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

for life, Seth and I will be driven

Enter title…

and then

really am disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who seemed to

a faint smile. “How shameless are you to

wish

will Seth. Even blood relatives

think you are in

How patient

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

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each

her most

a second that you’re off the hook

dream of running away. You

you die, I will dig you up from your

better soon, you might be able to

don’t blame me for

eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

Cicely’s icy, detached

starve myself

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

annoying.”

in place. To eat

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

by. “Keep an eye on her. Let me

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

at her again, turning

two steps, the door swung

the man who entered caught

of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

just returned from the

front of Cicely.

behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

She reached out and

Ray, feeling

clenched as

mixed with rage.

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

took advantage of me that night when you

settle that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

slightly, “Does what he

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m

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

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly

else’s doing.

and dependent. Let’s not make her

to the exchange, could hardly

expression flustered, “I’m here to

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the

nodded with a smile, “Then I must

I’ll take my

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t

hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

I didn’t

her hands until her knuckles

again brought back the chaos of that night, the

that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

proclaiming true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family on the brink, he’s willing

Danielle. It’s clear she

accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at

nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

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

give Ray any

she shoveled food into her mouth with

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics used, your family

from her plate. “Is it really necessary

happening to him now, and your family

was at least a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were

the downfall of

I’ve told you not to be fooled

imagine. My dad said

his

by a guy who hasn’t graduated

on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him,

fatal blow. He

I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden

shown up, who do you think

receiving end of my

She had pondered this question before, but

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it, which is why I

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

road ahead. I came here today to see

ask

look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

front of that car for him, was it truly

to save him, or was it just

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

only desire was to win

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

to be

you still have

set her fork down

answer are you hoping

lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me off

If I had died, what would be the point

or not, that’s the answer I needed

the villain in front of me

you, it’s like denying

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

this composed yet so obsessively

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of

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

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on the

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly

slackened for a moment then tightened. She

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

hate hospitals. What are

Came

brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I

a cripple, so don’t

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived

instantly grasped what Seth was

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle,

it might

faltered for

the scarf around her neck,

corners of her

are volatile, and your presence

even leading to harm.”

him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do

could hurt me when I’m fully able and

sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

tucked into the pockets

braved

demeanor. No overt anger, just

displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull

learned just

avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

the time to join

sharing a meal

blunt

trusted me?” The question

After a brief pause, he looked up to find

an answer,

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

gates

at the sprawling manor,

green pines stood tall

vitality.

and

got out of the car and

with servants occasionally moving about in

seemed to be cautious.

her arrival, a look of surprise

give us a heads up,

upstairs,

too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

made some

her ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

as she turned and

she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton

of the brownish buckwheat wraps

carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

she lifted

you prepared for my father’s

too frightened to reply, their heads

said helplessly, “Sir has

specifically asked for these dishes.

meals are quite simple. When

sir says there’s no need to cook so

not to doubt his words, but in her

table was always a feast

she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest,

Cicely, and her eyes began

estate now had but one master. That grand dining

corner for his simple

had married early, head over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth

alone in

herself deeply in

Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

his nap and came downstairs

the servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable

you

got secrets to hide

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

be so many

couch. “He’s busy

missing all the home-cooked meals.

over for

ask him. He listens to you more than

to me.”

I’ll talk

stayed glued to Creighton for the rest

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

squared

in with unsolicited

is golden; don’t meddle in

lively and bustling, and

The entire Ellis family seemed to

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

to make it

you two

us to be

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with

she couldn’t

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis estate’s

and moved to assist Seth

message imply for me to

hung his coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No,

know.”

it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married

as an invitation for us

could respond, he had pulled

the living room. “Good

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

past few days,

“Not yet.”

then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a

dishes were all

planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped out,

inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

deep breath, “Just came out to grab my water

the coffee table, bending down to pick up

to the

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to

down across from him did he glance up

the Ellis family estate isn’t as

water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s no

here for the

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically

set down

not explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even clearer.”

for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you.

time over the

a napkin, “So you’re telling me

here just on a

I have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re

fact, on my way

on staying, but then I saw my dad and changed my

time for me, but he could use some

I’m not

face was impassive, her lips curled in an almost

coupled with

had been placed on the question

noon.

If not, she would prove

in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

from his

by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today,

why he mentioned inconvenience

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the

what their conversation

matters.

for little home decor items –

castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

but she liked

opened it to find

frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

him, “How heartless, sending you

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait

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

be on my

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about

out? The servant had refilled their water several

clothes and went to the bathroom where the

It had been a while since she’d indulged in

into the tub and

the bathroom window was a view of the garden

lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

the past, out of boredom, she had asked her father to

glimpsing at them

bathtub, staring

edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With

eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she was

up to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

to be the first to

she was startled, but it was by the man who

room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

Cicely tried to shake off his

Then he stood next to her and began to

frowned, “What

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

else does one do in

beside the tub to cover

step out. Before she could leave, she

and glared up at him. “Seth!

to do?”

at the woman in his arms, her face

the warm bath, more radiant than usual.

with a voice that was low and

“You

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

her

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted Cicely’s

hadn’t waited for her consent before

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

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred

her anger before it even took

moving an inch,

away

awkward, her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

into her hair with

his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered

After all, there

for

hair, he nudged her

took a quick shower

a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning

there any

apartment, it’s quite a trek from here

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

will.”

anger tinged

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

earlier is nothing compared to

better.”

sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out

from the shower cascading over

to prevent water from flowing into

succinct and cryptic

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand

“We should get

voice tightened, “Let go. I can

not going out

Cicely could react, Seth’s lips closed over

a familiarity that

afraid she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder

pain. “This is

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

keep it down

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his

her vision blurred until she

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

turned away from him, her

of the bed,

long arm scooped her into his embrace.

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

exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy

new ones

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

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with her body covered in

all too pleased.

into

she found Creighton and her

returned from their morning exercise and were already two

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head

really should fix

the servant, sipped half of it, and

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

breakfast is bad for your health, and too

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why

you leave with

left Cicely speechless

the office. Why would I leave

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday.

company instead of ending up clueless.

showing clear reluctance.

why he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

he really didn’t

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

her legs onto the couch,

of

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

just returned, and they were already leaving her to eat

come up

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them

table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

they were set to visit the hospital

scoffed silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

to Danielle would have a problem

for dinner. His timing was

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

living room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

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

behind her. After a quick shower, she emerged

to

like Seth had finished his work. He

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead

the lips. “I’m going to shower.

for me,

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

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

“Then what

plenty of things we have yet

gently, “Then hurry up and

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

for air. She lifted her hands and

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to death?” she managed to

off guard with their unintentional

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

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

from hers. A gentle smile

penalty for self-justification,

I consider how to

same amused expression, yet a chill

Punish me any way

her head, calmly and

I’m

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

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

the heart to give me a

an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a

caressing her smooth chin, “You like me that

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

“But have you ever heard,

loves someone at the start, the

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

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

it will. I wouldn’t

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

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

missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and wait

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

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method

from the shower, Cicely was propped up in

video game. She glanced at him,

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

strongly, “Is there something you need to tell

at the office

and

anything about business, what am I

do there?”

even a little, you wouldn’t need

in the

I have to

good little girl? Do you think your dad asking

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only sure bet

the Ellis family forever. If one day, shareholders

start eating

family, you won’t even know where

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it

truly in

quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think one day

maybe you want to leave me one day

fingers froze. Turning to her,

sounds like you’re quite convinced

a trail of broken

these two reasons, is there anything

improve, and he didn’t

in their depths replaced by a

be so quick to assume. In

be reflecting on why

her phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

app he had just

text. “What will you

then got out of

reflect. Naturally, I

mood.”

watched him get up, grab a coat,

it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

face looking worse than

the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

woman sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face and

was in a rush to find her a

and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

face cold as he pulled

the man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up, maybe keep her up

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

morning, he woke Cicely with

a cup of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely

morning grumpiness, she was even more irate

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of bed,

off to the

yanked the comforter over her head in

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the

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

strength could she

pillow

was close by, and the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m not going to the

up the pillow, and placed it

up by the time I’m out,

me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

Seth turned away, the

a

covers aside and stomped off

onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

Seth,

at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

she started brushing.

as simple as toothpaste.

the slight smile of

to

the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed

smiled

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned coming

prepared a new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you

turned her face away, “Computers have

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are

matter what excuse she

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can go over it

will you be

a C&P

frowned, “You’re leaving

there wolves in the office

reading;

her mouth to retort but

glanced at her before leaving the

been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no

possibly stir up

Cicely did take the documents

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

and her phone

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

drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

a pen and doodled on a

played with her phone and then, noticing

desk and

Cicely

student.

you get through?”

to me, so I’m on

morning

stung.

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

desk, noticing the black notebook she had

open, he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait, and

written in a

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

pursed his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for

as if it

sank into

Come over here.”

prepared? No

files and approached

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

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

her waist, his voice deep

one taking

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d concoct

Now, you

half-hearted attitude.

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because I harbored

it’s intentional,

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

like harboring

relationship, that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s to

away and leaned back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

by Charlie from a

to have no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

out by

hungry.” His mood was

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

a big deal’.

by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed as

with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

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

huffed, “Then I guess you’ll

tonight.”

up at her

and picked

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep together

wait until

face was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it

sure you want to keep butting heads

grip on her silverware

continued to watch

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

stayed in

to slack off, but under

various department heads for updates on

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

heiress of the Ellis family, even

for her father, she couldn’t afford

end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

made much progress with

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should probably let my

I’ve

and moved to the door to

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about meeting with

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

they come. If Patty was in a good mood,

bit more. If not, best to steer

wasn’t her biggest

naturally, Cicely wasn’t

the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

call and returned after a few minutes,

sip of warm water

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told

ask him. But with him

hadn’t even mentioned anything

her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

nonchalantly, “I overheard

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment

the old models.

Ellis family has the know-how

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

deal over to Diaz

and the Ellis family, why

“The big fish like

the Ellis project. Diaz International

deal with the Ellis family’s

the Ellis family picks Diaz International,

would kill for that

you just

Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can

more fitting partners

the Ellis family, are

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for

predictably, wasn’t surprised by his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

for you,

a half-smile. “Is there a

to take the big deals, too

the point of running Diaz International? Might as

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

Hmm, that’s actually a

thought about it, the more feasible it

eyes

propped her chin

actually go through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

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

cut you in

How about

at her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if there’s anything on this green

to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

been thinking that

my sleeve that gives me an edge

might just be it.”

and unfathomable as

International. So

a

time to

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion to

Ellis family

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

familiar tone that belonged

switched on

was already standing opposite her, her

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a

the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep things so

is the future. You

a heads-up, don’t even think

International.”

eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

speak further. If Patty wasn’t bringing it

up, his

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression.

if forcefully suppressing

at the Diaz residence,

dining with Patty might be the real way to make

night was out of the

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb

car

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before

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

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss,

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

to open them now, I can bring

her shoes and said, “Well,

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

waterproof mat and started to

knife.

items – mugs, thermos

only unpacked them but also

was many times more focused

when she read documents.

down to find

“Go freshen up;

a white travel

had a notable heft, and engraved on it was a portrait

her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black

name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers

light.

made you think of

back this time did I realize there

and it

engrossed in the small items, her tone

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

her to

morning, seeing the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

dropping her at the Ellis estate and setting the

was still scattered, but after

she realized they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

up at

resumed

office transformed. His

pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad,

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with

with a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even appeared on the coffee table.

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

as though she’d done nothing out

for

countered, “How much work did

then hesitantly added

the computer, bringing up a

of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only

she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

full of text. Seth

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

drifted over the new objects on the desk,

take

office for a

*

at the

summoning staff for reports

days, and even if Cicely

she couldn’t help but be

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

a hectic affair.

and C&P were

on the same day, at

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

south, the other north,

below Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

a silver-gray, fitted

of silver high-heeled shoes, and

stood out as the most eyecatching in the

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

man by her side was distractingly

to look away. Cicely had everything

to the Diaz International gala to make

stage and deliver the expected

her away

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

the spotlight was on

the Ellis

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a

their guests, receiving blessings

mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

her hand, Cicely teased with

a lot of celebrity

her coolly, “And plenty

to take

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

have considered it.”

just want to

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

personal viewing.”

the

profile there, and even more so in the

whole. C&P, after its grand

was the envy of

up to Seth was

patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet for journalists, both overt

from the C&P event was

away. However, not long after, Charlie

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

a commotion over

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood to

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

was out of

was slouched on the steps of the

nursing a nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support as

feet

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing a thumbs-up

seen just how ruthless

writes history, that I can’t

family never provoked you; we were

the we had, you

such drama on the eve of their holiday

air, the implications

Seth’s tactics, about how

because Ray had

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

had been a premeditated

seemed to confirm

are still a shareholder in your family

this place immediately.” Seth

when Ray’s family

a

ten percent.

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

your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything

the last of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz

so

from you and ruined Diaz International, let

today?”

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

think you can destroy

remark seemed to strip away the

drunken stupor in his

as if he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

onto the table

sending sharp shards scattering across

sound of the breaking glass pierced through the

to skip a

high heels a clumsy

remains of the

color, and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

pulling Seth’s arm

spun half a circle to avoid the

to Seth,

red blood fell onto

in his arms seemed about to

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

blood on his

arm stood out, and his

seething

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

Seth’s unrestrained anger, she gripped

managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

Have you had too much

you think provoking him will do you

you?!”

in pain, and though her

clear tremble.

stem from the physical

made it clear to

fear, anger,

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as

cut on her

“Where else are you

lip, and tears fell from her

restlessness swirled within Seth. He

voice,

self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

and broke down silently,

my ankle

in her last desperate

heels and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

on his back, restraining his

had been right beside Seth and was quick to react

panicked cry had caused him

broken bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

Ray, pinned down

only shout at Seth’s retreating figure

arrogant. One day,

done!”

falter in his

*

Erik and

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and

too shallow, but

been treated, her wounds bandaged,

were red

she greeted them

“Dad.”

had just ended a phone call and returned

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

concern

his concern, which he channeled into

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

year,

“it’s not his fault. I was the

and

glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

still hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

pain stop,

he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

words were

a lifetime, could he not see

hair somewhat

the moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run

him

Totally unexpected.

now took on a new definition upon

he could process these swirling

Seth listened intently to the doctor, then stepped

he saw Cicely with red eyes

lifted her arms and wrapped

knees,

brought a slight sense of

watching.

and Seth back to the

and returning to the Ellis residence

never mentioned

gala, Seth stayed at the

Cicely company.

–

to carry her, never leaving

was impeccable

complaint-free actions were

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed

waiting.

despite the

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would

beside her, who

tense as a surgical

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

turned to

in her room, insisted Seth

went, even if it was just to the living room or the

to most

had heard them talk about the

family.

had postponed the deal which should

to after

International was

response was the same as it

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

on to other matters.

company affairs, she found

Seth’s voice and being able to

just before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

airs at this

on

a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the topic of the New

back to the Diaz family for

as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

since they were legally married, spending

residence was the most appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

was not at home,

Just as she had returned to spend a few

would leave him

*

morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

Danielle alone in the

too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

bring

However, the image of two old people spending

staring at each other, feels sad

Danielle might liven things up, serving as

thought of

it might

staff had been bustling since yesterday, and though

being home for the

feast knowing

didn’t find anyone at the hospital. And

should have

face immediately

happily with Danielle. When she

her expression paused for a

smiling.

also had a

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

back.” The way she said that made it sound like Cicely was

you doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

couch. His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

hands clasped tightly,

her

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her chest,

best not to let her emotions flare out

who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

the Ellis family.

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

ashamed?”

more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

here. Danielle got herself

What’s wrong

care of her every single

into a sneer. “By that logic, any

just stage an accident and play the damsel

Ellis family’s

and she whirled to glare at

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

mother figure that you have

her?”

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

who’s making

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice

smiling, settled on a

quietly awaited Seth’s next

to celebrate, not to start a

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