The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

you know. Getting angry is bad for your

and I will be driven

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out a

disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

gave a faint smile. “How shameless

you wish for a life of

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives

do you think you are in

four decades to live? How patient do you

out? Or rather, do you think Seth

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each

her most

a second that you’re off the hook

running away. You were so proud,

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

you get better soon, you

don’t blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

Cicely’s icy, detached

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

you’re willing to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

in place. To eat or not to

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

standing by. “Keep an eye on

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

turning towards the door

take two steps, the door swung

the man who entered

sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense

just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows

She reached

feeling

his teeth clenched

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you

took advantage of me that night

settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

it. Let’s put our grievances

straight. It

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

dependent. Let’s not

exchange, could hardly

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

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll take my

they left the hospital room. “Ray

him accountable. He’s

by yesterday, but I didn’t

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles

the chaos of that

that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink,

Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot

by his

at the

get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

the hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

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

to give Ray any more attention

shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used,

from her plate. “Is it really necessary

Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on its

least a chance for a comeback,

blown it for good.”

his knuckles were white, and

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family from

I’ve told you not to be fooled by his

My dad said the moment

he had his

by a

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard

blow. He

ruthless. That night, I wasn’t

hadn’t shown up,

receiving end of

had pondered this question

delve into it. She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

I’ve checked with the doctors

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came

ask you

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and

in front of that car for him, was it truly

save him, or was it just

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look at

with a motive, my only desire was to

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident was

to be so obstinate. If

severe, would you still have stepped

set her fork down and

are

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

quietly. “I didn’t expect

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point

slightly. “Whether true or not, that’s the answer

have to play the villain in front of me

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

but since I can’t, I need to find a

had never seen Ray this composed yet

blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this

there was no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

elevator

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

grip on her purse slackened for a moment then

smile

hate hospitals. What

Came to check on her with

brief silence, she glanced at him

a cripple, so

here not long after Cicely

Seth was worried

here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

thought it

faltered

neck, presenting only her

smile at the corners of her eyes and lips was

your

even leading to harm.”

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

person could hurt me when I’m fully able and

sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

into

I braved the

demeanor. No overt anger, just a

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

out

he’d learned just a

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

the time to join me. And

a meal with you

blunt rejection, Seth’s

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

looked up

answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered for a moment,

Dad at

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family

at the sprawling manor, feeling

tall but failed to bring

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the

out of the car and walked towards

servants occasionally moving about

to be cautious. “Miss,

rushed over at the sound of her

you give us a heads up,

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was reading in the study. Not

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some

ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

“There were a

and headed

face, she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

plate of the brownish buckwheat

salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

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

for

frightened to reply, their heads

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

for these dishes. Even if we

meals

there’s no need

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

table was always

she found Creighton

chest, his head

hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

now had but one master. That

a humble corner for

over heels in love, insisting on

her father alone in the

herself deeply in

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

nap

servants, his face lit up

rascal, why didn’t you

got secrets to

“You’re not fighting with Seth again,

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked meals.

for

He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She

teaching her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared off

in

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t meddle in

lively and bustling, and even the servants

Ellis family seemed to

be.

Creighton inquired

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

you two

exasperated, “Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario with

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply for

the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

for a

as an invitation for us to stay

had pulled her into his embrace

into the living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled,

past few days, have

“Not yet.”

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

all

joining him for dinner, but as she stepped

with the inexplicable stares of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting,

a deep breath, “Just came out to

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

back to the dining

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine

across from him did he glance up at

family estate isn’t

bottle, her expression

staying here for the

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down his

not explain myself clearly

understand very well. Now that you’ve

sip, “I said I’m not fighting

wasting time over the

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

just

insist on a reason, I have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re busy.

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

my dad and changed my mind.

time for me, but he could use some

prove I’m not

face was impassive, her lips curled in an

with her subtle expression, it seemed

on the

noon.

believe it? If not, she would prove

in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

sip from his water glass. “As you

his easy acquiescence, but the

if he disagreed today,

came to understand why

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

conversation would be

matters.

app for little home

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling when

opened it

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out in

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit

no need, I just have an errand.

be on

around, and

quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

could those men possibly have to talk about for

servant had refilled

went to the bathroom

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

temperature, she slid into the tub and let

a view of the garden and a

by rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her

the years, glimpsing at them had become

edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

dripped into the water,

didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

reached to remove the towel from her eyes,

towel fell away, and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

she was startled, but it was by the man

had dissipated when he

feel cold.

did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but he let

her and began to undress in a

“What

a beat, dropping

else does one do in a

the tub to cover herself,

could leave, she was

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

to do?”

his arms, her

the warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

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

demeanor.

run his fingers through her

your hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the shower

consent before turning on the

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

but that

before it even took

stood still, not moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

away

awkward, her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with

his chest to rinse

closed,

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

for this

conditioner to her hair, he

a quick shower

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

you planning to stay

there any reason I

apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to the

here. I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer to her.

nothing compared to spending a

better.”

can’t sleep

leisurely over

contours of her body.

and he reached out to

the warm water from the shower cascading over

her eyes closed to prevent water from

focused on his succinct and cryptic

something insistent pressing against

the showerhead

against hers. “We should get out and dry

tightened, “Let go.

not going out just

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

he moved with a familiarity that made it all too

out. She

pain. “This is the

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

keep it down in

around his waist,

she was on the

slipping her

him, her soft

the other side of the bed, facing her.

turn away, his long arm scooped her into his

the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she tried to

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy marks

new ones added from

protective—or so he seemed.

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her body

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear,

and listless, she found

exercise and were already two

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix

“You really should fix

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of

couch. “Sleeping in is the

breakfast is bad for your health, and

the most important

you leave

irritation left Cicely speechless

office. Why would I leave with

with your holiday. You could learn a

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

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he didn’t

at passing the buck

he really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know,

your grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

blend of elegance and

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

had just returned, and they were already

night before, Danielle’s name had come up several

the hospital while the rest

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

to visit the hospital the next

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

would have a

in time for dinner.

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat

living room before going up to her bedroom,

desk.

the

behind her. After a quick shower, she emerged

into bed to play with her

it seemed like Seth had finished his

walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

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

Wait for

lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I

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

Cicely pushed him gently,

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and

whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

trying to kiss me to death?” she managed

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional

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

Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

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

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

a penalty for

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

the same amused expression, yet

Punish me any

and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

confident, thinking that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So,

heart to give me

an eyebrow and ran her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in

gently caressing her smooth chin,

candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from

with it, “But have you ever heard, love and hate are two extremes.

loves someone at the start, the more they

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

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation,

comes, which I doubt it will. I

bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed

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

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

off tonight. It’s still early, so

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

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method

shower, Cicely was

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

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

there something

join me at the office

he swiped and tapped on her

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

do there?”

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

thing in

I have

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

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your only sure bet is

the Ellis family forever. If one

weak moment and start eating away

even know where to cry. Don’t be naive,

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours too?

truly in your own

quietly, “What makes you

you want to

her,

further. “It sounds like you’re quite

who leaves a trail of broken

But beyond these

improve, and he didn’t

in their depths replaced by

assume. In fact, instead of

on why I harbor such uncomfortable

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

sleep, and ask me about anything

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app

with a blur of text. “What will you be

of bed, lifting the

reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

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

it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

two hours. Approaching eleven at

face looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her hand and

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving. He then looked

face and

rush to find her a

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled her

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her

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

petty.

＊

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

than a cup of strong coffee. Even

grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of

off

am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this

Cicely flung the comforter off with a

but what strength could she muster just out of

a pillow at

by, and the pillow barely

so over this, I’m

pillow, and placed it

you up by the time I’m out,

me to wake you up for

back to sleep.”

her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners of

into a sly

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

onto his brush. He

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

and Seth, as if on cue,

reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

task, she started brushing. It was not like she

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile

breakfast, they headed to the Ellis Corporation

document from last

to know anything.

So what am I supposed to

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

on the computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away,

this excuse, “There are printed copies

like no matter

it. Reluctantly, she moved to

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go

will you be

a C&P

“You’re leaving me here

wolves in

on the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held back.

at her before

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

stir

Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

but

her phone was

she left the office, returning after another half-hour to

the drawers, fiddled with

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

played with her phone and then, noticing the time,

desk and the

Seth returned before noon. Cicely

student.

much did you

a bit challenging since it’s new to me,

a whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here is

desk, noticing the black notebook she

it open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon

written in a confident, flamboyant

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

the documents away. Seth waited for an

hungry,” she declared as if

bridge of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

long arm pulled her into an embrace.

leaning back with a

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

taking

“What do you mean?”

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

and respectful. Now,

half-hearted attitude.

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I harbored

it’s intentional,

but Seth had no comeback, “So

like harboring intentions towards me

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s to

and leaned back in his

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

was fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking

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

with the unmistakable vibe

a big deal’.

this by myself?”

laden with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

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

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

tonight.”

up at her

settled onto the couch and picked up the elegantly

to sleep together every night.

until you’re

long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in

to keep butting

on her silverware

continued to watch

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in

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

him summoning various department heads

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

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

father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll drive

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should

need, I’ve already

to the door to put

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

to it, Cicely knew she had to play

as they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

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

Patty wasn’t her biggest

naturally,

off waiting by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

a call and returned after a few minutes, sitting

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water from

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told

could ask him. But with him

he hadn’t even

her hair, her

nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from

talking about this new mechanical equipment

off the old models. We

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

got a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

the deal over to Diaz International? Given the

the Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

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

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

Ellis

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just

many would kill for that kind of opportunity.

it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes of

the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I

the Watsons are all more fitting

family, are

Ellis Corporation to make things easier

by his stance. “What’s wrong with

line is what counts. Why sweat the

of pride for you, I’ll

into a

to take the big deals,

What’s the point of running Diaz International?

way, you wouldn’t have to worry about any flak

up. Hmm, that’s actually

thought about it,

eyes

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in

go through with that? Assess the value

it into shares for you in the Ellis

cut you in on a

How

at her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s anything on this green

matters to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International,

your father. You know, I’ve been

me an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he

International. So

sofa, with a carefree

to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

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

Ellis family banner the

to tick you off?” The

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none

then switched on her charm

standing opposite her, her

wariness.

was just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea

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

to keep things so

“The future is the future. You bite

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

International.”

eyes carrying

Patty wasn’t bringing it up,

Seth had already stood up, his expression far

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

forcefully suppressing a multitude

had dinner at the

Patty might be the real way to make her

was out

to the Ellis residence, Seth

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

alone in the

I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

“Should I prepare some new

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

them

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

I can bring them

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

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

and started to slice

knife.

of them were small items – mugs,

unpacked them but also

instruction manuals was many times more

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely

“Go freshen up; we’re up early

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

a notable heft, and engraved on it was

name beneath. Beside her was

the items were pairs, hers in

light.

you think of buying

time did I realize

it feels

while still engrossed in the small items, her tone

in the world.

her to

white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing a

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

department heads yesterday.

paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these parcels,

addressed to you.”

at the sight, “Put them on

resumed her task with the craft

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler

a cushion

had even appeared on the coffee table. He

of leaving her

nothing out of the

“What’s for

much work did you

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

computer,

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of

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

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on

take you

of escaping the office for a meal was music

*

at

for reports

and even if

company affairs, she

was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same

by sky bridges. The

the south, the other

below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the hem

of

she still stood out as the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

in design, yet undeniably from the

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people

International

deliver the expected

her away to the

was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

and father present, the spotlight was on

Seth and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

almost like a bride and groom

receiving blessings

seats, Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

in her hand, Cicely

are a lot of celebrity

at her coolly, “And plenty of male

curious to take

your intentions weren’t so transparent, I

have considered it.”

want to

day I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

to keep a low profile there, and even more so in the

after its

its grip, was the envy of many.

up to

was not a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists, both

absence from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

out of sight, then rose

gala, Ray was slouched

bottle of

with a sneer, using the

feet and approached

slurred, emphasizing each syllable

venom. “You’re impressive, truly

flashing a thumbs-up

seen just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

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

Blame? My family never provoked you; we were just in your way.

we had,

drama on the eve of their

in the air, the implications

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how

Ray had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had

against Ray .

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

seemed to confirm the

you are still a shareholder in

leave this place immediately.”

surrendered their shares when Ray’s

a

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I

Diaz International event. I can’t

have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just as

you. You destroyed my company, so tell

International, let you taste

today?”

Ray with icy detachment,

makes you think

seemed to strip away the

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes,

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

vengeful fury.

the table next to Seth with

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across

breaking glass pierced through the festive din like a

causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat.

high heels

jagged remains of the bottle

let out a breathless

forward, pulling Seth’s

half a circle

clung to Seth, her body shielding

fell onto Seth’s hand, and

arms seemed about to fall

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

on

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

sword blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

she gripped his clothes

she managed to say,

tall.

softened as it landed on

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

and not thinking straight. Have you had too much

will do you now? What if

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical

her eyes made it clear to him—she

fear, anger, or

his heart

a clear cut on her right arm. He

“Where else are

lip, and tears fell from her

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

low voice, “Talk

self-control seemed to crumble under

fear—all converged and

my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge to

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

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who

with a knee on his back, restraining

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

had caused him

bottle had swung

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

Seth carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned

shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

falter in his

*

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

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and

but

already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

eyes were red and swollen from

Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

call and

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

their concern for

which he channeled into anger

of hardship in her life, and just a few days

new year, this happens! Seth,

“it’s not his fault. I

listen and followed

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

still hurt if you

pain stop, then

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

all his words were stuffed back down

he not see through

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat

the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

him with her

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes and

then she lifted her arms and

her knees, lifting her from

a slight sense of peace to

watching.

Seth back to

to the Ellis residence was

she had never mentioned

after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to

to carry her, never leaving her

Seth was impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions were bittersweet

bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some

slight shift in pressure and

silence from the man beside her, who seemed

as tense as a

with Creighton

turned to business

in her room, insisted Seth take her

just to the living room or

most of

had heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

which

to after

if Diaz International was interested in taking the

response was the same as it had been

Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort in

being able to look up and see

before the

had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

this time. But Patty’s

than on previous

a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

brought up the

Cicely back to the Diaz

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

they were legally

was the most appropriate and normal

a moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

she was not at home, the vastness

returned to spend a few days, the New Year, a

would

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick up Danielle from the

Danielle alone in the

was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring

didn’t comment. However, the image of two

each other, feels sad

might liven things up,

of Danielle’s haughty,

might be better off without

had been bustling since yesterday, and though

being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving

Danielle, who should have been picked up

Her face immediately

Danielle. When she saw Seth

room, her expression paused for

smiling.

wheelchair, also

but she brushed it

way she said that made it sound

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

leave her

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her chest, but she

not to let her

applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

it should’ve been the Ellis family.

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

contain her

be here. Danielle got herself injured

wrong with inviting her over for dinner?

taking care of her every single

sneer. “By that

play the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t

Ellis family’s dinners even

and she

“This is the Ellis family’s dear

desperate for a mother figure that you have

her?”

don’t take

you who’s making him feel

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

which had been light and smiling, settled on a

as she quietly awaited Seth’s

here to celebrate, not

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