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.

all worked up, you know. Getting angry is

life, Seth and I

Enter title…

at her coldly and then

am disabled for life, you’ll never be able

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle, who

faint smile. “How

you wish for a life

Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

think you are

How patient do you think he’ll be, to

out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

she glared

to her most

you’re off

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

from your grave and

if you get better soon, you

don’t blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

but Cicely’s icy, detached

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

and over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

began to lift, it froze in

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her. Let

eats or

“Understood.”

took a

again, turning towards the door to leave.

the

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered

of Cicely brought a surge of

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows

the door. She reached

Ray, feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you

took advantage of

settle that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

“Does what he say negate

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

and dependent. Let’s not make her situation any

to the exchange, could

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

know Danielle is the

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must

I’ll take my

left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t

we can’t hold him accountable.

yesterday, but I didn’t

the bag in her hands

back the chaos of that

vivid and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr.

skeptical. A rich playboy,

true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on

clear she means a lot to

by

at

he’d nearly get her killed?

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

sorry, I had

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray

clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

not looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

jugular? Nothing’s happening to 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.”

tight his

the downfall

you not to be fooled by his act. His

dad

agency, he had his sights set on bringing

agency, run by a guy who

to make everyone

a fatal blow. He played innocent but

wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

shown up, who do you think would

receiving end of my

face drained of color. She had pondered this question before,

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe

before. I’ve checked with

a rough road ahead. I came here today

to ask

still didn’t look up, her voice

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

life to save him, or was it

turned to look at Ray.

my only desire was to win him

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

I didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If you knew

severe, would you

set her fork down and looked up

answer are

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me

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

“Whether true or not, that’s the answer I needed to

in front of me to

for you, it’s like denying

I can’t, I need to find

seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively

slightly. She was afraid of

telling what kind of madness he might

to.

*

elevator

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She

familiar, faint smile

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

had another episode. Came to check on

After a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a cripple,

here not long after Cicely arrived at the

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

here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

it

faltered for

scarf around her neck, presenting only

the corners of her eyes and

are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile. “I have

could hurt me when I’m

sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

braved the disgust and

overt anger,

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

learned just a

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his

time to join me. And as

meal with you

blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

you ever trusted me?” The question floated into

After a brief pause, he looked

an answer, as if the question itself

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates

the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

and the already somewhat

a bit. She got out of the car

servants occasionally moving about in silence.

be

her

give us a

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

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

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some buckwheat

ascent up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

and headed straight

face, she ordered the servants to bring out what

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted

you prepared for

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads

“Sir has been preferring

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite

sir says there’s no need to cook so

doubt his words, but in

family’s dining table was always a feast of

Creighton slumped in a chair by

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

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began to

one master. That

humble corner

over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

her father alone in

blamed herself deeply

covering him

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs to

the servants, his face lit up with an

why didn’t you tell

got secrets to hide before I

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

so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

the home-cooked meals. Dad, how about

for dinner

He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk to

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

teaching her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed

occasionally chiming in with unsolicited

is golden; don’t meddle

bustling, and even the

family seemed to have returned to how

be.

Creighton

too busy to make it

“Are you two

“Just hope for us to be

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway scenario

she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

Seth showed up at the Ellis

and moved to assist Seth with

imply

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

know.”

no reason for a married couple to

message as an invitation for us to stay here

had pulled her into his embrace

living room. “Good

couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

hard these past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes.

all tailored to his

him for dinner, but

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two

deep breath, “Just came out to grab my

over to the coffee

back to the

Enter title…

anticipated her return to dine with him, and

did he glance up at her.

family estate isn’t as

her water bottle, her

staying here for the near

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down

explain myself clearly

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

her water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

time over the same person

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

just

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

In fact, on my way back today,

my

but he could use some

I’m not fighting

her lips curled

coupled with her subtle expression,

placed on the question she

noon.

believe it? If not, she

want to stay, stay. It’s

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As you

his easy

he disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather

their conversation would be

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor items

and notebooks with pens. Not that she

but she liked doodling

was knocked, the servant opened it to find

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold weather,

middle of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

errand. Mr. Seth asked

I’ll be on my

around,

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell and

glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so long without

had

and went to the bathroom where the bath

a while since

slid into the tub

view of the garden and

It seemed they

especially for her return.

she had asked

them had become a habit during her

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place

pressed down against the edge of the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

water, soothing her

eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

her eyes, her

away, and she looked up to see the

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by the man who

the room had

feel cold.

did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

and began to undress in a

“What

a beat, dropping his clothes

one do in a bathroom?

beside the tub to cover herself,

out. Before she could leave, she

chest and glared up

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting

with a voice that was low and enticing.

deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able to

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

her current bold,

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his fingers through

your hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted

her consent before turning on the shower.

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered

that this man had

before it

inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front of her,

modesty she could.

hair

her close into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

After all, there

fallen for this

to her hair, he nudged her

a

him with a cool expression,

Are you planning to stay

any

quite a trek from

insist on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

he drew

is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep by

gaze drifted leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

he reached out to pull her

from the

water from flowing into them,

and

something insistent pressing against

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead

his forehead against hers. “We should

go.

we’re not going out

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His

a familiarity that made it all too

she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder

pain. “This

convenient, but you seemed not to mind.

it down in a

was wrapped around his waist, and as the

she was on

turning off the hairdryer and slipping

away from him, her soft hair spreading

side of the bed, facing her. As

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

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

exhausted to

*

The next day.

already gone.

faded, with new ones added from last

and protective—or so

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

all too pleased.

into her loose

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton

from their morning exercise and were already

his head with a mix of

fix that habit of

took the milk offered by the servant, sipped

the best part of a

breakfast is bad for your health, and too

either. Breakfast is the most important

didn’t you

left Cicely speechless for

Why

timing with your holiday. You could

of ending up

showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t

she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

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

a blend of elegance

lunch by

had just returned, and they were already leaving her to eat

name had come up

her alone in the hospital while the

incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

they were set to visit the hospital

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

Danielle would have a problem

time for dinner. His

while

up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

went to the bathroom, and

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

bed to play with her

seemed like Seth had finished

brushed her forehead with

the lips. “I’m

for me,

horny can you be? It’s been

you up to?”

a hint of teasing,

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

of things

Cicely pushed him gently,

by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

for air. She lifted

whimper.

on her, just barely.

to

words caught Seth off guard with their

“Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t

now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

“Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened

handsome face just inches from hers.

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

expression, yet a chill seemed to

me any way you see

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

the heart to give me a severe punishment,

and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle stir in his heart,

gently caressing her smooth chin,

was candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from

heard, love and hate are two

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

into Seth’s warm and

with flirtation, “Don’t worry, though. Even if

it will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a

cracked a faint smile. He let go

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

early, so be good

to leave and then paused, “If

you up my way.”

find out what his

the shower, Cicely was propped up in

glanced at him,

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the

something you

join me at the office tomorrow

talking, he swiped and

know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag along

thing in the

have

Do you think your dad asking you

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one day,

weak moment and start eating away at

family, you won’t even know where to cry. Don’t

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s there to argue

in your own

“What makes you insecure? You think one

maybe you want

her,

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

a trail of

beyond these two reasons, is

improve, and

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by

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

why I harbor such uncomfortable

“I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

document app

blur of text. “What will you

got out of bed, lifting

Naturally, I can’t stay by your side

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her

it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse

the lights had dimmed,

Seeing the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from her hand and glanced at the

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving. He then

sleeping face

in a rush

tossing it aside, he watched the woman

as he pulled her into his

used to the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all

her one sentence, she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with a kiss that

than a cup of strong coffee. Even

grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out

shine, off

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this the

the comforter off

could

a pillow at

and the pillow

this, I’m not

down, picked up the pillow, and

by the time I’m out, I’ll just

If you don’t want me to wake you

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners of

a sly

she threw the covers aside and stomped

busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

approached, took her brush, and Seth, as

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

task, she started brushing.

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of

they headed to the Ellis Corporation

from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do at

smiled and didn’t

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

had prepared a new desk and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

the computer; you

turned her face

excuse,

She felt like no matter what excuse she came

she

pile of folders.

and we can go over it

will you be

to a C&P

leaving

wolves in

focus on the reading; I’ll be back

retort but held back. “Just

her before leaving

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

she possibly stir up in the

left, Cicely did take the documents

pen, but within

and her phone

later, she left the office, returning

the drawers,

doodled on a black leather

played with her phone and

desk and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat

student.

did you

a bit challenging since it’s new to me,

whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

fact that I’m

the black notebook she had taken

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

written in a confident, flamboyant

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away.

she declared as if it

sank into

Come over here.”

prepared? No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

his long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

Cicely said, leaning back

waist, his voice deep and

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

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

Now, you can’t even

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

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

you, and it’s intentional,

admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no

like harboring intentions

current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to your

back

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

Charlie from a

no

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic

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

was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset,

a big deal’.

by

toward a table laden with food, while he

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it.

“Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

up at her with

settled onto the couch and picked up

to sleep together every night.

wait until you’re

was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

it you who’s

want to keep butting heads with

her silverware

to

and

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed

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

him summoning various department heads for

reviews,

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

father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as slacking

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found

department leaders’ trembling, overly

word. She hadn’t made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

Mom’s

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

I’ve

and moved to the

yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about

it, Cicely knew she had to play it

just deal with things as they come. If Patty was

to steer clear. It

wasn’t her biggest

and naturally,

cozied up

around Seth’s.

offered them some

Enter title…

to take a call and

a sip of warm water

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if she didn’t

him always

hadn’t even

strand of her hair, her palm

nonchalantly, “I overheard

this new mechanical equipment

to knock the socks off the old models.

family has the know-how and the development rights.

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

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the

Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

big fish like the Harper family, and the

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

family picks Diaz International, the rest

many would kill

up for it, or do you just

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

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the

all more fitting partners than Diaz

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

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for

surprised by his stance.

bottom line is what counts. Why

you, I’ll bang

mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Is

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

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might as well let

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

that’s actually a

thought about it,

his eyes but

her chin in her hands and

actually go through with that? Assess the

for you in the Ellis family? Or, you

to me personally, and I’ll cut you in on

shares. How about

all this rigmarole for? Why

in Diaz International?”

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

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

been thinking that I don’t

an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as

the last bit of Diaz International. So what

sofa, with a carefree

to let

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased with

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

International under the Ellis family banner the best

ever do to tick

tone that belonged to

then switched on her charm

standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such

family ain’t too shabby, right?

soon. No need to keep things

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

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

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes

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

since Seth had already stood up, his

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

might be the real way

the night was out

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

alone in

I’ll disturb

her arm against the car

her slender finger.

few seconds before

a half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

today; they’ve been

to open them now, I can bring them

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

started to slice

knife.

of them were small items – mugs, thermos cups,

them but also studied

manuals was many times more focused

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely

freshen up; we’re

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

had a notable heft, and engraved

her was a matching black one,

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

light.

you think

coming back this time did I realize

and it feels

engrossed in the small

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

her to

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

and setting the staff to

was still scattered, but after

they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the

knock on the door.

with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

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

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her task with

office transformed.

new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

with a cushion

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee

wisdom of leaving

done nothing

“What’s for lunch

work did

fingers, then hesitantly added

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of the

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

she stated, approaching

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of

progress today, spent the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

objects on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

I’ll take you out

of escaping the office for a meal was

*

stayed at the Ellis

for reports

over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

affairs, she couldn’t help but

it was time

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

on the same day, at the

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

on the south, the

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with

pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

dressed as others, she still stood out as the most

Cicely

Her clothes were simple in design,

The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

away. Cicely had everything people longed

the Diaz International gala to make the rounds, to

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

before whisking her away to the

gala was orchestrated

present, the spotlight

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

of toasts and well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

Cicely teased with a

are a lot of celebrity

coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

curious to take

a snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions

have considered it.”

just want to admire the pretty

I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

profile there, and even more

its grand slam start and the

grip, was the envy of many. Naturally, the number of

to Seth was

a patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt and

the C&P event was deliberate, with

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

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

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As

his wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

International’s gala, Ray was slouched

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor.

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for

feet

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

venom. “You’re impressive, truly

flashing

just how ruthless

writes history, that I

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

the we had, you

on

in the air,

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

because Ray had once made an

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

against Ray .

it had been a premeditated

seemed to confirm

a shareholder in your family business, my

leave this place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my place.

Diaz International event. I can’t

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

destroyed my company, so tell

you and ruined Diaz International, let you

today?”

icy detachment,

makes you think you can

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

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

and he looked as if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

the table next to Seth

shards scattering

pierced through the

Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively,

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match

jagged remains of the bottle at

she let out a breathless

forward, pulling Seth’s

a circle to avoid

to Seth, her body shielding

fell onto Seth’s hand,

to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on his

and his face,

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

anger, she gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to

tall.

gaze softened as it landed

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

not thinking straight. Have

will do you

you?!”

her voice carried

clear tremble.

stem from the

made it clear to him—she was

anger,

heart as he surveyed her injuries,

clear cut on her right arm. He grasped

dark. “Where else are

her lip, and tears fell from her

and restlessness swirled within Seth. He growled

voice, “Talk to

last ounce of self-control seemed to crumble

fear—all converged and

my ankle hurts,” she

it in her last desperate lunge

high heels and, with a

his arms.

tackled to the ground

with a knee on his back, restraining his

Seth and was

him a moment’s

broken bottle had swung past

swiftly, Cicely had been cut

Ray, pinned down by Charlie

Seth’s

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but not

been treated,

were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

phone call and

station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds

their concern for

concern, which he

hardship

year, this happens! Seth,

not his fault. I was the

listen and followed

a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

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

the pain stop, then

cutting himself

his words were stuffed back

he not see through

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

him

Totally unexpected.

took on a new

these

intently to the doctor, then stepped

saw Cicely with red eyes and

be, then she lifted her arms

passed under her knees, lifting her from the

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace

watching.

and Seth back to the Ellis

care, and returning to the Ellis residence

had never mentioned leaving

Seth

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from the

was impeccable in

complaint-free actions were bittersweet

to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

process, despite the doctor’s

shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

silence from the man beside

feel as tense as

sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to business

alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take

was just to the living

most of their

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

postponed the deal which

to

asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking the

response was the same as it had been

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell on

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort in

voice and being able to look up and

residence just before the

had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

to put on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner

the topic of the

Cicely back to the Diaz

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

they were legally married, spending New Year’s at

the most appropriate and normal

glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep

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

as she had returned to spend a few days, the New

for festive gatherings, would leave

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

to pick up Danielle from the

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

too heartless. After negotiating

to bring

the image of two old people

other, feels sad just thinking about

might liven things up, serving as

thought of Danielle’s haughty,

that it might

since yesterday,

being home for the New

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

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

who should have been

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw

room, her expression paused for a

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

crossed her face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth, you

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely was

Seth asked, ignoring

voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

in her chest, but she

best not to let her

applied for her discharge. If anyone

family. You stay here for the

is

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The guest

got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

we can never repay. What’s wrong

taking care of her

a sneer. “By that logic, any woman who fancies

stage an accident and play

Ellis family’s dinners even more

turned pale with anger, and

pointed at Cicely. “This is

a mother figure that you have

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction out on

it you who’s

“You…”

voice

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

quietly

not to start

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

Comments ()

0/255