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.

know. Getting angry is bad for your

life, Seth and I will be

Enter title…

and then let out

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

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

important do you think you

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

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

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

to her

that you’re off the hook just

even dream of running away. You were so

you up from your

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you

blame me

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

icy, detached voice rang

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just

you’re willing to

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

appetite.

standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a

turning towards the door

steps, the door swung open

darkening as the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought a surge

had just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

her brows as she

opened the door. She reached out and pushed Issac

Ray, feeling

his teeth clenched

mixed with rage.

you think you’re misdirecting your

one who nearly took advantage of me that

haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

“Does what he say negate the

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added,

put our grievances

facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

anyone else’s doing. Ms.

dependent. Let’s not make

the exchange, could

expression

trouble. Of course, I know

with a smile, “Then I

I’ll take my

left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved

can’t hold him accountable. He’s

but I

bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

Ray again brought back the chaos of

terrifying that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems

playboy,

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

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

this accident was orchestrated by

frowned at the

nearly get

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome

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

the mood to give Ray any more

her fork clumsily, she shoveled

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the

her plate. “Is it really necessary to

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and a

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act.

imagine. My dad said

his

by a guy who

on these things to make everyone relax their

fatal blow. He played innocent but was

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

at the receiving end of

She had pondered this

to delve into it. She didn’t want to confront the

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

I’ve checked with the doctors about

rough road ahead. I

to ask you

her

in front of that car for him,

life to save him, or was it just a

and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

motive, my only desire was

smile. “It’s different.

father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

severe, would you still have

silence, Danielle set her fork down

answer are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

you off. If I had died, what would be the

“Whether true or not, that’s the answer I needed to

don’t have to play the villain in front of

like

can’t, I need to find

never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

elevator on the ground floor, only to

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly

for

smile on her face. “You’re

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you

she had another episode. Came to check

admitted. After a brief silence, she

bullying a cripple, so

not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

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

is here on your behalf to check on

it

gaze faltered for a

neck, presenting only her profile to

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and

moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile. “I

person could hurt me when I’m fully able and

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

tucked into the pockets of

I braved the disgust

that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

he’d learned just a

his

you probably don’t have the time to join me.

meal with you

such blunt

The question

looked

room for an answer, as if the

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for

at

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates

sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and

a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards the villa.

empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be

rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise

give us

glanced upstairs,

long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some

the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

were a

she turned and headed straight for the

face, she ordered the servants to bring

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

she lifted her gaze

you prepared for my

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

meals are quite simple. When you’re

there’s no need to cook so

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

family’s dining table was always a

Creighton slumped in a chair

a book resting on his chest, his head

hit Cicely, and her

had but one master. That grand dining

a humble corner for

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

her father alone

deeply

covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

woke from his nap and

face lit

rascal, why didn’t you tell

secrets to hide before

at her. “You’re not fighting with

could there be so many

settling onto the couch. “He’s busy with

break, missing all the home-cooked

for dinner

to ask him. He

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the rest

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off while she placed bets

occasionally chiming in with

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in

and bustling, and even

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired

make it back.

glance, “Are you two

for us to

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic

all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

to assist Seth with his coat.

imply for me to

on the rack, her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple to

your message as an invitation for

he had pulled her into his

into the living

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

hard these past few days,

“Not yet.”

have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

all

hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but

of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

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

way over to the coffee table,

back to the dining

Enter title…

her return to

up at her. “If you

estate isn’t as cozy as

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

for the near

flicker of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down

I not explain myself

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

said I’m

over the same person

napkin, “So you’re telling me

just on a

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

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

then I saw my

but he could use

I’m not

was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

the last part, coupled with

on

noon.

it? If

lips twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

sip from his water glass.

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

came to understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in

her what their conversation would be

matters.

for

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with

but she liked doodling when

opened it to

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked

I’ll be on my way

up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

servant brought up a glass of milk.

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for

had refilled

went to the bathroom where the bath had

had been a while since she’d indulged in a good

the water temperature, she slid into the tub

the bathroom window was a view of

by rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her father to install the

at them had

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

the tub, twisted a hot towel, and placed

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

didn’t move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

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

to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was

looked up to see

side of the tub.

first to drown

it was by the man who had appeared

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

to blame.” Cicely tried

and began to undress in a brazen

“What

without missing a beat, dropping

one do in a

beside the tub to cover herself, and stood

could leave, she

her chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

down at the woman in his

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

low and

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

her

he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

to run his fingers through

hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted

for her consent before turning on the shower.

Cicely, but Seth’s hand

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man

before it

moving an inch, as the

yanked away by

front

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging

into his chest to rinse it clean with

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

After all, there were more than a couple

fallen for

hair, he nudged her toward the wall

he took a

expression, Cicely asked,

planning

there any reason

quite a trek from here

on staying here. I

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

a smile as he drew closer to her.

nothing compared to

better.”

sleep

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

reached out

water from the shower cascading

to prevent water from flowing into

his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

insistent pressing against

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

against hers. “We should get out and dry your

voice tightened, “Let go.

going out

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

he moved with a familiarity that made it

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

“This is

you seemed not to

it down

around his

she was

and slipping her into pajamas,

her soft hair

other side of the bed,

away, his long arm scooped

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

was too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

was already gone. The

ones added

so he seemed. Any pain in

now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

listless, she

exercise and were already

head with a mix of

should fix that

the servant, sipped half of it, and

couch. “Sleeping in is the best

your health, and too

either. Breakfast is the most important meal.

didn’t you leave with

Cicely speechless for a

office. Why

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

the company instead of ending up

face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t

quite good at

he really

know, Creighton dropped the subject.

your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

a blend of elegance and lazy

lunch

just returned, and they were already leaving her

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

leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat

inappropriate

were set to visit

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

Danielle would have a problem

returned in time for dinner. His timing was

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering,

shower, she emerged to find Seth

to play

had finished his work.

the bed, walked over, brushed her

peck on the lips.

Wait for

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

you up to?”

a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

plenty of things we have yet

pushed him gently,

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s body

with

She

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

escaped him. “Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

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

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

hers. A gentle smile tinged her

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for

me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

“Go ahead. Punish me any

slightly tilted her head, calmly and

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

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

give me

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You like me

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

with it, “But have you ever heard,

the start, the more

warm and smiling

soft with flirtation,

comes, which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

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

cracked a faint smile. He let go of

shirt was already missing two buttons

unfastened the rest.

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

leave and then paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

out what his method of waking her

from the shower, Cicely was

at him, then refocused on the

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands.

there something you

join me at the

talking, he swiped and

about business, what am

do there?”

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

in the

I have

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

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future, your only

won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

of a weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

you won’t even know where

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s

when truly in your own

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

you want to leave me one

her, his gazes

sounds like you’re quite convinced

leaves a trail

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

expression didn’t improve, and he

in their depths replaced by

to assume. In fact, instead of you

on why I

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files to

can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just downloaded for her

blur of text. “What will

her, then got out of bed, lifting the

reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and

too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching

his face looking worse than

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed,

the woman sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for her before leaving. He

face and

in a rush to find her a reliable

the phone and tossing it aside, he

face cold as he pulled her into his

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

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up

one sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

morning, he woke

cup of strong coffee. Even for

to morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung

off to

yanked

your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat

what strength could she muster just

a pillow

and the

over this, I’m not going to the

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on

you up by the

to wake you up

back to sleep.”

Seth turned away, the

a

and stomped off to

onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he

and Seth, as if

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

back on her task, she started brushing.

as toothpaste.

smile of her

they headed to the Ellis Corporation

of the document from last night did you read?” Seth pretended

to know anything.

I supposed to do at

just smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

on the computer;

her face away, “Computers

this excuse, “There are printed

She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over

will you

a C&P

“You’re leaving

there wolves in the office

the reading; I’ll be

to retort

at her before leaving

had been darting around, a clear sign she was

possibly stir up in

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

pen, but within

and her phone was

left the office,

the drawers,

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she

played with her phone and then, noticing the

and

noon. Cicely sat

student.

you get

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

morning and you’re proud of that?” His

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even

his desk, noticing the

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

written in a confident, flamboyant

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

and took a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if it

nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him. Before she

into

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

around her waist, his voice

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d

respectful. Now, you can’t even be

and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

it’s intentional,

but Seth had

harboring

that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

me, it’s to

back in his chair,

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was

fetched by Charlie from a

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic

His mood was as frosty as a

the

a big deal’.

all this by myself?” she asked, her brow

table laden with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

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

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

at her

onto the couch and

we have to sleep together every

wait until you’re

stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it you

want to

silverware

to watch

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

and had stayed

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

with him summoning various department heads for

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

Ellis

she couldn’t afford to

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

twitched, “I should

I’ve already told

acknowledgment and moved to

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

down to it, Cicely knew she had to play it

with things as they come. If

best to

Patty wasn’t her

and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

off waiting by the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a few

sip of warm

the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if

with him always buzzing around,

he hadn’t even mentioned anything

her hair, her palm warming against

overheard General Manager from

this

the socks off the old

the know-how and the development rights.

of bidding

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

family, why haven’t you considered

was cold. “The big fish like the

the Ellis project.

the Ellis

family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

would kill for that kind

it, or do you just chicken out when

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

with the Ellis family?”

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

fitting partners than Diaz International. And

wanting to work with the Ellis family, are

make things

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

what counts. Why

pride for you, I’ll bang the

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is there a

scared to take the big deals, too proud

running Diaz International?

you wouldn’t have to worry about

actually a pretty solid

more she thought about it, the more

eyes

propped her chin in

if we actually go through with that? Assess

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

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

shares. How

her coolly. “What’s all

in Diaz International?”

me,

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

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

me an edge over you.

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable

bit of Diaz International. So what

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her

to

lips tightened, clearly

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

under the Ellis family banner the best

do to tick you off?”

Cicely, a familiar tone that

at her mug, then switched on her charm as

standing opposite her, her

wariness.

thinking out loud. Then I figured it

family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

to keep

out a scoff, “The future is the future.

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

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild,

If Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither would

up, his expression far

go.”

mindful of

as if forcefully suppressing

they had dinner at the Diaz residence,

Patty might be the real way to make her

night was out of the

the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel

you

“Same as today.”

in

I’ll disturb

the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

I can bring

shoes and said,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat

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

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

times

when she read documents.

came down to find

“Go freshen up; we’re

and handed him a white travel

notable heft, and engraved

with her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black

name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers in

light.

you think

I

it feels

the small items, her tone and

most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say much

to get

seeing the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

Ellis estate and

was still scattered, but after reviewing a

realized they were much the same as

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed.

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

cushion on

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

question the wisdom of leaving her alone

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

“What’s for lunch

work did you get

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

the computer,

capturing every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only saw

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

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk,

reward, I’ll take you

for

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for reports and

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

company affairs, she couldn’t help

time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

the same day, at

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

the south, the other north, distinctly

event was just below Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted

She wore a pair of

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

simple in design, yet undeniably

man by her side was

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

her to the Diaz International gala to make the rounds, to

deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people,

the

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

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

chin in her hand, Cicely teased with

lot of celebrity beauties

“And plenty of male

even curious to

Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

just want to

curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala.

there,

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

its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally,

up to Seth was

unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for

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

However, not long after, Charlie

Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

wrist, “What’s

back soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of

Ray was slouched on the

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer, using

his feet

syllable with a bitterness that

with venom. “You’re

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

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

who writes history, that I can’t blame

My family never provoked you; we were just

the we had, you seized my family’s

drama on

air,

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

whim because Ray had once made an

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated strike.

to confirm

are still a shareholder in your family business,

this place

surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t my

International event. I can’t do anything at

what I have, and I can’t

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

ruined Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

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

you think you

the last shred of

in his

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table

sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

glass pierced through

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her

heels a clumsy

the bottle at

out a breathless shout.

forward, pulling Seth’s arm

half a circle to

clung to Seth, her

fell onto Seth’s hand, and

seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

intervene, felt a surge

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually cool and

seething with a

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm

she gripped his

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say,

tall.

softened as it landed on her pale,

slapped him. Stunned,

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

think provoking him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her pain. But

up in her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

anger, or

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

on her right arm. He grasped

else

her lip, and tears fell from

panic and restlessness swirled within

voice, “Talk

last ounce of self-control seemed to

indignation, fear—all converged and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

in her last

glanced at her high heels and, with a

his arms.

to the ground by Charlie, who

with a knee on his back,

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

him a moment’s hesitation. In that

bottle had swung past

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by

Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

falter in his

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and

frenzy.

and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but

she had already been treated, her wounds

Cicely’s eyes were red and

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

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

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

concern for

which

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

new year,

his fault. I was the one

listen and followed

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

cutting himself off

his words were stuffed back down his throat.

he not see

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

gala when

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

these swirling emotions,

listened intently to the doctor, then

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

her arms and

knees, lifting

slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the

to the Ellis residence was the best

never mentioned leaving

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

never leaving her

Seth was impeccable in his

complaint-free actions were bittersweet

from the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

the doctor’s

shift in pressure and Cicely

from the man beside her, who

tense

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

turned to business

her room, insisted Seth take

it was just to the living

most of their

about the mechanical

family.

which

to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International

same as it had

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

on to other matters.

in company

Seth’s voice and being able to look

Ellis residence just before the new year. After

daughter-in-law who had been injured

to put on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

than on

prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

dinner table, she brought up the topic of the New Year’s

to bring Cicely back to

Patty’s mood

but since they were legally

the most appropriate

moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

days when she was not at home, the vastness of the

as she had returned to spend a few days, the

festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Eve, Seth

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle from

Danielle alone in

negotiating with

bring her

comment. However, the image of two old

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

might liven things up, serving as company for the

of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

feel that it might be better off

since yesterday, and though they

not being home for the New Year’s Eve

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would

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

should have been picked up

face immediately

Danielle. When

paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

said that made it

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

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

storm.

clasped tightly, not

leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

of anger rising in her chest,

not to let her emotions

who applied for her discharge.

family. You stay

is

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her

Danielle got herself injured

never repay. What’s wrong with

her every single day

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

an accident and play the damsel

family’s dinners even

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled to glare at

Cicely. “This is the Ellis

mother figure that you have

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction

who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through the

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

as she quietly awaited

to celebrate, not to start a scene and make

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