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 angry is bad for your

bedridden for life, Seth and I will be

Enter title…

coldly and then let out

disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle,

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

you wish for a

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

do you think you are in Seth’s

How patient do you think he’ll be, to

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

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her

you’re off the hook just because

You

you up from your grave and lash your corpse to satisfy

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

don’t blame me for

eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

detached voice rang out

starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

you’re willing to

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please, leave

the nurse standing by. “Keep

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

her again, turning towards the door to leave.

the

darkening as the man who entered

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought

had just returned from the

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as

opened the door. She reached out and pushed

feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

the one who nearly took advantage of me that night when

come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m aware

put our

straight. It was your drunken folly

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

and dependent. Let’s not

the exchange, could hardly

his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is

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

I’ll take

shielded Cicely as they left the

him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

yesterday, but I didn’t let

bag in her hands until her knuckles

Ray again brought back the chaos of that night,

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr.

A rich playboy, surrounded by

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by his family for

frowned at

much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

by Danielle’s bed. His

had no idea it would turn out

mood to give Ray any more attention than she

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

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

not looking up from her plate. “Is it

now, and your family

chance for a comeback, but now, you

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my

you not to be fooled by his act.

imagine. My dad said the moment he

his sights set on bringing us

run by a

make everyone

blow. He played innocent but was

That night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

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

receiving end

had pondered this question before, but

it. She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

“I know you wouldn’t believe it, which

with the doctors about your

road ahead. I came here today to

to ask you

look up, her voice restrained and flat.

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

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

to look at Ray. “Does it

only desire was to

a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident

to be so obstinate.

would you still

Danielle set her fork

answer are

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

If I had died, what would

or not, that’s the answer

play the villain in front of me to push

I stop caring for you, it’s like

I would, but since I can’t, I need

Ray this composed yet

She was afraid of

was no telling what kind

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

grip on her purse slackened for

a familiar, faint smile on her

“You hate hospitals. What are you

another episode. Came to check on

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

a

not long after Cicely arrived at the

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr.

behalf to

thought it

faltered for

scarf around her neck, presenting only

smile at the corners of

your presence

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile. “I have

when I’m fully

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

braved the disgust

demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

just a

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

to join me. And as it happens, I

sharing a meal

blunt rejection,

me?” The question

pause, he looked up to find the woman already

room for an answer, as if

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered for a moment, her expression

Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

window at the sprawling manor, feeling

dark green pines stood tall but failed

vitality.

her brows, and

She got out of the

servants occasionally moving

be cautious. “Miss,

of her arrival, a look of surprise on his

you give us a heads

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some buckwheat

turning

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple

frown deepened as she turned and

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

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

prepared for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads

“Sir has been preferring lighter meals

asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

Elderly folks’ meals are quite

no need

enough not to doubt his words, but in

table was always a feast

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

hit Cicely, and her

estate now had but one master. That

corner for his

head over heels in love, insisting

her father alone

herself deeply in

gently covering him with

out of the study.

his nap and came

with the servants, his face lit up

little rascal, why didn’t you tell me you

secrets to

at her. “You’re not fighting with

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

“He’s busy with work, and

all the

over for

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

to me.”

talk to

for the rest

chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared

in

is golden;

was lively and bustling, and even

to have returned

be.

dinner, Creighton

too busy to make it

you two

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

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

anything amiss.

reply, and she

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

Seth

imply for me

on the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

no reason for a married

an invitation for us to stay

had pulled her into his embrace

living

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

few

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

all tailored to his

him for dinner, but as she

with the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

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

deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

to the coffee

headed back to

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to dine with him,

from him did he glance up

family estate isn’t

bottle, her expression

staying here for the near

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically

set down

I not explain myself

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

a sip, “I said I’m not fighting

time over the same person

a napkin,

just on

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

time. In fact, on my way back today, I

then I saw my dad and changed my

for me, but he could use some company. Are

not fighting

face was impassive, her lips

part, coupled with

an answer had been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

If

lips twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just a

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from his water

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today,

Cicely came to understand why

such an easy compromise.

father and

their conversation would be

matters.

for little home decor

notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling

opened it to find Charlie,

of frost, stepping inside.

sending you out in

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

on

around,

to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

of milk. After finishing her milk, Cicely

upstairs.

those men possibly have to talk about for so long without

servant had refilled their

went to the bathroom where

It had been a while since she’d

temperature, she slid into the tub and let out

was a view of the

rotating ground lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had

the years, glimpsing at them

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

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

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

didn’t move again. She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness,

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

and she looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

to be the first to

by the man

room had

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he let

Then he stood next to her and began to undress in

frowned, “What

missing a beat,

one do in

beside the tub to

Before she could leave, she was scooped up into

chest and glared up at him.

to do?”

the woman in his arms,

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

low and enticing. “Share a

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

run his fingers

your hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

consent before

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered

lacked principles, but that this man had

her anger before it

an inch, as

away

in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging

into his chest to rinse it clean with the

closed, Cicely considered that her

all, there were more

fallen for this

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged

he took a

him with a cool expression,

Are you planning

any reason

quite a trek from here to

I can’t exactly haul

will.”

of anger

a smile as he drew

hour earlier is nothing compared to

better.”

sleep by

gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

reached

water from the shower cascading

water from flowing into them, Cicely’s

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which

pressing against her and

Seth had already set the

hers. “We should

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry

we’re not going

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over

with a

she’d scream out.

“This is the

you seemed not

keep it down in

was wrapped around

her vision blurred until she was on

turning off the hairdryer and slipping her into

She turned away from him, her soft hair spreading

the other side of the bed, facing her.

long arm scooped her

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d only

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The

with new ones added from

protective—or so he

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

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her

groggy and listless, she

exercise and

his head with

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

offered by the servant, sipped half of it,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of

bad for your health, and

most important meal.

didn’t you leave

left Cicely speechless for

went to the office. Why would I leave

the office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday.

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth

clear reluctance. “No,

he didn’t

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the

he really didn’t

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

onto the couch, resting her elbow

posture a blend of

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

they were already leaving her to eat

before, Danielle’s name had come up several times

the hospital while the rest of

incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

were set to visit the

dared say the Ellis family was

have a

in time for dinner. His

upstairs first, while Cicely

her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

word, she went to the bathroom, and

quick shower, she emerged to find

to

Seth had finished his work. He stood up, saw

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead

the lips. “I’m going to shower.

Wait for me,

you be? It’s been days on

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

of things we have yet to

him gently, “Then

by her, Seth’s body pressed

penetrating with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

“Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t dream of

he said with a

a little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly

just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

amused expression,

Punish me any

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

thinking that because I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

the heart to give

an eyebrow and ran her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

smooth chin,

moved from his face to his

“But have you ever heard, love and hate are two

the start, the more they might hate them

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling

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

doubt it will. I

a bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on

he cracked a faint smile. He let go

missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

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

to leave and then paused, “If

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of waking her might be.

emerged from the shower, Cicely

video game. She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

the phone from

“Is there something you

join me at the

and

don’t know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to tag along with

in the

have

you think your dad asking you to

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future, your only

won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one

of a weak moment and start eating

Ellis family, you won’t even know where to

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

is mine, isn’t it

truly in your own hands,

quietly, “What makes you

you want to leave

Turning to her, his

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

leaves a

But beyond these two reasons, is there

didn’t improve, and he

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by

so quick to assume. In fact, instead of you

on why I harbor

downloaded some files to your email.

you can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just downloaded for her

of text. “What will you be

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

and I need to reflect. Naturally, I

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and

well; it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

face looking worse than

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

sleeping with the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face

wonder Creighton was in a rush to

it aside, he

his face cold as he pulled her into his

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep

silent again, and any

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke

cup of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

hard a couple of times. “Are you out

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his

off

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head

show your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

the comforter off with a huff, sat up,

him, but what strength could she muster just out of

a pillow at

close by, and the pillow barely registered

I’m

and placed it back on

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

want me to wake

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners

a

the covers aside and stomped off to the

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows,

her brush, and Seth, as if on cue,

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

started brushing. It was

as toothpaste. The

slight smile of her

to the

last night did

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

a new desk and chair

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can

turned her face

excuse, “There

matter what

she moved to the

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over it

you be

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving

wolves in the office

reading; I’ll be back

opened her mouth to retort

her

darting around, a clear

possibly stir up

Cicely did

with her pen, but within half an hour, the

and her

she left the office, returning after another half-hour to

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

pen and doodled on a

with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

desk and the

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

student.

much did you get through?” he

new to

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

stung.

that I’m even sitting

the black notebook she had taken

open, he found her doodles—a

a

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away.

declared as if

and sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

No complaints

grudgingly clutched the files

her into an embrace. “What the heck,

an office,” Cicely said, leaning

her waist, his voice deep and

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds

respectful. Now, you can’t even

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

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful?

and it’s

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s to

leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked, her

food, while

her way.

it. Nobody said

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

her with

the couch and picked

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep

until

“How long are you

attitude with me?”

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

you want to keep butting

grip on her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis

stayed

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

summoning various department heads

and progress reviews, the

well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if

for her father, she couldn’t

workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should probably let

need, I’ve already

moved to the door to put on her

Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least

it, Cicely knew she had

they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

relax a bit more. If not, best to

Patty wasn’t

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

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

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after

took a sip of warm water from his

broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told if she didn’t

could ask him. But with him always

even mentioned anything

hair, her palm warming against

“I overheard General Manager

this

knock the socks off the old

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

point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the

and the Ellis family, why haven’t

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

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have

Ellis family’s offer just

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

would kill for that

not up for it, or do you just chicken

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

with the Ellis family?”

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

Watsons are all more fitting

family,

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance.

is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

you,

mouth twitched into a

to take the big

the point of running Diaz International? Might as well let

you wouldn’t have to worry

that’s actually a pretty

it,

narrowed his eyes

propped her chin

actually go through with that? Assess the value

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you

and I’ll cut you in on a

How about

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for?

in Diaz International?”

to me, if there’s anything on this green

besides your mother, it’s probably

You know, I’ve been

an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as

Diaz International. So what if I

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her

to

tightened, clearly displeased

Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my

International under the Ellis

did Diaz International ever do to tick you off?”

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to

mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

already standing opposite her, her

wariness.

just thinking out loud. Then I figured it

ain’t too shabby,

No need to keep

let out a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite

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

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes

wasn’t bringing

already stood up, his expression far from

go.”

mindful of

forcefully suppressing a multitude

the Diaz residence,

the real way to make her happy.

the night was out of the

the Ellis residence, Seth took

are you

“Same as today.”

in the

there, I’ll disturb your

arm against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking,

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

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

been temporarily stored in

open them now, I can bring them out for

changed her shoes and said, “Well,

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

were small items – mugs, thermos cups,

but also

was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

to find Cicely

freshen up;

and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

a notable heft, and

Beside her was a matching black

and name. The rest of the items

light.

think of buying

back this time did I realize there are

it

engrossed in the

thing in the world.

urged her to

seeing the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the

scattered, but after reviewing a couple

much the same as

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

arms laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

to an office transformed. His desk now

holder, several

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

cushion

even appeared on the

question the wisdom of leaving her alone

done nothing

for lunch

work did

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

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

closed the video.

of text. Seth looked at her,

progress today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

take you out for

office for a meal

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports and

days, and even if

about company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were arranged to hold

day, at the same hotel,

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

south, the other north,

just below Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with

wore a pair of silver

still stood out

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

in design,

side was distractingly handsome, a sight

onlookers to look away. Cicely

had brought her to the Diaz International gala to make

the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away to the Ellis

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

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

receiving

their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of it,” Seth

Cicely teased with a mischievous

are a lot

glanced at her coolly, “And

to take

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

just want to

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

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely understood

there, and even more so

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

was the envy of

to Seth

a patient man, unwilling to waste time

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

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

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P

over at Diaz International’s

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist,

soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

he was out of

was slouched on the steps

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

a sneer,

his feet

each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

each word with venom. “You’re

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

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

history, that I can’t blame anyone for the

you; we

what the we had,

anticipated such drama on the eve of

the air,

tactics, about how Ray’s family

whim because Ray had once made an

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated strike.

seemed to confirm the

shareholder in your family business, my

this place immediately.”

surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

after waking from a hospital stay,

ten percent.

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

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

I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

so tell me,

Diaz International, let

today?”

detachment, “If you

you think you

seemed to strip away the last shred of Ray’s dignity.

the drunken stupor in his

he might

vengeful fury.

the table

shards scattering across the

breaking glass pierced

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

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

the

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm

a circle to

to Seth, her body shielding

bright red blood fell onto

in his arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

felt a surge of rage at

blood on

his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

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

she managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

Have you had too

provoking him will do you now? What

you?!”

in pain, and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the

made it clear to

anger,

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

on

“Where else

her lip, and tears

and restlessness

low voice, “Talk

to crumble under Seth’s

fear—all converged and broke

my ankle hurts,” she

it in her last desperate lunge

heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

the ground by

on his back, restraining

Seth and

caused him a

bottle had swung

had been

Ray, pinned down by Charlie

Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

One

done!”

falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

too shallow, but not too

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

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

their concern for

mask his concern, which he

hardship in her life, and just a few days

the new year, this happens!

Cicely suddenly interjected, “it’s not his fault. I was the one

and followed

her a glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt

the pain stop, then go

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

words were stuffed

a lifetime, could he not see

hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

him

Totally unexpected.

now took

process these swirling emotions,

to the doctor, then stepped

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

her arms and wrapped them around his

her knees, lifting her

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to

watching.

and Seth back to

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence was

all, she had never

after the gala, Seth stayed

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely needed

carry her, never leaving her side.

Seth was impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet

to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

slight shift in pressure and

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who

feel as tense as a

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

inevitably turned

bored in her room, insisted Seth take

just to the living room or the study. So she

to most

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

had postponed the deal which should have

year to

International was interested

response was the same as it

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she

able to look up and see

before the new year. After all, as

been injured protecting

to put on airs at this

on previous

family prepared a lavish dinner for her.

the dinner table, she brought up the topic

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for

Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

legally married, spending New Year’s

residence was the most appropriate and

paused for a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

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

she was not at home, the

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

would leave

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

them to pick up

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in

Year was too heartless. After negotiating with

bring

the image of

feels sad just thinking about

might liven things up, serving as company

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

it might be better

been bustling since yesterday, and though

home for the New Year’s

knowing Miss

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

encountered Danielle, who should have been picked up

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

room, her expression paused for

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth, you

she said that made it

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question and

the couch. His voice was as flat

storm.

lip, hands clasped

We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

her chest, but she

let

her discharge. If anyone was going to

the Ellis family. You

is

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her

be here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s

never repay. What’s wrong

of her every single day of the

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

just stage an accident and play the damsel

Ellis family’s

and she whirled to glare at

“This is the Ellis family’s

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

her?”

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

it you who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through

been light and smiling, settled on a glass

quietly awaited Seth’s

not to

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