The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2031-2040

So, what do you want to do then?”

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

speak, but no words came out.

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

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

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

“Eat up.”d2

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

Enter title…

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

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

use the restroom on your own.”

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

the fork.

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

“Have you eaten?”

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

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

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

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

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

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

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

Issac stared at her silently.

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

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

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

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

message popped up from Emiliana.

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

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

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

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

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

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

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

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

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

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

accepted her friend request.

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

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

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

Santino did too.

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

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

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

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

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

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

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

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

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

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

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

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

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

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

annoying.”

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

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

“Considerate and understanding?”

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

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

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

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

you through more efficient work.

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

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

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

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

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

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

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

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

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

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

for a while.”

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

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

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

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

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

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

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

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

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

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

wedding photos.

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

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

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

suggest such a clichéd stance.

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

might take in the future.

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

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

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

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

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

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

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

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

sunglasses, he was recognized.

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

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

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

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

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

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

you?”

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

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

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

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

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

photo with her.

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

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

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

all the best.”

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

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

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

Santino took them casually.

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

picture on social media?”

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

“Thank you.”

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

“Any plans now?” he asked.

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

ago.

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

and rejecting her lunch.

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

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

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

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

very noon.

Santino was right.

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

If not for her, then for someone else.

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

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

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

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

there.”

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

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

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

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

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

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

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

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

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

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

been dining out quite often lately.”

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

“Sure thing.”

*

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

past two years.

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

didn’t skimp on expenses.

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

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

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

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

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

interest.

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

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

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

Boring.

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

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

recognized her.

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

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

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

with the staff.

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

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

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

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

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

“It better be the best meal ever.”

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

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

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

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

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

personified.

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

caught their attention.

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

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

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

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

opportunity that they were just friends.

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

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

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

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

Cicely was after the interview.

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

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

was already dark outside.

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

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

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

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

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

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

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

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

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

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

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

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

find them ridiculous?”

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

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

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

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

happy.”

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

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

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

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

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

interested in the topic at all.

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

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

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

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

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

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

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

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

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

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

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

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

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

She had thought the couple would come home together.

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

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

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

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

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

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

Hollywood-themed diner.”

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

speechless.

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

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

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

overwhelming.

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

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

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

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

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

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

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

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

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

instructions.

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

“I’ll take care of it.”

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

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

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

still simmering on the stove.

*

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

frequently on his watch.

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

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

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

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

Santino fell silent.

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

He was trending.

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

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

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

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

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

recognized.”

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

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

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

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

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

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

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

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

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

displeasure was clear.

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

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

to know who.”

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

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

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

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

pulling up to the apartment building.

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

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

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

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

man opposite her.

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

building.

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

around his neck.

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

tightened as he turned away from the window.

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

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

with his back to her.

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

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

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

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

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

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

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

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

lingered on him for even a second.

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

within him, his voice tense and cold.

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

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

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

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

toward the bedroom.

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

bedroom entrance.

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

“What are you doing?”

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

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

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

“Drinking again?”

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

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

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

face in her neck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth had never been treated like this before.

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

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

her onto the bed.

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

to the mattress.

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

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

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

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

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

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

you’re expecting from me?

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

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

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

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

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

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

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

She had actually considered all of this.

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

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

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

Danielle go?”

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

and dripping with sarcasm.

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

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

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

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

my face and laugh at my failure.

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

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

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

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

mockery.

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

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

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

o why did he lose control tonight?

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

her face.

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

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

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

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

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

such things so easily.

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

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

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

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

*

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

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

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

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

changed by Seth.

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

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

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

with a calm expression.

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

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

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

window.

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

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

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

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

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

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

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

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

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

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

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

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

her through and through.

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

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

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

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

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

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

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

way to mend or fill it.

*

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

point to check in at the apartment in person.

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

and had woken up early.

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

the door for Charlie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

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

room.

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

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

was a solo shot of Cicely.

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

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

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

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

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

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

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

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

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

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

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

bullets.

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

steady.

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

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

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

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

“Time to eat.”

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

left. There, that’s perfect.”

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

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

“Time for breakfast.”

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

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

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

to the office.

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

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

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

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

the affair that the matter finally settled.

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

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

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

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

caused.

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

it was best to let it go.

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

her.

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

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

evenings.

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

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

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

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

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

accommodate them.

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

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

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

trouble at the hospital again.]

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

leading to another emotional breakdown.

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

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

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

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

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

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

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

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

around?”

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

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

someday.”

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

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

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

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

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

your grand design.”

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

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

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

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

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

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

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

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

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

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

me with kindness?”

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

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

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

anger and agitation.

know. Getting angry

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

Enter title…

and then let out a mocking laugh.

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

off.”d2

flickered slightly as she looked at

faint smile. “How shameless

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

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

important do you think you are in Seth’s

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

Or rather, do you

someone disabled?”

violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was

her most

second that you’re off

You were so

die, I will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse

get better soon,

blame me

her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before

detached voice rang out

you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to

until you’re willing to eat, that’s if you

annoying.”

it froze in place. To eat or not to eat, either

Cicely would win.

appetite. Please,

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

eats or

“Understood.”

took a deep

at her again, turning towards the door to

take two steps, the door swung open from

as the man who

Ray. The sight of Cicely brought

had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning

front of Cicely.

furrowed her

the door. She reached out

Ray, feeling any

stiffened, his teeth clenched as he

mixed with rage.

smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you

took advantage of me that night when

that score yet, and here you are looking

castrated you myself.”

hit

Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened

night?”

lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the

raped me?”

smile, she

Let’s put our grievances

Ray, get your facts straight. It was

doing. Ms. Danielle

dependent. Let’s not

listening to the exchange,

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

trouble. Of course, I know

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

I’ll take my

left the hospital

him accountable.

by yesterday, but I didn’t

bag in her hands until her knuckles

Ray again brought back the chaos of that

vivid and terrifying that even the

shudder.

“Miss?”

seems Mr.

rich playboy, surrounded by a

proclaiming true feelings

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

“Not perhaps. With his family on the

It’s clear she means a lot to

by his

frowned at the

much he’d nearly get her killed?

*

hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed.

I had no

give Ray any more attention than she had

shoveled food into her mouth

indifference.

Regardless of the tactics

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

to him now, and your family is

there was at least a chance for

blown it for good.”

tight his knuckles were white, and

on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my

told you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness

you can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered

had his

fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from

to make everyone relax

delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent but was

That night, I wasn’t

if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do

at the receiving

face drained of color. She had pondered this question before, but

into it. She didn’t

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

you wouldn’t

before. I’ve checked with

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

ask

didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat.

front of that car for him, was it truly

life to save him, or was it just a ploy

turned to look at Ray. “Does

my only desire was to win

smile. “It’s different. The accident was

father to be

severe, would you still have

fork down and looked

are

his lips together.

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

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

off. If I had died, what

“Whether true or not, that’s the

play the villain in front of me to push me away.

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

I would, but since I can’t, I need

this composed yet so

She was afraid of Ray in this state.

lose, there was no telling

to.

*

and Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground

standing across

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

furrowed imperceptibly when

for

faint smile on her face. “You’re

gaze was heavy. “You hate

heard she had another episode. Came to check on her with

admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have

a

after Cicely arrived

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

your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering

She thought it

faltered

around her neck, presenting

smile at the corners of her eyes and lips

moods are volatile, and your

even leading to harm.”

smile. “I have Issac with

when I’m fully able

sooner she recovers,

ties with her.”

into the pockets

I braved the

No overt anger, just

the more she displayed it, the clearer Seth

sarcasm and rebellion.

had lunch?” Seth reached out

learned just a week

avoiding his touch.

join me. And as it happens, I

sharing a meal with

blunt rejection, Seth’s

question floated into Seth’s ears,

pause, he looked up to find

didn’t leave room for an answer, as if

conclusion in

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

and pondered

visit Dad at the Ellis

“Alright.”

rolled through the gates of the Ellis family

the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected

dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring

vitality.

brows, and

out of the car and walked towards

was empty, with servants occasionally moving about

seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re

at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise

give us a

glanced upstairs,

and

he’s fallen asleep.”

he

made some buckwheat

turning to look at Brody from the

step, “And what else?”

hesitated, “There were a couple of

turned and headed

she ordered the servants to

buckwheat

being a light salad of carrots

of ham and cheese.

of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze

prepared for my father’s

too frightened to reply, their

helplessly, “Sir has been

these dishes. Even if

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

sir says there’s no need to cook

enough not to doubt his words,

table was always a feast of

she found Creighton slumped in a chair by

a book resting on his chest, his

hit Cicely, and her

estate now had but one master. That grand dining table now

corner for

head over heels in love, insisting on

her father alone

deeply

Creighton, gently covering him with

out of the study.

nap and came downstairs to

something with the servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable

didn’t you

to hide before I

“You’re not

there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking

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

my break, missing all the home-cooked

for dinner

ask him. He

to me.”

talk to

for the rest

her chess, playfully demanding

amused and exasperated.

and son squared off

chiming in with unsolicited

golden; don’t meddle

lively and bustling, and even the

entire Ellis family seemed to have

be.

Creighton inquired

too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving

“Are you

us to be alright, will

Creighton relented.

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

coming home tonight.]

dramatic runaway scenario with Seth,

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

anything amiss.

didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up

up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep.

moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are

imply for

voice neutral, “No,

know.”

no reason for a married couple to sleep

your message as an invitation for

had pulled her into

the living room.

closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard

hard these past few

“Not yet.”

whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take

were all tailored to his

for dinner, but

with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the living

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

in, “You two aren’t

breath, “Just came out to grab my

her way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her

headed back to

Enter title…

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

he glance up at her. “If

isn’t

bottle, her expression

for the

brow as he methodically chewed

set down

explain myself

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

her water bottle for a sip, “I said

over the same

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

here just

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

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

staying, but then I saw my dad and

he could use some company.

prove I’m not fighting

face was impassive, her lips curled

the last part, coupled with her subtle expression,

an answer had been placed on the question she

noon.

he believe it? If not, she would prove

in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

home,

took a sip from his water glass.

surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was

if he disagreed today, it

why he

such an easy compromise.

Cicely’s father and grandfather in the

to her what their conversation would

matters.

for little

LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens.

liked

door was knocked, the servant opened it

stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely,

at him, “How heartless, sending

the night

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

discussing matters. You can sit and wait for

need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth

on

finally looked up, turned around,

quickly

suitcase upstairs.

didn’t linger, bidding

brought up a glass of milk.

upstairs.

men possibly have to talk about for so

out? The servant had refilled their water

some clothes and went to

since

water temperature, she slid into the tub and let

window was a view of the garden and a

by rotating ground lights. It seemed

especially for her return.

past, out of boredom, she had

the years, glimpsing at them had become

edge of the bathtub, staring at that

pressed down against the edge of the tub,

over her eyes.

dripped into the water,

move again. She drifted in and out of sleep

felt a sudden chill.

skin above the water felt the coolness, and she instinctively slid down a

her eyes, her hand was caught midair,

and she looked up to see the man frowning

side of the tub.

the first

was by the man who had appeared silently

The warmth of the room had dissipated when he entered, making

feel cold.

be to blame.” Cicely tried to shake off

and began to undress in a

“What are

continued without missing a beat, dropping his clothes

else does one do

paused, grabbed the towel beside the

step out. Before she could leave, she

chest and glared up at

to do?”

in his arms, her face flushed

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

low and enticing. “Share a shower with

deflated embarrassingly, “You should be able to

without drowning.”

to her

her current bold,

demeanor.

her thorny retort, he began to run his

your hair for

“No.”

the

before turning on the shower. A

but Seth’s hand covered her eyes.

that Cicely lacked principles, but that this man

anger before it even took

still, not moving an inch,

yanked away by

crossing in front

modesty she could.

into her hair with patience,

into his chest to rinse it clean

head lowered and eyes closed, Cicely considered that her taste in

there were more than a

for

he nudged her toward the wall to

he took a quick shower

expression,

you planning

any

your apartment, it’s quite a trek from here

I can’t exactly haul you

will.”

of anger tinged Cicely’s

lips curled into a smile as he drew

nothing compared to spending a whole night alone.

better.”

sleep

leisurely over her

contours of her body.

darkened imperceptibly, and he reached out to pull

from the shower

her eyes closed to prevent water

focused on his succinct and cryptic

suddenly felt something insistent pressing against her

set the showerhead

forehead against hers. “We should get out and dry your

“Let go. I

we’re not going

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

with a familiarity

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

pain. “This is

told you it wasn’t convenient, but you seemed not to

it down in

around his waist, and as the

her, her vision blurred until she was

hairdryer and slipping her into

turned away from him, her soft

of the

to turn away, his long arm scooped her into his

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

was too exhausted

*

The next day.

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

new ones added from last

gentle, and protective—or so he seemed. Any pain

to it. Yet now, with her body

all too pleased.

into her loose loungewear, she

she found Creighton and her

from their morning exercise and were already two

his head

“You really should fix that

the servant, sipped

is the best

bad for your

important meal. Why are you

didn’t you leave with

left Cicely speechless for a

went to the office. Why

timing with your

at the company instead of ending

frowned, her face showing clear reluctance. “No, he probably

he didn’t mention

chuckled, “You’re quite good at passing the

he really

didn’t know, Creighton

grandfather to see Danielle.

come?”

her legs onto the couch, resting her

a blend of elegance and

lunch by yourself at

returned, and they were already leaving

name had come up several times

the hospital while

incredibly inappropriate and heartless.

were set to visit

who dared say the Ellis family

have

in time for dinner. His timing

headed upstairs first, while Cicely sat with

going up to her bedroom,

desk.

to the bathroom, and upon entering, she locked

After a quick shower, she

climbed into bed to play with

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

over, brushed her forehead with his hand,

on the lips. “I’m

Wait for

can you be? It’s been days on end. What

you up to?”

of teasing, “What

rest tonight?”

what am I waiting

“Mrs. Diaz, there are plenty of things

gently, “Then hurry up and

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

penetrating with unrestrained

for air. She lifted

soft whimper. It was

on her, just barely.

to death?” she

caught Seth off guard with their unintentional cuteness, and

you to death? I

he said with a playful

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

handsome face just inches from hers. A

warrants a penalty for self-justification,

you misunderstand me? Shouldn’t I consider how to

same amused expression, yet a chill seemed to seep

Punish me any

tilted her head, calmly and seriously meeting his

I’m so into you, any punishment

be trivial and painless.”

Enter title…

pinched her beautifully curved jawline, “So, ask yourself, do

give me

eyebrow and ran her

brimming with tenderness.

“I couldn’t bear to.”d2

felt a subtle stir in his

smooth chin, “You like me that

“Mm-hmm.” Her hand moved

it, “But have you ever heard, love and

at the start, the more they might hate them

Seth’s warm and smiling eyes, but

and brows soft with flirtation, “Don’t

will. I wouldn’t choose

nerve, his dark eyes fixed on

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

missing two buttons that Cicely had undone; he

unfastened the rest.

tonight. It’s still early,

and then paused, “If you’re not

you up my way.”

to find out what his method of waking her

Cicely was propped up

glanced at him, then refocused

game.

bed and snatched the phone from her

“Is there something you

at the office

swiped and tapped on

don’t know anything about business, what am

do there?”

wouldn’t need

thing in the

I have to

you think your dad asking you to learn

picking on you for no

Cicely frowned, still resistant.

it’s your life now or in the future, your

manage the Ellis family forever. If one

a weak moment and start

even know where

you is

“Does that include you?”

“Including me.”

Cicely fell silent.

it yours too? What’s there

when truly in your own

“What makes you insecure? You think

maybe you want to leave me one day

to her, his

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

a trail of broken

just saying. But beyond these two reasons, is

didn’t improve,

shifted, the shadow in their depths

In fact, instead of you being

reflecting on why

back, “I’ve downloaded

you can before sleep, and ask me

understand tomorrow.”

took the phone, the document app he had just

of text. “What will you

then got out of

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

mood.”

coat, and walk out.

it wasn’t about reflection.

a tantrum.

＊

study for two hours. Approaching

his face looking worse than

in the bedroom, the lights had

with the phone in

reignited.

Heartless woman.

phone from her hand and glanced

she hadn’t closed.

he’d opened for her before leaving.

face and

in a rush to find her a reliable

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

he pulled

used to the man’s arms and scent, shifted

mumbling drowsily. “Done sulking?”

Seth wanted to wake her up, maybe keep her

silent again, and any

petty.

＊

petty; the next morning, he woke Cicely with a kiss that was

than a cup of strong coffee.

prone to morning grumpiness, she

robbed of breath.

him hard a couple of times.

mind?!”

he swung his legs out

shine, off to

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

your face.” Seth’s voice

Cicely didn’t budge.

gonna make me do this

a moment, Cicely flung the comforter off with a huff, sat up, and lobbed

what strength could she muster just out

pillow at

and the pillow barely registered

over this, I’m

up the pillow, and placed it

up by the time I’m out, I’ll

wake you

back to sleep.”

gritted her teeth in frustration. As Seth turned away, the corners

a

the covers aside and stomped off to the bathroom,

squeezing toothpaste onto his

reflection in the mirror.

of his eyebrows, he shifted aside to give her

Seth, as if on cue, applied

She glanced at their reflection. Seth nonchalantly placed the

aside.

brushing. It was not like she needed

as simple as toothpaste. The frothy

smile of

breakfast, they headed to the

document from last night did you

to know anything.

two pages. So what am I

smiled

the office, Cicely understood why

and

immediate deployment.

are on the computer; you can keep

face away, “Computers have

anticipate this excuse, “There are

silent. She felt like no matter what excuse she

she moved to the desk

pile of folders.

anything you don’t understand, and we can go over

will you

a C&P

leaving me here

in the office

the reading; I’ll be

opened her mouth to retort but held

at her

a clear sign she was up to no good.

she possibly stir up in the

fact, after Seth left, Cicely did take the

pen, but within half an

and her phone was

minutes later, she left the office, returning

drawers, fiddled with the decorations,

and doodled on a

her phone and

and

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

student.

did you get through?” he

to me,

files in a whole morning and you’re proud of

stung.

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

his desk, noticing the

it open, he found her

in a confident,

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

nonchalance.

took a deep breath, “Anything

“Yes.”

“Bring it here then.”

tidied the documents away. Seth

hungry,” she declared as if it

of his nose and sank into his

Come over here.”

prepared? No complaints

clutched the files and

long arm pulled her into an embrace. “What the

Cicely said, leaning back with a wary

her waist, his voice

one taking

“What do you mean?”

the day, you’d concoct

you. Sweet and respectful. Now, you can’t even

this half-hearted attitude. If that’s

is?”

eyebrow, “Respectful?

you, and it’s

of impunity, but Seth

like harboring

that would mean cheating,

Seth was momentarily speechless.

smiled, “What’s

it’s to

and leaned back in his

expression and

Cicely watched him—

was

from a local diner,

to have no

“Aren’t you eating?”

by the rhythmic

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

the unmistakable vibe of

a big deal’.

eat all this by myself?” she asked, her

with food, while he didn’t even bother to

her way.

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

narrowed her eyes and huffed, “Then I

tonight.”

at her with an icy

onto the couch and picked up the elegantly wrapped

“Nobody said we have to sleep together every night.

until

handsome face was stoic, “How long are you planning to keep

attitude with me?”

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

you sure you want to keep butting heads

her silverware tightened before

continued to watch

and I’ll sleep with

Seth fell silent.

*

had been at the Ellis Corporation

had stayed in

under Seth’s watchful

department heads

reviews, the

the Ellis family,

her father, she couldn’t afford to

workday approached, Cicely found most of her attention

the department leaders’ trembling, overly respectful

made much progress with the paperwork, but

hadn’t commented on it.

a bit. Mom’s shopping nearby,

in a while.”

“I should probably

I’ve already

acknowledgment and moved to the door to put on

arrived yetTo claim Cicely wasn’t

it, Cicely

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

best to steer clear. It

wasn’t her

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

waiting by the door. She cozied up in the lounge

around Seth’s.

quickly offered them some

Enter title…

a call and

took a sip of warm

minutes of silence, Seth broke the ice. “Spit it out, will

fascinating about my face?”d2

been told

ask him. But with him always buzzing around,

even mentioned

her hair, her palm warming against the porcelain

“I overheard General Manager from project

talking about this new mechanical equipment upgrade

the old models.

family has the know-how and the development

got a point. Instead of bidding and choosing another manufacturer,

to Diaz International? Given

Ellis family,

expression was cold. “The big fish like the Harper

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

Ellis family’s

what? If the Ellis family picks Diaz International, the rest can just sit

and watch. Seth, so many would kill for that kind of opportunity. Are

it, or do you just

or the Watsons? Or is it just that you flat-out

with the Ellis family?”

Ellis Corporation, I can say

all more fitting partners than Diaz

with the Ellis family, are you suggesting I

Corporation to make things easier for Diaz

stance. “What’s wrong with

is what counts. Why sweat the small stuff? If it’s

you, I’ll bang the

a

her brows. “Too scared to take the big

What’s the point of running Diaz International? Might

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

that’s actually a pretty solid

about it,

eyes but said

chin in her hands and smiled at

actually go through with that? Assess the value

you in the Ellis family?

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

shares. How

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

in Diaz International?”

occurred to me, if there’s anything on this green

mother, it’s probably Diaz

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

an edge over

might just be it.”

meaningful and unfathomable as he watched

Diaz International. So

with a

time to let it

thin lips tightened, clearly

thinly. “Then isn’t my suggestion

International under the Ellis family banner the best

Diaz International ever do to

Cicely, a familiar tone that belonged

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

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

wariness.

out loud. Then I figured

shabby, right?

No need to keep things

out a scoff, “The future is the future.

don’t even think about laying a finger on

International.”

her eyes carrying a mild, nonchalant smile,

Patty wasn’t bringing it up,

Seth had already stood up,

go.”

mindful of Seth’s expression. Patty pursed

suppressing a multitude

at the Diaz residence, but

be the real way to make

was out

back to the Ellis residence, Seth took the wheel

you off to

“Same as today.”

in the office

I’ll

rested her arm against the car window, twirling a strand of hair

her slender finger.

was silent for a few seconds before slowly

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

you?”

shook her head, “No need, I’ve

Seth fell silent.

butler welcomed them respectfully. “Miss, we received

they’ve been temporarily stored in

I can bring

and said, “Well, bring them

many packages. Cicely sat

mat and started to slice open

knife.

small items – mugs,

unpacked them but also

many times more focused and serious

when she read documents.

came down to find Cicely amidst an array

up;

him a

examined it—it had a notable heft, and engraved on it

Beside her

items were pairs, hers

light.

you think

back this time did I realize

and it

while still engrossed in the small items, her tone and

it was the most natural thing in the

urged her to get

next morning, seeing the white tumbler in the car,

contentedly.

at the Ellis estate and setting the staff

Cicely’s focus was still scattered, but after

were much the

department heads yesterday.

paced

knock on the door.

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

addressed to you.”

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

resumed her task with the craft

returned to an office transformed. His desk

holder, several stylographs, a fresh mouse pad, and

couple of notebooks.

corner mirrored his, albeit with a simpler color

with a cushion on

bouquet of flowers had even

to question the wisdom of leaving her alone

nothing

“What’s for lunch

work

raised three fingers, then hesitantly added

the computer, bringing

every bit of

everything but work.

No surprise there.

silent, and Cicely, unaware

hungry,” she

closed the video.

screen full of text. Seth

spent the

Cicely nodded, “Yes.”

objects on the desk, and he nodded,

I’ll take

escaping the office for a meal

*

afternoon, Seth stayed at the Ellis

summoning staff for

and even if Cicely wasn’t eager

about company affairs, she

it was time for the company’s annual

a hectic affair.

International, and

day, at the

linked by sky bridges. The topfloor ballrooms were split between the Ellis

on the south, the

Diaz International’s—a

with the Ellis Corporation.

dressed in a silver-gray, fitted cocktail

a pair of silver high-heeled shoes, and

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

Cicely

clothes were simple in design, yet undeniably from the

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

away. Cicely had

International gala to

and deliver the expected pleasantries,

her away to the Ellis

gala was orchestrated by Seth’s

and father present, the spotlight

at the

almost

receiving blessings and drinks

mused aloud, “Isn’t the

downstairs? Aren’t we going?”

are taking care of it,” Seth

Cicely teased with a mischievous

a lot of celebrity beauties

“And plenty of male

curious to take

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

have considered it.”

to admire the

“Sure, one day I’ll bring them all to you

personal viewing.”

skipping the C&P

a low profile there,

a whole. C&P, after its grand slam start and

in its grip, was the envy of many. Naturally,

to Seth was

man, unwilling

ingratiate themselves with him.

was a magnet

C&P event was deliberate, with

long after, Charlie hurriedly arrived, lowering

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

commotion over at Diaz

and his demeanor darkened. As he

wrist,

I’ll be back soon,”

before following Charlie out.

until he was out of sight, then rose

International’s gala, Ray was slouched

a nearly finished bottle of

sneer, using the steps for

to his feet and

he slurred, emphasizing each syllable with a

with venom. “You’re impressive,

coldly, flashing a thumbs-up at

seen just

that I can’t blame

provoked you; we were just in your way.

we had,

such drama on the eve of their holiday

words hung in the air,

Seth’s tactics,

had once made an indecent pass

this had incensed him enough

against Ray .

that it had been

seemed to

you are still a shareholder in your

leave this place

surrendered their shares when Ray’s family had

who, even after waking from a hospital

ten percent.

laughter was bitter, “Rest assured, I know

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

what I have, and I can’t tarnish

my company, so tell me, wouldn’t it be

you and ruined Diaz International, let you taste the bitterness

today?”

looked at Ray with icy detachment,

think you can

the last shred of Ray’s dignity. Rage

the drunken stupor in his eyes,

looked as if he might lunge at Seth in a

vengeful fury.

the table next

shattered, sending sharp shards scattering

the breaking glass pierced through

skip a beat.

strides towards Seth, her high heels a clumsy match for

the jagged remains of the bottle at Seth,

let out a breathless shout.

she dashed forward, pulling Seth’s arm and embracing him tightly

circle to avoid the

clung to Seth, her

drop of bright red blood fell onto Seth’s

to fall out of his embrace. at

moment.

gasp reverberated throughout

to intervene, felt a surge of rage at

on his

his arm stood out, and his

blade, seething with

glared at Ray.

shot through Cicely’s

gripped his clothes tightly,

managed to say, forcing herself

tall.

it landed on her

him. Stunned, he looked at

not thinking straight. Have you had too much

him will do you now? What if he

you?!”

quivered in pain, and though her voice carried anger, it also

clear tremble.

from the

made it clear to him—she

anger,

his heart as he surveyed her injuries,

cut on her

else

and tears fell

restlessness swirled within

voice, “Talk

seemed to crumble under Seth’s growl,

fear—all converged and broke down silently,

“My… my ankle

in her last desperate lunge to

heels and, with a grimace, bent down to scoop her

his arms.

had been tackled to the ground by Charlie, who had

a knee on his back, restraining his

beside Seth and was quick to react when

had caused him a moment’s hesitation.

broken bottle had swung past

Cicely had been cut on the

away, Ray, pinned down by Charlie and unable to

at Seth’s retreating figure

be so damn arrogant. One day, you’ll pay

done!”

falter in

*

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

frenzy.

diagnosis: a sprained ankle and a

too shallow, but not

had already been treated,

red

her Erik and Creighton, she greeted

“Dad.”

ended a phone call and returned to the room. Charlie

Seth gave a brief nod to the Erik

concern

mask his concern, which he channeled into anger

day of hardship in her life, and just

the new year, this happens! Seth,

interjected, “it’s not his fault. I

and

her a glare. “Am I not allowed

Enter title…

and it’ll still hurt if you scold

the pain stop, then go

cutting himself off mid-sentence. She had to

all his words were stuffed back

a lifetime, could he not see through her

her hair somewhat disheveled but still

at the gala when she

him

Totally unexpected.

now took on

these

the doctor, then stepped beside

red eyes and pursed lips, looking

she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his

under her knees, lifting her from

understanding brought a slight sense of peace to the two

watching.

drove Cicely and Seth back to the Ellis

and returning to the Ellis residence was the

all, she had never mentioned leaving

the rare holiday after the gala, Seth stayed at

Cicely company.

washing up – any time Cicely needed to

her, never leaving her side. Apart

was impeccable

silent, complaint-free actions

from the bathroom to

waiting.

the bandaging process, despite the doctor’s

in pressure and Cicely would

heavy silence from the man beside her, who seemed

as tense as a surgical

residence, any sitting with Creighton that lasted more

inevitably turned to

in her room, insisted Seth take

he went, even if it was just to the living room or

to most of their

talk about the mechanical manufacturing issues

family.

postponed the deal which should

to after

International was interested in taking the

the same as it had been initially

didn’t dwell on this

on to other matters.

wasn’t interested in company affairs, she

Seth’s voice and being able to look up

at the Ellis residence just before

daughter-in-law who had been injured protecting

this time. But

on

Ellis family prepared a lavish dinner for her.

she brought up the topic of the New

to the Diaz family

Patty’s mood didn’t match the generosity of

legally married,

appropriate and

a moment, glanced at the young couple,

somewhat absent-mindedly.

Creighton’s reaction, suddenly felt a deep

she was not at home, the vastness of the

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

festive gatherings, would leave

*

morning of the New Yearr’s Eve, Seth took Cicely back to the

residence.

with them to pick up Danielle

agreed that leaving Danielle alone in the hospital

heartless. After negotiating with the

bring

didn’t comment. However, the image of two old people spending

home, staring at each other, feels sad just thinking about it.

might liven things up, serving as company for the

thought of Danielle’s haughty, perpetually

might be better off without

had been bustling since yesterday, and

to Cicely not being home for

a sumptuous feast knowing Miss Danielle would

find anyone at the

Danielle, who should

Her face

with Danielle. When she saw Seth carrying

her expression paused for a moment,

smiling.

also

her face, but she brushed

that made it sound like Cicely

Seth

voice was as flat as

storm.

her lip, hands clasped tightly,

her here. We couldn’t leave her

holidays, could we?”

felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but

let her

her discharge. If anyone was going

should’ve been the Ellis family. You stay

is being

ashamed?”

more mortified after that

moment.

The atmosphere suddenly stiffened.

to contain her fury. “The

herself injured saving Seth’s

wrong with inviting her over

in taking care of her every single day of

lips curled into a sneer. “By that

an accident and play the damsel

the Ellis family’s

with anger, and she

“This is the Ellis family’s

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

her?”

don’t take

you who’s making him

“You…”

Seth’s deep voice cut

been light and smiling, settled on a

as she quietly awaited

to celebrate, not to

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