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.

know. Getting angry is

I will

Enter title…

and then let out a mocking laugh. “You’re

you? If I really am disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

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

you wish for

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

How important do you think you are

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

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

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her

second that you’re off the hook just

of running away. You were so proud, weren’t you? Well,

I will dig you up from your grave and lash your

if you get better soon, you

me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out

Cicely’s icy, detached voice

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

to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in place. To eat

Cicely would win.

appetite.

by. “Keep an eye on her.

eats

“Understood.”

a deep

look at her again, turning towards the door

take two steps, the door swung

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought

the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as

he opened the door. She reached

feeling

clenched as

mixed with rage.

you

the one who nearly took advantage of me

score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

“Seth never told

night?”

he say negate the fact

raped me?”

smile, she

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our

facts straight. It was your drunken folly

else’s doing.

not make

exchange, could hardly believe the

to Danielle, his expression

I know Danielle

with a smile, “Then I must have

I’ll take my

they left the hospital room.

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

by yesterday, but I didn’t

clenched the bag in her hands until

Ray again brought back the chaos of

vivid and terrifying that

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr.

playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family

It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by

frowned at

much he’d nearly get her killed? That

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

mood to give Ray any more

she shoveled food into

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used, your

looking up from her plate.

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

a chance for a

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the downfall of

told you not to be fooled by his

can imagine. My dad said the moment he

had his sights set

talent agency, run by a guy who

relied on these things to make

blow. He played innocent but was

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

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

at the receiving end of my

drained of color. She had

to delve into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe

I’ve checked with the doctors

a rough road ahead. I came here today to see

ask

look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

you stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly out of a willingness

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

and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does

motive, my only desire was

melancholic smile. “It’s different.

I didn’t expect my father to be

severe, would you still have

Danielle set her fork down and looked

answer are

his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point of

or not, that’s the answer I needed to

play the villain in front of me to push

stop caring for you, it’s like denying

would, but since I can’t, I need

seen Ray this

She was afraid of Ray in this

no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

the elevator

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

for a moment then tightened.

faint smile on her face. “You’re

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

she had another episode. Came

a brief silence, she glanced

a cripple, so don’t

here not long after Cicely

grasped what Seth

your behalf to

She thought it

faltered for a

neck, presenting only

at the corners of her eyes

moods are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

looked up at him with a light smile. “I

could hurt me when I’m fully

sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

tucked into

I braved

again, that demeanor. No overt anger,

more she displayed it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

learned just

avoiding his touch.

the time to join me.

sharing a meal with

such blunt rejection,

me?” The question floated into Seth’s ears, simple

he looked up

for an answer, as if the question itself had

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered for a

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

stood tall but

vitality.

and the

out of the car and walked towards

with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious.

her arrival, a

didn’t you give us a heads

upstairs,

ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of side

turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

ordered the servants to bring out

buckwheat wraps remained, along

carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants,

prepared for my

too frightened to

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

asked for these dishes. Even if we

folks’ meals are

says there’s no

Brody well enough not to doubt his words,

family’s dining table was always

she found Creighton slumped in a chair

chest, his

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes

estate now had but one master. That

corner for his simple

heels in love, insisting on

father alone

herself deeply in

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to

the servants, his face lit up with an

rascal, why didn’t you tell me

secrets to hide before I

“You’re not fighting

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

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

over for

to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk

the rest of

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she

chiming in with

golden; don’t

bustling, and even

seemed to have returned

be.

Creighton inquired

busy to make

“Are you two

us to

Creighton relented.

a message.

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway

After all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up for

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply for

his coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to let

know.”

it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married

your message as an invitation for us

pulled her into his embrace and they

the living room.

couple’s closeness, smiled,

these past few days, have

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up

were all tailored to

him for dinner, but as she stepped

of her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

deep breath, “Just came

way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

headed back to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with him, and

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

family estate isn’t as cozy as our

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

for the near

crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

set down

I not explain myself

that you’ve explained it, it’s

water bottle for a sip, “I said

the same

napkin, “So you’re telling

just on a

some. I’m on

but you’re short on time. In fact, on

saw my dad and changed my mind. You

for me, but he could use

prove I’m not

lips curled in an almost imperceptible

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

placed on

noon.

believe it? If not,

you want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

took a sip from his water

by his easy acquiescence,

he disagreed today, it wouldn’t

came to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

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

conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

browsed her shopping app for little home

notebooks with pens. Not that

but she liked

servant opened it

stepping inside. “Ms.

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

the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and

have an errand.

on my

around, and noticed a

seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

bidding

a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

have to talk about

servant had refilled their water several

to the bathroom

It had been a while since she’d indulged in a

slid into the tub and let out a

view of the

lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

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

at them had become a habit during

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

pressed down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing

move again. She drifted in and out of

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and

towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair,

away, and she looked up to see the

side of the tub.

first

but it was by the man

of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

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

and began to undress in

“What are

missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

do in a bathroom?

grabbed the towel beside the

she was scooped up into

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

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed

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

with a voice that was low and enticing.

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle

preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers

hair for

“No.”

spray of the

her consent before turning on the

hand covered her eyes. “Close your

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a

anger before it even

still, not moving an inch, as

away by

in front of her, trying to cover

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

merit. After all, there were

for this

he applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged

he took a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning

any reason

quite a trek from

staying here. I

will.”

of anger tinged

into a smile as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay.

compared to spending

better.”

sleep by

leisurely

contours of her body.

he reached out to pull

water from the shower

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into

succinct and cryptic response,

suddenly felt something insistent pressing

set the showerhead

his forehead against hers. “We should get

“Let go. I can dry

going

could react, Seth’s lips closed over

with a familiarity that made it all too

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

pain. “This is the Ellis

it wasn’t convenient, but you

to keep it

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the

she was

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

turned away from him, her soft hair

the bed,

turn away, his long arm scooped her into

he’d only persist if she

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The

with new ones

so he seemed. Any pain

and he’d tend to it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

listless, she found Creighton and

returned from their morning exercise

his head with a mix of

really should fix that

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

is the best part of

your health, and too much sleep

most important meal.

didn’t you leave

Cicely speechless

to the office. Why would I

the office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn

at the company instead of ending

clear reluctance.

he

at

really

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

to the hospital with your grandfather to see

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her

posture a blend of elegance

you’ll have lunch by

and they were already leaving

Danielle’s name had come up several

the hospital

inappropriate and heartless. After

were set to visit

say the

have

time for dinner. His

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat

up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom,

a quick shower, she

into bed to play

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

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with

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

for me,

can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

Diaz, there are plenty of things we have

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry up and

her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with

She lifted her hands and started

whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed

with their unintentional

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

Diaz,” he said

punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

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

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

me any way

slightly tilted her head, calmly and

because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

heart to give

her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a

caressing her smooth chin, “You

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

it, “But have you ever heard,

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

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation,

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

nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely

He let go of Cicely’s chin and

buttons that

unfastened the rest.

still early,

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

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of

shower, Cicely was propped

game. She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

“Is there something you

join me at the office tomorrow

talking, he swiped and

know anything about business,

do there?”

wouldn’t need to

in the

have

girl? Do you think your dad asking you to learn

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future, your only sure bet is

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

weak moment and start eating

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

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours

when truly in your own hands,

you insecure?

you want to leave

her, his gazes were unfathomably

chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

a trail of

beyond these two reasons, is there

improve,

in their depths replaced

so quick to assume. In fact, instead

be reflecting on why I harbor such

downloaded

as you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded for

of text. “What will

at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not happy

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

mood.”

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

it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching

his face looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving. He

face and

in a rush to find

it aside,

as he pulled her

used to the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up,

silent again, and any further pursuit

petty.

＊

wasn’t petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

grin as he swung his legs out of bed, “Time to

shine, off to the

am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me

off with a huff, sat up,

strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow

the pillow

this, I’m not going

up the pillow, and placed it back on the

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

If you don’t want me to wake you

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth turned

into a sly

and stomped off to the bathroom,

onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as if

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

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

something as simple as toothpaste. The

slight smile of her

they headed to the Ellis Corporation

the document from last night did you

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do

smiled

why he

a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

on the computer;

her face away,

anticipate this excuse,

matter what excuse

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

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we

you

a

leaving me here

in

reading; I’ll

to retort but

at her

been darting around, a clear sign she

possibly stir up

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

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

her phone was

left the office, returning after another half-hour to

drawers, fiddled with the

on a black leather

and then, noticing

and the

Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

you get through?” he

since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

a whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited for an

as if it justified

sank into

Come over here.”

No complaints

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him.

arm pulled her into an

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a

tightened around her waist, his voice deep and

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d

Now, you can’t even be bothered to

half-hearted attitude.

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

and it’s

but Seth had no

harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

it’s

back in his chair,

his expression

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed

have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the

a flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

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

a big deal’.

by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed

with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody

and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

her

onto the couch and picked up the

“Nobody said we have to sleep

wait until

face was stoic, “How long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened before

continued to

and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

and had stayed in his

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

various department

progress reviews, the office atmosphere

Ellis

father, she couldn’t afford to be

the workday approached, Cicely found

trembling,

made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should probably let my

I’ve already

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put

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

down to it, Cicely knew she

come. If Patty

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

that Patty wasn’t

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

door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

take a call and returned

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water from

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will you? What’s

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if

him. But with him always

hadn’t even mentioned anything about

hair, her

nonchalantly, “I overheard General

about this new mechanical

off the old models. We could corner the

The Ellis family has the know-how and the development

of bidding and choosing another

the deal over to Diaz International? Given

family, why haven’t

cold. “The big fish like

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

deal with the Ellis family’s offer

picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

many would kill for

do you just

Or is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

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

all more fitting

to work with the Ellis family,

make things easier

stance. “What’s

what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you, I’ll bang

twitched into a half-smile.

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

point of running Diaz International? Might as

way, you wouldn’t have

Hmm, that’s actually

she thought about it, the more

eyes

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands

with that? Assess the value of

in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

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

How about

all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

twinkled. “Just occurred to me,

your mother, it’s

by your father. You know, I’ve been

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

unfathomable as he watched

the last bit of Diaz International. So

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face.

to let it

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then

the Ellis family

Diaz International ever do to

a familiar tone that belonged to

glanced at her mug, then switched on her

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

wariness.

was just thinking out loud. Then I figured

shabby, right? Especially since we will be

need to

“The future is the

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

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

wasn’t bringing it up, neither

since Seth had already stood up,

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

forcefully suppressing a multitude of

dinner at the

the real way to

night was out of the

residence, Seth

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the office

I’ll disturb your

rested her arm against the car window,

her slender finger.

was silent for a few

“Should I prepare some

you?”

“No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them

they’ve been

now, I

her shoes and said, “Well,

many packages. Cicely sat

waterproof mat and started to slice open

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

but also studied

many times more focused and

when she read documents.

came down to find

up; we’re up

looked up and handed him a

notable heft, and engraved on it was

Beside her was a matching black one, likely

items were pairs,

light.

made you think of

did I realize there are

and it

the

the most natural thing in the world. Seth

her to get some

the white

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

scattered, but after reviewing a

the same as

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the

knock on the door.

laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

up at the sight, “Put

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her task with

office transformed.

new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

a cushion on the

even appeared on the coffee table.

the wisdom of leaving her alone in

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

for lunch

work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

keys on the computer, bringing up a video of

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

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of text. Seth

today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he

I’ll take

office for a meal

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports and

over several days, and even if

she

settled, it was time

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

same day, at the

bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the

on the south, the

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail

She wore a pair of

elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

Cicely

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the top

side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

International gala to make

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away to

orchestrated by Seth’s people,

the spotlight was on

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

of toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride and groom

guests, receiving blessings and drinks

found their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care

her hand, Cicely teased

a lot of celebrity beauties

her coolly, “And plenty

curious to

“If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

to admire

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

personal viewing.”

the

there, and even more

as a whole. C&P, after its grand

was the envy of many.

to

patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists,

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

got drunk

over

and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

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

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and trailed

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

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor.

Seth with a sneer,

feet

emphasizing each syllable with

venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a

you play hardball. I’ve seen just how

I can’t

Blame? My family never provoked you; we were just in your

you coveted what the we had, you seized

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the

in the air, the implications clear to

tactics, about how Ray’s family had

had once made an indecent

this had incensed him

against Ray .

that it had

to confirm

in your family business, my suggestion is

leave this place

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

International event. I can’t do anything at

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

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

International, let

today?”

with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t

you think

seemed to strip away the last

in his eyes, which now brimmed

he looked as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shards

breaking glass pierced

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

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

the bottle at Seth,

let out a breathless shout.

pulling Seth’s arm

spun half a circle to avoid the

Seth, her body

blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

to fall out of

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

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

on

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

blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

she gripped his clothes

pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her

him. Stunned,

straight. Have

provoking him will do you

you?!”

her voice carried anger, it

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to

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

anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he

resting on a clear cut on her right

else are

bit her lip, and tears fell from

panic and restlessness swirled within Seth.

voice, “Talk

of self-control seemed to crumble under

converged and broke down

my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

twisted it in her last desperate lunge to

her high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

tackled to the ground

a knee on his back, restraining

beside Seth and was quick to react

caused him a moment’s hesitation.

had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut

Ray, pinned

at Seth’s retreating figure with

arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and

but

then, she had already been treated, her wounds

red and swollen

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to the

gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton.

concern for

concern, which he channeled into

a day of hardship in her life, and just a few

new year, this

“it’s not his fault. I was

and followed

“Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold

make the pain stop, then

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

were stuffed back down his throat.

lifetime, could he not see

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

shield him

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on a new definition

these

the doctor, then stepped

eyes and pursed lips, looking as

her arms

knees, lifting

brought a slight sense of peace to

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

and returning to the Ellis

she had never mentioned leaving

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up –

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

Seth was impeccable in his

actions were

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

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some pain

A slight shift in pressure and

beside her, who

feel as tense as a

sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned to

alone and bored in her room,

was just to the living room or

most of

about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

which

to after

Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

same as it had been initially with her. And

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found

able to look up

before

who had been injured protecting Seth,

this time.

on

lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

she brought up the topic of the New Year’s

Seth to bring Cicely back to the

as Patty’s mood didn’t match

legally married, spending New

appropriate and normal thing

paused for a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

home, the vastness of the Ellis

Just as she had returned to spend a few days,

festive gatherings, would leave

*

of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

left with them to pick

leaving Danielle alone in

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

to bring her

comment. However, the image of two old people spending

feels

things up, serving as company for

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

feel that it might be better off without

had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

to Cicely not being home for

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle

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

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

Her face immediately

with Danielle. When she saw Seth

her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

her wheelchair, also

shadow crossed her face, but she

said that made it

Seth asked, ignoring her question

couch. His voice was as flat

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly,

We couldn’t leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she

to let her

her discharge. If anyone was going to

been the Ellis family. You stay here

“Patty is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her fury. “The

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s

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

care of her

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

stage an accident and play the

Ellis family’s dinners even more

turned pale with anger, and

is the Ellis family’s dear daughter?

for a mother figure that you have to bring home a woman

her?”

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

who’s

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut

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

she quietly awaited Seth’s next

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a

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