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

for life, Seth and I will be driven to madness,

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh.

you? If I really am disabled for life, you’ll never be able to shake

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at

smile. “How

even if you wish for a life of disability, the

neither will Seth. Even

think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve

four decades to live? How

Or

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

to her most vulnerable

you’re off the hook

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

up from your grave and lash your corpse

you get better soon, you might be able

don’t blame me

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

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

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

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

annoying.”

it froze in place. To

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

the nurse standing by.

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

her again, turning towards

two steps, the door swung open from

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

of Cicely brought a

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her

when he opened the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling any

teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think

of me that night

to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

he say

raped me?”

a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

doing. Ms. Danielle

not make her situation

to the exchange,

to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

trouble. Of course, I know

Cicely nodded with a

up, I’ll

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital

hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

but I

in her

back the chaos of that night, the

and terrifying that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

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

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink, he’s willing

clear

this accident was orchestrated by his

frowned at the

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

*

stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome

“I’m sorry, I had no idea it would turn out

give Ray any more attention than she had

clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your

not looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

him now, and your family

a chance for a

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and a

the

to be fooled

what you can imagine. My dad said

he had his

by a guy who hasn’t

on these things to make everyone relax their guard

a fatal blow. He played

I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

shown up,

the receiving end of my

color. She had pondered this

She didn’t want to confront the potential

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

a deep breath. “I know you

I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition, and

ahead.

to ask

still didn’t look up, her voice

for him, was it truly out

was it just a

finally turned to

with a motive, my only desire was

melancholic smile. “It’s

be

you still have

set her fork down and looked up at

are

pressed his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

“I didn’t expect you to

If I had died, what would be the

or not, that’s the answer I needed

the villain in front of me to push

you, it’s like denying

I can’t, I need

Ray this composed yet

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray

left to lose, there was no telling

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he

slackened for a

familiar, faint smile on

“You hate hospitals. What

had another episode. Came to check on her

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a cripple, so

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried

here on your behalf to check on Miss

been lately. She thought it might give

gaze faltered

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

subtle smile at the corners of

moods are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

smile. “I have Issac with me. Do

could hurt me when I’m fully able and

“The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the pockets

why I braved the disgust

that demeanor. No overt anger,

she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out

learned just

his touch. “Whether I have eaten

join me. And

sharing a meal with

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

question floated into Seth’s ears,

he looked up to find

room for an answer, as if the question itself

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered for

at the Ellis

“Alright.”

through the gates

at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

stood tall but failed to

vitality.

and the already somewhat

out of the car and

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about

seemed to be

the sound of her arrival, a

give us a heads up,

upstairs, “Where’s

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

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some buckwheat

turning

step, “And what else?”

a

as she turned and headed

to bring out what Creighton had for

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants, “Is

for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads

said helplessly, “Sir has been

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When

says there’s no need to cook so

doubt his words, but in her

was always a

Creighton slumped in a

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her

vast estate now had but one master. That

a humble corner for his

had married early, head over heels in love, insisting on

her father alone in

deeply

covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs

with the servants, his face

rascal, why didn’t you tell me you were

got secrets to hide before

at her. “You’re not

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

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

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

over for dinner

have to ask him. He

to me.”

talk

to Creighton for the rest of

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she

chiming in

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants were

seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

Creighton inquired about

make it back. Creighton

you two really

“Just hope for us

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway

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

anything amiss.

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

at the Ellis estate’s

Seth with his

your message imply

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

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple to

an invitation

had pulled her into his embrace and they

into the living

the couple’s closeness,

few

“Not yet.”

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

The dishes were all

on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

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

way over to the coffee table, bending down

back to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with him, and

glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

estate isn’t as

bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

here for

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

down

not explain myself

very well. Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

over the same person

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

here just

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

you’re short on time. In fact, on my

saw my dad and changed

he could use some company. Are

I’m not

lips curled in an almost imperceptible

hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle

been placed on the question she

noon.

it? If

you want to stay, stay. It’s just a

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

took a sip from his water glass.

easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

if he disagreed

to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

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

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

browsed her shopping app for

sets, and notebooks with

but she liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened it

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

“How heartless, sending you

of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can

just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

on my way

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

glass of milk. After

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for

had

went to the bathroom where the bath

since she’d indulged in a good soak.

slid into the tub and let out

view of

lights. It

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father to install

them had become

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

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness,

remove the towel from her eyes,

up to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

first

but it was by the man who had appeared silently in

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

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

next to her and began to undress in a

“What are

beat, dropping his clothes

else does one do in a

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

she was scooped up

chest and glared up at him.

to do?”

in his

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

low and enticing. “Share a shower

deflated embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

aura, he preferred her

demeanor.

began to run his

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the

for her consent before turning on the shower. A surge

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand

principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

before

not moving an inch, as

yanked away

front of her, trying to cover

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience,

close into his chest to rinse it

closed, Cicely considered that her

there

for

to her hair, he

took a quick shower

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to stay

any reason I

quite a trek from here to

You insist on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer to

compared to spending a

better.”

can’t sleep

drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

and he reached

the shower cascading over

prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which left

suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her and came

Seth had already set the showerhead aside,

forehead against hers. “We should get out

“Let go. I can

going

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over

and he moved with a familiarity that made it all

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

“This is the Ellis

you seemed not to mind. Though, you

keep it down

around his waist,

she

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

other side of the

his long arm

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

was too exhausted to

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already gone.

with new ones added from last

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

it. Yet now,

all too pleased.

and slipping into

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton and her

morning exercise and were

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head

really should fix that habit of

by the servant, sipped half

couch. “Sleeping in is the

breakfast is bad for your health, and

most important meal. Why are you

you

Cicely speechless

went to the office. Why

with your holiday. You could learn a

instead of ending

her face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t

good at passing

he really didn’t tell

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting

blend of elegance and

lunch by

just returned, and they were already leaving her to

night before, Danielle’s name had come up several times at

if leaving her alone in the hospital while the

table was incredibly inappropriate and

they were set to visit the

who dared say

to Danielle would have

in time for

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

her

desk.

the bathroom, and upon

her. After a quick shower,

to play with her

after, it seemed like Seth had finished his work.

brushed her forehead with

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going to

for me,

lazily, “How horny can you be?

you up to?”

a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

plenty of things we have yet to

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry up and

pushed away by her,

penetrating with

herself gasping for air. She lifted

soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed to say

Seth off guard with their

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But

now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

a penalty for self-justification,

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

expression, yet a

Punish me

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline,

the heart to give

and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

caressing her smooth chin, “You like

Her hand moved from his face to his

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

at the start, the more they might

warm and smiling eyes, but

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though.

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose

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

He let

missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

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

paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

desire to find out what

from the shower, Cicely was

at him, then refocused on the still

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from

there something you need to tell

join me at the office tomorrow

talking, he swiped and tapped on

don’t know anything about business, what am

do there?”

a little, you wouldn’t need to tag along with me to the

in the

have to

girl? Do you think your dad asking you to learn more

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your

the Ellis family forever. If one day,

moment and start eating away

Ellis family, you won’t even know

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s

in

him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me one day

to her, his gazes were unfathomably

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

a

beyond these

expression didn’t improve, and he

shadow in their depths replaced by a

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

be reflecting on why I harbor such

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

as you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just downloaded for

text. “What will you

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

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

mood.”

grab a coat,

well; it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

looking

had dimmed, leaving

sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving.

face

a rush to

tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

as he pulled her into his

man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further pursuit would

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a

strong coffee. Even

morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

hard a couple of times. “Are you out of

mind?!”

grin as he swung

off to the

going.” Cicely yanked the

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me do this

comforter off with a huff,

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

pillow at

by, and the pillow

over this, I’m not going

picked up the pillow, and placed

by the time I’m out, I’ll

me to wake you

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of his

into a

the covers aside and stomped off to the

squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows,

Seth, as if on

their reflection. Seth

aside.

she started brushing.

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile

to the Ellis Corporation

from last night did

to know anything.

am I

just smiled

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

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

immediate deployment.

computer; you can

face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

silent. She felt like no matter what

she

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over it

you be

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving

there wolves in the office

reading; I’ll be back

opened her mouth to retort but held

glanced at her

a clear sign she was up

stir up

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

her pen, but within half

and her

office, returning

drawers, fiddled with the

on a black leather notebook she

played with her phone and

desk and

Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

much did you get through?”

since it’s new to

morning and you’re proud of that?” His

stung.

the fact that I’m even

desk, noticing the black notebook she had

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

in a confident,

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away.

declared as if

nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on its

Come over here.”

No complaints

clutched the files and approached him.

her into an

office,” Cicely said, leaning back

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

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

respectful. Now,

this half-hearted attitude. If

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

it’s intentional, Mr.

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback, “So

harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to

leaned back in his chair, turning to face

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

by Charlie from a

to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

His mood was

office was suffused with the

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by

a table laden with food, while he didn’t

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had to

and huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

her

and picked up the elegantly wrapped

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every night.

wait until

was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it

you sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened before

continued to

me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed

but under

him summoning various department

reviews, the office

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

her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

word. She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

should probably let my

I’ve already

and moved to the door

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

but when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to play it by

come. If Patty was in a good mood,

to steer clear. It

wasn’t her

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

door. She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping an

around Seth’s.

them some tea

Enter title…

call and returned

a sip of warm water from his

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if she didn’t

ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

even mentioned

of her hair, her palm warming against the

overheard General Manager from project

this new

socks off the old

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

point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

over to Diaz International? Given

the Ellis family,

“The big fish like

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

with the Ellis

Diaz International, the rest can just

so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

up for it, or do you just chicken out when

Or is it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

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

Watsons are all more fitting partners

with the Ellis family, are

to make

stance. “What’s wrong with that?

is what counts. Why sweat the

of pride for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile.

scared to take the big deals,

point of running Diaz International? Might

you wouldn’t have to worry about any

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

it, the

narrowed his eyes but

chin in her hands and

with that? Assess the value of Diaz

shares for you in

cut you in on a slice of

shares. How about

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if there’s anything

your mother, it’s probably

I’ve been thinking that I

that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

unfathomable

of Diaz International. So

the sofa, with a carefree smile

time to

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then

under the Ellis family banner the best

to tick you off?” The

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none

her mug, then switched

her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a bad

ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

No need to keep things

future is the future. You

chew. And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

her eyes carrying

to speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far from

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of

forcefully suppressing a multitude of

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

dining with Patty might be the real way to make

was out of the

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

in

there, I’ll

her arm against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

for a few seconds

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should I

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully.

you today; they’ve been temporarily

open them now, I can bring them

and said, “Well, bring

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat

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

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

them but

times more

when she read documents.

down to

up; we’re up early

handed him a white travel

notable heft, and engraved

beneath. Beside her was a matching black one, likely

items were pairs, hers in

light.

made you think of buying all

did I realize there are no traces

and it feels

spoke while still engrossed in the small items,

thing in the world. Seth

to get

seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the

focus was still scattered,

much the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

paced

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the sight,

resumed

an office transformed. His desk now

new pen holder, several

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his,

a cushion on

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

to question the wisdom of

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

for

much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware

she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk,

reward, I’ll take

for a meal was music

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

summoning staff for reports

routine stretched over several days, and even if

she couldn’t

was time

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and

on the same day, at

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis

the south, the other north,

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

She wore a pair of

as others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching

birth, Cicely seemed destined

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

for onlookers to look away.

had brought her to the Diaz International gala to

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

her away to the

gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight was on

at the Ellis Corporation gala,

of toasts and well-wishes, almost

their guests, receiving blessings and drinks

their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,” Seth

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile, “I

are a lot

her coolly, “And plenty

even curious to take a

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

have considered it.”

want to admire

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

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala.

keep a low profile there, and even more so in

after its grand

of many. Naturally, the

cozy up to Seth was

man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet

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

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering

he spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and

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

of

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for

his feet and

each syllable with a bitterness that

venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing

seen just how

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

family never provoked you;

you coveted what the we had, you

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve

the air, the implications clear

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s

whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had

against Ray .

had been a premeditated strike.

seemed to

still a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

leave this place immediately.”

when Ray’s family had

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

International event. I can’t do anything at my

last of what I have, and I can’t

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

International,

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

you think you can

remark seemed to strip away the last

drunken stupor in his

he might

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shards scattering across the polished

breaking glass pierced through

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy

of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

let out

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

a circle to avoid

to Seth, her body

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

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out of

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at

blood on

veins on his arm stood out, and

sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped his clothes tightly, her

pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

slapped him. Stunned, he

Have you had too much

will do you now?

you?!”

and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction to her pain.

her eyes made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger,

heart as he surveyed her

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

dark. “Where else

her lip, and tears fell

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl, and

and broke down

face. “My… my

in her last

her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to scoop

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by

with a knee on

had been right beside Seth and was quick to react

Cicely’s panicked cry had caused him a moment’s

bottle had swung past

he acted swiftly, Cicely had

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

Seth’s retreating figure with

be so damn arrogant. One

done!”

didn’t falter

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

too shallow, but not

treated, her wounds

eyes were red and swollen

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

call and returned to

Seth gave a brief

concern for

mask his concern, which he

a day of hardship in her life, and just

the new year, this happens!

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

and

“Am I not

Enter title…

sniffled, “It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if

make the pain

he said, cutting himself off

until all his words were

lifetime, could he not see through her

somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

gala when she

him with her

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new

process these swirling emotions, the

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped

eyes and

be, then she lifted her arms and

knees, lifting her

sense of peace to the two old

watching.

and Seth back

and returning to the Ellis

never mentioned leaving

the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time

there to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from

Seth was impeccable in

actions were bittersweet for

the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s

pressure and

from the man beside her, who

as tense as a surgical

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

inevitably turned to

alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

to the living room or the study.

most of

them talk about the mechanical

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled

to after

International

same as it had been initially

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

on to other matters.

interested in company

able to

residence just before the new year. After all, as

had been injured protecting

airs at this time. But

than on

family prepared a lavish dinner for

the dinner table, she brought up the topic of the

to bring Cicely back to the

as Patty’s mood didn’t

since they were legally married, spending

was the most appropriate and

for a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

when she was not at home, the

had returned to spend a few days, the New Year, a

festive gatherings, would leave

*

morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took

residence.

to pick

leaving Danielle alone in

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring

the image of two old

each other, feels sad

things up, serving as company for the

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

feel that it might be

bustling since yesterday, and

for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

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

who should have been picked

face

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

expression paused for a moment,

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had

crossed her face, but she

back.” The way she said that made

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

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

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not

her all

holidays, could we?”

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

best not to let her emotions flare out

for her discharge. If anyone was

been the Ellis family. You stay here

on Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The

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

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

of her every single day of the

“By that

stage an accident and play the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t

Ellis family’s dinners even

with anger, and

is the Ellis family’s

for a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

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

who’s making

“You…”

voice

smiling,

quietly awaited

celebrate, not

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