The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

all worked up, you know. Getting angry

I will be driven to madness, won’t

Enter title…

and then

disabled for life, you’ll never be able to shake

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you

even if you wish for a life of

allow it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after years

How important do you think you are

four decades to live? How patient do you

Or

someone disabled?”

as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her

you’re off the hook

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

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

soon, you

don’t blame me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll

over and over until you’re willing to eat, that’s

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please, leave

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

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

turning towards the door to leave.

steps, the

paused, her expression darkening as the man

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred

who had just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as she recalled

opened the door. She reached out and pushed

feeling any

clenched as

mixed with rage.

you think you’re misdirecting

of me that

to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she added,

regret it. Let’s put our

facts straight. It was your drunken folly

mess, not anyone else’s doing.

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her

the exchange, could hardly believe

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

course, I know Danielle is

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

I’ll

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital

so we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

in her hands

the chaos of that night,

terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by

feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear

orchestrated by

frowned at

get her killed? That seemed a

*

by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

sorry, I had no idea it would turn out

give Ray any more attention than she had

she shoveled food into

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

her plate. “Is

and

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

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act. His

dad said the moment

started his agency, he had his sights

a guy who

things to make everyone relax their guard

fatal blow. He played innocent but was

night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

shown up, who do

at the receiving end of

face drained of color. She had pondered this

too afraid to delve into it. She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

I’ve checked with the doctors about your

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

ask you

her voice restrained and flat.

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

save him, or was it just a ploy to

finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

a motive, my only desire was to

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s

I didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If

you still have stepped

fork down and looked up

are

pressed his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

quietly. “I didn’t expect

If I had died, what would be the

not, that’s the answer I needed

in front of

like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If I

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

seen Ray this composed yet

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of

telling what kind of

to.

*

out of the elevator

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly

for a moment then tightened. She

smile on her

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at him

bullying a cripple, so don’t

not long after Cicely arrived at

Seth was worried

is here on your behalf to

it

faltered

around her neck, presenting

corners of her

are volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

up at him with a light smile. “I

person could hurt me when I’m fully able and

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the

I braved the disgust and

No overt anger, just a

displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to

learned just a

avoiding his touch. “Whether I

the time to join me. And as

a meal with you

such blunt rejection,

me?” The question floated

pause, he looked

room for an answer, as if the question itself had

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered

Dad at the

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

window at the sprawling

tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already

She got out of the car and walked towards

empty, with servants occasionally

be

her arrival, a look

us

upstairs,

lunch not too long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some buckwheat

the stairs, turning to look at Brody from

step, “And what else?”

were a

and

the servants to

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

being a light salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted

prepared for my father’s

were too frightened to reply, their heads

“Sir has been preferring

these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

meals

no need to cook so

to doubt his words, but in her

family’s dining table was always a feast of

she found Creighton slumped in

chest,

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her

vast estate now had but one master. That grand

humble corner for his simple

in

her father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in her

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find

servants, his face lit up with an

didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to

not fighting with Seth again,

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely

couch. “He’s busy with

my break, missing all the home-cooked

for

ask him. He listens to you more than

to me.”

talk to

glued to Creighton for the rest of

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she

occasionally chiming in with

bristled, “Silence is golden;

bustling, and even the servants

to have returned to how

be.

Creighton

to make it

“Are you two really

us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway scenario

away from home. After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

she didn’t

at the Ellis

and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

imply

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

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple

as an invitation for us to

she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace and

living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled,

past few days, have

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a

dishes were all tailored to his

for dinner,

stares of her

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two

“Just came out to grab my water

her way over to the coffee table, bending down

back to the

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to

did he glance up at her. “If you really

isn’t as cozy

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

staying here for

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

down

I not explain

you’ve explained it, it’s

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you.

the same person

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

back here just on a

have some. I’m on

fact, on my way back

my

he could use some company.

prove I’m not fighting

face was impassive, her lips curled

part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

been placed on

noon.

believe it? If not, she

twitched in amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

even if he disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why he

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in the

their conversation would be

matters.

app for little home decor items

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens.

she liked doodling

door was knocked, the servant opened

inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out in

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit

errand. Mr. Seth asked

on

looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

to talk about for so

had refilled their water several

to the bathroom where the bath had

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

slid into the tub and let

a view of

rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father

Over the years, glimpsing at them had

of the bathtub, staring at that place

pressed down against the edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

the water, soothing

didn’t move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and

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

away, and she looked up to

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in

was by the man who had appeared silently in

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip,

her and began to undress in a

frowned, “What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping

one do in

beside the tub to cover herself,

she was scooped up into

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

to do?”

woman in his arms,

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

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

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

waited for her consent before turning on the

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

that this man

anger before it

an inch, as the towel

away by

crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

into her hair with

his chest to

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

merit. After all, there were more than a

for

conditioner to her hair, he

took a quick shower

him with a cool expression, Cicely asked,

you planning

any reason

a trek from here to the

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

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer

compared to spending

better.”

sleep

gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to

from the shower cascading

to prevent water

his succinct and cryptic

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her and came

the showerhead

hers. “We should get

voice tightened, “Let go. I

not going

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

and he moved with a familiarity that made it all

bit her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

pain. “This is

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you

to keep it down in

legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

her, her vision blurred until she was on the brink

and slipping her

her soft

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

long arm scooped

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d only

was too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already

ones added

so he

now, with her

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she

from their morning exercise and were already

Creighton shook his head with a mix

really should fix that

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part

breakfast is bad for your health,

Breakfast is the most important

you leave with

Cicely speechless for a

Why

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

ending

clear reluctance. “No, he

he didn’t

at passing the

really didn’t

know,

with your grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on the

posture a blend of elegance and lazy

lunch by yourself

were already leaving her to eat

had come up several times

alone in the hospital while the rest of

incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

were set to visit the hospital the next

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the

to Danielle would have a problem with

returned in time for

while Cicely sat with Creighton and

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

desk.

word, she went to the

After a quick shower, she emerged

climbed into bed to play with

seemed like Seth had finished

over, brushed

her a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

for

looked up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what

there are plenty of

gently,

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

penetrating with

for air. She lifted her hands and

letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she managed to say

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

“Kiss you to death? I

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

a penalty for self-justification, then what

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

Punish me

head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do you

heart to give me

ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

caressing her smooth chin, “You like

moved from his face to

you ever heard,

the start, the more they might hate

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark

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

already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good

leave and then paused, “If

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method

shower, Cicely was propped

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

“Is there something you

at the

swiped and tapped on her phone

know anything about

do there?”

knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to

in the

have

the good little girl? Do you think your

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future,

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

moment and start

you won’t even know where to

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours

when truly in your

him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

Or maybe you want to leave me one day

to her, his

chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

a trail

saying. But beyond these two

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

shadow in their depths replaced

quick to assume. In

on why I harbor such

downloaded some files

you can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just

with a blur of text. “What

her, then got out of bed,

I can’t stay

mood.”

coat,

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

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at

his face looking worse

had dimmed,

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her

face and

Creighton was in a rush to find

and tossing it aside,

he

used to the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep

one sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

he woke

than a cup of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of bed, “Time

off

not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this the hard

Cicely flung the comforter off with

strength could she muster

pillow

and the pillow barely registered upon

this, I’m

up the pillow, and placed it

by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry

want me to wake

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth

into a sly

the covers aside and

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he

took her brush, and Seth,

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

task, she started brushing. It

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of

to

the document from last night did you read?”

to know anything.

am I supposed to do at the

just smiled

why he hadn’t mentioned coming

and chair in the corner, waiting

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can

turned her face away, “Computers

anticipate this excuse,

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

have an answer for it. Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can

you be

to a

leaving

there wolves in

reading; I’ll be back by

retort but held back.

glanced at her

clear sign she

she possibly stir up

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

with her pen, but within half

and her phone was

office, returning after

through the drawers, fiddled with

on a black leather

her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

and

noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

much did you

it’s new to

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

stung.

that I’m even

desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

he found her doodles—a passable

a

and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

declared as if it justified

pinched the bridge of his nose and sank into his chair.

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

clutched the files

her into an embrace. “What

Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

waist, his voice

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

you’d concoct all kinds

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

and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I harbored

it’s intentional, Mr.

of impunity, but Seth

harboring intentions towards

that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

pushed her away and leaned back in his

his expression

Cicely watched him—

was

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking

His mood was as frosty as a

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe

a big deal’.

me to eat all this by

laden with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

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

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

looked up at her

onto the couch and

have to sleep

wait until you’re

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in

you want to keep butting heads with

her silverware tightened

to

and

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation since

stayed

but under Seth’s watchful eye,

various department heads

tedious reports and progress reviews, the

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

couldn’t afford to be seen as

workday approached, Cicely found most

trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let

need, I’ve

to the door

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

it, Cicely knew she had to play

just deal with things as they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

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

wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

a call and returned after a few minutes,

took a sip of warm water from his

silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

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

ask him. But with him always buzzing around, she

he hadn’t even

of her hair, her palm warming against the

overheard

talking about this

old models. We could corner the

Ellis family has the

of bidding and choosing

over to Diaz International?

family, why

big fish like the

Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

Ellis family’s offer

Diaz International,

Seth, so many would kill for that kind

not up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see

family, or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that

more fitting partners than Diaz International.

the Ellis family, are

to make things easier

by his stance.

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the

you, I’ll

into a half-smile. “Is there a

take

running Diaz International?

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

actually a pretty solid

about it, the more

his eyes

her chin in her hands and

if we actually go through with that?

for you in the Ellis

and I’ll cut you in on

How

her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

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

your mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he watched

bit of Diaz International. So what if I

a carefree smile on her face. “Then

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly

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

Ellis family banner

to tick you off?” The

a familiar tone that

her mug, then switched

already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

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

ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we

soon. No need to keep

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

even think

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

wasn’t bringing it up,

stood up, his expression far from

go.”

probably mindful

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely

might be the real

was out of the

back to the Ellis residence,

you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

half-smile, “Should I

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully.

today; they’ve been temporarily stored

open them now, I can bring them out

and said, “Well, bring them

Cicely sat cross-legged in

mat and started to

knife.

items –

unpacked them but also studied them. Her

was many times more focused

when she read documents.

to find

up;

and handed him a white

a notable heft, and engraved on it

her was a

name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers

light.

made you think of

this time did I realize there are no traces of you

and it feels

in the small items, her

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say much

urged her to get

white tumbler in

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing a

were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

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

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

at the

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His

new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a

a cushion on the

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

wisdom of leaving

she’d done nothing

“What’s for

countered, “How much work did you get

hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

on the computer, bringing up a

of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware

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

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

progress today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

a reward, I’ll take you out

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

staff for reports and

several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same hotel,

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

on the south, the other

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

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

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

look away.

Diaz International gala

the expected

away to the

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were met

and well-wishes, almost like a

receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

her hand, Cicely teased

lot of celebrity beauties

coolly, “And

curious to

“If your intentions weren’t so transparent,

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

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

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely

to keep a low profile there, and

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

was the envy of many. Naturally, the number

up to Seth

unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly

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

commotion over at

and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

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

slouched on the steps of

bottle of hard liquor. His

greeted Seth with a sneer, using

his feet and

syllable with a bitterness that

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

coldly, flashing

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

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

provoked you; we

you coveted what the we had, you seized my

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

air, the implications clear

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about

because Ray had once made an indecent

As Seth’s fiancée, this had

against Ray .

had been

to confirm the

in your family

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

their shares when Ray’s family

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t my

event.

I can’t tarnish

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

and ruined Diaz International, let

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If

makes you think you can

the last shred of Ray’s

drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

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

vengeful fury.

onto the table next to Seth with

sharp shards scattering across the

the breaking glass pierced

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match

jagged remains of the bottle at Seth,

color, and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

spun half a circle to avoid the

to Seth,

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

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out of

moment.

reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt a surge of

on

on his arm stood out, and his face, usually

sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

gripped his clothes tightly,

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

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her

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

thinking straight. Have

you think provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

her voice carried anger, it also

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction to

welling up in her eyes made it clear

fear, anger,

gripped his heart as

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

“Where else are you

her lip, and

restlessness

voice, “Talk to

of self-control seemed to crumble

converged and

face. “My… my ankle

it in her last desperate lunge

with a grimace,

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

knee on his back,

been right beside Seth and was quick to

had caused him a

broken bottle had swung

had been cut on

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

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

done!”

falter in his

*

Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and

shallow, but

been treated, her wounds

were red and swollen from

and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik

concern for

which he channeled into anger

day of hardship in her life, and just

the new year, this happens!

not his fault. I was the one

listen and followed

“Am I

Enter title…

hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

make the pain stop, then go

he said, cutting himself

all his words were stuffed back down his throat. After

lifetime, could he not

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

shield him with her

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a new definition

these swirling emotions,

the doctor,

eyes and pursed

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

passed under her knees, lifting her from

sense of peace to

watching.

Cicely and Seth

and returning to the Ellis residence was

never

rare holiday after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

there to carry her, never leaving

was impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

in pressure and Cicely

man beside her,

as tense

sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned to

left alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth

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

to most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

postponed the deal which

year to

International was interested in

response was the same as it

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

on to other matters.

in company

being able to look up and see

the Ellis residence just before the new

had been injured

airs at this time. But Patty’s

on

family prepared a lavish dinner for

the dinner table, she brought up the topic

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

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

legally married, spending

residence was the most appropriate and normal

paused for a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

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

days when she was not at home,

she had returned to spend

gatherings, would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

left with them to pick

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the

negotiating

to bring her

image of two old people

feels sad just thinking about

Danielle might liven things up,

of Danielle’s

feel that it might be

been bustling since

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s Eve

sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And

who should have

face immediately

Danielle. When she saw

for a moment,

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

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

way she said that made it sound

are you doing here?” Seth asked,

His voice was as flat as

storm.

clasped tightly,

leave her all alone in the hospital

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest,

her best not to let her emotions flare

her discharge. If anyone was going to take

been the Ellis family. You stay here for the

is being polite,

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The guest I invite

here. Danielle got herself injured

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

of her every single

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

stage an accident and play the

the Ellis family’s dinners even more

pale with anger, and she

is

a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t take

who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through

light and smiling, settled on a glass on

quietly awaited

here to celebrate, not to

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