The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

you know. Getting angry is

bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven to madness,

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a mocking

am disabled for life, you’ll never be able to shake

off.”d2

looked at Danielle, who

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to say

you wish for a life of disability, the

Even blood relatives

How important do you think you

three or four decades to live? How patient do you think

Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word

to her

that you’re

even dream of running away. You

from your

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you

blame me for bullying

the neatly

icy, detached voice rang

I wouldn’t starve myself just to

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

annoying.”

froze in place. To eat

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please, leave

up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an

she eats

“Understood.”

a deep

at her again, turning

the door swung

the man who entered

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense

just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows as

opened the door. She

Ray, feeling

his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re misdirecting your

one who nearly took advantage of me that night when

haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he

raped me?”

she added,

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

straight. It was your drunken

anyone else’s doing.

and dependent. Let’s not make her

exchange, could hardly

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle

Cicely nodded with a

cleared up, I’ll

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

we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

I didn’t let

the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned

the chaos

so vivid and terrifying that

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr.

been skeptical. A rich playboy,

true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family on the brink, he’s willing

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a

orchestrated by his family for

frowned at the

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

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

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

to give Ray any more attention than

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

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

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

and

for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

clenched so tight his knuckles were

the downfall

to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

you can imagine. My dad said the

had his sights set on

a guy

things to make everyone relax their

suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played

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

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

at the receiving end

face drained of color. She had pondered

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you

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

a rough road ahead.

to ask

look up, her voice restrained

that car for him, was it truly out of a

was it just a ploy to

and finally turned to look

only desire

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s

to be so obstinate. If you

severe, would you still have stepped

long silence, Danielle set her fork down

answer are you

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

her quietly. “I didn’t expect

If I had died, what would

or not,

the villain in front of me to push

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

would, but since I can’t, I need to find a reason for it

this

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

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

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when

purse slackened for

a familiar, faint smile

hate hospitals. What are

she had another episode. Came to check on her with

brief silence, she

in bullying a

appeared here not long after Cicely

what Seth

to check

thought it might give

gaze faltered for a

around her neck, presenting only her profile to

the corners of

moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when

sooner she

ties with her.”

tucked into the pockets of her down

I braved the

demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

the

sarcasm and rebellion.

out to pull

he’d learned just a week

aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten

to join me. And as it happens, I

sharing a meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s

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

After a brief pause, he looked up

She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if the

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for

visit Dad at the

“Alright.”

through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

window at the sprawling manor, feeling

stood tall but failed to bring any sense

vitality.

brows, and

a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards

with servants occasionally moving about in silence.

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

of her arrival, a look of surprise

us

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have for

made some buckwheat

ascent up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

a couple of side

as she turned and headed straight

ordered the servants to bring out what

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained,

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

of ham and cheese.

a nearby chair, she lifted

you prepared for

too frightened to reply, their heads

said helplessly, “Sir has been

asked for these dishes.

Elderly folks’ meals

no

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but

table was

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

sorrow hit Cicely, and

had but one master. That grand

humble corner for

head over heels in love, insisting on living with

her father alone

herself deeply

covering him with a

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs

something with the servants, his face lit

didn’t you tell me you

to hide

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

could there be so many quarrels?”

settling onto the couch. “He’s busy with

the home-cooked meals.

over for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk

to Creighton for the rest of

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed

occasionally chiming in

“Silence is golden;

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants

to have returned

be.

dinner, Creighton

was too busy to make

glance, “Are you two really

hope for us

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

home. After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

and she didn’t

at the Ellis

assist Seth with

imply for me

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

know.”

there’s no reason for a married

invitation for

respond, he had pulled her into

the living

couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

these past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

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

all

on joining him for dinner,

her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

came out to grab my

her way over to the coffee

back to

Enter title…

to

up at

estate isn’t as cozy as

her water bottle, her

staying here for

brow as he methodically

set down his

not explain myself

that you’ve explained it, it’s even

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

over the

dabbed his mouth with a napkin,

here just on

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

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

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

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

I’m not

lips curled in an

coupled with

placed on the question she had

noon.

believe it? If not, she

amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

casually took a sip from his water glass. “As

easy

he disagreed today, it

why

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in

conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

shopping app for little

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that

liked doodling

was knocked, the servant opened it to find Charlie,

inside. “Ms. Cicely,

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you out in

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth

be on my way

up, turned around, and noticed

this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for so

servant had refilled their

and went to

had been a while since

the water temperature, she slid into the tub and let

window was a view of the

ground lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

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

the years, glimpsing at them

bathtub, staring at that place

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With

move again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she

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

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

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

of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

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

he stood next to her and

“What are you

without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into

does one do in a bathroom?

the tub to cover

she could leave, she was scooped

glared

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

radiant than usual. He smirked, planting

was low and enticing. “Share a shower with

embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle

aura, he preferred her

demeanor.

began to run his fingers

your hair

“No.”

of the shower interrupted Cicely’s

before turning on the shower. A surge

Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man

before it even took

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

yanked away by

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front of

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience,

her close into his chest to rinse it clean with the

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

there were

fallen for this

hair, he nudged

took a quick

a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning to stay

there any reason I

apartment, it’s quite a trek from

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

will.”

flicker of anger

a smile as he drew closer to

nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

can’t sleep by

drifted leisurely

contours of her body.

eyes darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

from the

to prevent water from flowing into them,

on his succinct and

felt something insistent pressing

set the

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

go. I can dry

we’re not going

react, Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His

he moved with a familiarity

afraid she’d scream out. She

than pain. “This is the

but you

it down in a

was wrapped around his waist, and as the

until she

slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

her

circled to the other side of the bed, facing

turn away, his long arm scooped her into

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d

was too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

up, Seth was already gone.

with new ones

and protective—or so he

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

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose

Still groggy and listless, she found Creighton and

exercise

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of

“You really should fix that habit of skipping

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

in is the best part of a

your health, and too

is the most important meal. Why are

you leave

Cicely speechless for

to the office. Why would I leave

with your holiday. You could learn a thing

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

frowned, her face showing clear

he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the buck

he really didn’t tell

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

your grandfather to see Danielle. You want

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

of elegance

lunch

and they were

come up several times at the

alone in the hospital

a table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

were set to visit the hospital

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family

to Danielle would have a

for dinner. His timing was

he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and

before going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

went to the bathroom, and

quick shower, she emerged to find

to play with

Seth had finished his work.

bed, walked over, brushed her

peck on the lips.

Wait for

horny can you be? It’s been

you up to?”

a hint of teasing, “What makes

rest tonight?”

what

are plenty of

gently, “Then hurry

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

penetrating with unrestrained

She lifted

a soft whimper. It

on her, just barely.

to kiss me to

with their unintentional

I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

he said with

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

face just inches from hers.

penalty for self-justification,

Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

face held the same amused expression, yet a

ahead. Punish me any way

and seriously meeting his gaze. “You

I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do you

give me

and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

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

caressing her smooth chin,

moved from his face

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

start, the more they might hate

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and

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

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

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

let go of

already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and

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

you up my way.”

out what his method of waking her might be.

Cicely was

at him, then refocused on the still

game.

the phone

something you need to tell

join me at

talking, he swiped and tapped on

anything about business, what am I

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag along with me

in

have to

you think your dad asking you to

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only

Ellis family

and start eating away at you, swallowing

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

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it

when truly in

you insecure?

want to leave me one day without

fingers froze. Turning to her, his gazes were

“It sounds like you’re quite convinced

leaves a

But beyond these two reasons,

improve,

their depths

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

why I harbor such

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files

before sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded for her

a blur of text.

got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

to reflect. Naturally, I

mood.”

up, grab a coat, and

understood all too well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking

in the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

the woman sleeping with the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

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

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for her before leaving. He

face and

was in a rush to find her

phone and tossing it aside,

cold as he pulled her into his

man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a kiss

a cup of strong coffee. Even for

to morning grumpiness, she was even

robbed of breath.

she kicked him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

he swung his legs out of bed, “Time to

shine, off

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the

comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

what strength could

pillow at

close by, and the

this, I’m

and placed it

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

want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

As Seth

into a sly

threw the covers aside and stomped

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside

took her brush, and Seth,

reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It was

as toothpaste.

the slight smile of

breakfast, they headed to

of the document from last night

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to do at

just smiled and didn’t

why

new desk and

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

face

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed

She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

she moved to the desk and found

pile of folders.

understand, and we can go over

will you be

to a C&P

leaving me here

there wolves in the

the reading; I’ll be back

retort but held back. “Just

at her

had been darting around, a clear sign she

she possibly stir up

Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

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

her phone

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

rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she found

with her phone and then, noticing the time, went

and the

before noon. Cicely sat there, the

student.

did you get through?”

new to

a whole morning and you’re

stung.

the fact that

desk, noticing the black notebook she

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a confident,

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away. Seth waited

as if

his nose and sank

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

arm pulled her into an embrace. “What

leaning back with

her waist, his voice deep and serious,

taking

“What do you mean?”

softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct all kinds

respectful. Now, you can’t even be

half-hearted attitude. If that’s not taking

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional,

of impunity, but Seth

harboring intentions

that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s

back in his

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

seemed to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic

hungry.” His mood was as

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

this by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed

toward a table laden with food, while he

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody said

and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

at her

the couch and picked up the elegantly

said we have to sleep together every night. If

wait until

handsome face was stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

played the innocent, “Isn’t it you

want to

her silverware tightened

continued to watch

me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

had stayed in his

but under Seth’s watchful

with him summoning various department heads

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

heiress of the Ellis family, even if

couldn’t afford to be

the workday approached, Cicely found most

trembling, overly respectful demeanors

hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork,

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should

I’ve

acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t

it, Cicely

as they come. If Patty

to steer

Patty wasn’t her biggest

biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about to

cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

offered them some

Enter title…

aside to take a call and returned after

He took a sip of warm water from

broke the ice. “Spit it

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told

could ask him. But with him always buzzing

he hadn’t even

her hair, her palm warming against

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new mechanical equipment

old models.

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

of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

Ellis family, why haven’t

was cold. “The big fish

are all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International

deal with the Ellis

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

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

it, or do you just chicken out

the Watsons? Or is it just

with the Ellis family?”

head of the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the Harper

all more fitting partners

work with the Ellis family, are you

make things

by his stance. “What’s

the bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the

pride for you, I’ll bang the

into a half-smile. “Is

“Too scared to take the big

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might as well

way, you

up. Hmm, that’s actually

thought about it, the more feasible

eyes

propped her chin

go through with that?

you in the

cut you in on a slice of the

shares. How

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

to me, if there’s anything on

you besides your mother, it’s probably

know, I’ve been thinking

that gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

the last bit of Diaz International. So what if

the sofa, with a

time to let

lips tightened, clearly displeased with

Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my

the Ellis

Diaz International ever do to tick

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

switched on

was already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

thinking out loud. Then I figured it

shabby, right? Especially

to keep

“The future is the future. You bite off only

heads-up, don’t even think about laying a

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

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

already stood up, his

go.”

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

as if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

had dinner at the

with Patty might be the real way

night was out of

to the Ellis residence, Seth

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

there, I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a strand of

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds

“Should I prepare some

you?”

head, “No

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them respectfully.

been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

now, I can

and said, “Well,

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the

waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups,

not only unpacked them but also studied them. Her demeanor

instruction manuals was many times more focused

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an

“Go freshen up;

him a white travel tumbler. “This

heft, and

her name beneath. Beside her was a matching

rest of the items

light.

made you think of

did I realize there are no traces

and it feels

the small items,

the most natural thing in

her to

seeing the white tumbler in

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

scattered, but after reviewing a

realized they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at the

chair, she resumed

noon, Seth returned to an office transformed. His

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

couple of notebooks.

his, albeit with a simpler

with a cushion

even

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

acting as though she’d done nothing out

“What’s for lunch

work

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

computer,

of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware

slightly upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

objects on the desk,

reward, I’ll take you out for

the office for a meal was music to

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis

summoning staff for reports

stretched over several days, and even

about company affairs, she couldn’t help but

was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

same day, at the same

by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms

south, the

below Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted

of silver high-heeled

still stood out as the most eyecatching in

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

clothes were simple in design,

her side was distractingly

to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

her to the Diaz International gala to

and deliver the expected pleasantries,

her away to

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people,

present, the

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

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

their guests, receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of

hand, Cicely

lot of celebrity

coolly, “And plenty

to

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

have considered it.”

want to admire

I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

about skipping the C&P

keep a low profile there,

after its

envy of many. Naturally, the

to

was not a patient man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet for journalists,

from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of

However, not long after,

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

a commotion over

his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

of

gala, Ray was slouched on the steps

nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer, using the steps for support as

his feet and

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

word with venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing

seen just how

victor who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for the downfall

provoked you; we were

we

on the eve of their

hung in the air, the implications clear to

about Seth’s tactics,

a whim because Ray had once made an

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to retaliate

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been

to confirm

a shareholder in your family business, my

place immediately.”

shares when Ray’s family

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

this is your Diaz International event. I

of what I have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

destroyed my company, so tell me,

Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

icy detachment, “If you couldn’t

makes you think you can destroy

strip away the

drunken stupor in

as if he might

vengeful fury.

the bottle of whiskey onto the table

it shattered, sending sharp shards scattering

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din like

skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

jagged remains of the bottle at

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding her

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm

a circle to

clung to Seth, her

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

his arms seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

gasp reverberated

expected Cicely to intervene, felt

blood on

out, and his face, usually

sword blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm and

she gripped

“Seth,” she managed to say,

tall.

gaze softened as it landed on her pale, bloodless

him. Stunned, he

Have you had

you think provoking him will

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her voice

clear tremble.

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

eyes made it clear to him—she

anger,

pain gripped his heart as he surveyed

a clear cut on her

else

and

restlessness swirled within

voice,

seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl, and

indignation, fear—all converged and broke down silently,

my

it in her

glanced at her high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by

a knee on his back, restraining

had been right beside Seth and was quick to

cry had caused him a moment’s

had swung

swiftly, Cicely had been cut

Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable

could only shout at Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

falter in

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

but not

been treated, her wounds

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 to

their concern

concern, which

a day of hardship in

year, this happens! Seth,

not his fault.

and followed

her a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

stop,” he said, cutting himself

were stuffed back

lifetime, could he not

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

when

shield him

Totally unexpected.

took on a new definition upon

he could process these

to the doctor, then stepped

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

lifted her

her knees, lifting her

silent understanding brought a slight sense

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

to the Ellis residence was the best

never

holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to move,

her, never leaving her side. Apart from

Seth was impeccable in

complaint-free actions

bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s

slight shift in pressure and Cicely would

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed

as tense as a

with Creighton that lasted more than

inevitably turned to business

and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

went, even if it was just to the living room or the study. So she

to most of their

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

had postponed the deal which

year to after

International was interested in taking

the same as it had been initially with her.

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

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs,

to Seth’s voice and being able to look

residence just before the new year. After

who had been injured protecting Seth, Patty

put on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on

lavish dinner for

the

to the Diaz

surprised, as Patty’s mood

legally married, spending New Year’s at

the most appropriate and

a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang of sadness.

home,

she had returned to spend

gatherings, would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back

residence.

left with them to pick up

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

Year was too heartless. After negotiating with

bring her

didn’t comment. However, the image of two old people

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

Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for

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

it might be

been bustling since yesterday, and

for

feast knowing Miss Danielle would be

at the hospital. And

encountered Danielle, who should

face

happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

expression paused for a moment,

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary

crossed her face, but she

The way she said that made it sound

Seth asked, ignoring her

His voice was as flat as the calm before

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying a

her all alone

holidays, could we?”

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

best not to let her emotions flare out of

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

been the Ellis family. You

landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

her

here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

of her every single day of the

“By that logic, any woman who

an accident and play the

Ellis family’s dinners even

face turned pale with anger, and

Cicely. “This is

figure that

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t

it you who’s

“You…”

voice

light and smiling, settled

she quietly awaited

to celebrate, not to start a

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