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.

you know. Getting angry is

I

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking

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

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

if you wish for a

neither will Seth. Even blood

you think you are in

live? How patient

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

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at

to her most vulnerable

that you’re off the

You were so proud, weren’t

from your grave and lash your corpse

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

me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

you, I wouldn’t starve myself

over until you’re willing to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

at the nurse standing by.

eats

“Understood.”

took a

her again, turning towards the door to leave.

two steps, the door swung

as the man who entered caught

sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

who had just returned from the

front of Cicely.

her brows

the door. She reached out and pushed

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think

one who nearly took advantage of

settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

he say

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

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

It was your drunken folly that night

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

not

to the exchange,

Danielle, his expression

know Danielle

a smile, “Then I

cleared up, I’ll take my

the hospital room.

can’t hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

but I didn’t let him

in her hands until her knuckles turned

the chaos of that

the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

blinked away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on the brink,

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

accident was orchestrated by his family for

at

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

*

room, Ray stood by

guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no

Ray any more attention than she had

clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

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

she said, not looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on its

least a chance for a

blown it for good.”

his knuckles were white, and

orchestrated the downfall of

not to be fooled

can imagine. My dad said the moment he

his agency, he had his sights set on bringing

talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t

these things to make everyone relax their guard

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent

wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who

the receiving end of

drained of color. She had pondered this question before,

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which

I’ve checked with the doctors

road ahead. I came here today to

to ask you

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and

you stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly

was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

to

only desire was to win him

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

to be so obstinate. If you

you

silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at

answer are

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to

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

or not, that’s the answer

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

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

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

had never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

trembled slightly. She was

lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

of the elevator on

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly

on her purse slackened for a moment

smile

“You hate hospitals. What are you doing

episode. Came to

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I

bullying a cripple, so don’t

Cicely arrived

Seth

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering

lately. She thought it might give you

faltered

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

corners of her eyes and lips was

volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

me when I’m fully able and

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

I braved the disgust and

that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

she displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull

learned just a week

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

to join me. And as

sharing a meal with

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s

trusted me?” The question

he looked up to find the woman already

room for an answer,

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for

at the Ellis

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

the window at the sprawling manor,

tall

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the

the car and walked towards

servants occasionally moving about in silence.

be cautious. “Miss, you’re

the sound of her

us

upstairs, “Where’s

lunch not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some

turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

as she turned and headed

the servants to bring out what Creighton

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps

carrots and

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she lifted her

prepared for my

servants were too frightened to reply,

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

there’s no need to

doubt his words, but

was always a feast of

Creighton slumped in a chair

on his chest, his head

hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

master. That grand dining table now set

a humble corner for

in love, insisting on living

her father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in

covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

his nap and

with the servants, his face

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

got secrets to hide before I

not fighting

so many

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

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

over for dinner

He listens to you more than he

to me.”

talk to

for the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

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

in

is golden; don’t meddle

was lively and bustling,

Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

Creighton

too busy to make it

glance, “Are you two

“Just hope for us to be

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway

she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

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

eight, Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

your message imply for

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

know.”

no reason for

your message as an invitation for us to

respond, he had pulled her into his

the living room.

couple’s closeness, smiled,

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

were all tailored to

dinner, but

her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting,

came out to grab

the coffee table, bending

headed back to

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to

from him did he glance up at

Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

gripped her water bottle, her expression

staying here for the

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down his

explain

Now that you’ve

said I’m not fighting

over the same person

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

just on a

a reason, I have some. I’m on holiday,

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

saw my dad and changed my mind.

me, but he could use some company. Are these

prove I’m not fighting with

face was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

with her subtle

answer had been placed on the question she had left

noon.

it? If not, she would prove

amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

a sip from his water glass. “As

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today,

why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather

conversation would be

matters.

app for little home

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

but she liked doodling

front door was knocked, the servant opened it to find

stepping inside.

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

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait for

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

I’ll be on my way

looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray

to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

have to talk

The servant had refilled their water several

and went to the bathroom where the bath had

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

slid into the tub

view of the garden and a

ground lights. It

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had asked

the years, glimpsing at them had become a

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness,

remove the towel from her eyes,

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

side of the tub.

to be the first

startled, but it was by the

of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

tried to shake

he stood next to her and began to undress

frowned, “What are you

missing a beat, dropping

one do in a

the tub to cover herself, and stood

leave, she was

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

to do?”

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

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share

“You should be able to

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle

he preferred her current

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run

your hair

“No.”

of the shower

her consent before turning on the shower. A surge

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had

her anger before

moving an inch, as

yanked away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

After all, there were more than a couple of

for this

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her

he took a

expression,

planning to

there any reason

it’s quite a

I can’t exactly haul

will.”

flicker of anger

he drew closer to

nothing compared to

better.”

sleep by

leisurely over

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out

from the shower cascading over her

water

his succinct and cryptic response, which

pressing against her and

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his

his forehead against hers. “We should get out

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

we’re not going

could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

and he moved with a

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

pain. “This is the

convenient, but you seemed not

keep it

around his waist, and as the room

her, her vision blurred until she

off the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas,

from him, her

side of the

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped

he’d only

exhausted

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already gone.

faded, with new ones added from last

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

Yet now,

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose

listless, she

morning exercise and were already two chess

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a

really should fix that

the servant,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best

bad for your health, and too much sleep

Breakfast is the most important

you leave

irritation left Cicely speechless

Why would I

Perfect timing with your holiday.

the company instead of ending

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No,

why he

at

he really

didn’t know, Creighton dropped

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

a blend of

lunch by yourself at

were already leaving her to

night before, Danielle’s name had come up

her alone in the hospital while the rest

inappropriate and heartless. After

they were set to visit the hospital the next

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was

have

in time for dinner.

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

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

her. After a quick shower,

bed to play with her

seemed like Seth had finished his work. He stood

over, brushed her

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

Wait for me,

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

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

what

Diaz, there are plenty of things we have yet to

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then

being pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with

herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and

soft whimper. It was only then that Seth eased

on her, just barely.

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

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness,

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

Diaz,” he said with a playful

Cicely’s drowsy

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile

a penalty for self-justification, then

Shouldn’t I consider

expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

ahead. Punish me any way you see

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

to give me

ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle

her smooth chin, “You like me that

moved from

it, “But have you ever heard, love and hate

someone at the start,

crept into Seth’s warm and

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

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

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a long

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

already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

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

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

you up my way.”

find out what his

from the shower, Cicely was propped up in bed,

at

game.

the phone

“Is there something you

join me at the office

talking, he swiped and

know anything about

do there?”

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

in

have

the good little girl? Do you think your

on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only sure bet is the

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

weak moment and start eating away

family, you won’t even know where

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it

truly in your own hands,

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

you? Or maybe you want to leave me

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were unfathomably

chilled further. “It sounds like

who leaves a

just saying. But beyond these two

expression didn’t improve, and he

eyes shifted, the shadow in their

to assume. In fact, instead

be reflecting on why I harbor such

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

much as you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he

text. “What will you be

at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers.

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

mood.”

get up, grab a coat, and

it wasn’t about reflection.

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours.

face looking worse

lights had dimmed, leaving only a

woman sleeping with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her

face

wonder Creighton was in a rush to

and tossing it aside, he watched the

face cold as he pulled her into his

the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up,

sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

morning, he woke Cicely with

cup of strong coffee. Even for school,

Already prone to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung

off to the

yanked the comforter over her

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

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

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

pillow at

and the pillow

so over this, I’m not going

pillow, and placed it back on

you up by the time I’m

want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned

a

covers aside and stomped off to the

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

and Seth, as if on cue, applied toothpaste

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It was not like she

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

the slight smile of

breakfast, they headed to

document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed to do

smiled

Cicely understood why

new desk and

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

face

this excuse, “There are printed

no matter what excuse she came

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we

will you be

to a

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

wolves in the

the reading; I’ll

retort

her before leaving the

had been darting around, a clear sign she was up

possibly stir up in

after Seth left, Cicely did take

with her pen, but within

her phone was

office,

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

phone and

and

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

student.

you get through?”

since it’s new to

in a whole morning and

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting

the black notebook she had taken

it open, he found her doodles—a passable

in a

and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away.

declared as if it justified

sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No

clutched the files and approached

his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct

you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

it’s intentional,

admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had

like harboring intentions towards

current relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s for

it’s

and leaned back in his chair, turning

his expression

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

a local diner,

no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic

His mood was as

entire office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

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

toward a table laden with food, while

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said you

“Then I

tonight.”

at her

and

“Nobody said we have to sleep

wait until

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in

you want to keep butting

her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed in

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful

department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the

well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if

for her father, she couldn’t afford to

the workday approached, Cicely

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

“I should probably let

I’ve

an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on

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

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had

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

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

that Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping an

around Seth’s.

them

Enter title…

call and returned after a few

sip of warm

the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told

ask him. But with him

even mentioned anything

her hair,

“I overheard

talking about this new mechanical

off the old

family has the know-how and the

Instead of bidding and

over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

and the Ellis family, why haven’t

fish like the Harper family, and the

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

the Ellis

family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

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

for it, or do you just chicken out when

Watsons? Or is it just that you

with the Ellis family?”

Corporation, I can say that

Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I

Corporation to make things easier

stance.

counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If

pride for you, I’ll

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

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big

the point of running Diaz International?

you wouldn’t have to worry

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty solid

it, the more feasible it

narrowed his eyes but

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in

with that? Assess the value of Diaz

in

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

How about

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

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if there’s

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

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

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he watched

bit of Diaz International. So what if

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

to let it

clearly displeased

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

Ellis

ever do to

that belonged

her mug, then switched on her charm as

her face a

wariness.

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

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

No need to keep

out a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off only as much as

heads-up, don’t even think

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

wasn’t bringing it up,

stood up, his expression far from

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

suppressing a multitude

dinner at the Diaz residence, but

might be the real way to make

was

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window,

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

“Should

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them

they’ve been temporarily stored in the

I can bring them out

said,

indeed many packages. Cicely

started to slice open the

knife.

small items – mugs,

but

instruction manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst an array

“Go freshen up; we’re

and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

had a notable heft, and engraved on it

Beside her

of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones,

light.

made you think of buying

this time did I realize there are no traces of

it feels

the small items, her

was the most natural thing in the world. Seth

urged her to get

seeing the white tumbler

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff

still scattered, but after reviewing

realized they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

she set the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

up at the

resumed her task with the craft

an office transformed.

a new pen holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit

a cushion on

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

wisdom of leaving

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

“What’s for lunch

“How much work did you

fingers, then hesitantly added

the computer, bringing up a video

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

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

“I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text.

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

the new objects on the desk,

reward, I’ll take

the office for a meal

*

stayed at

for

stretched over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

about company affairs, she

time for

a hectic affair.

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

on the same day, at

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between

the south, the

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

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

her birth, Cicely

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the top

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

to look away. Cicely had everything people

brought her to the Diaz International gala to make

the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

father present, the spotlight was on

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

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

a lot of celebrity beauties

her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

curious to take a

your

have considered it.”

want to admire

I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely understood

keep a low profile there, and even more

C&P, after its grand slam start

was the envy of many. Naturally, the number

cozy up to Seth

Seth was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt and

the C&P event was

away. However, not long after, Charlie

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

commotion over at Diaz International’s

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

wrist,

soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

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

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face flushed

sneer, using the

his feet

emphasizing each syllable with a

word with venom.

laughed coldly, flashing a

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you

victor who writes history, that I

you; we were just in your way.

coveted what the we had, you seized

on the

in the air, the

whispers about Seth’s tactics,

on a whim because Ray had once made an

had incensed him enough

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated

to confirm

a shareholder in your family business,

place immediately.” Seth said

their shares when Ray’s

after waking from a hospital stay,

ten percent.

assured, I know this isn’t my place. I’m

International event. I can’t do anything at my

I can’t tarnish it. Just

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

International, let

today?”

icy detachment, “If you

makes you think

remark seemed to strip away the last

stupor in his eyes, which

he

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next to Seth with such

it shattered, sending sharp shards

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din

causing Cicely’s heart to skip

high heels a clumsy

remains of the bottle at

color, and she let out a breathless

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

circle to avoid

Seth, her

fell onto

arms seemed about to

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout

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

on his

stood out, and his face, usually

sword blade, seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

gripped his clothes

managed to

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her

him. Stunned,

drunk and not thinking straight. Have you had too much

him will do you now? What if

you?!”

pain, and though her

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the

made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

a clear cut on her right

dark. “Where else are you

and

restlessness

low voice,

of self-control seemed to crumble under

and broke down

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

in her last desperate

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

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

knee on his back, restraining

right beside Seth and

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s

had swung

Cicely had been cut on

pinned down by Charlie and unable to

Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter

*

and Creighton rushed to the hospital

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and

too shallow, but not too

already been treated,

were red and swollen

and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to

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

their concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

hardship in her life, and just a

year, this

“it’s not his

and

a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

make the pain stop, then

he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

natter until all his words were stuffed back down

could he not see

somewhat disheveled but

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on

process these

Seth listened intently to the

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

as could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

knees, lifting her from

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence was the best

never mentioned leaving

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

up – any time Cicely

her, never leaving her side. Apart from

was impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

bathroom to the bed

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

pressure and Cicely would

the man beside

as tense as a

with

inevitably turned to business

her room, insisted Seth

he went, even if it was just to the living room

to most of

talk about the mechanical

family.

deal which should

year to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in

the same as it had been initially with her. And

Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort

to Seth’s voice and being able to look up and see

before the new year. After

who had been injured protecting

this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

than on previous

lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the topic of the New

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

Patty’s mood didn’t match

were legally married, spending

appropriate

for a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang

when she was not at home, the vastness

as she had returned to spend a few

would leave

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

left with them to pick up Danielle from

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

After negotiating

bring

image

feels sad just thinking about

might liven things up, serving as

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

might be better off

been bustling since

being home for the New Year’s

knowing Miss Danielle

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

Danielle, who should have been picked

face

chatting happily with Danielle.

the room, her expression paused for

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also

her face, but

she said that made it

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

couch. His voice was as flat

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her

best not to let her

applied for her discharge. If anyone was

should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay

Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her

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

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner? I’d

her every single

sneer. “By that logic, any

play the damsel in

Ellis family’s dinners even more

pale with anger, and she whirled

is the Ellis

that you have to

her?”

don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice

smiling, settled on a glass on the

as she quietly

you here to celebrate, not to start a

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