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.

know. Getting angry is bad for your health.

and I will be driven

Enter title…

coldly and then let out a mocking laugh. “You’re

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

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

a faint smile. “How shameless are

for you, even if you wish for a life of disability, the

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed

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

three or four decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll

Or rather,

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her most

for a second that you’re off the hook just because

dream of running away. You were so

I will dig you up from

you get better soon, you might be able

blame me for bullying

neatly laid

icy, detached voice rang

starve myself just to

until you’re willing to eat, that’s

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

by. “Keep an eye on her. Let

eats or

“Understood.”

a

turning towards the

steps, the door swung

the man who

sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his

just returned from the

front of Cicely.

her brows as she

door. She reached out

Ray, feeling

teeth clenched as

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think

who nearly took advantage of me that night when you were

to settle that score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

he say negate

raped me?”

she added, “I’m aware of

put our grievances aside for now.

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that night

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her

to the exchange, could hardly believe

briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered,

know Danielle is the

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have

I’ll

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t

can’t hold him accountable.

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

her hands until her knuckles turned

back the chaos of that night, the

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems Mr. Ray

skeptical. A rich playboy,

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on the

Danielle. It’s clear she means a

this accident was orchestrated by his family for

at the

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

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

had no idea it would turn out

the mood to give Ray any more attention

shoveled food into her

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics

her plate. “Is it really

now, and your family is on

for a comeback, but now, you

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and a

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family

I’ve told you not to be

imagine. My dad said

his

talent agency, run by a guy who

these things to make everyone relax their guard

delivered a fatal blow. He

night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who

at the receiving

of color. She had pondered this question before, but

too afraid to delve into it. She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

up before. I’ve checked with

road ahead. I came here today to see

ask you

look up, her

car for him, was it truly out of a

it just a ploy to achieve

and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

a motive, my only desire was to win him

melancholic smile. “It’s different.

to be

severe, would you still have

silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at

are you hoping

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

had died,

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

in front of me to

it’s like denying everything I’ve

since I can’t, I need

had never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

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

there was no telling what

to.

*

of the elevator

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly

slackened for a moment

faint smile on her face. “You’re

heavy. “You hate hospitals.

another episode. Came

she glanced at him coolly.

bullying a cripple, so

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at

Seth

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

lately. She thought it

faltered for

around her neck, presenting only her

at the corners of

your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile. “I have

when I’m fully able

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

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the

why I braved the

anger,

it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

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

he’d learned just a

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch.

the time to join me. And as it happens,

meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s

The question floated into

he looked up

answer, as if the

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for

at

“Alright.”

through the gates of the

the window at the sprawling

pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

and the

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

servants occasionally moving about

be cautious. “Miss, you’re

the sound of her arrival, a

give us a

upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

some

stairs, turning

step, “And what else?”

were a couple

as she turned and

ordered the servants to

the brownish buckwheat wraps

a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted

for my father’s

were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals

these dishes. Even if we

Elderly folks’ meals are quite

there’s no

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

was

Creighton slumped

book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

hit Cicely, and her eyes

now had but one master. That grand

corner for

married early, head over heels in

her father alone in the

blamed herself deeply

covering him with a

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to find

his face lit

didn’t you

secrets to hide

not fighting with Seth again, are

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

“He’s busy with work,

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

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you more

to me.”

I’ll talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed

occasionally chiming in

is golden; don’t meddle in

lively and bustling,

Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton

was too busy to make it

“Are you

exasperated, “Just hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario

from home. After all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

she didn’t

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

assist Seth with his coat. “Why

message imply for

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

know.”

for a

invitation for

respond, he had pulled

the living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

these past few days,

“Not yet.”

ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a

dishes were all tailored to

dinner, but as she stepped out, she

the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting, are

breath, “Just came

over to the coffee table, bending down to

to the

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with

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

Ellis family estate isn’t as

water bottle, her expression nonchalant.

here for

flicker of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down

explain myself

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

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

over the same person or

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

back here just

I have some.

In fact, on my way

my dad and changed my mind.

could use some company. Are

I’m not fighting

impassive, her lips curled in an almost

the last part, coupled with

on

noon.

it? If

want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

sip from his water glass.

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today,

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It

her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

browsed her shopping app for little home

and notebooks with

she liked

front door was knocked, the servant opened

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

heartless, sending you

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait

I just have an errand.

be on my way

turned around,

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

up a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

those men possibly have to talk about

servant had refilled their water several

to the bathroom

been a while since she’d

temperature, she slid into the tub and let out a

bathroom window was a view

lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

she had asked her father to install the fountain

Over the years, glimpsing at them had become

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

down against the edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

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

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness,

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

up to see the man frowning at

side of the tub.

first to drown in

she was startled, but it was by

had dissipated

feel cold.

I did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake

her and began to undress in a brazen

“What are you

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

one do in

towel beside the

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

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

to do?”

in his arms, her

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

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle demeanor,

aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his

your hair

“No.”

of the

waited for her consent before turning on the

Seth’s hand covered

but that this man had

her anger before it even

an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

yanked away by

front of her, trying to cover up

modesty she could.

her hair with patience, massaging her

into his chest to

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

without merit. After all, there were more than

fallen for this

hair, he nudged

he took a quick shower

cool expression,

Are you planning to

there any reason

a trek

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

will.”

flicker of anger

into a smile as he drew closer to

to spending

better.”

sleep

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached

water from the shower

to prevent water from flowing into

on his succinct and cryptic response, which

something insistent pressing against her

already set the showerhead aside,

should get out and dry

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

we’re not going

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed

with a familiarity that

out.

than pain. “This

but you seemed not

to keep it down in a

wrapped around his waist, and as the room

she

slipping her into pajamas, Seth

her soft hair spreading across the

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

his long arm

he’d only

exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already

faded, with new ones

and protective—or so

it. Yet now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

into her loose loungewear, she

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton

morning exercise and were already two

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

offered by the servant, sipped

in is the

for your health, and too

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why

you

left Cicely

Why would I leave

timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

instead of ending up

showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t mention

quite good at passing the

he really

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

your grandfather

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her

posture a blend of elegance

lunch by

and they were already

name had come up several times

alone in the hospital while the rest

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

to visit the

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

Danielle would have

for

he headed upstairs first, while

room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she

behind her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find

into bed to play

seemed like Seth had finished his work.

the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with

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

for

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

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I

Diaz, there are plenty of things

pushed him gently, “Then

her, Seth’s body pressed

penetrating with unrestrained

She lifted her hands

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 say

Seth off guard with

“Kiss you to death? I

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful

Cicely’s drowsy

hers. A gentle smile tinged her

a penalty for self-justification, then

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

Punish me any way you

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

thinking that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give me

her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

her smooth chin, “You like me that

Her hand moved from his face

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

at the start, the more they

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling

eyes and brows soft with flirtation,

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

his dark eyes

let go of

missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

early, so be good and

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

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking her might be.

Cicely was propped up

a video game. She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

the phone from her

“Is there something

at the

swiped and tapped on

frowned, “I don’t know anything about business, what am I

do there?”

wouldn’t need

in

have to

good little girl? Do you think your

on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

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

won’t manage the Ellis family

a weak moment and start eating away

know where to cry.

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your own hands, is

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think

you want to leave me

her, his gazes were unfathomably

sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve

a trail of

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there

improve,

the shadow in their depths replaced by a

to assume. In fact,

reflecting on why I harbor

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

can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had

of text. “What will you

her, then got out of bed, lifting

reflect. Naturally, I

mood.”

a coat, and walk out.

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

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours.

face looking worse

the bedroom, the lights had dimmed,

the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her hand and

she hadn’t closed.

the same one he’d opened for

sleeping face

Creighton was in a rush to find her a

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled her into his

arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her

fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

next morning, he woke

a cup of strong coffee. Even for school,

prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a

mind?!”

grin as he swung his legs out of

shine, off

going.” Cicely yanked

your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a

but what strength could she muster just out of bed,

a pillow at

and the pillow barely registered upon

so over this, I’m not

up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

don’t see you up by the time I’m out,

want me to wake you

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners

a

covers aside and stomped

busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

and Seth, as if on cue, applied

glanced at their reflection. Seth

aside.

brushing. It was not like she

something as simple as toothpaste. The

the slight smile of her

they headed to the Ellis Corporation

the document from last night did

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to

just smiled

office, Cicely understood why

new desk and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer;

her face away, “Computers

to anticipate this excuse, “There are

silent. She felt like no matter what

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we

you

a

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

there wolves in

the reading; I’ll

retort

at her before leaving the

been darting around, a clear sign she was up

stir up

left, Cicely did take the

marks with her pen, but within

her phone was

office, returning after another half-hour to

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

with her phone and then, noticing

desk and

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

much did you get

since it’s new to me, so I’m

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

stung.

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

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook

her doodles—a passable

written in a confident, flamboyant

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited

declared as if it

his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him. Before she

his long arm pulled her into

Cicely said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

taking

“What do you mean?”

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

Now, you can’t

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

you, and it’s intentional,

impunity, but Seth had no

like harboring

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s

and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression

Cicely watched him—

was

a local diner,

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking

His mood was as frosty as

entire office was suffused with the

a big deal’.

eat all this by

a table laden with food, while he

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had to

and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

her

onto the couch and

to sleep together every night.

wait until

stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

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

you want to keep butting heads

grip on her silverware tightened

continued to

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

stayed

but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

him summoning various department heads for updates

and progress reviews, the office

the Ellis family, even if it was

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

the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

trembling, overly

much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping nearby, and

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should

need, I’ve already told

an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put

but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with Patty would

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to play it

they come. If Patty was

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

Patty wasn’t her biggest

and naturally,

door. She cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

offered them some

Enter title…

and returned after a few

took a sip of

broke the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if

ask him. But with him always buzzing around, she

hadn’t even mentioned

a strand of her hair,

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new mechanical

old models.

has the

a point. Instead of bidding

the deal over to Diaz

family, why haven’t

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

Ellis project.

the Ellis family’s

Diaz International, the rest can

many would kill

it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes

is it

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

fitting partners

work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I

Corporation to make things easier for

by his stance.

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

you,

twitched into a half-smile.

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take

point of running

swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t

actually a

more she thought about it, the

eyes but said

propped her chin in her hands and smiled

through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis family?

me personally, and I’ll cut you in

How about

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the sudden

in Diaz International?”

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

mother, it’s

You know, I’ve been thinking

my sleeve that gives me an edge over

might just be it.”

unfathomable as

Diaz International. So what if I

leaned back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

to

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

Ellis family banner the

do to

that belonged

switched on her charm as

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

wariness.

figured it wasn’t

too shabby, right? Especially since we will

need to keep

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

even think about laying

International.”

her eyes

wasn’t bringing it

had already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression.

suppressing

they had dinner at the Diaz

might be the real way to make her

night was out of

residence,

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’ll disturb your

the car window, twirling a strand of

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

“No need,

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received

today; they’ve been temporarily stored

open them now, I

and said, “Well,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with

knife.

items – mugs,

only unpacked them but also studied them.

was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

to find Cicely amidst an array

“Go freshen up; we’re up

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

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it was a

her

portrait and name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

you think

coming back this time did I realize there

and it feels

while still engrossed in the small items,

it was the most natural thing in

urged her to get some

the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

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

more. Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but

were much the

department heads yesterday.

paced the

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at

resumed

Seth returned to an office transformed.

new pen holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

with a cushion on

had even appeared on the

of leaving her alone in the

nothing out of the ordinary, asked

“What’s for lunch

“How much work did you

fingers, then hesitantly added

on the computer, bringing

of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware

upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on

a reward, I’ll take

the office for a meal was music to

*

Seth stayed at

staff for reports

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

affairs, she

time

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P

the same day, at

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

south, the other

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

she still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

her birth, Cicely seemed

clothes were simple in design,

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

to look away. Cicely

brought her to the Diaz International gala to

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries,

whisking her away

was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

and father present, the spotlight

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride and groom

their guests, receiving blessings and drinks

their seats, Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

hand, Cicely

lot of celebrity

at her coolly, “And plenty of male

curious to take

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so transparent,

have considered it.”

to admire

replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

a low profile there, and even more so in the

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

the envy of many. Naturally, the number of people

up to Seth

unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt

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

after,

got drunk at the

a commotion over at

darkened. As

his wrist,

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

before following Charlie out.

was out of sight, then rose and trailed after

slouched on the

nursing a nearly finished bottle of

Seth with a sneer, using the steps

to his feet

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a

with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

laughed coldly, flashing a

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

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

provoked you; we were just in your

we

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

the air, the implications

tactics, about how Ray’s

whim because Ray had once made an indecent

fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated strike.

seemed to

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

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

who, even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I

International event. I can’t do

and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz International

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

you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment,

what makes you think

strip away the last shred of Ray’s

the drunken stupor in his eyes,

if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

glass pierced through the festive din

skip a beat. Instinctively, her

Seth, her high heels

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle

out a breathless shout.

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

circle to

to Seth,

drop of bright red blood fell onto

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out of

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on

his arm stood out, and his face,

seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped

with pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

gaze softened as it

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

thinking straight. Have you had

you think provoking him will do you now? What if he really

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her voice carried anger, it

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to

it clear

anger,

heart as

on a clear cut on her right

else are you

and tears

panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under

fear—all converged and broke down

“My… my

in her

at her high heels and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had

a knee on his back,

right beside Seth and was quick to react when

him a moment’s hesitation. In that

bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Cicely away, Ray, pinned

at Seth’s

be so damn arrogant. One

done!”

falter in his

*

and Creighton

frenzy.

and a

shallow, but not

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

red

greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie had

for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their

their concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which

has never known a day of hardship in her life, and just a few

the new year, this happens! Seth,

suddenly interjected, “it’s not his

listen and

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

hurt if you scold him, but

the pain stop, then

himself

his words were stuffed

lifetime, could he

hair somewhat

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

him

Totally unexpected.

now took on a

he could process these swirling

Seth listened intently to the doctor,

with red eyes and pursed lips, looking

she lifted her

knees, lifting

slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Seth back

care, and returning to the Ellis residence

never mentioned leaving the

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

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time

her, never leaving her side. Apart from the

impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

from the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution,

slight shift in pressure and Cicely would

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed to

feel as tense

sitting with Creighton

turned

in her

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

most of

about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

which

to

if Diaz International was interested in taking

was the same as it

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company

Seth’s voice and being able to look up and

residence just before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting

this time. But

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish

dinner table, she brought up the topic of

bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

mood

were legally

appropriate and normal

glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a

was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis

as she had returned to spend a few days, the New Year, a

gatherings, would leave him

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

agreed that leaving Danielle

After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring

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

feels

liven things up, serving as company for

thought of

might be

since

home for the New Year’s

feast knowing Miss

the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

Danielle, who should have been picked

Her face immediately

Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

paused for a moment,

smiling.

also had a momentary freeze

her face, but she brushed

that made it sound

are you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

was as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not

here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she

her best not to let

my dad who applied for her discharge. If

Ellis family. You stay

is being polite, but

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury. “The guest I invite is the

be here. Danielle got herself injured saving

wrong with inviting her over for dinner? I’d

care of her every single day of

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

accident and play the

family’s dinners

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled to

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

that you have to bring home a

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t

you who’s making

“You…”

voice cut through

light and smiling, settled on a

she quietly

celebrate, not to

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