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.

worked up, you know. Getting angry is

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

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a mocking

you? If I really am disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who

a faint smile. “How shameless are

Sadly for you, even if you wish

allow it, and neither will Seth. Even

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

four decades to live? How patient do

you day in and day out? Or rather,

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her

a second that you’re

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

dig you up from your grave

you get better soon, you might be able to slap me

blame me for bullying

neatly

detached voice rang

wouldn’t starve myself

over and over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

to lift, it froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

look at her again, turning towards the door to leave.

could take two steps, the door

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

Cicely brought a surge of

who had just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

She reached out and

Ray, feeling any

teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting

nearly took advantage of

yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

words hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

smile, she added,

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

Mr. Ray, get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that night

anyone else’s doing. Ms.

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not

exchange, could hardly believe the

expression flustered, “I’m here to

Of course, I know

nodded with a smile,

up, I’ll take my

left the hospital room. “Ray

him

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles

again brought back the chaos

and terrifying that even the mere thought

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems Mr. Ray

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

suddenly proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on

clear she means a lot to

orchestrated by his family for her

at

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

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His

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

to give Ray

clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics

up from her

to him now, and your family is on its

a chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the downfall of my family

you not to

My dad said the

had his sights set on

agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

make everyone

fatal blow. He

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

shown up, who do you think would

at the receiving

had pondered

She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

checked with the doctors about your condition, and

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead.

to ask

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained

for him, was it truly out

save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve

finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

motive, my only desire was

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The

father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

severe, would you still

silence, Danielle set her fork down

are you hoping

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

had died,

or not,

the villain in

for you, it’s like denying

I would, but since I can’t, I need to find a

never seen Ray this composed yet so

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

to lose, there was no telling what

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when

her purse slackened for a moment then

a familiar, faint smile on

hate

had another episode. Came to check on her

she glanced at him coolly. “I have

in bullying a cripple,

long after Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac,

instantly grasped what Seth

is here on your behalf to check

been lately. She thought it might

gaze faltered

the scarf around her neck, presenting only her

at the corners of her eyes and

moods are volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

light smile. “I

person could hurt me when I’m

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

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

why I braved the

overt anger, just a

displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

Seth reached out to pull her

he’d learned just a

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

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

meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s

me?” The question floated

he looked

She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment,

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis

the sprawling manor,

dark green pines stood tall but failed

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

of the car and walked towards the

with servants occasionally moving

to be cautious.

sound of her arrival,

you give us a

upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some

turning to look

step, “And what else?”

were a

deepened as she turned and headed straight for

ordered the servants to bring out

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

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

prepared for my father’s

frightened to

has been preferring lighter meals these

he specifically asked for these dishes.

folks’ meals are quite simple. When you’re

sir says there’s no

doubt his words, but

table was

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

resting on his chest, his head

sorrow hit Cicely, and

estate now had but one master. That grand dining

humble corner for

head over heels in love, insisting

father alone

blamed herself deeply in her

covering him

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs to

the servants, his face lit up with

you

to hide before I

“You’re not fighting with Seth again,

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

the couch. “He’s busy with work, and I

missing all the

for dinner

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

to me.”

talk to

to Creighton for the rest

demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets and

occasionally chiming in

is golden; don’t

lively and bustling, and

to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving

glance, “Are you two really

us to

Creighton relented.

dinner, Cicely still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with

all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

she didn’t

up at the

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are you

your message imply for me

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

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple

as an invitation

she could respond, he had pulled

the living room.

closeness,

few days, have you

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a few

The dishes were all

joining him for dinner, but as

of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

breath, “Just came

to the coffee table, bending down to pick up

to the

Enter title…

to dine with him, and only when

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

the Ellis family estate isn’t

her water bottle, her expression

staying here for the

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

set down

I not explain

understand very well. Now that you’ve explained

for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

over the

mouth with a napkin, “So

here just on a

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

you’re short on time. In fact, on my way back today, I

on staying, but then I saw my dad and changed my mind.

but he could

prove I’m not fighting with

was impassive, her lips curled

coupled with her subtle expression,

on the question she had left lingering

noon.

it? If not, she would prove

twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

sip from his water

was surprised by his easy acquiescence,

he disagreed today,

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

and

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

browsed her shopping app for little home

and notebooks with pens. Not

liked doodling when

servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

frost, stepping inside.

sending you out in such cold weather,

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and wait

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me

on my way

up, turned around, and

this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding

up a glass of milk. After finishing her milk, Cicely

upstairs.

have to talk about for so long without

The servant had refilled their water several

and went to the

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

water temperature, she slid into the tub

was a view of

ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father to

them had become a habit during her

bathtub, staring at that

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue. With

move again. She drifted in and out of

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness,

towel from her eyes,

towel fell away, and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

the first to

by the man who

room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but

her and began

frowned, “What are

missing a beat, dropping his clothes

do

the towel beside the tub to

she

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

to do?”

woman in his

warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked,

lips with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share a

“You

without drowning.”

Compared to her

prickly aura, he preferred her

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through

your hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted

before turning

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred

anger before it even

still, not moving an inch, as

yanked away by

awkward, her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

her hair

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the

closed, Cicely considered

there were

fallen for this

hair, he nudged

he took a

a cool expression,

planning to

there any reason I

a trek

on staying here. I can’t exactly

will.”

of anger

into a smile as he drew

nothing compared to

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over her

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her into

warm water from the shower cascading over her

water from flowing into

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which left

felt something insistent pressing

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his

should

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed over

he moved with a familiarity that made it all too

out.

“This is the

it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to

to keep it

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist,

she was on the brink of

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

from him, her soft hair spreading across

the other side of the bed, facing

his long arm

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

exhausted

*

The next day.

was already gone. The patchy

with new ones added from last

gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

listless, she found

returned from their morning exercise

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with

really should fix that habit

by the servant, sipped half

“Sleeping in is the best

is bad for your health, and

is the most important

didn’t you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless

went to the office. Why would I leave

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

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

frowned, her face showing clear

he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t tell

didn’t know, Creighton

with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her

a blend of elegance and

have lunch

and they were already leaving her to eat

name had come up several

leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat at

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

were set to visit the

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

Danielle would have a problem

in time for dinner. His timing was

first, while Cicely sat with

up to her bedroom,

desk.

the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

a quick shower, she

to play

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

over, brushed her forehead with his

peck on the lips.

for me,

“How horny can you

you up to?”

teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I

plenty of

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then

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

penetrating with

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

whimper. It was only then that Seth eased

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she

off guard with their

him. “Kiss you to death? I

Diaz,” he said

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification,

Shouldn’t I

face held the same amused expression, yet a

me

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

heart to give

her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

smooth chin, “You

candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved

have you ever heard, love and hate

at the start, the more

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

doubt it will. I wouldn’t

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

cracked a faint smile. He let

missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

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

leave and then paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of

Cicely was propped up

glanced at him, then refocused on the

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

there something you need to tell

at the office tomorrow

he swiped and tapped on

“I don’t know anything about

do there?”

need to tag along with me to the

thing in the

I have to

Do you think your dad asking you to learn more

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

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

manage the Ellis family

start eating away

won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it

when truly in your

quietly, “What makes you insecure?

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me one

froze. Turning to her, his gazes

further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced

a

these two reasons, is there anything

didn’t improve, and he

shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

assume. In fact, instead of you

be reflecting on why

phone back, “I’ve downloaded

before sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had

a blur of text. “What will you be

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

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

mood.”

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

it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

face looking

lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving.

face and

was in a rush

and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

cold as he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

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

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss

of strong coffee. Even

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out of bed, “Time to

off to

going.” Cicely yanked the

your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do

flung the comforter off

what strength could she muster just out of

pillow at

and the pillow barely registered upon

this, I’m not

and placed it

If I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry you

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

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away,

into a sly

the covers aside and stomped

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

and Seth, as if

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

task, she started brushing. It was

as toothpaste.

slight smile

breakfast, they headed to

the document from last night

to know anything.

what am I supposed to

just smiled

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and

immediate deployment.

on the computer;

face away,

to anticipate this excuse, “There

She felt like no matter what

Reluctantly, she moved

pile of folders.

and we can go over

you be

to a

frowned, “You’re leaving me

in

focus on the reading; I’ll be

retort but held

glanced at her

clear sign she was up to no good.

stir up

did take the documents

but within half an

her

minutes later, she left the office, returning

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

doodled on a black leather

she played with her phone and then, noticing the

desk and

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

did you get through?”

to me, so I’m on

a whole morning and

stung.

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

desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

a confident, flamboyant

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away.

declared as if it

of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

clutched the files and approached him.

his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

said, leaning

waist, his voice deep

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of

and respectful. Now, you can’t even be

attitude.

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

it’s intentional, Mr.

reeked of impunity, but Seth

feel like harboring intentions

relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to

and leaned back in his chair,

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a

no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by the

“Not hungry.” His mood

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe

a big deal’.

this by myself?” she

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

her way.

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

eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

her with

the couch and picked up the

“Nobody said we have to sleep

until you’re

stoic, “How long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it

want to keep butting

silverware tightened

continued to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

had stayed

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful

with him summoning various department heads for updates on

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

Ellis family, even

she couldn’t afford to

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should probably

I’ve

and moved to the door

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with

it, Cicely knew she had to play it

with things as they come. If Patty was

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

wasn’t her biggest

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

a call and returned after

a sip of warm water from his

broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if she didn’t understand

him. But with him always buzzing around, she never did.

he hadn’t even mentioned anything

hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

said nonchalantly, “I overheard

talking about this new mechanical

the socks off the old

The Ellis family has the know-how and the

bidding

over to Diaz International?

the Ellis family,

was cold. “The big fish like the Harper

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

with the Ellis family’s

Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

would kill for

or do you just chicken out when you

is it

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than

Ellis family, are you suggesting

make things easier

his stance.

is what counts. Why

you, I’ll bang

a half-smile.

take the

the point of running Diaz International? Might

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

that’s actually a pretty solid

more she thought about it, the more

eyes but

her chin

through with that? Assess the value of

shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you

and I’ll cut

shares. How about

at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for?

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on

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

You know, I’ve been thinking that

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

International. So

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

to let

lips tightened, clearly

thinly. “Then isn’t my

Ellis

International ever do to

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other

glanced at her mug, then switched on

her face a

wariness.

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

shabby, right? Especially since we

need to

is the future. You

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

International.”

eyes carrying a mild,

Patty wasn’t bringing it

stood up, his expression far from

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

the Diaz

be the

the night was out

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

you off

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

a few seconds before

“Should I

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully.

today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the

to open them now, I can bring them out

shoes and said, “Well, bring

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

and started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

them were small items –

not only unpacked them but also studied

was many times more focused

when she read documents.

came down to find

freshen up; we’re

up and handed him a white travel tumbler.

a notable heft, and engraved

her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black

The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

you think of buying

this time did I realize there are no traces of

it feels

while still engrossed in the small items, her

natural thing in

urged her to

seeing the white

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after

realized they were much the same as

department heads yesterday.

she set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the

chair, she resumed her task with the craft

returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit

a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared

question the wisdom of leaving her alone

acting as though she’d done nothing out of the

for

much work did you get

then hesitantly added a fourth,

keys on the computer,

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the

take you out for

the office for a meal was

*

Seth stayed at

staff for

over several days, and

company affairs, she

was time for

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P

day, at the same

sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split

south, the other north, distinctly

was just below Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in

birth, Cicely seemed destined

in design, yet undeniably from

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people

the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

away to the Ellis

Corporation gala was orchestrated by

father present, the spotlight was on

at the Ellis

and well-wishes, almost like a bride and

their guests, receiving blessings and

mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P gala

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,”

her hand, Cicely teased with a

a lot of celebrity

at her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

curious to take

a snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

just want to admire

I’ll bring them

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely understood

profile there, and even more

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

was the envy of many. Naturally,

cozy up to Seth

was not a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt and

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

long after,

Ray got drunk at the

over

demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

wrist,

back soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose and trailed

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard

a sneer, using the steps for support as

his feet and

each syllable with

with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing a thumbs-up

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

that I can’t blame anyone

provoked you; we were

the we

such drama on the eve

words hung in the air,

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

whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

it had been

seemed to confirm the

are still a shareholder in your family business, my

place immediately.” Seth said

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

I

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

have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

you. You destroyed my company, so

International,

today?”

with icy detachment,

what makes you think

strip away the

the drunken stupor in his

and he looked as if he might lunge

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the

sending sharp shards scattering

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din like a

heart to skip a beat.

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy

remains of the

she let out a breathless

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

half a circle to avoid

to Seth, her

drop of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the woman who

seemed about to

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of

blood on his

out, and his

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

she gripped his clothes tightly, her

she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

him. Stunned, he looked at her

straight. Have you had too much to

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

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to

welling up in her eyes made it clear

fear, anger,

pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

cut on her right arm. He grasped

“Where else

her lip, and tears

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

low voice,

last ounce of self-control seemed to

and broke

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

twisted it in her last

and, with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by

with a knee on his back, restraining his

Seth and was quick

panicked cry had caused him

bottle had

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

pinned down by Charlie

Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

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

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton

frenzy.

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

too shallow, but not too

then, she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

red and swollen

greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room. Charlie had

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

their concern for

his concern, which he

a day of hardship

new year, this

his fault.

and

“Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

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

the pain stop, then

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

he not see through

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly

shield him

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

process these swirling

intently to the doctor,

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

under her knees, lifting

brought a slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

and Seth back to the Ellis

to the

had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely

carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

impeccable in

complaint-free actions were

to the bed where the

waiting.

despite the doctor’s

in pressure and Cicely would wince.

beside

as tense as a

any sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned to

bored in her

to the living

to most

talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

had postponed the deal which should

to

if Diaz International

as it had been initially with her.

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

interested in company

to Seth’s voice and being able to

before the new year. After

who had been injured

airs at this time. But Patty’s

than on previous

lavish dinner for her.

brought up the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the

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

but since they were legally married, spending

appropriate and

glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang of

was not at home, the vastness of

spend a few days, the New Year,

would leave him alone

*

Eve,

residence.

them to pick up Danielle from

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring her

comment. However, the image

staring at each other, feels sad just thinking about it.

things up, serving as company for the

the thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern face

it might be better off without

been bustling since yesterday, and though they

being home for the New

knowing Miss Danielle would

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

who should have

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she

paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary

two. A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth,

she said that made it sound

Seth

was

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not

here. We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

in her chest, but she fought to keep it

her best not to let her emotions flare

my dad who applied for her discharge.

family. You stay here for the holidays…”

is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The

got herself injured saving Seth’s

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

in taking care of her every

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who

accident and play

Ellis family’s dinners

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled to glare

“This is

for a mother figure that you

her?”

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

who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through

which had been light and smiling, settled on a glass on the

as she quietly awaited Seth’s next

not to start a scene

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