The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

get all worked up, you know. Getting angry

life, Seth and I

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking

disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

looked at Danielle,

faint smile. “How shameless are you to say

you wish for a life of disability,

will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after years

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

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

out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her

you’re off the hook just

dream of running away. You were so proud,

from your grave and lash your corpse to

get better soon, you might be able to

me for

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

icy, detached voice

wouldn’t starve myself just

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

standing by. “Keep an eye

she eats

“Understood.”

a deep

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

steps, the door swung

darkening as the man who

sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his

returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows

he opened the door. She

Ray, feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

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

nearly took advantage of me that night when you

score yet,

castrated you myself.”

hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told

night?”

what he

raped me?”

a faint smile, she added,

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for

It was

mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true

not

to the exchange, could hardly

to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not

Of course, I know Danielle is the

with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll

as they left the hospital room.

him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

bag in her hands

the chaos

terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

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

had been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

frowned at

much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

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

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

she shoveled

indifference.

of

not looking up from her plate.

him now, and

chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

his knuckles were white,

orchestrated the downfall

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his

you can imagine. My dad said the moment

his sights set

by a

things to make everyone relax their guard

blow. He played innocent

night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

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

the receiving end of

had pondered

it. She didn’t want to confront

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

“I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is why I

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead.

ask you

look up, her

that car for him, was it truly out of

or was it just

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

my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

expect my father to be so obstinate.

you

Danielle set her fork down and looked up

are you hoping

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect

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

not,

have to play the villain in front of

you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt.

back, I would, but since I can’t, I need to

had never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray

telling

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

for a moment then

with a familiar, faint smile

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

episode. Came to check

silence, she glanced at him coolly.

a cripple, so don’t

Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

grasped what Seth

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

She thought it might give

faltered for a

neck, presenting only her profile to

of her eyes

volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

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

when

“The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved

No overt anger, just a serene and

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

out

learned just a

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

to join me. And as it

meal with you

such blunt

The question floated

looked up to find

room for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment, her

Dad at

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an

stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

her brows, and the already somewhat

of the car and walked towards the

occasionally moving about in silence. Even

to be

her arrival, a

give us a

glanced upstairs,

not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some buckwheat

her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of side

frown deepened as she turned and

she ordered the servants to

the brownish buckwheat

a light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her

prepared for my

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads

has been preferring lighter

these dishes. Even if we prepared

meals are quite simple. When you’re

says there’s no

not to doubt his

family’s dining table was

found Creighton slumped

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly

Cicely, and her eyes began

one master. That grand dining table now

humble corner

in

father alone in

herself deeply in her

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

from his nap

the servants, his face lit up with an

rascal, why didn’t you

secrets to hide before

“You’re not fighting with Seth

be so many quarrels?”

onto the couch. “He’s busy

all the home-cooked

for dinner

him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

I’ll talk to

for the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while

chiming in with

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

bustling, and even the servants

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

make it back.

you two really

for us to

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

away from home. After all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

Seth showed up at the Ellis

assist Seth with his

your message imply for

on the rack, her voice

know.”

there’s no reason for a married

your message as an invitation for us

could respond, he had pulled her

living room.

seeing the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

hard these past few days,

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

all tailored to

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

her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t

“Just came out

way over to the coffee

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine

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

the Ellis family estate isn’t

gripped her water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

for the

brow as

down

not explain myself clearly

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even clearer.”

“I said

wasting time over the same person or

dabbed his mouth with a napkin, “So

just on a

some. I’m on holiday,

In fact, on my way back

but then I saw my

time for me, but he could

prove I’m not fighting with

lips curled

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

been placed on the question she had left

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

sip from his water glass. “As

his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

he disagreed today,

understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in the study. It

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

for little home decor items –

and notebooks with pens. Not

she liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

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

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait

no need, I just have an errand.

on

looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray

seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

talk about for so

The servant had refilled their water

clothes and went to

a while since she’d indulged in a good

the tub and let

window was a view of the garden

rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

she had asked her father to install the fountain

Over the years, glimpsing at them

bathtub, staring at

pressed down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her

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

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair,

up to see the man frowning at her from

side of the tub.

be the first to drown in

startled, but it was by the man who had appeared

the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

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

and began to undress in

“What

a beat, dropping his clothes into

one do in a bathroom?

beside the tub to

Before she could leave, she

chest and glared up

to do?”

down at the woman in his arms,

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

voice that was low and enticing. “Share a shower with

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

preferred her

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through her

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

for her consent before turning

hand covered her eyes. “Close your

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

before it

moving an inch, as the

yanked away

her arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover up

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her

chest to

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

After all, there

fallen for this

hair, he nudged her toward

he took a

a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning to stay

any reason I

apartment, it’s quite a trek

insist on staying here. I

will.”

flicker of anger

as he drew closer to her.

to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

reached out to pull

from the

to prevent water from flowing into

focused on his succinct and cryptic

felt something insistent pressing

already set the

against hers. “We should

tightened, “Let go. I can dry

not going out

lips closed

with a familiarity

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

than pain. “This is

you seemed

it down

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around

until she was on the brink

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

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

his long arm scooped her into

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

too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

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

with new ones added

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

tend to it. Yet now, with her body

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into

she found Creighton and

their morning exercise and

his head with a mix

should fix that habit

offered by the servant, sipped half of it,

is the best

for your health, and too much

most important meal. Why are you still

didn’t you leave

Cicely

to the office. Why would I leave

with your holiday.

at the company instead of ending

clear

why he didn’t mention

“You’re quite good at

really didn’t

she genuinely didn’t know,

your grandfather to see

come?”

onto the couch,

of elegance

have lunch by yourself at

just returned, and they were already leaving her to

come up several times at the

if leaving her alone in the hospital while

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

visit

Anyone who dared say the

Danielle would have a problem

time for dinner. His timing was

upstairs first, while Cicely sat

living room before going up to her bedroom,

desk.

went to the

After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

bed to play with her

long after, it seemed like Seth had

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead

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

for

up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been days on end. What

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what am I

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

pushed him gently,

away by her, Seth’s body pressed

with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted

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

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she

with their unintentional cuteness, and a

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

a little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as

inches from hers. A gentle

a penalty for self-justification,

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

amused expression, yet a

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

confident, thinking that because I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give me a

ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a

chin, “You like me

moved from his

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

one loves someone at the start, the more they

crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

soft with

doubt it will. I

sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed

he cracked a faint smile. He let

already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and

“If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

what his method of waking her

from the shower, Cicely was propped up

game. She glanced at

game.

and snatched the phone from

there something you need

at the office tomorrow

swiped and tapped

don’t know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

little, you wouldn’t need to tag along with

thing in the

have to

the good little girl? Do you think your dad asking you to learn

on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is the

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

of a weak moment and start eating away

even know where to cry. Don’t

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too?

only when truly in your own

you insecure? You

want to leave me one day

her, his gazes

like you’re quite convinced you’ve fallen for

leaves a trail of

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

improve, and he

their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

to assume. In

reflecting on why

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

much as you can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had just downloaded for

with a blur of text. “What will

then got out of bed,

Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

a coat, and walk out.

too well; it wasn’t about reflection.

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

his face looking worse than

lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

into bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

the same one he’d opened for

face

Creighton was in a rush to find her a

phone and tossing it aside, he

face cold as he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep her up

one sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss

coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

him hard a

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out

off to

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do

comforter off with a huff, sat up,

could she

pillow

the pillow barely registered upon

so over this, I’m not going to

picked up the pillow, and placed

get ready. If I don’t see you up by the time I’m out,

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

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away,

into a sly

aside and stomped off to

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

brush, and Seth,

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

on her task, she started brushing. It was not like

toothpaste. The frothy

the slight smile of

breakfast, they headed to the

from last night

to know anything.

So what am I supposed to do at the

smiled

office, Cicely understood why

a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away, “Computers

anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

no matter what

she moved to the desk and found

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can

you

a

“You’re leaving me

wolves in

the reading;

mouth to retort but held back.

glanced at her

been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no

stir up in the

Cicely did take the documents seriously

of marks with her pen, but within half an

and her phone was

office, returning after

the drawers, fiddled with

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

her phone and then, noticing the time, went

and

returned before noon. Cicely sat

student.

did you get through?” he

it’s new to me, so I’m on the

files in a whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here

noticing the black

it open, he found her doodles—a

written in a confident, flamboyant

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited for

as

sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him.

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

leaning back

her waist, his

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d

respectful. Now,

attitude. If that’s not

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

and it’s intentional, Mr.

impunity, but Seth had no

harboring

our current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to

and leaned back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

by Charlie from a local

to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by

“Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a

office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

me to eat all this by myself?” she

with food, while

her way.

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

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

her with

settled onto the couch and picked up the elegantly

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep together every

until

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

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in a

you want to keep butting heads

silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to watch

me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation

stayed in his

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye,

with him summoning various department

reports and progress reviews,

the well-known heiress of the Ellis

she couldn’t afford

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of

trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should

need, I’ve already

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least

Cicely

just deal with things as they come.

not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was

wasn’t her biggest

and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

waiting by the door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after a few

a sip of warm water from his

broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t understand

him. But with him always

even mentioned anything about

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm warming against the

overheard

about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

to knock the socks off the old models.

The Ellis family has the know-how

Instead of bidding

the deal over to Diaz

and the Ellis family,

“The big fish like the Harper

Ellis project.

Ellis family’s

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

not up for it, or do you just chicken out when

Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz

work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my

Corporation to make things

stance. “What’s wrong

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

you, I’ll

a

brows. “Too scared to take the big

running Diaz International? Might as well

family swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry

actually a pretty

about it, the more feasible it

eyes but

chin in her

we actually go through with that?

for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could

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

shares. How about

“What’s all

in Diaz International?”

me,

your mother, it’s probably Diaz

know, I’ve been

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as

International. So what if I say

with a carefree

time to let

clearly displeased with

Cicely just smiled thinly.

the Ellis family banner

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

that belonged to

then switched on her charm as

her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea

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

No need to keep

a scoff, “The future is the future. You

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

International.”

eyes carrying a mild,

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

since Seth had already stood up,

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

suppressing a

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but

dining with Patty might be the real way to make

the night was out

to the Ellis residence, Seth took the

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in

I’ll disturb your

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

for a few

a half-smile, “Should I

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

parcels for you today; they’ve been temporarily

to open them now, I can bring them out

said, “Well, bring them out,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small decorations in

She not only unpacked them but also studied them. Her

manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

down to

“Go freshen up;

a white travel

examined it—it had a notable heft, and

beneath. Beside her was a matching black one, likely

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

light.

made you think of buying all

I realize there are

and it

in the small items,

in the world. Seth

urged her to get some

white tumbler

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the

still scattered,

much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at

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

returned to an office transformed.

several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with a simpler

cushion on

flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

question the wisdom of

she’d done nothing out of the ordinary,

“What’s for

countered, “How much work

hesitantly

keys on the computer, bringing up

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

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

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

I’ll take you out

the office for a meal was music to

*

at the Ellis

summoning staff for

stretched over several days, and even

she

everything settled, it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and

the same day, at

comprised two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The

the south, the

was just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes,

others, she still stood out as the

birth, Cicely seemed destined

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly

look away. Cicely had everything people

the Diaz International gala to make the rounds, to

the expected pleasantries,

away to the Ellis

orchestrated by Seth’s people,

present, the spotlight was

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were met

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

their guests, receiving blessings and drinks

Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

Cicely teased with a mischievous

are a lot of celebrity

coolly, “And

to

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

have considered it.”

to admire the pretty

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

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala.

there, and

after its grand slam start and the valuable

its grip, was the envy of many.

cozy up to Seth

not a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for

was deliberate, with

after, Charlie hurriedly

Diaz, Ray got

over at Diaz

his demeanor darkened. As he stood

wrist, “What’s

put, I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

bottle of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer, using the

his feet and

emphasizing each syllable

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

coldly, flashing a

I’ve seen just how

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for the

My family never provoked you; we were just in your way.

we had,

on the eve of their holiday

hung in the air, the implications clear to

Seth’s tactics,

whim because Ray had once made

had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm

are still a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion

this place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

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

event. I can’t do

of what I have, and I can’t tarnish

you. You destroyed my company, so tell

Diaz International,

today?”

Ray with icy detachment, “If

you think

to strip away the

stupor in his

he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

shattered, sending sharp shards

sound of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din

skip a beat. Instinctively, her

her high heels a clumsy match

remains of the bottle at

out a breathless

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

a circle

Seth,

onto

seemed about to fall out of his

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at

blood on his

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

bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped his clothes

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

gaze softened as it

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

thinking straight. Have

will do you now? What if

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

fear, anger, or

heart as he

on her right arm.

else

bit her lip, and

and restlessness

voice,

seemed to crumble under

converged and broke

“My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

had twisted it in her last

at her high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

with a knee on his back, restraining

Seth and was quick to react when Ray

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In that

bottle had

Cicely had been cut on

Seth carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie

could only shout at Seth’s

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

done!”

falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and

frenzy.

and a

too shallow, but not

already been treated, her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

and returned to

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

concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

day of hardship in her life,

new year, this happens!

suddenly interjected, “it’s not his

listen and

a glare. “Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but

make the pain stop, then go

he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

until all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

a lifetime, could he not see through her

her hair somewhat disheveled but

the gala when she

him with her

Totally unexpected.

now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling

the

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

her arms and wrapped

passed under her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth

and returning to the Ellis residence was the best

she had never mentioned

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

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to move,

leaving her side. Apart from the

impeccable in

complaint-free actions were

from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution,

slight shift in pressure and Cicely

man beside her, who seemed

tense as

sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned

her room,

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

most of

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

which

to

had asked Seth if Diaz International was

it had been initially with her. And

However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort

to Seth’s voice and being able

at the Ellis residence just before the

who had been injured protecting Seth,

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

than on

a lavish dinner for

she brought up the topic of the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the

they were legally married, spending New Year’s

most appropriate and normal thing

glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang

home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

as she had returned to spend a few days,

for festive gatherings, would leave

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

bring

However, the image

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

up, serving as

thought of Danielle’s haughty,

it might

bustling since yesterday, and though they

to Cicely not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

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

Danielle, who should have

face immediately

Danielle.

the room, her expression paused for a moment, but then she

smiling.

wheelchair, also

face, but she brushed

The way she said that made it

you doing here?” Seth

voice was as flat as the

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not

leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she fought to keep it in

her best not to let her emotions

my dad who applied for her discharge.

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

on Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

herself

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

of her every

curled into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

stage an accident and play the damsel in

Ellis family’s dinners even more

anger, and she

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out

who’s

“You…”

voice cut

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

quietly

here to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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