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.

worked up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your health.

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

Enter title…

at her coldly and then let out a

I really am disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to

smile. “How

you wish for a life of disability, the Ellis

Seth. Even blood

How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve got,

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

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

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word was

to her most vulnerable

think for a second that you’re

You were so proud,

from your

Maybe if you get better soon, you might be

blame me for bullying

the neatly laid out food before her. Her

Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out

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

to eat, that’s if

annoying.”

froze in place. To eat or not to eat, either

Cicely would win.

appetite.

at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on

eats

“Understood.”

took a

turning towards the door to leave. But

take two steps, the door swung open from the

paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered

The sight of Cicely brought

the restroom, rushed in,

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows

door. She reached out

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

you think

took advantage of

even come to settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

words hit Ray

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she

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

It was your drunken folly

to this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

Let’s not

to the exchange, could hardly

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m

Of course, I know

a smile,

I’ll take

Cicely as they left the

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

by yesterday, but I didn’t

bag in her hands until

Ray again brought back the chaos of that

so vivid and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

With his family

clear she means a

by his family for

frowned at the

get

*

by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face

had no idea it would

in the mood to give Ray any more

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

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

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

jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on its

at least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were

“He orchestrated the downfall of my family from

to be fooled by

imagine. My dad said the moment he

started his agency, he had his sights

a guy who

these things to make everyone relax

blow. He played innocent

wasn’t simply drunk.

shown up, who do

receiving end of my

of color. She had pondered

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t believe it, which

checked with the doctors

is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came

to ask

didn’t look up, her

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

save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior

mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it

with a motive, my only desire was to win

melancholic smile. “It’s

father to be so obstinate. If you

would you still have stepped

set her fork down and looked up at him. “What

are

lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me

off. If I had died, what would be

or not,

play the villain in

like denying everything I’ve ever felt.

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

Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane.

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid

lose, there was no telling what kind

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground

across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he

her purse slackened for a moment then

smile on

heavy. “You hate hospitals. What

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

brief silence, she glanced at him coolly.

a cripple,

long after Cicely arrived

Seth was worried about. “Mr.

is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how

She thought it might give you

gaze faltered for

her neck, presenting only her profile to him,

the corners of

volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when I’m

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

why I braved the

demeanor. No overt anger, just a

the clearer Seth could

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull her

just a week

his touch. “Whether I have eaten

have the time to join me. And as it happens,

sharing a meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

The question

brief pause, he looked up to find the

for an answer, as if the question itself had

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

pondered for a moment, her expression

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the

window at the sprawling manor,

stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat

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

with servants occasionally

seemed to be cautious.

the sound of her arrival, a look

didn’t you give us

upstairs, “Where’s

not too long ago and was reading in the study. Not

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he

made some buckwheat

stairs, turning

step, “And what else?”

a couple

turned and

to

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps

of carrots and celery,

of ham and cheese.

back of a nearby chair, she

you prepared for

too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in

“Sir has been preferring lighter

for these dishes.

Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When

there’s no need to cook so

knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

table was always a feast

study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

book resting on his chest, his

and

one master. That grand dining table now

a humble corner for his

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

alone in the

deeply

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering

out of the study.

from his nap and came downstairs

something with the servants, his face lit up with

you tell me you

secrets to hide before I

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

so many

and settling onto the couch. “He’s busy

on my break, missing all the home-cooked

for dinner

ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

I’ll talk to

Creighton for the rest of the

playfully demanding take-backs that

amused and exasperated.

and son squared

occasionally chiming in

bristled, “Silence is golden;

lively and bustling, and even

to have

be.

Creighton

was too busy to make

you two

hope for us to be alright,

Creighton relented.

still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway

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

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

showed up at the Ellis

frown and moved to assist Seth with

imply for me

the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

reason for a married couple to

an invitation for us to stay

had pulled her into

into the living

closeness, smiled, “I’ve

few days, have you

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely,

dishes were all tailored to

on joining him for dinner,

inexplicable stares of her

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

“You two aren’t fighting,

came

coffee table, bending

headed back to the dining

Enter title…

to have anticipated her return to dine with him, and only when

glance up at her. “If you really wanted to pick

family estate isn’t as

her water bottle, her

for the

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as

set down his

not explain

understand very well. Now that you’ve explained

“I said I’m not fighting

wasting time over the same

dabbed his mouth with a napkin, “So

back here just on

I have some. I’m on holiday,

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

but then I saw my dad and changed

time for me, but he could

not fighting

lips curled in an

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

been placed on

noon.

it? If not, she

lips twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home, nothing’s

a sip from

by his easy acquiescence, but the

even if he disagreed

came to understand why he

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and grandfather

conversation would be

matters.

her shopping app for

LEGO sets, and notebooks with

she liked

door was knocked, the servant opened it

inside. “Ms. Cicely, good

him, “How heartless, sending you out in such

of the night no

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit and wait for

have an errand.

on my way

looked up, turned around,

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

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding farewell

a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

have to talk about for

The servant had refilled their

some clothes and went to

while since she’d indulged

she slid into the tub

the bathroom window was a view of

It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father to install the fountain

glimpsing at them had

bathtub, staring at that place for a while.

of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing

She drifted in and

felt a sudden chill.

felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

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

and she looked up to see

side of the tub.

the first to drown in

but it was by the man who

The warmth of the room had dissipated when

feel cold.

tried to shake off his grip,

stood next to her and began to undress in a

“What

without missing a beat, dropping

else does one do in a

the tub to cover

step out. Before she could leave, she was scooped up into his arms.

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

to do?”

his arms, her face flushed

bath, more radiant than usual. He smirked,

was low and enticing.

“You should

without drowning.”

Compared to her quiet,

prickly aura, he preferred her current

demeanor.

retort, he began to run his fingers through

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the shower

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on

Seth’s hand covered her

that Cicely lacked principles, but that

her anger before

stood still, not moving an inch, as the

yanked away

felt awkward, her arms crossing in front

modesty she could.

lathered shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging her

to rinse it clean with the

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

all, there were more than a couple of

for this

her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

took a quick shower

with a cool expression, Cicely asked,

planning to stay

there any reason I

a

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

will.”

flicker of anger

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

earlier is nothing compared to

better.”

sleep by

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

and he reached out to

the warm water from the

prevent water from

on his succinct and cryptic response, which left

she suddenly felt something insistent pressing

Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand

his forehead against hers. “We should get out and

go. I can dry it

not going out

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

apart, and he moved with a familiarity that

out. She hit his shoulder twice,

“This is the

you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to mind. Though,

it down in

legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the room

blurred until she was on

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas,

her soft hair spreading across

circled to the other side of the

his long arm scooped her into his embrace.

he’d

was too exhausted to

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone. The patchy marks on her

faded, with new ones added from

and protective—or so he

it. Yet now, with her body covered in marks, he

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose

she found Creighton and

their morning exercise and

Seeing Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of affection

should fix

by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

couch. “Sleeping in is the best part of a

for your

most important meal. Why are you

didn’t you

Cicely speechless for a

went to the office. Why would I leave with

timing with your

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

her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

why he didn’t mention

good at

really didn’t

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the

grandfather to

come?”

Cicely curled her legs onto the

posture a blend of

have lunch

returned, and they were

come up several

if leaving her alone in the hospital

a table was incredibly inappropriate

set to visit the hospital the

say the

have

time for dinner.

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and Erik

room before going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

went to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

shower, she emerged to find

bed to play with her

after, it seemed like Seth had finished his

on the bed, walked over, brushed her forehead with

a gentle peck on the

Wait for

looked up lazily, “How horny can you

you up to?”

a hint of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

of

pushed him gently, “Then

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

with

gasping for air. She lifted her hands

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

me to death?”

Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

to death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

Mrs. Diaz,” he said

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

inches from hers. A

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

Shouldn’t I

expression, yet a

me any way

head, calmly and

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline,

give me

her hand across

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a

smooth chin,

hand moved from his

it, “But have you ever heard, love and hate are

start, the more they might hate

Seth’s warm and

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

I doubt it will. I wouldn’t

his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a

He let go of Cicely’s chin and

two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be

paused, “If you’re not obedient,

you up my way.”

find out what his method of

Cicely was

glanced at him,

game.

and snatched the phone from her hands.

there something you need

join me at the

he swiped and tapped on her phone

know anything about business, what am I

do there?”

wouldn’t need to tag

in the

have to

the good little girl? Do you think your dad asking you

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is

Ellis family forever. If one

weak moment and start eating away at you, swallowing up

won’t even know where to cry.

around you is harmlessly

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

is mine, isn’t it yours too? What’s there to argue

in your own hands, is

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

you? Or maybe you want

to her,

chilled further. “It sounds like

a trail of

beyond these two reasons, is there

didn’t improve, and he didn’t

in their depths

quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being

be reflecting on why

downloaded some files to your

can before sleep, and ask me about anything you

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had

text.

of bed, lifting the

reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

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

wasn’t about reflection. The

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two

face looking

the lights had dimmed, leaving only a

woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

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

sleeping face and

was in a rush to find

it aside, he watched the

his face cold as he pulled her into his

man’s arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

silent again, and any further

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely

of strong coffee. Even for school,

to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of times. “Are you out of

mind?!”

mischievous grin as he swung his legs out

off to

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over

face.” Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this

Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff,

strength could she muster

a pillow at

the pillow

so over this, I’m not

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the

see you up by the time I’m out,

don’t want me to wake you up for the second time, then

back to sleep.”

As Seth turned away, the corners

into a

covers aside and

onto his brush.

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give

took her brush, and Seth, as if on cue, applied toothpaste

glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed

aside.

started brushing. It was not like

as toothpaste.

the slight smile

breakfast, they headed to the Ellis Corporation

last night did you read?”

to know anything.

am I supposed to

smiled and

Cicely understood why he

prepared a new desk and chair

immediate deployment.

are on the computer;

her face

excuse,

matter what excuse she came up with,

an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can go

will you be

to a

leaving me here

there wolves in the office

the reading; I’ll be back

to retort

glanced at her before

a clear sign

she possibly stir up in the

Cicely did take the documents seriously for a

pen, but within half an hour, the

and her

office, returning after another

the drawers, fiddled with

on a black leather

phone and then, noticing the time, went back

desk and the

promised, Seth returned before noon. Cicely sat there,

student.

you get through?”

since it’s new to me, so I’m

whole morning and

stung.

fact that I’m even sitting here is

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook

he found her doodles—a

written in a confident, flamboyant

and flushed slightly,

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

Cicely tidied the documents away.

declared as

bridge of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

No complaints

she grudgingly clutched the files and

into an embrace. “What the heck,

said, leaning back with a

waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

chuckled softly, “Back in the day, you’d concoct

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

impatience and this half-hearted attitude.

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional, Mr.

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

like harboring intentions

our current relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled,

me, it’s to

her away and leaned back in his chair,

his expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

was fetched by Charlie from a local diner,

no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the

mood was

office was suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

to eat all this by myself?”

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

her way.

leave it. Nobody said you had to

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

tonight.”

her with an

couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

to

wait until you’re

face was stoic, “How long are you

attitude with me?”

it you who’s been in a

want to keep butting

grip on her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to watch

me, and

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

and had stayed in

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

summoning various department heads for updates on all

and progress reviews, the office

of the Ellis family, even if

image for her father, she couldn’t

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

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

much progress

hadn’t commented on it.

bit. Mom’s shopping nearby, and

in a while.”

“I should probably let

I’ve already

murmured an acknowledgment and moved to the

stairs, but Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

Cicely knew she had to play it by

they come. If Patty was in a good

not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like

wasn’t

was biting, and naturally,

by the door. She cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

take a call and returned after a

sip of warm water from

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

She’d always been told

could ask him. But with him

even mentioned

a strand of her hair, her palm warming

said nonchalantly, “I overheard

talking about this new mechanical equipment

the socks off the old models.

tech. The Ellis family has the know-how

of bidding and

Diaz International? Given the ties between

the Ellis family,

fish like the Harper family, and the

are all eyeing the Ellis project.

with the Ellis family’s offer

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can

so many would kill for that kind

you just

is it just that you

with the Ellis family?”

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

the Watsons are all more fitting partners than Diaz International. And

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

Ellis Corporation to make things

his stance. “What’s wrong with that? As

Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

pride for you, I’ll bang the

twitched into a half-smile.

furrowed her brows. “Too scared to take the big deals,

point of running Diaz International? Might

up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry

actually a pretty solid

thought about it,

his eyes but

her chin

with that? Assess the value of

shares for you in the Ellis family? Or, you could

personally, and I’ll cut you in on

shares. How

coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for?

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s anything on

your mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

You know, I’ve been

an edge over you.

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he

bit of Diaz International. So what

with a carefree smile on her face.

time to let

tightened, clearly displeased with

smiled thinly. “Then isn’t

the Ellis family banner

International ever do to tick you off?” The voice

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none other than

her mug, then switched on

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

wariness.

loud. Then I figured it wasn’t

on the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since we will be

to keep

the future. You bite off only as

even

International.”

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

wasn’t bringing it

had already stood up,

go.”

glanced at Cicely, probably mindful of

suppressing a multitude of

dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

Patty might be the real

night was out of the

residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

are you off to

“Same as today.”

me alone in the

I’m there, I’ll disturb

rested her arm against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly

curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we

been

to open them now, I can bring them out for

said, “Well, bring them out,

Cicely sat cross-legged in the

started to slice

knife.

small items –

not only unpacked them but also studied them.

times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

he came down to

“Go freshen up;

looked up and handed him a white travel tumbler. “This

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

Beside her was

of the items were

light.

you think

this time did I realize there are

and it

the small

it was the most natural thing in the world. Seth

her to

the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

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

Cicely’s focus was still scattered,

she realized they were much the same

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the office,

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

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

chair, she resumed

returned to an office transformed. His

new pen holder, several stylographs, a

couple of notebooks.

in the corner mirrored his, albeit with

cushion

of flowers had even appeared on

of leaving

nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

“What’s for lunch

work did

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

tapped a few keys on the computer, bringing up a video of

every bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

upward. “I’m hungry,” she stated, approaching him. Seth

closed the video.

closer, seeing a screen full of text. Seth looked at

today, spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and

reward, I’ll take

the office for

*

at the

for reports and

routine stretched over several days, and

affairs, she couldn’t help but

everything settled, it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

Diaz International, and C&P

day, at the same hotel, for

bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis Corporation and Diaz

on the south, the other

just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail

pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and

elaborately dressed as others, she still stood out

of her birth, Cicely seemed destined to

were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

luxury. The man by her side was

onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people

had brought her to the Diaz International gala

and deliver the expected pleasantries, to

before whisking her away to

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

present, the

arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala,

and well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving blessings

seats, Cicely mused aloud,

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

her chin in her hand, Cicely teased with

are a lot of celebrity beauties

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty

curious to

a snort, Seth retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

want to admire

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

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

profile there, and even more so in

its grand slam start and the valuable

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

up to Seth was

unwilling to waste time on

ingratiate themselves with him.

a magnet

the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

after, Charlie hurriedly

Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

a commotion over at Diaz

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood

wrist,

I’ll be back soon,” he said,

before following Charlie out.

watched him until he was out of

gala, Ray was slouched on the steps

nearly finished bottle of hard liquor. His face flushed

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

to his feet and approached

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness that

venom. “You’re impressive,

flashing a

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you can

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

provoked you; we were just

you coveted what the we had, you seized

hadn’t anticipated such drama on the eve of their holiday

in the air,

Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s family had

had once made

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

some speculated that it had been

to

a shareholder in your family business, my suggestion is

leave this place

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know

your Diaz International event. I can’t do anything at my

have, and I

you. You destroyed my company, so tell me, wouldn’t

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

today?”

at Ray with icy detachment, “If

think you can destroy Diaz

strip away the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes,

as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next to

sharp shards

the breaking glass pierced through the festive din

Cicely’s heart to skip a beat. Instinctively, her

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

of the bottle

let out a breathless

pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

circle to avoid the

to Seth,

drop of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s

arms seemed about to

moment.

reverberated throughout the banquet

felt a surge of rage at the

blood on his

stood out, and

blade, seething with a murderous

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s

unrestrained anger, she gripped

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

softened as it landed on her pale,

slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he looked at her

and not thinking straight. Have you had too much to

you think provoking him will do you

you?!”

her

clear tremble.

seemed to stem from the physical reaction to her

eyes made it clear to him—she was crying,

fear, anger,

his heart

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

dark. “Where else

lip, and tears fell from her

of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice,

of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

fear—all converged and broke down

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

in her

her high heels and, with a grimace, bent down

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

with a knee on his back, restraining

had been right beside Seth and was

panicked cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In that

had

he acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut

pinned

at Seth’s retreating figure with

One day, you’ll

done!”

falter in his

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on

too shallow, but not

she had already been treated, her wounds

were red

and Creighton, she greeted them with

“Dad.”

had just ended a phone call and returned to

station for the time being. Seth gave a brief nod to

concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger towards

never known a day of hardship in her

new year,

suddenly interjected, “it’s not his fault. I was

listen and

a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

still hurt if you scold him, but if

pain stop, then go

he said, cutting himself

until all his words were

a lifetime, could he not see through her

Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still

moment at the gala when

shield him

Totally unexpected.

and anger now took on a new definition upon

process these swirling

intently to the

red eyes and pursed lips, looking

she lifted her arms and wrapped them

under her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

and Seth

needed care, and returning to the

had never mentioned leaving

rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up –

her, never leaving her side.

impeccable

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

from the bathroom to the bed where

waiting.

despite the doctor’s caution, some pain

pressure and Cicely would

the man beside her, who seemed to make the

tense as

sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to business

her room, insisted Seth take her

was just to the living room

most of

the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

postponed the deal which should have been settled

to after

asked Seth if Diaz International

as it had

Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found

able to look up and

residence just before the new year. After all, as

who had been

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

than on

lavish dinner for

table, she brought up the topic

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family for the

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match

were legally

appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced at

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang of sadness.

not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

Just as she had returned to spend a

festive gatherings, would leave him

*

the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to

residence.

pick up Danielle from the

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital over

too heartless. After negotiating with the

to bring her

the image of two old people spending

each other, feels sad just

up, serving as company for the

thought of

feel that it might be better off without

had been bustling since yesterday, and

home for the

feast knowing Miss Danielle

the hospital. And

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked up

face immediately

happily with Danielle. When she saw

paused for

smiling.

also

shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside.

The way she said that made it sound

here?” Seth asked, ignoring

His voice was as flat as the

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying a

brought her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought to keep

her best not to let her

dad who applied for her discharge. If

family. You stay here for the

is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

turned even more

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

contain her fury. “The guest I invite is the

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

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over

in taking care of her every single

a sneer. “By that logic, any

accident and play the damsel in

the Ellis family’s dinners

pale with anger, and she

Cicely. “This is the

for a mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

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

it you who’s making

“You…”

deep voice cut through the

had been light and smiling,

she quietly awaited Seth’s next

brought you here to celebrate, not to start a scene and

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