The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

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

Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a

If I really am disabled for life, you’ll

off.”d2

looked at

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How

even if you wish for a

Seth. Even blood

important do you think you are in Seth’s

live? How patient do you think

out? Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely.

to her

second that you’re off the hook just

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

I will dig you up from your

you get better soon, you might be able to

blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite

you’re willing to eat, that’s if you

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

by. “Keep an eye on her.

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

her again, turning towards the door to leave.

two steps, the

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

when he opened the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling

clenched as

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re

who nearly took advantage of me that night when you were

that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

words hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

she added,

Let’s put our grievances aside for

your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

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

and dependent. Let’s not make her

listening to the exchange, could hardly believe

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile,

cleared up, I’ll

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

him

by yesterday, but I didn’t

in her

Ray again brought back the chaos of that

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr.

A rich playboy,

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

family on the brink, he’s willing

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means

orchestrated by his family for her

at the

get her killed? That seemed a

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

mood to give Ray any more attention

shoveled food into

indifference.

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

up from her plate. “Is

and your family is

chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

were clenched so tight his knuckles were

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall

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

can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

his agency, he had his sights set on

a guy who hasn’t graduated from

on these things to make everyone relax their guard against

a fatal blow. He played innocent

ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply

shown up, who do you think would

the receiving end of

She had pondered

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it, which is

before. I’ve checked with the

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today

to ask you

didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat.

front of that car for him, was it truly out

your life to save him, or was it just

and finally turned to look

motive, my only desire was to

smile. “It’s

my father to be so

severe, would you still

long silence, Danielle set her fork down

answer are you

his lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect

off. If I had died, what would be the

or not,

villain in front of me to

you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever

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

Ray this composed yet

slightly. She was

no telling

to.

*

elevator on the ground floor,

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly

slackened for a moment then tightened. She

a familiar, faint smile on her face.

gaze was heavy. “You hate

she had another episode. Came to check

brief silence, she

a cripple, so don’t

not long after Cicely arrived at the

instantly grasped what Seth was

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

She thought it might give you a

gaze faltered

neck, presenting only her profile

corners of her eyes and lips

and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

light smile. “I have Issac with

me when I’m fully

expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of

why I braved the

that demeanor. No overt anger, just

the

sarcasm and rebellion.

out

learned just a week

his touch. “Whether I

have the time to join me. And as it

meal with you

such blunt rejection,

me?” The question floated into Seth’s

a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman already

leave room for an answer, as if the question

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered

at the

“Alright.”

the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

at the sprawling

dark green pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

brows, and the

of the car

empty, with servants occasionally moving about in

to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

her arrival, a look of surprise on his

you give us a heads up,

upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

some

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple of side

she turned and headed

the servants to bring out

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two

of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted

for my

to reply, their

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

no need

doubt his words, but in her

was always

the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

a book resting on his chest, his head tilted,

hit Cicely, and her eyes

vast estate now had but one master. That grand dining table now

corner

in love, insisting on

father alone

blamed herself deeply in

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs

with the servants, his face

rascal, why didn’t you

got secrets to hide before I

not fighting with

could there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

the couch. “He’s busy with work,

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

for dinner

ask him. He listens to you more than he

to me.”

I’ll talk to

glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared

occasionally chiming in

golden;

bustling,

family seemed to

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired

was too busy to make it back.

“Are you

hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic

home. After all, she

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait up for

the Ellis estate’s

frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

your message imply

her voice neutral, “No, it was just to let

know.”

there’s no reason for a married couple

an invitation for us to stay

had pulled

the living room. “Good

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

hard these past few

“Not yet.”

whip up

dishes were all tailored

planned on joining him for dinner, but as

of her

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting, are

a deep breath, “Just came out to grab

the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine

from him did he glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

family estate isn’t as

her water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

staying here for

brow as he

down

explain myself

that you’ve explained it, it’s even

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

wasting time over the

a napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve

back here just on a

some.

but you’re short on time. In fact, on my way back

saw my dad and changed my mind. You

he could

not fighting with

was impassive, her lips curled

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

been placed on

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

took a sip from his water glass. “As you

his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

disagreed today, it

understand why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

and grandfather in the

their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

for little home decor items –

notebooks with

she liked doodling when

front door was knocked, the servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded

inside. “Ms.

him, “How heartless, sending you out

middle of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit

errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

I’ll be on my way

looked up, turned around, and

to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

brought up a glass of milk. After

upstairs.

talk about for so

servant had

to the

drawn. It had been a while since she’d indulged

the water temperature, she slid into the tub and let out a

was a view of the

It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father to install the fountain

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit during her

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

the tub, twisted a hot towel,

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her

again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and

remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught midair,

away, and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

by the man who

of the room had dissipated

feel cold.

to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

he stood next to her and began to undress in a brazen

frowned, “What

continued without missing a beat,

else does one do in a bathroom?

towel beside the tub

she was

and glared up at him.

to do?”

down at the woman in his arms,

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting

that was low and

embarrassingly, “You should be

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle

aura, he preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run

your hair

“No.”

warm spray of the shower

for her consent before turning on the

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

principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

anger before it even took

not moving an inch, as the towel she’d

yanked away by

crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging

her close into his chest to rinse it clean

her head lowered and eyes closed,

all, there were more than a couple

for

to her hair, he nudged her toward the

he took a quick shower

a cool expression,

Are you planning to

there any reason I

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here

staying here. I can’t

will.”

anger tinged Cicely’s

he drew closer

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a

better.”

sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her

the shower

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

on his succinct and cryptic

insistent pressing

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his

should get

“Let go.

going out just

react, Seth’s lips closed over

with a familiarity that made

her lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

than pain. “This is the

you

it down in a

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist, and as

her vision blurred until she was on

hairdryer and slipping

away from him, her soft

side of the bed, facing

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

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

exhausted

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone.

faded, with new ones added from last

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

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

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into

Still groggy and listless, she

returned from their morning exercise and were already

Creighton shook his head with a mix of

“You really should fix that

offered by the servant, sipped half of it,

in is the best

is bad for your health,

important meal. Why are you

you

left Cicely speechless for a

the office. Why would

Perfect timing with your

company instead of ending up clueless.

face showing clear reluctance.

why he didn’t mention

good at

really didn’t

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

grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

a blend of elegance and lazy

you’ll have lunch by

returned, and they were already leaving

night before, Danielle’s name had come up several

hospital while the rest of them sat at

table was incredibly inappropriate

visit the hospital the

say the

have a problem

returned in time for dinner.

upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

she went to the

quick shower, she emerged to

into bed to play with her

long after, it seemed like Seth had finished his

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

the

for me,

can you be? It’s

you up to?”

teasing,

rest tonight?”

“Then what am

of things we have yet to

gently,

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

with

for air. She lifted

out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

death? I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he

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

just inches from hers. A gentle

penalty

Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

expression,

ahead. Punish me

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So, ask yourself,

the heart to give me

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

caressing her smooth chin, “You like me

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

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

start, the

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

her eyes and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

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

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

let go of

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely had

unfastened the rest.

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

“If you’re not obedient, I’ll have

you up my way.”

out what his

shower, Cicely was propped up

game. She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

the phone from

something you need to

join me at the office

swiped and tapped on her phone

about business, what am

do there?”

you wouldn’t need to tag along with me

in

I have

think your

on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

your life now or in the future, your

Ellis family forever. If one day,

moment and start

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

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s

when truly in your

makes you insecure? You

you? Or maybe you want to

Turning to her, his gazes were

further. “It sounds like you’re

leaves a trail

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

didn’t improve, and he didn’t

the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow smile.

assume. In fact, instead of you

be reflecting on why I harbor

back, “I’ve downloaded

can before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just downloaded

with a blur of text. “What will you

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

to reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her

understood all too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours.

face looking

lights had

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He then looked

face

rush to

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

face cold as he pulled her into

used to the man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep

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

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a kiss that

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

prone to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off

way! I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

what strength could she muster just out of bed,

pillow

and the pillow barely

this, I’m

the pillow, and placed it back on

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

wake you

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned

a

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

busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

and Seth,

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

task, she started brushing. It

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

smile

they headed to the

much of the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

what am I supposed to do at

just smiled

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can keep

turned her face

excuse, “There are

no matter what excuse she came up with,

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

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and we can go over

you

to a

frowned, “You’re leaving me

there wolves in the

the reading; I’ll be

her mouth to retort but held back. “Just

her before

eyes had been darting around, a clear sign

stir

after Seth left, Cicely did take

of marks with her pen, but within half an

and her phone

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

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled

a black leather notebook she found

and then, noticing the time, went

and

returned before noon. Cicely

student.

much did you get through?”

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

files in a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

that I’m even

noticing the black notebook

found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

written in a confident, flamboyant

and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if it

bridge of his nose and sank into his chair.

Come over here.”

No

files and approached him.

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the heck,

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist, his

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d concoct all

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

attitude. If

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

impunity, but

harboring intentions

our current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s

away and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

was fetched by Charlie from a local

no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by the rhythmic clacking

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

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?”

toward a table laden with food,

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

looked up at her with an

the couch and picked

to sleep together every

wait until

was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in a

you want to keep butting heads

grip on her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to watch

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation since

stayed in

wanted to slack off, but under Seth’s

various department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the office

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

father, she couldn’t afford

the end of the workday approached, Cicely

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should

need, I’ve already told

to the

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

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

they come. If Patty was in

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

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to

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

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after a few

Cicely. He took a sip

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

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

with him always buzzing around, she

even mentioned anything about

a strand of her hair, her palm warming

overheard General Manager

talking about this

knock the socks off the old models. We could corner

tech. The Ellis family has the

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

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given

and the Ellis family, why haven’t

was cold. “The big fish like the Harper

Ellis project. Diaz International

the Ellis family’s

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

watch. Seth, so many would kill for that kind

for it, or do you just

is it just that

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can say

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

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

Ellis Corporation to make

his stance. “What’s wrong with that?

line is what counts. Why sweat the

you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile. “Is

“Too scared to take

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

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

Hmm, that’s actually a

more she thought about it,

narrowed his eyes

his silence, Cicely propped her chin in her hands and smiled

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

for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could hand

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

How about

at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s

to you besides your mother, it’s probably

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

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

the last bit of Diaz International. So what

on the sofa, with a carefree smile

time to let it

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

Ellis family banner

Diaz International ever do to

a familiar tone that belonged to none

glanced at her mug, then switched on

standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

Then I figured it wasn’t such a

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will

need to keep things

future is the future. You bite off only as much

don’t even think about laying a finger

International.”

eyes

wasn’t bringing it up, neither

up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

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

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

dinner at the Diaz

be the real way to make

the night was out of

residence, Seth took the wheel while

are you

“Same as today.”

in the office

I’ll disturb

the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

“No

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

them now, I can bring them out for

changed her shoes and said,

Cicely sat cross-legged

mat and started to slice open the parcels

knife.

were small items – mugs,

unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

Seth showered, he came down to find Cicely

freshen up; we’re

him a

it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on

with her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black one,

and name. The rest of the items

light.

you think

did I realize there are no traces of you

and it feels

in the small items, her

in the world. Seth didn’t

urged her to

white tumbler in the car, Cicely

contentedly.

Ellis estate and setting the staff

still scattered, but

the same

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

was Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

up at the sight,

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk

pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with

a cushion on the

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the

of leaving her

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

“What’s for

“How much work did you

fingers, then hesitantly added

the computer, bringing up a video of the

every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents,

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

the whole morning

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and

take

prospect of escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

at the Ellis Corporation,

for

and

about company affairs, she couldn’t

everything settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

and C&P were arranged

the same day, at the

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

south, the other north,

just below Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted

pair of silver

dressed as others, she still stood out

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

in design, yet undeniably from the

her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people

her to the Diaz International gala

stage and deliver the expected

before whisking her away to the Ellis

Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

father present, the

and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis

of toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride and

receiving

their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P gala

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile,

are a lot of

“And plenty

curious to

snort, Seth retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

want to admire the

replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

about skipping the

low profile there,

whole. C&P, after its grand slam start

envy of many. Naturally, the number of people

up to

man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt and

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of

after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

Diaz, Ray got drunk at

commotion over

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened.

wrist, “What’s

be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of

was slouched on the steps

nearly finished bottle of

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps

his feet

slurred, emphasizing each syllable

with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing

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

who writes history, that I can’t

My family never provoked you; we were just

coveted what the we had, you seized my

attendees hadn’t anticipated such drama on the

the air, the implications clear

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about

Ray had once made an indecent pass at

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

some speculated that it had been a premeditated

to

still a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion

leave this place

their shares when Ray’s

who, even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t

event.

and I

You destroyed my company, so

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

today?”

Ray with icy detachment,

think you can destroy Diaz

away the last shred of Ray’s

stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table

sharp shards scattering across

glass pierced

heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

heels

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

let out a breathless shout.

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

half a circle

clung to Seth,

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

appeared in his arms seemed about to

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of

on his

arm stood out, and his face, usually cool

a bloodied sword blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

unrestrained anger, she gripped his

managed to say, forcing

tall.

as it landed

slapped him.

thinking straight. Have you had too much

him will do

you?!”

in pain, and though her

clear tremble.

look seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her pain. But

it

anger, or

heart as

clear cut on

else are

lip, and tears fell

restlessness swirled within Seth.

low voice,

self-control seemed to crumble

converged and broke

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

it in her last desperate lunge to

glanced at her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to scoop her

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

on

right beside Seth and was quick to react when Ray

him a moment’s hesitation.

broken bottle had swung

had been cut on the

Ray, pinned down

Seth’s

don’t be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll

done!”

didn’t falter

*

Erik and

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter

shallow, but

she had already been treated, her

were red and swollen

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted

“Dad.”

call and returned to the

to the local police station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton.

concern

which he

a day of hardship in her life, and just

year, this

interjected, “it’s not his

and followed

I not allowed

Enter title…

hurt if you scold him, but

pain stop, then go

himself off mid-sentence.

natter until all his words were stuffed back down

lifetime, could he

somewhat disheveled but

gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him with

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed

then she lifted her

under her knees, lifting her from

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the

watching.

and Seth

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence was

had never

Seth stayed at the Ellis residence

Cicely company.

using the restroom, washing up – any time Cicely

to carry her, never leaving

impeccable

complaint-free actions

the bathroom to the bed where the

waiting.

the doctor’s caution,

pressure and Cicely would

a heavy silence from the man beside her,

feel as tense as a surgical

Ellis residence, any sitting with

inevitably turned to

her room, insisted Seth take her with

to the

to most of their

about the mechanical manufacturing issues

family.

the deal which should have been

to after

asked Seth if Diaz International was

it had been initially with

Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort in

and being able

just before

been injured protecting Seth,

airs at this time. But Patty’s

on

prepared a lavish dinner for

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

to the Diaz

was surprised, as Patty’s mood

they were legally married, spending New Year’s at

most appropriate and normal thing to

for a moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a

when she was not at home, the

she had returned to spend a

would leave him

*

Eve, Seth took

residence.

pick up Danielle from

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

was too heartless. After negotiating

to bring her

However, the image of two old

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

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for

then again, the thought of

might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and though

for the New Year’s

knowing Miss Danielle would

didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And

Danielle, who should have been picked

face immediately

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

expression paused for a

smiling.

wheelchair, also had

face, but

said that made it sound like Cicely was

you doing here?” Seth

was as flat as the calm before

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly,

her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

of anger rising in her chest, but she fought to

to let her emotions flare out

applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to

the Ellis family.

gaze landed on Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her fury.

herself injured saving Seth’s

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

taking care of her every

sneer. “By that logic, any

and play the damsel in distress. Wouldn’t

Ellis family’s dinners

and she

“This is the Ellis family’s

so desperate for a mother figure that you

her?”

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

it you who’s making him

“You…”

deep voice

been light and smiling, settled on a glass on

as she quietly awaited Seth’s

to celebrate, not to

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