The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

up, you know. Getting angry is bad

and I will

Enter title…

glared at her coldly and then let out

disabled for life, you’ll never

off.”d2

she looked at

Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you

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

and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

How important do you think you are in Seth’s

decades to live? How

Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely.

to her most vulnerable

a second that you’re off

away. You were so proud,

up from your grave and lash your corpse

Maybe if you get better soon,

don’t blame me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid

Cicely’s icy, detached voice

starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

over until you’re willing to eat,

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

looked up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her.

eats

“Understood.”

a deep

turning towards the door

two steps, the door swung

as the man who entered

Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his

just returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows as she

opened the door. She

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely,

mixed with rage.

“Mr. Ray, don’t you

of me that night when you

come to settle that score yet,

castrated you myself.”

words hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never

night?”

slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

faint smile, she added,

Let’s put our grievances aside for now.

your facts straight. It was your

mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

Let’s not make her situation

to the exchange, could hardly

briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not

course, I know Danielle is the

nodded with a smile,

up, I’ll take

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

we can’t hold him accountable.

but I

her

brought back the chaos of that night, the

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

shudder.

“Miss?”

memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond

skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

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

It’s clear she means a lot to him. I

orchestrated by his

at the

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

*

stood by

had no idea it would turn

wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more attention than she had

shoveled food

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics

she said, not looking up from her plate. “Is

now, and your

a chance for a comeback,

blown it for good.”

hands were clenched so tight his knuckles

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family

Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act.

imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

agency, he had his sights

run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard against

blow. He played

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

shown up,

receiving

had pondered this question before, but

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t

I’ve checked with the doctors about

rough road ahead. I came here

ask you

look up, her voice

of that car for him,

him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some

mid-bite and finally turned to look

Even with a motive, my only desire was to win

“It’s different. The accident

I didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate.

would you

a long silence, Danielle set her fork down and

answer are you

his lips together. “You

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

expect you to brush me

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

or not, that’s the answer I

don’t have to play the villain in front of me to push me

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

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

this composed yet so obsessively

on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of

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

to.

*

elevator on

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when

her purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

faint smile

hate hospitals.

another episode. Came

After a brief silence, she glanced at

in bullying a cripple,

long after Cicely arrived at the

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr. Diaz,

your behalf to

thought it might

gaze faltered

scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to

at the corners of her

and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

me when I’m

she recovers, the

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of her down

braved the disgust and

anger, just

the more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

reached out to pull

learned just

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether

don’t have the time to join me. And as it

meal

blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

The question floated

brief pause, he looked up to find the woman

for an answer, as if the question itself

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

into the car and pondered for a moment, her

at the

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate,

the window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

The dark green pines stood tall but

vitality.

her brows, and the already

the car

servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

over at the sound of her arrival, a look

you give us a heads

upstairs,

long ago and was reading in the

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some buckwheat

ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of

deepened as she turned and headed straight for

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had

brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants,

for my

were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered

has been preferring

for these dishes. Even if

meals are quite simple.

there’s no need to

enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories,

family’s dining table was always a feast of

found Creighton

his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A

hit Cicely, and

estate now had but one master. That

a humble corner

early, head over heels in

alone in

deeply in

didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket

out of the study.

from his nap and came

with the servants, his face

didn’t you

to

at her. “You’re not fighting with Seth

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

“He’s busy with

all the home-cooked

for dinner

to ask him. He listens

to me.”

talk to

to Creighton for the rest of

playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton

amused and exasperated.

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

in

“Silence is golden;

bustling, and even the

seemed to have returned to

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

too busy to make

glance, “Are you two

hope for us to

Creighton relented.

sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate,

coming home tonight.]

to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

all, she couldn’t let Grandpa

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait up

at the

Seth with his coat. “Why

message imply

coat on the rack, her voice neutral,

know.”

reason for a married couple to

an invitation for us to stay

he had pulled her into his

living room. “Good

seeing the couple’s closeness, smiled,

past few days, have you

“Not yet.”

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

dishes were all tailored

on joining him for dinner,

with the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two aren’t

breath, “Just came out

the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

headed back to

Enter title…

return to dine with him,

down across from him did he glance up at

estate isn’t as cozy as our

bottle, her

here for the

emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he

set down

explain myself

Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even

for a sip, “I said I’m not

time over the same person

mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

back here just on

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

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

then I saw my dad and changed

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

not

was impassive, her lips curled in

last part, coupled with her subtle

had been placed on the question she had

noon.

If

lips twitched in amusement. “If you want to

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

sip from his water glass. “As

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why

such an easy compromise.

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

to her what their conversation would be about—nothing

matters.

app for little home decor

sets, and notebooks with pens.

but she liked doodling

servant opened it to

inside.

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

of the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and

have an errand. Mr. Seth

I’ll be on

looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray

this, quickly directed the

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding

a glass of milk. After finishing her milk,

upstairs.

talk

The servant had

clothes and went to the bathroom

It had been a while since she’d indulged in

temperature, she slid into the tub and let out a sigh

the bathroom window was a view of

by rotating ground lights. It

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked

the years, glimpsing at them had become

edge of the bathtub, staring at that place for

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

over her eyes.

oil dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue. With the

her eyes, she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and she instinctively slid down

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

to see the man

side of the tub.

be the first

was by the man

the room had dissipated

feel cold.

did, guess who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake

next to her and began

frowned, “What

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes into the

do in a

the towel beside the

she was scooped up

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

to do?”

looked down at the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

bath, more radiant than usual. He

was low and

“You should be able to

without drowning.”

softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

her

demeanor.

run his fingers through her

hair for

“No.”

the shower

before turning on the shower. A

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

that this man had a

anger before it even

stood still, not moving an inch, as

away

crossing in front of her, trying to

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

chest to rinse

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely

After all, there were more

for this

he nudged her toward

a quick shower

with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning

there any

apartment, it’s quite a trek from

I can’t exactly haul you back against

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

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

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a

better.”

sleep by

I?” Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

reached out to pull her into

from the

prevent water from flowing into them, Cicely’s

on his succinct and

felt something insistent pressing

already set the showerhead

forehead against hers. “We should

tightened, “Let go.

not going out just

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

moved with a familiarity that made it all too

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

pain. “This is the Ellis

it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not

keep it

legs was wrapped around his waist, and

she was on

slipping her into pajamas,

him, her soft hair spreading

the

turn away, his long

to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she

too exhausted to continue the

*

The next day.

Cicely woke up, Seth was already gone. The

faded, with new ones

protective—or so he seemed. Any pain

it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

into

she found Creighton and her

returned from their morning exercise and were already

head

“You really should fix

by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

couch. “Sleeping in is the best

breakfast is bad for your health, and

is the most important meal. Why are

you leave with

irritation left Cicely speechless for a

Why would I

duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn

ending up clueless. What? Didn’t Seth tell

face showing clear reluctance.

he didn’t

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

he really

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

the hospital with your grandfather

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her

of elegance

lunch by yourself

were already leaving

come up several times at the

her alone in the hospital while the

inappropriate and heartless. After a

they were set to visit the hospital the

Anyone who dared say the Ellis family was harsh

would have a problem

returned in time for

while Cicely sat with Creighton and

to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

the bathroom, and upon entering, she

After a quick shower, she emerged to

into bed to

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

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

on the lips. “I’m

Wait for me,

can you be? It’s been days on

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

“Then what am

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

gently, “Then hurry up and

her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

with unrestrained

found herself gasping for air. She lifted her hands

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to

with their unintentional

death? I wouldn’t

Diaz,” he

sweet punishment.” “Misunderstood?” Cicely’s drowsy

hers. A

warrants a penalty

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

held the same amused expression, yet a

smile. “Go ahead. Punish me any way

and seriously

that because I’m so into you, any

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

heart to give

her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

the emotion in her eyes, Seth felt a subtle stir in his

chin, “You

hand moved from his face

have you ever heard, love

at the start, the more

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes,

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

will. I wouldn’t choose to hate

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

faint smile. He let go

shirt was already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

still early, so be good and wait for

“If you’re

you up my way.”

find out what his method of

the shower, Cicely was propped up

game. She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

there something you need

at

talking, he swiped and tapped

frowned, “I don’t know anything about

do there?”

little, you wouldn’t need to tag along

thing in

I have

think your dad asking

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

future,

manage the Ellis family forever. If

a weak moment and start eating away at you,

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

around you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your

watched him quietly, “What makes you insecure?

you? Or maybe you want to leave me one day

to her, his gazes

like

a trail of

But beyond these two reasons, is there anything

expression didn’t improve,

shadow in their depths

be so quick to assume. In fact, instead of you being

be reflecting on why I harbor

back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your

can before sleep, and ask me about

understand tomorrow.”

phone, the document app he had just

a blur of text.

out of bed, lifting

I can’t stay by your side and affect

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her face

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven

looking worse

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight by

the woman sleeping with the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

slid into bed, taking the phone from

she hadn’t closed.

one he’d opened for

face

Creighton was in a rush to find her

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched the woman sleep

he pulled her

the man’s arms and scent,

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

to wake her up, maybe keep her up

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

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with

a cup of strong coffee. Even for school, Cicely rarely

morning grumpiness, she was even more

robbed of breath.

Seth away, she kicked him hard a couple of

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his legs out

shine, off

Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

face.” Seth’s voice carried

Cicely didn’t budge.

really gonna make me do this the hard

comforter off with a huff,

could she muster just out of bed,

pillow at

the

I’m

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

don’t see you up by the

to wake

back to sleep.”

in frustration. As Seth turned

into a sly

and

squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows,

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

reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

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

simple as toothpaste. The frothy white

slight smile of her

to the Ellis

from last night did

to know anything.

I supposed

smiled and

office, Cicely understood why he

and chair in the

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you can

turned her face away, “Computers

excuse, “There are

no matter what

an answer for it. Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

and

you be

a C&P

“You’re leaving

wolves in

reading;

mouth to retort but held back.

glanced at her before

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

possibly stir up

Cicely did take the

her pen, but within half an hour, the pen

her

she left the office,

rummaged through the drawers,

pen and doodled on a black

her phone and then, noticing the time,

and

noon. Cicely

student.

you get through?”

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

whole morning and you’re proud of that?”

stung.

the fact that I’m even sitting here

desk, noticing the

her

a

and flushed slightly, but quickly

nonchalance.

took a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth waited for an

as if

nose and sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

prepared? No

the files and approached him. Before she

her into an embrace. “What the heck, Seth?

said, leaning

around her waist,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of

and respectful. Now,

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

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

you, and it’s

of impunity, but Seth had

harboring

current relationship, that

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled,

it’s to your

back in his chair, turning

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was annoyed

Charlie from a local diner,

no intention of joining

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by

hungry.” His mood

suffused with the unmistakable vibe of ‘he’s

a big deal’.

all this by myself?” she asked, her brow furrowed as

laden with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

you can’t eat it, leave it.

her eyes and huffed, “Then

tonight.”

at her

couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

we have to sleep together every night. If

wait until

was stoic, “How long

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

to

her silverware tightened before

continued to watch

and

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis Corporation since the afternoon, holding

stayed

slack off, but under Seth’s

with him summoning various department heads for

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

the well-known heiress of the Ellis

her father, she couldn’t afford

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

department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors

She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

downstairs for a bit. Mom’s shopping

in a while.”

“I should probably let

I’ve

to the door to

Patty hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit

Cicely knew she had to play

with things as they come. If Patty

relax a bit more. If not, best to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was a

Patty wasn’t her

and naturally, Cicely wasn’t about

door. She cozied up in the

around Seth’s.

them

Enter title…

call and returned

sip of warm

two minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she didn’t understand

But with him

he hadn’t even mentioned anything about

of her hair, her palm warming against

“I overheard General

He was talking about this new

socks off the old models. We could corner the market

The Ellis family has the know-how and

Instead of bidding and choosing another

the deal over to Diaz

the Ellis family, why haven’t

fish like the Harper family, and

the Ellis project. Diaz International doesn’t

the Ellis

Ellis family picks Diaz International,

Seth, so many would kill for that kind

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

the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out don’t

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can say

are all more fitting partners than

Ellis family, are you suggesting I use

to make

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

counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If

of pride for you,

a half-smile.

to take the big deals, too proud

of running

That way, you wouldn’t have to worry

actually a pretty

thought about it, the more feasible it

his eyes but

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

actually go through with that? Assess the value

shares for you in

and I’ll cut you in on

How

her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole for? Why the

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me, if

your mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

You know, I’ve been thinking that

gives me an edge over you. But Diaz International?

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as he

of Diaz International. So what if I

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

to

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased

reaction, Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then

Ellis

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?”

that belonged to

her mug, then switched on her charm

her face a stormy mix

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t

ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

No need to keep things so

scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off only as much as

a heads-up, don’t even think about laying

International.”

her eyes carrying

Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither would

up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

probably mindful

if forcefully suppressing a multitude of

at the Diaz residence,

might be the real way to make

was out of the

residence, Seth took the wheel while

“Where are you off

“Same as today.”

alone in the

I’ll disturb

her arm against the car

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, “Yeah,

lips curled into a half-smile, “Should I prepare some new sketchbooks

you?”

“No need,

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

today; they’ve been temporarily

now, I can bring them out for

her shoes and said,

packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in the living

a waterproof mat and started to

knife.

small items – mugs, thermos cups, small decorations in

them but also studied them. Her demeanor

many times

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely amidst an array

freshen up; we’re up early

him a white travel tumbler.

heft, and

beneath. Beside her was

and name. The rest of the items were pairs, hers in dark

light.

made you think of buying

time did I realize there are no traces of you

it

while still engrossed in the small

thing in the world. Seth didn’t say much

urged her to get some

morning, seeing the white tumbler in

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and

more. Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after

they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

aside, paced the office, and then there was

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

up at the sight, “Put

resumed her task with the

Seth returned to an office

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh

couple of notebooks.

mirrored his,

cushion on the

of flowers had even appeared on the

wisdom of leaving

as though she’d done nothing out of the ordinary, asked upon

for

“How much work

three fingers, then hesitantly added a fourth,

the computer, bringing up a video of

bit of Cicely’s boredom—and her interest

everything but work.

No surprise there.

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

hungry,” she stated, approaching him.

closed the video.

full of text. Seth looked at her,

the whole

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

the new objects on the desk, and he nodded,

reward, I’ll take you

office for a meal was music

*

at the Ellis

staff for

stretched over several days, and

company affairs, she

time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same hotel,

towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor

the south, the other

was just below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the

She wore a pair of silver

still stood out as the

birth, Cicely seemed destined to

in design, yet undeniably from

The man by her side was

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything

International gala to make the rounds,

deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

away

orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the spotlight was on

Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis Corporation gala, they

flurry of toasts and well-wishes, almost

guests, receiving blessings and drinks

found their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the C&P gala

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,” Seth

hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous smile, “I

a lot

“And plenty of

to

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

have considered it.”

just want to admire the

day I’ll bring them

personal viewing.”

the C&P

low profile there, and even more so in

C&P, after its grand slam start

its grip, was the envy of

to Seth

man, unwilling to waste time on those

ingratiate themselves with him.

gala was a magnet for journalists, both

was deliberate, with plenty of

away. However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived,

Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got

a commotion over at

demeanor darkened. As he

his wrist,

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

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose and trailed

was slouched on the steps of

finished bottle of hard liquor.

he greeted Seth with a sneer, using

feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable

word with venom.

laughed coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

hardball. I’ve seen just how ruthless

who writes history, that I can’t blame anyone

family never provoked you; we

coveted what the we

anticipated such drama on

air, the implications

whispers about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s

Ray had once made an indecent pass

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed

against Ray .

speculated that it had been

seemed to confirm

still a shareholder in

this place immediately.”

their shares when Ray’s

from a

ten percent.

“Rest assured, I know

your Diaz International event.

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

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

ruined Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

makes you think you

the last shred of

in his eyes,

menace, and he looked as if he

vengeful fury.

of whiskey onto the table next to Seth

sending sharp shards scattering across the polished

glass pierced through the festive din

skip a

Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for her

remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s

she let out a breathless

pulling Seth’s arm and

a circle to

clung to Seth, her body shielding

bright red blood fell onto Seth’s hand, and the

in his arms seemed about to fall

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout the

intervene, felt a surge of rage at the sight

blood on

arm stood out, and his face, usually cool and

a bloodied sword blade, seething

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

she gripped

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her pale,

slapped him. Stunned, he

straight. Have you had too much

will do you

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger,

clear tremble.

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

up in her eyes made it clear to

fear, anger, or

heart as he surveyed her

cut on her right arm. He grasped her arm,

else are

and tears fell from

panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice,

to crumble

fear—all converged and

face. “My… my ankle hurts,” she

in her

high heels and, with a

his arms.

been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

on his

right beside Seth and was quick

him a moment’s

had

acted swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and

Seth’s retreating figure

so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

didn’t falter in his

*

injuries, Erik and Creighton rushed to

frenzy.

and a

but not

treated, her wounds bandaged, and her

were red and

and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful

“Dad.”

just ended a phone call and

gave a brief nod to the Erik and

their concern for

his concern, which he

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

the new year,

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

and followed

glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

now, and it’ll still hurt

make the pain stop, then

said, cutting himself off

natter until all his words were stuffed

could he not see through her

somewhat disheveled

at the gala when

him with her

Totally unexpected.

now took on a

he could process these swirling

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

eyes and pursed lips, looking

then she lifted her arms

her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two old

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

needed care, and returning to the Ellis

all, she had never mentioned

gala, Seth

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely needed to move,

leaving her side.

was impeccable

complaint-free actions were bittersweet

carried Cicely from the bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the

and Cicely

silence from the man beside

feel as tense as a

the Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted

turned

her room, insisted Seth take her

even if it was just to the

most of their

the mechanical manufacturing issues of the

family.

had postponed the deal which should have been settled

to after

Diaz International

same as it had been initially with

Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

interested in company affairs, she found comfort

voice and being able to look up and see

just before

been injured protecting Seth, Patty

at this

on previous

a lavish dinner for

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

bring Cicely back to

surprised, as Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

but since they were legally married, spending

the most appropriate and normal thing

moment, glanced at the young

somewhat absent-mindedly.

suddenly felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness of the

to spend a few days, the New Year,

festive gatherings, would leave him

*

Eve,

residence.

them to pick up Danielle from

that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

was too heartless. After negotiating with

bring her

image

other, feels sad just thinking about it. .

might liven things up,

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

might be better off without

bustling since

being home for the New Year’s Eve

sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle

anyone at the hospital.

who should have been picked

Her face immediately

chatting happily with Danielle. When she saw Seth

paused for a

smiling.

wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

A shadow crossed her face, but she brushed it aside. “Seth,

The way she said that

are you doing here?” Seth

the couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

clasped tightly, not saying

her all alone in the hospital over

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought

to let her

applied for her discharge. If anyone

been the Ellis family. You stay here

is being

ashamed?”

even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

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

here. Danielle got herself injured saving Seth’s

never repay. What’s wrong with inviting her

taking care of her

a sneer. “By that logic, any

play the damsel in distress.

the Ellis family’s

with anger, and

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t

who’s

“You…”

deep voice cut

smiling, settled on a

quietly awaited Seth’s

you here to celebrate, not to start a scene

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