The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your

and I

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let

If I really am disabled for life, you’ll never be able

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

a faint smile.

even if you wish for a life of

allow it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed

important do you think you are in Seth’s

three or four decades to live? How patient

in and day out? Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her most

think for a second that you’re off the

even dream of running away. You

will dig you up from

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

blame me for

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid

icy, detached voice rang out

I wouldn’t starve myself

willing to

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

looked up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an

eats

“Understood.”

took a

again, turning towards the door

steps, the door swung open

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of

just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows

when he opened the door. She reached out

Ray, feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think

one who nearly took advantage of me

yet,

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

“Does what he say

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr.

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

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

not make

to the exchange, could hardly believe

briefly to Danielle, his expression

trouble. Of course, I know

with a

up, I’ll take my

Cicely as they left the

we can’t hold him accountable.

but I didn’t let

the bag in her hands until her

Ray again brought back the chaos

that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

rich playboy, surrounded by

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on the brink,

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

orchestrated by his

frowned at the

liked Danielle so much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

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

mood to give Ray any more attention than

she shoveled food into

indifference.

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

looking up from her plate. “Is it

him now, and your family is on its

a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family from

I’ve told you not to be fooled by

you can imagine. My dad said the moment he

started his agency, he had his sights set

by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

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

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He

night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

and if Cicely hadn’t shown

at the receiving end of my

of color. She had

She didn’t want to confront the potential

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

“I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is

before. I’ve checked with the

rough road ahead. I came here

ask

up, her

car for him,

him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it

Even with a motive, my only

a melancholic smile. “It’s different.

father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

you still have

fork down and looked up at him.

are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

you off. If I had died, what

or not,

in front of me to push

you, it’s like denying everything

would, but since I can’t, I need to find a

seen Ray this composed yet so

the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

to lose, there was no telling what

to.

*

of the elevator on

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

slackened for a moment then

a familiar, faint smile

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you

had another episode. Came to

brief silence, she glanced

a cripple,

here not long after Cicely arrived at the

grasped what Seth was worried

behalf to

She thought it might give you

gaze faltered for

her neck,

corners of her

and your

even leading to harm.”

light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you think

hurt me when I’m fully

sooner she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

into the

I braved the

No overt anger, just

the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

he’d learned just

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

have the time to join me. And as it

meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s

ever trusted me?” The question floated

brief pause, he looked up to find

room for an answer, as if the question itself

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family

the window at the sprawling

green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

her brows, and

out of the car and walked

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

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

us a heads up,

glanced upstairs,

and was reading in the study. Not

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

a couple of

as she turned and headed straight

to bring out what Creighton had for

the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she

you prepared for

servants were too frightened to

helplessly, “Sir has been

for these dishes. Even if

Elderly folks’ meals are

there’s no need to

doubt his words,

table was

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly

sorrow hit Cicely, and

estate now had but one master. That grand dining table

corner for

in love, insisting on living

alone in the

deeply in

gently covering

out of the study.

his nap

something with the servants, his face lit up with an

little rascal, why didn’t you tell me you were

got secrets to hide before I

“You’re not fighting with

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked

for dinner

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

to me.”

talk

for the rest of

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off

in

golden; don’t meddle in

bustling, and even the

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

make it back. Creighton frowned,

glance, “Are you two

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic

After all, she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she

at the Ellis estate’s

assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

message imply for

coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to

know.”

for a

invitation for us to stay

she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve

few days,

“Not yet.”

staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

dishes were all tailored to

joining him for dinner, but as

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

breath, “Just came out to grab my

made her way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with him,

across from him did he glance up

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as our

her expression

here for

brow as he methodically

down his

explain myself

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

said I’m not

the same person or

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

back here just on a

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

fact, on my

but then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You

but he could

not fighting

impassive, her lips curled in an almost

the last part, coupled with

had been placed on the question she had left

noon.

it? If

want to stay, stay. It’s

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

from his water glass. “As

easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

even if he disagreed today,

Cicely came to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the

her what their conversation

matters.

for little

sets, and notebooks

liked doodling

servant opened it to find

of frost, stepping inside.

“How heartless, sending

of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and wait

just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me

on my way

up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding

brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so long without

The servant had refilled their water

some clothes and went to the bathroom where

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

temperature, she slid into the tub and let out

the bathroom window was a view of

ground lights. It

especially for her return.

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

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit

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

the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her

She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

reached to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and

away, and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

to be the first to

it was by

of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

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

next to her and began to

“What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into

else does one do in

the towel beside the tub to

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped

the towel to her chest and glared up at

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her

than usual. He smirked,

low and enticing.

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

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

demeanor.

to run his fingers through her wet hair.

your hair

“No.”

the shower

hadn’t waited for her consent before

but Seth’s hand covered

principles, but that this

her anger before

still, not moving an inch, as the towel

yanked away by

her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

her hair with patience, massaging her

his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered

there were more than

fallen for this

hair, he nudged her toward the

took a

a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

you planning to stay

there any

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here

here. I can’t

will.”

flicker of anger

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer to

nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep by

leisurely

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

warm water from the shower cascading over

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

and cryptic

pressing against her and

Seth had already set the

forehead against hers. “We should get out and dry

tightened, “Let go.

going out just

lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

a familiarity that made it

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

pain. “This

but you seemed not to mind. Though, you

to keep it

was wrapped around his

until she was

slipping her

away from him, her

the other side of the bed, facing her. As she

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped her into

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d

exhausted

*

The next day.

was already gone.

ones added from

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he seemed.

now, with her

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose

groggy and listless, she found Creighton

morning exercise and

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix

should fix

offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

is the best part of a

for your

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are you still

didn’t you

Cicely speechless

office. Why would I leave

timing with your holiday. You could learn

of ending

face showing clear reluctance. “No,

why he didn’t mention

“You’re quite good at

really

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her

a blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

they were already

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

hospital while the

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

set to visit the

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

Danielle would have a problem with

returned in time for dinner. His timing

headed upstairs first, while

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

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

behind her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find

into bed to play

long after, it seemed like Seth had finished his work. He stood up,

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

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

for me,

looked up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

hint of teasing,

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry up

by her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with unrestrained

She

out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she managed to say

caught Seth off guard with their

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

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a

punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

warrants a penalty for

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

me

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

confident, thinking that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So,

the heart to give me a

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a subtle stir in his

caressing her smooth chin, “You

moved from his

heard, love

loves someone at the start, the more they might hate them

crept into Seth’s warm and

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

will. I wouldn’t

sting to the nerve, his

let go

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

let you off tonight. It’s still early,

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

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his

shower, Cicely was propped up in

at him,

game.

bed and snatched the phone from

there something you need to tell

at the office

and

know anything about business, what am

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to tag along with me to the

thing in the

have

girl? Do you think your

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing

know where

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your own

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You

you want

Turning to her,

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

a trail

saying. But beyond these two

improve, and

their depths

In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

be reflecting on why I harbor

downloaded some files

can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he

of text. “What will you

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

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

mood.”

a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

face looking

had dimmed, leaving only a

sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced at the

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving. He then looked

sleeping face

was in a rush

tossing it aside, he watched the woman

his face cold as he pulled her into his

arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

her one sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

Already prone to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

hard a couple of times. “Are you

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs

off to the

yanked the comforter over her head in

your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me do this the

the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and

strength could she muster just

pillow at

and the pillow barely registered

I’m not going to the

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

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

you don’t want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners

into a

threw the covers aside and stomped

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted aside

Seth, as if

reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

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

toothpaste. The frothy white

smile of her

to the Ellis

from last

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do

just smiled and didn’t

understood why he hadn’t

prepared a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

are on the computer; you can keep reading

face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There

She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

understand, and we can go

will you be

to a

leaving me here

wolves in the office

on the reading; I’ll

mouth to retort but held back. “Just

at her

had been darting around, a clear

possibly stir up in the

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously

marks with her pen, but within half an

and her phone was

she left the office, returning after another half-hour

the drawers,

and doodled on a black leather notebook

with her phone and

desk and the

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

you

it’s new to me, so I’m on the

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

stung.

that

his desk, noticing the black notebook she

her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

written in a

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited

declared as if it

the bridge of his nose and sank into his chair.

Come over here.”

No

files and approached

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

Cicely said, leaning back with a

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds

you. Sweet and respectful. Now,

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

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

you, and it’s intentional,

reeked of impunity, but Seth had

like harboring intentions towards me

that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

it’s

back in

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was

from a local diner, indeed

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic

by a flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a

the

a big deal’.

all this by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed

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

her way.

it. Nobody said

eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

at her with an

the couch and picked up the elegantly

to sleep together every night. If

wait until you’re

was stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you

sure you want to keep butting heads with

grip on her silverware tightened

to watch

and

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

and had stayed in

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

department heads for updates on all

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

As the well-known heiress of the Ellis family,

father, she couldn’t afford to

of the workday approached, Cicely

trembling, overly

much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

should probably let

need, I’ve already told

an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with Patty

down to it, Cicely knew she

come. If Patty was

to steer clear. It wasn’t like it

wasn’t her biggest

outside was biting, and naturally,

the door. She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

and returned after a

He took a sip of

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if she didn’t

could ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

he hadn’t even

of her hair, her palm

“I overheard General Manager

about this new mechanical equipment

the socks off the old models. We could corner

Ellis family has the know-how

got a point. Instead of bidding and

deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

family, why

cold. “The big fish like the

project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

Ellis family’s offer just

Diaz International, the rest can just

kill for

or do you just chicken out when you see the

or the Watsons? Or is it just

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation,

Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International.

family, are

Corporation to make things

his stance. “What’s wrong

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

for you, I’ll bang

a half-smile. “Is there a

take

fries. What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might

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

actually a pretty

about it, the more

eyes but

silence, Cicely propped her chin in

actually go through with that? Assess the value of

it into shares for you in the Ellis

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

How about

her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for? Why

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on this

besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International,

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable

International.

on the sofa, with a carefree

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

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

under the Ellis family banner

Diaz International ever do to

that

then switched on her charm as she stood

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

thinking out loud. Then I figured it

family ain’t too shabby,

No need to keep things

“The future is the future. You bite off only

And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying

wasn’t bringing it up, neither would

up,

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

suppressing a multitude of

dinner at the

dining with Patty might be the real way

the night was out of the

residence, Seth

you

“Same as today.”

alone in the

there, I’ll disturb your

car

her slender finger.

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

a half-smile, “Should I

you?”

“No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

been temporarily

I can bring them out for

her shoes and said,

packages. Cicely

on a waterproof mat and started to

knife.

them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

unpacked them but also studied

was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find

freshen up; we’re up early

looked up and handed him a white travel

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

name beneath. Beside her was a matching black one,

and name. The rest of the items

light.

made you think of buying all

this time did I realize there are

and it feels

spoke while still engrossed in the small

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

her to

morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

and setting the

was still scattered, but after reviewing a couple

the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

at the

chair, she resumed her task

an office transformed.

new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his,

with a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

to question the wisdom of leaving

she’d done nothing out of

“What’s for

countered, “How much work did you

hesitantly added a fourth,

a few keys on the computer, bringing

of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

upward. “I’m hungry,” she stated,

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at

progress today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

I’ll take you

of escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports

and even if Cicely

company affairs, she

everything settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were arranged

day, at the same hotel,

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

the

Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with no

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

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

Cicely

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the top

was distractingly handsome,

to look away. Cicely

brought her to the Diaz International gala to

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

her away

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

present, the

the Ellis Corporation

and well-wishes, almost like a bride and groom

their guests, receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

in her hand, Cicely teased

a lot of celebrity beauties

at her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

curious to

snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

“Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

the

profile there, and

C&P, after its grand slam start

grip, was the envy of many. Naturally,

cozy up to Seth

a patient man, unwilling to waste time

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for

was deliberate, with plenty

However, not long after, Charlie

he spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk

commotion over at

darkened. As he

his wrist,

I’ll be back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose and trailed

International’s gala, Ray was slouched

nearly finished bottle of hard liquor.

sneer,

his feet and

syllable with

venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

you play hardball. I’ve seen just

I

provoked you; we

coveted what the we

such drama on the eve of

words hung in the air, the

tactics, about

Ray had once made an indecent pass

this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

it had been

seemed to

still a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

this place immediately.”

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my place.

event. I can’t do anything at my

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

to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

detachment, “If you couldn’t even

what makes you think you can destroy Diaz

the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth

shattered, sending sharp shards

the breaking glass pierced through the

to skip a beat.

heels a clumsy

remains of the bottle

color, and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

circle to avoid

Seth,

blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the woman who

his arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

reverberated

to intervene, felt

on

his arm stood out, and his face, usually

bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped

managed to say, forcing herself to

tall.

softened as it landed

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

Have you had too

think provoking him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

the physical reaction to

made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

fear, anger, or

constricting pain gripped his heart

resting on a clear cut on her

dark. “Where else

and tears fell

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth.

voice, “Talk to

to crumble under Seth’s

and

my ankle hurts,” she

twisted it in her last desperate

and, with a grimace, bent down to scoop

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

with a knee on his back,

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when

him a

had swung

swiftly, Cicely had been

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

only shout at Seth’s retreating

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

falter in his

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

and

too shallow, but

treated, her wounds

red

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to

a brief nod to the Erik and

concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

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

new year, this happens!

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

and followed

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

said, cutting himself off

his words were stuffed back down his throat. After

he not

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

now took

these swirling

the doctor, then

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips,

could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped

hands passed under her knees, lifting

slight sense of peace to the

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

and returning to the

had never mentioned

gala, Seth stayed

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time

carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

was impeccable in his

actions were bittersweet for

bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the

shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

the man beside her, who seemed

tense as a surgical

sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

turned to business

her room,

even if it was just to the living

most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

deal which should

year to after

asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

the same as it had been

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

company affairs, she found

voice and being able to look up and see

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new year. After all,

had been

at this time. But Patty’s

on previous

a lavish dinner

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

Cicely back to the Diaz family

as Patty’s mood didn’t

since they were legally

most appropriate and normal

glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang

home, the

returned to spend a few days, the New Year,

for festive gatherings, would leave him

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back

residence.

left with them to pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring her

comment. However, the image

at each other, feels sad just thinking about

might liven things up, serving as

thought of

might be

bustling since yesterday, and though

for

knowing Miss

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

who should have been

Her face

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

room, her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary

shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside.

said that made it

Seth

couch. His voice was

storm.

clasped tightly,

We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but

to let her

for her discharge. If anyone

should’ve been the Ellis family.

landed on Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

contain her fury. “The guest I invite

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

repay. What’s wrong with

her every single day of

a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who

play the damsel in

the Ellis family’s dinners even

anger, and she whirled

pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s dear daughter?

figure that you have to

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction

you who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

light and smiling, settled on a glass on

quietly

not to start

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