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.

Getting angry is bad for

for life, Seth and I will

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out

disabled for

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who seemed

a faint smile. “How shameless

you wish for a

Even blood relatives fed up

you

How

and day out? Or rather,

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely.

to her most

you’re off the hook just

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

I will dig you up from your grave and lash

Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able to slap me

me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out

Cicely’s icy, detached

were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to

you’re willing to

annoying.”

to lift, it froze in place. To

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite.

the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her. Let

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

again, turning

could take two steps, the door swung open from the

the man

Cicely brought a surge of intense

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as she

the door. She reached out and

feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched as

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

the one who nearly took advantage of

yet, and here you are looking as

castrated you myself.”

hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

what he say negate

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr. Ray’s

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

straight. It was your

else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true

Let’s not make

exchange, could hardly believe the

his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not

know Danielle

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must

cleared up, I’ll take

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

him accountable. He’s

I didn’t

bag in her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of that

that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

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

had been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on the brink,

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

by his family

at the

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her

*

stood by

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

give Ray any more

shoveled food

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used,

her plate.

happening to him now, and your family is on

was at least a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and

the downfall of my family from

told you not to be fooled by

imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

his sights set on bringing us

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him,

fatal blow.

That night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

shown

at the receiving

had pondered this question

She didn’t want to confront the potential cruelty

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to see

to ask you

look up, her voice restrained

that car for him, was it truly out

your life to save him, or was it just

finally turned to look at Ray. “Does

with a motive, my only desire was

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different.

to be so obstinate. If you knew

would you

fork down and looked up at him. “What

are you hoping

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me off

had died, what would

not, that’s the

the villain in front

it’s like denying everything I’ve

I need to find a reason

seen Ray this composed

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

lose, there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor,

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when he

slackened for a

familiar, faint smile on her face.

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you

had another episode. Came to check

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

in bullying a

after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr.

on your behalf to

thought it might

gaze faltered for

neck, presenting only her profile to

the corners of her eyes and lips

moods are volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

looked up at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with

hurt me when I’m

she recovers, the

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into

braved the disgust and

anger, just a serene and

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

Seth reached out to pull her

just

his

time to join

meal with you

blunt rejection,

The question floated into Seth’s ears,

pause, he looked up

room for an answer, as if the question itself

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered

at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

the sprawling

green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and

the car and walked towards the villa. The

with servants occasionally moving about in

be cautious. “Miss,

at the sound of her arrival, a look of

didn’t you give us a heads

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some buckwheat

up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple

she turned and headed

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

a light salad of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

prepared for my

were too frightened to reply, their

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

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

meals are quite simple. When you’re

says there’s no need to cook

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

family’s dining table was always a

Creighton slumped in a

his chest, his head tilted,

hit Cicely, and her eyes

one master. That grand dining

humble corner for his simple

married early, head over heels in

alone in

herself deeply in her

gently covering

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs

with the servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable

rascal, why didn’t you tell me you

secrets to hide before

at her. “You’re not fighting with Seth

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

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

break, missing all the home-cooked

for

ask him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

I’ll talk to

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

teaching her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while

occasionally chiming in

golden; don’t meddle in

bustling, and even

to have returned

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

said he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned,

you

exasperated, “Just hope for us

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

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

anything amiss.

reply, and she

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

to assist Seth with his

imply for me

voice neutral,

know.”

it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep apart.

invitation

had pulled

living room.

closeness, smiled,

hard these past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

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

dishes were all

joining him for dinner, but as she stepped out, she

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

came out to grab my

coffee table, bending down to

back to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with him, and

across from him did he glance up at her. “If you really

isn’t as cozy as our

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

here for

crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically

set down

explain

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

sip, “I said I’m not fighting

wasting time over the

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

back here just on a

I have some. I’m on

time. In fact, on my way back today,

I saw my dad

could use

I’m not fighting with

face was impassive, her lips curled in

coupled with her subtle

answer had been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

it? If not, she

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

sip from his water glass.

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today,

to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It

what their conversation

matters.

for little home decor items

sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling when

servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

him, “How heartless, sending you out in such

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

no need, I just have an errand. Mr.

I’ll be on my way

around, and noticed

quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

to talk about

The servant had refilled their water several

and went to the bathroom where the bath had

since she’d

water temperature, she slid into the tub and let out a sigh

was a view of

lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had asked her

glimpsing at them had become a habit during her

bathtub, staring at

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and placed

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She

felt a sudden chill.

coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

she reached to remove the towel from her eyes,

she looked up to see the man frowning at

side of the tub.

the first to drown in

was startled, but it was by the man who had appeared

had dissipated when he

feel cold.

guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he

he stood next to her and began to undress

“What are

a beat, dropping his

do in a bathroom?

beside the tub to cover herself, and

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up into his

towel to her chest and glared

to do?”

his arms, her face

bath, more radiant than usual. He

was low and enticing. “Share

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet,

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold,

demeanor.

run his

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower

waited for her consent before turning on the

Seth’s hand covered her

lacked principles, but that this

before it

not moving an inch, as the

away

arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover up

modesty she could.

her hair with

chest to rinse it clean with

closed, Cicely considered that her taste

without merit. After all, there were more than a couple

fallen for this

her hair, he nudged her toward the

took a

expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

Are you planning

there any reason I

to your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to the

staying here. I

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

as he drew closer to her.

is nothing compared to spending a

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely

contours of her body.

and he reached

the

closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

his succinct and

felt something insistent pressing against her and came to

realization, Seth had already set the

“We should get out

go. I can

going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed

he moved with a familiarity that made

out. She

pain. “This is the Ellis

but you seemed not to

to keep it

legs was wrapped around his waist,

vision blurred until she was on the

off the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas,

her soft

circled to the other side of the bed,

long arm scooped

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

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

already

ones

protective—or so

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

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her

she found Creighton

from their morning exercise

shook his head with a mix

“You really should fix that habit of

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

the best part of

for your health, and too much

Breakfast is the most important

didn’t you leave with

left Cicely

to the office. Why would I leave with

Perfect timing with your holiday. You

instead of ending up clueless. What?

face showing clear

why he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t tell

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

posture a blend of

you’ll have lunch

returned, and they were already

Danielle’s name had come up several times at the

hospital while the rest of them

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

to visit the hospital

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

have a

in time for dinner. His timing was

he headed upstairs first, while

room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon

behind her. After a quick shower,

climbed into bed to

Seth had

the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with his

the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

Wait for me,

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

you up to?”

of teasing,

rest tonight?”

“Then what

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we

him gently,

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

penetrating with unrestrained

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands

soft whimper. It

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed

caught Seth off guard with their

death? I wouldn’t dream of

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

just inches from hers. A

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

Punish me any way

slightly tilted her head, calmly and

thinking that because I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So,

to give me a

ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

emotion in her eyes, Seth felt

caressing her smooth chin, “You like me that

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

ever heard, love and hate are two

start, the more they might hate

crept into Seth’s warm and

with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though.

it will. I wouldn’t

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

He let

buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

let you off tonight. It’s still early, so

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

you up my way.”

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

from the shower, Cicely was propped

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

the phone

“Is there something you need

join me at the office

talking, he swiped and tapped

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

do there?”

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

thing in the

have to

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

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future,

the Ellis family

start eating away at you, swallowing up

won’t even know where to cry. Don’t

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it

in your own hands,

him quietly, “What makes you

Or maybe you want to leave me one

fingers froze. Turning to her, his gazes were unfathomably

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve fallen

who leaves a trail

just saying. But beyond these two

expression didn’t improve,

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

quick to assume. In fact, instead of you

on why

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

before sleep, and ask

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app

text. “What

got out of bed, lifting the

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

mood.”

a coat,

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

a tantrum.

＊

study for two

face looking worse than

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

with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving.

sleeping face

in a rush

and tossing it aside, he watched the

his face cold as he pulled her into his

the man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a kiss that

cup of strong coffee. Even for

morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out

shine, off to the

Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this the hard

the comforter off with

could

pillow at

was close by, and the pillow barely

over this, I’m not going

up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

see you up by the time

you don’t want me to wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned

into a

she threw the covers aside and stomped

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted

her brush, and Seth, as

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

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

something as simple as toothpaste.

the slight smile

to the

of the document from last night did

to know anything.

So what am I supposed

just smiled and didn’t

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can

face away,

excuse, “There are printed copies

felt like no matter what

for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

and we

will you be

a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me

wolves in

on the reading; I’ll

opened her mouth to retort but held

at her before

a clear sign she was

she possibly stir up in

Cicely did

pen, but within half

and her phone was

office, returning after another

She rummaged through the drawers,

doodled on a black leather

she played with her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

desk and

Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

much did you get through?” he

it’s new to me, so I’m

files in a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

fact that I’m

his desk, noticing the black notebook she

found her doodles—a passable cartoon

a

slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth

declared as if it justified

and sank

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

the files and approached him. Before

her into an embrace.

leaning back with a

waist, his voice deep and

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

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

respectful. Now, you can’t even be bothered

attitude.

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

it’s

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

like harboring intentions towards me

current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

it’s to

back in his chair, turning to

his expression

Cicely watched him—

was

Charlie from a local diner,

to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic

hungry.” His mood was as frosty as

with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

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

toward a table laden with food,

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had

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

tonight.”

up at her with an icy

onto the couch and picked up

to sleep together every

wait until

“How long are you

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it

want to

silverware tightened before relaxing.

to watch

me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation since the

had stayed

but under Seth’s watchful

with him summoning various department heads

progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

of the Ellis family,

she couldn’t afford to

the workday approached, Cicely found most of

trembling,

made much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s

in a while.”

“I should probably

need, I’ve

to the

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

it, Cicely knew she had to play

things as they come. If Patty was in a

not, best to

Patty wasn’t her biggest

was biting, and naturally, Cicely

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

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after a few minutes,

took a sip

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if

him. But with him always buzzing

hadn’t even mentioned anything

a strand of her hair, her palm warming

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General

was talking about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

knock the socks off the old models. We could corner the market

the know-how and the

Instead of bidding

to Diaz International? Given the

family, why

“The big fish like

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

kill for that kind of

just chicken out when

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

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I

Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

with the Ellis family,

to make things

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with

Why sweat

pride for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile. “Is there a

brows. “Too scared to take

What’s the point of running Diaz

you wouldn’t have to

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

more she thought about it, the more feasible

his eyes but said

chin in her

if we actually go through with that? Assess the value of

shares for you in the Ellis

I’ll cut you in on

shares. How about

“What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s anything on this

your mother, it’s probably Diaz

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have an

me an edge

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

International. So

sofa, with a carefree smile

to

tightened, clearly displeased with her

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

under the Ellis family banner the best

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

tone that belonged to none

at her mug, then switched on her

already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

was just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea

Ellis family ain’t too shabby,

need to keep things so

is the future.

chew. And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

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

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far from

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

if forcefully suppressing

dinner at the Diaz

the real way to make her happy.

the night was out of

drive back to the Ellis residence,

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

I’ll

her arm against the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

for a few

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

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

parcels for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

open them now, I can bring

her shoes and said,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

only unpacked them but also studied them.

many times more

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely

up; we’re

him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

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

Beside her was a matching black

portrait and name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers

light.

think of

this time did I realize

it feels

still engrossed in the small items,

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth

her to get some

white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff

scattered,

much the same

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at

resumed

to an office transformed.

frame, a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his,

a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared

wisdom of leaving

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

for lunch

countered, “How much work

fingers, then hesitantly added

tapped a few keys on the computer,

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw

hungry,” she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

over the new objects on the desk, and he

a reward, I’ll take

of escaping the office for a

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for

and even if

company affairs, she couldn’t

settled, it was time

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and

the same day, at

towers, linked by sky bridges. The

south, the other

below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with

knee. She wore a pair of silver

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

of her birth, Cicely seemed

inferior. Her clothes were simple in

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

away. Cicely had everything people

brought her to the Diaz International gala to

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

whisking her away to the

was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

the spotlight

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

and well-wishes, almost like

guests, receiving

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,” Seth

in her hand, Cicely

lot of celebrity beauties

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of

even curious to take

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

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

I’ll

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala. Cicely understood

there, and even

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

its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally, the number of people

cozy up to Seth was

Seth was not a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt and

event was deliberate, with

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the

commotion over at Diaz

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened.

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

he was out of sight, then rose and

was slouched on

finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer,

his feet and approached

each syllable with a bitterness that

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing a

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for

family never provoked you; we were just in

the we had, you

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve

air, the

were whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s family had

a whim because Ray had once made

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

it had been a

seemed to confirm the

are still a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

this place

their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I

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

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

company, so

Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

think you can destroy

to strip away the last shred

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes,

as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table next

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

the breaking glass pierced through

skip a beat. Instinctively, her

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

color, and she let out

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s

spun half a circle

clung to Seth, her body shielding

onto Seth’s

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace. at

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

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

blood on his

his arm stood out, and his face,

bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly,

she managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at her

drunk and not thinking straight. Have you had too much to drink,

him will do you

you?!”

pain, and though her voice carried anger, it also held

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction

made it clear to him—she was

anger, or

heart

cut on her

else are you

lip, and tears fell

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled

voice, “Talk to

to crumble under Seth’s

converged and

my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

her last desperate lunge to

her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who

knee on his back,

Seth and

cry had caused him a

had swung past

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Ray, pinned

only shout at Seth’s retreating

don’t be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

too shallow, but

she had already been treated,

were red and swollen

Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned

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

their concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

of hardship in her

year, this happens! Seth,

“it’s not his fault. I

and followed

“Am I not

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

I’ll stop,” he said, cutting himself off

natter until all his words were

a lifetime, could he not

her hair somewhat

the moment at the gala when she

him

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

he could process these swirling emotions, the

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes and

be, then she lifted her arms

knees, lifting her

slight sense of peace to

watching.

Seth

the Ellis residence

all, she had never

after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

up – any time Cicely needed

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

impeccable

actions were bittersweet

from the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

despite the doctor’s

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This was

heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense as

with Creighton

turned to

and bored in her room, insisted

even if it was just to the living room or the study.

to most

talk about the

family.

postponed the deal which should

to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in

the same as it had

Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs,

being able

just before the

had been injured protecting

airs at this

than on

family prepared a lavish dinner for

up the topic of the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for the

was surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t

since they were legally married, spending

most appropriate and normal thing to

a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

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

would leave him alone

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back

residence.

pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring

However, the image of two old people

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

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

feel that it might be better off

been bustling since yesterday, and though they

to Cicely not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

feast knowing

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely,

who should

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw

room, her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it

The way she said that made it sound like

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly,

her all alone

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but

her best not to let her

her discharge. If anyone was going to

family. You

is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The guest I invite is

here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

What’s wrong with inviting her

her every single

sneer. “By that logic,

just stage an accident and play the damsel in

family’s

and she whirled to glare

is the Ellis family’s dear

that you have to

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction

it you who’s

“You…”

voice cut

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

as she quietly awaited Seth’s

you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and make

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