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.

Getting angry is bad for

for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let

for life, you’ll never be able to

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

you wish

it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives

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

live? How patient do you think he’ll

and day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could ever

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word

her most

you’re off the hook

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

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

if you get better soon, you might be able

me for bullying

the neatly laid out

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

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

until you’re willing to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

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

she eats or

“Understood.”

took a

her again, turning towards the door to leave. But

two steps, the door swung open from

as the man who entered

Cicely brought a surge of intense

just returned from the

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as

door. She reached out and pushed Issac

feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you

took advantage of me that night

score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

never told you what

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

doing. Ms. Danielle

not make her situation

to the exchange, could hardly

his expression flustered,

I know Danielle is the

with a

up, I’ll

they left the hospital

him

but I didn’t

bag in her

back the chaos of that night, the

that

shudder.

“Miss?”

blinked away the memories, “It seems Mr.

been skeptical. A rich playboy,

feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on the brink, he’s

Danielle. It’s clear

was orchestrated by

frowned at the

get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

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

I had no

give Ray any

fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

Regardless of

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

to him now, and your family is on its

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

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and

orchestrated the downfall of

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be

can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

started his agency, he had his sights set on

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

these things to make everyone relax their guard against

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent

That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve

for you, and if Cicely hadn’t shown

receiving end of

had pondered this

it. She didn’t want to confront

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

“I know you

up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about

ahead.

ask

her voice restrained

front of that car for him, was it truly out of a willingness

was it just a ploy

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray.

Even with a motive, my only desire was to win

melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident

to be so obstinate. If you knew the

would you still have stepped

set her fork down and looked up

answer are

pressed his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

had died, what would be the

or not, that’s the answer

in front of

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

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

had never seen Ray this

was afraid of Ray in this

there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

elevator on the ground floor,

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

with a familiar, faint smile on

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

Came to

a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

a cripple,

Cicely arrived

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried

behalf to check on

She thought it might give

faltered

her neck, presenting only her

at the corners of

your presence

even leading to harm.”

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

when I’m

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

tucked into

why I braved the disgust and

demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer,

he’d learned just a week

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

to join me. And as it happens,

sharing a meal

such blunt rejection,

ever trusted me?” The question floated

After a brief pause, he looked up to find the

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

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for a moment,

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis

the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

her brows, and

the car

empty, with servants occasionally moving about

be

rushed over at the sound of her

give us a heads

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some buckwheat

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

deepened as she turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

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

for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered

“Sir has been preferring lighter

for these dishes. Even if we

folks’ meals are quite

there’s no need

not to doubt

dining table was

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

a book resting on his chest,

hit Cicely, and her eyes

master. That grand dining table now

humble corner for

had married early, head over heels in love, insisting on living with

alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

gently covering him with a

out of the study.

nap and came

face lit

didn’t you

to hide

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

so many

the couch. “He’s busy

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

over for dinner

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

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the rest

demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with unsolicited

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in the

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how

be.

Creighton inquired

said he was too busy to make

you two really

“Just hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway scenario with

home. After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

she didn’t

up at the Ellis estate’s

Seth with his

your message imply for me

on the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

for a married couple

invitation for

pulled

the living

seeing the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

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

The dishes were all tailored

hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped out,

of her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

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

over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

back to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with him,

from him did he glance up at her. “If

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

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

staying here for the

brow as he

down his

explain myself

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

bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with

time over the

with a napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve decided

just on

some. I’m on

time. In fact, on

but then I saw my dad and changed my

but he could use some company. Are these reasons

I’m not

was impassive, her lips curled in

coupled with her subtle expression,

an answer had been placed on

noon.

believe it? If

“If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

even if he disagreed today,

why he

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in the study.

to her what their conversation would

matters.

app for little home

and notebooks with pens.

liked doodling

door was knocked, the servant opened it to

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

at him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold weather,

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and

no need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked

be on my

up, turned around, and noticed

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

glass of

upstairs.

have to talk about for so long without any

had refilled their water

to the bathroom where the

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

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

bathroom window was a view of the garden and

rotating ground lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

boredom, she had

years, glimpsing at them had become a

bathtub, staring at that

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing

didn’t move again. She

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

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

and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first to drown in a

she was startled, but it was by the man who

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his grip,

her and began to undress in

frowned, “What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping

does one do in

the tub

Before she could leave, she

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

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

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

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

“You should

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her

preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through

hair

“No.”

spray of the

consent before turning

hand covered her eyes. “Close

wasn’t that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had

her anger before

an inch, as

yanked away by

in front of her,

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

chest to rinse it

eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

all, there were more than a couple of

for

her hair, he

a quick shower

him with a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning to stay

any

it’s quite a trek

staying here. I can’t

will.”

of anger tinged

smile as he drew closer to

to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

reached out to pull

from the shower cascading over

water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

succinct and cryptic

suddenly felt something insistent pressing against

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead aside,

should get out

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

we’re not going out just

closed over hers abruptly. His leg

he moved with a familiarity

afraid she’d scream out. She hit

pain. “This

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you

to keep it down

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist,

until she was on

and slipping her

She turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across

to the other side of the bed, facing

his long

resist, knowing he’d only persist if she tried

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already

ones

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any pain

tend to it. Yet now,

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose loungewear, she

listless, she

returned from their morning exercise and

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of

really should fix that habit of skipping

the milk offered by the servant, sipped

in is the best

bad for your health, and too much

is the most important meal. Why

you

left Cicely speechless for

to the office. Why

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

the company instead of ending up clueless.

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t mention

quite good at passing the buck to

really didn’t tell

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

with your grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch,

posture a blend of elegance and

have lunch by

were already

Danielle’s name had come up several times

in the hospital while the rest

table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

to visit the

dared say the Ellis

have a problem with

time for dinner. His

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and

to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she

After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

climbed into bed to

had

walked over, brushed her forehead with his

a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going

Wait for me,

can you

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing,

rest tonight?”

what am I

are plenty of things we

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry up and

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s body

with

for air. She lifted her

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth eased

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she managed to

Seth off guard with their unintentional

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

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a

a little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged

a penalty for self-justification,

me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

held the same amused expression, yet a

“Go ahead. Punish me

head, calmly and

because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline,

heart to give me a severe punishment,

and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle

caressing her smooth chin,

candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from his face

“But have you ever heard, love and hate are

loves someone at the start, the more

warm and smiling eyes, but

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

which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

nerve, his dark eyes

cracked a faint smile. He let go

buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

off tonight. It’s still early, so be good and wait

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

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of waking

Cicely was propped up in bed,

video game. She glanced at him,

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

strongly, “Is there something

at the office

and tapped

don’t know anything about business, what

do there?”

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

thing in the

I have

good little girl? Do you think your

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future, your only sure bet is the Ellis

Ellis family forever. If one

moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

family, you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t be

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s

when truly in your

“What makes you insecure? You

you want to

her, his gazes were unfathomably

sounds like you’re quite convinced

who leaves a

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

didn’t improve, and he didn’t

in their depths replaced by a

In fact, instead of

why I harbor

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

sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just downloaded for

blur of text. “What

got out of bed,

reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay by

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and walk

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

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching

face looking

lights had

the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face

in a rush to find her a

aside, he watched the woman

as he pulled her into

to the man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

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

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with

strong coffee.

prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of

shine, off

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do

comforter off with a

could she muster just out of

a pillow

the

over this, I’m not going

the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

I don’t see you up by the

wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of

into a

aside and

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows,

and Seth, as if on cue,

She glanced at their reflection.

aside.

back on her task, she started brushing. It was not

as simple as toothpaste.

smile

to the Ellis Corporation

document from last night did

to know anything.

what am I

just smiled and didn’t

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

and chair in

immediate deployment.

on the computer;

turned her face away, “Computers have

to anticipate this excuse, “There

fell silent. She felt like no matter what

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

pile of folders.

understand, and

will you

to a

frowned, “You’re leaving

in the

the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held back. “Just

glanced at her before leaving

been darting around, a clear

stir up in

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

with her pen, but within half an

and her

minutes later, she left the office, returning after another

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the

and doodled on a

her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

desk and the

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

you get through?” he

a bit challenging since it’s new to

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

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

the black notebook

found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a confident, flamboyant

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

lips and took a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth waited for

declared as if it

sank into his

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and

pulled her into

Cicely said, leaning back with

her waist, his

taking

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d

respectful. Now, you can’t even

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

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional,

impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

like harboring intentions towards me

current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

me, it’s to

leaned back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

a local

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by

His mood was

suffused with the unmistakable vibe

a big deal’.

eat all this by

food, while he didn’t

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had

huffed, “Then

tonight.”

her with

and picked up

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep together every night. If you

wait until

“How long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it

to keep

grip on her silverware

continued to watch

with me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis

and had stayed in

slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that wasn’t

with him summoning various department heads for updates on all

reviews, the office

the well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even

for her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

trembling,

much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably

need, I’ve already told

acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

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

to it, Cicely knew she had to play it by

as they come.

bit more. If not, best to

Patty wasn’t

biting, and naturally,

door. She cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

them

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after

sip of warm water from his

silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told

with him always buzzing around,

hadn’t even mentioned

strand of her hair, her palm

overheard General

this new mechanical

socks off the old models. We

The Ellis family has the know-how and

Instead of bidding and

over to Diaz International? Given the ties

the Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like the Harper family, and

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

Ellis family’s offer

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz

so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

it, or do you just chicken out when you see

Or is it

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

all more fitting partners than Diaz International.

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

make things easier for Diaz

wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with that?

line is what counts. Why sweat the

of pride for you, I’ll bang

twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

to take the big deals,

point of running Diaz International?

up. That way, you

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

it, the more feasible

narrowed his eyes but

Cicely propped her chin in her hands

we actually go through with that?

it into shares for you in the

cut you in on a slice of the

shares. How about

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

in Diaz International?”

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

you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have

my sleeve that gives me an edge over

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as

last bit of Diaz International. So what if I say

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

to

clearly displeased with her

reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly.

International under the Ellis family

to

a familiar tone that belonged to none

her mug, then switched on her charm as she

standing opposite her, her

wariness.

I figured

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will

soon. No need to keep things

scoff, “The future is the future. You bite

don’t even

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes

further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither

stood up,

go.”

mindful of Seth’s

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

they had dinner at the Diaz residence,

the real way

night was out

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

you

“Same as today.”

alone in

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

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

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

today; they’ve been temporarily stored

to open them now, I can bring

said, “Well,

packages. Cicely

a waterproof mat and started to

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups,

unpacked them but also studied them.

times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely amidst an

up; we’re

up and handed him a white

a notable heft, and engraved on

her name beneath. Beside her

the items were pairs,

light.

think of

back this time did I realize there are no traces of

it

the small items, her tone and

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth

her to

morning, seeing the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the

was still scattered, but

she realized they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad,

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion on

fresh bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the

the wisdom of leaving her alone in the

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

for lunch

much work did you

fingers, then hesitantly

keys on the computer, bringing

of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

full of text. Seth

progress today, spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and

I’ll take you out

the office for a meal was

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

for reports

over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

affairs, she

settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P were arranged to hold

at

hotel comprised two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between

the south, the other north, distinctly

event was just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the hem

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

stood out as the most

Cicely seemed destined to make

simple in

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

to look away. Cicely had

her to the Diaz International

stage and deliver the expected

away to

orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

present, the spotlight

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

toasts and well-wishes, almost

their guests, receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,”

her hand, Cicely teased

lot

glanced at her coolly, “And

even curious to take

“If your intentions

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely understood

a low profile there, and even more so in

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

in its grip, was the envy of many.

to Seth was

was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt and

from the C&P event was

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly

got drunk

commotion over at

his demeanor darkened. As

his wrist, “What’s

back soon,” he said, squeezing

before following Charlie out.

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

slouched on the steps of

finished bottle of hard liquor. His face flushed

a sneer, using the steps for support as

feet and

each syllable with a bitterness

venom. “You’re

flashing

just how ruthless you

I

never provoked you; we were just in

you coveted what the we had, you seized my

drama on the

words hung in the air,

tactics, about

because Ray had once made an indecent pass

had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been a premeditated strike.

to confirm the

a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

leave this place immediately.” Seth

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

a hospital

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

International event. I can’t

have, and I

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t

ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

with icy detachment, “If you

makes you think you

strip away the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

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

vengeful fury.

the table next

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across

sound of the breaking glass pierced through the festive

Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match

the jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s face

let out a

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

spun half a circle to avoid the

Seth, her

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

in his arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace. at

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

expected Cicely to intervene, felt

on

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

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped his

she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

it landed on her pale, bloodless

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned,

thinking straight. Have you had too much

will do

you?!”

and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to

her eyes made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger,

his heart as he

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

“Where else are

bit her lip, and

and restlessness swirled within

low voice, “Talk

to crumble under

and broke down silently,

my ankle hurts,”

had twisted it in her last

heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie, who

knee on his back,

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

Cicely’s panicked cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In

broken bottle had swung

acted swiftly, Cicely had

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

shout at Seth’s

One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a

shallow, but not

already been treated, her

were red and

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

and returned to the

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

their concern for

concern, which he channeled into anger

girl has never known a day of hardship in her life, and just a few days

new year, this happens!

not his fault. I was the

and followed

“Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you

pain stop,

himself off mid-sentence.

his words were stuffed back

a lifetime, could he not see

hair somewhat disheveled but still

the gala when

him with her

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions,

the doctor,

red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

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

knees, lifting her

slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Cicely and Seth back

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence was

she had never mentioned

the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to move,

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

Seth was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet

carried Cicely from the bathroom to the

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s caution, some

in pressure and

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed

as tense as a

the Ellis residence, any sitting with

inevitably turned to business

in her

was just to

most of

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

which should have been settled before

year to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

was the same as it

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

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found

able to

the Ellis residence just before the new year. After

had been injured

this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

on previous

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the topic of the New Year’s Eve meal.

to

mood didn’t match the generosity of

they were legally married, spending

appropriate and normal thing

glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness

had returned to spend a few days, the New

for festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick

that leaving Danielle

After negotiating with

bring

However, the image of two old

each other, feels

liven things up, serving as

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

that it might be better

staff had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

for the New

feast knowing

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

should have been

Her face

chatting happily with Danielle.

paused for a

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also

face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth, you

she said that

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question and

the couch. His voice was

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying

her all

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her chest, but

her best not to let her emotions flare out of

was my dad who applied for her discharge. If

should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here for the holidays…”

Danielle. “Patty is

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The

Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

debt we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

her every single day of the

“By that logic, any woman who

accident and play the damsel in

family’s

anger, and she whirled to glare at Seth,

pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s

so desperate for a mother figure that you have

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

it you who’s making him feel

“You…”

voice

had been light and smiling, settled on a glass

as she quietly awaited

here to celebrate, not

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