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.

up, you know. Getting

Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

coldly and then let out a mocking

If I really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

she looked at Danielle,

a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

Sadly for you, even if you wish for a life of disability, the

Seth. Even

think you are

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

you day in and day out? Or

someone disabled?”

as she

her most vulnerable

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

running away. You were so

you die, I will dig you up from your grave

soon, you might be able

don’t blame me

eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

myself

and over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite.

the nurse standing by. “Keep an

she eats or

“Understood.”

a

didn’t look at her again, turning towards the door to leave.

two steps, the door

the

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

her brows as

when he opened the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling any

teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

you think

took advantage of me that night when

to settle that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances

It

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

Let’s not make her situation

the exchange,

expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

I know Danielle

with a

up, I’ll

they left the hospital

can’t hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here.

I didn’t

in her

the chaos of that night,

that

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on

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

accident was orchestrated by his family

at

he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

I had no

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

shoveled food

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics

from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

him now, and

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

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were

the

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be

can imagine. My dad

had his sights set on

a guy who hasn’t graduated from college

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard

fatal blow. He played innocent but was

night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

hadn’t shown up, who do you

at the receiving end of my

face drained of color. She had pondered this question before, but

into it. She didn’t want to confront the potential cruelty

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

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

a rough road ahead. I came here today to

ask you

up, her voice restrained

that car for him, was

or was it just a ploy to achieve

and finally turned to look at Ray.

a motive, my only desire was

smile. “It’s

to be

would you still have stepped

her fork down and looked up at

are you

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

“I didn’t expect you to brush me off like

I had died, what

not, that’s

have to play the villain in front of me to push me away. At

like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If

I would, but since I can’t, I

seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray

to lose, there was no telling what kind

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

slackened for a moment then

a familiar, faint smile

was heavy. “You hate hospitals.

episode. Came to check on her

a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

a

appeared here not long after Cicely

grasped what Seth was worried about.

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

it might give

gaze faltered for a

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting

the corners of

and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

light smile.

person could hurt me when I’m fully

sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the

why I braved

No overt anger,

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull her

learned just a

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

have the time to join me.

sharing a meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s

The question floated into Seth’s

looked up to find the

room for an answer, as if the question

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of the Ellis

at the sprawling

stood tall but

vitality.

her brows, and the already

She got out of the car

was empty, with servants occasionally

be

at the sound of her

you give us a

glanced upstairs,

ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some buckwheat

her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

“There were a

she turned and headed straight

to bring

brownish buckwheat wraps

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to

prepared for

were too frightened to reply, their

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals

dishes. Even if we

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are

says there’s no need

enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

family’s dining table was always

Creighton slumped

a book resting on his chest, his head

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her

had but one master.

corner for

married early, head over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

her father alone in the

deeply

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

nap and

the servants, his face lit

didn’t you tell

to hide before I

“You’re not fighting with Seth again, are

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked

for dinner

to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk

to Creighton for the rest of

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while she placed

in with

is golden; don’t meddle in

and bustling, and

family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

he was too busy to make

“Are you

“Just hope for us to

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

to assist Seth with his

imply for me

on the rack, her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

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

your message as an invitation for

had pulled her into his

into the living

couple’s closeness, smiled,

these past few days, have

“Not yet.”

go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take care

all tailored to his

hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but as she

of her

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting,

a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

coffee

to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine

glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

water bottle, her

staying here for

crossed Seth’s brow

down his

explain myself clearly

understand very well. Now that you’ve

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you.

wasting time over the

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

back here just on

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

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

then I saw my dad and

time for me, but he could use some company. Are

not

face was impassive, her lips curled in an

the last part, coupled with

had been placed on

noon.

believe it? If not, she

“If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

took a sip from his water

by his easy acquiescence,

he disagreed

understand why

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the study.

conversation would be

matters.

shopping app for little home decor items –

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

but she liked doodling when

front door was knocked, the servant opened it

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

sending you out in such cold weather,

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait for

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring

I’ll be on

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a

seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

of

upstairs.

talk about for so long

servant had

went to the bathroom where the bath

a while since she’d

water temperature, she slid into the tub and let

view of the garden and

lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father to install the

years, glimpsing at them had

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and placed

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her

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

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

her eyes, her hand was caught

up to see the man

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by the man who

room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

tried

her and began

“What are you

missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

does one do in

grabbed the towel beside the

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped

chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What

to do?”

his arms, her face flushed from either

than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

low and enticing. “Share a

embarrassingly, “You should be able to

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

her current bold, even

demeanor.

run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted

before turning on

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand

that this man had a hundred

anger before it

still, not moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

yanked away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front of her,

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with

chest to rinse it

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

merit. After all, there were

fallen for this

he nudged

took a quick shower

a cool expression,

planning to stay

any

apartment, it’s quite a trek from

staying here. I

will.”

anger tinged

curled into a smile as he drew closer to

compared to spending a

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to

warm water from the shower cascading over

to prevent water from flowing

his succinct and

something insistent pressing against her and

had already set the showerhead aside, his hand

against hers. “We should get out

go. I can

not going out

Seth’s lips closed over

he moved with a

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

pain. “This is the

you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not

to keep it down in

was wrapped around his waist, and as the

her vision blurred until she

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

her soft hair

other side of the bed,

turn away, his long

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

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on her

ones added

protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

and he’d tend to it. Yet now,

all too pleased.

and slipping into her

Still groggy and listless, she

their morning exercise and were already two

head with a mix of affection

“You really should fix that

offered by the servant,

“Sleeping in is the best

Skipping breakfast is bad for your health, and too

is the most important meal. Why are you still

you leave

left Cicely speechless

went to the office. Why would I leave with

your holiday. You

at the company instead of ending up clueless.

frowned, her face showing clear

why he didn’t

good at passing the buck to

he really

know, Creighton dropped

to the hospital with your grandfather to see

come?”

the couch, resting her elbow

a blend of elegance and lazy

have lunch by yourself at

were already leaving her

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

her alone in the hospital

table was incredibly inappropriate and

to visit the hospital the next

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis

would have a

for

upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

living room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

the bathroom, and upon entering, she

her. After a quick shower,

climbed into bed to play with

like Seth had finished his work.

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand, and

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

for me,

you be? It’s

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think

rest tonight?”

what am

of things we have

gently, “Then hurry up

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

for air. She

soft whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

kiss me to

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

a penalty for self-justification,

Shouldn’t I consider how

face held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

ahead. Punish me any way

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

heart to give me a severe

her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

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

heard, love

the start, the more they might hate them

warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s

soft with flirtation,

I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

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

let go of Cicely’s chin

was already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so

“If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

find out what his method of

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was

glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

“Is there something you need

me at the office tomorrow

swiped and tapped

“I don’t know anything about business,

do there?”

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

thing in the

have

think your dad asking

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure

Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

a weak moment and start

you won’t even know where to

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

only when truly in your own hands, is

quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think

you? Or maybe you want to

her, his gazes were unfathomably

further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced

a trail of broken

beyond these two reasons,

expression didn’t improve, and

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

assume. In fact, instead of

be reflecting on why I harbor such

“I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he

text. “What will you be

got out of

Naturally, I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

grab a coat,

well; it wasn’t about reflection.

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse

lights had dimmed, leaving only

sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced at the

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving. He then looked at

sleeping face and

rush to find her

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled

man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with

coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

a couple of times. “Are you out

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out

shine, off to the

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

face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this the

comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow at

and the

so over this, I’m

pillow, and placed it back

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

want me to wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth

into a

covers aside and stomped off to the

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows,

her brush, and Seth,

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

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

as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile

to the Ellis Corporation

document from last night did you read?” Seth pretended

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do at

just smiled

understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

a new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can

her face away,

seemed to anticipate this excuse,

felt like no matter what

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we can go over

will you be

a

“You’re leaving me

wolves in

the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held

glanced at her before

been darting around, a clear sign she was up

stir up

did take the documents

her pen, but within half an hour, the pen

her

the office, returning after

the drawers,

a pen and doodled on a

with her phone and then,

and the

Seth returned before noon. Cicely

student.

much did you get through?”

a bit challenging since it’s new to me,

a whole morning and

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here

the

her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

in a confident, flamboyant

slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited for

declared as if it justified

of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

files and approached

arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

an office,” Cicely said, leaning

around her waist, his voice deep and

taking

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d concoct

respectful. Now,

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

and it’s intentional,

admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no

like harboring intentions

our current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s

away and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

Charlie from a

have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking of the

hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

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

a big deal’.

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

with food, while he

her way.

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

her eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

at her with an icy

onto the couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

said we have to sleep together every night. If

until

face was stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it

to keep

silverware

continued to

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed

to slack off, but under

summoning various department heads for updates

and progress reviews, the

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

she couldn’t afford to be seen

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s

in a while.”

“I should probably let

need, I’ve

to the door to

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

it came down to it, Cicely knew she had

come. If Patty was in a

to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was

wasn’t

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

waiting by the door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them

Enter title…

a call and returned after a few minutes,

He took a sip

the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if

him. But with him always buzzing around, she

he hadn’t even mentioned

her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

about this new mechanical equipment

the old models. We

the know-how and

bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family, why haven’t you

cold. “The big fish like the

the Ellis project. Diaz

with the Ellis family’s offer just

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

and watch. Seth, so many would kill for

you just chicken out when you

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

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the Harper

fitting partners than Diaz International. And

with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my position

Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

stance. “What’s wrong with

counts. Why sweat the

you, I’ll bang

a half-smile. “Is there a

brows. “Too scared to take

of running Diaz International? Might as well let

swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about any flak

that’s actually a pretty solid

about it,

narrowed his eyes but

propped her chin in

actually go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could

International to me personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How

all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

me,

matters to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

by your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that

sleeve that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

unfathomable as he watched her.

International. So what if

the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face.

to let

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

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

under the Ellis family banner

do to tick you off?” The voice came

tone that

glanced at her mug, then switched on

opposite her, her

wariness.

loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such

the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will be

soon. No need to keep things so

a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off

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

International.”

eyes carrying a

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

Seth had already stood up,

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression.

if forcefully suppressing a

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

with Patty might be the real way to

night was

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’m there, I’ll disturb

her arm against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new

you?”

“No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully.

parcels for you today; they’ve been

to open them now, I can

shoes and said, “Well, bring them

many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

but also studied them. Her

instruction manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

to

freshen up;

looked up and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it was

her was a

rest of the items were pairs, hers

light.

think

time did I realize there are no traces of you

it feels

still engrossed in the small items,

in the world. Seth didn’t

to

the white tumbler in

contentedly.

and

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

were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these parcels,

addressed to you.”

at the sight,

resumed her task

an office transformed. His desk now

holder, several

couple of notebooks.

his,

with a cushion on

flowers had even appeared on

of leaving

done nothing out of the

“What’s for lunch

work

raised three fingers, then hesitantly

a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of the

capturing every bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only saw

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

over the new objects on the desk, and

reward, I’ll take

the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at

for

over several days, and

about company affairs, she couldn’t

everything settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

and C&P were arranged to hold

same day, at the same hotel,

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

the south, the

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted

of silver high-heeled

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the most

her birth, Cicely seemed destined

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

Diaz International

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries,

away

orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

and father present, the spotlight

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

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings and

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

chin in her hand, Cicely

are a lot of

at her coolly, “And plenty

curious to take

“If your

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

“Sure, one day I’ll

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala.

to keep a low profile there,

its grand

of many. Naturally, the number of

cozy up to

unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

However, not long after,

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

over

demeanor darkened. As he stood

wrist,

I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and trailed after

gala, Ray was slouched on the

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

a sneer, using the steps

to his feet and approached

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

each word with venom. “You’re

flashing a

play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you

I can’t blame anyone for the downfall

provoked you; we were just in

coveted what the we had, you seized

on

air, the implications clear

about Seth’s tactics, about

whim because Ray had

had incensed him enough

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm

in your family

leave this place

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

assured, I know this isn’t my place. I’m

Diaz International event. I can’t do anything at my

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

so tell me, wouldn’t

International, let

today?”

icy detachment, “If

makes you think

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

in his eyes, which now brimmed

menace, and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the

sending sharp shards scattering across

breaking glass pierced through

skip

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle

out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

half a circle to avoid

clung to Seth,

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand,

about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

reverberated throughout

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a

blood on

and his face, usually cool

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped his clothes

managed to say, forcing

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

drunk and not thinking straight. Have you had

him will do you

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

from the physical

her eyes made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger,

his heart as he surveyed her

finally resting on a clear cut on her right arm.

dark. “Where else

her lip, and tears fell from her

restlessness swirled within Seth.

low voice, “Talk

to crumble under Seth’s growl,

fear—all converged and broke down

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge to save

high heels and, with a

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground

with a knee on his back, restraining his

beside Seth and

him a

had swung

had been cut on

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

and

shallow, but not

she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

were red

she greeted them

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to

concern

concern, which he channeled into

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

the new year, this happens! Seth,

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

and

a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt if you scold him,

pain

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

were

lifetime, could he not

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

the moment at the gala when

shield him

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new definition upon

process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

to the doctor, then stepped beside

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking

lifted her arms and wrapped them

her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to

care, and returning to the

never mentioned leaving the

the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed

never leaving her

was impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed

waiting.

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

shift in pressure and Cicely

the man beside her, who seemed to make

as tense as a

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned

in her

was just to the living room or the study. So she

to most

talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues

family.

which should

to after

if Diaz International

the same as it had

Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

in company affairs,

Seth’s voice and being able to look up and

just before the new

been injured

this time.

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the topic of

to the Diaz family

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the

were legally

appropriate and normal

moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a

was not at home,

she had returned to spend a few days, the

gatherings, would leave

*

the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

left with them to pick up

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

bring

didn’t comment. However, the image of

home, staring at each other, feels sad just thinking about it. .

Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

might be better off

been bustling since yesterday,

for the New Year’s Eve

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have

face

was chatting happily with Danielle. When

for a moment, but then she

smiling.

also had a

but she brushed it aside.

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely

you doing here?” Seth asked,

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

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

here. We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

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

not to let

who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

been the Ellis family. You stay here for

on Danielle. “Patty is

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury.

here. Danielle got herself injured

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting

care of her every single day of the

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

an accident and play the damsel

the Ellis family’s

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

that you have to bring home a

her?”

don’t take your

you who’s making him feel

“You…”

voice cut

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

quietly

celebrate, not to start a

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