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.

get all worked up, you know. Getting

bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

coldly and then let out a mocking laugh.

disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle, who

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile.

even if you wish for a life of

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

do you think you are in Seth’s

decades to live? How patient do

in and day out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

as she glared

to her most vulnerable

think for a second that you’re off the

running away. You were so proud,

die, I will dig you up from your grave and lash your

get better soon, you might be able to slap me

blame me for

Danielle eyed the neatly laid

Cicely’s icy, detached

you, I wouldn’t starve myself just

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

annoying.”

froze in place. To eat or not

Cicely would win.

appetite.

standing by. “Keep

eats or

“Understood.”

a deep

at her again, turning

the door swung open from the

her expression darkening as the man who entered

brought a surge of

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her

he opened the door. She

feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

you think you’re

the one who nearly took advantage of me

settle that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

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

regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

your facts straight. It was

doing. Ms. Danielle is

not make her situation

exchange, could hardly believe

his expression

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the

Cicely nodded with a smile,

cleared up, I’ll take

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

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

yesterday, but I didn’t let him

her hands

back the chaos of that

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems

had been skeptical. A rich playboy,

suddenly proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means

by his family for

at

liked Danielle so much he’d nearly get

*

by Danielle’s

had

Ray any more attention than she had

fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used, your

up from her plate. “Is it really necessary

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your

a chance for

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and

orchestrated the downfall

told you not to be fooled by his act. His

what you can imagine. My dad

his agency, he had his sights set on bringing

talent agency, run by a guy who

on these things to make everyone relax their guard against

delivered a fatal blow. He

I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

the receiving end of

color. She had pondered this question before, but

She didn’t want to confront the potential cruelty

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you

I’ve checked with

rough road ahead. I came here today

to ask you

her voice restrained and flat.

in front of that car for

it just

paused mid-bite and finally turned to

with a motive, my only desire

melancholic smile. “It’s different.

didn’t expect my father to be

severe, would you

fork down and looked up

answer are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to

I had died, what would be the point

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

in front

it’s like

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

Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

no telling what kind

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

grip on her purse slackened for

with a familiar, faint smile on

hate hospitals. What are you

Came to check on her with

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

a cripple, so don’t

not long after Cicely arrived at the

instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

to check on Miss Danielle,

lately. She thought it might give you a

gaze faltered for a

around her neck, presenting only

the corners of

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

up at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you

hurt me when I’m fully able and

sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

braved

again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and

more she displayed it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to pull

just

his touch.

to join me. And

meal with you

blunt

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

a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman already

answer, as

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered

at

“Alright.”

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

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

pines stood tall but failed

vitality.

and the already somewhat suppressed

got out of the car and walked towards

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about in

be cautious.

the sound of her arrival, a

you give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs,

not too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of side

she turned and

to

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her gaze to

prepared for

frightened to reply, their heads lowered

“Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

these dishes. Even

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

says there’s no need to cook so

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

table was always a feast

Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest, his

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

now had but one master. That grand

a humble corner

in love, insisting

alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

something with the servants, his face lit up with an

didn’t you

to

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

many quarrels?”

“He’s busy with work, and I was

all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how

for dinner

ask him. He listens to you more

to me.”

I’ll talk

Creighton for the rest of

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while she placed

in with unsolicited

golden;

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even

seemed to have returned to how

be.

Creighton

busy to make it back. Creighton

you two really

“Just hope for us to

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

Seth with his coat.

imply

the rack, her voice

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for

invitation for us to

he had pulled

living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve

these past few days, have

“Not yet.”

staff whip

dishes were all

dinner,

of her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting,

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

way over to the coffee table, bending down to

back to the

Enter title…

her return to dine

did he glance up at her. “If you really

Ellis family estate isn’t

her expression nonchalant. “There’s

here for the

emotion crossed Seth’s brow

set down his

I not explain

Now that you’ve

her water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting

the same person

napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve

back here just on

on a reason, I have some. I’m on

In fact, on my way back

but then I saw my dad and

he could use some company. Are these

not fighting with

impassive, her lips

with her subtle expression, it seemed

answer had been placed on the question she

noon.

it? If not, she

in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

took a sip from his water glass. “As

by his easy

even if he disagreed today, it

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It

what their conversation would

matters.

her shopping app for

notebooks

she liked doodling

knocked, the servant opened it

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

“How heartless, sending you out in such cold

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

on my way

up, turned around, and noticed a

seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

have to talk about

The servant had refilled their

went to the bathroom

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

into the tub and let out

a view of

ground lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her father to

them

the edge of the bathtub, staring at

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

water, soothing her fatigue.

eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she

her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she

she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first

was startled, but it was by the man who

the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

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

next to her and began to undress

frowned, “What are

continued without missing a beat,

one do

grabbed the towel beside the tub to

out. Before she could leave, she was

chest and glared up at

to do?”

at the woman in his

usual. He smirked, planting a

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

deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

her current

demeanor.

to run his fingers through her

your hair

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted

for her consent before

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

that Cicely lacked principles, but that

her anger before it even took

inch, as the towel she’d

yanked away

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

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

his chest to rinse it clean with

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

all, there were more

for

to her hair, he nudged

a quick shower

a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning

any reason I

it’s quite a

here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

a smile as he drew

compared to

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over her

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

the warm water from the shower cascading

water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

and

felt something insistent pressing against her

the showerhead aside, his hand

should

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

we’re not going

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

he moved with a familiarity

she’d scream out. She hit

pain. “This is the

convenient, but you

to keep it

was wrapped around his waist, and as the

her, her vision blurred until she was

turning off the hairdryer and slipping

her soft hair spreading across

other side of the

his long arm scooped

strength to resist, knowing he’d

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already gone.

with new ones

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

now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

and listless, she found Creighton

morning exercise and were already two chess

head with a

really should fix that

took the milk offered by the servant,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

is bad for your

most important meal. Why are you still

you

irritation left Cicely speechless

went to the office. Why

office, duh! Perfect timing with your

of ending

showing clear

why he

“You’re quite good at passing

really didn’t tell

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

grandfather to

come?”

onto the couch, resting her elbow

posture a blend of

lunch by

they were

had come up several

alone in the hospital

was incredibly inappropriate

set to visit the hospital the

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

Danielle would have

returned in time for dinner. His

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

living room before going up to her bedroom, where

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon

her. After a quick shower, she emerged

climbed into bed to

Seth had

brushed her forehead with his hand,

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

Wait for me,

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

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

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

pushed him gently,

pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

air. She lifted her hands and started

soft whimper. It was only then that Seth

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to

off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

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

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

hers. A

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

Punish me any way you see

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

that because I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask

to give me

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a subtle stir in

her smooth chin, “You

hand moved from his face to

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

at the start, the more they might hate

and smiling eyes,

with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though. Even

it will. I wouldn’t choose

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a long

He let go of Cicely’s chin

shirt was already missing two buttons

unfastened the rest.

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

paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking her might be.

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up

a video game. She glanced at him,

game.

the phone from her hands. Cicely

something you need to

me at

talking, he swiped and

“I don’t know anything about business,

do there?”

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

thing in

I have

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

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only sure bet

the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

won’t even know where to

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it yours

truly in your own

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

want to leave me one

to her, his gazes were unfathomably

“It sounds like you’re quite convinced

a trail of

these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and he didn’t

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow

In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

reflecting on why I harbor

downloaded some

sleep, and ask me about anything

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just

a blur of text. “What will you

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

Naturally, I

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and walk

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

a tantrum.

＊

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

face looking

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from

she hadn’t closed.

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

face and

a rush to

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

as he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her

she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

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

strong coffee. Even

Already prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

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

shine, off to

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me do

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat

strength could she muster just out

pillow

and the pillow barely registered upon

over this, I’m

the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

you up by the time I’m

wake you up for

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned

into a sly

the covers aside and stomped

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

her brush, and Seth, as

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

she started brushing. It was not like

simple as toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile of her

breakfast, they headed to the Ellis Corporation

much of the document from last

to know anything.

am I supposed to

just smiled

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

computer; you can

turned her face away, “Computers have

seemed to anticipate this excuse,

fell silent. She felt like no matter what excuse

Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and found

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we

you be

a C&P

“You’re leaving me here

wolves in the

on the reading; I’ll be back by

retort but

at her before leaving the

around, a clear sign she

possibly stir up in

Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

plenty of marks with her pen, but within half an

her phone was

office, returning after another half-hour

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

a black leather notebook she found

her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

and the

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

student.

much did you get

bit challenging since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

a whole morning and

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here

the black notebook she

her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

written in a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

she declared as

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

Come over here.”

No complaints

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace.

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

around her waist,

taking

“What do you mean?”

“Back in the day, you’d concoct all

Now,

impatience and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

“Respectful?

it’s intentional, Mr.

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

feel like harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled,

me, it’s to

and leaned back in his

his expression

Cicely watched him—

was

from a

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

His mood was as

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

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

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

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had to

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

her with

settled onto the couch and picked up the elegantly

we have to sleep

wait until

was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in a

you want to keep butting heads with

her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

continued to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

had stayed

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

department heads for updates on

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

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

couldn’t afford to be seen as

the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

trembling, overly

made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

I’ve

and moved to the door to

arrived yetTo claim Cicely

it came down to it, Cicely

come. If Patty was in a

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

Patty wasn’t

biting, and naturally,

She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping

around Seth’s.

offered them some

Enter title…

aside to take a call and returned after a few

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water

the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

ask him. But with him always buzzing around, she

hadn’t even mentioned anything about

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

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from

about this new mechanical

knock the socks off the old models. We could corner

has the know-how and the

Instead of bidding and choosing another

to Diaz International? Given

Ellis family,

was cold. “The big fish

Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

Ellis

family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

many would kill for that kind of opportunity.

for it, or do you just chicken

is it

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

fitting partners than Diaz International.

to work with the Ellis family, are you

make

stance. “What’s wrong

bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small

you, I’ll bang the

twitched into a

to take

point of running Diaz International?

it up. That way, you wouldn’t have

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

about it, the more feasible it

eyes but said

chin in her hands

we actually go through with that?

shares for you in the Ellis

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

How about

all this rigmarole for?

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on

mother, it’s probably Diaz

your father. You know, I’ve been

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

unfathomable as

last bit of Diaz International. So what if

a carefree smile on her face. “Then

to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly

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

Ellis family banner

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

a familiar tone that

her mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

her, her face

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured it

the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

soon. No need to keep

future is the future. You bite

don’t even think about laying a

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

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

stood up, his

go.”

probably mindful of

suppressing a multitude

the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt

the real way to make her

the night was

Ellis residence,

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

in

there, I’ll disturb your

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

silent for a few

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new sketchbooks

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

like to open them now, I

shoes and said, “Well, bring

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

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

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

She not only unpacked them but also studied

many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find

up; we’re

up and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

a notable heft, and engraved on it was a

Beside her was

items were pairs, hers

light.

you think

back this time did I realize there are no traces

and it feels

the small items,

most natural thing in the world. Seth

her to

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

scattered, but after reviewing a

were much the same

department heads yesterday.

paced the

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

up at the sight, “Put

she resumed her

noon, Seth returned to an office

pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit

a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

nothing out of

“What’s for lunch

work

hesitantly

the computer, bringing

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware of

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching

closed the video.

full of text. Seth looked at her,

the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

a reward, I’ll take you

office for a

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports

routine stretched over several days, and

company affairs, she couldn’t help

everything settled, it was time

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

at the same hotel, for

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

the other

Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with

pair of

stood out as the most eyecatching in the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything

International gala

the expected

whisking her away to

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people,

and father present, the spotlight was on

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride

guests, receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

in her hand, Cicely teased with a

lot of celebrity beauties

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of

even curious to

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

just want to admire

curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

keep a low profile there, and even more

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

of many. Naturally, the number of

up to Seth

Seth was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists,

C&P event was deliberate,

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

Diaz, Ray got drunk

commotion over at Diaz

darkened. As he

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose and trailed after

was slouched on the steps

finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

sneer, using the steps

feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a

venom.

flashing a thumbs-up

just how ruthless you can be.

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

Blame? My family never provoked you; we were

coveted what the we

on

air, the implications clear

whispers about Seth’s tactics,

had once made an

fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

some speculated that it had

seemed to confirm

in your family business, my suggestion

this place immediately.” Seth

when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

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

this is your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything at

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

company, so

you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even

you think

away the last shred of

drunken stupor in

menace, and he looked as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

sharp shards

breaking glass pierced through the festive

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

high heels

the bottle at Seth,

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

circle

Seth, her

red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

arms seemed about to

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

felt a surge of

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually

bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped his

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

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

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

straight. Have you had too

you think provoking him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction

up in her eyes made it clear to

fear, anger, or

constricting pain gripped his heart

resting on a clear cut on her right arm.

else are

her lip, and tears fell

restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk to

to crumble

and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my ankle

in her last desperate lunge to save

and, with a

his arms.

been tackled to the

a knee on his back, restraining his

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

caused him a moment’s

had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down

only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

One day, you’ll pay

done!”

falter

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

but not

treated, her wounds bandaged, and

Cicely’s eyes were red

Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

phone call and

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their

their concern for

his concern, which he channeled

hardship in

the new year, this

“it’s not his fault. I was

listen and followed

I not

Enter title…

hurt if you scold him, but

pain stop,

himself off mid-sentence. She

until all his words were stuffed

a lifetime, could he

somewhat disheveled

at the gala when

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new

these swirling emotions,

to the doctor, then stepped beside

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking

be, then she lifted her arms

her knees, lifting

slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Seth back

to the Ellis residence was the best

never mentioned

after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

–

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

impeccable

actions were bittersweet for

to the bed

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution,

slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This was

man beside her, who seemed

as tense as

residence, any sitting with Creighton

turned to business

bored in her room,

just to the living room or the study. So

to most

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

the deal which should have been settled

to

asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in

same as it had been initially with her. And

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she

able to look

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

been injured protecting Seth,

this time. But Patty’s

on previous

prepared a lavish

dinner table, she brought up the topic

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity

since they were legally married,

was the most appropriate and

paused for a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

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

at home,

spend a few days, the New Year, a

festive gatherings, would

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

to pick up Danielle

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

heartless. After negotiating with the

to bring her

image

other, feels sad

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company

again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty,

that it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and

being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle

anyone at the

Danielle, who should have been picked up

face immediately

with Danielle. When she

her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

The way she said that made

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

the couch. His voice was as

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying a

We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her chest, but

her best not to let her emotions flare

dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury.

herself injured saving

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

in taking care of her every single

into a sneer. “By that

stage an accident and play the damsel

the Ellis family’s

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare at

finger pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis

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

her?”

don’t take your

it you who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

had been light and smiling,

she quietly

brought you here to celebrate, not to start

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

Comments ()

0/255