The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

Getting angry is

for life, Seth and I will be driven to madness, won’t

Enter title…

then

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

off.”d2

eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle,

smile. “How shameless are

if you wish for a life of

neither will Seth. Even

do you think you are in Seth’s

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

in and day out? Or rather, do you think

someone disabled?”

lips trembled violently as she

her most vulnerable

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

away. You were so proud, weren’t you?

from your grave

better soon, you

don’t blame me

teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food

icy, detached voice rang

I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare

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

annoying.”

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

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her. Let

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

didn’t look at her again, turning towards the door to

two steps, the door

as the man

was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to

returned from the restroom, rushed

front of Cicely.

furrowed her brows

he opened the door. She

Ray, feeling

his teeth clenched as

mixed with rage.

don’t you think you’re misdirecting

took advantage of me that night when you were

yet, and here you are looking as

castrated you myself.”

hit

Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told you

night?”

what he say negate the fact that

raped me?”

smile, she added, “I’m aware

it. Let’s put our grievances

It was your drunken

else’s doing. Ms.

incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her situation

exchange, could hardly

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

trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is

Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I

up, I’ll take my

left the hospital

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

yesterday, but I

the bag in her hands until

Ray again brought back the chaos

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

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr. Ray

playboy, surrounded

true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

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

charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a

by

frowned at the

nearly get her killed? That seemed

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s

I had no idea it

the mood to give Ray any

clumsily, she shoveled food into

indifference.

it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of

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

to him now, and your family is on its last

there was at least a chance for a

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles

the

told you not to be fooled by

My dad said the

his sights set on

by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him,

blow.

I wasn’t simply

Cicely hadn’t shown

the receiving end of

had pondered

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

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t believe it,

up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your

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

ask

didn’t look up, her voice

for

life to save him, or was it just a

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

motive, my only

“It’s different. The accident

be so obstinate.

you still

fork

are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you

you off. If I had died, what would be

“Whether true or not, that’s the answer

play the villain in front

it’s like denying everything I’ve

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

seen Ray this composed yet

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

telling what kind of

to.

*

out of the elevator on

across the

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

grip on her purse slackened for a moment

a familiar, faint smile on

“You hate hospitals. What are you doing

Came to check on her with

she glanced at him coolly. “I have

a cripple,

long after Cicely arrived at the

grasped what Seth was worried about.

here on your behalf to check

She thought it

faltered for a

her neck, presenting only her

corners of

and your presence might

even leading to harm.”

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

could hurt me when I’m fully able

darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I

ties with her.”

hands tucked into

braved the

No overt anger, just a serene

the more she displayed it, the clearer

sarcasm and rebellion.

Seth reached out

learned just a week

his touch. “Whether I have

don’t have the time to join

sharing a meal

such blunt

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

a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman

for an answer, as if the question itself had

in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered for a moment, her

Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of

window at the sprawling

The dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any

vitality.

brows, and the already somewhat suppressed

of the car and walked towards the villa. The

was empty, with servants occasionally

be cautious. “Miss,

over at the sound of her arrival,

you give us a heads

glanced upstairs,

and was reading in the study.

he’s fallen asleep.”

he have for

some buckwheat

the stairs, turning to look at Brody

step, “And what else?”

were a couple

deepened as she turned and headed straight for

ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for

buckwheat

of carrots and celery, the other

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her

prepared for

were too frightened to reply,

“Sir has been preferring

for these dishes. Even if we prepared

Elderly folks’ meals are quite

says there’s no need to cook

to doubt his words, but in her

family’s dining table was always a feast

Creighton slumped in a chair by

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

Cicely, and

vast estate now had but one master. That grand dining

corner for his

married early, head over heels in love, insisting on

alone in

deeply in

covering

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to find

something with the servants, his face lit up with an

didn’t you tell me you

got secrets to hide before I

glared at her. “You’re not fighting with

be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

the couch. “He’s busy with work, and

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

for dinner

ask him. He

to me.”

I’ll talk

to Creighton for the rest

chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left

amused and exasperated.

Erik arrived, father and son squared

occasionally chiming in with unsolicited

“Silence is golden; don’t meddle in the

lively and bustling,

family seemed to have returned to how it used

be.

dinner, Creighton inquired about

too busy to make it

you two

exasperated, “Just hope for us to

Creighton relented.

a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t

coming home tonight.]

about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with

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

anything amiss.

reply, and she didn’t wait up

at the Ellis estate’s

frown and moved to assist Seth with

message imply for me to

her voice neutral, “No, it was

know.”

for a

as an invitation for us to

she could respond, he had pulled her into his

the living room.

couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve

few days, have

“Not yet.”

the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take

all

for dinner, but as she stepped out, she

her father and

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

chimed in, “You two

came out

coffee

to

Enter title…

have anticipated her return to dine with him, and

up at her. “If you really wanted to pick

the Ellis family estate isn’t as

her expression nonchalant. “There’s no

here for the near

Seth’s brow

down

explain myself clearly

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

for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you.

time over the same

dabbed his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling me

back here just

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

but you’re short on time. In fact, on my

then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You

but he could

not fighting with

her lips curled in an

last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it

an answer had been placed on the

noon.

believe it? If not,

twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay,

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

from his water glass.

easy acquiescence, but the

he disagreed today, it

to understand why

such an easy compromise.

father and grandfather in the

her what their conversation would

matters.

shopping app for little home

notebooks with pens. Not that she

but she liked doodling

opened it to find Charlie,

of frost, stepping inside. “Ms.

at him, “How heartless, sending you out

of the

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

You can sit

I just have an errand. Mr. Seth

on my way

looked up, turned around, and noticed

Brody, seeing this, quickly directed

suitcase upstairs.

bidding farewell and

up a glass of milk. After finishing her

upstairs.

could those men possibly have to talk about for so long

servant had refilled their

and went to the bathroom where the bath had

It had been a while since she’d indulged in a good soak.

she slid into the tub and let out a sigh

bathroom window was a view of the

It seemed they had been

especially for her return.

of boredom, she had asked her father

at them had become

bathtub,

the edge of the tub, twisted

over her eyes.

essential oil dripped into the water, soothing her

again. She drifted in and out of sleep until

felt a sudden chill.

the coolness, and she instinctively slid

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

looked up to see the

side of the tub.

the first to drown in a

startled, but it was by the man who

the room had dissipated

feel cold.

who’d be to blame.” Cicely tried to

next to her and began to undress in a brazen

frowned, “What are

a beat, dropping his clothes into the

else does one do in a

the tub to

out. Before she could leave, she was

and glared up at him. “Seth! What

to do?”

the woman in his arms, her face flushed from

the warm bath, more radiant than usual.

was low and

“You should be able

without drowning.”

chuckled softly. Compared to her quiet, gentle

preferred her current bold, even if

demeanor.

he began to run his fingers through her wet hair.

hair for

“No.”

the shower interrupted

before

hand covered her eyes.

wasn’t that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man had a hundred ways

her anger before

inch, as the towel she’d wrapped

away

her arms crossing in front of her, trying

modesty she could.

hair with patience,

close into his chest to rinse it clean with the

and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her

without merit. After all, there were more than a couple of

fallen for this

conditioner to her hair, he nudged her toward

he took a quick

him with a cool expression, Cicely asked, “Charlie

Are you planning

there any reason

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here to the

staying here. I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

of anger

drew closer to her.

hour earlier is nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

sleep

gaze drifted leisurely over

contours of her body.

and he reached

the shower cascading over

water

his succinct and cryptic

something insistent pressing against her

realization, Seth had already set the

“We should get

tightened, “Let go. I can dry it

going

react, Seth’s lips closed over hers abruptly.

moved with a familiarity that

she’d scream out. She hit his shoulder twice,

“This is the

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

to keep it down

of Cicely’s legs was wrapped around

until she was on the

slipping her

turned away from him, her soft

other side of the bed,

his long arm scooped her

had the strength to resist, knowing he’d only persist if

too exhausted to

*

The next day.

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

with new ones added

protective—or so

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

all too pleased.

and slipping into

groggy and listless, she found Creighton and her

exercise and were already

Cicely, Creighton shook his head with a mix of affection

really should fix that

the milk offered by the servant, sipped half of

the best part of a

Skipping breakfast is bad for your

important meal. Why

didn’t you

Cicely

the office. Why would I leave with

Perfect timing with your holiday. You could learn a thing

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

face showing clear

he

chuckled, “You’re quite good at

really

didn’t know, Creighton dropped the subject.

to the hospital with your grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

the couch, resting her elbow on the

of elegance and

have lunch by

they were already leaving her

name had come

if leaving her alone in the hospital while the rest of them sat at

was incredibly inappropriate

were set to visit the hospital the next

say

to Danielle would have

time for

eating, he headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with Creighton

living room before going up to her bedroom, where

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon

her. After a quick shower, she emerged to

climbed into bed to play

it seemed like Seth had

over, brushed

on the lips. “I’m going to

for

up lazily, “How horny can you be? It’s been days

you up to?”

of teasing, “What makes you think I

rest tonight?”

“Then what am I waiting

chuckled, “Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

pushed him gently,

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

with unrestrained

for air. She lifted her hands

his shoulders, letting out a soft whimper.

on her, just barely.

kiss me to death?” she managed to

Seth off guard with their

you to death? I wouldn’t

Diaz,” he said with a

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

just inches from hers. A

misunderstanding warrants a penalty for self-justification, then

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

expression, yet a chill seemed

“Go ahead. Punish me any way

head, calmly and seriously

because I’m so into you,

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself,

heart to give me a severe

and ran her hand

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

in her eyes, Seth felt

chin,

was candid, “Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved from

“But have you ever heard, love and

start, the

warm and smiling eyes, but

brows soft with flirtation,

comes, which I doubt it will. I wouldn’t

the nerve, his dark eyes fixed

faint smile. He let go of Cicely’s chin and stood up

was already missing two buttons that

unfastened the rest.

It’s still early, so

and then paused, “If

you up my way.”

no desire to find out what his method

the shower, Cicely was propped up

glanced at him,

game.

climbed into bed and snatched the phone from her hands. Cicely

something

at the

he swiped and tapped

about business, what am

do there?”

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

thing in

have to

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

picking on you

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

life now or in the future, your only sure bet is the Ellis

family

start eating away

even know where to cry. Don’t be

around you

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

family is mine, isn’t it yours too?

in your own hands,

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

maybe you want

her, his gazes were

voice chilled further. “It sounds like you’re quite convinced

leaves a trail

these two

expression didn’t improve, and he didn’t

the shadow in their depths replaced

be so quick to assume. In fact, instead

be reflecting on why I harbor such

her phone back, “I’ve downloaded some

much as you can before sleep,

understand tomorrow.”

document app he had just

with a blur of text. “What will you be

at her, then got out of bed, lifting the covers. “I’m not

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

mood.”

grab a coat, and walk out.

it wasn’t about reflection. The man

a tantrum.

＊

for two hours. Approaching eleven at night, he

his face looking worse than

bedroom, the lights had dimmed, leaving only a nightlight

the phone in her

reignited.

Heartless woman.

taking the phone from her hand

she hadn’t closed.

same one he’d opened for her before leaving. He

sleeping face

a rush to find

the phone and tossing it aside,

as he pulled her into his

man’s arms and scent, shifted comfortably

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

her up,

she fell silent

petty.

＊

woke Cicely with a kiss

a cup of strong coffee.

morning grumpiness,

robbed of breath.

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

mind?!”

a mischievous grin as he swung his

shine, off

I am not going.” Cicely yanked the comforter over her head in

show your face.” Seth’s

Cicely didn’t budge.

make me do this the

flung the comforter off

straight at him, but what strength could she muster just out of

a pillow at

and the pillow barely

over this, I’m

pillow, and placed it

I don’t see you up by the time I’m

want me to wake you up

back to sleep.”

Seth turned

into a sly

threw the covers aside and

toothpaste onto

reflection in the mirror.

subtle raise of his eyebrows, he shifted

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

their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the toothpaste

aside.

she started brushing. It was not like she needed

toothpaste. The frothy white

slight smile of her

to the Ellis Corporation

much of the document from last night

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I

just smiled

why he hadn’t

desk and chair in the corner, waiting for

immediate deployment.

documents are on the computer; you

face away,

seemed to anticipate this excuse, “There

fell silent. She felt like no matter

Reluctantly, she moved to the desk and

pile of folders.

understand, and

you be

a

leaving

there wolves in the

reading;

opened her mouth to retort but held

glanced at her before leaving

a clear sign she

stir

Cicely did take the

pen, but within

and her phone

she left the office, returning after another

drawers, fiddled with the

a pen and doodled on a black leather notebook she

and then, noticing the time,

desk and the

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

student.

did you get through?”

to me, so I’m

in a whole morning

stung.

“Mr. Diaz, the fact that I’m even sitting

noticing the black

found her doodles—a passable cartoon

in a confident, flamboyant

flushed slightly, but quickly adopted

nonchalance.

his lips and took a deep breath, “Anything you didn’t

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

away. Seth waited for an

as if it

sank into his chair. “Lunch

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

she grudgingly clutched the files

her into an embrace. “What the

an office,” Cicely said, leaning back with

grip tightened around her waist, his voice deep and serious,

one taking

“What do you mean?”

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

and respectful. Now, you can’t even

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

is?”

an eyebrow, “Respectful? That’s because

it’s

candid admission reeked of impunity, but Seth had no comeback,

like harboring intentions

current relationship, that would

Seth was momentarily speechless.

victorious, smiled, “What’s

me, it’s to

back in his chair, turning to face

his expression

Cicely watched him—

man was

from a local diner,

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

response was drowned out by the rhythmic

mood was as frosty as

entire office was suffused with the

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked,

food, while he didn’t even

her way.

it. Nobody said

eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

at her

onto the couch and picked up the elegantly

have to sleep together every night. If

wait until you’re

long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

innocent, “Isn’t it you who’s

you sure you want to keep butting heads with

silverware tightened before relaxing.

continued to watch

and I’ll sleep

Seth fell silent.

*

at the Ellis Corporation since the

stayed

under Seth’s watchful eye, that

him summoning various department heads for

tedious reports and progress reviews, the office atmosphere

the Ellis family, even if it

couldn’t

the workday approached, Cicely found most of

the department leaders’ trembling, overly

made much progress with the

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s

in a while.”

should probably let my dad

I’ve already told

and moved to the door to put on her

hadn’t arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t the least bit fazed about

it came down to it, Cicely

just deal with things as they come. If Patty

to steer clear. It wasn’t like it was

wasn’t her

and naturally, Cicely wasn’t

cozied up

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some tea

Enter title…

stepped aside to take a call and returned after

took a sip of

of silence, Seth broke the ice.

fascinating about my face?”d2

always been told if she didn’t understand

him. But with him always buzzing

even mentioned

twirled a strand of her hair, her palm

overheard

this new mechanical equipment

socks off the old models. We could corner the market

has the know-how and the development

Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

hand the deal over to Diaz International? Given

and the Ellis family,

“The big fish like the Harper family, and

project. Diaz International doesn’t have

with the Ellis

picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit on

and watch. Seth, so many would kill for

just chicken

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

with the Ellis family?”

Corporation, I can say that

Watsons are all more fitting

to work with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I

to make things

by his stance. “What’s

is what counts. Why sweat the small

for you, I’ll bang

into a half-smile. “Is there a

to take the big deals, too proud for

fries. What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might as

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

actually

thought about it, the more

his eyes but said

Cicely propped her chin in

if we actually go through with that? Assess

you in the Ellis

personally, and I’ll cut you in on a slice of the

How

at her coolly. “What’s all this rigmarole

in Diaz International?”

eyes twinkled. “Just occurred to me,

to you besides your mother, it’s probably Diaz International,

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

an edge over you. But Diaz

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as

of Diaz International. So what if I say

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

to let

thin lips tightened, clearly

thinly. “Then

under the Ellis family banner the

ever do to tick you

that belonged to

then switched on her charm as she stood

was already standing opposite her, her face

wariness.

I figured it wasn’t such a bad idea

ain’t too shabby, right? Especially since

No need to keep things

future is the future. You bite off

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

International.”

arched an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant

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

stood up, his

go.”

mindful of

suppressing a

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

the real way to make her

the night was

back to the Ellis residence, Seth

are you

“Same as today.”

alone in the office

I’m there, I’ll disturb

her arm against the car window, twirling

her slender finger.

silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking,

“Should I prepare some

you?”

her head, “No need,

Seth fell silent.

home, the butler welcomed them

today; they’ve been temporarily

now, I can bring them out for

changed her shoes and said, “Well, bring

packages. Cicely

and started to slice open the parcels

knife.

small items –

but also

instruction manuals was many times more

when she read documents.

showered, he came down to find Cicely amidst an array

up;

a white travel tumbler.

and engraved on it was a portrait

Beside her was

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

light.

made you think of

time did I realize there are no traces

it

engrossed in the small items, her tone

was the most natural thing in the

her to get some

white

contentedly.

Ellis estate and

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after reviewing a

were much the same as what she’d heard

department heads yesterday.

set the paperwork aside, paced the

knock on the door.

parcels. “Ms. Cicely, these

addressed to you.”

up at the

in Seth’s chair, she resumed her

Seth returned to an office transformed. His desk

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

couple of notebooks.

desk in the corner mirrored his, albeit

cushion on

even

the wisdom of leaving her alone

done nothing out of the ordinary, asked

“What’s for

“How much work did

hesitantly added a

computer, bringing up a video of the

every bit of Cicely’s

everything but work.

No surprise there.

Cicely, unaware

upward. “I’m hungry,” she

closed the video.

came closer, seeing a screen full of text.

progress today, spent the whole morning reviewing

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

over the new objects on the desk, and he

a reward, I’ll take you out for

of escaping the office for a

*

Seth stayed at the Ellis Corporation,

for reports

routine stretched over several days, and even if Cicely

company affairs, she couldn’t help but

everything settled, it was time for the company’s

a hectic affair.

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

day, at the same hotel, for

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

the south, the other

below Diaz

with the Ellis Corporation.

fitted cocktail dress

wore a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and although she

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

her birth, Cicely seemed destined to make

were simple in design, yet

The man by her side was distractingly handsome, a sight that made

onlookers to look away. Cicely had

International gala to make the

deliver the expected pleasantries, to clink glasses

whisking her away

Ellis Corporation gala was orchestrated by

father present, the spotlight was on

the Ellis

well-wishes, almost like

receiving blessings and

their seats, Cicely mused

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

care

hand, Cicely teased with a

lot of

“And plenty of

to take a

retorted, “If your

have considered it.”

want to admire the pretty

day I’ll bring

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

profile there, and even more so in the

after its

envy of many. Naturally,

to Seth was

patient man, unwilling to

ingratiate themselves with him.

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

event was deliberate,

not long after, Charlie hurriedly

spoke to Seth.”Mr. Diaz, Ray got drunk at the C&P

a commotion over at Diaz International’s

brow furrowed, and his demeanor darkened. As he stood

his wrist, “What’s

I’ll be back soon,” he

before following Charlie out.

was out of sight,

Ray was slouched

finished bottle of hard liquor. His

sneer, using the steps

to his feet and approached

each syllable with

each word with venom. “You’re

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up

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

that I can’t blame anyone for the

My family never provoked you; we were just in your way.

you coveted what the we had,

drama on the

the air, the implications clear to

about Seth’s tactics, about how Ray’s

a whim because Ray had once made

had incensed

against Ray .

speculated that it had been

seemed to

in your family

leave this place immediately.”

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

even after waking from a hospital stay, clung stubbornly to his

ten percent.

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

event. I can’t do anything

I can’t tarnish

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t

ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

detachment, “If you

think you can

the last shred of Ray’s dignity.

replaced the drunken stupor in his eyes, which now

looked as if he

vengeful fury.

bottle of whiskey onto the table

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering across the

of the breaking glass pierced through the festive din like

to skip a beat. Instinctively,

her high heels a clumsy match for her urgency.

remains of the bottle at Seth,

and she let out a breathless

Seth’s arm and

circle to avoid

Seth,

onto Seth’s hand, and the woman

his arms seemed about to fall out of

moment.

reverberated throughout the

to intervene, felt a surge of

blood on

veins on his arm stood out, and

sword blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

through Cicely’s arm

unrestrained anger, she gripped his

trembling with pain. “Seth,” she managed

tall.

fierce gaze softened as it landed on her

resounding slap, Cicely slapped him. Stunned, he

not thinking straight. Have you

you think provoking him will

you?!”

her voice carried

clear tremble.

from the physical reaction to

in her eyes made it

anger,

heart as he surveyed

clear cut on her

dark. “Where else are

lip, and tears fell from

feeling of unfamiliar panic and restlessness swirled within

low voice,

ounce of self-control seemed to crumble under

converged and broke down silently,

her face. “My… my

had twisted it in her last desperate lunge to save

with a grimace, bent down to

his arms.

Ray had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had pinned

a knee on his back, restraining

been right beside Seth and was quick

caused him a

had

Cicely had been cut on the

pinned down by Charlie and unable to

only shout at Seth’s retreating

so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

falter in

*

Cicely’s injuries, Erik and

frenzy.

a sprained ankle and a

but not

had already been treated, her wounds bandaged, and

eyes were red and swollen from

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted them

“Dad.”

and returned to the room. Charlie had

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

concern for

couldn’t mask his concern, which he

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

new year, this happens! Seth,

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

listen and

I not allowed to speak

Enter title…

hurts now, and it’ll still hurt if

make the pain stop,

said, cutting himself off

natter until all his words were stuffed back down his throat.

he

watched Cicely, her hair somewhat disheveled

the gala when she had unexpectedly run

him with

Totally unexpected.

anger now took on

could process these swirling emotions, the

intently to the doctor, then stepped beside

Cicely with red eyes and pursed lips, looking

be, then she lifted her arms and

passed under her knees, lifting her

sense of peace

watching.

and Seth back to the Ellis

needed care, and returning to the Ellis residence

she had never mentioned leaving

after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

restroom, washing up –

her, never leaving her side.

impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions

bathroom to the bed where the doctor

waiting.

process, despite the

pressure and Cicely would wince.

a heavy silence from the man beside

tense as

with Creighton that lasted more than

turned to

left alone and bored in her

if it was just to the living room or

to most

talk about the mechanical

family.

the deal which should have been settled

year to

had asked Seth if Diaz International was interested in taking

response was the same as it had been initially

However, Creighton didn’t dwell on this topic,

on to other matters.

Cicely wasn’t interested in company affairs,

Seth’s voice and being able to look up

the Ellis residence just before the new year. After all,

been

airs at this time. But Patty’s complexion

on previous

lavish dinner for

brought up the topic of the New Year’s

Cicely back to

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

but since they were legally married, spending New Year’s

most appropriate and normal thing to

moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

felt

days when she was not at home,

she had returned to spend a few days, the

gatherings, would leave him alone

*

Eve, Seth took

residence.

pick up Danielle

that leaving Danielle alone in

Year was too heartless. After negotiating

bring

didn’t comment. However, the image

at each other, feels sad just thinking

liven things up, serving as company

the thought of Danielle’s

feel that it might be better off

bustling since yesterday,

to Cicely not being home for the New

knowing Miss Danielle would be

the hospital.

residence, encountered Danielle, who should have been picked up

face

happily with Danielle. When

paused for a moment, but then she

smiling.

in her wheelchair, also had a momentary freeze upon

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

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

here?” Seth

His voice was as flat as the

storm.

bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, not

her here. We couldn’t leave her all alone in the

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she

best not to let her emotions flare

dad who applied for her discharge. If anyone was going to

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

“Patty is being polite, but don’t you even

ashamed?”

turned even more mortified

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

face was barely able to contain her fury. “The

got herself injured saving Seth’s life. We

repay. What’s wrong with inviting her over for

in taking care of her every single day of the

curled into a sneer. “By that

stage an accident and play the damsel

the Ellis family’s dinners

face turned pale with anger, and she

pointed at Cicely. “This is the

mother figure that you have to bring home

her?”

furrowed her brows. “Patty, don’t take

you who’s

“You…”

deep voice cut

had been light and smiling, settled on a glass on

she quietly awaited

not to start a

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