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.

know. Getting angry is bad

I will be driven to

Enter title…

then let out a mocking laugh. “You’re

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

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed

smile.

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

Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after

do you think you are in Seth’s

decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll be,

Or rather, do you think Seth could

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she

her most

you’re off the hook just because you’re

You were so

will dig you up from your grave and

soon, you might be able to

me for

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her

but Cicely’s icy, detached voice

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite.

at the nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats

“Understood.”

took a

at her again, turning towards the door to leave.

could take two steps, the door swung

expression darkening as the man who entered

of Cicely brought

just returned from the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows as she

door. She reached out and pushed Issac

feeling any

clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

took advantage of me that

to settle that score yet, and

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

never

night?”

he say negate

raped me?”

eyes with a faint smile, she added,

it. Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

It was your drunken folly

not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim

Let’s not make

to the exchange,

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the

with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

cleared up, I’ll take my

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

can’t hold him accountable. He’s

yesterday, but I didn’t

her hands until

again brought back the chaos of that night, the

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere

shudder.

“Miss?”

blinked away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of

playboy, surrounded by

proclaiming true feelings for

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family

clear she means a lot

this accident was orchestrated by his family

at the

much he’d nearly get her killed?

*

room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

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

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

shoveled

indifference.

dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

from her plate. “Is it really necessary to

jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and your

there was at least a chance for a

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were

orchestrated the

not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

what you can imagine. My dad

his

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who

relied on these things to make everyone

a fatal blow. He played innocent

wasn’t simply drunk.

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

receiving

of color. She had pondered this question

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about

albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to

ask

look up, her

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

life to save him, or was it just a ploy to

finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it

Even with a motive, my only desire was to win

melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident

father to be so obstinate. If you knew

severe, would you still have stepped

long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at

answer are you hoping

pressed his lips together. “You should

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me off

not brushing you off. If I had died,

not, that’s the answer

the villain in front of me

I stop caring for you, it’s like

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

Ray this

She was afraid of Ray in this state.

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

to.

*

the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly

purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

smile on her face. “You’re

“You hate hospitals. What

episode. Came

brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I

bullying a cripple, so

not long after Cicely

Seth was worried about. “Mr.

is here on your behalf to

been lately. She thought it might give you

gaze faltered for a

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

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and

your

even leading to harm.”

looked up at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you

could hurt me when I’m

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner

ties with her.”

know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into

I braved the disgust

No overt anger, just a

displayed it, the

sarcasm and rebellion.

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

learned just

his touch. “Whether

time to join

meal

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

you ever trusted me?” The question floated

After a brief pause, he looked

for an answer, as

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for

at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling an

The dark green pines stood tall but failed

vitality.

and the already somewhat suppressed

a bit. She got out of the car and walked

empty, with servants occasionally moving

seemed to be

sound of her arrival,

give us

upstairs,

long ago and was reading

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

some

up the stairs, turning to

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

as she turned and headed straight for the

stern face, she ordered the servants to

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along

of carrots and celery, the other a

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted

prepared for my father’s

to reply, their heads

Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When you’re

there’s no need

enough not to doubt his

was always a feast of

found Creighton slumped in

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes

but one master. That grand dining table now set

a humble corner for

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

alone in the

blamed herself deeply

Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came

with the servants, his face lit up with

little rascal, why didn’t you tell

secrets to hide before

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

many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

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

the home-cooked

over for dinner

He

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the rest of the afternoon.

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

son squared off while she placed bets and

chiming in with unsolicited

“Silence is golden; don’t

and bustling, and

family seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

to make it back. Creighton

you two

for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

Seth a message.

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic

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

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she

the

assist Seth with his coat.

your message imply for me to

coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to

know.”

there’s no reason for

message as an invitation

pulled her

into the living room.

couple’s closeness,

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

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

were all tailored to

planned on joining him for dinner,

her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

deep breath, “Just came out

over to the coffee table, bending down

to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to

did he glance up at her.

isn’t as cozy

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

here for

Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed

down

not explain

understand very well. Now that you’ve explained it,

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

wasting time over the same

a napkin,

back here just

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

time. In fact, on my

on staying, but then I saw my dad and

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

prove I’m not fighting

face was impassive, her lips curled

hearing the last part, coupled with

placed on the question she

noon.

it? If not, she would

you want

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

from his water

his easy

even if he disagreed today,

why he mentioned

such an easy compromise.

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

conversation would be

matters.

shopping app for little

and notebooks with pens. Not that

she liked doodling

opened

frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold

middle of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and

I just have an errand.

be on my

around, and noticed a gray suitcase

to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

glass of milk. After

upstairs.

have to talk about for so long

had refilled their

found some clothes and went to the bathroom

had been a while since she’d indulged

she slid into the tub and let out a sigh of

bathroom window was a view of

rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

boredom, she had asked her father to install the

glimpsing at them had become a habit

over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for a

the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her

again. She drifted in and out of

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and she instinctively slid

reached to remove the towel from her eyes, her hand was caught

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

side of the tub.

to be the first to

it was by the man who had

The warmth of the room had dissipated

feel cold.

blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but

stood next to her and began to undress in a

frowned, “What

without missing a beat, dropping

else does one do in

the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

she was scooped up into his

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

to do?”

woman in his arms, her face flushed from either

bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked, planting a

with a voice that was low and enticing. “Share a

indignation deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle

prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even if somewhat

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his fingers through her wet

your hair

“No.”

of the

for her consent before turning

but Seth’s hand covered

that this man

anger before it even

inch, as the towel she’d wrapped around

yanked away by

crossing in front of

modesty she could.

hair with patience, massaging her

his chest to rinse it clean with the

her head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

without merit. After all, there were more than a couple

fallen for

to her hair, he nudged her toward the

a quick

a cool expression, Cicely

planning to

there any reason

it’s quite a trek from here to the

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

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

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

is nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

sleep

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face and

contours of her body.

he reached

from the shower cascading over her

eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them,

succinct and cryptic response, which left

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

should get

tightened, “Let go. I

not going

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

a familiarity

lip, afraid she’d scream out. She hit his

“This is

convenient, but you seemed not to

it down in a

Cicely’s legs was wrapped around his waist,

she was on the brink of

turning off the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth

She turned away from him, her soft hair spreading

of the bed, facing her.

to turn away, his long arm scooped her

he’d

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

was already gone. The patchy

with new ones

considerate, gentle, and protective—or so he

and he’d tend to it. Yet now, with

all too pleased.

into her loose loungewear, she

and listless, she found Creighton and her

their morning exercise and

shook his head with a

“You really should fix that habit of

by the servant, sipped half

in is the best

bad for your

Breakfast is the most important meal. Why

didn’t you

left Cicely speechless

office. Why

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he didn’t

“You’re quite good at

really didn’t

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow on the

blend of elegance

have lunch by yourself

had just returned, and they were already leaving her

name had come up several times at the

alone in the hospital while the rest of

table was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After a

visit

say the Ellis

Danielle would have a problem

time for

upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

she went to the bathroom, and

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

climbed into bed to play with her

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

walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

give her a gentle peck on the

for

horny can you be?

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I won’t

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things we have

pushed him gently, “Then hurry

being pushed away by her,

penetrating with

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only then that Seth eased

on her, just barely.

me to death?” she managed

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

him. “Kiss you to death? I

he said with a

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

handsome face just inches from hers.

penalty for self-justification, then what

misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

the same amused expression, yet

ahead. Punish me any way you see

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

thinking that because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

heart to give me

ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle

smooth chin,

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

heard,

loves someone at the start, the more they might hate them

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

soft with flirtation, “Don’t worry,

it will.

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

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

was already missing two buttons that Cicely

unfastened the rest.

early, so be good and wait

leave and then paused, “If you’re

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method of

from the shower, Cicely

at him, then refocused on the

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone

there something you need to

me at the office tomorrow

talking, he swiped and tapped on her

anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

even a little, you wouldn’t need to tag along with me

thing in

I have

little girl? Do you think your dad

picking on you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only sure

dad won’t manage the Ellis family forever. If one day,

start eating

even know where to cry. Don’t

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

Ellis family is mine, isn’t it

truly in your own

“What makes you

want to leave

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were unfathomably

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

leaves a

just saying. But beyond these two

improve, and he didn’t

in their depths replaced by a

be so quick to assume. In fact,

why I harbor

phone back, “I’ve downloaded

sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

app he had

a blur of text. “What

then got out of

to reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out. Her face looked

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours. Approaching eleven

his face looking

the bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving

sleeping with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face

rush to find her a reliable

aside, he watched the

his face cold as he

to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wanted to wake her up,

fell silent again, and

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with

of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely awoke

Already prone to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung

shine, off

am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this the

flung the comforter off with

what strength could she

pillow

was close by, and the

this, I’m

up the pillow, and placed it back

by the time

to wake you up for the second time,

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away,

a sly

threw the covers aside and stomped off

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

eyebrows, he shifted

her brush, and Seth,

reflection.

aside.

task, she started brushing. It was not like she

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

smile

they headed to the Ellis Corporation

document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I supposed to do at the office,

just smiled and didn’t

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

had prepared a new desk and

immediate deployment.

the computer;

her face away,

excuse, “There are

fell silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she came up

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

pile of folders.

and

you be

a

frowned, “You’re leaving me here

wolves in

on the reading;

mouth to retort but held back.

at her before leaving

clear

she possibly stir up

Seth left, Cicely did take the

but within half

and her phone was

she left the office,

She rummaged through the drawers,

a pen and doodled on a

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

desk and the

noon. Cicely sat there, the picture of

student.

you

since it’s new to me, so I’m on the

files in a whole morning and you’re

stung.

the fact that

desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

he found her doodles—a passable

written in a

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

and took a deep

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away.

as if

nose and sank into

Come over here.”

No complaints

files and approached him. Before

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

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

around her waist, his

one taking

“What do you mean?”

in the day, you’d

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

impatience and this half-hearted attitude. If that’s not taking

is?”

“Respectful? That’s because I harbored

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

impunity, but Seth had

harboring intentions

that would mean

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled,

me, it’s to your

and leaned back in his chair, turning to

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

a local

seemed to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of

a flat “Not hungry.” His mood

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

by myself?” she asked,

toward a table laden with food,

her way.

eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had

eyes and huffed, “Then I guess you’ll be

tonight.”

looked up at her with an icy

and picked up

have to sleep together every night.

until you’re

stoic, “How long are

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in

you sure you want to

her silverware tightened

continued to watch

and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed in

under Seth’s watchful eye, that

various department heads for updates

reviews, the office atmosphere was

the Ellis family, even if

she couldn’t afford to be seen as

approached, Cicely found

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

word. She hadn’t made much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve

and moved to the door

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

it, Cicely knew she had to

just deal with things as they come. If Patty was in a

If not, best to steer

that Patty wasn’t her biggest

biting, and naturally,

waiting by the door. She cozied up

around Seth’s.

them

Enter title…

a call and returned after a

Cicely. He took a sip of

Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told

him

even mentioned anything

of her hair, her palm warming against the

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new mechanical equipment

the old models. We could corner the

the know-how and the development rights.

got a point. Instead of bidding and

to Diaz

Ellis family,

was cold. “The big fish like the Harper

eyeing the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t have

the Ellis

picks Diaz

would kill

you just chicken out when you

it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can

fitting partners than Diaz

with the Ellis family, are

Ellis Corporation to make things easier

by his stance.

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

you, I’ll bang

a half-smile. “Is there

“Too scared to take the big deals, too proud

of running Diaz International?

up. That way, you wouldn’t have

that’s actually a pretty solid

it,

eyes

chin in her hands and smiled at

through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

it into shares for you in the Ellis family?

International to me personally, and I’ll cut you

shares. How

looked at her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

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

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

been thinking that I don’t really have an

gives me an edge over you.

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he

International. So what if I say

a carefree smile

to let

tightened, clearly displeased with

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

International under the Ellis family banner the best

do to tick you off?” The

tone that belonged to none

switched on

already standing opposite her, her face a stormy mix of

wariness.

I figured it

shabby, right? Especially since we will be

to keep

future is the future. You bite off only as much

a heads-up, don’t even think about

International.”

an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild,

wasn’t bringing it up, neither would

up, his

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

as if forcefully suppressing a

at the Diaz residence, but Cicely

Patty might be the real way to make

night was out of the

the Ellis residence, Seth took

are you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

I’ll disturb your

against the car window,

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly

half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

her head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received quite

they’ve been temporarily stored in the warehouse.

to open them now, I can bring them

her shoes and said,

were indeed many packages. Cicely

started to slice

knife.

– mugs, thermos cups, small decorations

but also studied them. Her

was many times more

when she read documents.

down to find

“Go freshen up; we’re up

him a white travel

had a notable heft, and

with her name beneath. Beside her was a matching black one, likely

and name. The rest of the items were pairs,

light.

you think of buying

time did I realize there are no

and it

engrossed in the small items,

in the world. Seth

her to

the white

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff to

was still scattered, but after

much the

department heads yesterday.

the paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

now, perked up at the sight, “Put them on

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

Seth returned to an office

several stylographs,

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit

with a cushion on

even appeared on

the wisdom of leaving her alone

done nothing out

for

work did

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added a

tapped a few keys on the computer,

capturing every bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of

hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at

progress today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

take

the office for a meal was music to Cicely’s

*

stayed at the Ellis

summoning staff for

over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

affairs, she couldn’t help

everything settled, it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and

day, at the same hotel, for

by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were

the other

Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem

She wore a pair of silver

others, she still stood out as the most eyecatching in the dazzling

moment of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

inferior. Her clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably

luxury. The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that

away. Cicely

to the Diaz International gala to make the rounds,

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

whisking her away

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

the spotlight was on

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

almost like a bride and groom

guests, receiving blessings

Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care of it,” Seth

her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile, “I

a lot of celebrity

her coolly, “And plenty of male

to take

your intentions

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

replied curtly, “Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to

personal viewing.”

about skipping the

a low profile there, and

its

of many. Naturally, the number of

up to Seth was

not a patient man, unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both

C&P event was deliberate, with plenty of reasons

after, Charlie

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

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist, “What’s

back soon,” he said, squeezing her

before following Charlie out.

he was out of sight, then rose

gala, Ray was slouched

nearly finished bottle of hard liquor.

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using

feet and approached

emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

each word with venom. “You’re impressive, truly

laughed coldly, flashing a

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can be.

I can’t blame anyone for the downfall of

you; we were just in your way.

you coveted what the we had, you seized my family’s

drama on the eve of

the air,

tactics, about how

Ray had once made an indecent pass at

this had incensed him

against Ray .

course, some speculated that it had been a premeditated strike. Now,

seemed to confirm

you are still a shareholder in your family

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

shares when Ray’s

a hospital stay,

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my place. I’m

event. I can’t do anything at

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

you. You destroyed my company, so

from you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t

you think you

remark seemed to strip away the last

replaced the drunken stupor in his

he might

vengeful fury.

slammed the bottle of whiskey onto the table next to

sharp shards scattering across the

sound of the breaking glass pierced

to skip a beat. Instinctively, her feet moved

towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

the jagged remains of the bottle at

and she let out

pulling Seth’s

spun half a circle to avoid the

clung to Seth, her body shielding

blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the

seemed about to fall out of

moment.

reverberated

who hadn’t expected Cicely to intervene, felt

blood on

and his face, usually cool and

seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

anger, she gripped his clothes tightly,

“Seth,” she managed

tall.

gaze softened as it landed

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at

not thinking straight. Have you

will do you

you?!”

lips quivered in pain, and though her

clear tremble.

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

up in her eyes made it

fear, anger,

constricting pain gripped his heart as he

clear cut on her right arm. He

“Where else are you

her lip, and

panic and restlessness swirled

voice, “Talk to

ounce of self-control seemed to

and broke

my ankle

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge to

high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to scoop her

his arms.

tackled to the ground by Charlie,

a knee on

been right beside Seth and was quick

Cicely’s panicked cry had caused him a

had swung past

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on the

away, Ray, pinned down by

Seth’s retreating figure

One day,

done!”

falter

*

hearing of Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed

frenzy.

and a two-centimeter laceration

shallow, but not too

treated, her

red and

she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to

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

concern

couldn’t mask his concern, which he channeled

girl has never known a day of hardship in

the new year, this

his fault. I was the one

and followed

“Am I not allowed

Enter title…

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

the pain stop, then

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

words were stuffed back down his throat.

a lifetime, could he not

somewhat disheveled but still

the moment at the gala when she had unexpectedly run up from

shield him with her

Totally unexpected.

shock and anger now took

process these swirling emotions, the doctor’s

to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes

she lifted her

under her knees, lifting her from the

sense of peace to the

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back

the Ellis residence was

she had never mentioned leaving the Ellis

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

up – any time

there to carry her, never leaving

impeccable in his

actions

the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some

shift in pressure and Cicely

from the man beside her,

as tense

sitting with Creighton that

inevitably turned

her room, insisted Seth

it was just to the living

to most of their

heard them talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues

family.

deal which should have been settled before

year to

International was interested in

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

Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

company affairs,

and being able

just before the new

been injured protecting

on airs at this

on

lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

she brought up the topic of the New

Cicely back to

Patty’s mood didn’t match

they were legally married, spending New

the most appropriate and

glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

home, the vastness of the Ellis

to spend a few days, the New Year,

festive gatherings, would leave

*

Eve, Seth

residence.

with them to pick

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

was too heartless. After negotiating with the doctor, they finally

to bring

However, the image of two

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

liven things up, serving as

of Danielle’s

might

been bustling since yesterday,

not being home for the New Year’s Eve dinner,

a sumptuous feast knowing

find anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked

face immediately

Danielle. When

paused for a moment, but

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze

A shadow crossed her face, but

said that made

Seth asked, ignoring

Cicely onto the couch. His voice was

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, not saying

her

holidays, could we?”

anger rising in her chest, but she fought to

to let her emotions flare out of

for her discharge. If anyone was going to

Ellis family. You stay

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

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The

got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting

care of her

lips curled into a sneer. “By

an accident and play the damsel in

Ellis family’s dinners

and

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

that you have to bring

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take

you who’s making him

“You…”

deep voice

gaze, which had been light and smiling, settled on a glass

as she quietly awaited Seth’s next

here to celebrate, not to start

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