The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

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

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

Enter title…

her coldly and then

disabled for life, you’ll never be

off.”d2

as she looked at Danielle,

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

you wish for a

Seth. Even blood

you think you are

four decades to live? How

and day out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

to her most

second that you’re

even dream of running away. You

you up from your grave and

better soon, you might be able to slap me

don’t blame me for bullying

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out

icy, detached voice rang

I wouldn’t starve myself just

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite.

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

she eats

“Understood.”

a deep

her again, turning towards the

take two steps, the door

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of

had just returned from the restroom,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she recalled

She reached out and

feeling

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

you think you’re

the one who nearly took advantage of me that night when you were

to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if

castrated you myself.”

hit

“Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the

raped me?”

a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

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

It

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

and dependent. Let’s not

listening to the exchange, could

turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered,

I know Danielle is the

nodded with a smile,

cleared up, I’ll take my

left the

him accountable.

but I didn’t

her

Ray again brought back the chaos of that night,

so vivid and terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

“It seems Mr. Ray

rich playboy, surrounded

feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear

orchestrated by his family for

at

nearly get her killed? That

*

room, Ray stood by

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

the mood to give Ray any

she shoveled food into her

indifference.

of the tactics used,

up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to go

him now, and your family is

for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were

forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family

not to be fooled by his act. His

imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

agency, he had his sights

a guy who hasn’t graduated

make everyone relax their guard against

a fatal blow. He

and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t

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

receiving end

of color. She had

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t believe

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I

ask

her voice

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

him, or was it just a ploy to

paused mid-bite and finally turned to

a motive, my only desire was to win him

melancholic smile. “It’s

expect my father to be so

severe, would you still have

long silence, Danielle set her fork

are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you

brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the

“Whether true or not, that’s the answer

villain in front

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

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

had never seen Ray this

She was afraid of Ray in this state.

no telling what kind of

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when he

grip on her purse slackened for a moment

with a familiar, faint smile on

“You hate hospitals. What

Came to

silence, she glanced at him coolly.

bullying a cripple, so don’t

appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

Seth was worried about.

on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

lately. She thought it might give you a

faltered for a

scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

subtle smile at the corners of

your presence

even leading to harm.”

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

person could hurt me when I’m

sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of

braved the disgust and

again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene

more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to

he’d learned just

his touch.

you probably don’t have the time to join me. And as

sharing a meal

with such blunt

The question floated into Seth’s ears,

he looked up to

for an answer, as if

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for a

at

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

her brows, and the

the car and walked towards the villa.

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about

be cautious. “Miss,

over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise

give us a

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

finished lunch not too long ago and was

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some buckwheat

her ascent up the stairs, turning to look

step, “And what else?”

a

frown deepened as she turned and headed straight for

stern face, she ordered the servants to

of the brownish buckwheat wraps

of carrots

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants, “Is

you prepared for

servants were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

“Sir has been preferring lighter

asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared more,

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple.

no need to cook

well enough not to doubt his words,

family’s dining table was always

found Creighton slumped in

on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began

one master. That grand dining

humble corner for

married early, head over heels in love, insisting on

her father alone in the

deeply in her

Creighton, gently covering him

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to

the servants, his face lit

little rascal, why didn’t you tell me you were

secrets to hide before

glared at her. “You’re not

many quarrels?”

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

missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how

for dinner

“You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you more

to me.”

I’ll talk

glued to Creighton for the rest of the

teaching her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets and

occasionally chiming in with

golden; don’t meddle in

lively and bustling, and even the

seemed to

be.

Creighton

busy to make it back. Creighton

glance, “Are you two really

us

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

and she didn’t

at the

to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

your message imply

coat on the rack, her voice

know.”

reason for a married couple

as an invitation for

respond, he had pulled

the living room.

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

hard these past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

I’ll have the staff whip up

all

him for dinner, but as she stepped out,

stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

deep breath, “Just came

over to the coffee table, bending down to

back to

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with him,

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

Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

water bottle, her expression

here for the

brow

down his

explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with

the same person or

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

back here just

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

on time. In fact, on my way

saw my dad and

but he could

prove I’m not fighting

lips curled

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

an answer had been placed on the question she had

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

lips twitched in amusement. “If you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

sip from his water glass. “As

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed

came to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study.

their conversation

matters.

shopping app for little

and notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling when

front door was knocked, the servant opened it to

frost, stepping inside.

heartless, sending you

the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to

be on my

looked up, turned around, and noticed a

this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

glass of

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for

out? The servant had refilled their water

clothes and went to the bathroom

been a while since

she slid into the tub and let out a sigh

bathroom window was a view of the garden and a

ground lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had asked her

them had become a habit during her

the edge of the bathtub, staring at that

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot

over her eyes.

the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

didn’t move again. She drifted in

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

her eyes, her hand was caught midair, and she was

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

side of the tub.

the first

it was by the man who

had dissipated when

feel cold.

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

next to her and began to undress in a brazen

frowned, “What are

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

does one do in a bathroom?

grabbed the towel beside the

Before she could leave, she was scooped up

the towel to her chest and glared up at him. “Seth! What are you

to do?”

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

bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting

low and

embarrassingly, “You should be able to

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor, always

her current bold, even if

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run

your hair

“No.”

the shower interrupted

consent before turning on the shower. A

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

wasn’t that Cicely lacked principles, but that this

her anger before

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

yanked away

crossing in front of

modesty she could.

her hair with patience, massaging

chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

eyes closed, Cicely considered

merit. After all, there

fallen for this

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall

he took a quick

a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning

there any

a

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

will.”

of anger tinged

smile as he drew

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

sleep by

drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

imperceptibly, and he reached out

from the shower cascading over her

closed to prevent water from flowing into

succinct and cryptic

insistent pressing against her and came

Seth had already set the

his forehead against hers. “We should get out

“Let go.

we’re not going out just

Seth’s lips closed over hers

he moved with a

lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit

pain. “This is the Ellis

convenient, but you seemed not to mind.

it down in

wrapped around his waist, and as the

her, her vision blurred until she was on the brink of

slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

away from him, her soft hair spreading across

of the bed, facing her. As

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped her

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

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone.

faded, with new ones added from last

and protective—or so he seemed.

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

all too pleased.

slipping into her

groggy and listless, she found

exercise and were already

shook his head with

“You really should fix that habit of

the servant,

in is the best part of

is bad for your health, and

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why

didn’t you leave with

Cicely speechless for a

the office. Why would I leave

office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could

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

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he

quite good at passing the

really

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

grandfather to see

come?”

onto the couch, resting her elbow

blend of

lunch by

and they were already leaving her to eat

name had come up several

leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat

table was incredibly inappropriate

visit the hospital the next

say the Ellis

to Danielle would have a problem with

returned in time for

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

going up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

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

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

climbed into bed to play with her

like Seth had finished his work. He

brushed

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

Wait for me,

you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

with a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what

plenty of things we have yet

gently, “Then hurry up and

of being pushed away by her, Seth’s body pressed

with unrestrained

She lifted her

out a soft whimper. It was only then that

on her, just barely.

to death?” she managed to

caught Seth off guard with

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

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

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

from hers. A gentle smile tinged

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

jawline, “So,

heart to give me a severe punishment,

her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his heart,

smooth chin, “You like

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

“But have you ever heard, love and

one loves someone at the start, the more they

into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

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

will. I wouldn’t choose to

his dark eyes fixed on

He let go

two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

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

leave and then paused, “If

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of waking

from the shower, Cicely was

video game. She glanced at him, then

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands.

something you need

me at the

and

know anything about

do there?”

need to tag along with

thing in the

have

Do you think your dad asking

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future,

the Ellis family

of a weak moment and start eating away

Ellis family, you won’t even know

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

mine, isn’t it yours too?

when truly in

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure? You think

you? Or maybe you want to leave me one

fingers froze. Turning to her, his

sounds like you’re quite convinced

leaves a trail of

But beyond these two reasons, is there

didn’t improve, and

the shadow in their depths replaced

be so quick to assume. In

why

phone back, “I’ve downloaded some files to

as you can before sleep, and ask me about anything

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had just downloaded

blur of text. “What will you be

out of

and I need to reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

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

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

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours.

his face looking worse

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only

woman sleeping with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving. He

sleeping face and

in a rush to find her a

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman

he pulled her into

the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wake her up,

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

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

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

to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

kicked him hard a couple

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of bed,

off to

going.” Cicely yanked

Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

me do this the hard

comforter off with a huff, sat

at him, but what strength could she muster just out of bed,

a pillow at

and the

over this, I’m

bent down, picked up the pillow, and

you up by the time I’m

me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

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

a

covers aside and stomped off to the

onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to

took her brush, and Seth,

reflection. Seth

aside.

on her task, she started brushing. It was not like she needed his

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of her

headed to the Ellis Corporation

from last night did you read?”

to know anything.

what am I supposed

smiled and

the office, Cicely understood why he hadn’t

and chair

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

her face away, “Computers have

to anticipate this excuse, “There are printed copies

fell silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she

it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

and we can go over it

you be

to a C&P

“You’re leaving me

in

the reading; I’ll be back by

her mouth to retort but held back. “Just

glanced at her before leaving

around, a clear sign she was up to no

stir

did take the documents seriously

with her pen, but

her

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

drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

pen and doodled on a

with her phone and then, noticing the time, went back

and the

returned before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of a

student.

much did you get

bit challenging since it’s new to

three files in a whole morning

stung.

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

the black notebook

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

a

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

hungry,” she declared as if it

pinched the bridge of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

clutched the files and approached him. Before

his long arm pulled her into an

Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

her waist, his voice deep and serious,

taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

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

respectful. Now, you can’t even be

and this half-hearted attitude. If

is?”

“Respectful? That’s

and it’s

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

like harboring

current relationship, that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

me, it’s to

away and leaned back in his chair, turning to

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

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

to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking

a flat “Not hungry.” His mood

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?” she asked, her brow

toward a table laden with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

it, leave it.

her eyes and huffed, “Then I guess

tonight.”

up at her

couch and

coolly, “Nobody said we have to sleep together every night.

wait until you’re

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

attitude with me?”

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

want to keep butting heads

silverware tightened before

to

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

stayed in

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

department

and progress reviews, the office

heiress of the Ellis family, even if it was

for her father, she couldn’t afford to be

workday approached, Cicely found

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

made much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve already

to the door to

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

it came down to it, Cicely knew

with things as they come. If Patty

If not, best to steer

wasn’t her biggest

chill outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

waiting by the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them

Enter title…

call and returned after a

He took a sip of warm

broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told if

him. But with him always

hadn’t even mentioned

her hair, her palm warming

“I overheard General Manager from project

this

the socks off the old models. We

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

bidding and choosing another manufacturer, why

Diaz International? Given the ties between

family, why haven’t you

fish like the Harper family,

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

deal with the Ellis family’s offer just

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the

would kill for

or do you just chicken out when you see the

Or is it

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation,

all more fitting partners than Diaz

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

Ellis Corporation to make things

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

what counts. Why sweat the

for you, I’ll bang

a half-smile.

take the big deals, too proud for

running Diaz

up. That way, you

Hmm, that’s actually a

it,

narrowed his eyes

propped her chin in her hands and

through with that? Assess the value

in the Ellis family? Or, you

and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How

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

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on

you besides your mother, it’s probably

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

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as he watched her.

of Diaz International.

the sofa, with a carefree smile on her face. “Then

to let

tightened, clearly displeased with

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my

the Ellis family banner

ever do to

familiar tone that belonged to none other

her mug, then switched on her charm

opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

was just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea after

too shabby, right? Especially since we will be

No need to keep things so

“The future is the future. You bite off only

heads-up, don’t even think

International.”

eyes carrying

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

since Seth had already stood up,

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

forcefully suppressing a

dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

with Patty might be the real way to make her

the night was out of the

the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel

you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’m there, I’ll disturb

against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few

into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we

you today; they’ve been temporarily

now, I can bring

said, “Well, bring them out,

Cicely sat cross-legged

on a waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

–

them but also

manuals was many times more focused and

when she read documents.

down to find

up;

and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it was

beneath. Beside her was a matching black

items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

made you think of

after coming back this time did I realize there are no traces

it

the small items, her

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

urged her to

seeing the white tumbler

contentedly.

the Ellis estate and setting the staff to work,

scattered, but after reviewing a

were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

perked up at the sight, “Put

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

an office transformed. His desk

holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his,

cushion on

of flowers had even appeared on the coffee

question the wisdom of leaving her

she’d done nothing out

for lunch

work did you

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

a few keys on the computer, bringing up

of Cicely’s boredom—and her

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its

she stated, approaching

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk,

a reward, I’ll take you out

escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at

staff for

and even if Cicely wasn’t

she couldn’t help but be

everything settled, it was time

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

same day, at

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the

on the south, the other north,

Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

She wore a pair of silver high-heeled

others, she still stood out as

her birth, Cicely

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the top

by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

for onlookers to look away.

her to the Diaz International gala to

deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink

whisking her away to the

was orchestrated by

present, the spotlight was

at the Ellis

well-wishes, almost like a bride and

their guests, receiving blessings

their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

others are taking care

chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

lot of celebrity

“And plenty

even curious to take a

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

have considered it.”

to admire the

I’ll

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the C&P gala.

there, and even more so in the

its grand slam start and

in its grip, was the envy of many.

cozy up to

was not a patient man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for

event was deliberate, with plenty of

However, not long after,

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

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

his demeanor darkened. As he stood to leave,

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

out of sight,

gala, Ray was slouched on the steps of the

nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His

a sneer, using the steps

to his feet

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a

word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

I’ve seen just how ruthless you can

history, that I can’t blame anyone for

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

coveted what the we had, you seized my

anticipated such drama on the eve of

the air,

tactics, about how

because Ray had once made an

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

to confirm

shareholder in your family business, my

place

had surrendered their shares when

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

assured, I know this isn’t my

International event.

what I have, and I can’t tarnish

to you. You destroyed my company, so tell

you and ruined Diaz International, let

today?”

with icy detachment,

think you can destroy Diaz

strip away the

in his eyes, which now brimmed

looked as if he

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

sending sharp shards scattering across the

glass pierced through the festive din like

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

towards Seth, her high heels

remains of the bottle at

she let out

forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him

spun half a circle to avoid the

clung to Seth,

red blood fell onto Seth’s

in his arms seemed about to fall out of

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the

on his

veins on his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool and

sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly,

“Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself to

tall.

softened as it landed

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

straight. Have you had too

will do you now? What

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger, it

clear tremble.

defiant look seemed to stem from the

eyes made it

anger, or

his heart as

resting on a clear cut on her right arm.

else are you

bit her lip, and tears fell from her

and restlessness swirled within Seth.

voice, “Talk to

ounce of self-control seemed to

and broke down

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

in her last desperate

high heels and, with

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie,

a knee on his back, restraining

beside Seth and was quick to react when

panicked cry had caused him

broken bottle had swung

had

Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

Seth’s

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

didn’t falter

*

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

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

but not

treated, her wounds bandaged,

Cicely’s eyes were red and swollen

greeted them with

“Dad.”

phone call and

the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their minds were wrapped

concern for

his concern, which he channeled

of hardship in her life, and just a few days

year,

his fault. I was the one

and

I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but

pain stop,

stop,” he said, cutting himself

were stuffed back down his throat.

he

her hair somewhat disheveled

gala when she had

him with her

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took on a new definition upon

he could process these swirling emotions, the

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped

red eyes and pursed lips, looking

as could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped

knees,

brought a slight sense of peace

watching.

Cicely and Seth back to

care, and returning to the Ellis residence was

had never mentioned

Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to

leaving her side. Apart from the servants’

was impeccable

actions were bittersweet for

to

waiting.

the doctor’s caution,

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This

a heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed to

feel as tense as a surgical

any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to

left alone and bored in her room, insisted Seth take her

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

to most of

them talk about the mechanical

family.

deal which should have been settled

year to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International

the same as it had been

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

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company

being able to look

just before

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

at this

than on

family prepared a lavish dinner

up the topic

bring Cicely back to

was surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity

legally married, spending

appropriate

moment, glanced

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt

home,

returned to spend a few days,

gatherings, would

*

the morning of the New Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

to pick up Danielle from the

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor,

to bring her

comment. However, the image of two old

feels

up, serving as company for

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

that it might

had been bustling since yesterday, and

Cicely not being home for the New Year’s Eve

knowing Miss Danielle would be

anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving

encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

face

chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

paused for a

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it

back.” The way she said that made

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her

His voice was as

storm.

lip, hands clasped tightly,

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

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

her best not to let her

applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to

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

“Patty is being

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

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

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

care of her

sneer. “By that logic, any woman

and play the damsel

family’s dinners even

with anger, and she whirled to

pointed at Cicely. “This is

desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring home a

her?”

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

you who’s making him feel

“You…”

deep voice cut through

and smiling, settled on a

as she quietly awaited Seth’s next

not to start a scene and

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