The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

you know. Getting

for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out

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

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How

even if you wish for a life of

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

important do you think you are

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

and day out? Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each

her most

second that you’re off the hook

running away. You were so proud, weren’t

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

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

don’t blame me for bullying

neatly laid

icy, detached voice rang

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

and over until you’re willing to

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in place.

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

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

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

her again, turning towards the door

the

her expression darkening as the man who

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

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

her brows as she

the door. She

feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re

advantage of me that night when you

score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

hit

“Seth never told you what

night?”

he say negate

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr.

it. Let’s put our grievances

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

and dependent. Let’s not make her situation

exchange,

his expression flustered, “I’m here to

I know Danielle is the biggest

nodded with a

I’ll take

the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved

we can’t hold him

yesterday, but I

bag in her hands until her knuckles

Ray again brought back the

vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink, he’s willing

this charade for Danielle. It’s clear

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at

nearly get

*

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

“I’m sorry, I had

Ray any

shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

of the tactics used, your family

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

happening to him now, and your family is

a chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

tight his

orchestrated the downfall

not to be fooled by his act. His

what you can imagine. My dad said the moment

his agency, he had his

a guy who hasn’t

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard against

fatal blow. He played innocent

wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

Cicely hadn’t shown up,

at the receiving end

She had pondered this question before, but

delve into it. She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition,

a rough road ahead. I came here

to ask you

up, her voice

in front of that car for him, was it truly

him, or was it just a

mid-bite and finally turned to look

with a motive, my only

a melancholic smile. “It’s

didn’t expect my father to be so

severe, would you still have stepped

fork down and looked

answer are you

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush

had died,

or not, that’s

don’t have to play the villain in

for you, it’s like

I would, but since I can’t, I need to

this composed

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was

to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

elevator on the ground

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

her purse slackened for

familiar, faint smile on her

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

she had another episode. Came to check on her with

brief silence, she glanced at him

bullying a

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived

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

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

thought it might give

faltered for

around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

smile at the corners of her

are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when

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

ties with her.”

into the pockets of her

why I braved the

anger, just a serene and

she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her

learned just a

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

probably don’t have the time to join me.

meal with

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

The question floated into

a brief pause, he looked up to

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

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment, her expression

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

window at the sprawling

The dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the

out of the car and walked towards

empty, with servants occasionally moving

be cautious. “Miss, you’re

over at the sound of her arrival, a look of

you give us

upstairs,

finished lunch not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

made some buckwheat

her ascent up the stairs, turning

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a

she turned and

servants to bring out what

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

chair, she lifted her

prepared for my

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

specifically asked for these dishes.

folks’ meals

says there’s no need to

not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

family’s dining table was always

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a

his chest, his head tilted,

hit Cicely, and her eyes

now had but one master. That grand dining table now

humble corner

head over heels in love, insisting

father alone

deeply in her

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a

out of the study.

nap and came

his face lit up

why didn’t you tell me you

secrets to hide before I

“You’re not fighting with Seth again, are

be so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

break, missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad,

over for dinner

him. He

to me.”

talk to

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while she placed

in with

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t meddle

and bustling,

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how

be.

Creighton inquired

to make it back. Creighton frowned,

“Are you two

hope for us

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait

eight, Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

imply

coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple

invitation for us

pulled her into his embrace

living room. “Good

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

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

dishes were all tailored

joining him for dinner, but

her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t

came out to

the coffee

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to

up

family estate isn’t

bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s no

for the

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

down

I not explain myself clearly

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

“I said I’m

wasting time over the same person

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

here just

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

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

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

but he could use some company. Are these reasons

not fighting

face was impassive, her lips curled

with her

placed on the question she had

noon.

If not, she would

twitched in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

casually took a sip from his water glass.

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling

he disagreed

Cicely came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study.

conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

browsed her shopping app for little home decor items

and notebooks with pens.

liked doodling when

opened it

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

him, “How heartless, sending you out in such

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and

an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some

be on my way

looked up, turned around,

Brody, seeing this, quickly

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of

upstairs.

talk about for so long without any

The servant had refilled

clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath

since she’d indulged in a good soak.

water temperature, she slid into the tub and

view of the garden and a

lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

had asked her father to install the fountain

years, glimpsing at them had become

edge of the bathtub,

down against the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water,

again. She

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

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

fell away, and she looked up to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

to be the first

she was startled, but it was by

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

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

to her and began to undress

“What are

a beat, dropping his clothes into

does one do in a

towel beside the tub to

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

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

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

than usual. He

was low and enticing.

embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet,

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his

your hair for

“No.”

of the

before turning on the shower. A

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a

before it

an inch,

yanked away by

crossing in front

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience,

her close into his chest to rinse it clean

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

all, there were more than a couple of

for this

to her hair, he

he took a

a cool expression,

planning to stay

any reason I

quite a

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

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

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

earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

can’t sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

reached out to pull her into

water from the shower cascading over her

closed to prevent water from flowing into

his succinct and cryptic response, which left

something insistent pressing against her and came to

already set the showerhead aside, his hand

against hers. “We should get out

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

going out

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

and he moved with a familiarity that made

scream out. She hit his shoulder twice, more

than pain. “This is

convenient, but you seemed not to mind. Though,

it down

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

she was on the brink

and slipping

her

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

his long

strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist

too exhausted

*

The next day.

already

faded, with new ones added

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so

to it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks, he

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose

she

returned from their morning exercise and were already two

his head

really should fix that habit

servant, sipped half of it,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

breakfast is bad for your

most important

you leave

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

Why would I leave with

office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday.

instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t

showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t

good at passing the buck

really

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on the

posture a blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch

they were already leaving her to eat

Danielle’s name had come

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

they were set to visit the hospital the next

who dared say the Ellis family was

would have

for dinner. His timing was

first, while Cicely sat

her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

went to the bathroom, and upon

shower,

climbed into bed to play

seemed like Seth had finished his

over, brushed her forehead with

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

Wait for

you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

chuckled, “Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we have yet to talk

gently, “Then hurry

by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

with unrestrained

She lifted her hands

letting out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?”

off guard with their

escaped him. “Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

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

from hers.

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

amused expression, yet a chill

Punish me any way you

head, calmly and seriously meeting

thinking that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

the heart to give me a

eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You like me

Her hand moved from his face to his

“But have you ever heard,

someone at the start, the more

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

brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though. Even

which I doubt it will. I

the nerve, his dark eyes

cracked a faint smile. He let go of

already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

early, so be good and

turned to leave and then paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

what his method

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up

at him,

game.

bed and snatched the phone

there something you need to

join me at the office

and tapped on her phone

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

do there?”

knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to

thing in the

I have to

you the good little girl? Do you think your dad asking you

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future, your

the Ellis family forever. If one day,

start eating

family, you won’t even know

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it

truly in your

makes you insecure? You think one

Or maybe you want to leave me one day

Turning to her,

chilled further. “It sounds like you’re

who leaves a trail of

just saying. But beyond these

didn’t improve, and he

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths

be so quick to assume. In

be reflecting on why I harbor such uncomfortable

“I’ve downloaded some

as you can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded for her

blur of text. “What

at her, then got out of bed, lifting

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

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her face

well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

face looking

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her

sleeping face

rush

tossing it aside, he

as he pulled her

man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with a kiss that

coffee. Even for school, Cicely

prone to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

a couple of

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out of

off to the

Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this the hard

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with

straight at him, but what strength could she muster just out

pillow at

by, and the

so over this, I’m not going to

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed, “I’m

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

wake you up for

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of

a

and stomped off

onto his brush. He

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside

and Seth, as

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

brushing. It was not like she

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy

slight smile of

headed to

from last night did

to know anything.

what am I supposed to do at the

smiled

Cicely understood why he

He had prepared a new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

her face

excuse, “There are printed

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she

Reluctantly, she

pile of folders.

understand, and we

you

to a C&P

leaving

in the office

the reading; I’ll be

to retort but held back. “Just

her before leaving the

been darting around, a clear sign she was up

possibly stir up in

Cicely did take

her pen, but within half an hour,

her phone

minutes later, she left the office, returning after another

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

with her phone and

desk and the

Cicely sat there,

student.

you get through?”

a bit challenging since it’s new to me, so I’m

in a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m

his desk, noticing the

her doodles—a passable

written in a confident,

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

hungry,” she declared as if it

of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

No complaints

the files and approached him. Before

her into an embrace. “What

said, leaning

grip tightened around her waist, his

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes

Now, you

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

“Respectful?

and it’s

impunity, but Seth had no

like harboring intentions towards me

relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

it’s to your

away and leaned back in his

his expression

Cicely watched him—

man was

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

seemed to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

His mood was as frosty as

the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

me to eat all this by myself?”

with food,

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody said you had to

“Then

tonight.”

at her

settled onto the couch and picked up

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep together

until

face was stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in a

to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation

stayed in

to slack off, but under

summoning various department heads for updates on all

progress reviews, the office atmosphere

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

image for her father, she couldn’t afford to

workday approached,

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

word. She hadn’t made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve already

moved to the

but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

came down to it, Cicely knew

they come. If

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

wasn’t her

naturally,

waiting by the door. She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them

Enter title…

a call and returned

He took a sip of warm

silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t understand

him always buzzing around, she never

even

of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

nonchalantly, “I overheard General

this new

the old models. We could corner the

the know-how and the development

bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

the Ellis family, why haven’t

big fish

project. Diaz International doesn’t

Ellis family’s offer

If the Ellis family picks Diaz

kill for that kind

you just

is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the

more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

to work with the Ellis family, are you

Ellis Corporation to make things easier

wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s

line is what counts. Why

of pride for you,

into a half-smile.

to take the big deals, too proud

What’s the point of running Diaz

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

up. Hmm, that’s actually

about it, the more feasible it

eyes but said

Cicely propped her chin in her

through with that? Assess the

it into shares for you in

and I’ll cut you in

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

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

you besides your mother,

You know, I’ve been

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he

last bit of Diaz International. So what if I

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

time to let it

tightened, clearly displeased with her

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

the Ellis family banner the

to tick you off?” The voice came

Cicely, a familiar tone that

switched on her charm as she

her, her face a

wariness.

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

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

No need to

a scoff, “The future is the future. You

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

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

wasn’t bringing

up, his expression far

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of

suppressing a multitude of

dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt

the

was out of

to the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

alone in

there, I’ll disturb your

car

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

like to open them now, I can bring them out

said,

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

waterproof mat and started to

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos

only unpacked them but also

manuals was many times more

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely amidst an

“Go freshen up;

him a white

and engraved on

with her name beneath. Beside her

items were pairs,

light.

made you think

back this time did I realize there are no

it feels

in the small items, her tone

it was the most natural thing in the world.

to

seeing the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

scattered, but after reviewing a couple

realized they were much the

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced

knock on the door.

laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

resumed her task with the craft

returned to an office transformed. His desk now

several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with a

a cushion on the

bouquet of flowers had even

question the wisdom of leaving her alone in

she’d done nothing out of the

for

countered, “How much work did you get

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

on the computer,

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

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

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

progress today, spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk,

I’ll take you out

office for a meal was music to Cicely’s

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for

days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

affairs, she couldn’t help but

it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged to

at the same hotel, for

bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were

the other north,

event was just below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem

wore a pair of silver high-heeled

as others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching

the moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

was

away. Cicely had

had brought her to the Diaz International gala to make

and deliver the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away

orchestrated by

the

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis

and well-wishes, almost like

their guests, receiving blessings and

they found their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

hand, Cicely teased

a lot

her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

to take

retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

to admire

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

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala.

to keep a low profile there, and even more

C&P, after its

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

up to

unwilling to waste time

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

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

over

and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

his wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

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

slouched on

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor.

greeted Seth with a sneer,

to his feet

syllable with a bitterness that

word with venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

just how

history, that I can’t blame

never provoked you; we were just in your

we had, you seized

anticipated such drama on

in the air, the implications clear to everyone

tactics, about how Ray’s family

whim because Ray had once made an

this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

had been a premeditated strike. Now,

to confirm the

in your family business, my suggestion is

place immediately.” Seth said

their shares when

even after waking from a hospital

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my place.

this is your Diaz International event. I

I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

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

International, let you taste

today?”

with icy detachment, “If you

think you can

strip away the

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

if he might lunge

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering

the breaking glass pierced through

Cicely’s heart to skip a

high heels a clumsy match

of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

color, and she let out a breathless shout.

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

a circle to avoid

clung to Seth,

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

in his arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge

on

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

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

gripped his clothes tightly, her

“Seth,” she managed to

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

and not thinking straight. Have you

will do you now?

you?!”

her

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction to her pain.

it clear to

anger, or

heart as he surveyed her injuries,

on her

dark. “Where else

her lip, and

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk

self-control seemed to crumble under

converged and

her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

had twisted it in her

glanced at her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

a knee on his back,

had been right beside Seth and

Cicely’s panicked cry had caused him

broken bottle had

he acted swiftly, Cicely had

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

only shout at Seth’s

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

falter

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration

too shallow, but not

had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

red and

greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

to the local police station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod

concern

concern, which

known a day of hardship in her life, and just

year, this happens!

not his fault.

and

glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you

pain stop, then

he said, cutting himself

were stuffed back down his

a lifetime, could he not

hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a new

these swirling

to the doctor, then stepped

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them

passed under her knees,

silent understanding brought a slight sense

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

to the Ellis residence

had never mentioned

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

up – any time Cicely needed to move,

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

was impeccable in his

actions were bittersweet for

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

process, despite the

pressure and Cicely would wince.

beside her, who seemed to make

as tense as

with Creighton that lasted more

turned to

in her room, insisted Seth take her with

if it was just to the

to most

the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

the deal which

to after

if Diaz International was

response was the same as it had

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

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found

to Seth’s voice and being able to look up and see

at the Ellis residence just before

had been

put on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed even

than on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

the dinner table, she brought up the topic of the New

Seth to bring Cicely back to the

mood didn’t match

legally married, spending New Year’s at

appropriate and normal

paused for a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt

she was not at home, the vastness of

to spend a few days, the

would

*

of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

negotiating with the doctor,

bring her

comment. However, the image of two old people spending

staring at each other, feels

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as

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

feel that it might

been bustling since yesterday, and

being home for the

feast knowing Miss Danielle would

at the hospital.

should

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

the room, her expression paused for a

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a

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

The way she said that made

here?” Seth asked, ignoring

couch. His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying a

here. We couldn’t leave her all

holidays, could we?”

in her chest, but she

best not to let her emotions flare

dad who applied for her

been the Ellis family. You stay here for

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

here. Danielle got herself injured

What’s wrong with inviting

taking care of her every single day

“By that logic, any woman who fancies

just stage an accident and play

the Ellis family’s dinners even more

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

“This is the Ellis family’s dear

that you have to bring home a

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take

it you who’s making him feel

“You…”

voice cut through

been light and smiling, settled

she quietly awaited

to celebrate, not to start a

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