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.

get all worked up, you know. Getting angry

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven to

Enter title…

coldly and then let out

If I really am disabled for

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle,

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

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

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

think you are in

live? How

Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared

to her most vulnerable

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

You were

up from your

get better soon, you might be able to slap

blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

Cicely’s icy, detached voice

were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll

willing to

annoying.”

in

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please, leave

looked up at the nurse standing by.

she eats or

“Understood.”

a deep

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

the door swung

paused, her expression darkening as the

brought a surge of intense

just returned from the restroom,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as

when he opened the door. She

Ray, feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

you think

the one who nearly took advantage of

even come to settle that score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

“Does what he say

raped me?”

she added, “I’m aware of

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside for

It was your

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

not make her situation

listening to the exchange, could hardly believe the

expression flustered, “I’m here

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle

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

cleared up, I’ll take

as they left the hospital room. “Ray

hold him accountable. He’s

by yesterday, but I didn’t let

bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

the chaos of that

that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink,

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear

this accident was orchestrated by his family for

frowned at the

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her killed?

*

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

guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no

in the mood to give Ray any

shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

her plate. “Is it really necessary

and your family

chance for a comeback, but now, you

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family

you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

can imagine. My dad

had his

by a guy who

relied on these things to make everyone

blow.

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

and if Cicely hadn’t shown

the receiving end of

of color. She had pondered

to delve into it. She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

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

ahead. I

to ask

didn’t look up, her voice restrained

you stepped in front of that car for

it just

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

my only desire was

melancholic smile. “It’s different. The

expect my father to be so obstinate. If

you still have stepped

silence, Danielle set her fork down

are you

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush me off like

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the

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

in front of me

for you, it’s like

I

had never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

She was afraid of Ray

was no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

grip on her purse slackened for a moment then

familiar, faint smile on

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came to

After a brief silence, she

a cripple,

here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

grasped what Seth was worried about.

is here on your behalf to check on Miss

thought it might give you a

gaze faltered

the scarf around her neck, presenting only her

corners of her eyes and lips was

are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

me when I’m fully

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

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of her

braved the disgust and

anger,

the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out

learned just

his touch.

join me. And as it happens,

sharing a meal with

blunt

The question floated into Seth’s ears,

he looked up to

room for an answer, as if the question itself had

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered for a moment, her expression

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

at the sprawling manor, feeling an

tall but failed to bring

vitality.

and the already somewhat suppressed

She got out of the

servants occasionally moving about in

seemed to be cautious.

at the sound of her arrival, a

didn’t you give us a heads

upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some

her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from

step, “And what else?”

a

deepened as she turned and headed straight for

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

buckwheat wraps remained, along with

carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants, “Is

for

too frightened to reply,

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

asked for these dishes.

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

no need to cook so

not to doubt

was always a

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest, his

and her eyes

had but one master.

a humble corner for

over heels in love, insisting on living

her father alone in

blamed herself deeply

covering him with

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

face lit up with an

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

secrets to hide

playfully glared at her. “You’re not fighting

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

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

missing all the

over for dinner

He listens to you more

to me.”

talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She badgered

playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off

chiming in

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle

and bustling, and even the

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

dinner, Creighton

make it back. Creighton frowned, giving

glance, “Are you two

for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

dinner, Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

from home. After all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

moved to assist Seth with

your message imply

voice neutral, “No,

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep

message as an invitation for

could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

the living room.

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

hard these past few

“Not yet.”

staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

were all

on joining him for dinner, but as

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting,

a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

the coffee table,

to

Enter title…

her return to dine with him, and

down across from him did he glance up at her.

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

bottle, her

for the near

brow as

down

not explain myself clearly

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

sip, “I said I’m

over the

napkin, “So you’re telling

just on

a reason, I have some. I’m on

In fact, on my way

but then I saw my dad

he could use some company. Are these

prove I’m not

impassive, her lips curled in

with her

had been placed on

noon.

it? If not, she would

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from

was surprised by his easy acquiescence,

disagreed today, it

came to understand why

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in

conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

for little home decor

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks

she liked doodling

the servant opened it to find

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

heartless, sending you out in such cold

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and

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

on

turned around, and

quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

talk about for

out? The servant had refilled their

found some clothes and went to the bathroom where

while since she’d indulged in

the tub and

the bathroom window was a view of the

lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her

at them had become

the bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

the water, soothing

eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and

eyes, her hand was caught midair,

away, and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

be the first to drown in

by the

warmth of the room had dissipated when

feel cold.

be to blame.” Cicely tried

her and began to undress in

frowned, “What are you

beat,

else does one do

beside the tub to

out. Before she could leave, she was

to her chest and glared up

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her

bath, more radiant than usual. He

was low and

“You should be

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet,

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

began to run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted

before turning on the shower.

hand covered her eyes.

that this man had a hundred

anger before it

not moving an inch, as

away

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

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her scalp

into his chest to rinse it

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

merit. After all, there were more than a couple of

for

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the

he took a

a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

Are you planning

any reason I

apartment, it’s quite a trek

here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

flicker of anger

a smile as he drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking

compared to

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her

water from the shower

her eyes closed to prevent water from

succinct and cryptic response, which

felt something insistent pressing against her

had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

against hers. “We should get out and dry your

“Let go. I can

not going out

Seth’s lips closed over

and he moved with a

scream out. She

“This is

wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to

it

was wrapped around his waist,

her, her vision blurred until she was on

off the hairdryer and slipping her

turned away from him, her soft hair

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

long arm

to resist, knowing he’d only persist

was too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

was already gone.

new ones

was considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

to it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks,

all too pleased.

into

she found Creighton and

exercise

head

really should fix that

milk offered by the servant,

in is the best part of

your health, and too

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

didn’t you

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

office. Why would I leave with

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

of ending up

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he

at passing the

he really didn’t tell

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

the couch, resting

blend of

have lunch by

had just returned, and they were already leaving her

Danielle’s name had come up several times at

if leaving her alone in the hospital

inappropriate

to visit the hospital the

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

Danielle would have a

returned in time for

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

the bathroom, and upon

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

into bed to play with her

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

brushed her forehead with his

on the

Wait for

you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

teasing, “What makes you think

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

plenty of things we have yet

gently,

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

penetrating with unrestrained

gasping for air. She

a soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to

Seth off guard with

“Kiss you to death? I

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

“Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy

from hers.

penalty

I consider how

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

“Go ahead. Punish me any way

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline,

the heart to give me a

her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle stir in his heart,

smooth chin, “You like me

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

you ever heard, love and hate are

someone at the start, the more they

and smiling

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

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

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

two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so be good

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

you up my way.”

out what his method of waking her might be.

from the shower, Cicely was propped

She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from

there something you need to tell

join me at the office tomorrow

and

“I don’t know anything about business,

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to

thing in

I have to

think your dad asking

on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future, your only sure bet is

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

moment and start

won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

is mine, isn’t it yours

when truly in your own hands, is

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You

you? Or maybe you want to leave me one

to her, his gazes were unfathomably

sounds like you’re quite convinced

who leaves a

these two reasons, is

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a

assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

be reflecting on why I

downloaded some files

can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had

blur of text. “What will you be

of

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

mood.”

a coat, and walk out. Her

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

study for two

looking worse

the bedroom, the lights had

the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving. He then looked at

face

a rush to find

tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

he woke

coffee.

morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are you

mind?!”

grin as he swung his legs out of bed,

shine, off to the

yanked the comforter over her head

show your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

at him, but what strength could she muster just out of

pillow at

close by, and the pillow barely registered upon

I’m not going

pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry you to

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

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth turned

a sly

the covers aside and

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

and Seth, as if on cue,

their reflection.

aside.

started brushing. It was not like she needed his

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of her

they headed to the Ellis

the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do

just smiled and didn’t

why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

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

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

and we can go over

will you

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me

in the office

on the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held back. “Just

glanced at her before leaving the

darting around, a clear sign she

stir

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

but within half an hour, the

her

office, returning after

the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

she played with her phone and then, noticing

desk and

returned before noon. Cicely sat

student.

you

to

a whole morning and

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

written in a confident, flamboyant

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

hungry,” she declared as if it

the bridge of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on its

Come over here.”

prepared? No

files and approached him. Before she

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a

around her waist, his

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

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

and respectful. Now,

and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional,

but Seth had no comeback, “So

like harboring

relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

me, it’s

away and leaned back in

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

seemed to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking

“Not hungry.” His mood was as

the unmistakable

a big deal’.

this by myself?” she asked, her brow

a table laden with food, while

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had to

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

her with

onto the couch and

we have to sleep together every night. If

wait until

long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

to keep

her silverware tightened before

to watch

and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

and had stayed in his

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

department heads

reviews, the

well-known heiress of the Ellis

she couldn’t afford to

the end of the workday approached, Cicely

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let my dad

need, I’ve already told

and moved to the door to

but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with Patty would

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to play

as they come.

more. If not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like it

Patty wasn’t her biggest

was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

the door. She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping an

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned

took a sip of warm water from

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if

with him

he hadn’t even mentioned anything

of her hair, her palm warming

nonchalantly, “I overheard

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

to knock the socks off the old models. We could

family has the know-how and

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

over to Diaz International? Given

and the Ellis family, why haven’t you

fish like the

the Ellis project. Diaz

with the Ellis family’s offer

the Ellis family picks Diaz

and watch. Seth, so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

just chicken out

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

with the Ellis family?”

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

fitting partners than

work with the Ellis family, are

make things easier for Diaz

by his stance. “What’s wrong

line is what counts. Why sweat the

of pride for you, I’ll

a

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big deals,

What’s the point of running

up. That way, you

actually a

thought about it, the more feasible

eyes but

propped her chin in her hands and smiled at

go through with that? Assess the

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

personally, and I’ll cut you in

How

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if

you besides your mother,

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

me an

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as

bit of Diaz International. So

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

time to let

clearly displeased with

thinly.

International under the Ellis family banner the

to tick you off?” The voice

that belonged to

her mug, then switched on her charm

was already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

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

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

need to

the future. You bite off only as

even think about

International.”

eyes carrying a

wasn’t bringing it up, neither

had already stood up, his expression

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

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

might be the real way to make

night was out

Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

you off

“Same as today.”

in

there, I’ll

against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

“Should I

you?”

her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

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

today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

to open them now, I can bring them out

said,

Cicely sat

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups,

unpacked them but also studied them. Her

many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely amidst an

“Go freshen up;

handed him a white travel

had a notable heft, and

name beneath. Beside her was

of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones,

light.

made you think of buying

did I realize there are no

it feels

still engrossed in the

natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say

her to get some

white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

estate and

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing

were much the

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the sight, “Put

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

returned to an office transformed. His

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his, albeit

with a cushion on

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee

the wisdom of

nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

“What’s for

countered, “How much work

hesitantly added a fourth,

computer, bringing up a

capturing every bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only

hungry,” she stated, approaching

closed the video.

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

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

take you out

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music to Cicely’s

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at

for

over several days, and even if Cicely

affairs, she couldn’t help

it was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged to

the same day, at the same

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms

on the south, the other

Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem just

a pair of silver high-heeled shoes,

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

birth, Cicely seemed

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet

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

onlookers to look away. Cicely

Diaz International gala to make the

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving blessings and drinks

they found their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,” Seth

Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

lot of celebrity

her coolly, “And plenty of male

even curious to take a

Seth retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

“Sure, one day I’ll

personal viewing.”

about skipping the C&P

profile there, and even more so in

after its grand slam start and the valuable

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

up to

not a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt and

event was deliberate, with plenty

after,

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala

commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

wrist,

be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of

of hard

greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps

feet and approached

emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

word with venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

just how ruthless you can

who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall

Blame? My family never provoked you;

the we

such drama on the

air,

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

on a whim because Ray had

this had incensed

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated

to confirm the

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

leave this place immediately.” Seth

surrendered their shares when Ray’s

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t

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

I have, and I

to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me,

International, let you taste

today?”

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

you think you

remark seemed to strip away the last shred

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which

he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth

sharp shards scattering

pierced through the festive din like a

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

high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth,

let out a breathless shout.

forward, pulling Seth’s arm

half a circle to avoid the

clung to Seth, her body

fell onto Seth’s hand, and the woman

arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

reverberated

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

on his

and his face,

blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

gripped his clothes tightly, her

managed to say, forcing herself to

tall.

it

slapped him. Stunned, he looked at her

drunk and not thinking straight. Have you had too much

do you think provoking him will do

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

to stem from the

eyes made it

anger,

his heart as he

resting on a clear cut on her right

“Where else

and tears fell

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth.

voice,

to crumble under Seth’s

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

face. “My… my ankle

it in her last desperate lunge

her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

on his back, restraining

right beside Seth and was quick to react

had caused him a

had swung

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by

at Seth’s retreating figure with

so damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital

frenzy.

and a two-centimeter laceration

too shallow, but not

already been treated, her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

and returned to

Seth gave a brief

their concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

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

year, this

his fault. I was the one

and

a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

pain stop, then go

said, cutting himself off

all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

a lifetime, could he not see through her

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

when she had unexpectedly run up from

him with her

Totally unexpected.

took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then

red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

as could be, then she lifted her

hands passed under her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Cicely and Seth back

care, and returning to the Ellis residence was the

never mentioned leaving the Ellis

rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any time

her, never leaving

impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

the doctor’s caution,

shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

the man beside her,

feel as tense as a

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more than

turned

left alone and bored in her

was just to the living

most

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

the deal which should have been settled before

year to

asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in

response was the same as it had

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she

voice and being able to look up and

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

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

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

than on previous

a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

brought up the topic of the New Year’s

bring Cicely back to the Diaz

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity

were legally married, spending New Year’s at

most appropriate and normal

a moment, glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang of

not at home, the vastness

had returned to spend a

festive gatherings, would leave him

*

of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

them to pick up

that leaving Danielle

After negotiating with

to bring

comment. However, the image

home, staring at each other, feels sad just thinking

might liven things up,

of

that it might be better

been bustling since yesterday, and

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the

who should have been picked

face

was chatting happily with Danielle.

for a moment, but

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also

two. A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

The way she said that made

Seth asked, ignoring her question and

the couch. His voice was as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

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

not to let her emotions

applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

the Ellis family.

on Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

care of her

curled into a sneer. “By that

and play the damsel in

family’s dinners even more

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

is the Ellis family’s

that you have to bring

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

you who’s making him

“You…”

voice cut through the

which had been light and smiling,

quietly awaited Seth’s next

not to start a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255