The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

you know. Getting angry is bad for your

and I will be

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh.

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

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at

faint smile. “How shameless are you

even if you wish for a life of disability, the

Seth. Even blood

you are in Seth’s

live? How patient

day in and day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could ever

someone disabled?”

trembled violently as she glared

to her most

for a second that you’re off the hook

You were so

dig you up from your grave

if you get better soon, you might be able to slap

blame me for

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before

Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

you, I wouldn’t starve myself just

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

annoying.”

it froze in place. To eat or not to

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

standing by. “Keep an

eats

“Understood.”

took a

her again, turning towards the door to leave. But

take two steps, the door

the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred

returned from the restroom,

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows

door. She reached out

Ray, feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

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

took advantage of me that night

that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

he say negate

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr. Ray’s

it. Let’s put

straight. It was your drunken folly that night

else’s doing. Ms.

dependent. Let’s not make

to the exchange, could

to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

course, I know Danielle is the

nodded with a smile, “Then

I’ll take my

they left the hospital room. “Ray

can’t hold him accountable. He’s

yesterday, but I didn’t

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles

again brought back the chaos

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

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

Danielle. It’s clear

orchestrated by his family for

frowned at

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

*

the hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

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

the mood to give Ray any more

clumsily, she shoveled food into her

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

from her plate. “Is it really

and your family is on its last

least a chance for

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his

the downfall of my family

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act.

dad said the moment

started his agency, he had his sights set on bringing

by a guy who

make everyone relax their guard

fatal blow. He played innocent but

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

shown up,

receiving

had pondered this question

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

with

a rough road ahead. I

to ask you

didn’t look up, her voice restrained

of that car for

or was it just a ploy to

paused mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does

a motive, my only

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

didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate.

severe, would you

silence, Danielle set her fork down and

are you

his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

quietly. “I didn’t expect you to

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

or not, that’s the answer

you don’t have to play the villain in front of me to push me away.

stop caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve

I would, but since I can’t, I need

never seen Ray this composed yet

the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of

no telling what kind of madness he might

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly

on her purse slackened for a moment then

with a familiar, faint smile on her face. “You’re

“You hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came to check

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

bullying a cripple, so don’t

after Cicely arrived at the

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

to check on Miss

lately. She thought it might give you

gaze faltered

the scarf around her neck,

the corners of her

are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you think

could hurt me when

she recovers, the

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of her down

why I braved the disgust and

No overt anger,

the more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull her closer, remembering

he’d learned just a week

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I

join me. And as it happens, I

a meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s

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

After a brief pause, he looked up

leave room for an answer, as if the question

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

the car and pondered for a moment,

Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

at the sprawling manor, feeling

The dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

her brows, and the

out of the car and walked towards the villa. The

servants occasionally moving about in

to be

over at the sound of her arrival, a look

you give us a

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

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

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some

up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

a couple of side

as she turned and headed

to

the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants,

you prepared for

frightened to reply,

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals

asked for these dishes. Even if we

them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

sir says there’s no

well enough not to doubt his words,

table was always a

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

chest, his head

Cicely, and her eyes began to

but one master. That grand dining table now

humble corner

over heels in

her father alone

herself deeply in

covering him with

out of the study.

his nap and

with the servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable

rascal, why didn’t you

secrets to

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

many

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how

for

He

to me.”

talk

for the rest

chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while

occasionally chiming in

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

and bustling, and

Ellis family seemed to have returned to how

be.

Creighton

to make

“Are you two

us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario

home. After all, she couldn’t

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she

up at the Ellis estate’s

Seth with his coat. “Why

message imply for me

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

know.”

reason for a

as an invitation for us to stay here

had pulled her

the living

seeing the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

these past few days, have

“Not yet.”

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

The dishes were all tailored

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

the inexplicable stares of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

deep breath, “Just came out to grab

over to the coffee table, bending down to

to the

Enter title…

return to dine with him, and only when

down across from him did he glance up at her.

estate isn’t

water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

here for

brow as he

down his

explain myself clearly

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

said

time over the same

with a napkin, “So you’re telling me

here just on a

I have some. I’m on holiday,

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

then I saw my dad and changed my mind.

time for me, but he could use some

I’m not fighting

her lips curled in an

part, coupled with her subtle expression,

on the question she had left lingering

noon.

believe it? If not,

twitched in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

a sip from his water glass.

easy acquiescence, but the feeling

even if he disagreed today,

understand why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

to her what their conversation

matters.

shopping app for little home decor

notebooks with pens.

but she liked doodling

opened it to find

inside. “Ms.

sending

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit

just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

be on my way

up, turned around, and noticed

seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

a glass of

upstairs.

to talk about for so long without

had refilled

found some clothes and went to the bathroom where the bath had

had been a while since she’d indulged in a good

water temperature, she slid into the tub and let out

view of the

lights. It

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her

years, glimpsing at them had become a

bathtub, staring

the edge of the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she

reached to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was

up to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

to be the first

she was startled, but it was by the man who had appeared

of the room had dissipated

feel cold.

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

he stood next to her and began to undress in

“What

without missing a beat,

else does one do in a bathroom?

grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover

Before she could leave, she was

and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

his arms, her

than usual. He smirked,

low and enticing. “Share

embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

he preferred her current

demeanor.

began to run his fingers through her

hair

“No.”

the

her consent before turning on the

Cicely, but Seth’s hand

lacked principles, but that

before

inch, as the

away

in front of

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with

to rinse it clean with

closed, Cicely

there were more than a couple

fallen for this

to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

a quick shower

with a cool expression, Cicely

planning to stay

there any reason I

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

insist on staying here. I

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

as he drew closer to

to spending

better.”

can’t sleep

should I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

and he reached out

warm water from the shower

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

and cryptic response, which left her

insistent pressing against her and

the showerhead aside, his

forehead against hers. “We should get out and dry your

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry

going out

Seth’s lips closed over

and he moved with a familiarity that made it all too

scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

pain. “This is the

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

keep it down in a

wrapped around his waist,

vision blurred until she was on the

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

She turned away from him, her soft

of the bed, facing her. As she sensed his

thought to turn away, his long

resist, knowing he’d only persist if she

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy marks

new ones added

gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any

to it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks,

all too pleased.

up and slipping into

listless, she found Creighton and

returned from their morning exercise and were already two

Creighton shook his head

should fix that habit

by the servant, sipped half of it, and

the best part of

for your health, and too much sleep

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are you still

you

Cicely speechless

Why would I leave with

timing with your holiday. You could learn

the company instead of ending up clueless. What? Didn’t

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No,

he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing

he really didn’t

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped

your grandfather to see

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on the

a blend of

have lunch by

they were already

Danielle’s name had come up several times

the hospital

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

were set to visit the hospital

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the

Danielle would have a problem with

for dinner. His

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

before going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

into bed to play

like Seth had finished his work.

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

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

Wait for

lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been days on end. What

you up to?”

teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

“Then what am

plenty of things we have yet to

Cicely pushed him gently,

away by her, Seth’s body pressed down,

with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

I wouldn’t dream

Mrs. Diaz,” he

“Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as

face just inches from hers. A

a penalty for self-justification, then what

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

ahead. Punish me any way you

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

the heart to give me a severe punishment,

her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt

gently caressing her smooth chin, “You like me

moved from his face to his

have you ever heard, love and

one loves someone at the start, the more they

warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s

eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

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

to the nerve, his dark

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

was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

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

turned to leave and then paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

to find out what his method of waking her might

emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up in

at him, then refocused on

game.

snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something

join me at the office tomorrow

and tapped on

know anything about business,

do there?”

little, you wouldn’t need to tag

thing in

have

you think your dad

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future, your only sure

manage the Ellis family

of a weak moment and start eating away at you,

Ellis family, you won’t even know

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your own hands, is

quietly, “What makes you insecure?

leave you? Or maybe you want to leave me one

her, his gazes

further. “It sounds like

who leaves a trail

But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

expression didn’t improve, and

in their depths replaced by a shallow

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

why I harbor such

back, “I’ve downloaded some

sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

the document app

text. “What

her, then got out of bed, lifting the

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

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and walk out.

it wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking worse

had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

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

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for

face and

in a rush

it aside, he watched the woman

cold as he pulled her into

man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

morning, he woke Cicely

coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely

grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

hard a couple

mind?!”

as he swung his legs out of

shine, off to the

am not going.” Cicely yanked the

Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me

off with a huff, sat up, and

but what strength could she muster just

pillow

the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m not going to the

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it

I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry

me to wake you up for the second time, then

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned

into a sly

aside and

onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

brush, and Seth,

reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

task, she started brushing. It was

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

the slight smile

to the Ellis Corporation

document from last

to know anything.

So what am I supposed to do

smiled and

office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

a new desk and chair in

immediate deployment.

on the computer;

turned her face away,

excuse,

no matter what excuse

it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over

you

to a

“You’re leaving me here

in the office

on the reading;

to retort but held

her before leaving the

been darting around, a clear

possibly stir up

did take the documents seriously for

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

and her phone was

left the office, returning

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a black leather notebook she

her phone and then,

desk and

Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

did you get through?” he

challenging since it’s new to me,

a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

fact that

desk, noticing the

her doodles—a passable cartoon

a confident, flamboyant

slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for

hungry,” she declared as

the bridge of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

she grudgingly clutched the files and

arm pulled her into an embrace.

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back

waist, his

one taking

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of

Now, you can’t even

attitude. If that’s

is?”

“Respectful?

you, and it’s

reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

harboring

that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

leaned back in

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking

hungry.” His mood

with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?”

food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

it. Nobody said you

huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be sleeping

tonight.”

her with an

and picked up the elegantly

have to

wait until

was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you who’s been in

you want to keep butting heads

her silverware tightened before relaxing.

to

with me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

and had stayed in

off, but under

him summoning various department

progress reviews,

the well-known heiress of the Ellis

father, she couldn’t afford to be

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

department leaders’ trembling,

made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should

I’ve already

and moved to the door

descended the stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t

it, Cicely knew she had

come.

not, best to steer

that Patty wasn’t her

naturally, Cicely

by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

them some tea

Enter title…

take a call and returned

He took a sip of warm

silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told if

But with him always

he hadn’t even mentioned

a strand of her hair,

overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new

off the old

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

Instead of bidding and choosing

deal over to Diaz International? Given the

family, why

cold. “The big fish like

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz

deal with the Ellis

Diaz

Seth, so many would kill for that kind of opportunity.

not up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see the

it just

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can

more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

with the Ellis family, are you suggesting

to make things easier

wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s

what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If

for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile. “Is there a

her brows. “Too scared to take

What’s the point of running Diaz International?

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

Hmm, that’s actually a pretty solid

it,

his eyes

her chin in her

we actually go through with

you in the Ellis family?

to me personally, and I’ll cut

How

all this rigmarole for? Why the sudden

in Diaz International?”

me, if

mother, it’s

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

me an edge over

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable

bit of Diaz International. So what if I

leaned back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

to let it

clearly displeased

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

the Ellis family

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

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

mug, then switched on her charm as she stood

her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a

ain’t too shabby, right?

No need to keep things so

is the future. You bite off only

don’t even think about laying a finger on

International.”

her eyes carrying a

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

already stood up,

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

if forcefully suppressing

had dinner at the

be the real way to make her happy.

was out of

the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you off to

“Same as today.”

in the

there, I’ll

arm against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

“No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

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

like to open them now, I can bring

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

mat and started to slice

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups,

not only unpacked them but also

instruction manuals was many times more

when she read documents.

to find Cicely amidst an

“Go freshen up;

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

heft, and engraved on it was a

with her name beneath. Beside her was a matching

The rest of the items were pairs, hers in

light.

you think of

time did I realize there

and it

spoke while still engrossed in the small items, her

the most natural thing in the world.

her to

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

was still scattered, but after

much the same as

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the office, and

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely,

addressed to you.”

up at the sight, “Put them on

resumed her task with the

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now

frame, a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad,

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion on the

fresh bouquet of flowers had even appeared on

to question the wisdom of leaving

acting as though she’d done nothing out of

for

much work

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

few keys on the computer, bringing up a

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware of its contents,

“I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching

closed the video.

of text. Seth

today, spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

a reward, I’ll take you out

the office for a meal

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the

summoning staff for

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

company affairs, she couldn’t help but be

settled, it was time for the

a hectic affair.

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

on the same day, at the same

towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis

on the south, the other

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

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress with

a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

she still stood out as the most eyecatching in

the moment of her birth, Cicely

were simple in

The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight

to look away. Cicely had everything people

brought her to the Diaz International gala

the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

away to the

orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

and father present, the spotlight was on

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

of toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride

their guests, receiving blessings and

Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care of it,” Seth

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased

a lot of

her coolly, “And plenty of

to

your

have considered it.”

want to

day I’ll bring them all to

personal viewing.”

the C&P gala. Cicely

profile there, and even more so

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

was the envy of many. Naturally, the number

up to

man, unwilling to waste time on those trying

ingratiate themselves with him.

magnet for journalists, both overt and

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

away. However, not long after,

Diaz, Ray got drunk

over at

his demeanor darkened. As he stood

his wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

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

gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of the

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His

greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for

feet and

syllable with a bitterness that seemed

venom.

laughed coldly, flashing

seen just

I can’t blame anyone for

My family never provoked you;

the we had, you seized my family’s

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on

the air, the implications clear

were whispers about Seth’s tactics, about

on a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass

fiancée, this had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike.

to

in your

place

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

after waking from a hospital

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I

International event. I can’t

and I can’t tarnish it. Just

so

Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

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

think you can destroy

to strip away the last shred of Ray’s

the drunken stupor in

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

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

pierced through the festive

causing Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

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

and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

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

circle to avoid the

Seth, her

onto Seth’s hand, and the

to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

reverberated throughout

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge

blood on

out, and his face, usually

sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped his clothes

“Seth,” she managed to say,

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on

slapped him.

straight. Have you had too much to drink,

him will do you

you?!”

though her voice carried

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction to her pain. But

made it clear

fear, anger, or

pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

resting on a clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her

“Where else

bit her lip, and tears fell

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice, “Talk to

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

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

in her last desperate lunge to save

her high heels and, with

his arms.

to the ground by Charlie,

a knee on his back, restraining

had been right beside Seth and was quick to react

had caused him a moment’s hesitation.

had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

Seth carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by

only shout at Seth’s retreating figure

One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

didn’t falter in

*

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

frenzy.

and a two-centimeter laceration on her

shallow, but not

she had already been treated,

red

Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

a phone call and

time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds were wrapped

their concern

concern, which he

hardship in her life, and just a few days

year, this happens! Seth,

Cicely suddenly interjected, “it’s not his fault. I was the one

and followed

I not allowed

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

the pain stop, then

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

until all his words were stuffed back down his

he not

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took

process these swirling

to the doctor, then stepped beside

with red eyes and pursed

be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around

hands passed under her knees, lifting

sense of peace to the two old

watching.

and Seth back

needed care, and returning to the Ellis

she had never mentioned

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to move,

her, never leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

was impeccable

actions

carried Cicely from the bathroom to

waiting.

the doctor’s

and Cicely would

man beside her, who seemed to make

as tense as a

any sitting with Creighton that

turned

left alone and bored in her room, insisted

just to

most of

the mechanical manufacturing

family.

the deal which should have

to

International was interested in taking

same as it had been initially with her.

Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

company affairs, she

voice and being able to look up

just before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting

at this time.

than on previous

a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

table, she brought up the topic of the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the

mood didn’t

they were legally married, spending

the most appropriate and normal thing to

paused for a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

at home, the vastness of the

as she had returned to spend a

gatherings, would

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

pick

that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

After negotiating with the

to bring her

image of two old people

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

things up, serving as company for

of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

feast knowing Miss Danielle would

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving

Danielle, who should have been picked

face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

her expression paused for

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

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

The way she said that made it sound like

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring

the couch. His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

a surge of anger rising in her

best not to let

for her discharge. If anyone was

family. You stay here for

is being polite, but don’t you

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her fury. “The guest

Danielle got herself

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

care of her

sneer. “By that

just stage an accident and play

the Ellis family’s

with anger, and she whirled to glare at Seth,

pointed at Cicely. “This is the Ellis

figure that you have

her?”

don’t take your

who’s

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through the

been light and smiling, settled on a glass on

she quietly awaited

here to celebrate, not to start a

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