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.

get all worked up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your

and I will be driven to

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out a mocking

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

off.”d2

looked at Danielle,

a faint smile. “How shameless are

wish for a life of disability, the Ellis

and neither will Seth. Even

How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart?

decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll

in and day out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at

her most

that you’re

running away. You were

you up from

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

blame me for

the neatly laid

Cicely’s icy, detached voice

wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone.

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

annoying.”

to lift, it froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please, leave

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

she eats

“Understood.”

a

again, turning towards the

could take two steps, the door swung

her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

of Cicely brought

the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her

opened the door. She reached out and pushed

Ray, feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

advantage of me that night

that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

“Seth never told you what really

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say

raped me?”

she

Let’s put our grievances

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that

this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

Let’s not make her situation

to the exchange, could

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

Of course, I know Danielle is

nodded with a smile, “Then I must

up, I’ll take

left the hospital room.

him accountable. He’s been

yesterday, but I didn’t let him

bag in her

brought back the chaos

vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a

feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on the

Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot

this accident was orchestrated by his family

at

he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

stood by Danielle’s

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

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more

clumsily, she shoveled food

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the

not looking up from her

to him now, and your family is on its last

a chance for

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of

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

My dad

had his

talent agency, run by a

these things to make everyone relax their guard

delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent

That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

shown up,

the receiving end of my

color. She had pondered this

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t

I’ve checked with

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today

ask you

look up, her voice

you stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly out

your life to save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

mid-bite and finally turned to look

with a motive, my only desire was

“It’s different. The

my father to be so obstinate.

would you

long silence, Danielle set her fork down

are

pressed his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

If I had died,

slightly. “Whether true or not, that’s the answer

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

I stop caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If

I would, but since I can’t, I need to find

had never seen Ray this composed yet

was afraid of Ray in this state.

was no telling what kind of madness he might

to.

*

elevator on

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

grip on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

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

was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

another episode. Came to check on her

brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

in bullying a

long after Cicely arrived at

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

behalf to

it might

faltered

the scarf around her neck, presenting

corners of her eyes

volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

up at him with a light smile. “I

when I’m fully able

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

I braved

anger, just

she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to pull

he’d learned just a

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

you probably don’t have the time to join

a meal with you

such blunt

The question floated into

a brief pause, he looked up to find

answer, as if

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for a

Dad at

“Alright.”

the car rolled through the gates of the

the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

stood tall but failed to

vitality.

her brows, and

of the car and walked

empty, with servants occasionally moving

to be cautious. “Miss,

at the sound of her arrival, a look

us a heads up,

upstairs, “Where’s

and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight for

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps

light salad of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the

for

too frightened to reply, their

said helplessly, “Sir has been

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When you’re

there’s no need to

well enough not to doubt

was always a

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest, his

of sorrow hit Cicely, and

master. That grand

humble corner for his simple

early, head over heels in love,

alone in

deeply

wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs to find

his face

rascal, why didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to hide

not fighting with Seth again, are

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms

and settling onto the couch. “He’s

the home-cooked meals. Dad,

for dinner

have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the rest of the afternoon.

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

squared off

in with

golden;

and bustling, and even the servants were

family seemed to have returned to how it

be.

Creighton inquired

he was too busy to make

glance, “Are you

hope for us to

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the Ellis

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait

the Ellis

to assist Seth

imply

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

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married

as an invitation for us to stay here

pulled her into his

living room. “Good

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

hard these past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

whip up a few

all tailored to his

dinner, but

stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t fighting, are

took a deep breath, “Just came out to

over to the coffee

back to the dining

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine

he glance up at her.

isn’t as

gripped her water bottle, her expression nonchalant.

staying here for the near

flicker of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

down

not explain myself

you’ve explained it,

sip, “I said

time over the same person

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

here just on

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

time. In fact, on my way

saw my dad and changed

for me, but he could use some company. Are these reasons

I’m not fighting

her lips curled in an

hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it seemed

been placed on the question she had left lingering

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

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

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As

by his easy acquiescence,

even if he disagreed

why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

app for little home decor items –

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not

but she liked doodling

was knocked, the servant opened it to

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

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

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me

I’ll be on my

around, and noticed a gray suitcase

this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell

brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so long without any

servant had refilled their water several

and went to the bathroom where the bath

been a while since she’d indulged in a good soak.

the tub and let out

a view of the

lights. It seemed they had

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father to

at them had

bathtub, staring

the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

water, soothing

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

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and

her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she

towel fell away, and she looked up to see the man

side of the tub.

be the first to

by the man who had

of the room had dissipated when he entered,

feel cold.

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

stood next to her and

frowned, “What are

a beat,

do

beside the tub to cover

she

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

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her

bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft

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

“You

without drowning.”

Compared to her

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run

hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

for her consent before turning on the shower.

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred

her anger before it even

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

away by

awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

chest to rinse

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

all, there were more

fallen for this

to her hair, he nudged her toward

he took a quick shower

expression,

planning

any reason

apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to

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

will.”

flicker of anger tinged Cicely’s

drew closer to her. “It’s okay.

nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

and he reached out to pull her

water from the shower cascading

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

focused on his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

insistent pressing against her and came to

the showerhead aside, his hand on

“We should get out and

“Let go. I can

going out

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

moved with a familiarity that

out. She hit his

“This is the

you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to

it down in

was wrapped around his

vision blurred until she was on

the hairdryer and slipping

She turned away from him, her soft

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

to turn away, his long arm scooped her

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

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The

faded, with new ones

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

now,

all too pleased.

and slipping into her loose

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton and her

exercise and were already two

Creighton shook his head with a mix of affection

fix that habit of skipping

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

breakfast is bad for your health, and too much sleep

Breakfast is the most important

you leave

left Cicely speechless

the office. Why would I leave with

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

at the company instead of ending

her face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t mention

at passing the buck to

really didn’t

know, Creighton

the hospital with your grandfather to

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch,

of elegance

have lunch by yourself

were already

night before, Danielle’s name had come up several

in the hospital while the rest

incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

were set to visit the hospital the next

who dared say the Ellis

would have a problem with

for dinner.

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat

room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

a word, she went to the bathroom,

After a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

climbed into bed to play with

Seth had

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

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

Wait for me,

horny can you be? It’s been days on end.

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am I

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we

pushed him gently,

pushed away by her,

penetrating with

for air. She

soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she managed

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

“Kiss you to death? I wouldn’t

Diaz,” he said with a

little bit of sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s

handsome face just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

Shouldn’t I consider how to

amused expression,

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

that because I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

the heart to give me

her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

Seth felt a subtle stir

her smooth chin, “You like me

moved from his face to his

have you ever heard, love and hate are

the start, the more they

warm and smiling eyes,

and brows soft with flirtation,

will. I wouldn’t choose to

bee sting to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for

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

two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

early, so be

“If you’re not obedient, I’ll have to

you up my way.”

out what his method

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was

She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her

something you need

join me at the office tomorrow

and tapped on her

don’t know anything about business,

do there?”

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

in the

I have to

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

you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only sure bet is the Ellis

family forever. If one day, shareholders

moment and start eating away at you,

even know where to cry.

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s

truly in your own hands, is

quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think one

Or maybe you want to leave

to her,

“It sounds like you’re quite

a

beyond these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and he didn’t

their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

to assume. In

on why

her phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files

much as you can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just downloaded for

with a blur of text. “What

got out of

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

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat, and walk out. Her face

well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

stayed in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

his face looking worse than

had dimmed, leaving

with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

for her before leaving.

sleeping face and

a rush to find her a

aside, he watched

face cold as he

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

moment, Seth wanted to wake her

one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further pursuit would

petty.

＊

next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that

than a cup of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

Seth away, she kicked him hard a

mind?!”

grin as he swung his legs

shine, off to the

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

me

off

but what strength could she muster

a pillow at

the pillow

so over this, I’m

down, picked up the pillow, and placed

by the time I’m out,

you don’t want me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

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

a sly

covers aside and

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted

and Seth, as

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

brushing. It

something as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

the slight smile

they headed to

last night did you

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do

smiled

understood why he

and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

computer; you can

her face away, “Computers have

this excuse, “There are

like no matter what

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

pile of folders.

understand, and we can go over it

will you be

to a

“You’re leaving

wolves in

the reading; I’ll be back

opened her mouth to retort

glanced at her

been darting around, a clear sign

stir up in the

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

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

and her phone

she left the office, returning after another

drawers, fiddled with

doodled on a black leather notebook she

and then, noticing the time, went

and the

Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the

student.

you get

challenging since it’s new to me, so I’m on the third

morning and you’re proud of

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here

his desk, noticing the black

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

in a confident, flamboyant

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away.

hungry,” she declared as if it justified

pinched the bridge of his nose and sank into

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and

pulled her into

office,” Cicely said, leaning back

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

one taking

“What do you mean?”

you’d concoct all kinds of schemes to

respectful. Now, you can’t

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

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

but Seth

feel like harboring intentions towards me

that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s to your

leaned back

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was

a local

seemed to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the

hungry.” His mood was

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

a big deal’.

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

laden with food, while

her way.

it. Nobody said you had to finish

eyes and huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

at her with

onto the couch and

we have to sleep together every

until you’re

was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s been

to keep

on her silverware tightened before

to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in

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

him summoning various department heads

reviews, the office atmosphere was

the Ellis family, even if

she couldn’t

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and

in a while.”

should probably

need, I’ve already told

moved to the door

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

it, Cicely knew she had

come. If Patty was in a good mood,

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

that Patty wasn’t her

and naturally, Cicely

by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area, wrapping an

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and

a sip

of silence, Seth broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told if she

ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

hadn’t even mentioned anything

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm warming

overheard

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

the old models. We could corner the

has the know-how

of bidding and

Diaz International? Given the

the Ellis family,

“The big fish like the Harper family, and

are all eyeing the Ellis project.

Ellis family’s offer

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

many would kill for

up for it, or do you just chicken out when

it

with the Ellis family?”

of the Ellis Corporation, I can

fitting partners than Diaz

with the Ellis family,

make things easier for

surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

pride for you, I’ll bang the

into a half-smile. “Is

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

point of running Diaz International? Might

you wouldn’t have

actually a pretty solid

about it, the more

eyes but

her chin in her hands and smiled

with that? Assess the value

for you in the Ellis

cut you in

shares. How about

at her coolly. “What’s all

in Diaz International?”

to me,

mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

sleeve that gives me an

might just be it.”

unfathomable as he

International. So

on the sofa, with a

to

lips tightened, clearly displeased

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

under the Ellis family banner

do to

Cicely, a familiar tone that

at her mug, then switched on her

her, her face a stormy

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured it

family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep things

is the future. You bite off

even think about

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying

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

up, his expression far from

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but

be the real way to make her

the night was out

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while

are you

“Same as today.”

me alone in

I’m there, I’ll disturb

against the car window, twirling a

her slender finger.

few

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new sketchbooks

you?”

“No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them

they’ve been temporarily stored

open them now, I can bring them

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring them

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

and started to slice open the parcels with a

knife.

them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

unpacked them but also studied them.

manuals was many times

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely

freshen up; we’re

looked up and handed him a

notable heft, and engraved

Beside her was a matching black one,

of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones,

light.

made you think of buying all

did I realize there are no traces of

and it

the

most natural thing in the world. Seth didn’t

to get

the white tumbler in

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting

scattered, but after

the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

chair, she resumed her task

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk now

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

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with

cushion on the

even appeared on the coffee table.

of leaving her alone in the

she’d done nothing out

“What’s for lunch

much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added a

keys on the computer, bringing up a video

capturing every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

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

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on

reward, I’ll take

escaping the office for a meal was

*

at the Ellis Corporation,

staff for

stretched over several days, and

she

settled, it was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and

day, at the same

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

the other north,

below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem just

of silver high-heeled shoes,

others, she still stood out as the most

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design,

man by her side was

away. Cicely had

to the Diaz International gala

stage and deliver the expected

before whisking her away to the

gala was orchestrated by

and father present, the

arrival at the

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride and

their guests, receiving blessings

mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of

Cicely teased with a

a lot of celebrity beauties

“And plenty of male

curious to take

a snort, Seth retorted, “If your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

to

one day I’ll bring them all to you for

personal viewing.”

about skipping the

to keep a low profile there, and even more so

C&P, after its grand slam start and

its grip, was the envy of

cozy up to Seth was

Seth was not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

not long after, Charlie hurriedly

spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk

commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

soon,”

before following Charlie out.

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

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of the

finished bottle of hard liquor. His

Seth with a sneer, using

to his feet

emphasizing each syllable

each word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

flashing a thumbs-up at

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be.

who writes history, that I can’t

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

you coveted what the we had, you

anticipated such drama on

in the air,

about Seth’s tactics,

a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

that it had

seemed to confirm the

a shareholder in your family business, my

leave this place

their shares when

waking from a hospital stay,

ten percent.

was bitter, “Rest assured, I know this isn’t my place. I’m

International event. I can’t do anything at my

I can’t tarnish it. Just as

to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it

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

today?”

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

makes you think

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

drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

sending sharp shards scattering across the

of the breaking glass pierced through

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

her high heels a clumsy match for

the jagged remains of the

out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm

circle to avoid the

to Seth, her body

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

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

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a

blood on his

arm stood out, and his

seething with a murderous aura as

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s

she gripped his clothes tightly,

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

tall.

it landed on her pale, bloodless

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked

thinking straight. Have you

him will do you now?

you?!”

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

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical reaction to her

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

anger,

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he

clear cut on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

dark. “Where else are you

her lip, and tears fell from

and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk

to crumble

fear—all converged and broke

her face. “My… my ankle

had twisted it in her last desperate

at her high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

the ground by

with a knee on

and was

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

broken bottle had swung past

Cicely had been cut

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

only shout at Seth’s

One day, you’ll pay for everything

done!”

falter

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital

frenzy.

and a

but

she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

were red and swollen from

and Creighton, she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and

station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod

concern for

concern, which he channeled

girl has never known a day of hardship in her life, and just a few days

new year, this

not his fault. I was

and followed

“Am I not

Enter title…

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

the pain stop,

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

his words were stuffed back down his

he not see

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on a

he could process these swirling emotions,

the doctor,

with red eyes and

her arms and wrapped

her knees, lifting

slight sense

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the

care, and returning to the Ellis residence

had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to move,

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

was impeccable

actions were

from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution,

and Cicely would

the man beside her, who seemed

feel as tense

with Creighton that lasted more

inevitably turned to business

her room, insisted Seth

it was just to the living room or

to most of

about the mechanical

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled

year to

International was interested in taking the

response was the same as it had been initially with

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

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs,

Seth’s voice and being able to look up and

residence just before the new

who had been

airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

prepared a lavish dinner for

the topic

to the Diaz family for the

mood didn’t match the generosity of

were legally married, spending

appropriate and

glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a

home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

to spend a few days, the New

gatherings, would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took

residence.

left with them to pick up

Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they

to bring

the image of two old people spending

feels sad just thinking

Danielle might liven things up,

of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually stern

that it might be better off without

had been bustling since

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

sumptuous feast knowing

the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

who should have been

face immediately

was chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

her expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

also had a

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

The way she said that

you doing here?” Seth asked,

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

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying a

couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

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

let her emotions flare out of

was my dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going

been the Ellis family. You stay here for the holidays…”

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

barely able to contain her fury. “The guest I

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving

debt we can never repay. What’s wrong with

taking care of her every

“By that logic, any woman

accident and play the damsel

family’s dinners even more

with anger, and she whirled to glare at

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

that you have to bring home

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t take your dissatisfaction

it you who’s making him feel

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

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

quietly awaited Seth’s next

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

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