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

I will be driven

Enter title…

coldly and then

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

off.”d2

slightly as she looked

gave a faint smile. “How shameless

you wish for

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives

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

How patient do you think he’ll

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

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her

think for a second that you’re

running away. You were

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

get better soon, you might be able to slap

me for

eyed the neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll

to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

standing by.

eats or

“Understood.”

a deep

again, turning towards the

steps, the door

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge

returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows as she recalled

She reached out and pushed

feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you

the one who nearly took advantage of me

yet, and here you are looking as

castrated you myself.”

words hit

“Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

Let’s put our grievances aside

get your facts straight. It was your drunken

not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her situation any

to the exchange, could hardly

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

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is

a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved in

so we can’t hold him

yesterday, but I didn’t let him

clenched the bag in her

Ray again brought back the chaos

the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray

been skeptical. A rich playboy,

true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

Danielle. It’s clear she

accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at

so much he’d nearly get

*

by Danielle’s bed.

concern and guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea

the mood to give Ray any more attention than

she shoveled food into her

indifference.

of

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

to him now, and your

was at least a chance for a comeback,

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family from

I’ve told you not to be fooled by

My dad said the

agency, he had his sights set on

agency, run by a guy who hasn’t

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him,

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played

night, I wasn’t simply

shown up, who do you

receiving end of

of color. She had

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

before. I’ve checked with

ahead.

to ask

look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

for him, was it truly out of

to save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve

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

motive, my only desire was

melancholic smile. “It’s

be so obstinate. If you knew

severe, would you

a long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him.

are

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

quietly. “I didn’t expect you

off. If I had died, what would

or not, that’s the answer I needed

have to play the villain in front of me

you, it’s like denying everything I’ve

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

never seen Ray this composed yet so

slightly. She was afraid of

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

to.

*

elevator on the ground floor,

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

her purse slackened for a moment

with a familiar, faint smile

heavy. “You hate hospitals.

had another episode. Came to check on her

silence, she glanced

a

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

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

to check on Miss Danielle, considering

it might

faltered

around her neck, presenting only her

smile at the corners of her eyes and lips was

moods are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

light smile. “I have

could hurt me when I’m fully able

“The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into

why I braved the

demeanor. No overt anger, just a

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

you had lunch?” Seth reached out

he’d learned just a week

avoiding his

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

a meal

such blunt rejection,

trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s ears,

brief pause, he looked up

for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment, her

Dad at

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

brows, and the

a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards

servants occasionally moving

seemed to be

the sound of her arrival, a look of

didn’t you give us a

glanced upstairs,

and was reading in the study. Not

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

some buckwheat

turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

a couple of

turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

ordered the servants to

a plate of the brownish buckwheat

of carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

you prepared for my

servants were too frightened to reply,

helplessly, “Sir has

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

meals are quite simple. When you’re

there’s no need to cook

to doubt his words, but in

table was always a feast

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

a book resting on his chest,

of sorrow hit Cicely, and her

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

a humble corner for his simple

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

alone in

deeply

gently covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to

something with the servants, his face

little rascal, why didn’t you tell me

to

glared at her. “You’re not fighting with

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

“He’s busy

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

over for dinner

him. He

to me.”

talk

for the rest of the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off

occasionally chiming in with

“Silence is golden;

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants were

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton

he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving

you two

for us to

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario

she

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait

eight, Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s

to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

message imply for me to

coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

reason for a married couple

your message as an invitation for

he had pulled her into his

living

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

few days, have

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a few

were all tailored to

for dinner, but as she

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting,

a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

her way over to the coffee table,

headed back to

Enter title…

seemed to have anticipated her return to dine with

from him did he glance up at her.

family estate isn’t

her

here for

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down his

not explain myself

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

bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not

the same person or

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

just

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

you’re short on time. In fact, on my

I saw my

time for me, but he could

I’m not fighting with

face was impassive, her lips

with her

on the question she had left lingering

noon.

it? If

want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from his water

easy acquiescence, but the

he disagreed today, it

came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

to her what their conversation would

matters.

for little home

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that she

liked

door was knocked, the servant opened it to find

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

sending you out in such

the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit

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

on

around,

quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

up a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

to talk

out? The servant had

found some clothes and went to the bathroom where

had been a while since she’d indulged in a

into the tub and let out a

bathroom window was a view

lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father

Over the years, glimpsing at them had become a

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at

pressed down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

water, soothing her fatigue. With

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

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

up to see the man frowning at her from

side of the tub.

first to drown in a

was startled, but it was by the man who

had dissipated when he

feel cold.

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

her and

frowned, “What are you

beat, dropping his clothes into

else does one do in a

grabbed the towel beside the tub

Before she could leave, she was

and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

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

more radiant than usual. He

that was low and enticing. “Share a shower with

embarrassingly, “You should be able to

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

prickly aura, he preferred her current

demeanor.

began to run his

hair for

“No.”

of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred

her anger before it

moving an inch,

yanked away by

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

to rinse

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

After all, there

fallen for

he nudged

a quick shower

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning

there any reason

quite a trek

here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger

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

to spending

better.”

can’t sleep by

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her

water from the shower cascading

eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s mind

succinct and cryptic

something insistent pressing

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead

should get out and dry your

voice tightened, “Let go. I

we’re not going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed

a familiarity that

she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

“This is the Ellis

but you seemed not to mind. Though, you

to keep it down in a

wrapped around his waist, and as

vision blurred until she was on

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed her

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading

of the bed, facing her. As she

to turn away, his long arm scooped her into

he’d only

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The

faded, with new ones

was considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he seemed.

tend to it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose

and listless, she found Creighton

morning exercise and

shook his head with a mix of affection

should fix that habit of skipping

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

is the best part of

is bad for your health, and

important meal. Why

you

Cicely

Why would

timing with your holiday.

instead of ending up clueless.

showing clear reluctance. “No, he

he

quite good at

he really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

legs onto the

blend of elegance and lazy

lunch by

and they were

Danielle’s name had come up several

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of

table was incredibly inappropriate

were set to visit the hospital

who dared say the

would have a problem

for

headed upstairs first, while Cicely

going up to her bedroom, where

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon entering,

her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find

into bed to play with her

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

over, brushed her forehead with his hand, and

on the

for

up lazily, “How horny can you be?

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am I

Diaz, there are plenty of things

him gently, “Then hurry up and

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s body

with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and

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

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she

with their unintentional cuteness, and

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

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

from hers. A gentle smile

warrants a penalty for self-justification,

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

same amused expression, yet

me

her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So,

the heart to give

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

“Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved

it, “But have you ever heard, love

start, the more they

crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

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

it will. I wouldn’t

like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on

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

shirt was already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so be good and

paused, “If

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of waking

the shower, Cicely was

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on the still

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands.

strongly, “Is there something you

join me at

talking, he swiped and

know anything about

do there?”

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

in

have

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

on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future, your only sure

Ellis family forever. If one

start eating away at you, swallowing up

you won’t even know

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s there to

truly in your own hands,

him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

you want to leave me one day

her, his gazes were

further. “It sounds like

a trail of broken

But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and

their

so quick to assume. In

why

back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your

before sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just

a blur of text.

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

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

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her

understood all too well; it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

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

face looking

the bedroom, the lights had

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

same one he’d opened for her

face

was in a rush to find her a reliable

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

his face cold as he pulled her

the man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her

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

petty.

＊

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

cup of strong coffee. Even

Already prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

swung his legs out

off

way! I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off

him, but what strength could she muster just out of bed,

a pillow at

was close by, and the pillow barely registered

this, I’m

and placed it back on the

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

don’t want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of his

a

she threw the covers aside and stomped off to the bathroom,

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside

her brush, and Seth, as if on cue,

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

on her task, she started brushing. It was not like she needed

as toothpaste. The frothy

the slight smile of her

to the Ellis

from last night did you

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I

smiled and

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

had prepared a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

are on the computer;

turned her face away, “Computers have

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

felt like no matter what excuse she came up with,

it. Reluctantly, she moved

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can

will you

to a C&P

leaving me here

in the office

the reading; I’ll be

to retort but held back. “Just

at her before

had been darting around, a clear sign she was up

she possibly stir up in

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

of marks with her pen, but within half

and her phone

minutes later, she left the office,

through the drawers,

pen and doodled on a black leather

played with her phone and then,

desk and the

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

did you get through?”

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

three files in a whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

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

noticing the black notebook she

found her doodles—a

written in a confident,

flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited

declared as if it

nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

the files and approached him. Before

pulled her into an

Cicely said, leaning back with

her waist, his voice deep and

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d

respectful. Now, you can’t even

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not taking liberties,

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful?

and it’s

of impunity, but

harboring intentions towards me

relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s to

pushed her away and leaned back in his chair, turning to face

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

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

seemed to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as

office was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed as

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

her way.

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

huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

looked up at her with an icy

onto the couch and picked

said we have to

until

stoic, “How long

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you

you sure you want to keep butting heads with

on her silverware tightened before

continued to watch

me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

had stayed in

under

various department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the

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

couldn’t afford to be

the end of the workday approached, Cicely

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

made much

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let my

need, I’ve already told

and moved to the door to put

yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed

came down to it, Cicely

they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

If not, best to

that Patty wasn’t her

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

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

sip of warm water from his

the ice. “Spit it out, will you? What’s

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if she

him. But with him

hadn’t even mentioned

twirled a strand of her hair,

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from

talking about this new mechanical

old models. We

tech. The Ellis family has the know-how and the development rights.

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

big fish

project. Diaz

Ellis family’s

If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

so many would kill for that kind of

it, or do you just chicken out when you

family, or the Watsons? Or is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

more fitting partners than Diaz

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

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

by his stance. “What’s

is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

for you,

a half-smile. “Is there a

her brows. “Too scared to take the big deals,

fries. What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might

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

Hmm, that’s actually a

more she thought about it, the more

narrowed his eyes

silence, Cicely propped her chin

actually go through with that?

convert it into shares for you in

I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

shares. How

at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

me, if there’s anything on this green

you besides your mother,

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

gives me an

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he

of Diaz International.

on the sofa, with a carefree smile on her

to let

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

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

Ellis family banner the best

did Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

that

mug, then switched on her

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a

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

soon. No need to keep things

scoff, “The future is the

don’t even think about laying a finger on

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

Patty wasn’t bringing

up, his expression

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

dinner at the Diaz residence,

might be the real way

night was out

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the

are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

there, I’ll

against the car

her slender finger.

a few

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

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them

parcels for you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in the

now, I can bring

said, “Well, bring

indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos cups,

but also studied them. Her demeanor

times more focused and

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely amidst an array

“Go freshen up; we’re up

looked up and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s

heft, and engraved on it was

Beside her was

portrait and name. The rest of the items were

light.

made you think of buying all

time did I realize

and it

the

natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say

to get some

the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but

they were much the

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

at the sight, “Put them on the

resumed her

office transformed.

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

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with

a cushion on

had even appeared on

question the wisdom of leaving her

she’d done nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

for lunch

much work

hesitantly added a fourth,

computer, bringing

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of

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

closed the video.

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

progress today, spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

take you

office for a meal was

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

staff for reports and

over several days, and

about company affairs, she couldn’t

time for the

a hectic affair.

and C&P

on the same day, at the same

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

the other north, distinctly

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress

a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and

still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

birth, Cicely seemed

Her clothes were simple in design, yet

The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight

to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

International

expected pleasantries, to clink

before whisking her away to the

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

the spotlight was on

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were

and well-wishes, almost like a

receiving blessings and

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of

in her hand, Cicely teased with

lot

her coolly, “And plenty of male

even curious to

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

have considered it.”

to

I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala.

there, and even more so in the

whole. C&P, after its grand slam start

grip, was the envy of

cozy up to Seth was

a patient man, unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both

from the C&P event was deliberate, with

long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and

commotion over

demeanor darkened. As he

wrist, “What’s

be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face flushed

he greeted Seth with a sneer,

feet and

each syllable with a bitterness that seemed

with venom.

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you

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

My family never provoked you; we were just

coveted what the we had,

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the

air, the

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

whim because Ray had once made

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had

to

you are still a shareholder in your

leave this place

when Ray’s family had dispersed,

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this isn’t my place.

this is your Diaz International event. I can’t

what I have, and I can’t tarnish it.

company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

makes you think you can destroy Diaz

remark seemed to strip away the last shred of Ray’s

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes,

and he looked as if he might lunge

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table

shards

glass pierced through the festive

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

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

of the

out

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

spun half a circle

to Seth, her body shielding

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

appeared in his arms seemed about to

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

intervene, felt a

blood on

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

a bloodied sword blade, seething

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped his clothes tightly, her

pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

slapped him. Stunned, he

straight. Have you

good do you think provoking him will do you

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger, it also held

clear tremble.

from the physical

made it

fear, anger, or

gripped his heart as

cut on her right arm. He grasped her

else

and tears

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk

of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

“My… my ankle hurts,” she

her last desperate lunge to

glanced at her high heels and, with

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who

a knee on his back, restraining

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

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

had swung past

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been

pinned down by Charlie and unable

Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a

but not

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

eyes were red and swollen from

greeted them with a

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

a brief nod

concern for

concern, which he

a day of hardship in her life, and just a few days

the new year,

interjected, “it’s not his fault.

listen and

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

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

make the pain

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

words were stuffed back down

could he not

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the gala when she

him with

Totally unexpected.

now took on

he could process these swirling

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around

under her knees, lifting her

slight sense of

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence

never mentioned leaving the Ellis

holiday after the gala, Seth

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any

leaving her side.

impeccable in his

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

from the bathroom to the bed

waiting.

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

and Cicely would wince.

beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense

with Creighton that lasted more

inevitably turned to

alone and bored in her room,

it was just to the living room or the study. So

most of

about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled before

to

Diaz International was

same as it had been initially with

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

in company affairs,

able to

the Ellis residence just before the new

been injured

this

than on previous

lavish dinner

she brought up the topic of the New Year’s

bring Cicely back to the

as Patty’s mood

were legally

most appropriate and

for a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a

was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

as she had returned to spend a few

gatherings, would leave him

*

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

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

Danielle alone in

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

bring her

comment. However, the image of two old people

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

Danielle might liven things up,

of Danielle’s

it might be better

since yesterday, and

not being home for the New Year’s Eve

feast knowing Miss Danielle

anyone at the hospital.

Danielle, who should

face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

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

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely

are you doing here?” Seth asked,

couch. His voice was as flat as the

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

a surge of anger rising in her chest, but

let her emotions

dad who applied for her discharge.

Ellis family. You stay here for the

“Patty is being polite, but

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her

got herself injured saving

we can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting

care of her every single

a sneer. “By that

and play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners even

face turned pale with anger, and she whirled to glare

is the Ellis family’s dear

desperate for a mother figure that

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t

who’s making him feel

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut

and smiling,

she quietly awaited Seth’s next

you here to celebrate, not to start

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