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 your health. If

life, Seth and I

Enter title…

then let

really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

slightly as she looked

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

if you wish for a life of disability, the

Even blood relatives fed up

How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart?

How patient do you think he’ll be,

out? Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her most vulnerable

for a second that you’re off

even dream of running away. You

I will dig you up from your grave and lash

you get better soon, you might be able to

don’t blame me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

icy, detached voice rang out

myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats

“Understood.”

a deep

turning towards

two steps, the door swung open

paused, her expression darkening as the man

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

from the

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows

door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re

took advantage of me that night when you were

score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

words hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

what he say

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she added,

Let’s put

Mr. Ray, get your facts straight. It was

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

Let’s not make

to the exchange, could hardly believe

briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered,

course, I know Danielle is

nodded with a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll take my

as they left the hospital room. “Ray

hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

by yesterday, but I

clenched the bag in her

again brought back the chaos of

that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

rich playboy,

true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing

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

by his family for

frowned at

get

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

sorry, I had

to give Ray

clumsily, she shoveled

indifference.

of the tactics used, your family

said, not looking up from her

to him now, and your family is on its last

was at least a chance for

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white,

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by

what you can imagine. My dad

his

a

to make everyone relax their guard against him,

delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent

I wasn’t simply

you, and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do you think

the receiving end of my

drained of color. She had pondered this question before,

it. She didn’t want to

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

with the doctors

optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came

ask you

look up, her voice

that car for him, was it truly out

to save him, or was it just a ploy to

mid-bite and finally turned to look

a motive, my only desire was to win him

“It’s different. The accident was

didn’t expect my father to be so

severe, would you

a long silence, Danielle set her fork down

answer are you

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me off

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

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

to play the villain in front of

you, it’s like

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

this composed yet so obsessively insane.

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

out of the elevator on

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he

grip on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

faint smile on

hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came to check on

After a brief silence, she glanced at

a

after Cicely arrived at

what Seth was

to check on Miss Danielle, considering

lately. She thought it

gaze faltered for

around her neck,

corners of

your

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile. “I have Issac with

person could hurt me when I’m fully able and

“The sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

I braved the disgust and

No overt anger, just a serene

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to

learned just

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

don’t have the time to join me. And as it happens, I

sharing a meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

question

he looked up to find the

answer, as if the question itself

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered

Dad at

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family

at the sprawling manor, feeling an

stood tall but

vitality.

and the

of the car and walked towards the

occasionally moving about in silence.

be cautious. “Miss,

over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise on his

didn’t you give us a

glanced upstairs,

finished lunch not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

some

up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

a couple of side

and headed straight

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

she lifted her gaze

you prepared for

were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

meals are quite simple. When you’re

no

to doubt his words, but in her

was always a feast

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

a book resting on his chest, his

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes

estate now had but one master. That grand

a humble corner for

married early, head over heels in love, insisting on living

alone in

deeply in

wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

with the servants, his face lit up with

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

secrets to hide before I

her. “You’re not fighting with Seth again, are

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

onto the couch. “He’s busy with

missing all the home-cooked meals.

over for dinner

nodded, “You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

talk

to Creighton for the rest of the

playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off while

chiming in

golden; don’t meddle in

was lively and bustling, and even the servants

seemed to have

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired

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

you two really

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway

After all, she

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait

at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

to assist Seth with his coat.

your message imply for

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

know.”

reason for a married couple to

message as an invitation for us

had pulled her into his embrace and they

into the living

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

few days, have

“Not yet.”

have the staff whip

were all tailored to his

planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

came out to grab my water

way over to the coffee

back to the

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to dine with him,

him did he glance up at her. “If

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as our

water bottle, her

for the near

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down his

I not explain myself

understand very well. Now that you’ve

bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not

over the same

a napkin,

just on a

have some. I’m on

time. In fact,

staying, but then I saw my

time for me, but he could use

not

her lips curled in an

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it seemed

on the question she

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

a sip from

by his easy acquiescence,

disagreed today, it

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in

to her what their conversation

matters.

app for little

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks

she liked

servant opened it to

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

heartless, sending you out

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and wait for

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked

on my way

up, turned around,

Brody, seeing this, quickly

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

a glass of milk. After

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for so long without any sign

servant had

clothes and went to the bathroom where

since she’d indulged in a good

temperature, she slid into the

view of

ground lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had asked her

the years, glimpsing at them had become a

bathtub, staring at

down against the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

water,

again. She

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and

to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught

up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first to drown

but it was by the

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his

to her and began to undress in

frowned, “What

beat, dropping his

one do in a bathroom?

the tub

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up

glared up at him.

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms,

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

low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet,

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

run his

your hair for

“No.”

the

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered

lacked principles, but that this man had a

her anger before it

still, not moving an inch, as the towel

yanked away

in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

her hair

close into his chest to rinse it

closed, Cicely

all, there were

for this

he nudged her

he took a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

you planning to stay

any

quite a trek from

here. I can’t

will.”

of anger

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

nothing compared to spending

better.”

sleep

leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

he reached out to pull her into

from the shower cascading over

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

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing

already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

hers. “We should

go. I can dry

not going

react, Seth’s lips closed over

with a

out. She hit

than pain. “This is the Ellis

but you seemed not to mind. Though,

to keep it down

Cicely’s legs was wrapped around

until she

hairdryer and slipping her

from him, her soft

the bed, facing her. As she sensed his

turn away, his long arm scooped

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d

exhausted

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already

ones

so he seemed. Any pain in

tend to it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

slipping into

she found Creighton

from their morning exercise and were already

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of

should fix

the milk offered by the servant,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best

for your health, and too much

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are

you leave

Cicely speechless

Why

your holiday.

of ending up

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t mention

at passing the buck to

he really didn’t

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

to the hospital with your grandfather to see

come?”

legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch by yourself

they were already leaving her to eat

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

leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat at

incredibly inappropriate

set to visit the hospital the next

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

have a problem

returned in time for

while Cicely sat with Creighton

up to her

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon entering,

a quick shower,

bed to play

seemed like Seth had finished his work.

the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with

a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going

Wait for me,

horny can you be? It’s been

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

plenty of things we have

him gently, “Then hurry up

her, Seth’s body pressed

with unrestrained

for air. She lifted her hands and

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she managed

guard with their unintentional cuteness,

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

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

a little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged

a penalty

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

expression, yet a chill

Punish me any way you see

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

that because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

heart to give me a severe

eyebrow and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

chin, “You like me

moved from his

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

start, the more they might hate

and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s

soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose

bee sting to the nerve, his dark

faint smile. He let go

already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so be good

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

you up my way.”

what his method

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped

glanced at him,

game.

and snatched the phone from

something you need

join me at

he swiped and tapped on her phone

know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

you knew even a little, you wouldn’t need

thing in the

have

girl? Do you think

on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your only sure bet is

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

and start eating away at you, swallowing up

even know where to

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours

in your own hands,

you insecure? You think one day

leave you? Or maybe you want

fingers froze. Turning to her, his gazes were

sounds like you’re quite convinced

who leaves a

these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and he didn’t

the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

be so quick to assume. In fact, instead

why I harbor

“I’ve downloaded some files to

before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just

blur of text. “What

got out of bed, lifting

need to reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

two

looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He then

sleeping face and

was in a rush

it aside,

cold as he pulled her into

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up,

one sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with

of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung

off to the

am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

strength could she muster just out

a pillow

close by, and the pillow barely

so over this, I’m not

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

by the time I’m

you don’t want me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of

a sly

she threw the covers aside and stomped off

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows,

brush, and Seth,

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

back on her task, she started brushing. It was

as toothpaste. The frothy white

smile

breakfast, they headed to the

from last night did you read?” Seth pretended

to know anything.

I supposed

smiled

office, Cicely understood why

He had prepared a new desk and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

the computer;

her face away,

this excuse,

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse

she moved

pile of folders.

and we

will you

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving

there wolves in the

on the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held back.

her

a clear sign

stir up in the

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

with her pen, but within

and her phone was

office, returning after

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

doodled on a

played with her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

and

before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

you get through?” he

new to me, so

three files in a whole morning and you’re

stung.

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

his desk, noticing the black notebook she

it open, he found her doodles—a passable

in a confident, flamboyant

flushed slightly, but

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited

she declared as if it justified

and sank

Come over here.”

No complaints

grudgingly clutched the files

into an

said, leaning back with a

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and

one taking

“What do you mean?”

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

to tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you

half-hearted attitude.

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I harbored

you, and it’s intentional,

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

feel like harboring

that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

me, it’s

and leaned back in his chair, turning to face

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

from a local diner, indeed

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by

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

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

this by myself?” she asked, her

with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it.

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

her with an icy

settled onto the couch and picked up

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every

until

“How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

it

to keep butting

silverware

to watch

me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

stayed in his

off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

department

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

the well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even

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

of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve

an acknowledgment and moved to the

Cicely wasn’t the least

down to it, Cicely knew she had to play

things as they come. If Patty was

relax a bit more. If not, best to

wasn’t her

was biting, and naturally,

door. She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

and

a sip of warm water from

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told

with him always buzzing

even

of her hair, her palm

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager

about this new mechanical equipment

old models. We could corner the market

the know-how

got a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

cold. “The big fish like the Harper family, and the

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

Ellis family’s offer just

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just

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

not up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see the

Watsons? Or is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

are all more fitting partners than

family, are you suggesting I

Ellis Corporation to make things easier

stance.

counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If

you, I’ll bang

a half-smile.

take

running

you

that’s actually a

she thought about it, the more feasible

narrowed his eyes but said

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands

if we actually go through with that?

convert it into shares for you in the

I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

shares. How

coolly. “What’s all

in Diaz International?”

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

to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

You know, I’ve been thinking that

me an

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he

of Diaz International. So

sofa, with a

time to let it

clearly

thinly. “Then isn’t my

Ellis family banner the

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

her mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix

wariness.

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

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

need to keep

out a scoff, “The future is the future. You

even think about laying a finger

International.”

eyes carrying a

further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

Seth had already stood up, his expression far

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression.

suppressing a multitude of

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely

with Patty might be the real way to make her happy.

night was out of

to the Ellis residence,

are you

“Same as today.”

in

I’m there, I’ll

her arm against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few

a half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

shook her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

open them now, I

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

to slice

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

not only unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

many times

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely

freshen up;

a white travel

and engraved on it

her was a matching

rest of the items were pairs,

light.

think

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

it

in the small items,

was the most natural thing in the world.

her to

the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff

focus was still scattered, but

much the same

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the sight,

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

to an office transformed. His

new pen holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a

cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on

the wisdom of leaving her

done nothing out of the ordinary,

for lunch

countered, “How much work

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

computer, bringing up

of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she stated,

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of

the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk,

reward, I’ll take you

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music

*

at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for

over several days, and

company affairs, she

time for

a hectic affair.

and C&P were arranged to hold

on the same day, at the same hotel, for

towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were

on the south, the

was just below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

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

stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

simple in design, yet

her side was distractingly handsome,

away. Cicely had everything

her to the Diaz International gala to

deliver the expected pleasantries,

her away

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

the spotlight

the Ellis Corporation gala, they were

and well-wishes, almost like a

their guests, receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a

lot of celebrity

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

even curious to

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

want to admire the

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

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the

low profile there, and even more

as a whole. C&P, after its grand slam start and the valuable

the envy of many. Naturally, the number of people

to Seth was

unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet

the C&P event was

long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

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

commotion over at Diaz International’s

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

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose

gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of

nursing a nearly finished bottle of

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support as

feet and approached

syllable with a

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

coldly, flashing a

play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be.

that I can’t blame anyone

provoked you; we

you coveted what the we had,

anticipated such drama on the eve of their

words hung in the air, the implications clear to everyone

tactics, about how Ray’s

a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

Seth’s fiancée, this had

against Ray .

it had been

to confirm

are still a shareholder in your family

leave this place

their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

I know this

is your Diaz International event.

and I can’t tarnish it. Just

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

ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

with icy detachment,

what makes you think you can destroy Diaz

remark seemed to strip away the last shred

the drunken stupor in

he might lunge

vengeful fury.

the

shards

glass pierced through the

heart to skip a beat. Instinctively,

heels a clumsy match for her

remains of the bottle at

out a breathless shout. Disregarding

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

spun half a circle to avoid the

to Seth, her body shielding

red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the

about to fall

moment.

reverberated throughout the

intervene, felt

on his

veins on his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool and composed,

sword blade, seething

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped his clothes

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

it landed on

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

not thinking straight. Have you

him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction to her

welling up in her eyes made it

anger, or

constricting pain gripped his heart as he

on

else

lip, and

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness

voice, “Talk to

to crumble under

and broke down

my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge

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

his arms.

to the ground by Charlie,

on

beside Seth and was quick

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

had swung

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for everything

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

but

then, she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and

she greeted them with

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned

being. Seth gave a

their concern

which he channeled into

of hardship in her

new year, this happens!

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

listen and

glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

now, and it’ll still hurt if you

make the pain stop,

he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

natter until all his words were stuffed back down his throat. After

he

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new

could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

intently to the doctor, then stepped

with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped

under her knees, lifting

brought a slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Seth

returning to the

had never

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the

Cicely company.

– any

carry her, never leaving her

was impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions

from the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

the doctor’s caution,

shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

silence from the man beside her, who seemed

tense

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned to

left alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

to the living room or

to most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

which should have

year to

International was interested in taking

same as it had been initially with

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

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

able to

Ellis residence just before the new

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

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

than on previous

prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

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

bring Cicely back to

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

they were legally married, spending New

most appropriate and

moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

she was not at home, the

she had returned to spend a

would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

to pick up

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the

negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring her

However, the image of two old people spending

at each other, feels

liven things up, serving

thought of Danielle’s

it might be better

since yesterday, and

for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

who should have been

Her face

happily with Danielle.

the room, her expression paused for a moment, but then she

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze

but she brushed it

that made it

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

couch. His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying

We couldn’t leave her all alone in the

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought to keep

to let her emotions

my dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going

family. You

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

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The guest I invite

herself injured saving Seth’s life.

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

care of her every single day of

lips curled into a sneer. “By that

just stage an accident and play

family’s dinners even more

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

at Cicely. “This is

a mother figure that you have to bring home a woman

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction

it you who’s making him

“You…”

voice cut through

smiling, settled on a glass on

she quietly awaited

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a scene

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