The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

up, you know. Getting angry is

Seth and I will be driven to madness, won’t

Enter title…

then let

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

off.”d2

slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

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

you wish for a

will Seth. Even

you think you are in Seth’s

to live? How patient

Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

she

to her most

that you’re off the hook

running away. You were so proud,

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

soon, you

me for bullying

eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

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

over until you’re willing to eat, that’s if you don’t

annoying.”

in place. To eat or not

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats

“Understood.”

a

turning towards the door to

the door swung

the man who entered caught her

sight of Cicely brought a surge of

just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she recalled

the door. She reached

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting

of me

score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

“Does what he say negate

raped me?”

she added, “I’m aware

genuinely regret it. Let’s put our

your facts straight. It

not anyone else’s doing.

not make her

exchange, could

his expression flustered, “I’m here to

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then

cleared up, I’ll

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

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

I didn’t let him

clenched the bag in her hands until

back the chaos of that

vivid and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to

It’s clear she means a lot to him. I

by his family for her

at

so much he’d nearly get her killed?

*

stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

“I’m sorry, I had

give Ray any more attention

shoveled food into her

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics

looking up from her plate.

him now, and your family is on its last

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but now, you

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled

can imagine. My dad said the moment

his agency, he had his sights set

a guy

these things to make everyone

delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent but was

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t

and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who

the receiving end of my

drained of color. She had pondered

into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t

before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came

to ask

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

of that car for him,

save him, or was it just a

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look

only desire was to win him

smile. “It’s different.

father to be so

severe, would you

set her fork down and looked up

are you hoping

lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me off

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

slightly. “Whether true or not,

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

if I stop caring for you, it’s like denying

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

seen Ray this composed yet so

trembled slightly. She was afraid

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

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor,

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he saw

slackened for a moment

a familiar, faint smile

hate hospitals. What are you

episode. Came

silence, she glanced at him

in bullying a cripple,

after Cicely

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried

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

lately. She thought it

gaze faltered

her neck, presenting only her profile to

corners of her eyes and lips

moods are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

a light smile. “I have Issac

me when I’m fully able and

darkened. “The sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved

demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

he’d learned just a

stepped aside, avoiding his touch.

have the time to join

sharing a meal with you

such blunt rejection,

trusted me?” The question floated into

brief pause, he looked up to find the woman already

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

through the gates of

the window at the sprawling manor,

stood tall but failed to

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and

out of the

empty, with servants occasionally moving about

to be

over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise on his

didn’t you give us

upstairs, “Where’s

and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

some

turning

step, “And what else?”

a couple of

as she turned and headed straight for

she ordered the servants to

of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

carrots and

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to

prepared for my

frightened to

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter

asked for these dishes.

them. Elderly folks’ meals

no need

not to doubt his

family’s dining table was always a feast

found Creighton

book resting on his chest, his

hit Cicely, and her eyes began

now had but one master. That grand

humble corner for his simple

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

her father alone in

herself deeply in her

covering

out of the study.

his nap and came

the servants, his face lit

rascal, why didn’t you tell me you were

secrets to hide before

at her. “You’re not fighting

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

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

the home-cooked meals. Dad,

for dinner

him. He listens to

to me.”

talk

glued to Creighton for the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while she placed

occasionally chiming in

golden; don’t meddle

was lively and bustling, and even the servants were

to have returned to how

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

make it back.

“Are you two

exasperated, “Just hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic

she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up

the Ellis estate’s

frown and moved to assist Seth with his

your message imply for me to

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

know.”

reason for

your message as an invitation for us

had pulled her into his embrace

into the living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

hard these past few days,

“Not yet.”

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

The dishes were all tailored to his

planned on joining him for dinner, but as she

of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

breath, “Just came out to grab my water

way over to the coffee table, bending

back to

Enter title…

her return to

down across from him did he glance up at her. “If you really wanted

the Ellis family estate isn’t as

gripped her water bottle, her expression

staying here for the near

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down his

explain myself clearly

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

“I said

time over the same

with a napkin, “So you’re telling me

here just on

on a reason, I have some. I’m on

time. In fact, on my

saw my dad and changed my mind.

he could use

prove I’m not fighting

lips curled

with her subtle expression, it

answer had been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

If not, she would

you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

a sip from his water

by his easy acquiescence, but

he disagreed

understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

to her what their conversation

matters.

shopping app for little home

sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

but she liked

opened it

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

“How heartless, sending you out

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait

have an errand.

be on my

looked up, turned around, and

this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

talk about for so long without any

had refilled their water

went to the bathroom where the

a while since she’d indulged in a good

into the tub and let out a sigh of

a view of

It seemed they had

especially for her return.

she had asked her

them had become

the bathtub, staring at that

pressed down against the edge of the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her

move again. She

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness,

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

looked up to see the

side of the tub.

be the first to

startled, but it was by the

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

he stood next to her and began to

“What are

without missing a beat, dropping

do in a

towel beside the tub to cover

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up into his arms.

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

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her

warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked,

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

deflated embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

her

aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her

hair for

“No.”

spray of the

consent before turning on

Seth’s hand

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

anger before it even

inch, as the towel

yanked away by

crossing in front of her,

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

closed, Cicely considered that her

After all, there were more than a couple of

fallen for

her hair, he nudged her toward

took a

a cool expression,

Are you planning to stay

there any reason

a trek from here to the

here. I

will.”

of anger

into a smile as he drew closer to her.

to spending a

better.”

can’t sleep by

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her into

warm water from the shower cascading over her

water from flowing into them,

his succinct and

insistent pressing against her and came

the showerhead aside, his hand on

hers. “We should get out and

“Let go. I can dry

not going out

react, Seth’s lips closed over

apart, and he moved with a familiarity

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

than pain. “This

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

to keep it down in

around his waist,

her, her vision blurred until she was on

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

turned away from him, her soft hair

circled to the other side of the bed, facing her. As

to turn away, his long arm scooped her

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

too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

was already

ones added from

so he seemed.

Yet now,

all too pleased.

slipping into

Still groggy and listless, she found

returned from their morning exercise and were already two chess

Creighton shook his head

should fix that

servant, sipped half

is the best part

your health,

Breakfast is the most important

didn’t you leave

Cicely

office. Why would I leave with

office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday.

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

showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he didn’t mention

“You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

with your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

of

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

they were already leaving her to eat

come up several times

her alone in the hospital while the rest of

was incredibly inappropriate and

to visit the hospital

dared say

Danielle would have

in time for dinner. His timing was

eating, he headed upstairs first, while

going up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and upon

After a quick shower, she

to play with her

after, it seemed like Seth had finished

bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

the

for me,

can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am I

plenty of things we have yet

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then

by her, Seth’s body

penetrating with unrestrained

She lifted her hands and started

whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

to death?”

guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

“Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t

he said with

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened

face just inches from hers. A gentle smile

warrants a penalty

Shouldn’t I

the same amused expression,

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give

her hand across his face,

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a

smooth chin, “You like me

Her hand moved from

“But have you ever heard, love and hate are two

loves someone at the start, the more they

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

and brows soft with flirtation,

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

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

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

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and

paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

find out what his

emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up

She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

the phone from her hands.

something you need to tell

join me at the

he swiped and tapped on her

frowned, “I don’t know anything about

do there?”

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

thing in

I have to

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

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your

manage the Ellis family forever. If one day,

moment and start eating away

family, you won’t even know where

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there to

truly in your own

“What makes you insecure? You think

leave you? Or maybe you want

Turning to her, his gazes were unfathomably

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

who leaves a

beyond these two

didn’t improve,

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths

be so quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being unhappy,

reflecting on why I harbor such uncomfortable

back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

much as you can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had just

a blur of text. “What will you

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

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

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat,

it wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching

looking worse than

the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving. He then

face

Creighton was in a rush to find her a

and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

his face cold as he pulled her into his

man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wanted to wake her up,

silent again, and

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with a

of strong coffee. Even for

prone to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

a couple of times. “Are you

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off to the

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

Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this

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

but what strength could she muster just

a pillow at

the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m

pillow, and placed it back

up by

want me to wake you up for the second time, then

back to sleep.”

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

a sly

and stomped

busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

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

took her brush, and Seth, as if on

their reflection.

aside.

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

as toothpaste. The frothy

the slight smile

they headed to the

of the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed to do at the office,

just smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

a new desk and

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away,

this excuse, “There

matter what

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

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can go

will you be

a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

wolves in the

reading; I’ll be back by

retort but held back.

glanced at her before leaving

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

stir up in

did take the documents

plenty of marks with her pen, but within half an hour, the pen

and her phone was

left the office, returning

drawers, fiddled with the

on a black leather notebook she found

played with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

and the

noon. Cicely

student.

did you get

to me, so I’m on the

in a whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

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

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

it open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

in a

slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited for

hungry,” she declared as if it justified

of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on its

Come over here.”

No

clutched the files

arm pulled her into an embrace.

office,” Cicely said, leaning back

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct

to tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now,

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

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

and it’s

candid admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no

feel like harboring

that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s to your

back

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by

mood was as

suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked, her

laden with food, while he didn’t

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody said you had to finish

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

tonight.”

her

and picked up the

have to sleep together every

until you’re

was stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it

to keep butting heads with

her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed

slack off, but under Seth’s

department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the office

Ellis family, even if it

she couldn’t

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

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should probably let

I’ve already told

an acknowledgment and moved to the door

Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about

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

as they come. If Patty was in

bit more. If not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like

that Patty wasn’t her

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

waiting by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a

Cicely. He took a sip

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she

ask him. But with him always buzzing

hadn’t even mentioned

strand of her hair, her palm

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General

this new

off the old models. We could corner

has the know-how and

of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family, why haven’t

“The big fish like the Harper family, and

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International

the Ellis family’s

family picks Diaz International,

would kill for that kind of opportunity.

you just chicken

Or is it just that you flat-out don’t want to

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the

all more fitting partners

the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use

to make things easier for

by his stance. “What’s wrong

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small

pride for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile. “Is there

“Too scared to take the big deals, too proud

What’s the point of running Diaz

family swallow it up. That way, you

up. Hmm, that’s actually a pretty

thought about it, the more feasible

eyes

her chin in her hands

through with that?

into shares for you in the Ellis

me personally, and I’ll cut you in on

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

to me, if

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

your father. You know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

Diaz International. So what if I say

sofa, with a carefree

time to let it

clearly displeased with her

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

Ellis family banner

International ever do to tick you off?” The voice came

tone that belonged to none

switched on her charm as she

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

wariness.

Then I figured it

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep things

a scoff, “The future is the

heads-up, don’t even

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a

If Patty wasn’t bringing it

since Seth had already stood up, his expression far

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

as if forcefully suppressing

at the Diaz residence, but Cicely

with Patty might be the real way to

night was

residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

you

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

against the car window,

her slender finger.

a few seconds

“Should I prepare some

you?”

shook her head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

been temporarily

them now, I

and said, “Well, bring

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

started to slice open the parcels

knife.

of them were small items –

not only unpacked them but also studied them. Her

was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely amidst

“Go freshen up; we’re up

him a white travel tumbler. “This

had a notable heft, and

beneath. Beside her was a matching black one,

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

light.

you think of buying all

I realize there

it feels

the small items,

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t say

to get some

morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

was still scattered,

were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these parcels, they’re

addressed to you.”

perked up at the sight, “Put them on the

she resumed her

office transformed. His desk now

holder, several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his, albeit with a

with a cushion on

flowers had even appeared on the

wisdom of leaving her alone

she’d done nothing out

“What’s for lunch

much work did you

hesitantly added

a few keys on the computer, bringing

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

she stated,

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked

today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk,

I’ll take

office for a meal was music to

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

summoning staff for reports

over several days, and even if

company affairs, she

settled, it was time for

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged to hold

day, at the same hotel, for

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

the south, the other north, distinctly

Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the

knee. She wore a pair of silver

elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the most

her birth, Cicely

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome,

for onlookers to look away.

had brought her to the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

expected pleasantries, to clink

before whisking her away to the

orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the

the Ellis Corporation gala, they were

well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving blessings and drinks

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot of

“And

to

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

want to

replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely understood

keep a low profile there, and

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

of many.

cozy up to Seth was

patient man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists,

C&P event was deliberate, with

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

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

commotion over at

his demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist, “What’s

be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

he was out of

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the

nearly finished bottle of

sneer,

his feet and

emphasizing each syllable

venom. “You’re impressive,

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone

family never provoked you; we were

coveted what the we had,

anticipated such drama on the eve of their

in the air, the

Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s family

Ray had once made an indecent

fiancée, this had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

it had been a premeditated strike.

to confirm the

in your family business,

leave this place

when Ray’s family had

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

was bitter, “Rest assured, I

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

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

so tell me, wouldn’t it

Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you

you think

away the last shred of Ray’s

the drunken stupor in his

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

onto the

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across

pierced

skip a beat. Instinctively,

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

the jagged remains of the bottle

and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s

circle to

Seth, her body

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and

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

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

intervene, felt a surge of rage

blood on his

and his face, usually cool and

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly, her

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

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

thinking straight. Have you had too much to

you think provoking him will do

you?!”

pain, and though her

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to

in her eyes made it clear

anger,

gripped his heart as

finally resting on a clear cut on her right

“Where else are you

lip, and

and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk

seemed to crumble

indignation, fear—all converged and broke

face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

it in her last

high heels and, with

his arms.

had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who

with a knee on his back, restraining his

had been right beside Seth and

him a moment’s

bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been

Ray, pinned down

Seth’s retreating figure

One

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and

but

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

were red and

and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

and returned to the room.

time being. Seth gave a brief nod to

concern for

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

a day of hardship in her

year,

not his fault. I was

and followed

her a glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

sniffled, “It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold

pain stop,

I’ll stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

until all his words were

lifetime, could he not

somewhat

when

him

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

process these swirling emotions,

the doctor, then stepped beside

red eyes and pursed lips, looking as pitiful

be, then she lifted her arms

hands passed under her knees,

a slight sense

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

the

had never mentioned leaving the

gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely

carry her, never leaving her side.

Seth was impeccable in

actions were bittersweet

the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

the doctor’s

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely

beside her, who seemed to make

feel as tense as

residence, any sitting with Creighton that

turned

in her room, insisted Seth take her

he went, even if it was just to

most

the mechanical

family.

had postponed the deal which should have been

year to after

if Diaz International

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

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

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

being able

before the

had been injured

at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

a lavish

table, she brought up the topic of

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

as Patty’s mood didn’t

were legally married, spending New

was the most appropriate and

a moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a

when she was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

to spend a few days, the New Year,

for festive gatherings, would

*

Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

too heartless. After negotiating with the

bring her

However, the image of two old

feels sad

liven things up,

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

feel that it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and though

being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

feast knowing Miss Danielle would

the hospital. And Cicely, arriving

encountered Danielle, who should

face

chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw

paused for a moment, but

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

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

The way she said that made

Seth asked, ignoring

was

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly,

couldn’t leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her

to let her emotions

applied for her

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You

on Danielle. “Patty is

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

was barely able to contain her fury. “The

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

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

in taking care of her every single

into a sneer. “By that logic, any

accident and play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners even more

turned pale with anger, and she

“This is the Ellis

figure that you have

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t take

it you who’s making

“You…”

voice cut through the

light and smiling,

quietly

not

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