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.

worked up, you know. Getting angry is

and I will be driven

Enter title…

and then let out a mocking laugh.

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

off.”d2

slightly as she looked

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

for you, even if you wish for a life of disability,

Even blood relatives fed up after years

do you think you

or four decades to live? How patient do

you day in and day out? Or

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her most vulnerable

for a second that you’re off the hook just because

even dream of running away. You were so proud, weren’t

up from your grave and lash your

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able to

me for

the neatly laid out food before

icy, detached

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

willing to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite.

nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats

“Understood.”

a deep

turning

steps, the door swung

the man

of Cicely brought a surge of intense

had just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as she

door. She reached out

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting

advantage of me that night when

score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he

raped me?”

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

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

get your facts straight. It was your drunken

mess, not anyone else’s doing.

Let’s not make her

the exchange,

expression flustered, “I’m

course, I know Danielle

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I

up, I’ll take

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

we can’t hold him accountable. He’s

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of that

and terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

been skeptical. A rich playboy,

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family

Danielle. It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by

frowned at

nearly get her

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

concern and guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea

to give Ray any more

clumsily, she shoveled

indifference.

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

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

jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and your

for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and

forehead. “He orchestrated the

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

dad said

he had his sights

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

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard

a fatal blow. He

night, I wasn’t

hadn’t shown up, who do you

at the receiving end of

had pondered this question

into it. She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you

before. I’ve checked with the doctors about

ahead. I came here today

to ask

up, her voice restrained and flat.

of that car for him, was it truly out of

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

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look

a motive, my only

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different.

be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

you still have stepped

set her fork down and looked

answer are

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect

had died, what would

“Whether true or not, that’s the answer

the villain in front of me to

caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve

I can’t, I

this composed yet so obsessively insane.

She was

left to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

slackened for a moment then

smile on her face.

heavy. “You hate

had another episode. Came to check on

a brief silence, she

in bullying a cripple, so

after Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

the side, instantly grasped what Seth

to check on

lately. She thought it might give you a

faltered for

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile

smile at the corners of her eyes and

and your presence

even leading to harm.”

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

hurt me when I’m fully able and

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

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved the disgust

No overt anger, just

the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer,

learned just a week

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

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

meal

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

ever trusted me?” The question floated

brief pause, he looked up to find

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for

at

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

and

a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards the

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious. “Miss,

at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise

us a heads up,

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was reading in the study. Not sure

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

made some buckwheat

the stairs, turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

a

deepened as she turned and

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out

brownish buckwheat wraps

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

for my father’s

frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

these dishes.

meals are quite simple. When

there’s no need

doubt his

was always a feast

she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly

Cicely, and her eyes

had but one master. That grand dining table now

a humble corner for his

in love,

father alone in

deeply

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

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs

with the servants, his face

didn’t you

to hide before I

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

there be so many

the couch. “He’s busy with work,

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

for dinner

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

to me.”

talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest of the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed

in with

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

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even

seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton

was too busy to make it

“Are you

hope for us

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway

from home. After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

your message imply

hung his coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep

your message as an invitation

pulled her

living

closeness,

these past few

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a

The dishes were all tailored to his

planned on joining him for dinner, but

stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting,

“Just came out

to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

back to the

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with him, and

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

family estate isn’t as

her water bottle, her expression

here for the

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

down his

explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even

said

over the same person or

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

here just on a

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

In fact, on my

then I saw my dad and changed

for me, but he could use some company.

I’m not fighting with

face was impassive, her lips curled

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it seemed

placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

believe it? If

in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from his water

his easy acquiescence,

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the study. It

conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

shopping app for little home

sets, and notebooks

liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened it

inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can

no need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth

be on my

looked up, turned around, and noticed

quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

to talk about for

The servant had

found some clothes and went to the

had been a while since she’d indulged in a good soak.

temperature, she slid into the tub and let out

was a view of the

rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

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

the years, glimpsing at them

edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

against the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her

She drifted in and out of

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid

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

she looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

be the first

but it was by the man who had appeared

room had

feel cold.

tried to shake

he stood next to her and began to undress in a brazen

“What

continued without missing a beat,

do in a

paused, grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover

she could leave, she was scooped up into his arms.

towel to her chest and glared

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face

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

lips with a voice that was low and enticing.

embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle

he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through her

your hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

consent before turning on the

Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

before

an inch,

away

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

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her scalp

her close into his chest to rinse it clean with the

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

all, there were more than a couple of

fallen for this

her hair, he

he took a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

Are you planning

there any

your apartment, it’s quite a trek

staying here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

flicker of anger

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

nothing compared to

better.”

sleep by

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

reached out

the warm water from the shower cascading

her eyes closed to prevent water from

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which left

insistent pressing against her and came

the

should

voice tightened, “Let go. I

we’re not going

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

and he moved with a familiarity that made it all

she’d scream out. She hit his

pain. “This is the

you seemed not

to keep it down in

around his waist, and as

until she was on

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas,

him, her soft

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

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

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

exhausted

*

The next day.

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

ones added from

and protective—or so

and he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her body

all too pleased.

up and slipping into

she found Creighton and

their morning exercise and

shook his head with a

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

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

in is the best

Skipping breakfast is bad for your health,

important meal.

didn’t you leave

irritation left Cicely speechless

to the office. Why would

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he didn’t mention

quite good at

really didn’t tell

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

with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

onto the couch, resting her elbow on

of elegance and

have lunch

were already leaving her

Danielle’s name had come up several times

her alone in the hospital while

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

set to visit the hospital the

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the

have

for dinner. His timing

first, while Cicely

up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

word, she went to the bathroom, and upon entering,

After a quick shower, she emerged to find

bed to play

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

bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with

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

for

can you be? It’s been

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

“Then what am

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

gently, “Then

away by her, Seth’s body

penetrating with unrestrained

air. She lifted her hands and started

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed

guard with

to death? I wouldn’t dream of

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as

inches from hers. A gentle

penalty for self-justification, then

Shouldn’t I

the same amused expression, yet a

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you

calmly and seriously

because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline,

to give

ran her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

her smooth chin, “You

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

have you ever heard, love and hate are two extremes.

one loves someone at the start, the more

and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

soft with flirtation, “Don’t

I doubt it will. I wouldn’t

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

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

buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

still early, so

leave and then paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely

glanced at

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

“Is there something you need to

me at

swiped and tapped on her phone

“I don’t know anything about business, what

do there?”

wouldn’t need to

in

have to

Do you think your

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only sure

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

start eating

won’t even know where to

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your own

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

you? Or maybe you want to leave me one day

to her,

like

who leaves a trail of broken

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

didn’t improve, and

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a

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

on why I harbor such uncomfortable

downloaded some files to your

as you can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

app

with a blur of text.

her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

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

mood.”

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

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse than

in the bedroom, the lights had

with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

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

face

Creighton was in a rush to find her

aside, he watched the woman

his face cold as he

arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

sentence, she fell silent

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a

than a cup of strong coffee.

grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

Seth away, she kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are you

mind?!”

grin as he swung his

shine, off to the

yanked the comforter over

show your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do

off with a huff, sat up,

him, but what strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow at

close by, and the pillow barely registered upon

I’m not

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on

If I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

wake you up

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners

into a

the covers aside and stomped off

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he

Seth, as if

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

task, she started brushing. It was not like she needed his

as simple as toothpaste. The

slight smile of

headed to the

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

to know anything.

I

just smiled and didn’t

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

prepared a new desk and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can

turned her face away,

excuse, “There

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can

you be

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving

there wolves in

focus on the reading; I’ll be back

retort

at her before leaving

clear

possibly stir up

Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

her pen, but within half an

her phone was

left the office, returning after another

through the drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

and then, noticing the time, went

and the

noon. Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

did you get through?” he

since it’s new to

morning and you’re proud of

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

noticing the black notebook she had taken

it open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

a

slightly, but

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited for an

declared as

the bridge of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

No complaints

clutched the files and approached him. Before she

long arm pulled her into an

leaning back with a

his grip tightened around her waist, his

taking

“What do you mean?”

you’d concoct all

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

attitude. If that’s not taking

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

you, and it’s intentional,

but Seth had no comeback,

harboring

current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to your

away and leaned back in his

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

fetched by Charlie from a local diner,

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by

“Not hungry.” His mood was as

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

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

a table laden with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody

huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

looked up at her

and picked up the elegantly

said we have to sleep together every

until you’re

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

it

to keep butting

her silverware tightened

continued to watch

with me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

had stayed

to slack off, but under

summoning various department heads

reports and progress reviews, the

As the well-known heiress of the Ellis

image for her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as

of the workday approached, Cicely

trembling, overly respectful demeanors

She hadn’t made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should probably

I’ve already

and moved to the door to put

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

Cicely knew she had to play

deal with things as they come. If

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

wasn’t

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely

waiting by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

to take a call and returned

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water

silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told

could ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

hadn’t even mentioned anything about

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

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this

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

has the know-how

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing

to Diaz International? Given the ties between

Ellis family, why

was cold. “The big fish like the Harper family, and the

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International

with the Ellis family’s

Ellis family picks Diaz International,

so many would kill for that kind of opportunity.

or do you just chicken out when

or the Watsons? Or is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

the Ellis family, are you suggesting

to make things easier for

surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with that?

line is what counts. Why sweat the small

for you, I’ll

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

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

the point of running Diaz International? Might as well

up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about

that’s actually a

thought about it,

eyes but said

chin

actually go through with that?

in the Ellis

personally, and I’ll cut

shares. How about

coolly. “What’s all

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on

mother, it’s probably Diaz International,

been

gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

of Diaz International. So what if

the sofa, with a carefree smile on her

to let it

tightened, clearly

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

the Ellis family banner

ever do to tick you

familiar tone that belonged to

her mug, then switched

standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix

wariness.

just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right?

to keep things so

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

even think about laying

International.”

eyes carrying a

wasn’t bringing it up,

up, his expression

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz residence,

Patty might be the

night was out

to the Ellis residence, Seth took the

are you off

“Same as today.”

in the office again,

there, I’ll disturb your

the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the

them now, I can

said, “Well, bring them

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged

to slice open the parcels with

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos

unpacked them but also studied

many times

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to

freshen up; we’re up

and handed him a

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

Beside her

the items were

light.

think

time did I realize there are

it

spoke while still engrossed in the

natural thing in

her to get

white tumbler in the

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting the

was still scattered, but after reviewing

they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

paced the office,

knock on the door.

with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at the sight, “Put them on the

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

returned to an office transformed. His desk

several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with

a cushion

even appeared on the coffee table.

question the wisdom of leaving

nothing

for lunch

much work did you

hesitantly added

the computer,

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

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text.

progress today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

objects on

reward, I’ll take you out

of escaping the office for a meal

*

at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports

and even if

affairs, she couldn’t help but

settled, it was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same

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

on the south, the

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem

wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

dressed as others, she still stood

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

in design, yet undeniably

her side was distractingly handsome, a

onlookers to look away.

had brought her to the Diaz International

the expected

whisking her away to

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

and father present, the spotlight was

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

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

their guests, receiving blessings

seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,”

hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot

at her coolly, “And

curious to take

retorted, “If your intentions

have considered it.”

just want to

“Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

about skipping the

a low profile there, and even more so in

its grand slam start and the valuable

envy of

up to

not a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists,

was deliberate, with

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As

his wrist, “What’s

be back soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

was slouched on the

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for

his feet

each syllable with

each word with venom. “You’re

flashing a thumbs-up at

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

victor who writes history, that I can’t

you; we

we had, you

such drama on the eve

hung in the air, the implications

were whispers about Seth’s tactics,

whim because Ray had

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to

are still a shareholder in

leave this place immediately.”

when Ray’s

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this

event. I

and I can’t tarnish

company, so tell

ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

think you can

seemed to strip away the last shred

stupor in his

if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shards scattering across

pierced through the

heart to skip a beat. Instinctively,

high heels a clumsy match

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s face

and she let out

forward, pulling Seth’s arm

circle to

Seth, her

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the woman

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

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

blood on

his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

unrestrained anger, she gripped his clothes tightly, her

she managed to say,

tall.

it landed on her pale,

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at her

not thinking straight. Have you had too much

will do you now? What if he

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical

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

fear, anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

a clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

“Where else are you

and tears fell from her

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk

self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

indignation, fear—all converged and broke

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she

her last desperate lunge to

high heels and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

tackled to the ground

with a knee on his back, restraining

and

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

broken bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been

away, Ray, pinned

at Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter in his

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

ankle and

but not

treated,

red and

she greeted

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and

their concern for

which he channeled into anger

known a day of hardship in her life, and

year, this happens!

“it’s not his fault. I was the one

and

a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt

pain stop, then

I’ll stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She

his words were stuffed back down his throat. After

could he not see through her

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

now took

process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

to the doctor, then stepped

Cicely with red eyes and pursed

lifted her arms and wrapped them around

hands passed under her knees, lifting her

slight sense of peace to the

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

returning to the Ellis residence was

never mentioned leaving the Ellis

rare holiday after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

– any

never leaving

Seth was impeccable in his

actions were

the bathroom to the

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some

slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince.

beside her, who seemed to make

tense as

the Ellis residence, any sitting with

turned to

left alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

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

to most of their

the mechanical

family.

the deal which should have been settled

year to

if Diaz International was interested

it had been

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

on to other matters.

company affairs, she found comfort

being able to look up and

residence just before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting Seth,

at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner

the topic of the New Year’s

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

was surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t

since they were legally married, spending

was the most appropriate and normal thing to

for a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang of sadness.

home,

she had returned to spend a few days,

for festive gatherings, would leave him

*

the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

them to pick up

leaving Danielle alone in

was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring her

the image of two old people

at home, staring at each other, feels

things up, serving

then again, the thought of Danielle’s

might be better off without

bustling since yesterday, and though they

for the New Year’s Eve

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

didn’t find anyone at the

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

face immediately

happily with Danielle. When

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

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

but she brushed it aside.

back.” The way she said that made

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought to keep

her best not to let

applied for her discharge. If

Ellis family. You stay here for the holidays…”

Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but

ashamed?”

even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The guest I invite

here. Danielle got herself

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

of her every single

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

and play the damsel in

Ellis family’s dinners even

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare

“This is the Ellis family’s dear

desperate for a mother figure that you have to

her?”

“Patty, don’t take

who’s making him

“You…”

voice

and smiling, settled

she quietly

here to celebrate, not to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255