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

for life, Seth and I will be driven to

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a

I really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who

faint smile. “How shameless are

you wish

will Seth. Even blood relatives

you

or four decades to live? How patient do

day in and day out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

she glared at

to her most vulnerable

think for a second that you’re off the

dream of running away. You

die, I will dig you up from your grave and lash

Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able to

me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

detached

I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone.

willing to eat, that’s

annoying.”

in place. To eat or not to eat,

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

up at the nurse standing by.

she eats

“Understood.”

a

turning towards the door to leave. But

could take two steps, the door swung open from

her expression darkening as the man

of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred

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

front of Cicely.

her brows as

the door. She reached out and pushed Issac

feeling

teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

don’t you think

of me that night

score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told

night?”

“Does what he say

raped me?”

a faint smile, she added,

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

It was your

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

not

to the exchange, could hardly

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not

I know Danielle is the

that so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll take my

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved in

we can’t hold him accountable.

by yesterday, but I

the bag in her hands until

brought back the chaos

the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems Mr. Ray

skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded

feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink,

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

by

frowned at

get

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea it would turn

to give Ray any more attention than

she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used, your family

up from her plate. “Is it really necessary

now, and your family is on its

was at least a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

his knuckles were white,

the downfall of my family

told you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

dad said

started his agency, he had his sights set

talent agency, run by a guy who

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him,

fatal blow. He played innocent but

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

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

receiving end

drained of color. She had pondered this question before, but

too afraid to delve into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

took a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is

with the doctors about

a rough road ahead. I came here

to ask

her voice restrained and flat.

of that car for him,

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

mid-bite and finally turned to

with a motive, my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

be so

would you still

Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him.

answer are

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush me

you off. If I had died, what would be

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

the villain in front of me to

if I stop caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If I

can’t, I need to find

this

trembled slightly. She was afraid of

left to lose, there was no telling

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

on her purse slackened for

faint smile on her face. “You’re

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you doing

episode. Came to check on her with

brief silence, she glanced at him

in bullying a cripple,

Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

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

behalf to

thought it might give

gaze faltered for a

around her neck, presenting only her profile

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes

volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

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

hurt me when

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of her down

braved the disgust and

demeanor. No overt anger, just

she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull

learned just

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

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

a meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s

you ever trusted me?” The question floated into

he looked up to

leave room for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment,

Dad at the

“Alright.”

through the gates of the

sprawling manor,

green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat

a bit. She got out of the car and

occasionally moving about

be cautious. “Miss,

her

didn’t you give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

and was reading in the study. Not

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

some

up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

a couple of side

she turned and headed straight for the

the servants to bring out what Creighton

brownish buckwheat wraps

of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

she lifted her gaze

prepared for

too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

has been

dishes. Even if

meals are quite

no need to cook

Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in

family’s dining table was

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

on his chest, his head

Cicely, and

estate now had but one master. That grand dining table

corner for his simple

head over heels in love, insisting on living

her father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in

wake Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to find

with the servants, his face lit

little rascal, why didn’t you tell

to hide before

at her. “You’re not fighting

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

and settling onto the couch. “He’s busy with

the home-cooked meals. Dad,

over for

him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk to

the rest of the afternoon. She badgered

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

squared off

occasionally chiming in with

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in

was lively and bustling, and even

entire Ellis family seemed to have

be.

Creighton inquired about

was too busy to make

you two

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis

and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply

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

know.”

no reason for

as an invitation for us to stay here

pulled her

living

couple’s closeness,

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

were all tailored

for dinner, but as she

her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two

came out to

her way over to the coffee

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine with

did he glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

estate isn’t as

her expression nonchalant. “There’s no fight.

for

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down

explain myself clearly

you’ve

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

over the same

a napkin, “So

back here just

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

on time. In fact, on

my dad

time for me, but he could use some company. Are

I’m not

face was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

on the question she had left lingering

noon.

believe it? If not, she would prove

want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

from his water glass. “As you

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today,

understand why

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

her what their conversation

matters.

app for little home decor items

and notebooks with pens. Not that she

liked doodling

servant opened it to find

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

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

of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and

errand. Mr.

I’ll be on my way

turned around, and noticed

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding

of milk. After finishing her milk, Cicely

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for so long

had refilled

went to the bathroom where

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

temperature, she slid into the

view of the garden and

by rotating ground lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

had asked her father

glimpsing at them had

the bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

against the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water,

She drifted

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

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

looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

first to drown in a

was startled, but it was by the man who

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

tried to

to her and began to undress in a brazen

frowned, “What are you

beat, dropping

else does one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the

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

chest and glared up at

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her

the warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked,

that was low and

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

to her quiet,

prickly aura, he preferred her current

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through her wet

hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower

consent before

hand covered her eyes. “Close your

that this man had

before it even

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

yanked away by

crossing in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her scalp

chest to

lowered and eyes closed,

entirely without merit. After all, there were

fallen for

conditioner to her hair, he

a quick

expression, Cicely

you planning to stay

any

your apartment, it’s quite a

staying here. I can’t

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

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

nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

reached

the shower cascading over her

prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s

succinct and

pressing against her

realization, Seth had already set the

hers. “We should get out and dry

“Let go. I can

going

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed

he moved with a familiarity that made

out. She hit his shoulder

“This

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed

it down in a

was wrapped around

she was on the brink

hairdryer and slipping her into

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

circled to the other side of the bed, facing her. As she sensed his

his long arm scooped her into

he’d only persist if she tried to

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already gone. The

with new ones added from last

and protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

slipping into her

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and

from their morning exercise and were already two

head

fix that

the servant, sipped half of

“Sleeping in is the best

bad for your health,

most important meal.

you leave

Cicely speechless for a

to the office. Why would I

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could

at the company instead of ending up clueless. What?

face showing clear reluctance.

why he

good at passing

really didn’t tell

know,

to the hospital with your grandfather

come?”

curled her legs onto the

a blend of elegance and

you’ll have lunch by

returned, and they were already leaving her

Danielle’s name had come up several times at

hospital while the rest of

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

were set to visit the hospital

silently. Anyone who dared say the

Danielle would have a problem with

time for dinner. His timing

upstairs first, while Cicely

before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom, and

quick shower, she emerged to find

climbed into bed to

seemed like Seth had finished

walked over, brushed

to give 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

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

plenty of things we have yet to talk

gently, “Then

by her,

with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and started

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth eased

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she managed to

with

you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

Diaz,” he said with a playful

Cicely’s drowsy eyes

inches from hers. A gentle smile

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

face held the same amused expression, yet

me any

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

because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline,

to give me a severe punishment,

her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

Her hand moved

heard, love and hate are two

start, the more they might hate

warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

soft with flirtation, “Don’t

it will. I wouldn’t choose to

like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes

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

two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early,

“If you’re

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking

shower, Cicely

at him, then

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

strongly, “Is there something you

at the office tomorrow

he swiped and tapped on her phone

anything about business, what

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag along with me to

thing in the

I have to

think your dad asking you to

on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

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

family

moment and start

Ellis family, you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be naive,

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

is mine, isn’t it yours too?

in

quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think one

you? Or maybe you want to leave me one

her,

further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced

leaves a trail of broken

just saying. But beyond these two

improve, and he didn’t

shadow in their depths replaced by a

In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

on why

“I’ve downloaded some files

you can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

document app he

of text. “What

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

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

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her face

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

a tantrum.

＊

two hours.

face looking worse than

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced at

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face

in a rush to

the phone and tossing it aside,

face cold as he pulled her

used to the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

moment, Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up

sentence, she fell silent again, and any further pursuit would

petty.

＊

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

strong coffee.

to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

swung his legs out of bed,

off

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

face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this the

the comforter off with a huff, sat

what strength could she muster just out

a pillow

close by, and the pillow barely registered upon

so over this, I’m not going to

pillow, and placed it back on the

see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

want me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of his

into a sly

she threw the covers aside and stomped

squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

took her brush, and Seth,

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

started brushing.

as toothpaste. The

slight smile of

to the Ellis Corporation

of the document from last night did you read?”

to know anything.

am I supposed

smiled and didn’t

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

had prepared a new desk and chair

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you

face away, “Computers

excuse, “There

felt like no matter what excuse

for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we can go

will you be

a C&P

leaving me here

there wolves in

the reading; I’ll be back

her mouth to retort but

at her before leaving

around, a clear sign she

she possibly stir up in

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the

with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her

later, she left the office, returning

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a black

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

and the

Cicely

student.

did you

new to me, so I’m on the third

files in a whole morning and you’re proud of that?” His

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

his desk, noticing the black notebook she

found her

in a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if it

sank into his chair. “Lunch is

Come over here.”

No

the files

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

leaning

his grip tightened around her waist,

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct

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

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

you, and it’s intentional,

of impunity, but

feel like harboring

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to

pushed her away and leaned back in his

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

from a local

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by

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

the

a big deal’.

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

a table laden with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

eat it, leave it.

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

tonight.”

her with

couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

to sleep together every night.

wait until

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

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s been

sure you want to keep butting heads with

grip on her silverware tightened

continued to

me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation

stayed

wanted to slack off, but under

him summoning various department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

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

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

approached, Cicely found

department leaders’ trembling,

She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

twitched, “I should

I’ve already

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

descended the stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting

it, Cicely knew she had to

come. If Patty was in

If not, best to steer

Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

by the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

aside to take a call and returned after a

took a sip of warm water from

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will you? What’s

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told

But with him always

he hadn’t even mentioned anything

a strand of her hair, her palm warming against the

overheard General Manager from project

about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

knock the socks off the old models. We could corner the

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

of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

to Diaz International? Given

family, why

expression was cold. “The big fish

Ellis project.

the Ellis family’s

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

kill

you just

the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

are all more fitting partners

wanting to work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use

make things easier

stance. “What’s wrong with that?

line is what counts. Why

pride for you, I’ll bang

mouth twitched into a half-smile.

her brows. “Too scared to take

of running Diaz

swallow it up. That way, you

Hmm, that’s actually a

she thought about it, the more

eyes

her chin

through with

you in

me personally, and I’ll cut

How about

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if

mother, it’s probably Diaz

been thinking that

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

and unfathomable

Diaz International. So what if I

leaned back on the sofa, with a carefree

to let it

clearly displeased with her

Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion to

Ellis family banner the

ever do to tick you off?” The voice came

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

her mug, then switched

her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

figured it

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

need to keep

is the

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

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

mindful

as if forcefully suppressing a

dinner at the Diaz residence, but

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

night was out of

to the Ellis residence,

you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the office

there, I’ll

car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly speaking,

curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

“No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully.

for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

to open them now, I can bring

her shoes and said, “Well, bring them out,

indeed many packages. Cicely

a waterproof mat and started to slice open

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

not only unpacked them but

instruction manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find

up; we’re up

looked up and handed him a

notable heft, and engraved on

beneath. Beside her was a

rest of the items

light.

you think of buying all

time did I realize there are no

it

engrossed in the small items, her tone

it was the most natural thing in the world.

her to get some

seeing the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work, Seth drove

focus was still scattered, but after

the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

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

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

perked up at the

chair, she resumed

office transformed. His desk now

pen holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

his,

a cushion on

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

to question the wisdom of

acting as though she’d done nothing out of the

for

work did you

then hesitantly

keys on the computer, bringing up a video

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

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

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk, and

I’ll take you

escaping the office for a meal was

*

at the Ellis

for reports and

days, and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

company affairs, she

it was time for the

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

on the same day, at

by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis Corporation and

on the south, the

Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

knee. She wore a pair of

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

moment of her birth, Cicely

in design, yet

was distractingly handsome,

onlookers to look away.

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

and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

her away

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the spotlight was on

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

and well-wishes, almost like

guests, receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,” Seth

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

a lot of

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of

to

Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

just want to admire the pretty

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

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

to keep a low profile there, and even more so in the

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

its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally,

up to Seth

a patient man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt

was deliberate, with plenty

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly

spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and

a commotion over at

and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

wrist, “What’s

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

before following Charlie out.

of sight,

slouched on the steps

nearly finished bottle of

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support as

his feet and approached

emphasizing each syllable

each word with venom.

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

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

that I

never provoked you; we

the we had, you seized

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of their holiday

in the air, the implications clear

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

on a whim because Ray had once

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

some speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm the

in your

this place immediately.” Seth said

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I

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

of what I have, and I can’t

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

Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

think you can

away the last shred

the drunken stupor in his eyes,

if he

vengeful fury.

onto the

it shattered, sending sharp shards

the breaking glass pierced through the festive din

heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

the jagged remains of the

and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

half a circle

to Seth, her body shielding

fell onto Seth’s hand, and

appeared in his arms seemed about to

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage

blood on his

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

blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

she gripped his clothes tightly, her

with pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

as it landed on her pale,

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

and not thinking straight. Have you had too much to

you think provoking him will

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to her

made it clear to

fear, anger,

gripped his heart

a clear cut on her

else

and tears fell from

restlessness swirled within

low voice,

of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

and broke down

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

in her last

at her high heels and, with a

his arms.

to the

on his back, restraining

right beside Seth and was quick to react

cry had caused him

broken bottle had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

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

at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

damn arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter

*

of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter

too shallow, but

treated, her wounds bandaged, and

red and swollen from

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

call and returned

for the time being. Seth gave a brief

concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which he channeled

has never known a day of hardship in her

new year,

not his fault. I was the

listen and followed

glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

pain

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She

words were

lifetime, could he not

somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

him with

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on a new definition

these swirling emotions, the

to the

saw Cicely with red eyes

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

her knees, lifting her

sense of peace to

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the

returning to the Ellis residence was the

all, she had never mentioned leaving the

after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely

her, never leaving her side.

Seth was impeccable

complaint-free actions were

the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution,

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would

from the man beside her, who seemed to

tense as a surgical

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted

inevitably turned

and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

just to

most

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

deal which

to

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in

same as it had

didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found

Seth’s voice and being able to

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new year.

daughter-in-law who had been injured

airs at this time. But

than on previous

lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

table, she brought up the topic of

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

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

legally married, spending New

the most appropriate and normal thing

a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

she was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

spend a few days, the

gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Eve,

residence.

with them to pick up

leaving Danielle alone

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

bring her

image of two old people

other, feels sad just thinking

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as

the thought of

feel that it might be

been bustling since

to Cicely not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

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

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have

Her face

chatting happily with Danielle. When

for a moment, but then she

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary

two. A shadow crossed her face, but

that made it sound

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

Cicely onto the couch. His voice was as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

of anger rising in her chest, but she fought

best not to let her emotions

her discharge. If

Ellis family. You stay here for

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

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The

got herself injured saving Seth’s

debt we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

in taking care of her every single day of the

“By that logic, any woman who fancies

play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners even

face turned pale with anger, and

Cicely. “This is

so desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring home a

her?”

“Patty, don’t take

who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut

smiling, settled on a glass on the

she quietly awaited Seth’s

not to start a scene

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255