The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

all worked up, you know. Getting

I will be driven to

Enter title…

her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh.

am disabled for life, you’ll never be able

off.”d2

she looked at Danielle, who

a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

even if you wish

Even blood relatives fed up after

important do you think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve got,

four decades to live? How patient do you

out? Or rather, do you think Seth

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely.

to her most vulnerable

second that you’re off

of running away. You were

you die, I will dig you up from your

soon,

me for bullying

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out

detached voice rang out

I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite

over until you’re willing to

annoying.”

as her arm began to lift, it froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

appetite.

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

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

look at her again, turning towards the door to

steps, the door swung open from

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught her

brought a surge of intense hatred

returned from the

front of Cicely.

her brows

he opened the door. She reached out and pushed

feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

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

of me that night when

that score yet, and here you

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

stammered, “Seth never

night?”

he

raped me?”

a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of

regret it. Let’s put

straight. It was your drunken

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

and dependent. Let’s not make her situation any

to the exchange,

expression flustered, “I’m

Of course, I know Danielle is the

with a smile, “Then I

cleared up, I’ll take

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

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

by yesterday, but I didn’t let

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

brought back the

terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one seemed

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on

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

orchestrated by

at

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

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

I had no idea it would

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more

fork clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

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

happening to him now, and your family is on its

a chance for a comeback,

blown it for good.”

so tight his

orchestrated the downfall of my

told you not to be fooled by

you can imagine. My dad said the moment

agency, he had his sights set on

agency, run by a guy

make everyone relax

fatal blow. He played

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

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

the receiving end of

drained of color. She had pondered this

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you

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

ahead. I came

to ask

up, her

in front of that car for him, was it

was it just a ploy to achieve some

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

a motive, my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s

to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

would you still

long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him.

answer are you hoping

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

stared at her quietly. “I didn’t expect

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

not, that’s the answer

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

like denying everything I’ve ever

but since I can’t, I need to find a

this

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

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

to.

*

stepped out of the elevator on the ground

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he saw

for a

with a familiar, faint smile

“You hate hospitals.

Came to check on

a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

a cripple,

appeared here not long after Cicely

grasped what Seth was worried

behalf to

lately. She thought it might give

gaze faltered

adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting

smile at the corners of her eyes and lips

volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

with a light smile.

me when I’m fully

she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets

braved the disgust and

demeanor. No overt anger,

she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer,

just a week

stepped aside, avoiding his

probably don’t have the time to join me.

sharing a meal with you

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

ever trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s

pause, he looked up to find

an answer,

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for

Dad at

“Alright.”

through the gates of the

window at the sprawling manor,

dark green pines stood tall

vitality.

brows, and

of the car

servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

the sound of her arrival, a

give us a heads

upstairs,

and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some buckwheat

up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple

and headed

the servants to bring

a plate of the brownish buckwheat

being a light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she lifted her

prepared for

were too frightened to

has been preferring

for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

them. Elderly folks’ meals

no need to cook so

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but

dining table was always a feast of

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in

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

hit Cicely, and her eyes

had but one master. That grand dining table

a humble corner

heels in

father alone in the

blamed herself deeply in her

wake Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to

his face lit up with

why didn’t you

secrets to hide before

her. “You’re not fighting with Seth

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

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

the

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

talk to

for the rest of

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while she placed bets

chiming in with

golden; don’t meddle in

lively and bustling, and even the

seemed to have returned to how it

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

busy to make it

“Are you two really

“Just hope for us

Creighton relented.

message.

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic

After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed

to assist Seth with

imply for me to

voice

know.”

for a married couple to

invitation for

he had pulled her into

the living room.

closeness, smiled,

hard these past few days,

“Not yet.”

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

all tailored to

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

stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t

“Just came

the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

back to the

Enter title…

return to dine with him, and only when

glance up at

estate isn’t as cozy as

water bottle, her expression

for the

brow as he

set down

not explain myself

that you’ve explained it,

water bottle for a sip, “I said

wasting time over the same person

a napkin, “So you’re

here just on a

I have some. I’m on

time. In fact, on my way back

on staying, but then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You

could

I’m not fighting

face was impassive, her lips

hearing the last part, coupled with

been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

took a sip from his water glass.

easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

even if he disagreed today,

came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

what their conversation would

matters.

shopping app for little home

and notebooks with pens. Not

but she liked doodling

the servant opened it to

inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

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

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait

an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some

on my way

turned around, and noticed a gray

seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

glass of milk. After

upstairs.

to talk about for so

The servant had refilled their water

and went to the

been a while since she’d indulged

slid into the

a view of the

ground lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked

the years, glimpsing at them

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

the edge of the tub, twisted a

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water,

again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively

to remove the towel from her eyes,

she looked up to see

side of the tub.

be the first

it was by

warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

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

her and began to undress in

“What are

continued without missing a beat,

one do

towel beside the tub to

leave, she

the towel to her chest and glared up at him.

to do?”

his arms, her face flushed

radiant than usual. He smirked,

low and enticing. “Share a shower with

“You

without drowning.”

Compared to her

aura, he preferred her current bold,

demeanor.

run his

hair for

“No.”

the

for her consent before turning on the shower.

Seth’s hand covered her eyes. “Close

lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

anger before it even

still, not moving an inch, as the towel

away

front of

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

into his chest to rinse it clean with the

eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

entirely without merit. After all, there were more

for

hair, he nudged her toward the

a

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to stay

any

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from

on staying here. I can’t exactly haul you back against

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

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

nothing compared to spending

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

and he reached out to

water from the shower

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

his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

felt something insistent pressing against her and

the showerhead aside, his hand

“We should get out

tightened, “Let go. I can

not going out

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

moved with a familiarity that made it all

scream out. She

than pain. “This is the

you seemed not to

it down in a

legs was wrapped around his waist,

her, her vision blurred until she was on the

off the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

him, her soft hair

other side of the bed, facing

his long arm scooped her

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

too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

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

with new ones added from

was considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he

it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

into her loose loungewear, she

and listless, she

exercise

head with a

really should fix that

milk offered by the servant,

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of

bad for your health, and too much sleep

the most important meal. Why

didn’t you

Cicely

Why would I leave

timing with your holiday. You could

at the company instead of ending

showing clear

why he

good at passing the buck

really didn’t tell

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch

had just returned, and they were

name had come up several times at the

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

were set to visit the

silently. Anyone who dared say the

have a problem

in time for dinner. His timing was

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

going up to her bedroom,

desk.

went to the bathroom, and

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

into bed to

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

over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

on the lips. “I’m going to shower. Don’t

for

lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

“Then what

are plenty of things

him gently, “Then hurry

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

penetrating with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted

soft whimper. It was only then

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to say between

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

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

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

of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

the same amused expression, yet

ahead. Punish me any way you

and seriously meeting his gaze.

that because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

heart to give

and ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a subtle stir in his

smooth chin, “You like

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

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

the start, the more they

crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

brows soft with flirtation,

I doubt it will.

to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for

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

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so

leave and then paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll have to

you up my way.”

what

shower, Cicely was propped up in bed,

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on the still

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from

something you

at the office

swiped and tapped

don’t know anything about business, what

do there?”

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

in

have

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

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

the future, your only sure bet is the

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

start

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

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

truly in your own hands,

makes you insecure? You think one day

want to leave me one day

fingers froze. Turning to her, his

sounds like you’re

leaves a trail

saying. But beyond these two reasons,

didn’t improve,

shadow in their depths replaced by

In fact, instead

reflecting on why I harbor such uncomfortable

“I’ve downloaded

sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he

text. “What will

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

I can’t stay by

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her

wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

two hours. Approaching

face looking worse than

the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

was the same one he’d opened for

face

a rush

and tossing it aside, he

his face cold as he pulled her

arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

a moment, Seth wanted to wake her up,

silent

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely

a cup of strong coffee. Even

to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

grin as he swung his legs out of

shine, off

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

you really gonna make me do this

moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff,

could she muster

a pillow

by, and the

I’m not

picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the

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

don’t want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners

into a sly

covers aside and stomped off to the

squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he

her brush, and Seth, as

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

back on her task, she started brushing.

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

the slight smile of her

they headed to

from last night did you

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I

smiled and didn’t

why he

a new desk and chair

immediate deployment.

on the computer; you can keep reading

turned her face

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

no matter what excuse

she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

and we can go over it

will you

to a

“You’re leaving me here

wolves in the office

reading; I’ll be back by

her mouth to retort but

at her before

darting around, a clear

she possibly stir up

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

with her pen, but within half an hour,

and her phone was

office, returning

the drawers, fiddled with the

and doodled on a black leather notebook she

with her phone and then, noticing

and the

noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

much did you get

it’s new to me, so I’m on the

in a whole morning and

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m

the black notebook

her doodles—a passable

in a confident, flamboyant

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for

hungry,” she declared as if it justified

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

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

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

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

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

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds of

Now, you can’t even be

and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

you, and it’s

candid admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had

like harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to your

back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking of the

mood was as frosty as a winter’s

office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

all this by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed

laden with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody said

“Then I

tonight.”

her with

couch and picked up

have to sleep together every night. If

until you’re

long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it you

to keep butting heads with

on her silverware

to

with me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation

and had stayed

off, but under Seth’s

with him summoning various department heads for updates on all

tedious reports and progress reviews,

well-known heiress of the Ellis

father, she couldn’t afford to

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

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

word. She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should

need, I’ve

an acknowledgment and moved to the door

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

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

as they come. If Patty was

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

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

and naturally,

cozied up

around Seth’s.

them some tea and

Enter title…

and returned after

Cicely. He took a sip

silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she

him. But with him

he hadn’t even

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm

overheard General Manager

this new mechanical equipment upgrade

the socks off the old models. We could corner the

the know-how and the development

of bidding and choosing

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

family, why

big fish like the Harper family,

Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

the Ellis

Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

many would kill for that kind of

just chicken out when you see the likes of

Watsons? Or is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say

all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

wanting to work with the Ellis family,

Ellis Corporation to make things

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

is what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you, I’ll bang the

twitched into a half-smile. “Is there

to take the big

running Diaz International? Might as well let

swallow it up. That way, you

actually a pretty solid

it,

his eyes but

chin

actually go through with that? Assess the value

you in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

International to me personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on

matters to you besides your mother,

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

me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

International. So what if I

a carefree

to

lips tightened, clearly

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

Ellis

to tick you off?”

familiar tone that belonged to

then switched on her

opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t

ain’t too shabby, right?

to

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

don’t even think about laying

International.”

eyes carrying

further. If Patty wasn’t bringing

since Seth had already stood up, his expression

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude

the Diaz residence, but

dining with Patty might be the real way to

the night was

Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

are you off

“Same as today.”

alone in

there, I’ll disturb your

against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

shook her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss,

today; they’ve been temporarily

I can bring them out

said, “Well, bring

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

to slice open the

knife.

items – mugs,

unpacked them but

times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

to find Cicely

“Go freshen up; we’re

and handed him a

a notable heft, and engraved on it was a portrait

with her name beneath. Beside her

name. The rest of the items were pairs,

light.

you think of buying

after coming back this time did I realize

and it feels

spoke while still engrossed in the small items,

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

urged her to get some

white

contentedly.

and

focus was still scattered, but after reviewing

they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

arms laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at

resumed her task with the craft

office transformed. His desk now

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

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with

with a cushion on the

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table. He

wisdom of leaving her alone

nothing out

for

“How much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added a

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

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

“I’m hungry,” she stated,

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth looked at her,

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

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

a reward, I’ll take

of escaping the office for a

*

at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

summoning staff for reports and

days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

affairs, she couldn’t

was time

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same hotel, for

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

on the south, the other north,

below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

was dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

knee. She wore a pair of

others, she still stood out as

her birth, Cicely

simple in design, yet undeniably

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

to look away. Cicely

to the Diaz International

expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

before whisking her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but with

and father present, the spotlight was on

Seth and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation

almost like a bride and

their guests, receiving blessings and

seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile, “I

a lot of

her coolly, “And plenty of male heartthrobs,

even curious to

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

“Sure, one day I’ll

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

there, and even more so

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

of many. Naturally, the

to Seth was

patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt and

event was deliberate, with

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

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

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened.

wrist,

soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

out of

Ray was slouched on the steps of the

finished bottle of

sneer, using the

his feet

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that

each word with venom. “You’re impressive,

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

seen just how ruthless you can be. Danielle

that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall

you; we were

we had, you seized my

such drama on the eve

air,

Seth’s tactics, about how

whim because Ray had once made an indecent

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike.

seemed to confirm

you are still a shareholder in your family business,

leave this place immediately.” Seth

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

after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this isn’t my

International event.

the last of what I have, and I can’t

so

International, let you taste the

today?”

detachment, “If you couldn’t

makes you think

strip away the last shred

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

menace, and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

onto the

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

glass pierced through the festive din like a

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

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

of the bottle at Seth,

out a breathless shout. Disregarding

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s

a circle

Seth, her body shielding

of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the

about to

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout

felt a surge

on

arm stood out, and

blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s arm and

she gripped his clothes

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing

tall.

it landed on

Cicely slapped him.

drunk and not thinking straight. Have you had

good do you think provoking him will

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the

her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying,

fear, anger, or

heart as he surveyed her injuries,

a clear cut on

dark. “Where else are you

bit her lip, and

unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice,

last ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under

converged and broke down

down her face. “My… my ankle hurts,”

it in her last desperate

at her high heels and, with

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie,

a knee on

and was quick to

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In

bottle had swung past

had been cut on the

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

arrogant. One

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a

shallow, but not too

treated, her wounds bandaged, and

were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

had just ended a phone call and returned to

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

concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

known a day of hardship in her life, and just a few days

year, this

his fault. I

listen and followed

a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

still hurt if

the pain stop,

himself off mid-sentence. She had

were stuffed back down his throat. After

he not see

hair somewhat disheveled but still

when she

shield him

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions, the

the doctor, then stepped

over, he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

as could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around

her knees, lifting her from the

slight sense of peace to the

watching.

and Seth back to the

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence was the

all, she had never mentioned

after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to move,

carry her, never leaving her side. Apart

was impeccable in his

actions were bittersweet

Cicely from the bathroom to the

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some

and Cicely would wince.

from the man beside her, who seemed to make the

feel as tense as a surgical

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned

her room, insisted

went, even if it was just to the living

to most of

about the

family.

deal which should have been

year to

if Diaz International was interested in taking

the same as it had been initially with her.

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

on to other matters.

company affairs, she found comfort in

able to look up and

Ellis residence just before the new

who had been injured protecting

at this

on

prepared a lavish dinner for

brought up the topic of the

bring Cicely back to the

surprised, as Patty’s mood

but since they were legally married, spending New Year’s

most appropriate and normal thing

for a moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt

when she was not at home, the

she had returned to spend a few days, the

festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

left with them to pick up Danielle from

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone

heartless. After negotiating

bring

image of two old

staring at each other, feels sad just thinking

up, serving as company

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

that it might

had been bustling since

not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

didn’t find anyone at the hospital.

who should have been picked

Her face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

her expression paused for a

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a momentary

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

way she said that

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question and

voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

We couldn’t leave her all alone

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she fought to keep

let her emotions flare

her discharge. If anyone was going

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here for the holidays…”

is being

ashamed?”

more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

here. Danielle got herself injured

can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

taking care of her

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

accident and play the damsel

family’s dinners even

and she whirled

“This is the Ellis

mother figure that you have to bring home a woman

her?”

don’t

who’s making him

“You…”

voice

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

quietly awaited

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and make

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