The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

all worked up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your

bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven to

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a mocking

disabled for life, you’ll never be

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

gave a faint smile. “How shameless

wish for

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

think you are in Seth’s heart?

four decades to live? How patient do you

Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her most vulnerable

for a second that you’re off the

of running away. You were so proud,

will dig you up from your grave

if you get better soon, you might

blame me

neatly laid out

detached voice rang

you, I wouldn’t starve myself

to eat, that’s if you don’t find

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

look at her again, turning towards

take two steps, the door swung

the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought

who had just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her

the door. She reached out and pushed

feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

you think you’re misdirecting

who nearly took advantage of me that

haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

words hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

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

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr.

it. Let’s put

Ray, get your facts straight. It

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

not make her situation any

the exchange, could

expression flustered, “I’m

know Danielle is the

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

up, I’ll take my

Cicely as they left the hospital room. “Ray

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

yesterday, but I didn’t

in her hands

again brought back the chaos of

terrifying that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on

It’s clear she means a

accident was orchestrated by his

frowned at

much he’d nearly get her

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

concern and guilt. “I’m sorry, I had

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used,

her plate. “Is it really

now, and your

chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled

dad said the moment

he had his sights set on bringing

by a

on these things to make

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply

hadn’t shown up, who do

at the receiving end of

of color. She had pondered this question before,

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe

with the doctors about

rough road ahead. I

to ask

didn’t look up, her voice

car for him, was it truly out of a willingness

him, or was it just a ploy to

and finally turned to look at

only desire was to

melancholic smile. “It’s different.

didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

you

set her fork down

are

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

If I had died, what would be the

or not, that’s the answer I needed to

you don’t have to play the villain in front of me

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

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

seen Ray this composed

trembled slightly. She was afraid

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

to.

*

elevator

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

purse slackened for a moment then

with a familiar, faint smile on her face.

“You hate hospitals. What are you

another episode. Came to check on her with

After a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a

long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr. Diaz,

to

lately. She thought it might

faltered

neck, presenting only

corners of her eyes and lips

and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

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

me when

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

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of her

I braved the disgust

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

the more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to

just

his touch. “Whether I have eaten

probably don’t have the time to join me. And as it

a meal

blunt

question

brief pause, he looked up to find the

She didn’t leave room for an answer,

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered for

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of

sprawling manor,

pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the

a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards the villa. The

occasionally moving about in silence.

be

her arrival, a

us

upstairs, “Where’s

and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

some buckwheat

stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

a couple

turned and headed straight

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton

buckwheat wraps remained,

a light salad of carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

for my father’s

too frightened to reply, their heads

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been

dishes. Even

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

there’s no need to cook

knew Brody well enough not to doubt

was always a feast

study, she found Creighton

his chest, his

Cicely, and her eyes began to

now had but one master. That grand dining table now

humble corner for his simple

over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

father alone

herself deeply in her

gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

nap

servants, his face lit up

why didn’t you tell me

secrets to hide before

playfully glared at her. “You’re not

so many quarrels?” Cicely

couch. “He’s busy with work, and

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

over for

He listens to

to me.”

talk

glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while

occasionally chiming in

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

lively and bustling,

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton

make it back.

glance, “Are you

for us to

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

home. After all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up

showed up at the Ellis

assist Seth with his

your message imply for me

voice neutral, “No,

know.”

there’s no reason for

your message as an invitation for us

pulled her into his embrace

into the living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take

dishes were all tailored to

hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but as she

the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting, are

a deep breath, “Just came

to the coffee table, bending down to pick

back to

Enter title…

return to

down across from him did he glance up at her. “If you really

family estate isn’t as cozy

her expression nonchalant. “There’s no

staying here for the

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

down

I not explain

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

her water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting

the same person or

mouth with a napkin,

here just on

reason, I have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re busy.

In fact,

my dad and

but he could use some

I’m not fighting with

lips curled in

with her subtle expression,

on the question she

noon.

it? If not, she would

want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

from his water glass. “As you

by his easy acquiescence, but

if he disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

her what their conversation would

matters.

for little home decor items

LEGO sets, and notebooks with

she liked doodling

the servant opened it

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

heartless, sending you out in such

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait

errand.

on my

around, and noticed a

this, quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so

The servant had

went to the bathroom where the bath

since she’d

the

window was a view of the garden and

rotating ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a

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

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water, soothing

move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and

from her eyes, her hand was

she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by

room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

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

her and began

“What are

missing a beat,

do

paused, grabbed the towel beside the tub to

could leave, she

chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What

to do?”

the woman in his arms,

than usual. He smirked, planting

a voice that was low and enticing.

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

to her quiet,

her current bold, even if

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run his

hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

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

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man

her anger before

an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

yanked away

in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

her hair with patience, massaging her

to rinse it clean with

eyes closed, Cicely considered that

there were more than

fallen for

hair, he nudged her toward the wall

he took a quick

with a cool expression, Cicely

planning

there any reason I

apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to

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

will.”

anger

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

earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached

water from the shower

prevent water from flowing

on his succinct and cryptic

insistent pressing against her and came to

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

his forehead against hers. “We should get out

“Let go. I can

we’re not going out

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

he moved with a familiarity that made it

afraid she’d scream out. She

pain. “This

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

it down in

was wrapped around his waist, and as

blurred until she was on the brink

slipping her into

away from him, her soft hair spreading

side of the bed, facing her.

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she

exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy marks on her

with new ones

and protective—or so he seemed.

Yet now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and

their morning exercise and were already

shook his head with a mix

should fix that habit

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of

“Sleeping in is the best part of a

your health,

is the most important meal. Why are you still

you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

to the office. Why would I leave with

timing with your holiday. You

company instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth

face showing clear reluctance.

why he

“You’re quite good at

he really didn’t tell

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

a blend of

have lunch by

returned, and they were already leaving

name had come up several times at the

her alone in the hospital

incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

were set to visit the

say the

have

returned in time for dinner. His

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

room before going up to her

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she

quick shower, she emerged to

to play

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

over, brushed

on the lips. “I’m going to

Wait for

you be?

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

what am I

plenty of

him gently, “Then hurry

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s

with

herself gasping for air. She lifted

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed to say between

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness,

to death? I wouldn’t dream of

Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

face just inches from hers.

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

ahead. Punish me any

slightly tilted her head, calmly and

thinking that because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

give

ran her hand across his face,

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

moved from

you ever heard,

one loves someone at the start, the more they

crept into Seth’s warm and

brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

will. I wouldn’t choose

the nerve, his dark eyes

let go

two buttons

unfastened the rest.

early, so be

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

you up my way.”

find out what his method

the shower, Cicely was

a video game. She glanced at

game.

snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something you

join me at the

and tapped on her phone

about

do there?”

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

in

I have

you the good little girl? Do you think your dad asking

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future, your only sure

the Ellis family forever. If

of a weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

even know where to cry. Don’t be

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

only when truly in your

makes you insecure? You think

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

a trail of

just saying. But beyond these two reasons,

expression didn’t improve, and

shifted, the shadow in their

assume. In fact,

on why I harbor such

phone back, “I’ve downloaded

can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had just

with a blur of text. “What will you be

then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not

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

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

face looking worse

the lights had dimmed, leaving

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for

face

in a rush to

phone and tossing it aside, he

his face cold as he

man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep

silent again, and any

petty.

＊

wasn’t petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with

than a cup of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are you out

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs

shine, off to the

going.” Cicely yanked the

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with

him, but what strength could she

pillow at

was close by, and the pillow barely registered upon

over this, I’m

and placed it back

up by the

wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of his

into a sly

covers aside and stomped

squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

her brush, and Seth, as if on cue,

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It was not

toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile of her

they headed to

the document from last night did you

to know anything.

So what am I

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer;

turned her face away,

anticipate this excuse, “There

matter what excuse she came up

she moved to the

pile of folders.

and

you

to a C&P

leaving

wolves in the office

focus on the reading; I’ll

opened her mouth to retort

her before leaving the

clear sign she was

stir up in

did take

of marks with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her

she left the office, returning after another

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

with her phone and

and

returned before noon. Cicely

student.

you get

since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

whole morning and

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even

the black notebook she

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a confident, flamboyant

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if it justified

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

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached

his long arm pulled her into an embrace.

leaning

tightened around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct

Sweet and respectful. Now,

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not taking

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

it’s intentional,

but Seth

like harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to your

leaned back in his chair, turning to face

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

from a local diner,

to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by

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

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

a big deal’.

by myself?” she asked, her brow

with food, while

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

looked up at her with an icy

settled onto the couch and

said we have to sleep

until

face was stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

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

you sure you want to keep butting

silverware tightened before relaxing.

to watch

me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in his

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye,

him summoning various department heads for updates

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

the well-known heiress of the Ellis

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

approached, Cicely found

trembling,

She hadn’t made much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve already

acknowledgment and moved to the door to put

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the

down to it, Cicely knew she had

deal with things as they come. If

to steer clear. It

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

them some tea and

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a few minutes,

a sip of warm

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

him always buzzing around,

hadn’t even mentioned

strand of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

about this

to knock the socks off the old models. We

The Ellis family has the know-how and the

point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

the deal over to Diaz International? Given

family,

“The big fish like the Harper family, and the

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

the Ellis family’s offer just

If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

kill for that kind of

do you just chicken out when you see the likes of

Or is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can

fitting partners than Diaz

wanting to work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting

Corporation to make things easier

by his stance. “What’s wrong

what counts. Why sweat the small

pride for you,

mouth twitched into a

brows. “Too scared to take the

of running Diaz International? Might as

it up. That way, you wouldn’t

up. Hmm, that’s actually a

it, the more

his eyes but said

propped her chin

with that? Assess the

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

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

shares. How about

her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

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

to you besides your mother,

been thinking that I don’t

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as

International. So what if

a carefree smile on her face. “Then

time to let

tightened, clearly

smiled thinly.

Ellis family

do to tick you off?” The voice

that belonged to

mug, then switched on her charm as

was already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

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

too shabby, right? Especially since we will

to keep things

let out a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off

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

International.”

eyes carrying a

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing

had already stood up, his

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s

if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt

might be the real way to

the night was

residence, Seth

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

alone in the

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

rested her arm against the car

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds

half-smile, “Should I prepare some new sketchbooks

you?”

“No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

you today; they’ve been temporarily

open them now, I can bring them out

shoes and said, “Well, bring

Cicely sat

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open the

knife.

of them were small items –

She not only unpacked them but also

instruction manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find

up; we’re up early

and handed him a white travel tumbler.

heft, and engraved

name beneath. Beside her

rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

think of buying all

I realize there are no traces of

and it

engrossed in the small

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

to get

seeing the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but

the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

at the sight,

chair, she resumed her task with

noon, Seth returned to an office

holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his, albeit

a cushion on

fresh bouquet of flowers had even appeared

of leaving her alone in

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

“What’s for

much work did you get

hesitantly added

a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware of

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

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of text. Seth

the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk, and

take you out for

of escaping the office for a meal was music

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for reports and

over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

about company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

and C&P

on the same day, at the

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

the south, the other

Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

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

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

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

were simple in design, yet undeniably

side was distractingly handsome,

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything

brought her to the Diaz International gala

stage and deliver the expected

her away

Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

and father present, the spotlight was

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings and

found their seats, Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot of celebrity

glanced at her coolly, “And

to

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

want to admire

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

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala.

there, and even more so

after its

of many. Naturally, the

to Seth was

was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists, both overt

absence from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

not long after,

Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

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

wrist,

be back soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

he was out of sight, then rose and

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

of hard

greeted Seth with a sneer,

to his feet and

emphasizing each syllable with a

venom. “You’re impressive, truly

flashing

I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for

never provoked you; we were just in your way.

you coveted what the we had, you seized my

on the eve of their holiday

air, the

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

a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been a premeditated

to confirm

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

place immediately.”

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

a

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my

International event. I can’t do anything at

I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz

so tell me, wouldn’t it be fitting

Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even

think you can destroy

strip away the last shred of Ray’s

in

and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next

sharp shards scattering across the polished

of the breaking glass pierced through

heart to skip a beat.

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

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

she let out a breathless shout.

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm

spun half a circle

clung to Seth, her body

fell onto Seth’s

seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout

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

blood on

stood out, and his face, usually cool and

seething

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s

gripped

“Seth,” she managed to

tall.

it landed on her

him. Stunned, he looked at her

thinking straight. Have you had too much to

good do you think provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her voice

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction to

in her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying,

anger,

pain gripped his heart as he

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

else are you

bit her lip, and tears fell

restlessness swirled within

voice, “Talk

self-control seemed to crumble

fear—all converged and broke down

down her face. “My… my ankle

it in her last desperate

glanced at her high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by

a knee on

Seth and was quick to react when Ray

had caused him a moment’s hesitation.

bottle had swung

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

away, Ray, pinned

at Seth’s retreating figure with

One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a

too shallow, but

had already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

red and

Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and

their concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into

girl has never known a day of hardship in

new year,

his fault.

listen and

I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

still hurt if you scold him, but if

the pain

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

words were stuffed back down his throat. After

a lifetime, could he not see through her

somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

gala when she

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

now took on a new definition upon

these swirling emotions,

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped

red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

as could be, then she lifted her arms and

under her knees, lifting her

a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the

care, and returning to the Ellis

never mentioned leaving the

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed

there to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from

was impeccable in his

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

carried Cicely from the bathroom to

waiting.

process, despite the

shift in pressure and Cicely

silence from the man beside her, who seemed to make

tense as a

sitting with

inevitably turned to

and bored in her room, insisted Seth

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

to most

heard them talk about the mechanical

family.

deal which should

year to after

Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

same as it had been initially with her.

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found

Seth’s voice and being able to

Ellis residence just before the new year. After all,

been injured protecting Seth,

to put on airs at this time. But

than on

prepared a lavish dinner

up the topic of the New

Cicely back to the Diaz

Patty’s mood didn’t

but since they were legally married, spending New Year’s

was the most appropriate and

glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

at home,

she had returned to spend a few days, the New

festive gatherings, would

*

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

residence.

to pick up

Danielle alone in the

After negotiating with the

bring her

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

at home, staring at each other, feels sad just thinking

things up, serving

again, the thought of

feel that it might be better off without

been bustling since yesterday, and

home for the New

knowing Miss Danielle would

at the hospital. And Cicely,

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

Her face

Danielle. When she saw Seth

her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a

crossed her face, but she brushed it aside.

The way she said that made it sound like

doing here?” Seth asked,

couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly,

her all alone in the hospital

holidays, could we?”

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

to let

her discharge. If

it should’ve been the Ellis family.

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

ashamed?”

more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The guest I invite

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving

can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner? I’d

care of her every single day of the

sneer. “By

just stage an accident and play the damsel in distress.

Ellis family’s dinners

turned pale with anger, and

finger pointed at Cicely. “This is

so desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

“Patty, don’t

it you who’s

“You…”

deep voice cut

light and smiling,

she quietly awaited Seth’s

celebrate, not to start a scene and

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