The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

worked up, you know. Getting angry is

I will

Enter title…

coldly and then let out a mocking

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

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked

up hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless

you, even if you wish for

neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after years

you think you are

live? How patient do

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

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

to her

you’re off the hook just

dream of running away. You were so proud,

you up from your grave and lash your corpse to

you get better soon, you might be

blame me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly

but Cicely’s icy, detached

starve myself just

to eat, that’s if you don’t find

annoying.”

arm began to lift, it froze in place.

Cicely would win.

ruining my appetite. Please, leave

up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye

eats

“Understood.”

took a deep

turning towards

take two steps, the door swung open

her expression darkening as the

Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

Issac, furrowed her brows as she recalled

opened the door. She reached

feeling

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared

mixed with rage.

you think you’re

nearly took advantage of me that night when you

yet,

castrated you myself.”

hit

stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr.

Let’s put our grievances aside for

facts straight. It was your

anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true

Let’s not make her situation any

exchange, could hardly believe the

his expression flustered, “I’m here

I know Danielle

so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood.

up, I’ll

Cicely as they left the hospital

him accountable. He’s been hospitalized

but I didn’t

her hands

brought back the chaos of that night,

that even the mere thought of it

shudder.

“Miss?”

away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is

A rich playboy, surrounded by a

feelings for one seemed far-fetched.

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

his family

Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot

by

frowned at

much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed a bit

*

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

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

mood to give Ray

her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

world. Regardless of the tactics used, your

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

now, and your family is on

there was at least a chance for a comeback, but

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and

his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall

to

dad

he had his

agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated

on these things to make everyone relax their

fatal blow. He played innocent

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

hadn’t shown up, who do you think

the receiving end of my

face drained of color. She had pondered this question

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

know you wouldn’t believe it, which

it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition, and

road ahead. I came here

ask

didn’t look up, her voice restrained and

of that car for

to save him, or was it just a

to

with a motive, my only desire was to win him

melancholic smile. “It’s

expect my father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash

you still

fork down

are you

lips

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

didn’t expect you to brush

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

or not, that’s the answer I

have to play the villain in front of me

like denying

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

seen Ray this

slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this

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

to.

*

elevator on

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

imperceptibly when he

purse slackened for a moment then

faint smile on her face. “You’re

gaze was heavy. “You hate

episode. Came

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at

a cripple,

long after Cicely arrived at the hospital.

what Seth was worried about. “Mr.

behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering

lately. She thought it might give you

gaze faltered for a

around her neck, presenting only

smile at the corners of her eyes and lips was

your presence might exacerbate them,

even leading to harm.”

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

when

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I can

ties with her.”

replied, hands tucked into the

why I braved the

overt anger, just a serene

displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her

just a

his touch. “Whether

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

meal

such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion

question floated

looked

room for an answer, as

conclusion in her

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

car and pondered

visit Dad at

“Alright.”

car rolled through the gates of

the window at the sprawling manor,

pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

bit. She got out of the car

with servants occasionally moving about

to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

sound of her arrival, a

you give us a heads up,

upstairs,

long ago and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

did he have

made some

her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at

step, “And what else?”

“There were a couple of

frown deepened as she turned and

to bring out what Creighton had

plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with

light salad of carrots and celery, the

of ham and cheese.

nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

prepared for my

to

helplessly, “Sir has been preferring

these dishes. Even

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

sir says there’s no need to

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

dining table was always

she found Creighton

a book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep.

and her eyes

had but one master.

a humble corner for his simple

in love, insisting on living with

father alone

herself deeply in her

Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

woke from his nap

the servants, his face lit up

why didn’t you tell me

to hide before I

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

be so many quarrels?” Cicely

the couch. “He’s busy with work, and

my break, missing all the

over for

nodded, “You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you

to me.”

talk

for the

her chess, playfully demanding take-backs

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared

chiming in with unsolicited

golden;

lively and bustling, and even the servants were

entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to

be.

Creighton inquired about

make it back. Creighton frowned, giving her

you

hope for us

Creighton relented.

message. [I’m at

coming home tonight.]

create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

away from home. After all, she

anything amiss.

she didn’t wait up for

up at the Ellis

assist Seth with his coat.

imply

rack, her voice neutral, “No, it

know.”

it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for

message as an invitation for us to

could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace

the living room. “Good

the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

past few days, have you eaten

“Not yet.”

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

The dishes were all

on joining him for dinner, but

with the inexplicable stares of her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t fighting, are

came out to grab my

coffee table, bending down to pick up her

back to the

Enter title…

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

him did he glance up at her. “If you really

estate isn’t

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

staying here for the near

brow as he methodically chewed

set down

explain

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

said I’m not fighting with you.

time over the same person

his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re

just on a

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

In fact, on

my dad and

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

I’m not fighting

lips

with

placed on

noon.

it? If not, she would prove

want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

own home,

a sip from

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but

he disagreed today,

understand why

such an easy compromise.

dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and

their conversation would

matters.

app for little

and notebooks with pens. Not that

liked doodling

the servant opened it to

frost, stepping inside.

heartless, sending you out

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some

be on my way

finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase

this, quickly directed the servant to carry

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

glass of milk.

upstairs.

to talk about for so

The servant had refilled their water several

clothes and went to the

while since she’d

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

bathroom window was a view of the garden and

lights. It seemed they had been turned

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her

years, glimpsing at them had become a habit

of the bathtub, staring at that place

the edge of the

over her eyes.

dripped into the water, soothing her fatigue.

she didn’t move again. She drifted in and out

felt a sudden chill.

the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid

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

to see the man

side of the tub.

first

it was by the man who had appeared

room had dissipated when

feel cold.

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

Then he stood next to her and

frowned, “What are

missing a beat, dropping

else does one do in a bathroom?

towel beside the

out. Before she could leave, she was scooped

glared up

to do?”

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

more radiant than usual. He smirked,

was low and enticing.

deflated embarrassingly, “You should

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle demeanor,

aura, he preferred her current bold, even

demeanor.

thorny retort, he began to run his

your hair

“No.”

warm spray of the

before turning on the shower. A

hand covered her eyes. “Close your

principles, but that this man had

anger before it even

an inch, as the towel

yanked away

her arms crossing in front of her, trying to cover

modesty she could.

shampoo into her hair with patience, massaging

her close into his chest to rinse it clean

lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste

merit. After all, there were

fallen for this

applied conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward the wall to

took a quick shower

expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

planning to

any reason I

it’s quite a trek from

on staying here. I can’t exactly haul

will.”

anger tinged

lips curled into a smile as he drew closer

nothing compared to spending a

better.”

sleep

Seth’s gaze drifted leisurely over her face

contours of her body.

he reached

the shower cascading

eyes closed to prevent water from

succinct and cryptic response, which left

suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her

had already set the showerhead aside, his hand

forehead against hers. “We should get out

voice tightened, “Let go. I can dry

we’re not going

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

and he moved with a familiarity that

out. She hit his shoulder

“This is the Ellis

convenient, but you seemed not to mind. Though, you

to keep it

legs was wrapped around his waist, and as the

her, her vision blurred until she was on the

and slipping her into

him, her soft hair spreading across

of the bed, facing her. As

turn away, his long arm scooped her into

strength to resist, knowing he’d

exhausted

*

The next day.

already gone. The patchy marks on

ones added from last

so he seemed. Any pain

it. Yet now, with her

all too pleased.

and slipping into her

listless, she found Creighton and

morning exercise and were

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of

fix that

the servant, sipped

“Sleeping in is the best

breakfast is bad for your health,

is the most important meal.

didn’t you leave

Cicely speechless

office. Why would I leave with

office, duh! Perfect timing with your

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

clear reluctance. “No, he

why he didn’t mention

at passing the

really didn’t

that she genuinely didn’t know, Creighton

to the hospital with your grandfather to see

come?”

the couch, resting

of elegance and

have lunch by yourself

had just returned, and they were

name had come up several times at the

in the hospital while the

inappropriate and

were set to visit the hospital the

silently. Anyone who dared say the Ellis

Danielle would have a

in time for dinner. His timing

first, while Cicely sat with Creighton and

going up to her bedroom, where Seth

desk.

the bathroom,

After a quick shower, she emerged to

to

long after, it seemed like Seth had finished his

over, brushed her forehead with his

a gentle peck on the lips. “I’m going

for me,

can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

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

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

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

Cicely pushed him gently, “Then hurry

by her, Seth’s body pressed down, kisses

with

for air. She lifted her hands

shoulders, letting out a soft whimper. It was only

on her, just barely.

me to

with their unintentional

I wouldn’t

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

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

handsome face just inches from hers. A

warrants a penalty for self-justification, then what

me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

held the same amused expression, yet a chill seemed

“Go ahead. Punish me any way you

slightly tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his gaze.

pretty confident, thinking that because I’m so into

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

curved jawline,

the heart to give me

ran her hand across his face, her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

her eyes, Seth felt a

her smooth chin, “You like me that

was candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved

you ever heard, love and hate are two

at the start,

Seth’s warm and

with

comes, which I doubt it will.

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed on Cicely

a faint smile. He let

buttons that Cicely had undone;

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early, so be good

“If

you up my way.”

out what his method of waking her might

emerged from the shower, Cicely was propped up in

She glanced at him, then refocused on

game.

the phone from

something

join me at

he swiped and tapped

anything about

do there?”

knew even a little, you wouldn’t need to tag

thing in the

I have to

think your dad asking you to

on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

or in the future,

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

weak moment and start

know where to cry. Don’t be naive,

you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there to argue

when truly in your own hands, is

him quietly, “What makes you

want

froze. Turning to her, his gazes were unfathomably

further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced

who leaves a trail of

But beyond these

expression didn’t improve, and

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

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

be reflecting on why I harbor such

back, “I’ve downloaded some files to your email.

before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

the document app he had just downloaded for her

of text. “What

glanced at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m

need to reflect. Naturally, I can’t stay

mood.”

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

all too well; it wasn’t about reflection. The man was

a tantrum.

＊

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

face looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

the woman sleeping with the phone in her arms, his

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

for her

face

rush to find her a reliable

tossing it aside, he watched the

cold as he pulled her

arms

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

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

her one sentence, she fell silent again, and any

petty.

＊

the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that

coffee. Even for school,

Already prone to morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

away, she kicked him hard a

mind?!”

flashed a mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off to

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter

show your face.” Seth’s voice carried a

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do

the comforter off with a huff, sat up,

him, but what strength could she

a pillow

was close by, and the pillow barely registered upon

I’m not

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

see you up by

me to wake you up for the

back to sleep.”

frustration. As Seth

a

the covers aside and stomped

onto his brush. He watched

reflection in the mirror.

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

Seth, as

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

she started brushing. It was not like she

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy white bubbles

smile of

they headed to the Ellis

last night did you

to know anything.

pages. So what am I supposed to

just smiled and didn’t

Cicely understood why he hadn’t mentioned

desk and chair

immediate deployment.

the computer; you can

turned her face

this excuse,

no matter what excuse she came up with,

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

pile of folders.

understand, and we can

will you

a

“You’re leaving me

wolves in the office

reading; I’ll

opened her mouth to retort

her before leaving the

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

stir up

left, Cicely did take the documents

of marks with her pen, but within half

and her phone was

office, returning

through the drawers, fiddled

pen and doodled on a

she played with her phone and

and the

before noon. Cicely sat

student.

much did you get through?” he

since it’s new to me, so I’m on

whole morning and you’re proud

stung.

bristled, “Mr. Diaz, the fact that

his desk, noticing the black notebook she had

found her

a

saw her ‘artwork’ and flushed slightly, but quickly adopted an

nonchalance.

took a

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away.

as if it

the bridge of his nose and sank

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

the files and approached

into

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist,

taking liberties

“What do you mean?”

day, you’d concoct all kinds of schemes to

respectful. Now, you can’t even be

attitude. If that’s not

is?”

arched an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s

it’s intentional,

but Seth had no comeback, “So

like harboring intentions towards me

current relationship, that would mean cheating, Mr.

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

it’s

and leaned back in his chair, turning to

expression and

Cicely watched him—

man was annoyed

fetched by Charlie from a local diner, indeed Cicely’s favorite.

no intention of

“Aren’t you eating?”

drowned out by the rhythmic clacking of the

flat “Not hungry.” His mood was as

with the unmistakable

a big deal’.

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

with food, while he didn’t even bother

her way.

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

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

tonight.”

looked up at her

couch and picked

have to sleep together every

wait until

long are you planning to keep up

attitude with me?”

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

you want to keep butting heads

her silverware tightened before relaxing. “Just

to

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

Ellis

and had stayed

off, but under Seth’s watchful

various department heads

reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere was

As the well-known heiress of the Ellis family, even if it was

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

the workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

leaders’ trembling, overly respectful demeanors and

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

hadn’t commented on it.

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

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

I’ve

an acknowledgment and moved to the

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

Cicely knew she

as they come. If Patty was in

to steer clear.

that Patty wasn’t her

outside was biting, and naturally, Cicely

She cozied

around Seth’s.

receptionist quickly offered them some tea and

Enter title…

and returned after

Cicely. He took a sip of warm water from

the ice. “Spit it

fascinating about my face?”d2

grimaced. She’d always been told

him. But with him

hadn’t even

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm warming

overheard General Manager from

this

off the old models.

family has the know-how

of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

to Diaz International? Given the ties

and the Ellis family, why haven’t

big fish like

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

the Ellis family’s offer

Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

watch. Seth, so many would kill for that

for it, or do you just chicken out when you see

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

with the Ellis family?”

head of the Ellis Corporation,

fitting partners

the Ellis family, are

Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

stance.

line is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff?

of pride for you, I’ll bang

a half-smile. “Is

brows. “Too scared to take the big deals, too

running Diaz International? Might as

you wouldn’t

Hmm, that’s actually a

thought about it, the more feasible it

narrowed his eyes

silence, Cicely propped her chin in

through with that? Assess the value of Diaz

in the Ellis family? Or, you could

International to me personally, and I’ll cut

shares. How

her coolly. “What’s all this

in Diaz International?”

to me, if there’s anything

your mother, it’s probably Diaz

I’ve been

sleeve that gives me an edge over you. But

might just be it.”

was meaningful and unfathomable as

Diaz International. So what if I

back on the sofa, with a

to let

thin lips tightened, clearly displeased with

Cicely just smiled thinly. “Then isn’t my

Ellis family banner the

do to tick you off?” The voice came

that belonged to none other than

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

standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

Then I figured it wasn’t such a bad

too shabby, right? Especially

to keep

scoff, “The future is the future. You bite off

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

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild,

Patty wasn’t bringing it up,

already stood up, his expression

go.”

Cicely, probably mindful of

if forcefully suppressing a

the Diaz residence, but Cicely felt

the real way to make

the night was out of the

drive back to the Ellis residence, Seth

are you off

“Same as today.”

me alone in

there, I’ll

the car window,

her slender finger.

was silent for a few

half-smile, “Should I prepare

you?”

“No need, I’ve got my

Seth fell silent.

them respectfully. “Miss, we received

been temporarily stored in

like to open them now, I can

changed her shoes and said,

indeed many packages. Cicely sat

on a waterproof mat and started to slice

knife.

items – mugs, thermos

not only unpacked them but

many times more focused

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find

“Go freshen up;

looked up and handed him a

heft, and engraved on

Beside her was a matching

and name. The rest of the items were

light.

you think of buying

after coming back this time did I realize

it

spoke while still engrossed in the small items, her tone

thing in the

to get some

seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

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

was still scattered, but

they were much the same as what she’d

department heads yesterday.

paperwork aside, paced the office, and then there

knock on the door.

Shane, arms laden with parcels.

addressed to you.”

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

she resumed

an office transformed. His desk

a new pen holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his,

with a cushion on

flowers had even appeared on the coffee

to question the wisdom of leaving her

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

for

“How much work did you get

three fingers, then hesitantly added a

the computer, bringing up a

of Cicely’s boredom—and

everything but work.

No surprise there.

unaware of its contents, only

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

closed the video.

of text. Seth looked at her, “Made

spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

on the desk, and he nodded,

a reward, I’ll take you

escaping the office for a meal was music to

*

stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports and

days, and even

she couldn’t help but be

time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

Ellis Corporation, Diaz International, and C&P were

the same day, at the same hotel, for

two twenty-six-story towers, linked by sky bridges. The

the south, the other

Diaz International’s—a floor apart, with

with the Ellis Corporation.

in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and

stood out as the most

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make other

in

side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

away. Cicely

the Diaz International gala to

and deliver the expected

whisking her away

was orchestrated by Seth’s people, but

the spotlight was on

Seth and Cicely’s arrival at the Ellis

toasts and well-wishes, almost like a bride

receiving blessings and

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

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of it,” Seth

hand, Cicely teased with a mischievous

are a lot of

glanced at her coolly, “And plenty of male

curious to take

retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

to admire the

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

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P gala.

there, and even

C&P, after its grand slam start

envy of many. Naturally, the number

cozy up to Seth was

unwilling to waste

ingratiate themselves with him.

star-studded gala was a magnet for

from the C&P event was deliberate, with plenty

not long after, Charlie

Ray got drunk at

commotion over at Diaz International’s

demeanor darkened. As

wrist,

put, I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

him until he was out of sight, then rose and

International’s gala, Ray was slouched on

bottle of hard liquor.

greeted Seth with a sneer, using

to his feet and approached

syllable with a bitterness

word with venom.

flashing a thumbs-up

I’ve seen just how

I can’t blame anyone

provoked you; we were just in your way.

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

such drama on the

words hung in the air, the implications

tactics, about how Ray’s family

had

As Seth’s fiancée, this had incensed him

against Ray .

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

to confirm the

in your family business,

leave this place immediately.” Seth said

had surrendered their shares when Ray’s

after waking from a

ten percent.

bitter, “Rest assured, I know this isn’t

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

and I can’t tarnish it. Just as Diaz International

so tell me, wouldn’t it

International, let you taste the bitterness I

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment,

makes you think you can destroy Diaz

seemed to strip away the last shred of Ray’s

drunken stupor in his eyes, which now brimmed

looked as if he might lunge at Seth

vengeful fury.

whiskey onto the table next to Seth with such

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

the breaking glass pierced through the

heart to skip a

heels a clumsy

jagged remains of the bottle at

color, and she let out a breathless shout. Disregarding

dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing

circle to avoid

Seth,

onto Seth’s hand, and

to fall out of his embrace.

moment.

collective gasp reverberated throughout the banquet

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at the sight

on his

and his

bloodied sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

Cicely’s arm and

anger, she gripped

with pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

it landed on

slapped him. Stunned, he

drunk and not thinking straight. Have

good do you think provoking him will

you?!”

and though her voice carried anger, it also held

clear tremble.

stem from the physical reaction

it clear to him—she was crying,

fear, anger,

strange, constricting pain gripped his heart as he surveyed her

clear cut on her

dark. “Where else are

lip, and tears fell from her

unfamiliar panic and restlessness

voice, “Talk

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under Seth’s

and

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

her last desperate

high heels and, with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

to the ground

on

been right beside Seth and was

caused him a moment’s hesitation.

bottle had swung past

had

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable

Seth’s retreating figure with

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

done!”

falter

*

Erik and Creighton rushed to the hospital in

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a two-centimeter laceration on her

but

she had already been treated, her wounds

eyes were red and swollen

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them with a tearful “Grandpa”

“Dad.”

call and returned

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

concern

which he channeled into anger

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

new year, this happens! Seth,

interjected, “it’s not his fault. I

listen and

her a glare. “Am I not allowed to speak my

Enter title…

“It hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if you scold him, but if scolding

the pain stop,

stop,” he said, cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had

until all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

lifetime, could he not see through her

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled but still beautiful,

the gala when she had unexpectedly

him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

could process these swirling emotions,

listened intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

with red eyes and pursed lips,

could be, then she lifted her arms and wrapped them

her knees, lifting

silent understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the

watching.

and Seth back to

to the Ellis residence

had never

rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at the Ellis residence to

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely needed

carry her, never leaving her side.

impeccable

complaint-free actions were bittersweet for

from the bathroom to the

waiting.

the doctor’s caution, some pain

pressure and

beside her, who seemed to

as tense as a surgical

sitting with Creighton

inevitably turned to

in her room, insisted Seth take her

was just to the living

most of

them talk about the mechanical manufacturing

family.

deal which

to after

had asked Seth if Diaz International was

was the same as it had been initially

mirrored Cicely’s. However, Creighton didn’t dwell

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs, she found comfort

able to look

residence just before the new year. After all, as

who had been injured protecting

put on airs at this

on previous

family prepared a lavish dinner for her. She

brought up the topic

to bring Cicely back to the Diaz

Patty’s mood didn’t

were legally married, spending New

appropriate and normal thing to

glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt a deep pang of

she was not at home,

spend a few

gatherings, would

*

of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth

residence.

left with them to pick

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in

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

bring

image of two

home, staring at each other, feels sad

might liven things up, serving as

the thought of

feel that it might be

had been bustling since yesterday, and though they

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

sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle

Creighton didn’t find anyone at the

who should

face immediately

was chatting happily with Danielle.

room, her expression paused for a moment, but

smiling.

seated in her wheelchair, also had

but she brushed it aside. “Seth,

The way she said that made it sound like Cicely

here?” Seth asked,

the couch. His voice was as flat as

storm.

hands clasped tightly, not saying

her all

holidays, could we?”

rising in her chest, but she fought to keep it in

to let her emotions flare out of

my dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was

Ellis family. You stay here for the

“Patty is being

ashamed?”

already embarrassed, turned even more mortified after that brief,

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The guest I invite

herself injured saving Seth’s life. We owe

can never repay. What’s wrong with inviting

taking care of her every single day

into a sneer. “By that logic, any woman

accident and play the damsel in

the Ellis family’s

pale with anger, and she whirled to

at Cicely. “This is the Ellis family’s dear

figure that you have to bring home a

her?”

her brows. “Patty, don’t

who’s

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut through

which had been light and smiling, settled

as she quietly

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

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