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 for your

bedridden for life, Seth and I will be

Enter title…

then let

If I really am disabled for life, you’ll never be able to

off.”d2

as she looked

gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you

for you, even if you wish for a life of disability, the Ellis

Even blood relatives fed up after

do you think you are in Seth’s

three or four decades to live? How patient do

Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

as she glared at

to her

for a second that you’re off

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

you die, I will dig you up from your grave and

soon, you

blame me

neatly laid out food

detached voice rang

starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

my appetite. Please,

by. “Keep an eye on

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

at her again, turning towards

the

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered caught

sight of Cicely brought a surge of

from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

her brows

the door. She reached out and

Ray, feeling

his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you think

one who nearly took advantage of me that night

that score yet, and here

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

never told you what really

night?”

he say

raped me?”

smile, she added,

regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside

get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that night

else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the

not make

listening to the exchange, could hardly believe

to Danielle, his expression flustered,

Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest

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

up, I’ll take

Cicely as they left the hospital room.

hold him accountable. He’s

by yesterday, but I didn’t

the bag in her hands until her knuckles

again brought back the chaos

so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray

playboy,

true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she

this accident was orchestrated by his family for her

at the

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

*

by Danielle’s bed.

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

in the mood to give Ray any more attention

clumsily, she shoveled

indifference.

world. Regardless of

looking up from her plate. “Is it really

jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and

a chance for a comeback, but now,

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the

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

imagine. My dad said

started his agency, he had his sights set on bringing

a

on these things to make everyone relax their

blow. He played innocent

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

if Cicely hadn’t shown up,

at the receiving end of my

face drained of color. She had

it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which

with the doctors about

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here

ask

still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and

of that car for him, was it truly out of a

life to save him, or was it just a

and finally turned to look at Ray.

Even with a motive, my only desire was

gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident

didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

would you still have

fork down and looked up at him. “What

are

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you

not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the

“Whether true or not, that’s

you don’t have to play the villain in front of

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

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

Ray this composed yet so

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

lose, there was no telling what kind of

to.

*

the elevator

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

brow furrowed imperceptibly when

for a moment then

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

hate

she had another episode. Came to check on her with some

After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have

bullying a

here not long after Cicely arrived at

the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

to check on

been lately. She thought it might give you

gaze faltered

neck, presenting only

smile at the corners of her eyes and

moods are volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

a light smile. “I

when I’m fully able

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

into the

I braved the disgust

anger, just a serene

more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering

learned just

his touch. “Whether I have eaten

join me. And as it happens, I

a meal with you

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

me?” The question floated into Seth’s

looked up to

leave room for an answer, as

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for a moment,

Dad at the

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

the sprawling

tall but failed to bring

vitality.

brows, and the

got out of the car and walked towards the

servants occasionally

be cautious.

her arrival, a look of

us a

glanced upstairs,

not too long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

some buckwheat

her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

were a couple

deepened as she turned and headed

the servants to bring out what Creighton

of the brownish buckwheat

light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she

for

too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

“Sir has been

dishes. Even if

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are

sir says there’s no need to cook

enough not to doubt his words, but in

dining table was

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair

book resting on his chest, his head

hit Cicely, and her

estate now had but one master. That grand dining

a humble corner for his

in love, insisting on living with

father alone in

blamed herself deeply in her

covering

out of the study.

woke from his nap and

something with the servants, his face lit

you tell me you

to hide before

her. “You’re not fighting with

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed,

onto the couch. “He’s

the home-cooked meals. Dad, how about

for

have to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk to

the rest of the afternoon. She

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

squared off while she placed

in

is golden; don’t meddle in the

was lively and bustling, and even

Ellis family seemed to

be.

dinner, Creighton

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

you two really

“Just hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending

away from home. After all, she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait up

the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

moved to assist Seth with

your message imply

his coat on the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

no reason for a married couple

your message as an invitation for

pulled her into his

living room.

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve

past few

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a

dishes were all tailored

joining him for dinner,

of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two

breath, “Just came out

to the coffee table,

to

Enter title…

return to dine with him,

down across from him did he glance up at

isn’t as

bottle, her

staying here for

of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down

not explain myself

well. Now that you’ve

said I’m not fighting with

wasting time over the same

mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling me

here just on a

on a reason, I have some.

short on time. In fact,

then I saw my dad and

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

I’m not fighting

her lips curled in

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

had been placed on

noon.

believe it? If not, she

in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

from his water glass. “As you

by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

why he

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the study.

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor

and notebooks with

but she liked doodling when

was knocked, the servant opened it to

inside.

sending you out in such cold

of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can

an errand. Mr.

I’ll be on my way

around, and noticed a gray suitcase

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell

brought up a glass of milk.

upstairs.

possibly have to talk about for so long without

out? The servant had refilled their water several

and went to

had been a while since she’d indulged

slid into the tub

a view

It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked

the years, glimpsing at them had become a habit during

the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

of the tub,

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her fatigue.

move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid

reached to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand

to

side of the tub.

the first to drown in a

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

had

feel cold.

tried to shake off his grip, but he

and began to undress

frowned, “What

missing a beat, dropping

one do

towel beside the tub to cover

out. Before she could leave, she

glared

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her

warm bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a soft peck

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her

prickly aura, he preferred her

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower interrupted

her consent before

but Seth’s hand

Cicely lacked principles, but that this

before

still, not moving an inch,

away

her arms crossing in front of her,

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

to rinse

and eyes closed, Cicely considered

without merit. After all, there were more

fallen for

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

a

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie brought

Are you planning

there any reason

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

staying here. I can’t exactly haul

will.”

of anger tinged

curled into a smile as he drew closer to her. “It’s

is nothing compared to spending a whole night

better.”

can’t sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

he reached

the shower cascading

to prevent water from flowing

and cryptic response, which left

pressing against her and came

already set the showerhead aside, his hand

against hers. “We should get

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

going

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly. His leg

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that made

lip, afraid she’d scream out.

“This

but you

keep it down in

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

until she was on

off the hairdryer and slipping her into

She turned away from him, her

to the other side of the bed, facing her. As she

away, his long arm scooped

resist, knowing he’d only persist

was too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

was already gone. The patchy marks on

new ones added from

so he seemed. Any pain

it. Yet now, with her body covered

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she found Creighton

from their morning exercise and

head with

really should fix that habit of skipping

the servant, sipped

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of

breakfast is bad for your health, and too much sleep

the most important

didn’t you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

to the office. Why

timing with your holiday. You could learn a

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

clear reluctance. “No,

why he didn’t mention

“You’re quite good at passing the buck to

he really didn’t tell

didn’t know, Creighton dropped

with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on

blend of elegance and

you’ll have lunch by yourself at

were already leaving her

Danielle’s name had come up several times at the

the hospital while the rest of

inappropriate and heartless. After

visit the hospital the

Anyone who dared say the Ellis

would have

time for dinner. His timing was

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

before going up to her bedroom,

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she

a quick shower, she emerged to find

to play with her

seemed like Seth had finished his work. He stood up,

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

give her a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going

Wait for me,

up lazily, “How horny can you be?

you up to?”

quirked with a hint of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

what am I

are plenty of things we have

gently, “Then hurry up

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

penetrating with unrestrained

herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands and started

whimper.

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she

with their unintentional cuteness, and a

I wouldn’t dream of it. But you

Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

hers. A gentle smile

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to punish

face held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

“Go ahead. Punish me any

calmly and

that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline,

heart to give

eyebrow and ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

eyes, Seth felt

chin,

Her hand moved

it, “But have you ever heard,

at the start, the more they might

coldness crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

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

I doubt it will. I wouldn’t choose to

to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on

he cracked a faint smile. He let

already missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so be good and

then paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

desire to find out what his method of waking

emerged from the shower, Cicely

game. She glanced at him, then refocused

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone

“Is there something you need

at the office tomorrow

he swiped and tapped on her phone

don’t know anything about business, what am

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag along with me to

thing in the

I have

girl? Do you think your dad asking you to learn

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is the Ellis

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

a weak moment and start eating away

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

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

isn’t it yours too? What’s there to

when truly in your own hands, is

you insecure? You

you? Or maybe you want to leave

her, his gazes

further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced you’ve fallen

a

beyond these two reasons, is

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow

so quick to assume. In fact, instead

why I

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

sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just downloaded for her

with a blur of text. “What will you

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

to reflect. Naturally, I

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her face looked

too well; it wasn’t

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse

bedroom, the lights had dimmed,

with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced at

she hadn’t closed.

opened for

sleeping face

Creighton was in a rush to find her

phone and tossing it aside, he watched

face cold as he pulled

arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her

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

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that

of strong coffee. Even for school,

morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

swung

shine, off to

Cicely yanked the

face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the

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

but what strength could she muster just out of bed,

a pillow

by, and the pillow barely

over this, I’m not going to

the pillow, and

by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry

you don’t want me to wake

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned

a

she threw the covers aside and stomped

busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

a subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside

her brush, and Seth, as if on

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly

aside.

her task, she started brushing. It was not like

simple as toothpaste. The frothy

smile of

to the Ellis Corporation

from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed

smiled

Cicely understood why he hadn’t

new desk and chair in the

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer;

her face away,

excuse, “There are printed

fell silent. She felt like no matter what

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

pile of folders.

understand, and we can

you be

to a

leaving me

in the office

focus on the reading; I’ll

mouth to retort but

at her

had been darting around, a clear sign she was

possibly stir

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the documents seriously for

but within half an hour, the pen

her phone was

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

the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

and doodled on a black leather notebook she

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

desk and

before noon. Cicely sat there, the picture

student.

much did you get through?”

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

whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting here is

desk, noticing the black notebook

he found her

written in a confident, flamboyant

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth

as if it justified

pinched the bridge of his nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

No complaints

the files and approached him.

into

said, leaning back with a wary

his grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking liberties here,

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct all kinds

tutor you. Sweet and respectful. Now,

attitude. If that’s not taking liberties,

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

it’s intentional,

reeked of impunity, but Seth had

like harboring intentions towards me

that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s for

it’s

away and leaned back in

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s

seemed to have no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

His mood was as frosty as a winter’s

the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

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

with food, while he

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had

and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

at her with an icy

onto the couch and picked up the

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

wait until

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

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened

to

me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

been at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

stayed in

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

summoning various department heads for

reviews, the office

of the Ellis family, even if it was

couldn’t afford to be

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found most of her

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

word. She hadn’t made much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably

need, I’ve

to the door to put on her

Cicely wasn’t the least bit

down to it, Cicely knew she

with things as they come. If Patty was in a good

to

that Patty wasn’t her

biting, and naturally, Cicely

waiting by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a

a sip of warm water from his

the ice. “Spit it out,

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t

could ask him. But with him always buzzing around, she

even

of her hair, her palm

overheard General Manager from project

He was talking about this new mechanical equipment

old models. We could corner the

Ellis family has the

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

the deal over to Diaz

Ellis family, why haven’t you considered

big fish like the Harper family,

all eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

Ellis family’s

family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

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

or do you just chicken out when

family, or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

the interim head of the Ellis Corporation, I can

are all more fitting partners

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

make things easier for Diaz

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

bottom line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If

you,

into a half-smile. “Is there

brows. “Too scared to take the big

of running Diaz International? Might

up. That way, you

actually a pretty

it, the more

narrowed his eyes

her chin in her

go through with that? Assess the value of

in the

personally, and I’ll cut you in on

shares. How about

“What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me,

matters to you besides your mother,

by your father. You know, I’ve been

me an edge

might just be it.”

gaze was meaningful and unfathomable as

bit of Diaz International. So what if

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

time to let

tightened, clearly displeased with her

his reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly.

the Ellis family banner the best

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

that belonged

switched on

already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

figured it wasn’t such a bad

the Ellis family ain’t too shabby,

soon. No need to keep

out a scoff, “The future is the future.

don’t even think about laying

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes

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

had already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful

suppressing

the Diaz residence, but Cicely

be the real way to make her

night was out of

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel

are you

“Same as today.”

alone in the office again,

there, I’ll

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

her slender finger.

few seconds before slowly speaking,

a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve got

Seth fell silent.

welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

today; they’ve been temporarily

I can bring them

her shoes and said, “Well,

Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

on a waterproof mat and started to slice open the parcels with

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

unpacked them but

many times more focused

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely amidst

“Go freshen up; we’re

and handed him a

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

her name beneath. Beside her was

the items were pairs,

light.

think

did I realize there are no traces of you

and it

while still engrossed in the small items, her

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

her to get

seeing the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

and setting the staff to work, Seth drove

scattered, but after

realized they were much the same as what

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the

knock on the door.

Shane, arms laden with parcels. “Ms.

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the sight,

Seth’s chair, she resumed her task with

returned to an office transformed. His desk now

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

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

with a cushion on the

had even appeared on the coffee

wisdom of leaving her alone

done nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

“What’s for lunch

work did

fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

keys on the computer,

every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw Seth’s

she stated,

closed the video.

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

today, 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

*

at

for reports and

and even

affairs, she couldn’t help but

time

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

day, at the same

bridges. The topfloor

south, the other

below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

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

knee. She wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although

as elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching

Cicely seemed

in design, yet undeniably from the top

man by her side was

look away. Cicely had everything people longed

International gala to

the expected

away to the Ellis

orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the spotlight

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they were

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost

receiving

their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

a lot of

coolly, “And plenty of male

even curious to take

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

have considered it.”

just want to admire the pretty

day I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

serious about skipping the

keep a low profile there, and even more so

as a whole. C&P, after its grand

its grip, was the envy of many.

cozy up to

unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists,

C&P event was

not long after, Charlie

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

over at Diaz

and his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

was out of sight,

was slouched

nearly finished bottle of

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using the steps for support

his feet

emphasizing each syllable with

word with venom.

flashing a thumbs-up at

just how ruthless you can

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

My family never provoked you;

you coveted what the we had,

drama on the eve of their holiday

in the air, the

were whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how

a whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass at

this had incensed

against Ray .

it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm

shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

place immediately.” Seth said

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

a hospital stay, clung

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know

is your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything

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

much to you. You destroyed my company, so tell

from you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste

today?”

Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t

you think you can destroy

the last

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which

he might lunge at

vengeful fury.

the

shattered, sending sharp shards

sound of the breaking glass pierced

to skip a beat. Instinctively,

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s face

she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

Seth’s

a circle to

to Seth, her body shielding

red blood fell onto Seth’s

his arms seemed about to fall out of his

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the

expected Cicely to intervene, felt a surge of rage at

on

and his face, usually cool

sword blade, seething with a murderous aura

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly,

she managed to say,

tall.

softened as it landed on

Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

not thinking straight. Have

you think provoking him will do you now? What if he really

you?!”

though her voice carried anger, it also

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction to her pain. But

up in her eyes made it clear to him—she

fear, anger,

his heart as

a clear cut on her right arm. He grasped

“Where else are

and tears fell from her

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled

low voice, “Talk to

seemed to crumble under Seth’s

and broke

face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she whispered,

her

high heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

had been tackled to the ground

on

Seth and was quick to react

caused him a moment’s hesitation. In that

broken bottle had swung past

had been cut on

pinned down

could only shout at Seth’s retreating figure with red-rimmed

so damn arrogant. One

done!”

falter

*

Erik and Creighton

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

but not too

been treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the room.

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

their concern

couldn’t mask his concern, which he

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

year, this

Cicely suddenly interjected, “it’s not his fault.

listen and

glare. “Am I not

Enter title…

hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

make the pain stop, then go

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

his words were stuffed back down his

lifetime, could he not see

her hair somewhat disheveled

moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly

him

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new definition upon

could process these swirling emotions, the

to the

saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

lifted her arms and wrapped

passed under her knees,

a slight sense of peace

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

the Ellis

had never mentioned

gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

the restroom, washing up – any time

to carry her, never leaving her side. Apart from

impeccable in his

actions were bittersweet for

Cicely from the bathroom to the bed

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s

A slight shift in pressure and Cicely would wince. This was

from the man beside

feel as tense as a

sitting with Creighton that lasted more

turned to

left alone and bored in her

just to the living room

to most of their

the

family.

postponed the deal which should have

year to

International was interested in taking

response was the same as it had been initially with her. And

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found comfort

being able to look up and see

the Ellis residence just before the new year.

daughter-in-law who had been

on airs at this time. But

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for

the dinner table, she brought up the

Seth to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

but since they were legally married, spending New Year’s

the most appropriate and normal thing to

paused for a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

she was not at home, the vastness of the

as she had returned to spend a few

for festive gatherings, would leave

*

Eve, Seth took Cicely

residence.

to pick up Danielle from the

that leaving Danielle alone

After negotiating with the

to bring

comment. However, the image of two old

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

liven things up, serving as company for

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

feel that it might be better off without

had been bustling since

home for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

feast knowing

the hospital.

encountered Danielle, who should have

face

Danielle.

paused for a

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also

shadow crossed her face, but she brushed

way she said that made

doing here?” Seth asked,

Cicely onto the couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

rising in her

to let her emotions flare out

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

it should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay here

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

ashamed?”

more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

should be here. Danielle got herself injured saving

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

taking care of her

sneer. “By that logic, any woman who

accident and play the damsel in

family’s

and she whirled to glare

Cicely. “This is the

that you have to bring home

her?”

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

who’s

“You…”

voice cut through the

light and smiling, settled on a glass

she quietly awaited

brought you here to celebrate, not

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