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.

up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your

bedridden for life, Seth and I

Enter title…

and then let

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

off.”d2

looked at

a faint smile. “How shameless

for you, even if you wish for

Even blood relatives fed up after years

do you think you are

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

you day in and day out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she

her

for a second that you’re off

of running away. You were

die, I will dig you up from your grave and

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

blame me for

neatly laid out food before her. Her

icy, detached voice rang out

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

willing to eat, that’s if you don’t find

annoying.”

her 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.

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a

at her again, turning towards

take two steps, the door swung open from the

expression darkening as the man who

of Cicely brought a surge of

the restroom,

front of Cicely.

her

when he opened the door. She

Ray, feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

don’t you

the one who nearly took advantage of

even come to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m aware of

put our

straight. It was your drunken

not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle

and dependent. Let’s not make her

the exchange, could hardly

Danielle, his expression flustered,

Of course, I know Danielle

a smile, “Then I

I’ll

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital room. “Ray

hold him accountable. He’s

I didn’t let

clenched the bag in her hands

again brought back the chaos of

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

rich playboy, surrounded

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family

this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she

orchestrated by

frowned at the

get her killed? That

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

in the mood to give Ray any more attention than

fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used, your

from her plate. “Is it really necessary to go

and your family is on its last

least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his

you can imagine. My dad said the

he had his sights set on

a guy who hasn’t graduated from

things to make everyone relax their guard against

delivered a fatal blow. He

night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

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

receiving

drained of color. She had pondered this

to delve into it. She didn’t want to confront the

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

deep breath. “I know you

with the doctors about your condition, and

ahead. I came here today to see

to ask

her voice

of that car for him,

life to save him, or was it just

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does

a motive, my only desire was to win him

smile. “It’s

my father to be so obstinate. If you knew

would you still have stepped

fork down and looked up at him.

are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

stared at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point

true or not, that’s

you don’t have to play the villain in

caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If I

I need to find a reason for

seen Ray this composed yet so

was afraid of

lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator on the

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when

for a moment then tightened. She

with a familiar, faint smile on

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you doing

another episode. Came to check on

brief silence, she glanced at

a cripple,

Cicely arrived at the

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

been lately. She thought it

faltered for a

scarf around her neck,

at the corners of

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile. “I have Issac with

person could hurt me when I’m fully

she recovers,

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the

why I braved

No overt anger, just a

it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

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

he’d learned just

avoiding his touch. “Whether I

have the time to join me. And as it happens,

meal with

such blunt

The question floated

looked up to find the woman already

room for an answer, as if the question itself

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis

at the sprawling manor,

dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

and the already

the car and walked towards the villa.

with servants occasionally moving

seemed to be

the sound of her arrival, a

give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a

as she turned and headed straight for

face, she ordered the servants to bring out what

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

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

you prepared for my father’s

servants were too frightened to reply, their

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals

sir says there’s no need to

to doubt his words, but in her

dining table was always a

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped

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

Cicely, and her eyes began

estate now had but one master. That grand dining table now set

corner

in love, insisting on living with Seth

father alone in

deeply

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to

his face lit up with an unmistakable

didn’t you

secrets to hide before

playfully glared at her. “You’re not fighting with

so many

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

break, missing all the

over for dinner

him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk to

to Creighton for the rest of

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while

chiming in

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

and bustling, and even the servants were

to have returned to how it

be.

Creighton

too busy to make it back. Creighton

glance, “Are you

us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

dinner, Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate,

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway

she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

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

up at the

assist Seth with his coat.

imply for

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

know.”

reason for a

invitation for

respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

into the living

seeing the couple’s closeness,

few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip

all tailored to

planned on joining him for dinner, but

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my water

to the coffee table, bending down to pick

back to

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with him, and only when

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

family estate isn’t as

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

for the near

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

set down his

I not explain myself clearly

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even clearer.”

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

over the same

mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling

here just on a

some. I’m on holiday, but

short on time. In fact, on

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

me, but he could use some

I’m not fighting with

her lips curled in

hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

on the

noon.

If not, she would

want to stay, stay. It’s

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

casually took a sip from

his easy acquiescence, but the

even if he disagreed today, it wouldn’t

to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

for little home

LEGO sets, and notebooks with

liked

knocked, the servant opened

inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out in

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit

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

I’ll be on my way

turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell

brought up a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

talk about

The servant had

to the bathroom

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

the water temperature, she slid into the tub and let out a

bathroom window was a view of the

lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father to install

at them had become a habit during her

of the bathtub, staring at

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

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

She drifted

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness,

eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she

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

side of the tub.

the first

by the man

of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake

and began to

“What are

a beat, dropping his clothes into the

else does one do in

paused, grabbed the towel beside the tub to

she could leave, she was scooped up

to her chest and glared

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her

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

was low

deflated embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

her current

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run his fingers

your hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted

consent before turning

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

Cicely lacked principles, but that

anger before it

not moving an inch, as the towel

away

her arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover up

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her

her close into his chest to rinse

closed,

merit. After all, there were

for

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

he took a quick shower

him with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning to

there any reason I

to your apartment, it’s quite a

I can’t exactly

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

he drew closer to

earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

reached

the warm water from the shower cascading

to prevent water from flowing into them,

focused on his succinct and cryptic response,

pressing against her and came

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

hers. “We should get out and dry your

tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

we’re not going

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

a familiarity that made it

scream out. She

than pain. “This is

you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to mind.

keep it down

was wrapped around his waist, and

she was on the

slipping her into pajamas, Seth

her soft

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

away, his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

strength to resist, knowing he’d

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The

ones

protective—or so he seemed. Any pain in

tend to it. Yet now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

she found Creighton and her

exercise and were already two

his head with

should fix

the milk offered by the servant,

in is the best part

your health,

is the most important meal. Why are you still

didn’t you

left Cicely speechless for a

went to the office. Why would I leave

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

instead of ending

clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the

really didn’t

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

with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

her legs onto the couch,

posture a blend of

have lunch

just returned, and they were already

had come up

if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

set to visit the hospital the

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

have a problem with

returned in time for dinner. His timing was

while Cicely sat with

going up to her bedroom,

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

into bed to play

Seth had finished his work. He stood

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

her a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

for me,

horny can you

you up to?”

of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

“Then what am

there are plenty of things we have

Cicely pushed him gently,

her, Seth’s

penetrating with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her

letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

handsome face just inches from hers. A

penalty for self-justification,

Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you

tilted her head, calmly and

that because I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

give me

eyebrow and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

smooth chin, “You like me that

Her hand moved from his face to his

it, “But have you ever heard, love

someone at the start, the more

warm and smiling eyes,

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

will. I wouldn’t

bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes

smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin and stood up

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so be good and

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

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely

video game. She glanced at

game.

snatched the phone

something you

me at the office tomorrow

swiped and tapped on her phone

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

do there?”

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

in the

I have

good little girl? Do you think your dad asking you

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your

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

weak moment and start eating away

you won’t even know where to cry.

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours

only when truly in your own hands, is

watched him quietly, “What makes you

want

fingers froze. Turning to her, his gazes

chilled further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve

leaves a

But beyond these two reasons, is there

improve, and he

the shadow in their depths

In fact, instead of you

on why

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

can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just downloaded for her

a blur of text.

glanced at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

I can’t stay by

mood.”

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

wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at

face looking

the lights had dimmed, leaving

the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He

face and

was in a rush to find

phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman

he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her

fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

wasn’t petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a

of strong coffee. Even for school,

Already prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

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

off to the

Cicely yanked the comforter over

face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this

Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up,

strength could

a pillow

close by, and the pillow barely registered

this, I’m not going

picked up the pillow, and placed it back on

see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

want me to wake you

back to sleep.”

teeth in frustration. As Seth turned

into a sly

aside and

onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he

took her brush, and Seth,

at their reflection. Seth

aside.

started brushing. It was not like

as toothpaste. The frothy

smile of her

breakfast, they headed to the Ellis

document from last night did you read?”

to know anything.

am I supposed to

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why

and chair in the

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away,

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

felt like no matter what excuse she came

an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and we can go over

will you

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

there wolves in

on the reading; I’ll

mouth to retort but held back. “Just

at her

had been darting around, a clear sign she was up to

stir up in the

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

with her pen, but within

her phone was

later, she left the office, returning after another

the drawers,

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

played with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

desk and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat

student.

did you get through?”

since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

a whole morning and

stung.

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

desk, noticing the

her doodles—a

a confident,

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth waited for an

hungry,” she declared as

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

Come over here.”

prepared? No

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

leaning back with

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice

one taking

“What do you mean?”

softly, “Back in the day, you’d

tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

and it’s

but Seth had no comeback,

harboring

that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to

and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a local

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by

“Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as

office was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked, her

toward a table laden with food, while

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had to finish

eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

up at her

and picked up

“Nobody said we have to

wait until

face was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s been in

you sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened

continued to

and

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since

stayed

but under

summoning various department heads for updates

reviews, the office

the Ellis family,

for her father, she couldn’t afford

the workday approached, Cicely found most

the department leaders’ trembling, overly

much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

need, I’ve already

and moved to the door to put on

stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

Cicely knew she had to

come. If Patty was

relax a bit more. If not, best to steer clear.

that Patty wasn’t her

was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to

the door. She cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after a few minutes, sitting

a sip of warm water from his

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told if she didn’t

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

even mentioned

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm warming against

said nonchalantly, “I overheard

He was talking about this

socks off the old models.

has the know-how and the development rights.

of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like the Harper

project. Diaz International doesn’t have

with the Ellis family’s offer

Diaz International, the rest can just

would kill for that kind of opportunity.

not up for it, or do you just chicken

Watsons? Or is it just

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for

surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile. “Is there

“Too scared to take the big deals, too

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might as well

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

that’s actually a pretty solid

it, the more

narrowed his eyes

silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands

if we actually go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

personally, and I’ll cut you

shares. How

all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

to me,

your mother, it’s

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t

sleeve that gives me an edge over you.

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as he

bit of Diaz International. So

a carefree smile on her face.

time to

lips tightened, clearly displeased

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

under the Ellis family banner the best

International ever do to tick you off?” The

that belonged to none

mug, then switched

standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

Then I figured it wasn’t

too shabby, right? Especially

to keep

future is the future. You bite off only as much as

don’t even

International.”

eyes carrying a

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

Seth had already stood up, his expression

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

suppressing a multitude of

the Diaz residence, but

with Patty might be the

night was

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

are you

“Same as today.”

in the

there, I’ll disturb

car window,

her slender finger.

few seconds before slowly speaking,

into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received

they’ve been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

like to open them now, I can

her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

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

mat and started to

knife.

were small items – mugs, thermos

but also studied them. Her

instruction manuals was many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely

“Go freshen up; we’re up early

up and handed him a white travel

and engraved

Beside her was a matching black

The rest of the items

light.

made you think of buying all

coming back this time did I realize there are

it

spoke while still engrossed in the small items, her

most natural thing in the world.

to get some

seeing the white

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting

focus was still scattered, but after reviewing

the

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

perked up at

chair, she resumed her task

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion on

even appeared on the coffee

wisdom of leaving her alone

she’d done nothing out of

“What’s for lunch

much work did you get

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of

bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

hungry,” she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

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

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

over the new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

reward, I’ll take you

for

*

stayed at the

for

over several days, and even if

about company affairs, she

settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

same day, at the same

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor

south, the other north, distinctly

below Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress

knee. She wore a pair of silver

others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

the moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

were simple in design, yet undeniably

by her side was distractingly

for onlookers to look away. Cicely

the Diaz International gala to make

and deliver the expected

before whisking her away to the

gala was orchestrated

father present, the

the Ellis Corporation gala, they

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

guests, receiving

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of

her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot of celebrity beauties

at her coolly, “And plenty of

even curious to take a

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

just want to admire the pretty

I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

keep a low profile there, and even more so in

a whole. C&P, after its grand slam

of many. Naturally, the number of

up to Seth was

was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists, both overt

event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

after, Charlie hurriedly

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at Diaz

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

of sight, then rose

Ray was slouched on the steps

of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer, using the steps for

his feet

syllable with a bitterness that

venom. “You’re

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

just

writes history, that I

you; we were just

you coveted what the we

anticipated such drama on

the air, the implications clear to everyone

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

on a whim because Ray had once made an indecent

had incensed

against Ray .

some speculated that it had been a premeditated

to confirm the

a shareholder in your family

place immediately.” Seth

had surrendered their shares when

from a

ten percent.

was bitter, “Rest assured, I know

International event. I can’t

and I can’t tarnish

destroyed my company, so tell

Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

with icy detachment,

what makes you think

the

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

as if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table

shards scattering

the breaking glass pierced through the festive din like a

heart to skip a beat.

her high heels a clumsy match for

remains of the bottle at Seth,

out a

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

half a circle to

Seth, her

onto Seth’s hand, and the woman

his arms seemed about to fall

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of

blood on

on his arm stood out, and his

sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

unrestrained anger, she gripped his

managed

tall.

as it landed on her pale,

slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

and not thinking straight. Have you had too much to drink,

provoking him will do you now? What if

you?!”

pain, and though her voice carried anger, it also held

clear tremble.

look seemed to stem from the physical

welling up in her eyes made it clear to him—she

fear, anger, or

heart as he

on her

“Where else are you

lip, and tears fell from

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

voice, “Talk

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under

indignation, fear—all converged and broke down silently,

my

in her last desperate lunge to save

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

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the

with a knee on his back, restraining

beside Seth and was quick to

had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In

had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had

Ray, pinned

at Seth’s

One day,

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter

but

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

eyes were red

Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and returned to

the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds were wrapped

concern

couldn’t mask his concern, which he channeled

of hardship in her life, and just a few days

year,

his fault. I was the one

listen and

her a glare. “Am I

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt if you scold him,

pain stop, then

he said, cutting himself off

were stuffed back down

he not see

Cicely, her hair somewhat

gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him

Totally unexpected.

took on

these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then

saw Cicely with red eyes and

lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

hands passed under her knees, lifting her from

brought a slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

care, and returning to the Ellis residence was

had never

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely needed to

leaving her

was impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions

the bathroom to

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s

shift in pressure and Cicely would

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who

tense

residence, any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to

in her room, insisted Seth take her

if it was just to the living

to most

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

which should have been settled

year to after

asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

same as it had been

Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs,

Seth’s voice and being able

residence just before

daughter-in-law who had been

at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

on previous

prepared a lavish dinner for

the topic of the

back to

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

but since they were legally married, spending

appropriate and normal thing to

glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

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

as she had returned to spend a few days,

for festive gatherings, would

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

left with them to pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

heartless. After negotiating

bring her

comment. However, the image of two old people

staring at each other, feels

up, serving as

again, the thought of Danielle’s haughty,

feel that it might be

staff had been bustling since yesterday, and

being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

knowing Miss Danielle

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital.

should have been picked up

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

the room, her expression paused for a

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

her face, but

she said that made it sound

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

voice was as flat

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

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

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest,

best not to let

for her discharge. If anyone was going

been the Ellis family. You stay

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her fury.

got herself injured saving

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

taking care of her every single day of

sneer. “By that logic, any

just stage an accident and play the

family’s dinners even

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare at

is the

for a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

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

who’s

“You…”

voice cut

gaze, which had been light and smiling, settled

she quietly

you here to celebrate, not to

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