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.

all worked up, you know. Getting

life, Seth and I will be driven to madness, won’t

Enter title…

then let out a

really am disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

a faint smile.

if you wish for a life

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

How important do you think you are in

or four decades to live? How patient do you

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

someone disabled?”

as she glared

her most

you’re

of running away. You were

up from

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

don’t blame me for

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly

icy, detached voice

I wouldn’t starve myself just

you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

nurse standing by. “Keep

eats

“Understood.”

a deep

look at her again, turning towards the door to

two steps, the door swung open from the

the man who entered

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of

from the restroom,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows

the door. She reached

feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as

mixed with rage.

you

who nearly took advantage of me

come to settle that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

“Seth never told you what

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

your facts straight. It was

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

not

exchange, could hardly

briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered,

course, I know

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

up, I’ll take

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital room.

hold him accountable. He’s been

yesterday, but I didn’t

clenched the bag in her hands until her

brought back the

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

proclaiming true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink,

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

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at the

nearly get her killed? That seemed a

*

by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

“I’m sorry, I had

Ray any

she shoveled food into her

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

from her

to him now, and your family is on

a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and

the

told you not to be fooled by

My dad said the moment he

his

talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t

these things to make

fatal blow. He played

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

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

receiving end of

drained of color. She had pondered this question before,

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

with the doctors about your condition,

rough road ahead. I came here

ask you

up, her voice restrained

that car for him, was it truly

save him, or was it just a ploy

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

Even with a motive, my only

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

father to be so obstinate. If you knew the

severe, would you still have

fork down and looked up at him.

are you

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

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

or not, that’s the answer

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

caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If I

can’t, I need to find a reason

this composed yet so obsessively

trembled slightly. She was afraid of

was no telling what kind of

to.

*

the elevator on

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

on her purse slackened for a moment

with a familiar, faint smile on her face.

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

had another episode. Came

After a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a cripple,

Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

instantly grasped what Seth

to check on Miss Danielle, considering

thought it might give you a

faltered for

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and

and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile. “I have

person could hurt me when

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of her

why I braved the

No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull her closer, remembering

learned just a

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

probably don’t have the time to join me.

sharing a meal with

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

trusted me?” The question floated

looked up to find the woman

for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for a moment, her expression

Dad at

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an

green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

brows, and the already

bit. She got out of the car and walked

occasionally moving about in silence.

to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

of her

us

upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some

turning to

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of side

and headed straight

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

brownish buckwheat wraps

a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted

prepared for

to

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals

no need

not to doubt his words, but in her

table was always a feast of

she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

a book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her

now had but one master.

corner for his simple

early, head over heels in love,

father alone in the

herself deeply in

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came

something with the servants, his face lit up with an

why didn’t you tell me you

secrets to hide

at her. “You’re not fighting with Seth

could there be so many

“He’s busy with work, and I was

missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk to

stayed glued to Creighton for the

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with

is golden; don’t meddle in the

bustling, and even the

family seemed to have

be.

dinner, Creighton

was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving her

you

for us

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway

she couldn’t

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up for

up at the

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are you

message imply for me

voice

know.”

there’s no reason for a married

message as an invitation

she could respond, he had pulled her

into the living

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

hard these past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up

The dishes were all tailored to

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

stares of her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

“Just came out to grab

coffee table, bending

to the dining

Enter title…

anticipated her return to

up at her. “If you really wanted to pick

isn’t as cozy as our

water bottle, her expression nonchalant.

for the

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as

set down his

explain myself

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

said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

over the same person or

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

just on a

have some.

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

I saw my

for me, but he could use

I’m not fighting

her lips curled in an

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

answer had been placed on the

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would

amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why he

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study.

to her what their conversation would be

matters.

browsed her shopping app for

notebooks with

but she liked doodling

door was knocked, the servant opened it to find

inside. “Ms.

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

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and wait

have an errand.

on my

around,

this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After

upstairs.

talk about for so

servant had refilled their

went to the bathroom where the

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

into the tub and let out

view of the garden and a

rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

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

glimpsing at them had become a

edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a

the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

coolness, and she instinctively

remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught

looked up to see

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown

by the man who

warmth of the room had

feel cold.

did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

her and began to undress in a brazen

“What are you

missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

do in

the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and stood

she could leave, she was scooped up into his

and glared up at him. “Seth!

to do?”

in his

usual. He smirked, planting a soft

that was low and enticing. “Share a

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

her quiet,

aura, he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

run his fingers

your hair for

“No.”

of the shower

waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close

that this man had a

anger before it even

not moving an inch,

yanked away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging

chest to rinse it clean with the

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

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

fallen for this

her hair, he nudged her toward

took a quick shower

him with a cool expression, Cicely

you planning to stay

there any

a trek from here to the

on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger

drew closer to her.

compared to spending

better.”

sleep

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out

from the

closed to prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

on his succinct and

something insistent pressing against her and came to

had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

hers. “We should

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

not going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed over

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made

out. She hit his shoulder twice, more

“This

you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to mind. Though,

to keep it down in

around his waist, and as the room

until she

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

her soft hair

side of the bed, facing her. As she

his long

knowing he’d only persist if she tried

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already

ones added from

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

she found

morning exercise and were

Creighton shook his head

fix

by the servant, sipped half

couch. “Sleeping in is the

Skipping breakfast is bad for your health, and

is the most important meal. Why are

didn’t you

irritation left Cicely

Why would I leave with

with your holiday. You could learn a thing

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth

showing clear

he didn’t

at passing the buck to

really didn’t

didn’t know, Creighton

your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

legs onto the

of elegance and

lunch by

returned, and they were

name had come

in the hospital while the rest of them sat

inappropriate and

they were set to visit the hospital the next

dared say the Ellis family

to Danielle would have a

returned in time for dinner. His timing

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

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

desk.

word, she went to the bathroom, and upon

quick shower, she emerged to find

bed to

it seemed like Seth had finished his

brushed her forehead

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

for

“How horny can you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what am I

plenty of things we have yet

pushed him gently, “Then hurry up

by her, Seth’s

with

for air. She

soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional

you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

warrants a penalty for

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

tilted her head, calmly and seriously

that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

give me

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face,

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

smooth chin, “You

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

“But have you ever heard,

loves someone at the start, the

into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though. Even if

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

felt like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark

cracked a faint smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin and stood up

was already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

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

“If you’re not

you up my way.”

to find out what his method of

shower, Cicely was propped

a video game. She glanced at

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something you need to tell

at the

talking, he swiped and tapped on her phone

don’t know anything about business, what am I

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to

in the

I have to

girl? Do you think your

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future, your

family forever. If one day,

a weak moment and start eating away at you,

you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be naive,

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too?

when truly in your own

quietly, “What makes you insecure?

Or maybe you want to

her, his gazes

“It sounds like you’re quite convinced

a trail of

But beyond these two reasons, is there

expression didn’t improve, and

their depths replaced by a

be so quick to assume. In

on why I

downloaded

before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just

text. “What will you be

got out of

reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her face looked

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

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching

face looking worse

the lights had dimmed, leaving

with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving. He then looked

sleeping face

a rush to find her a

tossing it aside,

face cold as he pulled

arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her

silent again, and

petty.

＊

morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss

than a cup of strong coffee.

grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple

mind?!”

swung his legs out of

off to

yanked

face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this the

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off

him, but what strength could she muster just

a pillow at

and the pillow barely

over this, I’m not going to the

up the pillow, and placed it

up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

me to wake you

back to sleep.”

her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away,

into a sly

and stomped off to the bathroom,

onto his

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

approached, took her brush, and Seth,

their reflection. Seth

aside.

brushing. It was not like she

toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile

headed to the Ellis

last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed to do at the

just smiled and didn’t

why he

a new desk and

immediate deployment.

the computer; you

her face

to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

fell silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came

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

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can

will you

to a

“You’re leaving me here

there wolves in

reading;

mouth to retort but held back.

her

had been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no

she possibly stir

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously

plenty of marks with her pen, but

and her

office, returning after another half-hour

through the drawers,

on a

phone and then, noticing

desk and the

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

student.

did you get through?”

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

three files in a whole morning

stung.

the fact that I’m even

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook

it open, he found her doodles—a

written in a confident,

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth

as if it justified

the bridge of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No

clutched the files and approached him. Before she

him, his long arm pulled her into an

said, leaning back with

waist, his voice

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

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

and respectful. Now, you can’t even be bothered to

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

is?”

“Respectful?

it’s intentional, Mr.

but Seth had no comeback,

like harboring intentions towards

our current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to

pushed her away and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

from a local

to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic

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

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

me to eat all this by myself?”

table laden with food, while he didn’t even bother to

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody

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

tonight.”

her with

and picked

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every

wait until you’re

was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it

you want to keep butting

silverware tightened before

continued to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis

had stayed

but under Seth’s

department heads for updates on all

progress reviews, the office

heiress of the Ellis family, even if

for her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as

approached, Cicely found most of her attention

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should probably let

I’ve already

moved to

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit

it, Cicely knew she had to play it by

deal with things as they come. If Patty was in a good

best to steer clear. It wasn’t like

that Patty wasn’t

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to

the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

call and returned after a

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water from his

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

ask him. But with him always buzzing

even mentioned

strand of her hair, her

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from

He was talking about this

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

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

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

hand the deal over to Diaz International?

family, why haven’t

cold. “The big fish

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

deal with the Ellis family’s offer

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

Seth, so many would kill for that

just chicken out when you see the likes of

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

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can say that

are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

the Ellis family, are you suggesting

make things

his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

what counts. Why

you,

twitched into a half-smile. “Is

her brows. “Too scared to take the

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might as well let

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

actually a pretty solid

about it,

his eyes but

her chin in her hands and

actually go through with

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

and I’ll cut you in

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me,

besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

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

gives me an edge over you.

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he

Diaz International. So what if I

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face.

time to let

clearly displeased

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

Ellis family banner the best

did Diaz International ever do to tick

familiar tone that belonged to none other

mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a

too shabby, right? Especially since we will be

soon. No need to keep

“The future is the future. You bite

don’t even think about laying

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

to speak further. If Patty wasn’t

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

forcefully suppressing

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

with Patty might be the real way to

night was

residence, Seth took the

you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office again,

I’ll

car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

for a few

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

I

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

Cicely sat cross-legged

waterproof mat and started to

knife.

them were small items – mugs,

unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to

up; we’re up early

a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

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

beneath. Beside her was a matching black one, likely

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

light.

made you think of

coming back this time did I realize there are no traces of you

and it feels

while still engrossed in the small items, her

it was the most natural thing in the world.

urged her to get

white tumbler

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

focus was still scattered, but after

the

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the sight, “Put

resumed her task with

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed.

pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit

cushion on

flowers had even appeared on the coffee

the wisdom of leaving her alone

nothing out

“What’s for

countered, “How much work did

hesitantly added

keys on the computer, bringing

bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only

she stated,

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk,

reward, I’ll take you

office for a meal

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for reports and

over several days, and even if

about company affairs, she

everything settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

day, at the same

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

the

was just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted

of silver high-heeled

still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

Cicely seemed

simple in design,

The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

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

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

away to the

gala was orchestrated

the spotlight was

at the Ellis Corporation gala, they

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of

Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

are a lot of

“And plenty of male heartthrobs,

even curious to

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

have considered it.”

want to admire the

I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

keep a low profile there,

C&P, after its grand slam start and

in its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally, the

to Seth was

was not a patient man, unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for

absence from the C&P event was

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

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

commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As

his wrist, “What’s

be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of sight, then rose and

was slouched

a nearly finished bottle of hard

Seth with a sneer,

feet and approached

each syllable with

with venom. “You’re impressive,

coldly, flashing

you play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

history, that I can’t blame

family never provoked you; we were just in

what the we had, you seized my family’s

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the

in the air,

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how

Ray had once made an

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated

seemed to

in your

this place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

assured, I know

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

have, and I can’t tarnish

you. You destroyed my company, so tell

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t

you think you can destroy Diaz

seemed to strip away the last

in his eyes, which

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shards scattering across the

sound of the breaking glass pierced

skip a beat. Instinctively, her

her high heels

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s face

let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

circle

clung to Seth,

onto Seth’s

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall

moment.

reverberated throughout

hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt

on his

veins on his arm stood out, and

sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

gripped his clothes

pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

it landed on her pale, bloodless

him. Stunned, he looked at her

thinking straight. Have you

do you think provoking him will do

you?!”

her

clear tremble.

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

made it clear to

anger, or

his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

else are you

lip, and

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness

low voice, “Talk

seemed to crumble under

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

my ankle hurts,” she

it in her last

glanced at her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie,

knee on his

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In that

broken bottle had

had been cut on

away, Ray, pinned down

Seth’s retreating

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

done!”

falter in his

*

of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

and a

shallow, but not

she had already been treated, her wounds

were red and swollen

greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

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

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

their concern for

his concern, which he channeled into anger

of hardship in her life, and just a few

new year,

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

and

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

Enter title…

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

the pain stop, then go

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She

until all his words were stuffed back down his

could he

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

at the gala when she had

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a

these swirling emotions,

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

red eyes

as could be, then she lifted her

her knees, lifting

sense of

watching.

and Seth back to the

needed care, and returning to the Ellis

she had never mentioned leaving the

gala, Seth

Cicely company.

up – any time

never leaving her side. Apart from

impeccable

actions were

carried Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

process, despite the

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

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

tense as

Ellis residence, any sitting with

turned to business

in her room, insisted Seth take her

went, even if it was just to

to most of their

about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

had postponed the deal which should have been settled

year to after

Diaz International was interested in taking the

the same as it had been initially

Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort in

being able to look up and see

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new

been injured protecting Seth, Patty

at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

lavish dinner for her. She

brought up the topic of the New Year’s Eve

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

Patty’s mood

but since they were legally married, spending New

most appropriate and normal thing to

a moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt

not at home, the

as she had returned to spend

would leave him alone

*

the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the

heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

to bring

the image of two old people

each other, feels sad just

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company

the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

might be

bustling since yesterday,

home for the

feast knowing Miss

at the hospital. And Cicely,

Danielle, who should

face immediately

Danielle.

expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary

crossed her face, but she

she said that made it sound like Cicely

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

His voice was as flat as the

storm.

hands clasped

leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her chest, but

let her

who applied for her discharge. If

family. You stay

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

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The

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

debt we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

in taking care of her every single

“By that

accident and play the damsel in

the Ellis family’s

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

is the Ellis

a mother figure that

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice

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

quietly awaited

here to celebrate, not to start a scene

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