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.

Getting angry

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven to madness, won’t

Enter title…

then let out

for life,

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

up hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you

you, even if you wish for a life

allow it, and neither will Seth. Even

How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve got,

to live? How patient

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

someone disabled?”

violently as she

her most vulnerable

think for a second that you’re off the

away. You were so proud, weren’t you? Well,

will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse

get better soon, you might be able to slap

don’t blame me for

eyed the neatly laid out food

detached voice

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to

until you’re willing to

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

look at her again, turning towards

two steps, the door swung open from

darkening as the man

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge

who had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

opened the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling

clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

took advantage of me

even come to settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the

raped me?”

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

it. Let’s put

facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

anyone else’s doing.

dependent. Let’s not make

exchange,

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here

I know

nodded with a smile, “Then

I’ll take

as they left the hospital room.

hold him accountable. He’s

but I didn’t let

bag in her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of that night,

and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

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

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

orchestrated by his family

frowned at

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

*

stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome

sorry, I had

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any

shoveled food into her

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the

up from her plate. “Is it really

to him now, and your

at least a chance for a

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white,

orchestrated the downfall

you not to be

dad said the moment he entered

agency, he had his sights set on bringing

run by a guy who hasn’t graduated

make everyone relax their guard against

a fatal blow. He played innocent

That night, I wasn’t simply

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

the receiving

color. She had pondered this question before,

afraid to delve into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

checked with the doctors about

optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

ask you

up, her voice restrained and flat.

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

life to save him, or was it just a ploy to

turned to look at

motive, my only desire was

“It’s different. The accident was

didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate.

you

set her fork down and

answer are you

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect

off. If I had died, what

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

villain in front of me to push me away. At

you, it’s like denying everything I’ve

can’t, I need to find

never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

trembled slightly. She was

left to lose, there was no telling

to.

*

of the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he saw

for a moment then

smile

“You hate hospitals. What are you

heard she had another episode. Came to

silence, she glanced

a cripple, so don’t

after Cicely

Seth was worried about.

to check on Miss

it might give

gaze faltered for a

around her neck,

corners of her eyes

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile.

could hurt me when I’m fully able and

darkened. “The sooner she

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the

why I braved the

demeanor. No overt anger, just

displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

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

just a week

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

don’t have the time to join me. And

meal with

such blunt rejection,

me?” The question

he looked up to find the woman

for an answer, as if

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for a

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the Ellis

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

stood tall but

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

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

servants occasionally moving about

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a look

didn’t you give us

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

some

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

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple of side

deepened as she turned and

she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted

for my father’s

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads

“Sir has been

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

folks’ meals

there’s no need to

Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her

family’s dining table was always a feast of

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

resting on his chest, his head

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes

but one master. That grand dining table now

humble corner for his

early, head over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

her father alone

deeply

covering him with

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs

face

didn’t you

got secrets to hide

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

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

the couch. “He’s busy with work,

missing all the

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk

to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She badgered

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

squared off

in with unsolicited

is golden; don’t

and bustling, and even the

Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

Creighton

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

glance, “Are you two

“Just hope for us to be

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m at

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario

all, she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait

Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

to assist Seth

your message imply for me to

coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

reason for a married couple to sleep

an invitation for

pulled her into his

living room. “Good

closeness, smiled,

past few days,

“Not yet.”

staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take

were all tailored to

him for dinner, but as she stepped

with the inexplicable stares of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

breath, “Just came out

way over to the coffee

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

return to dine with him,

glance up at

estate isn’t as

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

here for

emotion crossed Seth’s brow

down his

explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it,

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

over the same person or

napkin, “So you’re telling

here just

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

In fact, on my way back

my

he could use some company.

I’m not fighting with

was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

last part, coupled with her subtle

answer had been placed on the question she

noon.

believe it? If not, she

you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from his water glass. “As you

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling

he disagreed today,

why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

for little home

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not

liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened it to

stepping inside. “Ms.

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

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and

an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some

I’ll be on my

around, and noticed a

seeing this, quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

up a glass of milk.

upstairs.

to talk about for so long without any sign

The servant had refilled

clothes and went to the

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

the tub and let out a sigh of

view

by rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

had asked her father to install

glimpsing at them had become

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring

the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her fatigue.

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

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

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

towel fell away, and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first to drown in

startled, but it was by the man who had appeared

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried to

next to her and began to undress in a

“What are you

without missing a beat, dropping

does one do in a

grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and stood

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up into his arms.

glared up at him.

to do?”

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

warm bath, more radiant than usual. He

low and enticing. “Share a shower

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

run

your hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the

before turning on the shower. A

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered

principles, but that this man had a hundred

before it even took

an inch, as the towel

away by

front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with

into his chest to

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

all, there

for

he nudged her toward

he took a

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning

there any reason I

a trek

I can’t

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer

earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

sleep

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

he reached

water from the shower cascading over her

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

focused on his succinct and cryptic response,

felt something insistent pressing against her and came to

set the showerhead aside,

should get

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry

going out

closed over hers abruptly.

he moved with a familiarity that made

lip, afraid she’d scream out.

pain. “This is the

but you seemed not to mind. Though,

keep it down

legs was wrapped around his waist, and

until she was on the

slipping her into pajamas, Seth

She turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across

circled to the other side of the bed,

to turn away, his long

to resist, knowing he’d only persist

too exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy

faded, with new ones added

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

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton

exercise and were already two

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a

should fix that

offered by the servant, sipped half of it,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

your health,

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are

didn’t you leave with

Cicely

to the office. Why would I leave with

timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

ending up clueless. What?

clear

why he didn’t

“You’re quite good at passing

really didn’t

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the

blend of elegance and lazy

lunch by yourself

had just returned, and they were already leaving

come

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them

a table was incredibly inappropriate

set to visit

say the Ellis family was harsh

have a

in time for dinner. His

headed upstairs first, while Cicely

living room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom,

a quick shower, she emerged to find

to play

had finished his work. He stood

brushed her

a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

for me,

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

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

of things we

gently, “Then hurry

her, Seth’s

penetrating with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted her

out a soft whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

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

with their unintentional cuteness, and a

I wouldn’t dream of

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

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

inches from hers.

a penalty for self-justification, then

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

Punish me

and seriously

thinking that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

the heart to give me a severe punishment,

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt a

her smooth chin, “You

moved from his face to

“But have you ever heard, love and

loves someone at the start, the more they might hate them

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

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

I doubt it will. I

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

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

already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early,

“If you’re

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking her

the shower, Cicely was propped up

game. She glanced at

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something you need

me at

he swiped and

don’t know anything about business,

do there?”

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

thing in the

have

think your

on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

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

the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

start eating away at

family, you won’t even know where to cry.

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there

in

makes you insecure? You think one

Or maybe you want to

froze. Turning to her,

“It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve

who leaves a

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there

improve, and he

shadow in their depths replaced

so quick to assume. In fact,

be reflecting on why I harbor such

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files to

can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had

with a blur of text. “What will you

glanced at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not happy

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

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

face looking

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only

sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face

was in a rush to find

it aside, he watched the woman sleep

cold as he

to the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her

silent again,

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

a cup of strong coffee.

to morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of bed,

shine, off to

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head

face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the hard

flung the comforter off

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

pillow at

was close by, and the

over this, I’m not going

pillow, and placed it back

I don’t see you up by

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

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away,

into a

and stomped off

onto his

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted

Seth, as if on cue,

She glanced at their reflection. Seth

aside.

brushing. It was

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

the slight smile

headed to

the document from last night

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do

just smiled

understood why

new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can keep

face away, “Computers

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

like no matter what excuse she

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can go over

you be

a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me

there wolves in the

on the reading;

opened her mouth to retort

her before leaving the

around, a clear

she possibly stir up in the

did take

marks with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her phone

office, returning after

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

doodled on a

with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

and

Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

you get through?”

bit challenging since it’s new to me, so I’m

three files in a whole morning and you’re

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here is

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she had

it open, he found her

a

slightly, but

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth

she declared as if it justified

of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

pulled her into

leaning back

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d

you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even be bothered to

half-hearted attitude. If

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

and it’s intentional, Mr.

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

harboring intentions towards me

our current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to

pushed her away and leaned back in his chair, turning to face

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

from a local diner, indeed

have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the

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

with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

all this by myself?”

with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had to

her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

up at her with

settled onto the couch and picked

said we have to sleep together every night. If

wait until

was stoic, “How long

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s been

to keep

on her silverware tightened

to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis

and had stayed

wanted to slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that wasn’t

with him summoning various department heads for

progress reviews, the office

well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if it was

couldn’t afford to be

end of the workday approached, Cicely

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

word. She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let my

need, I’ve already

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on

yetTo claim Cicely

it came down to it, Cicely knew she had

as they come.

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

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

off waiting by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after a few

sip

of silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

him. But with him always

hadn’t even mentioned anything

her hair, her

overheard General

about this new mechanical

socks off the old models.

The Ellis family has the know-how and the development rights.

point. Instead of bidding

over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

family, why haven’t you

cold. “The big fish like the Harper

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have

Ellis

Diaz International, the rest

watch. Seth, so many would kill

just chicken out when you see

it just

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

Watsons are all more fitting partners

family, are you suggesting I use my position

make things

his stance. “What’s

counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

pride for you, I’ll

a half-smile. “Is

scared to take

fries. What’s the point of running

you wouldn’t have

actually

about it, the more

eyes but

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and

we actually go through with that? Assess

in the

me personally, and I’ll cut you in

How about

at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

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

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

an edge over

might just be it.”

unfathomable

the last bit of Diaz International. So what if I

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face. “Then

time to

clearly displeased with her

reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my

International under the Ellis family

International ever do to tick you off?”

a familiar tone that

her mug, then switched on her charm as she

standing opposite her, her face a

wariness.

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

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

soon. No need to keep things so

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

chew. And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying

Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither

since Seth had already stood up, his

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

forcefully suppressing a multitude

they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely

dining with Patty might be the real way

the night was

to the Ellis residence, Seth took the

you

“Same as today.”

in

I’ll disturb your

rested her arm against the car window,

her slender finger.

a few seconds before

a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully.

been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

them now, I can bring them out

said,

Cicely

to slice open

knife.

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

only unpacked them but also studied them. Her

times

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an

freshen up; we’re up early

and handed him a white travel tumbler.

and engraved on it was a

beneath. Beside her was a matching black

of the items were

light.

made you think of

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

it feels

in the small items, her tone

in the world. Seth didn’t say much

urged her to get

white tumbler

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff

still scattered, but after reviewing

were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

up at the

Seth’s chair, she resumed her

office transformed. His desk now sported

pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad,

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

with a cushion

flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

wisdom of leaving her

nothing out of

“What’s for

much work did you get

hesitantly

a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of the

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only saw

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

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

progress today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk,

I’ll take you

escaping the office for a

*

at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for reports and

and even if

about company affairs, she

everything settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

International, and

the same day, at the same hotel,

by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were

the

was just below Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with no

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted

pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood

her birth, Cicely

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from

her side was distractingly

away.

brought her to the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries, to

before whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight was on

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

well-wishes, almost

receiving blessings

seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

hand, Cicely teased with

a lot of

her coolly, “And

curious to take

retorted, “If your intentions

have considered it.”

to admire the

day I’ll bring them

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

low profile there, and even

its grand

the envy of

up to Seth

a patient man, unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt

was deliberate,

after, Charlie hurriedly

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got

over at

and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

his wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

slouched on the

finished bottle of hard

greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for

to his feet

syllable

venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

just

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

never provoked you; we

what the we had, you seized

anticipated such drama on

the air,

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

because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

fiancée, this had

against Ray .

that it had been

seemed to confirm the

still a shareholder in your family business,

leave this place immediately.”

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital stay,

ten percent.

I know this

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

of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

my company, so tell

and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

detachment, “If you couldn’t even

makes you think

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

in his

menace, and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the

shards scattering across

glass pierced through the festive din

to skip a beat.

her high heels

remains of the bottle

she let out

pulling Seth’s

circle to avoid

clung to Seth, her body

of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand,

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall

moment.

reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the sight

on his

veins on his arm stood out, and

blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

unrestrained anger, she gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on

slapped him. Stunned, he looked at her

Have you had too much to

you think provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

her voice carried anger, it

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to her

eyes made it

anger,

heart as he surveyed her

a clear cut on her

“Where else are you

bit her lip, and tears fell from her

restlessness

voice, “Talk

seemed to

fear—all converged and

my ankle hurts,”

in her last desperate lunge to

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

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

a knee on his

and was quick to react when

panicked cry had caused him a

broken bottle had swung past

had

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned

at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

arrogant. One day,

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but

she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie had

a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds

their concern

mask his concern, which he channeled

of hardship in

new year, this happens!

“it’s not his fault. I was the one

listen and followed

“Am I not

Enter title…

“It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him,

make the pain stop, then go

stop,” he said, cutting himself

natter until all his words were stuffed back down his

a lifetime, could he not

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

when she had unexpectedly run up

him

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new

process these swirling emotions, the

listened intently to the

eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

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

knees, lifting her from the

understanding brought a slight sense

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

returning to the

had never mentioned leaving the

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time

never leaving her side. Apart from the

impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

from the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

process, despite the

slight shift in pressure and Cicely

from the man beside

tense

residence, any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned

bored in her

was just to

most of their

had heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

which should

to after

International was interested in

it had been

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

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she

Seth’s voice and being able to look up

residence just before the new year. After

been injured protecting Seth, Patty

this time. But

on

family prepared a lavish dinner for her.

the dinner table, she brought up the topic of

back to

mood didn’t match the generosity

legally married, spending New Year’s

was the most appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

at home, the

returned to spend a few days, the New Year, a

for festive gatherings, would

*

Eve, Seth took

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

Danielle alone in the

Year was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring

However, the image of

each other, feels sad

might liven things up, serving

then again, the thought of

feel that it might be better off without

staff had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s

sumptuous feast knowing Miss

didn’t find anyone at the

should have been picked

Her face

Danielle. When she

her expression paused for

smiling.

also had

her face, but she brushed it aside.

way she said that made

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

His voice was as flat as the

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her

not to let her emotions flare out of

who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You

is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The

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

we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

of her every

sneer. “By

just stage an accident and play the damsel in

family’s

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

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

a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t

who’s

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through

been light and smiling, settled on a

as she quietly awaited

celebrate, not to start a scene

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