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

her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

approached, Cicely

trembling,

She hadn’t made much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s

in a while.”

should probably let

I’ve

moved to the door to put

stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the

Cicely knew she had to play

as they come.

relax a bit more. If not, best to steer clear.

Patty wasn’t her

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

offered them some

Enter title…

call and returned after

a sip of warm

the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if she didn’t

him. But with him always buzzing

hadn’t even mentioned anything

strand of her hair,

overheard General Manager from

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment

knock the socks off the old models. We could

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

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

Diaz International? Given the ties

family, why haven’t you considered

“The big fish like

project. Diaz

with the Ellis family’s offer just

Diaz International, the

Seth, so many would kill for

or do you just chicken

family, or the Watsons? Or is it

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

all more fitting

the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my

to make

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

Why sweat the small stuff? If

pride for you,

mouth twitched into a half-smile.

to take the

What’s the point of running Diaz International?

way, you wouldn’t have to worry about any

Hmm, that’s actually a

more she thought about it, the

narrowed his eyes

her chin in her hands

through with that? Assess the value

shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you

personally, and I’ll cut you

shares. How about

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

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

you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International,

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

gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

of Diaz International. So what if I say

leaned back on the sofa, with a carefree

time to let

clearly displeased with her

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly.

Ellis family banner

to tick you off?” The

tone that

glanced at her mug, then switched on her charm as

opposite her, her face a

wariness.

figured it wasn’t

Ellis family ain’t too shabby,

to

future is the future. You bite off only

don’t even think about

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a

If Patty wasn’t

stood up, his expression

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful

suppressing a multitude of

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz

Patty might be the real way to make

was out of

Ellis residence, Seth took the

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in

there, I’ll

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a strand of

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

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

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

I can bring them out

said, “Well, bring them out,

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

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open

knife.

items – mugs, thermos

them but also studied them.

many times more

when she read documents.

down to find

freshen up; we’re

a white travel tumbler. “This

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on

her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black one,

items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

made you think

time did I

and it feels

engrossed in the small items, her tone

most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say

to get

the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the

still scattered, but after reviewing

the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

up at the sight, “Put

she resumed her

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

pen holder, several

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a

a cushion on

of flowers had even appeared on

to question the wisdom of

acting as though she’d done nothing

“What’s for

much work did you

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

few keys on the computer, bringing

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents,

“I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

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

the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he

take you out

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at

summoning staff for reports and

and even if

company affairs, she couldn’t help but

time for

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and

same day, at the same hotel,

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

south, the other north, distinctly

just below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

a pair of silver

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

Cicely seemed destined to make other

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design,

side was distractingly

away. Cicely had everything people

brought her to the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

away to the

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

father present, the

arrival at the Ellis

and well-wishes, almost like a bride and

guests, receiving blessings and drinks

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

Cicely teased with a

a lot of

her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

even curious to take a

“If your intentions

have considered it.”

want to

Seth replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala.

there, and even more so

after its grand slam start and the

was the envy of many.

up to

a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt

event was deliberate,

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at Diaz International’s

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood

wrist,

back soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose

Ray was slouched on the steps of

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support as

his feet

each syllable with

with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing

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

history, that I can’t blame

never provoked you; we were just

coveted what the we

drama on the eve

air, the implications clear to everyone

about Seth’s tactics,

Ray had once made an

had incensed

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated

seemed to confirm the

still a shareholder in your family

place immediately.”

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

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

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

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

You destroyed my company, so tell

from you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

makes you think you can

away the last shred of Ray’s dignity.

drunken stupor in his eyes, which

menace, and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

sharp shards scattering across

sound of the breaking glass pierced through the

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip

towards Seth, her high heels a

the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

she let out a breathless

Seth’s arm and embracing

circle

to Seth,

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

to fall out of

moment.

gasp reverberated

intervene, felt a surge of rage

blood on

his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm

she gripped

managed to say,

tall.

softened as it landed

slapped him. Stunned, he

not thinking straight. Have you had too much to

good do you think provoking him will do

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her pain. But

it clear to him—she was crying,

fear, anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

clear cut on her right arm.

“Where else

lip, and tears fell

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness

voice, “Talk

of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

fear—all converged and broke down

my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

in her last desperate lunge

heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

with a knee on his back,

Seth and

cry had caused him

had swung past

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

at Seth’s

don’t be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but not too

been treated, her wounds bandaged,

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

she greeted them with

“Dad.”

and returned to the room. Charlie

a brief nod to the Erik

their concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into

a day of hardship in her

new year, this happens! Seth,

suddenly interjected, “it’s not his

listen and

a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

the pain

himself off

natter until all his words were stuffed back down

could he not

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the gala when she had unexpectedly run

him with her

Totally unexpected.

now took on a new

he could process these swirling emotions, the

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes and

then she lifted her

hands passed under her knees, lifting

brought a slight sense

watching.

Cicely and Seth

returning to the Ellis

all, she had never mentioned

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

– any time

there to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

was impeccable in his

actions

bathroom to the bed

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s caution,

pressure and Cicely would wince.

silence from the man beside her, who seemed to

feel as tense as a surgical

any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

turned to business

and bored in her room,

even if it was just to the living

most of their

talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

deal which should have

year to

Seth if Diaz International was interested

was the same as it had been initially with her.

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company

Seth’s voice and being able

residence just before the new year. After

had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

airs at this time. But

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for

brought up the topic of the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for the

mood didn’t match the

legally

appropriate

moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

home, the vastness

to spend a

would leave him

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

pick up Danielle

leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring

image of two

other, feels sad just thinking about it. .

up, serving

again, the thought of Danielle’s

that it might be better off without

since yesterday, and

home for the New

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital.

Danielle, who should have been

face

with Danielle. When she saw

expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

her wheelchair, also

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

way she said that made it sound like Cicely

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her chest, but

her best not to let her emotions

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?”

more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her

Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

in taking care of her every single day of

into a sneer. “By that logic, any

an accident and play the damsel

Ellis family’s dinners even

turned pale with anger, and she whirled to

finger pointed at Cicely. “This is

so desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring home a woman

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t take

it you who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

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

as she quietly

to celebrate, not to start

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