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 is bad

for life, Seth and I

Enter title…

coldly and then let out

am disabled for life, you’ll never be

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

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

it, and neither will Seth. Even blood

you think you are in Seth’s heart?

three or four decades to live? How patient do

out? Or rather,

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her

for a second that you’re off the hook just

away. You were so proud, weren’t

from your

better soon, you might be able to

don’t blame me for bullying

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

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

until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

it froze in place. To eat

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

her again, turning towards the

the door swung

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught her

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

the restroom,

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her

the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re

nearly took advantage of me

score yet,

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

never told you

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he say

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

straight. It was your drunken folly

doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

dependent. Let’s not make her situation

listening to the exchange, could hardly

Danielle, his expression flustered,

know Danielle is the biggest

a smile, “Then I must have

cleared up, I’ll take

the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t

him

but I didn’t let him

in her hands

the chaos of that night, the

terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

rich playboy, surrounded

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

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

clear she

accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at the

much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

had no idea it

give Ray any more

she shoveled food into

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used, your family

said, not looking up from her

jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and

was at least a chance for

blown it for good.”

his

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

told you not to be fooled by his act. His

imagine. My dad

started his agency, he had his sights set on

talent agency, run by a guy who

relied on these things to make

fatal blow. He played innocent but was

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

if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who

the receiving end of

of color. She had pondered this question before,

afraid to delve into it. She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t believe it, which

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

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I

ask

up, her voice

in front of that car for him, was it truly out

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

turned to look at Ray.

motive, my only desire was to win

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

father to be so obstinate. If you knew the

severe, would you

fork down

are

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

I had died,

or not,

to play the villain in front of me to push

I stop caring for you, it’s like denying everything

but since I can’t, I need to find

never seen Ray this composed yet

was afraid

to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he might

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

grip on her purse slackened for

familiar, faint smile on

“You hate hospitals. What are you

heard she had another episode. Came to check on her

she glanced at him

in bullying a cripple, so don’t

not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

instantly grasped what Seth was worried

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering

thought it might give you

faltered

the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to

corners of her eyes and lips

volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile.

when I’m

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the pockets

why I braved the disgust and

again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

just a

aside, avoiding his

join me. And as it

sharing a meal

with such blunt rejection,

question floated into

pause, he looked

room for an answer, as if

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for

Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

dark green pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

her brows, and the

got out of the car and walked towards the villa. The

servants occasionally moving

be cautious. “Miss, you’re

at the sound of her arrival, a look of

give us

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

ago and was reading in the study. Not sure

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

made some

turning to look

step, “And what else?”

were a couple

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out what

the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her gaze

prepared for my father’s

to

said helplessly, “Sir has been

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

folks’ meals are quite

says there’s no need to cook so

Brody well enough not to doubt his words,

family’s dining table was

found Creighton

a book resting on his chest,

and her eyes began

but one master. That grand dining table now set

corner for

in love, insisting on living with

father alone in

herself deeply in her

gently covering

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

something with the servants, his face lit up

didn’t you tell me you were

to hide before

not

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

and settling onto the couch. “He’s busy

on my break, missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how about

for

him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

talk to

to Creighton for the rest of the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed

in with

golden; don’t meddle in the

was lively and bustling, and even the

seemed to have returned

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned,

you

“Just hope for us to be

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway

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

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

assist Seth with

imply for me to

rack, her voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for

message as an invitation for us to stay

could respond, he had pulled her

the living room.

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

few

“Not yet.”

staff whip up

dishes were all tailored to his

for dinner, but as she stepped out, she

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t

breath, “Just came out to grab my

her way over to the coffee table,

headed back to the

Enter title…

to dine with him, and

he glance up

family estate isn’t as cozy

gripped her water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

here for the near

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

down his

not explain myself clearly

you’ve explained it, it’s even

water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

wasting time over the same person

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

back here just

some. I’m on

In fact, on my way

then I saw my

me, but he could

prove I’m not fighting with

lips curled

with her subtle expression, it

on the question

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

in amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

took a sip from his water glass. “As you

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

to her what their conversation

matters.

app for little home

and notebooks with pens.

she liked

opened it

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

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

the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit

need, I just have an errand. Mr.

on

up, turned around, and noticed

quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

a glass of

upstairs.

to talk about for so

had refilled their water several

some clothes and went to the bathroom

while since she’d indulged in

temperature, she slid into the tub and let

bathroom window was a view of the garden and

lights. It

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her

Over the years, glimpsing at them had become

edge of the bathtub, staring at

the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water,

didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid

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

away, and she looked up to see the man frowning at her from

side of the tub.

the first

it was by the man who had appeared

the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

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

Then he stood next to her and began to undress in a brazen

frowned, “What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping

else does one do in a

the tub to cover herself, and stood

she was scooped up into his arms.

glared up at him.

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from either

warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft

lips with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet,

preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

run his fingers through her wet

hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted

waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

but Seth’s hand covered her

lacked principles, but that this man

anger before it even

an inch, as the

away by

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

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience,

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

there were more than a

fallen for this

he nudged her toward

he took a quick

a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

planning

there any reason

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

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

will.”

of anger tinged

curled into a smile as he drew closer to her.

to spending

better.”

can’t sleep

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out

water from the

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

and cryptic response, which

something insistent pressing against her and

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand

hers. “We should get out and

“Let go. I can

going

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

with a familiarity that made

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

“This

you seemed not to mind. Though,

it

legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

blurred until she was

and slipping her

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across

side of the

long

he’d

exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy

ones added from

protective—or so he seemed.

tend to it. Yet now,

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

listless, she found

from their morning exercise

Creighton shook his head with a mix

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

servant, sipped half of it,

the best part

is bad for your health,

the most important meal. Why

you leave with

Cicely

the office. Why would I leave with

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he

quite good at passing the

he really didn’t

know, Creighton dropped the

with your grandfather

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch,

blend of elegance and lazy

have lunch by yourself at

had just returned, and they were already leaving her to

come

hospital while the rest

incredibly inappropriate and

to visit the hospital the next

dared say the Ellis

have a problem

returned in time for dinner.

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

to her

desk.

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

her. After a quick shower, she emerged

climbed into bed to play with

Seth had finished his

walked over, brushed her

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

for

can you be? It’s

you up to?”

hint of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what

there are plenty of things we have

pushed him gently, “Then

away by her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with unrestrained

She

whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she managed to say between

guard with their unintentional

to death? I wouldn’t

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

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

just inches from hers. A gentle

warrants a penalty for self-justification,

I consider how

the same amused expression, yet a

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give me a severe

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face,

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

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

“But have you ever heard,

the start, the

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

eyes and brows soft with

which I doubt it will. I

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

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

two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

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

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

you up my way.”

to find out what his method of waking her might be.

from the shower, Cicely

She glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from

“Is there something

join me at the

he swiped and tapped on

anything about business,

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to

in

I have to

the good little girl? Do you think your

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your

won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If

start

even know where to cry. Don’t

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

truly in your own hands,

“What makes you

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me one day without

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were

sounds like you’re

who leaves a trail

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

didn’t improve, and he didn’t

shadow in their

to assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

on why I harbor such uncomfortable

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

as you can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app

blur of text. “What will you

of bed, lifting

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

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her

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

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching

looking worse

lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

with the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her hand and

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her

sleeping face

rush to find her a

and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

his face cold as he

the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep her up

she fell silent again, and any further pursuit would

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that

cup of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

hard a couple

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of

off to the

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat

strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow

and the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m not going to

pillow, and

I don’t see you up by

wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

Seth turned

into a

covers aside and stomped off

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted aside to

took her brush, and Seth, as

She glanced at their reflection.

aside.

started brushing. It was

toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

the slight smile of her

headed to

from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I

smiled and

understood why

a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can

her face away,

this excuse, “There are printed

no matter what excuse

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and

will you

to a

“You’re leaving

wolves in the

focus on the reading; I’ll be back by

mouth to retort

glanced at her before

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

stir

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her phone

the office, returning after another

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she

her phone and then, noticing the time, went

and

promised, Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat

student.

much did you

bit challenging since it’s new to me,

a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here

the black notebook she

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a

slightly, but

nonchalance.

a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away.

hungry,” she declared as if it justified

bridge of his nose and sank

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him. Before she

his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

an office,” Cicely said, leaning

around her waist, his voice deep

one taking

“What do you mean?”

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

Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

and it’s intentional,

candid admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had

feel like harboring intentions towards me

current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to your

back in his chair, turning

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

by Charlie from a local

have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

the

a big deal’.

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

table laden with food, while he didn’t

her way.

it. Nobody said you

her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

at her with

couch and picked

have to sleep together every night. If you

until you’re

stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s been in a

sure you want to

her silverware

to

and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

and had stayed

to slack off, but under

summoning various department heads for updates on all

reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

the Ellis family, even if it was just

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

of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

word. She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

go downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let

need, I’ve already told

an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

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

it, Cicely knew she had

just deal with things as they come. If

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

that Patty wasn’t her

and naturally,

She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water

of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told

him. But with him always buzzing around, she

even

twirled a strand of her hair, her

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new

the socks off the old models.

Ellis family has the know-how and

Instead of bidding and

hand the deal over to Diaz International?

Ellis family, why

big fish like the Harper family, and the

project. Diaz

Ellis family’s offer

Diaz International,

so many would kill for that

up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes

is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz

wanting to work with the Ellis family,

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

stance. “What’s wrong with that?

Why sweat the small stuff?

for you,

a half-smile. “Is

to take the big deals, too proud for

point of running Diaz International?

family swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t have to

actually a pretty

more she thought about it, the more

eyes

propped her chin in

through with that?

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

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

How about

looked at her coolly. “What’s all

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s

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

I’ve been thinking that I don’t

an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

unfathomable as he

Diaz International. So

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

to

lips tightened, clearly displeased with her

thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion to

under the Ellis family

do to

familiar tone that belonged to none other than

then switched on her charm as

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

No need to keep things

“The future is the future. You bite

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

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a

to speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing

up, his expression far from

go.”

mindful

forcefully suppressing a multitude of

had dinner at the

might be the real way to make

the night was out of

Ellis residence, Seth took

you

“Same as today.”

in the office

there, I’ll

the car

her slender finger.

a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

half-smile, “Should

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

for you today; they’ve been

them now, I can bring them out

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

Cicely sat cross-legged in the

waterproof mat and started to slice open

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups, small

them but also studied them. Her demeanor

times more focused and

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find

“Go freshen up; we’re up

and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

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

her name beneath. Beside her was

of the items were pairs, hers

light.

you think of buying all

after coming back this time did I realize there are no traces

and it feels

while still engrossed in the small

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

urged her to

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

still scattered, but after

realized they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

she set the paperwork aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

perked up at the sight, “Put them

Seth’s chair, she resumed her

Seth returned to an office transformed. His

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

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with

a cushion

of flowers had even appeared

of leaving

she’d done nothing out of the ordinary,

for lunch

countered, “How much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

a few keys on the computer, bringing up a

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its

upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

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

progress today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

the new objects on the

take you out

of escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at

summoning staff for reports

several days, and even

about company affairs, she couldn’t

time for

a hectic affair.

International, and

the same day, at

hotel comprised two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis

south, the other north,

Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

of silver high-heeled shoes, and

as others, she still stood out as the most

Cicely seemed destined to make

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably

by her side was distractingly

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had

to the Diaz International

expected pleasantries,

away to the

orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the spotlight was on

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

almost like a bride and groom

guests, receiving blessings and drinks

Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,”

in her hand, Cicely teased with

lot of

her coolly, “And plenty of male

to take a

“If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

one day I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala.

low profile there, and

C&P, after its grand slam start and

the envy of many.

cozy up to

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

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet

from the C&P event was deliberate,

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

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

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

darkened.

his wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then

was slouched on

bottle of hard liquor. His

a sneer, using the steps for

to his feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that

each word with venom.

flashing a

just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

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

My family never provoked you; we were

the we had,

such drama on the eve of their

the air, the

Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s

because Ray had once made an

had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

had been a premeditated

to confirm the

still a shareholder in

place immediately.” Seth

when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

who, even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

assured, I know

event. I can’t do anything

I have, and I can’t tarnish

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it be fitting if

International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

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

makes you think you

seemed to strip away the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which

and he looked as if he might

vengeful fury.

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

sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

breaking glass pierced through the festive din

skip a beat.

high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

the bottle at Seth,

out a breathless shout.

Seth’s

circle to avoid

clung to Seth,

red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

his arms seemed about to fall out of his

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

felt a

on

out, and his face, usually

bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned,

thinking straight. Have

him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

in pain, and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical

eyes made it

anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

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

dark. “Where else are you

bit her lip, and

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice, “Talk

self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl, and

converged and broke

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered, recalling

twisted it in her last desperate lunge to

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

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie,

a knee on his

beside Seth and was

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s

broken bottle had

acted swiftly, Cicely had

Ray, pinned

Seth’s retreating figure

so damn arrogant. One

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

shallow, but not

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

eyes were red and swollen

greeted

“Dad.”

call and returned to the

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

concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

a day of hardship in her life, and just a few

year, this happens! Seth,

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

listen and followed

glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

his words were stuffed

he not see

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

the gala when she had unexpectedly

him with her

Totally unexpected.

took on a new definition upon

process these swirling emotions,

intently to the doctor, then

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped

knees, lifting her

a slight sense of peace to the

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the

returning to the Ellis

never mentioned leaving the Ellis

the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

up – any time Cicely needed to move,

carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the

Seth was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions were

the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

and

man beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense as a

with Creighton that lasted more than

turned

her room, insisted Seth take

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

to most of

had heard them talk about the

family.

had postponed the deal which should have been settled

to

Diaz International was

response was the same as it had been initially with her. And

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she

to Seth’s voice and being able to look up

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new year.

who had been injured protecting Seth,

put on airs at this time. But

than on

prepared a lavish dinner

brought up the topic of the

Cicely back to

Patty’s mood didn’t match

were legally married,

was the most appropriate

glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep

home,

she had returned to spend a few

would leave

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

to pick up Danielle from

Danielle alone

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring her

didn’t comment. However, the image of two old people spending

feels sad just thinking about

things up, serving as company for

again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

feel that it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and

not being home for the New Year’s

feast knowing Miss Danielle

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And

encountered Danielle, who should have been picked up

face immediately

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

room, her expression paused for

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had

shadow crossed her face, but she

she said that

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

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

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

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

to let her emotions flare out

was my dad who applied for her discharge. If

been the Ellis family. You stay here

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

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury.

should be here. Danielle got herself injured

wrong with inviting her over

care of her every

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who fancies

just stage an accident and play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners even more

with anger, and

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

mother figure that

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction out

who’s making

“You…”

deep voice

and smiling, settled on a glass

as she quietly awaited Seth’s

here to celebrate, not to start

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