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.

Getting angry is bad for

and I will be driven

Enter title…

then let out

disabled for life, you’ll never be able to

off.”d2

she looked at

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

Sadly for you, even if you wish for a

will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

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

three or four decades to live? How

day out? Or rather, do

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared

her most vulnerable

think for a second that you’re off the hook just because

of running away. You were so

I will dig you up from your grave and lash

Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able to slap

blame me for bullying

Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her.

detached voice rang out

I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just

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

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in place. To eat or not to

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please,

looked up at the nurse standing by. “Keep

she eats

“Understood.”

took a

turning towards the door to

the door swung open

darkening as the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred

who had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she

She reached

feeling any

face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting your anger?

the one who nearly took advantage of me

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

castrated you myself.”

hit Ray

never told

night?”

what he say negate the

raped me?”

her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware

Let’s put our grievances

your facts straight. It was your drunken

this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the

Let’s not make her situation

to the exchange, could

Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to

course, I know Danielle

that so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I

I’ll take

they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t

him accountable.

by yesterday, but I didn’t let him

in her hands until her

again brought back the chaos of that

fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems

A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant

suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot to him.

by

frowned at the

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

*

the hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome

“I’m sorry, I had

to give Ray any more attention than

she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family

not looking up from her plate. “Is it really

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

a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white,

orchestrated the

start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to

what you can imagine. My dad

he had his sights

a guy who hasn’t graduated from college

things to make everyone relax

fatal blow. He played

wasn’t simply drunk.

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

at the receiving end

of color. She had

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

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

checked with

optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to see

to ask

up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go

of that car for him, was

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

to look at Ray. “Does it make

motive, my only

“It’s different.

my 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 him. “What

are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

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

or not, that’s

villain in front of me to push me away.

like denying everything I’ve ever felt.

since I can’t, I need to find a reason

Ray this composed yet so obsessively

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in

to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness

to.

*

out of the elevator on the ground floor, only

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he

on her purse slackened for a moment then

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

was heavy. “You hate

Came to check

she glanced at him

a cripple, so don’t

after Cicely arrived at

side, instantly grasped what Seth was

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

been lately. She thought it

gaze faltered for a

scarf around her neck, presenting

corners of her

your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

person could hurt me when I’m

“The sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets

I braved the

overt anger, just a serene and

the more she displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to

learned just a week

Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his

have the time to join me.

a meal

with such blunt rejection, Seth’s

you ever trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s ears,

he looked up

for an answer, as if the question itself

in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

settled into the car and pondered for

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely

window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

her brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

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

with servants occasionally

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a

give us

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

too long ago and was reading in

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

made some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody from

step, “And what else?”

“There were a

as she turned and headed straight

stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out

buckwheat

light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled

of ham and cheese.

she lifted

you prepared for my

to reply, their heads

“Sir has been preferring lighter meals these

specifically asked for these dishes.

touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When

there’s no need to cook

enough not to doubt his words, but in her

was always a feast

she found Creighton slumped in

on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

sorrow hit Cicely, and her

had but one master. That

a humble corner for his

in love, insisting on living

father alone

blamed herself deeply in

covering him with

out of the study.

woke from his nap and came downstairs

his face lit up

didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to

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

so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

settling onto the couch. “He’s busy

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

for

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

to me.”

I’ll talk to

to Creighton for the rest of the

her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

arrived, father and son squared off

in with

“Silence is golden;

afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the

seemed to have

be.

Creighton

to make it back.

you two really

for us to be

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

a dramatic runaway scenario

she couldn’t let

anything amiss.

and she didn’t wait

at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are you

your message imply

coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

reason for a married

as an invitation for us to stay here

could respond, he had pulled her into his

the living room.

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

hard these past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

the staff whip

The dishes were all tailored to his

on joining him for dinner, but as

the inexplicable stares of her father

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

came

the coffee table, bending

back to the dining

Enter title…

return to dine with

up at her.

estate isn’t as cozy as

water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

for

Seth’s brow as

set down his

not explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it,

sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no

time over the same person

with a napkin,

back here just

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

on time. In fact, on my

saw my dad

he could use

I’m not fighting

face was impassive, her lips curled in an almost imperceptible

the last part, coupled with her subtle

on the question she had left lingering

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would

want to stay, stay.

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

sip from

his easy

even if he disagreed today, it

why

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and

her what their conversation would be about—nothing but

matters.

her shopping app for little home decor items

notebooks with pens. Not that she

she liked doodling when

servant opened

inside.

sending you out in such

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait

an errand. Mr. Seth asked me

be on my

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray

seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell

servant brought up a glass of milk. After finishing

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk

out? The servant had refilled their

found some clothes and went to

a while since

slid into the

bathroom window was a view of the garden

lights. It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father

them had become a habit

of the bathtub, staring at

the edge of the tub, twisted a hot towel, and

over her eyes.

into the water, soothing her fatigue. With

eyes, she didn’t move again. She

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and

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

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

side of the tub.

first to

was by the

had dissipated when he

feel cold.

tried to shake

to her and began to

frowned, “What are you

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into

does one do in a bathroom?

the towel beside the tub to cover herself, and

could leave, she was scooped

and glared up

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed from either

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

low and enticing. “Share a

embarrassingly, “You

without drowning.”

her quiet, gentle

he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his fingers through her wet

your hair for

“No.”

spray of the

her consent before turning on the

in Cicely, but Seth’s hand

that this man had

anger before it even

an inch, as the

yanked away by

crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience,

chest to rinse

eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

After all, there were more than a couple of

for this

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her

took a

expression, Cicely asked,

planning

any

to your apartment, it’s quite a trek from

here. I can’t exactly

will.”

flicker of anger

he drew closer to her. “It’s okay. Waking up

nothing compared to spending a whole

better.”

can’t sleep

drifted leisurely over her

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull her

the shower cascading

her eyes closed to prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s

his succinct and cryptic response, which left her

pressing against her

realization, Seth had already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

his forehead against hers. “We should get out and

“Let go.

not going out

Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

he moved with a

she’d scream out. She hit his

“This

you

keep it down

wrapped around his waist, and

her vision blurred until she was

the hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed her

him, her soft

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

long arm scooped her into his

resist, knowing he’d only persist if she

exhausted

*

The next day.

woke up, Seth was already gone.

with new ones

so he seemed. Any

to it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

freshening up and slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and her

their morning exercise and

his head with

fix that habit of skipping

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of

in is the best

bad for your health,

Breakfast is the most important

didn’t you leave

left Cicely speechless for

office. Why would I leave

with your holiday. You could learn

of ending up clueless. What?

showing clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t mention

“You’re quite good at passing the

he really

know, Creighton dropped the subject.

the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle. You

come?”

curled her legs onto the couch, resting her elbow

posture a blend of elegance and lazy

lunch by yourself at

just returned, and they were

come up several

hospital while the

a table was incredibly inappropriate and

to visit the hospital the next

say the Ellis

Danielle would have a problem with

in time for dinner. His

eating, he headed upstairs first, while

up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

shower, she emerged to find

climbed into bed to play with

seemed like Seth had finished his work.

walked over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

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

Wait for me,

you be? It’s been days on

you up to?”

brow quirked with a hint of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what

there are plenty of things we have yet

him gently, “Then

being pushed away by her, Seth’s body

penetrating with unrestrained

gasping for air. She lifted her hands and

out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

you trying to kiss me to death?” she

words caught Seth off guard with their unintentional

him. “Kiss you to death? I

just now, Mrs. Diaz,” he said with

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

just inches from hers. A gentle smile tinged her eyes,

penalty for self-justification, then

I consider how to punish

amused expression, yet a chill seemed to

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way you see

tilted her head, calmly and seriously

because I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline,

to give me

her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir

caressing her smooth chin,

Her hand moved from his

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

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

and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s

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

comes, which I doubt it will. I

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for a long

let go of Cicely’s

two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so

“If

you up my way.”

to find out what his method of waking her might be.

emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up

a video game. She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

the

something you need

at

he swiped and tapped on

know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

little, you wouldn’t need

in

have to

you think your dad asking you to learn

you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

in the future, your only sure bet is the

won’t manage the Ellis family forever.

start eating away at

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

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there

only when truly in your

makes you

Or maybe you want to leave me

her, his gazes

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

who leaves a trail

saying. But beyond these

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths

In fact, instead of

reflecting on why

“I’ve downloaded

sleep, and

understand tomorrow.”

the phone, the document app he had just

of text. “What will you be

out of bed, lifting the

reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay by your

mood.”

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

too well; it wasn’t about reflection.

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking

the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms,

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for her before leaving. He then looked at

face

Creighton was in a rush to find

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he pulled her

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

wanted to wake her up,

fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

of strong coffee. Even for

morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out of

shine, off

not going.” Cicely yanked

face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this the

flung the comforter off with

strength could she muster just out

a pillow

by, and the pillow

this, I’m not going

pillow, and placed it

I don’t see you up by the

to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth

into a sly

covers aside and stomped off to the bathroom,

onto his

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

and Seth, as if on cue,

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

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

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile

they headed to

much of the document from last night did you read?” Seth

to know anything.

am I supposed

smiled

office, Cicely understood why he

a new desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

are on the computer; you can

turned her face away,

excuse, “There are printed copies

She felt like no matter what excuse she came up with,

answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

and we can go

will you be

a

leaving me here

there wolves in the office

on the reading; I’ll be

mouth to retort but

glanced at her before

eyes had been darting around, a clear sign she was up to no

she possibly stir

Cicely did take the documents seriously for

but

her phone was

left the office, returning after

through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

pen and doodled on a black leather notebook

played with her phone and then, noticing

desk and the

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

student.

you get through?”

it’s new to

in a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting here

approached his desk, noticing the black notebook she had taken

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

in a confident,

her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away.

she declared as if it justified

nose and sank

Come over here.”

No

grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before she

arm pulled her into an embrace.

said, leaning back with

around her waist, his

taking

“What do you mean?”

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

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

attitude. If that’s not taking liberties,

is?”

“Respectful? That’s

you, and it’s intentional,

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

harboring intentions towards

relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s

away and leaned back in his

his expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

Charlie from a local diner, indeed

no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic clacking of the

mood

was suffused with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

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

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

her way.

can’t eat it, leave it. Nobody said you had

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

tonight.”

looked up at her

and picked up the

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

wait until you’re

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you planning

attitude with me?”

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

you sure you want to keep butting heads

on her silverware tightened

to

me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

the Ellis Corporation since the afternoon,

and had stayed in

to slack off, but under Seth’s watchful eye,

summoning various department

progress reviews, the office atmosphere

Ellis family, even

father, she couldn’t afford to be seen

the end of the workday approached, Cicely found most

trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

word. She hadn’t made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

go downstairs for a bit. Mom’s

in a while.”

brow twitched, “I should probably let

I’ve already told

to the door to

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

when it came down to it, Cicely knew

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

to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was a

Patty wasn’t her biggest

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

by the door. She cozied up in

around Seth’s.

them some

Enter title…

call and

took a sip of warm

broke the ice. “Spit it

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told if she

him always buzzing around, she

hadn’t even mentioned anything

her hair, her palm warming against

said nonchalantly, “I overheard General

was talking about this new mechanical

off the old models. We could

has the know-how and the development rights.

a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another

the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties between

and the Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like

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

deal with the Ellis

If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest

kill for that kind of opportunity.

not up for it, or do you just chicken out when you see the likes of

family, or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t want

with the Ellis family?”

Corporation, I can say that the

all more fitting

the Ellis family, are you suggesting I use my position

Ellis Corporation to make things easier for

his stance.

line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

for you, I’ll bang

twitched into a

to take the

of running Diaz International? Might as well let

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

up. Hmm, that’s actually a

more she thought about it, the more feasible it

narrowed his eyes but

Cicely propped her chin in her hands

through with that? Assess

you in the Ellis family? Or, you could

to me personally, and I’ll cut you in on a

How about

“What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

to me,

mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

my sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

unfathomable as

bit of Diaz International. So what if I

with a

to

tightened, clearly

thinly.

the Ellis family banner

International ever do to tick you off?” The

tone that belonged

glanced at her mug, then switched on her charm as she

standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad

on the Ellis family ain’t too shabby, right? Especially

need to keep

the future. You bite off only as

And a heads-up, don’t even

International.”

eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

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

since Seth had already stood up, his

go.”

probably mindful of Seth’s expression.

as if forcefully suppressing

had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

Patty might be the

night was out of the

the drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel while Cicely

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

in the office again,

I’m there, I’ll disturb your

against the car window, twirling a strand of

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss,

you today; they’ve been temporarily stored in

to open them now, I can bring them out

shoes and said, “Well, bring them

indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

to

knife.

items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations in

but also studied

times more

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst an array

up;

looked up and handed him a white travel tumbler.

and engraved on it was a portrait

with her name beneath. Beside her was a matching

of the items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

think of buying all

I realize there are

and it feels

in the small items, her tone and

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

urged her to get some

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and setting

was still scattered, but after reviewing a couple

realized they were much the

department heads yesterday.

she set the paperwork aside, paced the office, and

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

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

chair, she resumed her task

an office transformed. His

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

couple of notebooks.

the corner mirrored his, albeit with a

a cushion

bouquet of flowers had even

question the wisdom of

as though she’d done nothing out

for lunch

“How much work did

hesitantly added a

keys on the computer, bringing up

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

was silent, and Cicely, unaware of its contents, only saw

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

closed the video.

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

spent the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

a reward, I’ll take you

prospect of escaping the office for a meal

*

at the Ellis Corporation, repeating

for

and even

about company affairs, she couldn’t

everything settled, it was time for the

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged to hold

same day, at the same hotel, for

bridges. The topfloor ballrooms

the south, the

was just below Diaz International’s—a floor apart,

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the hem

She wore a pair of silver

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

birth, Cicely seemed

Her clothes were simple in design,

was distractingly handsome, a sight

onlookers to look away. Cicely

to the Diaz International gala to make

expected pleasantries, to clink

whisking her away

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

father present, the spotlight

at the Ellis Corporation gala,

of toasts and well-wishes, almost

guests, receiving

their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,”

Cicely teased with a

a lot

“And plenty of male heartthrobs,

curious to take

“If your intentions weren’t so transparent, I

have considered it.”

want to

day I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

about skipping the C&P

there, and even more so in the

after its grand slam start and the valuable

of many.

cozy up to Seth

patient man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both

from the C&P event was deliberate,

not long after,

got drunk at the C&P gala

over at

furrowed, and his demeanor darkened.

his wrist, “What’s

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

before following Charlie out.

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

slouched on the steps

of hard liquor. His face

with a sneer, using the steps for

feet and

slurred, emphasizing each syllable with

with venom.

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless you

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

My family never provoked you; we

we

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

air, the

about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s

whim because Ray had

Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

some speculated that it had been

seemed to

are still a shareholder in your

place immediately.” Seth

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had dispersed,

after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know this isn’t my place. I’m

International event. I can’t do anything

I have, and I

much to you. You destroyed my company, so

International, let you

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment, “If

makes you think you can

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

the drunken stupor in his eyes, which

he looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table

sharp shards scattering across the polished

pierced through the festive din like

causing Cicely’s heart to skip a

high heels a clumsy match

the bottle at

color, and she let out a

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and

half a circle

clung to Seth,

red blood fell onto Seth’s

appeared in his arms seemed about to fall out

moment.

gasp reverberated

felt a surge of rage at the

blood on his

out, and his face, usually cool

seething

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm

anger, she gripped his clothes

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on

a resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

Have you had too much

do you think provoking him will

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

the

made it clear to him—she

anger, or

heart

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

dark. “Where else are

her lip, and tears fell from her

panic and restlessness swirled within

voice,

self-control seemed to crumble

and broke

“My… my ankle hurts,”

her last desperate lunge to

heels and, with a grimace,

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie,

with a knee on

had been right beside Seth and was quick

cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation. In

had swung past

Cicely had been cut on

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

Seth’s retreating

damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for

done!”

falter in his

*

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

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a

shallow, but not too

treated, her wounds bandaged, and

red

she greeted them with a

“Dad.”

phone call and returned to the

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

their concern for

his concern, which he channeled

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

the new year, this happens! Seth,

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

listen and followed

I

Enter title…

still hurt if you

the pain stop,

stop,” he said, cutting himself off

all his words were stuffed back down

could he not see through her

her hair somewhat disheveled

gala when she had unexpectedly run up

him with

Totally unexpected.

initial shock and anger now took

he could process these swirling emotions,

Seth listened intently to the doctor,

he saw Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking as

then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

knees, lifting her from the

sense of

watching.

Seth back to the

returning to the

never

after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

up –

to carry her, never leaving

Seth was impeccable in

silent, complaint-free actions were

to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s caution, some

and Cicely would wince. This

a heavy silence from the man beside

feel as tense as a

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that

turned

bored in her

it was just to the

most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

postponed the deal which should

year to

if Diaz International was interested in taking

response was the same as it

Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found

to Seth’s voice and being able to look

residence just before the

who had been injured protecting Seth,

to put on airs at this time.

than on previous

family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She didn’t

the dinner table, she brought up the topic of the New Year’s Eve meal.

to

Patty’s mood

legally

appropriate and normal

a moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness of the Ellis residence

returned to spend a

festive gatherings, would leave him

*

New Yearr’s Eve,

residence.

left with them to pick up

leaving Danielle alone in

heartless. After negotiating with

bring her

the image of two old people spending

at each other, feels sad

of Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for

then again, the thought of

that it might be better off without

since yesterday,

for the New Year’s

knowing Miss

anyone at the

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been

Her face

with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

the room, her expression paused for a

smiling.

also had

her face, but she

she said that made it sound like

doing here?” Seth

couch. His voice was

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not

We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought to

to let her emotions

for her discharge. If anyone was going to take

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

Danielle. “Patty is being polite,

ashamed?”

embarrassed, turned even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

able to contain her fury. “The guest I

herself injured saving Seth’s life.

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

care of her

lips curled into a sneer. “By that logic, any

play the damsel

family’s dinners even

anger, and she whirled to glare

“This is the

a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

don’t take

you who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through the

had been light and smiling, settled on a

she quietly awaited Seth’s

celebrate, not to start a scene

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