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.

know. Getting

up bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out

disabled for life, you’ll never be able

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

wish

Even blood relatives

do you think you

How patient

out? Or rather, do you think Seth

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she

her

that you’re off the hook

You were so proud, weren’t you?

die, I will dig you up from

you get better soon, you

don’t blame me

eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang

wouldn’t starve myself just to

until you’re willing to eat, that’s if you

annoying.”

it froze in place. To

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

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

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

turning towards the door

could take two steps, the door swung open

her expression darkening as the man who

The sight of Cicely brought a surge

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she recalled

when he opened the door. She reached

feeling

clenched as he

mixed with rage.

don’t you think

took advantage of me that night when you were

come to settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she

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

get your facts straight. It was

anyone else’s doing.

dependent. Let’s not make

to the exchange,

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression

course, I know

a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll take

as they left the hospital

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

but I didn’t let him

clenched the bag in her hands until her

Ray again brought back the chaos

terrifying that even the mere thought of it made

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems Mr.

rich playboy, surrounded by a

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family

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

by his family

at

get her killed?

*

Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

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

to give Ray any more

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

not looking up from her plate.

him now, and your family is on its

chance for a comeback, but now, you guys

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles

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

I’ve told you not to be fooled

My dad said the moment he entered

agency, he had his sights

by a guy who hasn’t graduated

relied on these things to make everyone relax

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played

I wasn’t simply

you, and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do you think

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.

“I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is

checked with the doctors about

ahead. I came here

to ask

her

stepped in front of that car for him,

or was it just a

turned to

Even with a motive, my only desire

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

be so obstinate. If you knew the

would you

fork down and

are you hoping

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me off

off. If I had died, what would be the

or not, that’s the answer I

have to play the villain in front of me

it’s like denying everything I’ve ever

would, but since I can’t, I need to

seen Ray this composed

was

there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

for

with a familiar, faint smile on her

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you

Came to check on

After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I

bullying a cripple,

after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

Seth was worried about. “Mr.

on your behalf to check on

it might give

faltered for a

neck, presenting only her profile to him,

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes

your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

a light smile. “I have Issac

when

sooner she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

tucked into

why I braved the disgust and

again, that demeanor. No overt anger,

it, the clearer Seth could sense her

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull

learned just a

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

the time to join me. And

a meal

such blunt rejection,

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

looked up to find the woman

answer, as if the question itself had

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for a moment,

Dad at

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family estate,

window at the sprawling

stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the

the car and walked towards the villa.

empty, with servants occasionally moving about

be

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

didn’t you give us

upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

made some buckwheat

turning

step, “And what else?”

“There were a

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight

to bring out what Creighton

brownish buckwheat wraps

salad of carrots

of ham and cheese.

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

you prepared for my

were too frightened to reply, their

said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

dishes. Even if we prepared

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

sir says there’s no

not to doubt his words,

table was always

Creighton slumped in a chair

chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

hit Cicely, and

but one master.

a humble corner for

early, head over heels in love, insisting on living

father alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

gently covering him

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to find

his face lit up with an unmistakable

didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to

at her. “You’re not fighting with

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

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

the home-cooked

for

He listens

to me.”

talk

the rest

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while

in with

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t meddle

was lively and bustling, and even the

The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

make it back. Creighton

“Are you two really

us

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

and she didn’t

Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s

frown and moved to assist Seth with

message imply for me to

hung his coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

there’s no reason for a

message as an invitation for us

she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

the living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

hard these past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up a

were all tailored

joining him for dinner, but as she

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two

took a deep breath, “Just came out

way over to the coffee table, bending down to

back to

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to

he glance up at her.

the Ellis family estate isn’t as

water bottle, her

for the near

crossed Seth’s brow

down

explain myself

very well. Now that you’ve explained it,

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with

wasting time over the same person or

his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

back here just on

insist on a reason, I have some. I’m on

In fact, on my way back today, I

then I saw my dad and

but he could use some company. Are these

prove I’m not fighting

lips curled

with her subtle expression, it

been placed on

noon.

he believe it? If

in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from his water glass.

his easy acquiescence, but the

he disagreed today, it

to understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and

conversation

matters.

shopping app for

and notebooks

she liked

was knocked, the servant opened it

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

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

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

matters. You can sit and wait for

have an errand. Mr.

be on my

up, turned around, and noticed

this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

a glass of milk.

upstairs.

talk about for so long without any

The servant had refilled their

clothes and went to

had been a while since she’d indulged

she slid into the tub and let out a sigh

window was a view of the garden and

It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had asked her

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit during

bathtub, staring at that place

down against the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted

felt a sudden chill.

coolness, and she instinctively

towel from her eyes, her hand

looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

to be the first

it was by

the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

tried to

and began to undress in a

frowned, “What

beat,

does one do in

towel beside the tub to cover

could leave, she was scooped up into his

the towel to her chest and glared up at him. “Seth!

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft

that was low and

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle

preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

for her consent before turning on

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close your

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man

before it even

an inch, as the towel she’d

away

awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

her hair

her close into his chest to rinse it clean

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

without merit. After all, there were more

for

conditioner to her hair, he

he took a quick

with a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning

there any

apartment, it’s quite a trek from

insist on staying here. I can’t exactly

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

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

to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep by

leisurely over her face and down

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her

the warm water from the shower cascading over her

her eyes closed to prevent water

on his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

pressing against her and came to

the showerhead aside, his

against hers. “We should get out and dry

“Let go.

going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

with a familiarity that made it all

out. She hit his

pain. “This is the

wasn’t convenient, but you seemed

keep it down

Cicely’s legs was wrapped around

blurred until she was

and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed her

She turned away from him, her soft hair

circled to the other side of the

away, his long

he’d

was too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on her

faded, with new ones added from last

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

tend to it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

into

groggy and listless, she found Creighton

their morning exercise and were already two chess

his head with a mix

should fix that habit

the servant, sipped half of

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part

for your health, and

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are

you

irritation left Cicely

office. Why would

timing with your holiday. You could learn a

ending up clueless.

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

why he didn’t

“You’re quite good at

really

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

your grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch, resting her

blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch by yourself

and they were already leaving her to eat

Danielle’s name had come up several times

alone in the hospital

inappropriate

visit the hospital the next

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

to Danielle would have a problem with

for dinner. His timing was

while Cicely sat with Creighton and

to her bedroom,

desk.

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

a quick shower, she

into bed to play

seemed like Seth had finished his work. He stood up, saw

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

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

for

can you be?

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what am I

plenty of things we have yet

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry

being pushed away by her, Seth’s body

penetrating with

gasping for air. She lifted

letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she managed to say between

guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

“Kiss you to death? I

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

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

just inches from hers. A gentle smile

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

held the same amused expression,

“Go ahead. Punish me

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So,

to give me a severe

ran her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You

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

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

start, the more they might hate them

warm and smiling eyes, but

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

comes, which I doubt it will.

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed

smile. He let

missing two buttons

unfastened the rest.

off tonight. It’s still early, so be good and

paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what

shower, Cicely was propped up in bed,

a video game. She glanced at him, then

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her

there something you need

join me at the office

talking, he swiped and tapped on her

know anything about business,

do there?”

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

in the

I have

girl? Do you think your dad

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

weak moment and start eating away

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

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s

in

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You

want to

her, his gazes were

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

leaves a trail

just saying. But beyond these two

improve, and he

shadow in their depths replaced by a

assume. In fact, instead

reflecting on why I harbor such

downloaded some files

before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

app

text. “What will you

her, then got out of bed, lifting the

and I need to reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out.

too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

looking worse

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He

face and

Creighton was in a rush to

phone and tossing it aside, he watched the

he pulled

arms and scent, shifted comfortably against

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep her up all

she fell silent again,

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with

of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely

grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are you out

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs

shine, off

am not going.” Cicely yanked

show your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this the hard

off with a

strength could

pillow

the

this, I’m not going

the pillow, and placed it back on the bed,

by the time I’m out, I’ll

me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

As Seth

into a sly

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

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

and Seth,

She glanced at their reflection.

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It was

as simple as toothpaste.

smile of

breakfast, they headed to

document from last night did

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed

smiled and

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

and

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can

turned her face

anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

felt like no matter what

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

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and

you be

to a

leaving me here

in

on the reading; I’ll be back

opened her mouth to retort

at her before leaving

darting around, a clear

possibly stir up in the

Seth left, Cicely did take the documents

her pen, but within half

her

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

through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

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

desk and the

Cicely

student.

did you get through?” he

challenging since it’s new to me,

morning and

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting here is a

the black notebook

found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

a

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

hungry,” she declared as

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

Come over here.”

prepared? No

files and

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

said, leaning back with

his grip tightened around her waist,

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d

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

half-hearted attitude. If

is?”

“Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

candid admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

harboring

current relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s for

it’s to your

back in

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

by Charlie from a local diner, indeed

no

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

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

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?” she asked, her brow

with food,

her way.

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

“Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

looked up at her with an icy

the couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

said we have to sleep together every

wait until

“How long

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in a

you want to

silverware tightened before

continued to

and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

stayed in

under

various department heads for updates

reports and progress reviews, the

heiress of the Ellis family, even

father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably

I’ve already told

to the door to put

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

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

as they come. If Patty

best to steer clear. It wasn’t

Patty wasn’t her biggest

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

by the door. She cozied

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea

Enter title…

and returned after a few minutes,

He took a sip of

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

told

with him always buzzing

he hadn’t even

of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

overheard General Manager from

talking about this new

knock the socks off the old

Ellis family has the know-how and the

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

to Diaz International? Given the

the Ellis family, why haven’t

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

eyeing the Ellis project.

deal with the Ellis family’s offer

Diaz International, the rest

kill for that kind of opportunity.

up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see

is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I

all more fitting partners than Diaz

work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting

Corporation to make

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance.

line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

you, I’ll

into a half-smile. “Is there

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big

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

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

Hmm, that’s actually a

thought about it, the more

narrowed his eyes

silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled

we actually go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

into shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you

and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How about

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

to me, if there’s anything on this green

besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as he

last bit of Diaz International. So what

back on the sofa, with a carefree

to let it

clearly displeased with her

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

the Ellis family

ever do to tick you off?” The voice came

a familiar tone that

glanced at her mug, then switched on her

was already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea after

shabby, right? Especially since we will

need to keep things so

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

heads-up, don’t even

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes

Patty wasn’t bringing

had already stood up, his expression far

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

the Diaz

dining with Patty might be the real way to make her

night was out of

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

alone in the office

I’ll disturb

the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before slowly

into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

shook her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully.

been temporarily stored in the

to open them now, I

said, “Well, bring them out,

many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged

a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

them were small items – mugs,

them but also studied

times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst an

freshen up; we’re up early

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

heft, and engraved on it was

her was a matching black

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

light.

you think of buying all

I realize there

it

the small items, her

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

urged her to get some

morning, seeing the white

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff

was still scattered, but

she realized they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

returned to an office transformed. His desk now sported

new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his,

with a cushion on the

even appeared on

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

acting as though she’d done nothing out of the ordinary, asked

“What’s for

work did you get

then hesitantly added a fourth, “Four

computer, bringing

every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of

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

closed the video.

screen full of

the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

a reward, I’ll take you

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at

staff for

and even if Cicely wasn’t

about company affairs, she couldn’t help

was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

same day, at the same hotel, for

The topfloor ballrooms

south, the other north, distinctly

below Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with the

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes,

stood

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

Her clothes were simple in design,

was distractingly handsome, a sight

look away.

Diaz International gala to make the rounds, to

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

before whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated

the spotlight

at the Ellis Corporation

well-wishes, almost like a bride

their guests, receiving blessings

mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of

in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot of celebrity beauties

her coolly, “And

even curious to

a snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

day I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the

profile there,

whole. C&P, after its grand slam start and the valuable

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

to Seth

unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering

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

over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps

a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

sneer,

his feet and approached

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

with venom. “You’re impressive,

laughed coldly, flashing a

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

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

you; we were just

the we had, you seized my

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of

air,

tactics,

had once

had incensed him

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to

a shareholder in your

leave this place

shares when Ray’s family had dispersed, except

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

I

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

what I have, and I can’t

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it be fitting

from you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

what makes you think you can

to strip away the last

in his eyes, which

and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering

the breaking glass pierced through

silk, causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

her high heels a clumsy match

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

and she let out a breathless shout.

pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

circle

clung to Seth, her body

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand,

arms seemed about to fall

moment.

gasp reverberated

intervene, felt a surge

on his

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

sword blade, seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

gripped his

“Seth,” she managed to say,

tall.

softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

slap, Cicely slapped him.

straight. Have

provoking him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her voice carried anger, it also held

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical

welling up in her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

fear, anger,

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her

else are you

lip, and tears fell

and restlessness swirled within

voice,

to crumble under

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my ankle

in her last

with

his arms.

to the ground by

on

and was

panicked cry had caused him a

had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with

arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

didn’t falter

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

too shallow, but

already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

had just ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie had

gave a brief nod to the Erik

concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which

girl has never known a day of hardship

year, this happens! Seth,

“it’s not his fault. I was

listen and

I

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt if you scold

the pain stop, then go

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

words were

he

somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

shield him with her

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

he could process these

to the doctor, then stepped beside

red eyes and

lifted her arms and wrapped them around

hands passed under her knees, lifting

sense of peace to the two old

watching.

Seth back to

care, and returning to the Ellis residence was the best

she had never mentioned leaving the

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

her, never leaving her side. Apart from the

Seth was impeccable in his

silent, complaint-free actions

from the bathroom to the bed

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution,

pressure and

the man beside her, who seemed to make the

as tense as a

the Ellis residence, any sitting with

turned

left alone and bored in her room,

it was just to the living room or the

most

the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

postponed the deal which should have been

year to

if Diaz International was interested

the same as it

didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs,

and being able to look up and

before the new

who had been injured protecting Seth,

on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

dinner table, she brought up the topic of the New Year’s Eve

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for the

mood

legally married, spending

the most appropriate

moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

home, the vastness of

to spend a few

for festive gatherings, would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

them to pick

Danielle alone in the hospital

Year was too heartless. After negotiating

bring

comment. However, the image of two old people

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

might liven things up, serving as company for the

the thought of

it might be better off without

since yesterday, and

not being home for

feast knowing

at the

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have

face immediately

chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

expression paused for a

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also

crossed her face, but

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely was

Seth asked, ignoring her question

onto the couch. His voice was as

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

her chest, but she fought

not to let her

dad who applied for her

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here

“Patty is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

barely able to contain her fury. “The guest I invite is the

Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting

care of her

curled into a sneer. “By that logic,

just stage an accident and play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s dinners even

with anger, and

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

for a mother figure that you have to bring home a

her?”

“Patty, don’t take

you who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut

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

quietly awaited

brought you here to celebrate, not to

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