The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

up, you know. Getting

for life, Seth and I will be

Enter title…

then let

really am disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at

up hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

for you, even if you wish

it, and neither will Seth. Even

you

three or four decades to live? How

out? Or

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

her most vulnerable

that you’re off the hook just

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

you up from your grave and lash your corpse

get better soon, you might be able to

me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

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

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please, leave

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

eats or

“Understood.”

took a

turning towards the door to

could take two steps, the

the man who entered

Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred

returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

her

opened the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling any

clenched as

mixed with rage.

don’t you

nearly took advantage of me

settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never told you what

night?”

what he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside for

facts straight. It was

this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her situation

exchange, could

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

know

a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

I’ll

shielded Cicely as they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved

we can’t hold him accountable.

yesterday, but I didn’t let

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

Ray again brought back the chaos

that

shudder.

“Miss?”

blinked away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on the brink, he’s willing to

clear she means a lot to

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

frowned at

nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea it would turn

in the mood to give Ray any more attention than she

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

world. Regardless of

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

him now, and your family is on its last

least a chance for

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were white,

orchestrated the downfall of my

I’ve told you not to be fooled by

imagine. My dad said the

started his agency, he had his sights set

run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

things to make everyone relax their guard

fatal blow. He played innocent but

I wasn’t simply drunk.

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

receiving

had

She didn’t want

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t

with the doctors

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

to ask you

still didn’t look up, her

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

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

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

with a motive, my only

smile. “It’s different. The accident

to be so obstinate. If you

you still have stepped

her fork down and looked up at him. “What

are you

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me

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

true or not, that’s the answer

the villain in front of me to push me away. At

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

but since I can’t, I need to find a

never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

was no telling what kind

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

on her purse slackened for a

familiar, faint smile on

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

had another episode. Came to

a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

bullying a cripple, so

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried

to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

She thought it might give

faltered for

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to

the corners of her

moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

looked up at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me.

hurt me when I’m fully able and

she recovers,

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved the

anger,

the

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out

learned just a week

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

join me. And

meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s

me?” The question floated

a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman already

answer, as if the question itself

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment, her

at

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family

sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

stood tall but

vitality.

and

She got out of the car and walked towards the

with servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even

to be cautious.

at the sound of her arrival, a look

give us a heads up,

upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

some

ascent up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

as she turned and

ordered the servants to

buckwheat wraps

of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

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

you prepared for

were too frightened to

has been preferring lighter meals these

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

meals are quite

says there’s no need

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

table was always a feast of

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

chest, his head

Cicely, and her eyes

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

humble corner for

had married early, head over heels in love,

alone in the

blamed herself deeply

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs to

the servants, his face lit

didn’t you tell me

got secrets to hide before I

her. “You’re not fighting with

many quarrels?”

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

missing all the

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens to

to me.”

I’ll talk to

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in

golden; don’t meddle

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants were

Ellis family seemed to have

be.

dinner, Creighton

was too busy to make

you two

hope for us

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic

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

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait up

at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply

on the rack, her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

for a married couple to sleep

your message as an invitation

she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

the living room. “Good

closeness, smiled,

hard these past few days, have

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take care

dishes were all

on joining him for dinner, but

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

breath, “Just came

to the coffee table,

back to the dining

Enter title…

return to dine

up at her. “If you really

estate isn’t as

her expression nonchalant.

staying here for

Seth’s brow as he methodically

set down his

explain

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

water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not

wasting time over the same person

with a napkin, “So you’re telling me

just on

some. I’m on holiday, but

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

staying, but then I saw my

me, but he could use some

I’m not

her lips curled in an almost

part, coupled with her

on the question

noon.

If not, she

you want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

casually took a sip from

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

he disagreed today, it wouldn’t

to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

what their conversation would

matters.

shopping app for little

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that she

liked doodling

opened

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

“How heartless, sending

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit

I just have an errand.

be on my way

around, and noticed a gray suitcase

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

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so long without

out? The servant had refilled their water

some clothes and went to the

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

temperature, she slid into the tub and let

view of

It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father

them had

of the bathtub, staring at that place for

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

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue. With

She drifted in and

felt a sudden chill.

coolness, and

to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand

looked up to see the man frowning at her from

side of the tub.

to be the first

startled, but it was by the man who had appeared silently

The warmth of the room had

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his grip,

Then he stood next to her and began to undress in

frowned, “What

beat, dropping

does one do in a

towel beside the tub to

leave, she was

glared up at him.

to do?”

his arms, her

than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

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

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold,

demeanor.

began to run

your hair

“No.”

of the

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on the

but Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

principles, but that

her anger before it even

still, not moving an inch, as the

yanked away by

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

modesty she could.

into her hair with

into his chest to rinse it

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

entirely without merit. After all, there were more than a couple

fallen for this

hair, he nudged

he took a quick

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to

there any

quite a trek from here to the

I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

as he drew

to spending a

better.”

sleep by

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

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her into

from the shower cascading

eyes closed to prevent water from flowing

his succinct and cryptic response, which

pressing against

the showerhead aside, his hand on

hers. “We should get

go. I can dry it

not going

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made

her lip, afraid she’d scream out.

“This is

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

to keep it down in

was wrapped around his waist,

until she was on the

hairdryer and slipping her into

her soft hair spreading across the

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

long arm scooped her into his

he’d

was too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already gone. The

new ones added from last

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

now, with her body covered in marks,

all too pleased.

and slipping into her

she found Creighton and her

their morning exercise

head with a mix of

should fix that habit

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped

the

is bad for your

the most important

didn’t you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless for

to the office. Why would

with your holiday. You could

company instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he

“You’re quite good at passing

he really

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

grandfather to see

come?”

onto the couch, resting her

of

lunch by

they were already leaving her

night before, Danielle’s name had come

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat at

inappropriate

visit the hospital the

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

would have a problem

returned in time for dinner. His timing

while Cicely sat with Creighton

going up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

her. After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

climbed into bed to play

like Seth had finished his work. He stood

over, brushed her forehead with his

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

for

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

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

chuckled, “Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

him gently, “Then hurry up and

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

penetrating with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and started

a soft whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she managed to

off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

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

Diaz,” he said with a

“Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy

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

warrants a penalty

Shouldn’t I

face held the same amused expression, yet

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you

and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

because I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give me

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a

her smooth chin, “You

Her hand moved from his face

have you ever heard, love and hate are

start, the

warm and

soft with flirtation, “Don’t

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

felt like a bee sting to the nerve, his dark

He let go of Cicely’s

already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and wait

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

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of waking

Cicely was propped up in

glanced at him, then

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands.

strongly, “Is there something

me at

and tapped

about

do there?”

even a little, you wouldn’t need

in the

I have to

you think your dad asking you

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future, your only

manage the Ellis family forever. If one

weak moment and start eating

even know where to cry. Don’t

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours

when truly in your

him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

you want to leave

to her,

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

who leaves a

beyond these

didn’t improve, and

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by

to assume. In fact, instead

on why

“I’ve downloaded some files

as you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just downloaded

blur of text. “What

her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not happy

reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay by

mood.”

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

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

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two

looking worse

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving

the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

into bed, taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for

face and

was in a rush to find

tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

face cold as he

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her

fell silent

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely

strong coffee. Even for school,

to morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple

mind?!”

he swung his legs

off to the

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

your face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this

comforter off with a huff, sat up,

strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow

by, and the pillow

this, I’m

and placed it back on the bed,

get ready. If I don’t see you up by the time

don’t want me to wake you

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth turned

a

and stomped off to the bathroom,

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as if on cue,

reflection. Seth

aside.

she started brushing. It was not

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of

to the

last night did you read?”

to know anything.

what am I supposed to do at the office,

smiled and

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and chair

immediate deployment.

the computer;

turned her face away,

seemed to anticipate this excuse,

fell silent. She felt like no matter what

she moved

pile of folders.

understand, and we can

will you be

a

frowned, “You’re leaving

in the

on the reading; I’ll be

retort

glanced at her before

been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no good.

possibly stir up in the

after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

pen, but

her phone

she left the office, returning

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

her phone and

desk and the

Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

did you

it’s new to me, so I’m on

a whole morning and you’re

stung.

that I’m even

approached his desk, noticing the

found her doodles—a passable cartoon

written in a confident, flamboyant

slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited for an

as

of his nose and sank into

Come over here.”

No

files and

into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

leaning back with a wary

tightened around her waist, his voice deep

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes

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

impatience and this half-hearted attitude. If

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

you, and it’s

reeked of impunity, but Seth had

feel like harboring intentions towards

our current relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s for

it’s to

back in

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was

was fetched by Charlie from a local

no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking of the

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as

the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by

table laden with food, while he didn’t

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it.

her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

her with an icy

settled onto the couch and picked

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

wait until

“How long are you

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it

sure you want to keep butting

silverware

to

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since

had stayed in

wanted to slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

department heads for updates

and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

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

father, she couldn’t afford to be

approached, Cicely found most of

leaders’ trembling,

hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve

moved to

stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with Patty

when it came down to it, Cicely knew she had to

come. If Patty

to steer

Patty wasn’t her biggest

naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to freeze

the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

and returned after a few minutes,

took a sip of warm water from his

broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if

But with him always buzzing around, she never did.

hadn’t even mentioned anything

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm

“I overheard General

talking about this

knock the socks off the old models. We could corner the market

family has the know-how and the development rights.

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing

deal over to Diaz International? Given the

and the Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

big fish like the Harper

the Ellis project. Diaz International

with the Ellis family’s

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

so many would kill for that kind

not up for it, or do you just chicken out

or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation,

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

work with the Ellis family, are you

make things easier for

his stance. “What’s wrong

bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you,

mouth twitched into a

her brows. “Too scared to take

What’s the point of running Diaz International?

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

up. Hmm, that’s actually a

thought about it, the more

eyes but

silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled

we actually go through with that? Assess

in the Ellis family? Or, you could

personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice

How

“What’s all

in Diaz International?”

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

to you besides your mother,

I’ve been

gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

unfathomable

Diaz International. So what if I

sofa, with a carefree smile

time to

tightened, clearly displeased

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion to

under the Ellis family banner

International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

Cicely, a familiar tone that

then switched on her

her, her face a

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such

too shabby, right?

No need to

scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off

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

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild,

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

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

forcefully suppressing a multitude

at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt

might be the real

the night was

back to the Ellis residence,

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

alone in the

there, I’ll disturb your

her arm against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before

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

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

they’ve been temporarily stored in

now, I

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

many packages. Cicely sat

and started to slice open

knife.

were small items – mugs,

unpacked them but also studied

was many times

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find Cicely

“Go freshen up; we’re up early

a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

and

her was a matching black one,

portrait and name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones,

light.

you think

coming back this time did I realize there are no traces

it feels

while still engrossed in the small items, her

most natural thing in

her to get some

seeing the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

and setting the

focus was still scattered,

they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

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

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

resumed her task with

returned to an office transformed. His desk now

several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion

even appeared on the coffee

question the wisdom of leaving her

though she’d done nothing out

for lunch

much work did you

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

few keys on the computer, bringing up

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

hungry,” she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

progress today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk,

a reward, I’ll take you out for

office for a meal was music

*

at

summoning staff for

and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

she couldn’t help but be

settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were arranged

same day, at the same hotel, for

sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis Corporation

on the south, the other

just below Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the

wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

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

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

away. Cicely

International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries,

whisking her away to the

orchestrated by Seth’s

father present, the spotlight was

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were met

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a

guests, receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

lot of celebrity beauties

“And plenty of

to

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

just want to

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

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the

a low profile there, and even more

its grand

was the envy of

to Seth

patient man, unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for

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

after, Charlie hurriedly

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

over at Diaz

his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

he was out of

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

nursing a nearly finished bottle of

sneer, using the steps for support as

feet

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable

each word with venom. “You’re impressive,

laughed coldly, flashing a

play hardball. I’ve seen just how

I can’t blame anyone

Blame? My family never provoked you; we were just

we had,

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on

in the air, the implications clear to everyone

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

whim because Ray had once made an indecent

had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

to

are still a shareholder in your family business, my

place immediately.” Seth

their shares when Ray’s family had

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything at

last of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz International

company, so tell

you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

detachment,

think you can destroy Diaz

away the

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

onto the table

shattered, sending sharp shards

of the breaking glass pierced

causing Cicely’s heart to skip

heels a clumsy match for

remains of the bottle at

color, and she let out

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

circle

Seth, her

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

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

moment.

reverberated throughout the banquet

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a

on

arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

she gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

it

him. Stunned, he looked at her

and not thinking straight. Have you

think provoking him will do you now? What if he really

you?!”

pain, and though her voice

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction

made it clear

anger,

heart

finally resting on a clear cut on her

dark. “Where else are

and tears fell from her

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness

voice, “Talk

to crumble under Seth’s

indignation, fear—all converged and broke

down her face. “My… my ankle

her

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

his arms.

had been tackled to the ground by Charlie,

on

right beside Seth and was quick to react

him a moment’s hesitation.

had swung past

had been cut on

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

shout at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a

but not too

had already been treated, her wounds

red

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik

their concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

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

the new year, this

“it’s not his

and followed

“Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

still hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

pain stop, then go

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She

until all his words were stuffed back down

a lifetime, could he not see

somewhat disheveled but still

when she had

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on

he could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

the doctor, then stepped

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips,

lifted her

passed under her knees, lifting her

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to

watching.

Cicely and Seth back

needed care, and returning to the

had never

Seth stayed

Cicely company.

– any

carry her, never leaving

was impeccable in his

complaint-free actions were

from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would

a heavy silence from the man beside her,

as tense as a surgical

any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

inevitably turned

her room, insisted Seth take

to the

most

had heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

postponed the deal which should have

to

if Diaz International was interested in

response was the same as it had been initially with her. And

However, Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

company

Seth’s voice and being able to look

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the new year. After

daughter-in-law who had been injured

on airs at this

than on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for

up the topic of the New Year’s

to bring Cicely back to

Patty’s mood didn’t match the

since they were legally married, spending New Year’s

the most appropriate and normal thing to

glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

as she had returned to spend

would leave him alone

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took

residence.

pick up Danielle

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

was too heartless. After negotiating

to bring her

didn’t comment. However, the image of two old

other, feels sad

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as

again, the thought of Danielle’s

it might be better off without

since

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

a sumptuous feast knowing

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

should have

face immediately

Danielle. When

for a moment, but

smiling.

wheelchair, also had

two. A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely was

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

couch. His voice was as flat as the

storm.

clasped tightly, not

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

holidays, could we?”

in her chest, but she fought to keep

not to let her emotions flare out

was my dad who applied for her discharge. If

family. You

“Patty is being polite, but don’t

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her fury.

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

wrong with inviting her over for

of her every single

sneer. “By that logic,

just stage an accident and play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners

and

at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s dear daughter?

mother figure that you

her?”

don’t take

who’s making

“You…”

voice cut through

gaze, which had been light and smiling, settled on a glass on

quietly awaited Seth’s

here to celebrate, not to start

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255