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.

up, you know. Getting angry is bad

up bedridden for life, Seth and I

Enter title…

coldly and then let

I really am disabled for life,

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at

faint smile. “How shameless are you to

Sadly for you, even if you wish for a life of

allow it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve got,

or four decades to live? How patient do you

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

someone disabled?”

pale lips trembled violently as she glared at

to her

that you’re off the hook just because

You were

I will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse to satisfy

Maybe if you get better soon,

blame me for bullying

neatly laid out food

icy, detached

starve myself just to

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

annoying.”

froze in place. To eat or

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

by. “Keep

eats or

“Understood.”

a

again, turning towards the door

two steps, the door

expression darkening as the man

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense

just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

her brows as she recalled

the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling any

his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think

advantage of me that night when

come to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

words hit

stammered, “Seth never told you what really

night?”

he say negate the fact that you

raped me?”

she added, “I’m aware

and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our

It was your drunken

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the

and dependent. Let’s not make

listening to the exchange, could hardly

expression flustered, “I’m here to visit,

Of course, I know

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll take my

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

hold him accountable. He’s been

by yesterday, but I

clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles

back the chaos

that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

blinked away the memories, “It seems

had been skeptical. A rich playboy,

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family

into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear

accident was orchestrated by his family

frowned at the

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

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

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

in the mood to give Ray any more attention than she had

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

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

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

him now, and

there was at least a chance for

blown it for good.”

so tight his knuckles were white,

“He orchestrated the downfall of my

told you not to

My dad

started his agency, he had his sights set

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who

these things to make everyone relax

fatal blow. He played

ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk.

shown up, who do

receiving

face drained of color. She had pondered this

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

“I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is why

I’ve checked with the doctors about

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

to ask

up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

you stepped in front of that car for

him, or was it just a

and finally turned to look

with a motive, my only desire was

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

expect my father to be so obstinate. If you

severe, would you

long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him. “What

answer are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect

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

“Whether true or not, that’s the

play the villain in front of me

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

but since I can’t, I need to find

never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

She was afraid of

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

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

purse slackened for a moment

a familiar, faint smile on

gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are

episode. Came

silence, she glanced at him

a

not long after Cicely arrived at

Seth was worried about.

your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

thought it might give you

gaze faltered for

around her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

of her eyes

volatile, and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when I’m fully

she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

Cicely replied, hands tucked into the

braved the disgust and

No overt anger, just a serene and

more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to

he’d learned just a week

avoiding his touch. “Whether I

join me. And as

meal with you

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

trusted me?” The question floated into

brief pause, he looked up

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a

Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

gates of the Ellis family estate,

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense

dark green pines stood tall but failed to

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

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

occasionally moving about in silence. Even

be cautious. “Miss,

over at the sound of her

you give us a

glanced upstairs,

too long ago and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

some buckwheat

paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

and headed straight

the servants to bring out

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

a light salad of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she

for my

to reply, their heads lowered in

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals

he specifically asked for these dishes.

folks’ meals are

sir says there’s no need

not to doubt

family’s dining table was always a feast of

found Creighton slumped in a

his chest, his head tilted,

hit Cicely, and her

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

a humble corner for

heels in love, insisting on

alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

his nap

with the servants, his face lit up with an

didn’t you

to hide before I

her. “You’re not fighting

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

couch. “He’s busy with work,

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

over for dinner

have to ask him. He listens

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the

demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

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

in with

bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t

lively and bustling,

to

be.

Creighton

said he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned,

you two

for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

at the

frown and moved to assist Seth with

imply for me

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

know.”

no reason for a married couple to sleep

as an invitation for us to stay here

respond, he had pulled her into

living

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

these past few

“Not yet.”

ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up

dishes were all tailored to

dinner, but as she stepped out, she

her father and Seth in

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting,

came out to grab my

made her way over to the coffee table, bending

to

Enter title…

her return to dine with

glance up at her. “If you really wanted to

the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as

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

here for

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

set down his

explain

you’ve

water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not

wasting time over the same

a napkin, “So you’re

just

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

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

staying, but then I saw my

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

prove I’m not fighting with

her lips curled in

hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle

an answer had been placed on the question

noon.

it? If not,

you want to stay, stay. It’s just a

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

a sip from his water

by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling

even if he disagreed

why he

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It

what their conversation

matters.

shopping app for

sets, and notebooks

but she liked doodling when

door was knocked, the servant opened it

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait

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

I’ll be on

up, turned around, and noticed a

Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

up a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for

out? The servant had

to the bathroom where the bath had

been a while since she’d indulged in a good

slid into the tub and

a view of the garden

by rotating ground lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father

glimpsing at them had become a habit during her

of the bathtub,

down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing

She drifted

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

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

and she looked up to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

to be the first to drown in a

was startled, but it was by the man who

of the room had dissipated when he

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried to

stood next to her and began to undress

frowned, “What are you

a beat,

does one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the tub

out. Before she could leave, she was

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

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face

than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

voice that was low and enticing. “Share a shower

embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet, gentle

preferred her current

demeanor.

to run his fingers through

hair for

“No.”

warm spray of the shower interrupted

her consent before

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

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

her anger before it even

an inch, as the

away

in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

to rinse

closed, Cicely

all, there were more

for

he nudged

he took a quick

cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning to stay

there any reason I

to your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to

here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

of anger tinged

a smile as he drew closer to

nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

can’t sleep by

drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

reached out

the shower cascading over

prevent water from flowing

his succinct and

felt something insistent pressing against her and

set the

“We should get out and

voice tightened, “Let go. I

we’re not going out just

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

a familiarity that

she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder

than pain. “This is the

but you seemed

to keep it

around his

her, her vision blurred until she was on the

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

turned away from him, her soft hair spreading across the

circled to the other side of the

to turn away, his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

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

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on her

new ones added from last

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

he’d tend to it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

into her loose loungewear,

listless, she found

morning exercise and were

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head

fix that

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

the

for your health,

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are you still

didn’t you

Cicely speechless for

Why would I leave

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

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

her face showing clear

why he

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

he really

didn’t know, Creighton

grandfather to see

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the couch,

of elegance

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

they were

name had come up several times at the

her alone in the hospital while the

table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

to visit

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

would have a problem

for

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

to her bedroom, where Seth was

desk.

she went to the bathroom,

a quick shower, she emerged to find Seth

to play with

had finished his work. He stood up,

brushed her forehead

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

for

can you

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

what

of things we have yet to talk

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then

her, Seth’s body pressed

penetrating with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and started

letting out a soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to say

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

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

now, Mrs. Diaz,” he

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

inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged

a penalty for self-justification,

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

Punish me any way

and seriously meeting his gaze.

I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

to give me a severe

and ran her hand across his

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle stir

chin, “You

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

you ever heard, love

the start, the more they

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

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

doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

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

let go of Cicely’s chin and stood

shirt was already missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early,

paused, “If you’re not obedient, I’ll

you up my way.”

find out what his method of waking her might be.

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up in

game. She glanced at

game.

snatched the phone from her

there something

join me at the office tomorrow

swiped and tapped

frowned, “I don’t know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to

in the

have to

Do you think your dad asking you to

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

moment and start eating

won’t even know where to cry.

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s

when truly in

him quietly, “What makes you

Or maybe you want to

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were

“It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve fallen for

a trail

saying. But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

expression didn’t improve, and he

shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by

so quick to assume. In fact, instead of

why

phone back, “I’ve downloaded

before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded

text. “What

her, then got out of bed, lifting

Naturally, I can’t stay by your

mood.”

him get up, grab a coat, and walk

understood all too well; it wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night,

looking worse than

lights had dimmed, leaving only a

the

reignited.

Heartless woman.

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

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face and

wonder Creighton was in a rush to find her

aside, he

cold as he pulled her into his

the man’s arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up, maybe keep

one sentence, she fell silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

wasn’t petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with

of strong coffee. Even

morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

a

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs

off to the

yanked the comforter over her

Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with

him, but what strength could she

pillow at

close by, and the pillow barely registered

so over this, I’m

bent down, picked up the pillow, and placed it

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

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

back to sleep.”

Seth turned away, the corners of his

into a

she threw the covers aside and stomped off to

toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted

Seth, as if on cue, applied toothpaste

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

brushing. It was not like she needed

as toothpaste. The

the slight smile

headed to the Ellis Corporation

of the document from last night did

to know anything.

I supposed to do at

smiled

the office, Cicely understood why

a new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

on the computer; you can keep

face

this excuse, “There

felt like no matter

for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and found

pile of folders.

don’t understand, and

you

to a C&P

leaving me

in the office

reading; I’ll be back by

mouth to retort but

at her before leaving the

around, a clear sign she was

possibly stir up

left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

plenty of marks with her pen, but within half

and her

minutes later, she left the office, returning after another

the drawers, fiddled with

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she

her phone and then, noticing the time,

and

before noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

much did you get through?” he

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

three files in a whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

the fact that

the

he found her doodles—a passable cartoon portrait,

in a

‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away.

hungry,” she declared as if it

of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch is on

Come over here.”

No complaints

the files and approached him.

her into an embrace. “What the heck,

office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

his grip tightened around her waist,

one taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

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

you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even be bothered

impatience and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I

and it’s intentional,

reeked of impunity, but Seth

harboring intentions

relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s for

me, it’s

back in his chair, turning to face

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

by Charlie from a local

have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty

the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s upset, and

a big deal’.

expect me to eat all this by myself?” she

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

her way.

it, leave it. Nobody said you had to finish

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

up at her

the couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

“Nobody said we have to sleep

until

was stoic, “How long are you planning to

attitude with me?”

“Isn’t it you

sure you want to keep butting heads

on her silverware tightened before relaxing.

to watch

with me, and I’ll

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis

had stayed in his

but under Seth’s watchful eye, that

department heads for

reviews, the office atmosphere was tense

heiress of the Ellis

for her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as

workday approached, Cicely found most

the department leaders’ trembling, overly

word. She hadn’t made much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

“I should probably let my dad

need, I’ve

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on her

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

Cicely knew she had to play it by

with things as they come. If Patty

bit more. If not, best to steer

that Patty wasn’t

naturally, Cicely

She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

call and returned after a few minutes, sitting

sip of warm water

of silence, Seth broke the

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told if she

with him always buzzing around, she never did.

even

her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

this new mechanical

the old

family has the

of bidding and

deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

Ellis family, why haven’t

expression was cold. “The big fish

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have the

with the Ellis family’s

Ellis family picks Diaz International,

would kill for that kind of opportunity.

it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes of

it just that you

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I

Watsons are all more fitting partners

wanting to work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

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

what counts. Why sweat the small

you, I’ll bang the

a half-smile. “Is there a

her brows. “Too scared to take

the point of running Diaz International? Might as

That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about any

up. Hmm, that’s actually a pretty solid

thought about it, the more feasible

his eyes but

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

go through with that? Assess the value

you in the Ellis

and I’ll cut you

How about

“What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

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

mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

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

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

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as he watched

last bit of Diaz International.

back on the sofa, with a carefree smile on

to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly

just smiled thinly. “Then

International under the Ellis family banner the

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?” The

tone that belonged to none other

switched on her

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of gloom

wariness.

was just thinking out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t

Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

No need to keep things

the future. You bite off only as

chew. And a heads-up, don’t even think about laying a finger on

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

wasn’t bringing it up, neither

Seth had already stood up,

go.”

at Cicely, probably mindful of Seth’s

suppressing a

at the

dining with Patty might be the real way to make her

the night was

to the Ellis residence, Seth took

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

I’ll disturb your

her arm against the car window, twirling a strand

her slender finger.

for a few seconds before slowly

“Should

you?”

her head, “No

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

them now, I can bring them out for

said, “Well, bring them out,

Cicely sat cross-legged

mat and started to

knife.

them were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

but also studied

times more

when she read documents.

he came down to find Cicely

up; we’re

him a white travel tumbler. “This one’s for

it—it had a notable heft, and

her was

The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark tones, his

light.

think of buying all

time did I realize there are no traces

it

while still engrossed in the small items, her

in the world.

urged her to get

white tumbler in the

contentedly.

and setting the staff to work,

was still scattered, but after reviewing a couple

were much the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced

knock on the door.

laden with parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these parcels, they’re

addressed to you.”

bored till now, perked up at

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task with the craft

returned to an office transformed.

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

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

cushion

of flowers had even appeared on

question the wisdom of leaving her alone in the

acting as though she’d done nothing out

“What’s for lunch

countered, “How much work did you get

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

keys on the computer, bringing up a video of the

capturing every bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw

she stated,

closed the video.

a screen full of

today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

gaze drifted over the new objects on the desk,

I’ll take you out for

prospect of escaping the office for a

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

staff for

routine stretched over several days, and even if

company affairs, she

it was time

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

day, at

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

on the south, the other

Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted

pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and

others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in

the moment of her birth, Cicely seemed

in design, yet undeniably from the

side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything

the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

deliver the expected pleasantries, to

whisking her away

Corporation gala was orchestrated by

father present, the spotlight was

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

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

guests, receiving blessings and

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,” Seth

in her hand, Cicely teased with

a lot of

coolly, “And plenty of

to take

retorted, “If your intentions weren’t so

have considered it.”

want to admire the

one day I’ll bring them all

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P gala. Cicely

keep a low profile there,

its

grip, was the envy of many. Naturally, the number of people

cozy up to Seth

not a patient man, unwilling to waste time

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt

C&P event was deliberate, with

not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering his

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at Diaz

his demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist,

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

before following Charlie out.

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

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the

of hard liquor. His face

a sneer, using the steps for support as

feet and

syllable with

venom. “You’re

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

you play hardball. I’ve seen just how

history, that I

provoked you; we were just

you coveted what the we had, you seized

drama on the eve

the air, the

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how

had once made an indecent

this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

it had been a premeditated

seemed to

shareholder in your family business, my suggestion

place immediately.” Seth said

when Ray’s

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly

ten percent.

bitter, “Rest assured, I know this

Diaz International event.

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

destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it be

ruined Diaz International, let you

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment,

makes you think

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

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

as if he

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

the breaking glass pierced through the festive

to skip a beat.

Seth, her high heels a

of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

color, and she let out a

forward, pulling Seth’s

circle

to Seth, her body

onto Seth’s hand,

seemed about to fall out

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt

on

his arm stood out, and

seething with

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

unrestrained anger, she gripped his

with pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

gaze softened as it

slapped him. Stunned, he looked

not thinking straight. Have you had

think provoking him will do you now? What

you?!”

pain, and though her voice carried

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to her pain.

welling up in her eyes made it clear to him—she was

fear, anger, or

constricting pain gripped his heart as

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

“Where else

lip, and

and restlessness swirled within

voice,

to crumble under Seth’s growl, and

indignation, fear—all converged and broke

my

in her last desperate

and, with a grimace, bent

his arms.

to the ground by

on his

and was quick

had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In

bottle had

had been cut on

Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

only shout at Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

falter

*

Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

shallow, but not

treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

eyes were red and swollen

greeted them with a

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and returned to

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

their concern

concern, which

known a day of hardship in her life, and just a few days

new year,

not his fault. I was the

and

shot her a glare. “Am I not allowed to

Enter title…

it’ll still hurt if you

pain stop,

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

natter until all his words were stuffed

could he not see through

somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up

shield him

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new definition upon

he could process these

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

she lifted her arms and

hands passed under her knees, lifting

a slight sense of peace to

watching.

and Seth back to

care, and returning to the Ellis residence

never

after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis

Cicely company.

– any time Cicely needed to

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

was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions were

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince.

from the man beside her, who

tense as a surgical

residence, any sitting with Creighton

turned to

bored in her room,

to

most of their

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues of

family.

which should have been settled before

to after

if Diaz International was interested in

response was the same as it had been

didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort

and being able

before the new year.

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

on airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion seemed even

than on previous

prepared a lavish

up the topic

Cicely back to

mood didn’t match the

but since they were legally married, spending New

most appropriate and normal thing to

a moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of

days when she was not at home, the vastness of the

spend

for festive gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

them to pick up Danielle

agreed that leaving Danielle alone

too heartless. After negotiating with

bring

comment. However, the image

at each other, feels

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company

of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

that it might be better off

had been bustling since yesterday, and

home for the New Year’s

sumptuous feast knowing Miss

anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

encountered Danielle, who should have

face immediately

Danielle. When she saw

expression paused for a moment, but then

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a

shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

that made it

doing here?” Seth asked, ignoring her question

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

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not

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

holidays, could we?”

in her chest, but she fought

to let her emotions flare out of

dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone

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

landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s life.

What’s wrong with

her every single day

“By that logic, any woman who fancies

play the

the Ellis family’s dinners even

with anger, and she whirled to glare

is the Ellis family’s

that you have to

her?”

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

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice cut

had been light and smiling, settled

she quietly awaited

celebrate, not to start a

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