The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

Getting angry is bad for your health.

Seth and I will

Enter title…

then let out

disabled for life, you’ll never be able to

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle,

smile. “How shameless are

wish for a life of disability,

will Seth. Even blood relatives fed

How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart?

How patient

day out? Or

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

to her

second that you’re off the hook just because you’re

away. You were so proud,

up from your grave and lash your corpse to

Maybe if you get better soon, you might be

me

eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

icy, detached voice rang

you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite

to eat, that’s if you don’t

annoying.”

lift, it froze in place.

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please,

by. “Keep an eye on her.

eats or

“Understood.”

took a

turning

steps, the door swung open from

as the man who entered

brought a surge

from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows

when he opened the door. She reached

feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think

one who nearly took advantage of me that night when you

even come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

words hit

stammered, “Seth never told

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m

put our

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is

and dependent. Let’s not make

listening to the exchange, could hardly

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then

I’ll

the hospital

we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been

I didn’t let him

bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

the chaos of

and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

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

rich playboy,

true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on the brink,

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a

orchestrated by his family for her

at

much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

give Ray

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

her plate. “Is it

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

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the downfall of

to be fooled by his act. His

imagine. My dad said the moment

agency, he had his

by a

make everyone relax their guard against

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He

That night, I wasn’t simply

Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

at the receiving end of my

of color. She had

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition,

albeit a rough road ahead. I came

to ask

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

that car for him, was it truly out of

save him, or was it just a ploy to

and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make

my only desire was

smile. “It’s different. The

expect my father to be so obstinate. If

you still have

long silence, Danielle set her fork

are

pressed his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush

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

or not, that’s the answer I needed to

don’t have to play the villain in front

you, it’s like

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

Ray this

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

to lose, there was no telling

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when

grip on her purse slackened for

faint smile on her face. “You’re

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

episode. Came to check on her

a brief silence, she glanced at

bullying a cripple, so

after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

what Seth

here on your behalf to check

been lately. She thought it might

faltered for

scarf around her neck, presenting only her

of her eyes and lips was

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile. “I

hurt me when I’m fully able

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into

braved the

No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

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

learned just

his touch. “Whether I

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

meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s

you ever trusted me?” The question floated into

a brief pause, he looked

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

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for

Dad at the

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family

the window at the sprawling

pines stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

and the already somewhat suppressed

the car and

empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even

be cautious. “Miss,

rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a look

give us

upstairs, “Where’s

lunch not too long ago and

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some

ascent up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

“There were a

turned and headed

ordered the servants to bring

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the

you prepared for

frightened to

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals

sir says there’s no need

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

table was always a feast of

study, she found Creighton slumped in a

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

hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

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

corner for his simple

head over heels in love,

her father alone in

blamed herself deeply

Creighton, gently covering him with a

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs

servants, his face lit

rascal, why didn’t you

got secrets to hide before I

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

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

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

the home-cooked

for dinner

have to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk

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

demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

Creighton inquired about

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

“Are you two really

“Just hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

Cicely still sent Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

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

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up

showed up at the Ellis

to assist Seth with his coat.

your message imply for

rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a

invitation

he had pulled her into his embrace

into the living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled,

past few

“Not yet.”

ahead, I’ll have the staff whip

dishes were all tailored to

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

stares of her

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

“Just came out to

made her way over to the coffee table, bending

back to

Enter title…

her return to dine with him,

he glance up at her. “If

isn’t

gripped her water bottle, her

staying here for

emotion crossed Seth’s brow

down

not explain

well. Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

“I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s

over the same

with a napkin, “So you’re

here just on a

on a reason, I have some.

but you’re short on time. In fact, on my way back today,

staying, but then I saw my dad

time for me, but he could use some company.

not fighting

lips curled in an almost

hearing the last part, coupled with

answer had been placed on

noon.

he believe it? If

twitched in amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

sip from his water glass. “As

his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

even if he disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor items –

and notebooks with pens. Not

but she liked doodling

the servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in

stepping inside.

at him, “How heartless, sending

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can

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

I’ll be on my way

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a

quickly

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

brought up a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

to talk about for so long

out? The servant had

clothes and went to the

drawn. It had been a while since she’d

temperature, she slid into the tub

bathroom window was a view of the

ground lights. It

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had

them

bathtub, staring at that place

edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and placed

over her eyes.

the water,

move again. She drifted in and out of

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness,

towel from her eyes, her hand was caught

away, and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

be the first

startled, but it was by the man who had

room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake

her and began to undress

“What

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

one do

grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

out. Before she could leave, she

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

to do?”

woman in his

bath, more radiant than usual. He

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

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her

aura, he preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

run his fingers

your hair

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

consent before turning on the

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

wasn’t that Cicely lacked principles, but that

anger before it

stood still, not moving an inch, as the

away

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

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with

into his chest to rinse

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

After all, there were more

for this

he applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward

took a

cool expression,

you planning

any

quite a

I can’t exactly haul you back

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

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

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to

the warm water from the

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

his succinct and cryptic

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing against

had already set the showerhead

hers. “We should get

tightened, “Let go.

not going out just

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made it all

afraid she’d scream out. She hit

than pain. “This is the

convenient, but you seemed

it down in a

wrapped around his waist,

her vision blurred until she

the hairdryer and slipping her into

She turned away from him, her soft hair

of the bed, facing her. As she sensed his

long arm scooped her

knowing he’d

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on

ones added

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

to it. Yet now, with her body covered in

all too pleased.

up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she found

morning exercise and were already

head

fix that habit

offered by the servant, sipped half

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of

breakfast is bad for your health, and too much sleep

is the most important meal.

you leave with

left Cicely

Why would

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could

instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t

showing clear reluctance. “No,

he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

he really didn’t tell

know, Creighton

grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

posture a blend of

lunch by yourself at

were already leaving her

night before, Danielle’s name had come up several

the hospital while the

inappropriate

were set to visit the hospital the

dared say

would have a

returned in time for dinner. His

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely

her bedroom, where

desk.

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

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

into bed to

long after, it seemed like Seth had finished his work. He

over, brushed her forehead with

gentle peck on the lips. “I’m

for

“How horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

there are plenty of things we

gently, “Then hurry up and

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

with unrestrained

gasping for air. She lifted her hands

whimper. It

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?”

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

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

me just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

penalty for self-justification, then

I consider

face held the same amused expression,

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

and seriously

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

give me

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

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir

her smooth chin, “You

“Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved

it, “But have you ever heard, love and hate

one loves someone at the start, the more they might hate

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

it will.

sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a long

smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin

already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

early, so be good and wait for

“If you’re not

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking her might be.

Cicely

at him,

game.

bed and snatched the phone from

strongly, “Is there something you need to

at the office

and tapped

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

do there?”

need

in the

have

Do you think your dad asking you

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future,

the Ellis family forever.

and start eating away at you, swallowing

won’t even know where

you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it yours

in your

makes you insecure?

you want to

to her,

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

who leaves a trail of

these

expression didn’t improve, and he

shadow in their

to assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

be reflecting on why I

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

before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded

a blur of text. “What

of bed, lifting the

Naturally, I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

a coat, and walk out. Her

understood all too well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

two hours.

face looking worse

had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

bed, taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He then looked at

sleeping face

in a rush to find her

and tossing it aside, he watched

cold as he pulled her into his

arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her

fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a kiss

strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely

morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

hard a

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs

shine, off to

not going.” Cicely yanked

face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

strength could she muster just

pillow

close by, and the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m not

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

ready. If I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just

don’t want me to wake you up for the second

back to sleep.”

Seth

into a sly

threw the covers aside and stomped off to the

toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

Seth,

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

she started brushing. It was

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

slight smile

headed to

document from last night

to know anything.

am I supposed to do at the

smiled

Cicely understood why he hadn’t

had prepared a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can keep reading

her face away, “Computers have

excuse, “There are

no matter what

Reluctantly, she moved

pile of folders.

understand, and

you be

to a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me

wolves in the

on the reading; I’ll be back by

her mouth to retort but held

her

a clear sign she was up to no

she possibly stir up in the

Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

her pen, but within

her

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

the drawers, fiddled with the

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

played with her phone and then, noticing

and

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

did you get through?”

challenging since it’s new to me,

whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

written in a confident,

flushed slightly, but

nonchalance.

took a deep breath,

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited

declared as if it

his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

prepared? No

files and

pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

office,” Cicely said, leaning

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

“Back in the day, you’d concoct

to tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

“Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s

of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

like harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

me, it’s

and leaned back in

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was

a local

no

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking of the

a flat “Not hungry.” His mood

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked, her

a table laden with food,

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said

huffed, “Then

tonight.”

looked up at her

and picked up the

said we have to sleep together every

wait until

“How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

you want to

grip on her silverware tightened

to

and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in

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

summoning various department heads for updates on all

reviews, the office atmosphere

the Ellis family,

her father, she couldn’t

end of the workday approached, Cicely found

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and we’ll drive

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let my dad

need, I’ve already told

to the door to put

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

Cicely knew she had to play it

things as they come. If Patty was in a

If not, best to steer clear.

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

waiting by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and

He took a sip of warm water

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she

with him always buzzing around, she never

even mentioned anything about

strand of her hair, her palm warming

“I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new mechanical

socks off the old models. We could corner

tech. The Ellis family has the

Instead of bidding and choosing another

Diaz International? Given the ties between

the Ellis family, why

big fish like

Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

deal with the Ellis family’s

the Ellis family picks Diaz International,

so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

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

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

with the Ellis family?”

head of the Ellis Corporation, I

are all more fitting partners than

Ellis family, are you

make things easier for

by his stance. “What’s wrong

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat

pride for you, I’ll bang the

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

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

the point of running

swallow it up. That way, you wouldn’t have to

that’s actually a

about it, the more feasible

eyes

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled at

go through with

convert it into shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could

and I’ll cut

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

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

besides your mother, it’s

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

that gives me an

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable

Diaz International. So

leaned back on the sofa, with a

to let

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

smiled thinly. “Then

Ellis family

do to tick you off?” The voice

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to

at her mug, then switched on her charm as she

standing opposite her, her face a

wariness.

thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t

too shabby, right? Especially since we

need to keep things

a scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off only as much as

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

International.”

her eyes

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it up,

had already stood up, his expression far from

go.”

mindful

as if forcefully suppressing a

had dinner at the Diaz residence,

Patty might be the real way to

was out of the

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

are you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

there, I’ll disturb

the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

a half-smile, “Should I

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

for you today; they’ve been

open them now, I can bring them

and said, “Well,

Cicely sat

waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

unpacked them but

times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst an

freshen up; we’re up

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

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it was

Beside her

items

light.

made you think

I realize there

and it

engrossed in the small items, her tone

thing in the world.

urged her to get some

seeing the white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

estate and setting the staff to work,

focus was still scattered, but

were much the same as

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

at the sight, “Put them on

resumed

office transformed. His desk now sported

frame, a new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with a simpler

a cushion on the

had even appeared on the

the wisdom of leaving

she’d done nothing out of the ordinary, asked

for

countered, “How much work

fingers, then hesitantly added

a few keys on the computer,

bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware of its contents,

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

closed the video.

screen full of

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

reward, I’ll take you out for

the office for a meal

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports and

over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

she couldn’t help but

it was time for

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P

same day, at the same hotel,

comprised two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The

the other north, distinctly

just below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes,

still stood out as the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

clothes were simple in design, yet

her side was distractingly handsome, a sight

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything

Diaz International gala to make the rounds, to

expected pleasantries,

whisking her away to the

gala was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight

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

and well-wishes, almost like a bride and groom

their guests, receiving blessings and drinks

Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased

a lot

her coolly, “And plenty

curious to

your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

to admire the pretty

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

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

to keep a low profile there, and even more so

its grand slam start and the valuable

envy of many. Naturally,

up to

a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and

over at Diaz

darkened. As he stood

wrist, “What’s

be back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

out of sight,

slouched on

of hard liquor. His

sneer,

to his feet and

syllable with a bitterness that

with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

coldly, flashing

seen just how

history, that I can’t blame anyone for

family never provoked you; we were

what the we had, you seized

such drama on the eve of

words hung in the air, the

about Seth’s tactics, about

a whim because Ray had

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

speculated that it had

to confirm the

shareholder in your

place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

I know

International event.

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

my company, so

Diaz International, let you

today?”

detachment, “If you

what makes you think you can destroy Diaz

strip away the last shred

the drunken stupor in his

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

vengeful fury.

onto the table next to Seth with such

shards scattering across the polished

glass pierced through the festive din like a

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat.

Seth, her high heels a clumsy

remains of the bottle

out

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

spun half a circle to avoid

clung to Seth, her body shielding

fell onto Seth’s hand, and

to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

reverberated

Cicely to intervene, felt

blood on

and his face, usually cool and

seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped his

with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

Have you had

him will do

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger, it also

clear tremble.

look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to

it clear

fear, anger, or

constricting pain gripped his heart

finally resting on a clear cut on her right arm.

“Where else are you

lip, and tears fell

unfamiliar panic and restlessness

low voice,

seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl,

indignation, fear—all converged and broke down silently,

face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge to

with a grimace, bent down to scoop

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

with a knee on his

beside Seth and was quick

caused him a moment’s

broken bottle had swung past

had been

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

at Seth’s retreating figure

be so damn arrogant. One

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital

frenzy.

sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

but not

treated, her wounds bandaged, and

Cicely’s eyes were red and

Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

call and returned to the

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

concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

girl has never known a day of hardship in her life,

the new year, this happens! Seth,

Cicely suddenly interjected, “it’s not his

listen and

I not allowed

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt if

pain stop, then

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

natter until all his words were

could he not

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

him

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a new definition

these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

listened intently to the doctor,

over, he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

lifted her arms

her knees, lifting

understanding brought a slight sense

watching.

and Seth back to the Ellis

care, and returning to the

she had never mentioned

the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely

there to carry her, never leaving her side.

was impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions were

to

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution, some

pressure and Cicely would

from the man beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense

sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned to

her room, insisted Seth take her with

was just to the living room

to most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

the deal which should have been

to

Seth if Diaz International was interested in

it had been initially with her.

Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs,

able

just before the new

who had been injured protecting Seth,

airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed

than on previous

Ellis family prepared a lavish

the

back to

Patty’s mood

were legally married, spending

the most appropriate and normal thing

paused for a moment, glanced at the young couple, and

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis

to spend

for festive gatherings, would leave him

*

Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

pick up Danielle from

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

bring her

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

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

might liven things up,

of

might

been bustling since yesterday,

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

anyone at the hospital. And Cicely,

should have been

face

with Danielle. When she

expression paused for

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary

shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside.

that made it

Seth asked, ignoring her

His voice was

storm.

clasped tightly, not

leave her all alone in the

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her

let

was my dad who applied for her discharge. If

been the Ellis family.

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

barely able to contain her

herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

taking care of her

“By that logic, any woman who fancies

and play the damsel in

family’s dinners even more

pale with anger, and she whirled to glare at

at Cicely. “This is

mother figure that you have to bring home a

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t

it you who’s

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

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

quietly awaited

you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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