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

Seth and I will be

Enter title…

then let out a

you? If I really am disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

smile. “How shameless are you

if you wish

Even blood relatives fed

important do you think you are

or four decades to live? How patient do you think

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

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her most vulnerable

a second that you’re off the hook just because

of running away. You were

will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse

get better soon, you

blame me

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

Cicely’s icy, detached voice

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

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

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in place. To

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

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

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a

turning towards the

two steps, the door swung open

expression darkening as the man who

brought a surge

from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows

opened the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling

clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think

who nearly took advantage of me that night when

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

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

“Seth never told you

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr. Ray’s

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

facts straight. It was your drunken folly

this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

dependent. Let’s not

to the exchange, could

expression flustered,

I know Danielle is the biggest

Cicely nodded with a smile,

I’ll

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved

him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here.

I

the bag in her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of

vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family

It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed a

*

stood by Danielle’s bed. His

guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea

the mood to give Ray any more

she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

of

up from her plate. “Is it really necessary

and your family is on its last

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and a

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

to be fooled

what you can imagine. My dad said

had his sights set on

by a guy who hasn’t graduated from college

on these things to make everyone relax their guard

a fatal blow. He

That night, I wasn’t

hadn’t shown up, who do you think would

the receiving end of

face drained of color. She had pondered this question before, but

She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

it up before. I’ve checked with

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead.

to ask

her voice restrained and

stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly

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

turned to

with a motive, my only desire was to

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

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

you still have

long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked

answer are you

his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me off

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

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

you don’t have to play the villain in front of me to push me

like denying everything I’ve

I need to find a reason

seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

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

left to lose, there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

the elevator on the ground

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

for

with a familiar, faint smile

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals.

had another episode. Came to check on her

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

a cripple, so

Cicely

what Seth was worried

here on your behalf to check on

been lately. She thought it might give you a

gaze faltered

her neck, presenting only

of her eyes and lips was

your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

looked up at him with a light smile. “I

hurt me when I’m

darkened. “The sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved the

anger, just a serene and

she displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out to

learned just

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

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

meal with

with such blunt

question floated into

brief pause, he looked up to find

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

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment,

Dad at the

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

brows, and the

bit. She got out of the

empty, with servants occasionally moving about

to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise on

give us a heads

upstairs, “Where’s

long ago and was reading in the study. Not sure

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some

her ascent up the stairs, turning

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight for

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

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

you prepared for my father’s

too frightened to

“Sir has been

for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

Elderly folks’ meals

no need to cook

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

family’s dining table was

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

resting on his chest, his

and her eyes began

but one master. That grand dining table now set

corner for his

married early, head over heels in

father alone in

herself deeply in her

wake Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came

his face lit up

little rascal, why didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to hide before

glared at her. “You’re not fighting with

be so many quarrels?”

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

all the

over for

have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk

glued to Creighton for the rest of

demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she placed

occasionally chiming in

golden; don’t meddle in the

lively and bustling, and even the servants

to have returned

be.

Creighton inquired about

too busy to make it back.

glance, “Are you two really

for us to be

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic

all, she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis

frown and moved to assist Seth with

imply for me to

his coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

for a married couple to sleep apart.

an invitation for us to

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

into the living

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

past few

“Not yet.”

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

dishes were all tailored to

on joining him for dinner, but as she

her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t

took a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

made her way over to the coffee table,

to the

Enter title…

to dine with him, and

him did he glance up

the Ellis family estate isn’t as

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

here for

crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down

not explain myself clearly

understand very well. Now that you’ve explained

“I said I’m not fighting with

time over the same

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

just on a

some. I’m on holiday,

In fact,

staying, but then I saw my dad

for me, but he could use some company. Are these

prove I’m not fighting

was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

part, coupled with her subtle expression,

answer had been placed on the

noon.

If not, she

twitched in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from his water

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

Cicely came to understand why

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in

their conversation

matters.

browsed her shopping app for

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with

but she liked doodling

door was knocked, the servant opened it to find

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

sending you

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and wait

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

I’ll be on

up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell

glass of milk. After finishing her milk, Cicely

upstairs.

have to talk about for so

The servant had refilled their

clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath had

drawn. It had been a while since she’d

temperature, she slid into the tub and let

the bathroom window was a view of the garden and

lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her father to install the

them had

edge of the bathtub,

edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

water, soothing her fatigue. With the

move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively

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

fell away, and she looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by the man who

room had dissipated when

feel cold.

tried to shake off his

Then he stood next to her and

frowned, “What are

a beat, dropping his clothes into the

one do in a

paused, grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

leave, she was scooped

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

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed

usual. He smirked,

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

deflated embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle

aura, he preferred her current

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her

your hair

“No.”

of the shower

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on

hand covered her eyes.

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

before it

stood still, not moving an inch, as the towel she’d

yanked away

in front

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

her close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

entirely without merit. After all, there were more

for

he

took a

a cool expression, Cicely

you planning to stay

any

a trek from here to the

here. I can’t exactly haul

will.”

of anger

as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking up

earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

can’t sleep by

leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her into

from the shower cascading

eyes closed to prevent water from

his succinct and

something insistent pressing against her

set the showerhead aside, his hand

forehead against hers. “We should get out

go. I can dry it

not going

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

a

scream out. She hit his shoulder

pain. “This

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you

to keep it

wrapped around his waist, and as

until she was on

turning off the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

her

other side of the bed, facing

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

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

was too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

Seth was already

with new ones

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks, he

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

and listless, she

returned from their morning exercise and were already

shook his head with a mix of

“You really should fix that habit of

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

is the best

bad for your health, and too much

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are

you leave with

irritation left Cicely

the office. Why

with your holiday. You could

of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t mention

good at passing the

really didn’t tell

that she genuinely didn’t know,

to the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

her legs onto the

posture a blend of elegance

have lunch by yourself

and they were already leaving her

come up several

hospital while the rest of them sat at

table was incredibly inappropriate and

they were set to visit the hospital the

say

have a problem

time for dinner.

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

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

desk.

the bathroom,

After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth still

into bed to play

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

brushed her

peck on the lips.

Wait for me,

looked up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what

are plenty of things

him gently,

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with

for air. She

whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to

off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

face just inches from hers. A gentle smile

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I

face held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you

head, calmly and seriously

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

give

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle

chin, “You like me

hand moved from his

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

start, the more they

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling

soft with

comes, which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t

a bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes

He let go of Cicely’s chin

two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

let you off tonight. It’s still early,

“If you’re not obedient, I’ll have

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking her might

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was

at him,

game.

the phone from her hands.

there something you

me at

talking, he swiped and tapped

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

do there?”

wouldn’t need

in

have to

think your dad asking

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your only sure

manage the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

a weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

truly in

“What makes you insecure? You think

maybe you want to leave me

her, his gazes were unfathomably

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

leaves a trail of

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

shifted, the shadow in their

In fact, instead of you being

on why I harbor such

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

you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had just downloaded for

text.

of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

coat,

understood all too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

study for two

face looking

the lights had

sleeping with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced at

she hadn’t closed.

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

face and

Creighton was in a rush to

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the

he pulled her into his

arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her

her one sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke

coffee. Even for

morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

hard a couple of times. “Are you out of

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung

off to

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off

but what strength could she muster just

a pillow

the

this, I’m not going

and placed

I don’t see you up by the time I’m

wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

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

into a

and stomped off to

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he

took her brush, and Seth, as if on

glanced at their reflection. Seth

aside.

started brushing. It was not like she

as toothpaste.

slight smile of

they headed to the Ellis

document from last

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do

just smiled

office, Cicely understood why he

He had prepared a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can keep

face away, “Computers have

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

no matter what excuse

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

and

you

a C&P

“You’re leaving

wolves in

reading; I’ll

her mouth to retort but held back.

glanced at her before leaving

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

she possibly stir up in

did take the documents seriously for a

but within half an hour, the

her phone

minutes later, she left the office,

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

a

with her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

and

noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

you get through?”

it’s new to me, so I’m on the third

a whole morning

stung.

bristled, “Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting

desk, noticing the black notebook she had

it open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

a confident,

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

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth waited

as

and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

prepared? No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

leaning back

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

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct all kinds

Sweet and respectful. Now,

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

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because

you, and it’s

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no

feel like harboring

current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

it’s to

leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking of

by a flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?”

food, while he didn’t

her way.

it.

eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

at her

the couch and picked up the

have to sleep

until you’re

stoic, “How long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened

to watch

me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation since

had stayed in

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

summoning various department heads for updates

reports and progress reviews,

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

her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

workday approached, Cicely

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

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

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should probably let

I’ve already told

to the door to put on

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

it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to

they come. If Patty was

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

wasn’t her biggest

and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after a few

Cicely. He took a sip of

minutes of silence, Seth broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if she didn’t

him always buzzing around, she

hadn’t even mentioned

of her hair, her

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

this new mechanical equipment

the socks off the old models. We could corner the market

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

bidding

over to Diaz International? Given the

and the Ellis family, why

“The big fish like

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

the Ellis family’s offer just

If the Ellis family picks Diaz International,

many would kill for

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

it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

Corporation, I can say that the Harper

all more fitting

with the Ellis family, are you

to make things easier for

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance.

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile. “Is there

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

the point of running Diaz International? Might

up. That way, you

that’s actually

thought about it, the more

narrowed his eyes

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled at

actually go through with that? Assess the value of

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

and I’ll cut you in

shares. How

“What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on this

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

been thinking

that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

the last bit of Diaz International. So

the sofa, with a carefree

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased with

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

under the Ellis family

International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

then switched on her charm as she stood

her face

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a bad

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

to keep things

out a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off

even think about

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

wasn’t bringing it up, neither would

had already stood up, his

go.”

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

forcefully suppressing a multitude of

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

be the real way to make

was

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

you

“Same as today.”

in the

there, I’ll disturb your

the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before

curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

“No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

I can

said, “Well, bring them out,

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

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the

knife.

– mugs, thermos

unpacked them but also studied them. Her

many times more focused and

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an array

up; we’re

handed him a white travel

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

name beneath. Beside her was a matching black

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

light.

think of buying

this time did I realize there are no traces

it feels

in the small items, her

most natural thing in the world. Seth

urged her to get

the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff to

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing

realized they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paced the

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

perked up at the sight, “Put

resumed her

an office transformed. His

holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his,

cushion on

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

the wisdom of leaving her alone in the

done nothing out of the ordinary,

“What’s for lunch

countered, “How much work did you

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

a few keys on the computer, bringing

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware

“I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text.

progress today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

reward, I’ll take you out

for a meal was music

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

staff for reports and

routine stretched over several days, and even

about company affairs, she

was time for

a hectic affair.

and C&P were arranged to hold

same day, at

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor

south, the other north,

was just below Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the hem

pair of silver high-heeled

stood out as the most eyecatching in the

Cicely

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome,

away.

International

expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

her away

Corporation gala was orchestrated by

the

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

almost like a bride and

guests, receiving blessings and

mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P gala

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

Cicely

are a lot of celebrity beauties

her coolly, “And

even curious to

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

have considered it.”

just want to admire the pretty

day I’ll bring them all to

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala.

a low profile there,

whole. C&P, after its grand

of many. Naturally, the number

cozy up to Seth was

a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists, both overt and

C&P event was deliberate, with

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

got drunk at the C&P gala and

commotion over

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

wrist,

be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of sight, then

International’s gala, Ray was slouched

nearly finished bottle of

a sneer,

feet

syllable with a bitterness

each word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

laughed coldly, flashing

I’ve seen just how ruthless

the victor who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall of

provoked you; we were

what the we had, you seized my family’s

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of their holiday

the air, the implications

tactics, about how Ray’s family had

because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

it had been

seemed to confirm

shareholder in your family business, my suggestion

this place immediately.” Seth

when Ray’s family had

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this

Diaz International event. I can’t do anything

I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz

my company, so

International, let you taste

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

makes you think you

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

stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

and he looked as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with such

sending sharp shards scattering across the

the breaking glass pierced through

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

strides towards Seth, her high heels

jagged remains of the bottle

and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

Seth’s arm and embracing him

half a circle

clung to Seth,

fell onto Seth’s

about to fall out of his embrace. at

moment.

reverberated throughout

intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually cool and

seething with

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

she gripped his clothes tightly,

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him.

not thinking straight. Have you had too much

him will

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

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

fear, anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart as he

finally resting on a clear cut on her right

dark. “Where else are

bit her lip, and tears fell from

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk to

to crumble under Seth’s growl,

converged and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

her last desperate lunge to save

and, with

his arms.

to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

knee on his back, restraining

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when

had caused him a moment’s

had swung

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

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

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a

but not

already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

call and returned to

Seth gave a brief nod to the

their concern for

his concern, which he

never known a day of hardship

new year, this

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

and

I

Enter title…

hurt if

pain stop,

I’ll stop,” he said, cutting himself

words were

he not see

somewhat

the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

could process these swirling emotions,

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

as could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped

knees, lifting her from the

a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back

care, and returning to the

never mentioned leaving the

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely

carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the

impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet

carried Cicely from the bathroom to

waiting.

the doctor’s

in pressure and Cicely

a heavy silence from the man beside her,

tense as

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

turned to

and bored in her

it was just to the living room or the study. So

to most of

talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled before

year to

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

the same as it had been initially with

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs, she

to Seth’s voice and being able to

the Ellis residence just before the new year. After all, as

been injured protecting Seth, Patty

airs at this time. But Patty’s

than on

prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the

mood didn’t match

they were legally married, spending New Year’s

the most appropriate and normal

glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep pang

days when she was not at home, the

as she had returned to spend a

for festive gatherings, would leave

*

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

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

that leaving Danielle alone in

negotiating with the doctor, they finally

to bring

image of two old people

feels sad just thinking about it. .

things up, serving

then again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

it might be better off

bustling since yesterday, and though

to Cicely not being home for the New Year’s

knowing

at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving

should have been picked up

Her face immediately

happily with Danielle. When she

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

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a

crossed her face, but she brushed it aside.

back.” The way she said that made

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

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

storm.

hands clasped tightly,

couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

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

best not to let her emotions flare out of

for her

family. You stay here for the

is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

in taking care of her every single day of the

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

play the

the Ellis family’s dinners even

turned pale with anger, and she whirled

pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis

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

her?”

“Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out

you who’s

“You…”

voice cut through

light and smiling,

she quietly awaited Seth’s

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and make

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