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.

all worked up, you know. Getting angry

Seth and I

Enter title…

her coldly and then

disabled for life, you’ll never be

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

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

you wish for a life

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

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

How patient do you

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

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

to her most vulnerable

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

dream of running away. You were

from your grave and lash your

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

blame me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid

icy, detached voice rang

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

to eat, that’s if you don’t find

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

again, turning towards the door

could take two steps, the door swung open from

her expression darkening as the man who entered

brought a

just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she recalled

the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling any

clenched as he

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think

of me that

haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

“Seth never told

night?”

he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our

Ray, get your facts straight. It was your

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

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not

to the exchange, could hardly believe the

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle

that so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have

cleared up, I’ll take my

Cicely as they left the hospital

so we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been

yesterday, but I didn’t

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

back the

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

skeptical. A rich playboy,

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink, he’s willing

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

this accident was orchestrated by

at the

he’d nearly get her killed? That

*

by Danielle’s

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

give Ray any more attention than she

she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on its

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

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family

to be fooled by his

you can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

his agency, he had his

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who

on these things to make everyone relax

fatal blow. He

wasn’t simply

shown up, who do you

the receiving

had pondered this

to delve into it. She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it,

checked with the

optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

to ask

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

that car for him, was it truly

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

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray.

only desire was to win him

“It’s different. The accident

expect my father to be so

severe, would you still have

set her fork down and looked

are you

his lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

you off. If I had died, what would be

true or not, that’s the answer I

play the villain in front of me to push me

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

since I can’t, I need to find a reason for

Ray this composed yet so obsessively

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

of the elevator on

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when

her purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

familiar, faint smile on her face. “You’re

“You hate hospitals. What are

another episode. Came to check on her with

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced

bullying a cripple, so

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was

behalf to

it might give

gaze faltered for

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

of her eyes and lips

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with

when I’m fully

“The sooner she

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of her down

braved the disgust and

demeanor. No overt anger,

it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to

he’d learned just

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

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

sharing a meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

ever trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s

he looked up to find

She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment, her

at the Ellis

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family

sprawling manor, feeling

The dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

brows, and the

a bit. She got out of the car and

empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even

be cautious.

of her arrival, a look of

give us a heads

upstairs,

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

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody from

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple of

as she turned and headed straight

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to

for my father’s

were too frightened to reply,

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

says there’s no need to cook

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words,

table was always a feast of

reaching the study, she found Creighton

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

Cicely, and her eyes began

master. That grand dining table now set

corner for his simple

head over heels in love, insisting on living

father alone in

blamed herself deeply in

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

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came

his face lit up with

you

secrets to hide before I

not fighting with Seth again, are

so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

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

over for dinner

him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk

glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon.

playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets

chiming in with

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

lively and bustling,

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned

be.

Creighton

said he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving

glance, “Are you

for us to

Creighton relented.

Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario with

she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait up

Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s

assist Seth

message imply

rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to let

know.”

reason for a

invitation for

had pulled her

the living room. “Good

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

past few days,

“Not yet.”

whip up a few dishes.

were all tailored to his

for dinner, but as she

of her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two

deep breath, “Just came out

to the coffee table, bending

headed back to

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to

across from him did he glance up at

family estate isn’t as cozy as our

her expression nonchalant.

here for

Seth’s brow

set down

explain myself clearly

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

the same person

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

here just

on a reason, I have some. I’m on holiday,

you’re short on time. In fact, on my way back today, I

then I saw my dad and

time for me, but he could use some

not

her lips

part, coupled with

placed on the

noon.

believe it? If

amusement. “If you want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

took a sip from

was surprised by his easy acquiescence,

he disagreed today, it

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study.

what their conversation would be

matters.

for little home decor

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some

I’ll be on

looked up, turned around, and noticed

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

of milk.

upstairs.

talk about for

The servant had refilled their water

went to the bathroom where the bath

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

slid into the tub and let out a sigh of

the bathroom window was a view of the garden and

lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had asked her father

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit during

edge of the bathtub, staring

edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

water, soothing

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

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and

remove the towel from her eyes, her hand

she looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

be the first to

it was by

had

feel cold.

who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his

Then he stood next to her and began to

frowned, “What are

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

do in a

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

she could leave, she was scooped up into his

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

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face flushed

usual. He

voice that was low and enticing. “Share a shower

deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

aura, he preferred her current

demeanor.

run his

your hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

for her consent before turning

Seth’s hand covered her

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a

anger before it even took

inch,

away by

her arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover

modesty she could.

her hair with patience,

close into his chest to rinse it

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

without merit. After all, there were more than

for

he applied conditioner to her hair, he

took a quick

expression,

Are you planning to

any reason

it’s quite a trek from here to

staying here. I can’t

will.”

of anger

a smile as he drew closer to her.

nothing compared to

better.”

can’t sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

reached

the shower cascading

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing

and cryptic response, which left her

insistent pressing against her and came

had already set the

should

tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

not going

could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made it all too

bit her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She

pain. “This is the

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not

to keep it down

was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

her vision blurred until she was on the brink

off the hairdryer and slipping her into

She turned away from him, her soft

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

long arm scooped her into his embrace.

he’d

exhausted

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy marks on her

ones added from last

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

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

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and

exercise and

his head with a

fix that habit of skipping

offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and

the best

bad for your health, and too much

is the most important meal. Why are

didn’t you leave

irritation left Cicely

to the office. Why would I leave with

timing with your holiday. You

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

clear reluctance. “No,

he didn’t mention

at

really didn’t tell

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch,

blend of elegance

have lunch by yourself at

returned, and they were already leaving her to

come up several

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while

inappropriate and

to visit the

dared say the Ellis family

have a problem

time for dinner.

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and

to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom,

her. After a quick shower, she

into bed to play with

had finished his work.

walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

Wait for me,

“How horny can you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

what am I

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we have yet to talk

gently, “Then

her, Seth’s

with unrestrained

for air. She lifted her

soft whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

to death?” she managed

with their unintentional cuteness, and a

you to death? I

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

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

just inches from hers. A gentle

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification,

me? Shouldn’t I consider how

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

slightly tilted her head, calmly and

thinking that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline,

heart to give me

ran her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle stir

smooth chin, “You like me

moved from his face

heard, love and

someone at the start, the

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

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

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

bee sting to the nerve, his

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

buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so be good and wait for

paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

what his method of waking her might

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up

She glanced at

game.

and snatched the phone from her

strongly, “Is there something

me at the

and tapped on her phone

about business, what

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag

thing in

I have

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

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is

manage the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

start eating away at you, swallowing up

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

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

when truly in your

you insecure? You think one

maybe you want to leave me

to her,

“It sounds like you’re

a trail of broken

beyond these two reasons, is there anything

improve,

their depths

assume. In fact, instead of you being

reflecting on why I harbor such uncomfortable

handed her phone back, “I’ve downloaded some

as you can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had just downloaded for her

a blur of text.

of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not happy

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

mood.”

get up, grab a coat, and walk

well; it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two

his face looking worse than

lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving. He then

sleeping face

Creighton was in a rush to

tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

as he

the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a

coffee.

grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out of bed,

off

not going.” Cicely yanked

your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

flung the comforter off with a huff, sat

what strength could she muster

pillow

and the pillow barely

so over this, I’m not going to the

pillow, and placed it back on

by the time I’m out, I’ll

me to wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

As Seth

into a

the covers aside and stomped off

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as if on cue, applied

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

started brushing. It was not like she needed his

something as simple as toothpaste. The

the slight smile of

they headed to the

last night did you

to know anything.

I supposed to do

smiled

why

and chair

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you

her face

seemed to anticipate this excuse,

no matter what

an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and found

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and

you

a

“You’re leaving

in

focus on the reading; I’ll be back

her mouth to retort but held back. “Just

at her before leaving the

a clear sign

possibly stir up in the

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did

of marks with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her

minutes later, she left the office, returning

through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a black leather notebook

phone and then, noticing

and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the

student.

did you get through?”

since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

in a whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

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

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she

open, he found her doodles—a

a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth

as if

of his nose and sank into his chair.

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him. Before

into

Cicely said, leaning back with

waist, his

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes to

Now, you can’t even

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

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

it’s intentional,

but Seth had no comeback, “So

harboring intentions towards

that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

away and leaned back in

expression

Cicely watched him—

was

from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking

His mood was as frosty as

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

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by

laden with food, while he didn’t

her way.

leave it. Nobody said

huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

up at her with an

couch and

“Nobody said we have to sleep together

until

“How long

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

you sure you want to keep butting

silverware tightened before

to watch

me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation

stayed in his

under

him summoning various department heads for updates on all

reports and progress reviews, the office

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

father, she couldn’t afford

workday approached,

department leaders’ trembling, overly

made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s

in a while.”

should probably

need, I’ve already

moved to the door to put

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

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had

as they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

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

wasn’t

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

waiting by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea

Enter title…

and

a sip of warm

the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t understand

But with him always buzzing around,

hadn’t even

strand of her hair, her palm warming against the

“I overheard

He was talking about this new mechanical

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

The Ellis family has the know-how and the

bidding and choosing

over to Diaz International? Given the

the Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like the

eyeing the Ellis project.

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

so many would kill for that kind of

or do you just chicken out when you see the likes

it just that

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

fitting partners than Diaz International.

Ellis family,

make things

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong

Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

of pride for you, I’ll bang

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is there a

brows. “Too scared to take

the point of running Diaz International? Might as well

That way, you

Hmm, that’s actually a

more she thought about it, the more feasible it

eyes but

his silence, Cicely propped her chin

actually go through with that? Assess the value of

into shares for you in the

and I’ll cut you in on

shares. How

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for?

in Diaz International?”

me, if there’s anything

to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

by your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t

me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

International. So

with a carefree smile on her face. “Then

time to

lips tightened, clearly displeased with her

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

under the Ellis family banner the best

International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

a familiar tone that belonged

her mug, then switched on her charm

was already standing opposite her, her face a

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured

family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep

future is the future. You bite off only as much as

And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

eyes carrying a

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

since Seth had already stood up,

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

the real way to make her happy.

the night was out

residence, Seth

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

few seconds

a half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

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

like to open them now, I

said,

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

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small

not only unpacked them but also studied them.

times

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely amidst an array

freshen up; we’re

looked up and handed him a white

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved

name beneath. Beside her was

of the items were pairs, hers

light.

think of buying

time did I realize there are no traces

it

in the small items,

was the most natural thing in the world. Seth

urged her to

the white tumbler

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff

more. Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after

she realized they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

resumed

to an office transformed. His desk now sported

several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

a cushion

had even appeared on

question the wisdom of leaving her alone

as though she’d done nothing out of the

for

work

hesitantly added a

computer, bringing up a

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

full of text. Seth looked at

spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

a reward, I’ll take you

office for a

*

at

for reports and

routine stretched over several days, and

she couldn’t help but

everything settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and

same day, at

sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms

south, the

below Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem just

of silver high-heeled

still stood

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

Her clothes were simple in design, yet

her side was distractingly

to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries, to clink

her away to

gala was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight

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

almost like

guests, receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care

in her hand, Cicely teased with a

lot of

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of male

even curious to

your intentions weren’t so transparent,

have considered it.”

to

I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely

low profile there, and even more so in the

as a whole. C&P, after its grand slam start and

of many. Naturally, the number

up to

unwilling to waste time

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt and

from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

he spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and

over at Diaz

darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

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

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His

a sneer, using the steps for support as

feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

each word with venom.

flashing a thumbs-up at

play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

victor who writes history, that I can’t

My family never provoked you;

we had, you seized my family’s

anticipated such drama on the eve

air, the implications

Seth’s tactics,

a whim because Ray had once made

this had

against Ray .

it had been a

to

still a shareholder in your family

leave this place immediately.” Seth

their shares when Ray’s

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

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

your Diaz International event.

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

You destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it be fitting if

Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

Ray with icy detachment, “If you

makes you think you can

remark seemed to strip away the

in his eyes, which now brimmed

he

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next to

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

sound of the breaking glass pierced through

skip

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

let out a

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

a circle to avoid

to Seth, her

drop of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

appeared in his arms seemed about to

moment.

reverberated throughout the

intervene, felt a surge

blood on

on his arm stood out, and his face, usually

a bloodied sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly, her

pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

it landed on her pale,

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

and not thinking straight. Have you had too much to

him will do you

you?!”

though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

stem from the

made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

fear, anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he

on a clear cut on her right

“Where else are

her lip, and tears fell from

restlessness swirled within Seth. He

low voice, “Talk to

last ounce of self-control seemed to crumble

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

twisted it in her last

with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

on his back,

beside Seth and was quick to

had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In that

broken bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

pinned down by

shout at Seth’s retreating

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

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

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

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but not

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

red

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and returned to

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

concern

concern, which he channeled into

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

year, this happens!

“it’s not his fault. I was the one

and

glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

sniffled, “It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but if

pain stop,

himself off

until all his words were stuffed back down his throat. After

could he not see through

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

the gala when she had unexpectedly

him with her

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on

these swirling emotions,

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

her arms

knees, lifting her

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

and Seth back to

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence

all, she had never mentioned leaving

after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed

leaving her

was impeccable in his

actions

carried Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s

shift in pressure and

man beside her, who seemed to

feel as tense as

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that

turned to

bored in her room, insisted Seth take her with

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

to most of

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

which should

to after

Diaz International was interested in

as it had been initially with

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort in

to Seth’s voice and being able to look

at the Ellis residence just before the new year.

had been injured protecting Seth,

at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish

brought up the topic of the New Year’s Eve

to

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

but since they were legally married, spending New

most appropriate

glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

when she was not at home, the vastness

Just as she had returned to spend a few days,

would leave him alone

*

Eve, Seth took

residence.

to pick

that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

After negotiating with the

bring her

However, the image of two

at home, staring at each other, feels sad just

liven things up, serving as

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

feel that it might

bustling since yesterday, and

for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

knowing

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

who should have been

Her face

Danielle. When she saw

the room, her expression paused for a

smiling.

wheelchair, also

but she brushed

back.” The way she said that

here?” Seth asked, ignoring

voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

her chest, but she fought to keep it

to let her emotions flare out

dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going

should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here

“Patty is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

got herself injured

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

her every single

a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who

and play the

Ellis family’s dinners

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare

pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s

a mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction

it you who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

been light and smiling, settled on

quietly awaited Seth’s next

celebrate, not to start

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