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.

you know. Getting angry is bad for your

for life, Seth and I will be driven to

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out a mocking

really am disabled for life, you’ll never be

off.”d2

she looked at Danielle, who seemed

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile.

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

Even blood relatives fed

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

live? How patient do you think he’ll be,

out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

as she

her

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

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

I will dig you up from your grave and

get better soon, you might be able to

blame me for bullying

eyed the neatly laid out

icy, detached

I wouldn’t starve myself just

over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite.

up at the nurse standing by.

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

didn’t look at her again, turning towards the door to

the door swung open from the

expression darkening as the

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his

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

front of Cicely.

her brows as she recalled

door. She reached

Ray, feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re

of me

yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told

night?”

what he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

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

regret it. Let’s put

It

to this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is

and dependent. Let’s not make her situation any

the exchange, could hardly believe the

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

know Danielle

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

up, I’ll take my

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

hold him

but I didn’t

in her hands until

brought back the chaos of that

that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

A rich playboy,

proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing

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

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

frowned at

get her killed? That

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

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

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more

clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

Regardless of the

not looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to go

and your

for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the downfall

told you not to

can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

his agency, he had his

agency, run by a

make

blow. He played innocent but was

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

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

receiving end of

drained of color. She had pondered this question before,

delve into it. She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you

I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition,

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to see

ask

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

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

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

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look at

my only desire was to win him

melancholic smile. “It’s

be so obstinate. If you knew the

you

her fork down and looked up

answer are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

I had died, what

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

have to play the villain in front of me to push me away.

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

I would, but since I can’t, I

this

trembled slightly. She was afraid

no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

smile on her face. “You’re

heavy. “You hate

Came to check on

admitted. After a brief silence, she

in bullying a

after Cicely arrived at

what Seth was worried

your behalf to check

thought it might give

gaze faltered for a

scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile

of her eyes and lips

are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

up at him with a light smile. “I have

when I’m fully able

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

tucked into the pockets

I braved the disgust and

overt anger, just

she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to

learned just

stepped aside, avoiding his touch.

to join me. And as it happens, I

meal with you

blunt

you ever trusted me?” The question

he looked up

an answer,

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered for a moment, her

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

green pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

brows, and the already

She got out of the car and walked

occasionally moving about

be

of her arrival, a

give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs,

finished lunch not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

made some buckwheat

up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a

deepened as she turned and headed straight

to bring

brownish buckwheat wraps

salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to

you prepared for my

frightened to reply, their heads lowered

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

meals are quite simple. When

there’s no need to cook so

enough not to doubt his words, but

was always

found Creighton slumped in a

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

hit Cicely, and her eyes

one master. That

corner

head over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

alone in

herself deeply

wake Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

the servants, his face lit up

rascal, why didn’t you tell me you

secrets to

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

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

“He’s

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

for

him. He listens to you more

to me.”

talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest of

playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she

in

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

bustling, and even the

to have

be.

Creighton inquired about

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

glance, “Are you

hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway

from home. After all, she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up for

up at the Ellis

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat.

your message imply for

her voice neutral,

know.”

it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple

as an invitation for us

could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace and

the living

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

past few

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

The dishes were all

planned on joining him for dinner,

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

a deep breath, “Just came out

coffee

back to the

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine with him,

him did he glance up at her.

family estate isn’t

her water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s no fight.

here for

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

set down his

explain myself clearly

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

for a sip, “I said I’m not

the

a napkin, “So you’re telling

just

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

short on time. In fact, on my way

but then I saw my dad and

but he could use some

not fighting with

impassive, her lips

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression,

answer had been placed on the question she had

noon.

he believe it? If not, she

want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

a sip from

his easy

he disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

conversation

matters.

browsed her shopping app for

notebooks with pens. Not

she liked doodling when

the servant opened it to find

of frost, stepping inside.

heartless, sending you out

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit

I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring

be on

looked up, turned around, and noticed

seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

could those men possibly have to talk about for so long without any

servant had refilled

found some clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath

a while since she’d indulged in a good

the water temperature, she slid into the

the bathroom window was a view

ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father to

Over the years, glimpsing at them had become

of the bathtub, staring at that

edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

water,

She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she

eyes, her hand was caught midair, and

away, and she looked up to see the

side of the tub.

the first to drown in a

by the man who had appeared silently in

the room had dissipated when

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried

he stood next to her and began

frowned, “What are you

missing a beat, dropping

else does one do

the tub to cover herself, and stood

step out. Before she could leave, she was

chest and glared up at him. “Seth!

to do?”

the woman in his arms,

usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

voice that was low and enticing. “Share a shower

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle

her current bold,

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his fingers through her

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower

waited for her consent before

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

that this man had a hundred

anger before it

moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

yanked away by

in front

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair

to rinse it clean with

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

there were more

fallen for

he nudged her toward the wall to

he took a quick

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

you planning to stay

any reason

it’s quite a trek from here to the

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

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

as he drew closer to her. “It’s

is nothing compared to

better.”

sleep

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her into

the

eyes closed to prevent water from

on his succinct and cryptic response, which

insistent pressing against her and came

set the showerhead aside, his hand on

forehead against hers. “We should

go. I

we’re not going

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

a

afraid she’d scream out.

pain. “This is

but you seemed not to

to keep it

Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist, and as

blurred until she

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

away from him, her

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

away, his long

knowing he’d only

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The

new ones added from last

protective—or so

tend to it. Yet now, with her body covered in

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and

exercise and were already two

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix

“You really should fix that

the servant, sipped half of

“Sleeping in is the best part of a

is bad for your health, and too much

is the most important meal. Why are

didn’t you leave with

Cicely

went to the office. Why would I leave with

Perfect timing with your

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

clear reluctance. “No,

he didn’t

at passing

he really

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

her legs onto the

blend of elegance and

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

just returned, and they were already

before, Danielle’s name had come up

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while

a table was incredibly inappropriate

they were set to visit the hospital

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

would have

in time for dinner. His timing

while

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she

her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find

bed to play with her

Seth had finished his work. He stood

the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead

peck on the lips. “I’m going to

for

you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

are plenty of things we have yet

gently,

being pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

She lifted her hands

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to say between

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

you to death? I wouldn’t dream of

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful

sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly

inches from hers.

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

expression, yet a chill

Punish me

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline,

heart to give me a severe punishment,

and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir

her smooth chin, “You

moved from

have you ever heard, love and hate

start,

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

and brows soft with flirtation,

it will. I

his dark eyes

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

buttons that

unfastened the rest.

let you off tonight. It’s still early, so be good

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

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking her might

shower, Cicely was propped up

a video game. She glanced at him, then

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

strongly, “Is there something you need to tell

at the office tomorrow

and tapped on

anything about

do there?”

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

thing in

I have to

you the good little girl? Do you think your

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future, your only sure bet

won’t manage the Ellis family

moment and start

know where to cry. Don’t be

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it yours too?

in your own hands, is

you insecure? You

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me

Turning to her, his gazes were

like you’re quite

a trail of broken

these two

expression didn’t improve, and he

the shadow in their depths replaced by

quick to assume. In fact,

be reflecting on why

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some

before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just

of text. “What will you

got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

Naturally, I can’t stay by your side

mood.”

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

well; it wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at

his face looking

lights had dimmed, leaving only

sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for

face

wonder Creighton was in a rush to find her a

and tossing it aside,

face cold as he pulled her into

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her up,

one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

woke

of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

prone to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

as he swung his legs

off to

Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this

off

could

a pillow at

by, and the

I’m not going

and placed it back on

If I don’t see you up by the time

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

back to sleep.”

her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned

into a sly

and stomped

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted

and Seth, as if on cue,

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

her task, she started brushing.

toothpaste. The frothy white

smile

headed to the Ellis

last night did you read?”

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do at

smiled

why

and chair in

immediate deployment.

the computer;

turned her face away,

this excuse, “There are printed

fell silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can

will you be

a C&P

“You’re leaving me here

there wolves in the office

reading; I’ll be back

opened her mouth to retort

her before leaving

a clear sign she was up

possibly stir up in

left, Cicely did take

her pen, but within

and her phone

office, returning after another half-hour

drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

phone and then,

and the

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

did you get through?” he

new to me, so I’m on the third

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

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even

the black notebook she

her doodles—a

a confident, flamboyant

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if

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

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

files and approached him. Before

arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck,

Cicely said, leaning back with

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

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d

and respectful. Now, you can’t even

and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because

it’s intentional, Mr.

candid admission reeked of impunity, but

harboring intentions

our current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled,

it’s

back

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was

a local diner,

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic

mood was as frosty as

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

a big deal’.

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

table laden with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

leave it.

eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

her with

settled onto the couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

“Nobody said we have to

until you’re

long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

it you who’s

to

on her silverware

continued to watch

with me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in his

off, but under Seth’s watchful eye,

various department heads for updates on

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

the well-known heiress of the Ellis

her father, she couldn’t afford to be

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should

I’ve already

acknowledgment and moved to the door to

they descended the stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she

deal with things as they come.

bit more. If not, best to steer

wasn’t

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to

waiting by the door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

and returned

sip of

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if she didn’t understand

could ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

even

hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

overheard General Manager

this new mechanical equipment

socks off the old models. We could corner the market

Ellis family has the know-how

a point. Instead of bidding and

Diaz International? Given the ties

the Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

“The big fish like

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have

the Ellis family’s offer just

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

many would kill for

or do you just chicken out

the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz

family,

Ellis Corporation to make

by his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

line is what counts. Why sweat the small

pride for you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile.

brows. “Too scared to take the big deals,

running Diaz International? Might

swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about

that’s actually

about it, the more feasible

narrowed his eyes but

silence, Cicely propped her chin in her

we actually go through with that? Assess the

shares for you in

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

shares. How

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

to you besides your mother,

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that

that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable

of Diaz International. So

the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face.

to

thin lips tightened, clearly

thinly. “Then

Ellis family

International ever do to tick you

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

was already standing opposite her, her face a

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured

ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

soon. No need to keep

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

even think about laying

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

Patty wasn’t bringing it up,

stood up, his expression

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

forcefully suppressing a multitude

the Diaz residence, but Cicely

dining with Patty might be the real way

the night was

the drive back to the Ellis residence,

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’ll disturb your

car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

few seconds before

curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

“No

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them

for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

I can bring them

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

were indeed many packages. Cicely

to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups,

only unpacked them but

was many times more focused

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst

freshen up; we’re up

him a white

and engraved on it

beneath. Beside her was a

The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones, his

light.

you think of

time did I realize there are no traces of

and it feels

still engrossed in the small items,

in the world.

urged her to get some

the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work, Seth

scattered, but after reviewing a couple

much the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the sight, “Put them on the

Seth’s chair, she resumed

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with a

with a cushion

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee

wisdom of leaving

as though she’d done nothing out of the ordinary,

for

work

hesitantly added

computer, bringing

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only

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

closed the video.

full of text. Seth

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he nodded,

a reward, I’ll take you out for

the office for

*

at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for reports

stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

she couldn’t help but

settled, it was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

and

the same day, at the same hotel, for

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

on the south, the other north,

just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

knee. She wore a pair of silver

stood out

Cicely

were simple in design, yet

man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

away. Cicely had

had brought her to the Diaz International gala to

deliver the expected

whisking her away to the Ellis

was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

present, the

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were

and well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving

they found their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of

hand, Cicely teased

are a lot of celebrity beauties

her coolly, “And plenty

to take a

Seth retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

just want to

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

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the

low profile there, and even more so in

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

in its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally,

cozy up to

unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both

from the C&P event was deliberate,

not long after,

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk

a commotion over at

and his demeanor darkened.

his wrist,

be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed after

Ray was slouched on the steps of

nearly finished bottle of

a sneer, using the steps for support as

to his feet and approached

each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

with venom. “You’re impressive,

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

that I can’t

My family never provoked you; we were just in your

what the we had, you

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on

in the air, the implications clear to everyone

tactics, about how Ray’s family had

whim because Ray had once made

this had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

had been a premeditated

seemed to

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

this place immediately.” Seth

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this

your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything

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

so tell me, wouldn’t it be

you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment,

makes you think you can

strip away the last

stupor in his

as if he

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

glass pierced through the festive din like a

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy

jagged remains of the bottle at

color, and she let out a breathless shout.

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

half a circle to avoid

to Seth,

of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s

arms seemed about to

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage

blood on his

and his face,

blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

gripped his clothes

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

tall.

as it landed on her

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him.

straight. Have you had too much to drink,

think provoking him will do you now?

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her voice

clear tremble.

the physical reaction to

in her eyes made it clear to

fear, anger, or

his heart as he surveyed

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

dark. “Where else

and tears fell from her

and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk

to crumble under Seth’s growl,

fear—all converged and broke

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

it in her last desperate lunge to

her high heels and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie,

knee on his

been right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

panicked cry had caused him a

broken bottle had swung past

Cicely had been cut on the

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

shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

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

done!”

didn’t falter

*

and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

ankle and

shallow, but

treated, her

were red

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

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

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

concern for

which he

girl has never known a day of hardship in her

the new year,

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

and

a glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

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

make the pain stop,

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

were stuffed back down his throat.

he not

her hair somewhat

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took

he could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around

passed under her knees, lifting her from the

a slight sense of peace to the

watching.

and Seth back to the Ellis

the Ellis residence was the

all, she had never mentioned leaving the

rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed

never leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

was impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

the bathroom to the

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s caution, some

pressure and Cicely

the man beside her, who seemed

tense as a surgical

any sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned to business

alone and bored in her room, insisted

even if it was just to the living room or the study. So she

most of their

had heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

which should have been settled

to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International

the same as it had been initially

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

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

voice and being able

the Ellis residence just before the new year. After all,

had been

this time. But

on

family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

she brought up the topic of the

to the Diaz

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

but since they were legally

was the most appropriate

a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

days when she was not at home, the vastness of the

she had returned to spend a few days, the New

gatherings, would leave him alone

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took

residence.

to pick up Danielle

that leaving Danielle alone

After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring her

comment. However, the image of two old people

staring at each other, feels sad just

might liven things up, serving

again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

it might be

bustling since

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s

feast knowing

at the hospital.

who should

face

happily with Danielle.

the room, her expression paused for a moment,

smiling.

also had

her face, but she brushed it

said that

here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

onto the couch. His voice was as

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

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

her best not to let her emotions

applied for her discharge. If anyone was

should’ve been the Ellis family.

is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

contain her fury. “The guest

herself injured

What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner? I’d

taking care of her every single day

sneer. “By that logic, any woman who fancies

stage an accident and play

family’s dinners even more

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

Cicely. “This is the

figure that you have to bring home

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction

you who’s making

“You…”

voice cut through the

which had been light and smiling, settled on a

as she quietly awaited

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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