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

life, Seth and I will be driven to

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking

really am disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are

wish

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after years

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

live? How patient

and day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could ever

someone disabled?”

she

her most vulnerable

that you’re off the hook just because

You were so proud, weren’t you? Well,

dig you up from your grave

get better soon, you might be able to slap

blame me for bullying

eyed the neatly laid out

icy, detached voice rang

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

over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

turning

steps, the door swung open

her expression darkening as the man

Cicely brought a surge of

who had just returned from the restroom,

front of Cicely.

her brows as she recalled

door. She

Ray, feeling any

his teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you

of

even come to settle that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

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

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

Ray, get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

and dependent. Let’s not make

exchange,

expression

course, I know Danielle

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll take my

the hospital room.

can’t hold him accountable. He’s been

but I

the bag in her hands until her

Ray again brought back the chaos of that night,

and terrifying that

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr.

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink, he’s willing to

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

this accident was orchestrated by his

at

he’d nearly get

*

by Danielle’s bed. His handsome

sorry, I had no idea it would turn

give Ray any more

she shoveled

indifference.

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

from her plate.

happening to him now, and your

a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and a

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my

you not to be fooled by his act. His

what you can imagine. My dad said

agency, he had his

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

to make

blow. He

wasn’t simply

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

at the receiving end of

drained of color. She had pondered

delve into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

with

road ahead. I came here today to see

to ask you

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat.

in front of that car for him, was it

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

turned to look at

my only desire was to win

a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident was

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

you still have stepped

set her fork

are you

his lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

stared at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me off

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

not, that’s the answer

have to play the villain in front of me to push

it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If

can’t, I

never seen Ray this composed

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

to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when he saw

her purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

smile on her face.

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you doing

heard she had another episode. Came to check on her

she glanced at him

bullying a cripple, so don’t

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

Seth

your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

it might give

faltered for a

neck, presenting only her profile to him,

of

your

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile. “I have

person could hurt me when I’m

she recovers,

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into

I braved the disgust and

anger, just a serene and gentle

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her

he’d learned just a

his touch. “Whether I have

you probably don’t have the time to join me. And as it

meal with you

blunt rejection, Seth’s

trusted me?” The question floated

a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman

leave room for an answer,

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for a moment,

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates

at the sprawling manor, feeling an

The dark green pines stood tall

vitality.

brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

bit. She got out of the car and walked towards

occasionally moving

to be cautious. “Miss,

at the sound of her arrival, a

didn’t you give us a

upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

a couple of

turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

ordered the servants to bring out

buckwheat wraps remained, along with

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted

for my father’s

frightened to reply, their heads lowered

“Sir has been preferring lighter meals

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

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

there’s no need to

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her

was always a feast

Creighton slumped in a chair

resting on his chest, his

sorrow hit Cicely, and

estate now had but one master. That grand

a humble corner for

over heels in love, insisting on living with

her father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in her

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

out of the study.

woke from his nap

his face

you tell me

to

not fighting

so many quarrels?” Cicely

couch. “He’s busy with work, and I

my break, missing all the

for dinner

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

to me.”

talk to

the rest of

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off

chiming in

is golden; don’t meddle in the

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even

family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

Creighton inquired about

said he was too busy to make it

“Are you

exasperated, “Just hope for us

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up for

showed up at the

assist Seth with his coat. “Why

imply for

coat on the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep apart.

message as an invitation

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

the living room. “Good

closeness, smiled,

few days, have you

“Not yet.”

whip up

The dishes were all tailored to his

him for dinner, but as she stepped out, she

the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

came out to grab my

the coffee table, bending down

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with

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

Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy

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

staying here for

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as

down

I not explain myself clearly

that you’ve explained it,

bottle for a sip, “I said

the

napkin, “So

back here just on

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

on time. In fact,

saw my dad and changed

he could

not

impassive, her lips curled in an

part, coupled with her subtle expression,

had been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

he believe it? If

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

sip from his water glass. “As you

easy acquiescence,

disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

app for little home decor

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that she

she liked doodling when

servant opened it to find

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

him, “How heartless, sending you out

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can

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

be on my

up, turned around, and noticed a gray

quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

have to talk about for so long without any sign

out? The servant had refilled their

some clothes and went to the bathroom where

been a while since she’d indulged

slid into the tub and let out a sigh

bathroom window was a view of

rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had

the years, glimpsing at them had become a habit during

the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she

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

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

side of the tub.

first to drown in a

by the man who had

room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he

next to her and began to undress in a brazen

“What are you

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

do in

the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up into his

the towel to her chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

in his arms, her face flushed from

more radiant than usual. He smirked,

low and enticing. “Share a shower with

“You

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold,

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his fingers through

hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

waited for her consent before turning on the

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

her anger before it even took

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d

away

arms crossing in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

her hair with

to rinse it clean

eyes closed, Cicely

there were more

for

he applied conditioner to her hair, he

took a quick shower

expression, Cicely

you planning to stay

there any reason I

to your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to the

here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

into a smile as he drew closer to

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending

better.”

can’t sleep

drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out

warm water from the shower cascading

prevent water from flowing into them,

succinct and cryptic response, which

pressing against

already set the

hers. “We should get out

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry

we’re not going out just

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

a familiarity

out. She hit

“This is

you

to keep it down in

legs was wrapped around

she was on the brink of

turning off the hairdryer and slipping

She turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

side of the bed, facing her. As she sensed his

to turn away, his long arm scooped her

the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she

exhausted

*

The next day.

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

ones added

so he seemed. Any pain

it. Yet now, with her body covered in

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

listless, she found Creighton

morning exercise and were already

head

really should fix that habit

milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it,

“Sleeping in is the best part

for your health, and too much sleep

the most important meal. Why are you

you

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

Why

with your holiday.

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth

clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he didn’t

at

he really didn’t tell

genuinely didn’t know,

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

the couch, resting

of elegance

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

just returned, and they were already

come up

if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat

table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

visit the hospital

dared say the Ellis family was

Danielle would have a problem with

returned in time for dinner. His timing

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

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

desk.

went to the bathroom, and

her. After a quick shower, she

climbed into bed to play with

had finished his work. He stood

brushed

give her a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

Wait for me,

can you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what am

plenty of

him gently, “Then hurry up

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

with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and

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

on her, just barely.

kiss me to

guard with their

escaped him. “Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

from hers. A gentle

penalty for

me? Shouldn’t I

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

Punish me any way you see

and seriously meeting

I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

heart to give me a severe punishment,

and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

gently caressing her smooth chin,

hand moved from his

you ever heard,

loves someone at the start, the more they might hate them

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

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

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose

sting to the nerve, his dark eyes

let go of

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so be good and wait

then paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll have to

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of waking her might

the shower, Cicely

She glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

and snatched the phone from

“Is there something you need to tell

me at the

and

know anything about business,

do there?”

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

in

I have to

the good little girl? Do you think your dad

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future,

the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

start eating away at you, swallowing up

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

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours

truly in your

“What makes you insecure?

you want to leave

Turning to her, his gazes

“It sounds like

a trail

these two reasons, is there

didn’t improve, and

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a

quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being

on why I harbor such uncomfortable

“I’ve downloaded some files to

as you can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

app he had

of text. “What will

her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers.

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

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat, and walk out. Her

too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours.

his face looking worse than

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

sleeping with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for her before leaving.

face

a rush to find her a reliable

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

cold as he pulled

to the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

moment, Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely

a cup of strong coffee.

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off

yanked

face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this the

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a

him, but what strength could

a pillow at

was close by, and the pillow barely

this, I’m not going to the

the pillow, and placed it back on the

by the time I’m out,

don’t want me to wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

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

into a sly

covers aside and stomped off to

onto his

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows,

her brush, and Seth, as

reflection. Seth

aside.

started brushing. It was not

something as simple as toothpaste.

the slight smile

they headed to the

much of the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

I

just smiled

Cicely understood why

desk and

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away, “Computers

anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came

it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and

you

to a

“You’re leaving

in the office

the reading; I’ll be

to retort but

at her before leaving the

eyes had been darting around, a clear sign

possibly stir up in the

did take

plenty of marks with her pen, but within

her phone was

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

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

on a black leather notebook she found

phone and then, noticing the time,

and

Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

did you get through?” he

bit challenging since it’s new to me, so

a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that

approached his desk, noticing the black

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

written in a

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited

hungry,” she declared as if

bridge of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

No complaints

grudgingly clutched the files and

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace.

Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

waist, his voice deep

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

you’d concoct all kinds of schemes to

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

impatience and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

you, and it’s

but Seth had no comeback,

harboring intentions towards me

current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to your

leaned back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a local

seemed to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking of

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

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

with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

it. Nobody said you

and huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

up at her

couch and picked up the

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every night.

until you’re

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it

you want to

on her silverware tightened before relaxing.

continued to watch

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

stayed in his

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

him summoning various department heads for

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

of the Ellis family, even if it

father, she couldn’t afford to be

the workday approached, Cicely found most of

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

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

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s

in a while.”

“I should probably let my

need, I’ve

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the door to

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

came down to it, Cicely knew she had to play it by

with things as they come. If Patty was in a

relax a bit more. If not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was a

that Patty wasn’t her

was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

by the door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a few minutes,

He took a sip of warm

broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told if she

But with him always buzzing around,

even mentioned anything about

strand of her hair, her palm warming

“I overheard

was talking about this

old

has the know-how and the development

bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

over to Diaz International?

Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like the

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

Ellis

family picks Diaz

so many would kill for

just chicken out

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

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International.

family, are you suggesting I

make things

surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong

counts. Why sweat

for you, I’ll bang the

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

brows. “Too scared to take the big deals, too

the point of running Diaz International? Might as well

up. That way, you

actually a pretty

it,

his eyes

chin in her hands

through with

into shares for you in

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

How about

her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s anything

you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

I’ve been thinking that I don’t really

my sleeve that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he

of Diaz International. So

sofa, with a carefree

to

tightened, clearly

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly.

International under the Ellis family banner

ever do to

tone that belonged to none

glanced at her mug, then switched

was already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

I figured

family ain’t too shabby,

need to keep

is the

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

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

to speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

stood up, his expression

go.”

probably mindful

forcefully suppressing a multitude

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

dining with Patty might be the real

was out of the

Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

are you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’ll disturb

arm against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

a few

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

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received

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

now, I can

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

Cicely sat cross-legged in

a waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

small items –

them but also studied

was many times more

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an

up;

and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

heft, and engraved on

beneath. Beside her was a matching black

of the items were

light.

think of buying all

I realize there

and it feels

engrossed in the

the most natural thing in the world.

her to

white tumbler in the

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff

was still scattered,

she realized they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at

resumed her task with

an office transformed. His

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

with a cushion on the

flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

of leaving

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

“What’s for lunch

“How much work

fingers, then hesitantly added a

on the computer,

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of

“I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

screen full of text.

today, spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on

reward, I’ll take

prospect of escaping the office for a meal

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at

for reports

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

about company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

time

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

at

towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the

the south, the other

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

still stood out as the

birth, Cicely seemed

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from

The man by her side was

to look away. Cicely had everything

had brought her to the Diaz International

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away to the

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people,

father present, the

Seth and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

almost like a bride

guests, receiving

mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care

Cicely teased

a lot of

“And

even curious to take a

Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

want to

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

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P

low profile there, and

C&P, after its grand slam start

was the envy of many.

to

patient man, unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists,

event was deliberate, with plenty

away. However, not long after, Charlie

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

commotion over

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose and trailed

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of

nearly finished bottle of hard

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps

his feet and approached

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with

with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just

I can’t

family never provoked you; we were just

you coveted what the we had,

drama on the eve of their

hung in the air, the implications clear to everyone

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about

because Ray had once made an indecent

had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm the

shareholder in

leave this place

surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

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

ten percent.

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

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

I have, and I can’t tarnish it.

so tell me,

Diaz International,

today?”

Ray with icy detachment, “If

you think you can destroy

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

stupor in his

and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

breaking glass pierced

Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle

and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

a circle to avoid

Seth,

drop of bright red blood fell onto

arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace. at

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

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

on

veins on his arm stood out, and his face, usually

sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm

she gripped his clothes tightly, her

managed

tall.

it landed

slapped him. Stunned, he

not thinking straight. Have you

him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

though her

clear tremble.

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

eyes made it clear to him—she

fear, anger,

gripped his heart as he

finally resting on a clear cut on her right

dark. “Where else

her lip, and tears fell

unfamiliar panic and restlessness

voice, “Talk to

of self-control seemed to crumble under

converged and broke

“My… my ankle hurts,”

it in her

high heels and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

tackled to the ground by

with a knee on his

beside Seth and was

Cicely’s panicked cry had caused him

broken bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut

pinned

only shout at Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

and

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter

shallow, but not

been treated, her wounds

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

and

a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds

concern

his concern, which he channeled into

girl has never known a day of hardship in her life, and just a

year, this happens! Seth,

not his fault. I was the

and followed

“Am I not allowed

Enter title…

sniffled, “It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt

make the pain

himself off mid-sentence. She had

his words were stuffed back

could he not

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

the gala when

him with her

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on

he could process these swirling emotions,

the doctor,

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

be, then she lifted her arms and

passed under her knees, lifting her from

slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Seth back to

care, and returning to the Ellis residence was the best

she had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

–

leaving her

was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions were

from the bathroom to

waiting.

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

shift in pressure and Cicely

man beside her, who seemed

feel as tense as

residence, any sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned to business

left alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth

just to the living room or

most of their

had heard them talk about the mechanical

family.

deal which

to after

Seth if Diaz International was

was the same as it had been initially with her. And

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

company affairs,

and being able to look up and

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new

been injured

on airs at this time. But

on

prepared a lavish dinner for her.

up the topic of the New Year’s

bring Cicely back to the Diaz

Patty’s mood didn’t match the

since they were legally married, spending New Year’s at

appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a

days when she was not at home, the vastness of the

had returned to spend a few days, the

would leave him alone

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle from

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the

Year was too heartless. After negotiating

to bring her

image of two old people spending

other, feels sad just thinking about it.

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for

the thought of Danielle’s haughty,

might be better off

since yesterday,

home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

a sumptuous feast knowing

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

Her face

with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary

shadow crossed her face, but

The way she said that made it sound like

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question and

couch. His voice was as

storm.

hands clasped tightly,

here. We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

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

not to let her

for her discharge. If

the Ellis family. You stay here for the holidays…”

“Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury. “The

got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

of her every

“By

an accident and play the

Ellis family’s dinners even more

anger, and she whirled to glare at

Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s

mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

don’t take

you who’s

“You…”

deep voice cut

which had been light and smiling, settled on a

she quietly awaited Seth’s

here to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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