The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

know. Getting angry is bad for

for life, Seth and I

Enter title…

then let out

for life,

off.”d2

she looked at Danielle, who

hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

even if you wish for a life of

it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up

you think you

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

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

someone disabled?”

she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her most

that you’re off

of running away. You were so proud, weren’t you? Well,

I will dig you up from your grave and lash your

get better soon, you might be

don’t blame me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

detached voice rang

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

to

annoying.”

in place.

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

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

she eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

again, turning towards the

take two steps, the door swung open

the man who entered caught

The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows

She

feeling any

clenched as he glared at

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re

advantage of me that night when you were

come to settle that score yet, and here you are

castrated you myself.”

words hit

“Seth never told you

night?”

what he say negate

raped me?”

she added, “I’m

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

your facts straight. It was your drunken

not anyone else’s doing. Ms.

not make

listening to the exchange, could

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

know Danielle is the

a smile, “Then

cleared up, I’ll take

as they left the hospital room. “Ray

him accountable.

I didn’t

in her hands until her knuckles turned

back the chaos of that night,

and terrifying that even

shudder.

“Miss?”

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

been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream

suddenly proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s

It’s clear she means a lot to him.

accident was orchestrated by his family for

frowned at

Danielle so much he’d nearly get her

*

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

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

in the mood to give Ray

fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

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

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

Nothing’s happening to him now, and

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

his knuckles

the downfall of my family from

to be fooled by

dad said the moment he entered

started his agency, he had his sights set on bringing us

talent agency, run by a guy who

things to make everyone relax their guard against

delivered a fatal blow. He played

wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never

hadn’t shown up, who do you think would

the receiving

drained of color. She had

too afraid to delve into it. She

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe

checked with the doctors

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

ask you

her voice restrained and flat. “Go

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

it

mid-bite and finally turned to

with a motive, my only desire was

“It’s different.

expect my father to be

would you still

silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up

answer are you hoping

pressed his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you

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

not,

to play the villain in front of me to

caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve

can’t, I

seen Ray this composed yet

trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state.

left to lose, there was no telling what kind

to.

*

Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor,

standing across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

grip on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened.

a familiar, faint smile on her face.

hate hospitals. What

she had another episode. Came to check on her

silence, she glanced at

a cripple,

after Cicely arrived

side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about.

is here on your behalf to check on

it might give you

faltered for a

around her neck, presenting

subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and lips

moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate

even leading to harm.”

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

person could hurt me when I’m fully

“The sooner she

ties with her.”

hands tucked into the pockets of her down

why I braved the disgust

No overt anger, just a serene and gentle

the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out

he’d learned just

stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have

don’t have the time to join me. And

meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s

question floated

pause, he looked up to find the woman

She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if the question itself had

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a

Dad at

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of

sprawling manor, feeling an

stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

and the already

of the

servants occasionally moving

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

of her arrival, a look

didn’t you give us a

glanced upstairs, “Where’s

long ago and

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have

some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

were a couple of side

as she turned and headed straight

she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton

a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

salad of carrots and

of ham and cheese.

the back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

you prepared for my

too frightened to reply, their

“Sir has been preferring lighter

dishes.

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

there’s no need to

well enough not to doubt

was always a feast

reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped

book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly

sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes

now had but one master. That grand dining table now

corner for his simple

had married early, head over heels in love, insisting

alone in

deeply

wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket before

out of the study.

from his nap and

servants, his face lit up with an

why didn’t you tell me

to hide before I

glared at her. “You’re not fighting

so many quarrels?” Cicely

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked meals.

over for

him. He listens to you more than

to me.”

talk

Creighton for the rest of

teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

father and son squared off while

occasionally chiming in with unsolicited

golden; don’t meddle in

bustling, and even the servants

family seemed to

be.

Creighton

busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving her

“Are you two really

hope for us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

Seth a message. [I’m at the

coming home tonight.]

wasn’t about to create a dramatic

all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t

at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely

and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why

imply for me to

the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple

message as an invitation for us to stay

could respond, he had pulled her into

the living room. “Good

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

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few

dishes were all tailored

dinner,

inexplicable stares of her father and Seth

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

two aren’t

took a deep breath, “Just came out

to the coffee table, bending down to pick up

back to

Enter title…

anticipated her return to

across from him did he glance up at her. “If you

isn’t

water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s

staying here for the near

crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his

down his

I not explain myself clearly

well. Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even clearer.”

bottle for a sip, “I said I’m

time over the same

mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling

just

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

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

saw my dad and changed my mind. You

but he could use some company. Are these

prove I’m not fighting with

lips curled in

hearing the last part, coupled with her

placed on the question

noon.

it? If

twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home, nothing’s

from his water glass.

was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the

disagreed today, it wouldn’t

understand why

such an easy compromise.

joined Cicely’s father and

conversation would be

matters.

app for little home decor items

and notebooks with pens. Not that

liked

front door was knocked, the servant opened it to find Charlie,

stepping inside. “Ms.

him, “How heartless, sending

the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

can sit and

I just have an errand. Mr.

be on my

looked up, turned around, and noticed a

this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

linger, bidding farewell and

a glass of milk. After

upstairs.

to talk about for so long without any

servant had

clothes and went to the

while since she’d

the tub and let out a

bathroom window was a view of the garden

by rotating ground lights. It seemed they

especially for her return.

out of boredom, she had asked her father to install

them

leaned over the edge of the bathtub, staring at that place

down against the edge of the

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water, soothing

didn’t move again. She drifted

felt a sudden chill.

water felt the coolness, and

eyes, her hand was

to see the man frowning at her

side of the tub.

to be the first to

was by the man

of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off his grip, but

next to her and began to undress in

frowned, “What are

a beat, dropping his clothes into

else does one do in

paused, grabbed the towel beside the tub to cover

Before she could leave, she

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

to do?”

his arms, her face

usual. He smirked,

voice that was low and enticing. “Share a

“You

without drowning.”

to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

a prickly aura, he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

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

hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted

hadn’t waited for her consent before turning on the shower. A

rose in Cicely, but Seth’s hand covered

principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

anger before it even

stood still, not moving an inch, as

away

in front of her, trying to cover up

modesty she could.

into her hair with patience, massaging her scalp

into his chest to rinse it clean with the handheld

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that

all, there were more than

fallen for

to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

took a

expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

you planning to stay

any reason I

it’s quite a

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

will.”

flicker of anger tinged

drew closer to her.

is nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

can’t sleep

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

contours of her body.

reached

water from the shower cascading over her

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

his succinct and cryptic

insistent pressing against her

already set the showerhead aside, his hand on

“We should get out

go.

we’re not going out

react, Seth’s lips closed over hers

moved with a familiarity that made it

bit her lip, afraid she’d scream out.

than pain. “This is the

wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to

to keep it

legs was wrapped around his

vision blurred until she was on

hairdryer and slipping her into pajamas, Seth placed

him, her

the bed, facing her. As she

thought to turn away, his long arm scooped her into

to resist, knowing he’d only persist if she tried

too exhausted to continue

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy marks

faded, with new ones added from last

so he seemed.

it. Yet now, with her body covered in

all too pleased.

slipping into her loose loungewear, she

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and her

their morning exercise and were already

shook his head with a

fix

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of it, and slumped

“Sleeping in is the best part of

for your health, and too much sleep

either. Breakfast is the most important meal. Why are you

you leave with

left Cicely

the office. Why would I

office, duh! Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

at the company instead of ending up clueless. What?

showing clear reluctance. “No,

he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

really

genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

legs onto the

a blend of elegance

lunch

they were

had come

as if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest

was incredibly inappropriate and heartless. After

to visit

dared say the Ellis

would have a problem with

for dinner.

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

up to her bedroom, where Seth was busy at

desk.

she went to the bathroom,

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

climbed into bed to play with her

like Seth had finished his work. He stood

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

on the

for me,

horny can you be? It’s

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you

rest tonight?”

mumbled, “Then what am

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of

pushed him gently, “Then hurry up and

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

penetrating with unrestrained

air. She lifted

out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and a

death? I wouldn’t dream of it.

Mrs. Diaz,” he said with a playful tone,

Cicely’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as she gazed

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

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how

expression, yet a chill seemed

Punish me any way you see

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting

because I’m so

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask

the heart to give me a

raised an eyebrow and ran her hand across his face, her lovely

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a

her smooth chin, “You like me

hand moved

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

loves someone at the start, the

crept into Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but Cicely’s gaze

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

it will. I wouldn’t choose

to the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely for

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

missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

early, so be

“If you’re not

you up my way.”

had no desire to find out what his method of waking her

Seth emerged from the shower, Cicely was

video game. She glanced at him,

game.

and snatched the

there something

join me at the

swiped and tapped

frowned, “I don’t know anything about business, what am I supposed

do there?”

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

in

I have to

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

you for

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

now or in the future, your only

Ellis family forever. If

weak moment and start eating away at

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

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

in your

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

you want to leave me one day without

froze. Turning to her,

“It sounds like you’re

who leaves a trail of

just saying. But beyond these two

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

eyes shifted, the shadow in their depths replaced by a shallow

to assume. In fact, instead of you

on why I

“I’ve downloaded some

you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

the document app

blur of text. “What will you be

got out of bed, lifting the

and I need to reflect. Naturally, I can’t

mood.”

coat, and walk out. Her face

wasn’t about

a tantrum.

＊

in his study for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking worse than

the bedroom, the lights had

woman sleeping with the phone

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her

she hadn’t closed.

opened for her before leaving.

face and

rush to find her a

the phone and tossing it aside, he watched

his face cold as he

arms and

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

moment, Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her up all night.

silent again, and

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with

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

prone to morning grumpiness, she was

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a couple of times. “Are

mind?!”

as he swung

off to the

going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her

Seth’s voice carried a serious

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me

the comforter off

strength could she muster just out

a pillow at

and the

over this, I’m not going

down, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed, “I’m

I don’t see you up by the time I’m out, I’ll just carry you

If you don’t want me to wake

back to sleep.”

Seth turned away, the corners of his

a sly

threw the covers aside and stomped off

was busy squeezing toothpaste onto his brush. He watched her

reflection in the mirror.

his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

Seth, as if on cue,

glanced at their reflection.

aside.

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

as simple as toothpaste.

smile of her

they headed to the Ellis

much of the document from last night did you

to know anything.

I supposed to do at

smiled and didn’t

office, Cicely understood why

a new desk and chair in the corner,

immediate deployment.

computer; you can keep reading

turned her face away,

excuse, “There are printed

matter what excuse

Reluctantly, she moved to the

pile of folders.

you don’t understand, and

you be

to a

“You’re leaving

there wolves in the office

the reading; I’ll be back by

opened her mouth to retort

her

clear sign she was up to no

stir up in

Cicely did take the documents seriously for

but within half an hour, the pen

and her phone

she left the office, returning after another half-hour

She rummaged through the drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

and doodled on a black leather notebook she

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

and the

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

student.

you get

since it’s new to

morning and you’re proud

stung.

bristled, “Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m

desk, noticing the black notebook she had

found her doodles—a passable

a confident,

and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an air

nonchalance.

lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

documents away. Seth waited for an

she declared as if

the bridge of his nose and sank into

Come over here.”

No

she grudgingly clutched the files and approached him. Before

him, his long arm pulled her into an embrace.

office,” Cicely said, leaning back

tightened around her waist,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

“Back in the day, you’d concoct all kinds of

Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even

attitude. If that’s not taking liberties,

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

and it’s

reeked of impunity, but

feel like harboring

our current relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

feeling victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

her away and leaned back in his chair,

expression and voice

Cicely watched him—

was

fetched by Charlie from a local

seemed to have no intention

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as frosty as

was suffused with the

a big deal’.

me to eat all this by myself?” she

laden with food, while he didn’t even

her way.

it.

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

tonight.”

up at her with an

and picked up the elegantly

to sleep together

wait until you’re

was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

the innocent, “Isn’t it

you sure you want to keep

grip on her silverware

continued to watch

with me, and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since

and had stayed in his

wanted to slack off, but under Seth’s watchful

summoning various department heads for updates

and progress reviews, the office

heiress of the Ellis family, even if

for her father, she couldn’t afford to be seen as

approached, Cicely

leaders’ trembling,

She hadn’t made much

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

twitched, “I should probably let my

I’ve already told

an acknowledgment and moved to the door to

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely

down to it, Cicely knew

as they come.

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

Patty wasn’t

outside was biting, and naturally,

by the door. She cozied up in the lounge area,

around Seth’s.

offered them some tea and

Enter title…

to take a call and returned after a

sip of

the ice. “Spit it out, will you?

fascinating about my face?”d2

told if she

could ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

even mentioned anything about

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

overheard General Manager from project

was talking about this

the socks off the old models. We could

the know-how and the development rights.

got a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given the ties

the Ellis family, why haven’t you

cold. “The big fish

project. Diaz International doesn’t

the Ellis family’s offer

the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can

would kill

up for it, or do you just

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

with the Ellis family?”

the Ellis Corporation, I can say that the Harper

fitting partners than Diaz

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

to make things easier for Diaz

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

is what counts. Why

pride for you, I’ll bang

twitched into a half-smile. “Is there a

scared to take the

of running Diaz International? Might as

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

Hmm, that’s actually

thought about it, the more feasible it

eyes

propped her chin

actually go through with that?

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

to me personally, and I’ll cut you in

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

“Just occurred to me, if there’s

mother, it’s probably Diaz International, left

know, I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have an

gives me an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

unfathomable as

last bit of Diaz International. So

sofa, with a

to

lips tightened, clearly displeased

Cicely just smiled thinly.

International under the Ellis family banner the best

Diaz International ever do to tick you off?”

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged to none

at her mug, then switched on her

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

wariness.

I figured

shabby, right? Especially since

need to keep things so

the future. You

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

International.”

eyes carrying

If Patty wasn’t bringing it up, neither

already stood up, his expression far from rosy.

go.”

probably mindful of

if forcefully suppressing a multitude

evening, they had dinner at the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt that

be the real

night was out of the

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

“Where are you

“Same as today.”

me alone in the office

there, I’ll disturb

against the car

her slender finger.

was silent for a few

half-smile, “Should I prepare some

you?”

her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

the butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we

for you today; they’ve been temporarily

like to open them now, I can bring

said, “Well, bring them out,

were indeed many packages. Cicely sat cross-legged in

started to

knife.

were small items – mugs, thermos cups, small

unpacked them but also studied

times more focused

when she read documents.

down to find Cicely

freshen up; we’re up

him a

had a notable heft, and

Beside her was a matching black one, likely

rest of the items were pairs,

light.

think

after coming back this time did I

and it

the small items, her tone

natural thing in the world.

to get some

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the

contentedly.

her at the Ellis estate and

more. Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but

they were much the

department heads yesterday.

paced the office,

knock on the door.

parcels.

addressed to you.”

till now, perked up at the sight,

resumed her

Seth returned to an office transformed. His

new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit with

cushion

of flowers had even appeared

the wisdom of

though she’d done nothing out of the

“What’s for lunch

work did you

hesitantly added a fourth,

computer, bringing up

bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

video was silent, and Cicely, unaware

upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

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

today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

the new objects on the desk, and he nodded, “Good

I’ll take you out for

for a meal

*

at the Ellis

staff for reports

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely wasn’t

company affairs, she couldn’t help but

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

a hectic affair.

Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were arranged

on the same day, at the same

two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis Corporation and Diaz

south, the other north,

Diaz International’s—a floor

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail dress with the

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

still stood out as the most eyecatching in the

Cicely

clothes were simple in design, yet

was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

for onlookers to look away. Cicely had everything people longed

International gala to make the

stage and deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses and

away

orchestrated

present, the spotlight was on

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

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride

their guests, receiving blessings and

found their seats, Cicely mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

taking care of it,” Seth

in her hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

are a lot of

“And plenty of

to

your intentions weren’t

have considered it.”

just want to

I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

seemed serious about skipping the C&P

a low profile there, and even more so in the

after its grand slam start and the

envy of many.

up to

unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for journalists, both overt

from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

However, not long after, Charlie hurriedly

to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P gala and has

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist, “What’s

soon,” he said, squeezing her shoulder

before following Charlie out.

of sight,

Diaz International’s gala, Ray was slouched on the steps

of hard liquor. His face flushed

with a sneer, using the steps for support

his feet

emphasizing each syllable with a bitterness

venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a

admit, you play hardball. I’ve seen just

writes history, that I can’t blame anyone for

you; we were

coveted what the we had, you seized

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

words hung in the air, the

tactics,

whim because Ray had once made an indecent pass

had incensed him enough to

against Ray .

had been

to confirm

are still a shareholder in your family

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

when

a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

I know this isn’t my place. I’m

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

have, and I can’t tarnish it. Just

much to you. You destroyed my company, so tell me,

from you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the

today?”

with icy detachment, “If you couldn’t even protect

what makes you think you can

away the last shred of

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which

if he might lunge at Seth in

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table next to Seth with such

shards scattering

breaking glass pierced through the

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

heels

brandished the jagged remains of the bottle at Seth, Cicely’s face

color, and she let out

pulling Seth’s

half a circle to avoid

clung to Seth, her

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

seemed about to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

collective gasp reverberated

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the sight

blood on his

his arm stood out, and his face, usually cool and composed,

blade, seething with a

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

anger, she gripped

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

tall.

it landed on her pale, bloodless

him. Stunned, he looked at her

straight. Have you had too much to drink,

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

you?!”

and though her

clear tremble.

to stem from the physical

welling up in her eyes made it clear to him—she was crying, whether

fear, anger, or

pain gripped his heart as he

resting on a clear cut on

“Where else are

and tears fell

and restlessness swirled within Seth.

voice,

seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl,

and

down her face. “My… my

twisted it in her last desperate

with

his arms.

the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

on his back, restraining

and was quick to

cry had caused him a moment’s hesitation.

bottle had

swiftly, Cicely had been cut on

carried Cicely away, Ray, pinned down by

Seth’s retreating

don’t be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay for everything

done!”

falter in his

*

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

frenzy.

ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

but not too

she had already been treated, her wounds bandaged,

red and

Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik and Creighton. Their

their concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

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

the new year,

not his fault. I

and followed

glare. “Am I

Enter title…

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

pain stop,

said, cutting himself off mid-sentence.

were stuffed

a lifetime, could he

somewhat disheveled

the moment at the gala when she

him with her

Totally unexpected.

now took on a new definition upon

these

Seth listened intently to the

with red eyes and

as could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

knees, lifting her

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to

to the

never mentioned leaving the

after the gala, Seth stayed

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up – any time Cicely needed to move,

leaving her side.

impeccable in

complaint-free actions were

the bathroom to the bed where the doctor was

waiting.

bandaging process, despite the doctor’s

in pressure and Cicely

heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed to make the

feel as tense

Ellis residence, any sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to

in her room, insisted Seth take

if it was just to

most of their

the mechanical

family.

deal which should have been settled before

to after

Diaz International was interested in taking

it had been

didn’t

on to other matters.

in company affairs, she found comfort

able

arrived at the Ellis residence just before the

who had been injured

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

on

family prepared a lavish dinner for

brought up the topic of the

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz family

mood didn’t

were legally married, spending New

appropriate and normal thing

for a moment, glanced at the

somewhat absent-mindedly.

noticing Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep pang

at home, the vastness of the

had returned to spend a few days, the New Year,

would

*

Eve, Seth

residence.

pick

and Creighton agreed that leaving Danielle

After negotiating

to bring

the image of two

other, feels sad

Danielle might liven things up, serving as company for the

again, the thought of Danielle’s

it might be better

since yesterday, and

for the New Year’s Eve dinner, they

feast knowing Miss Danielle would

anyone at the hospital. And Cicely, arriving at

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been

Her face immediately

Danielle. When

the room, her expression paused for a moment,

smiling.

her wheelchair, also had a

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

back.” The way she said that made it sound like

doing here?” Seth

couch. His voice was as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in

holidays, could we?”

surge of anger rising in her chest, but she fought to keep it

best not to let her emotions

her discharge. If anyone was

Ellis family. You stay here for

landed on Danielle. “Patty is being

ashamed?”

even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury.

got herself injured saving

wrong with inviting her

in taking care of her every single

“By that logic, any

and play the damsel

Ellis family’s dinners

anger, and she whirled to

is the Ellis family’s

so desperate for a mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

brows. “Patty, don’t take

you who’s

“You…”

voice

which had been light and smiling,

she quietly awaited

here to celebrate, not to start a scene

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255