Before he returned, Seth had found Cicely’s words in the car utterly baseless

and irrational.

What had he said to her? He told her not to be too greedy, and not to be so

fussy. He accused her of sentencing him to death without cause, of making a

fuss over nothing.

When she said she could forgive him even if he fooled her just once, he told her

she was living a lie, and it was meaningless.

What else did he say? He mentioned he needed to think about whether he really

liked Danielle and that maybe he could give it a shot with her.

Enter title…

The memory of Cicely standing at the car door with that panicked and helpless

look in her eyes resurfaced in his mind. A bitter taste suddenly rose in his throat,

and as Issac clasped his collar tightly, Seth’s hands clenched into whiteknuckled fists at his sides.

She had given him so many chances, even waited for him to deceive her.d2

Seeing Seth’s stricken expression, Issac, regardless of his own raging anger,

realized he had to step out of their world. Issac let go, stepped back,

straightened his clothes, and left the bedroom.

The room fell silent.

Seth gazed at her for a long moment before slowly approaching her. “Why didn’t

you say anything?”

Cicely looked sideways at the slight gap left by the closet door not being

properly shut. “I guess I felt it would be too dramatic to say it out loud. Besides,

what’s done is done. Speaking about it won’t change anything. Why humiliate

myself further?” She threw his earlier words back at him.

“I’m sorry.”

A flicker passed through Cicely’s eyes as she slowly turned to meet his gaze.

“The last thing I wanted to hear was an apology because I really don’t want to

tell you it’s okay. It’s all so trivial, confirming indeed that you messed up, and it

doesn’t undo what’s happened.”

Seth watched her silently, as if waiting for her to vent all the pent-up resentment

in her heart.

Cicely took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and when she opened them again,

she looked at him with a faint laugh, “Am I being unreasonably stubborn again?

Are you always right, and everything I say is just adding to my mistakes?”

As she spoke, she glanced casually at the digital clock on the table, then

lowered her eyes, concealing the turmoil behind them, and spoke indifferently.

“I’m going downstairs to join Grandpa and Dad for New Year’s Eve.”

Seth stepped forward, “I’ll carry you down.”

Cicely turned her head away, her posture as she sat waiting for him to carry her

was notably stiff and unwelcoming.

Seth bent down, his long arm sweeping under the bend of her legs, his voice

low and dim as he spoke. “I didn’t go to the hospital.”

Cicely wrapped her arms around his neck to avoid falling. She didn’t respond.

Seth lifted her up and headed for the door, continuing, “Because I seriously

violated traffic laws.”

A sardonic smile played on Cicely’s lips. She had seen it all before.

“U-turning on the overpass, driving the wrong way, crossing the median. I got

detained, and had to pay a 200 dollar fine.”

Cicely’s brows twitched, and she looked up at him. “What are you trying to say?”

“Nothing much, just I deserved paying my fine for leaving you there.”

Cicely pulled a wry smile, “Don’t shift the blame to me. I’m not the one who

made you lose points or pay a fine.”

Seth cast a glance down at her, stopping by the stairwell wall to carefully set her

down.

Cicely frowned, looking at him with her injured foot raised. “Do you think now

that Issac is gone, you’re the only option I have to get downstairs?”

Seth grasped her waist and leaned in close, his back slightly bending to meet

her forehead, his voice carrying a hint of hurt as he reiterated, “I didn’t go to the

hospital.”

Cicely’s eyelids flickered slightly. She was once again struck by how deviously

manipulative this man could be. He was actually playing the victim and acting

hurt, and she was amazed he had it in him.

“Not going to the hospital is a regret? I never stopped you from the beginning,

so there’s no need to feel hurt with me, and you won’t gain anything.”

Seth’s grip tightened slightly, his voice deep and husky, “Do you really have to

play dumb with me?”

Cicely’s frown deepened, “While wasting time with me here, aren’t you afraid

Danielle might actually drop dead in the hospital without seeing you?”

Anger began to cloud Seth’s eyes, his emotions turning murky. “You don’t have

to say such nasty things.” His breath lowered, “That was not very wise to make

you into someone you are not because of her.”

Cicely chuckled lightly, “Perhaps the truth is harsh. What’s the point of living a

lie?”

Seth’s eyes darkened further, a flash of sharpness passing through, quickly

suppressed. “I shouldn’t have said those things in the car. I didn’t go to the

hospital, I never considered liking her, and I wasn’t really planning to try with

her. Stop using those words against me, okay? They were wrong. It’s my

mistake.”

His current attitude gave Cicely an illusion, that to continue arguing with him

seemed pointless. It made her feel even more like a petty, vindictive shrew.

But if he admitted he was wrong, did that mean the pain those words caused

could be completely erased?

She closed her eyes, pushing down the sadness in her heart.

Her slightly pursed lips were seized by his cool ones, gently probbing, “The

countdown is about to start. Even if you don’t forgive me, can we leave this

behind? Let’s welcome the new year together, okay?”

Leaving this in the past year and starting anew the next?

Cicely was carried downstairs by Seth, and both Erik and Creighton looked a bit

weary. It wasn’t common for people their age to stay up for New Year’s Eve, so it

must have been tough for them to hold out until now.

However, seeing Cicely seemed to invigorate them. “Let’s hurry, the countdown

is about to begin. Let’s go outside for the fireworks.”

The TV show was also gearing up for the New Year’s countdown.

Seth wrapped Cicely in a blanket and a warm down coat before carrying her

outside.

In the yard, Brody and a few men had already set up the fireworks, ready to be

ignited at the right moment.

The TV in the living room was turned up to the loudest volume, the thrilling voice

counting down second by second.

“Ten, nine, eight…”

“Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!”

The final second ticked by, and the fireworks in the backyard ignited, shooting

into the sky with a cacophony of whistles and pops. They exploded in a dazzling

array of colors, painting the night with their brilliance.

Amidst the festive clamor, Cicely thought she heard Seth’s voice near her ear.

She paused, turning to look at him with a puzzled expression, “What did you just

say?”

Seth looked down at her, his dark eyes reflecting the colorful lights from the

distant fireworks.

A faint smile played on his lips, and the icy look in his eyes seemed to melt

away as he gazed intensely at her, then leaned down to gently peck her lips.

“Happy New Year.”

Cicely’s eyes flickered with a hint of subtle disappointment, but it was fleeting.

She looked back up at the sky and replied softly—

“Happy New Year.”

*

Happy New Year.

There was the new year, but joy seemed absent.

Cicely’s winter break was marred by a foot injury that set her back over twenty

days.

Even so, even after a spat they had on New Year’s Day, Seth, upon returning to

work from his holiday, still bombarded her with a flurry of company emails. He’s

determined as ever.

Bored at home, Cicely read a couple out of the ten emails and then spent her

time tucked in a corner of the living room, piecing together a castle from a set of

building blocks she’d bought.

Seth came home several times to check on her progress, and finding it wanting,

he went straight to Creighton with his complaints.

Creighton could hardly contain his bemusement as he pointed at her, and from

then on, he took it upon himself to supervise her. Even as she sat in the corner

building her castle, Creighton would drill her on the company’s history, the

famous projects they’d pushed forward, their progress, outcomes, and the

comprehensive reasons behind their inception.

Cicely’s head spun with the daily analysis. She chewed Seth out in her mind

while stacking blocks—a grown man, tattling, of all things.

Danielle’s condition was not dire. The checkup revealed minor issues but

nothing significantly worrisome, only a slight delay in her recovery.

Seth still visited her occasionally, accompanying her to the hospital when it was

time for her bandages to be changed. He even went so far as to bring in a

renowned rehabilitation specialist from abroad. The Ellis family also extended

their utmost support.

Whether Danielle was spurred by some unseen motivation, her cooperation with

the therapy was surprisingly zealous, and her recovery progressed remarkably.

After New Year’s Eve, Cicely stopped bringing up Danielle. It didn’t matter if

Seth visited the hospital, arranged for experts for Danielle, or ensured someone

was always there to watch over her. Sometimes, Seth wondered if he was

uncomfortable with a life too tranquil.

Cicely fought with him over Danielle, and he was dissatisfied. Now that she no

longer made a fuss, he was still displeased.

He felt Cicely did not really care about what he did. It’s like as long as he was

there in the end, she could tolerate anything he did. He did not like this feeling.

Once Cicely’s foot was nearly healed, Seth brought her back to his side. He

personally drove her to the office, ensuring she stayed within his sight, whether

she was playing or dozing off from boredom.

He had even set up a desk for her in his office at Diaz International, right next to

his own. Her desk was smaller, a bit shorter than his, and whenever he brought

her there, her petite figure seated beside him exuded an air of endearing

obedience that he found quite pleasing.

Aside from work, she took an interest in almost anything. Her desk soon

became cluttered with little trinkets, including some on his desk—everything she

deemed unsightly was replaced with items she favored. He let her be.

The progress on their wedding home was on track for completion in two months.

Wedding planners had begun to consult with Cicely on the details, and she

spent her days in front of the computer in discussion. Every now and then, she

sought Seth’s opinion, which he occasionally provided with superficial

consideration. Eventually, Cicely found his advice lacking and stopped asking.

The venue was set in P City’s largest church, a testament to the Ellis family’s

penchant for indulging their loved ones. The church was funded and built by the

Ellis family over a decade ago, as a gesture of goodwill and safety for their

daughter who had married abroad.

The hotel was the most luxurious one in P City.

Just the selection of these two sites had made Cicely’s wedding preparations

the talk of the town, with everyone eagerly anticipating the event.

Cicely had become quite the busy bee, taking on some of the Ellis Group’s less

crucial matters since Seth had oddly entrusted her with them.

Though reluctant, she had picked up a few things, and she was getting to know

the company’s leadership quite well.

But life in the Ellis Group always came with its share of troubles, so she

preferred spending her time at Diaz International. Lounging idly there was

easier, as there was no need for her to get involved in company affairs.

Seth never hid anything from her. So, when she overheard Seth mentioning a

software project that had been in preparation since last year, requiring a

substantial investment and loan arrangements with the bank, curiosity got the

better of her. “What kind of software development requires such a huge sum?

What field is it in, and are you confident about it?”

Seth replied coolly, “Sixty percent confident.”

Developing the software was one thing, and market adaptability was another. If

it couldn’t seamlessly integrate into the market, failure was the only path that

awaited him.

Cicely frowned, clearly puzzled. “The Ellis Group has been dragging on that

mechanical construction project until now, and you know my dad has been

holding onto it for you. You pass up a project that’s practically handing money to

you to chase a new development you’re not entirely sure of. Two years of

preparation, and you’re only sixty percent confident now.”

“You want to prove yourself, to claim your dignity, not to play second fiddle to the

Ellis family. C&P has already succeeded, and now you’re the one calling the

shots at the Ellis Group , with notable results. Now who would dare to speak ill

of you? People are falling over themselves to get in with the Ellis Group . So

why does it seem like you’re the only one running in the opposite direction?”

Seth’s face was stern, his voice low and serious, “I’m not avoiding the Ellis

family. This project was something I intended to pursue from the start,

regardless of whether the Ellis family extended an olive branch or not.”

Cicely took a deep breath, “But what if it fails? What will become of Diaz

International? Seth, why not let Diaz International take shelter under the Ellis

Group’s wing? They can invest in your development project.”

Seth pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly irritated by Cicely’s suggestion, “I

don’t need it. If I truly fail, then the Ellis Group can consider taking over Diaz

International without any resistance.” To acquire a shell of a company would be

a piece of cake, wouldn’t it?

“Even if the Ellis Group did take over Diaz International, it would be for the good

of Diaz International.”

Seth inhaled deeply, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Aren’t you busy planning

a wedding? That should be more important to you right now.”Cicely watched as Diaz International began to buzz with activity. The newly

established Engineering Department was already in full swing with a senior

engineer at the helm. It was apparent that Seth had been planning for this

moment for years, with a team ready to hit the ground running.

She knew that the best way she could support him was to stand back and let

him take the reins, even though she wished she could do more to help.

Opportunities for her to get involved were just scarce.

On a quiet afternoon, Cicely took a stroll through the Engineering Department,

where the team—dressed in their plaid shirts and casual blazers—worked

diligently. They were the epitome of understated brilliance, their fingers dancing

Enter title…

across keyboards as screens filled with cryptic code that Cicely couldn’t begin to

decipher.

Her impending marriage to the head honcho of Diaz International was no secret

in P City, so her presence in the department went largely unremarked. The

place was abuzz with rumors of her being a pampered lady, hardly a tech wiz,

making the complex code on screen all the more alien to her.

The department manager, Camden, a tall and lean man sporting a slick suit and

a confident air, made sure to greet her with a touch of charm. His humor and wit

were a breath of fresh air in the otherwise grave environment, making him the

darling of the coding engineers.

“Ms. Cicely, here for an inspection, are we?” Camden quipped with a grin, as

Cicely casually scanned the rows of computers, humming thoughtfully.d2

“Do you have any instructions for us, Ms. Cicely?” Camden asked, following her

gaze to the screens full of incomprehensible code.

Cicely glanced at him and then at a nearby workstation. “How are other people,

like me, supposed to make sense of all this code?” she inquired.

With a knowing smile, Camden nodded to the engineer at the desk, “Show our

future Mrs. Diaz what we can do.”

The engineer swiftly switched screens and within moments, following a flurry of

keystrokes and one final resounding press of the Enter key, a simple animation

graced the monitor. A white kitten, lollipop in paw, bounced across the screen

under the twinkling words “Wishing Mr. Diaz and Mrs. Diaz a lifetime of

happiness.” The animation was simple, but the speed with which it was created

impressed Cicely

“The code may be difficult to understand, but the result is clear enough,”

Camden remarked with a smile.

Cicely nodded, genuinely impressed. “You guys really are quite something.”

“Thank you for the compliment, ma’am.” Camden replied.

After Cicely left the department, she immediately started Googling introductory

courses in engineering.

Later, Seth returned from a meeting to find Cicely squinting at her computer

screen with such intensity, he teased, “Planning on going blind?”

Cicely shot him a sidelong glance and continued her focus on the screen.

“Meeting over, huh?” she replied nonchalantly, eliciting a frown from Seth who

took a glimpse at her screen and saw the C programming language. “Why are

you looking at this?” he asked, puzzled.

Cicely replied with newfound interest, “It’s fascinating. I visited the Engineering

Department today, and they whipped up an animation for me in minutes. It

seemed magical.”

Seth chuckled, “You won’t get it. You might as well give up.”

Cicely glared at him but didn’t persist, although she wasn’t ready to give up just

yet. A few days of learning and the novelty could wear off, but she wasn’t about

to guarantee anything to Seth.

To Seth’s surprise, Cicely’s persistence outlasted his expectations. For a week

straight, she devoted herself to mastering C programming language, bringing

her books to the office and frequently visiting the Engineering Department. She

was scarcely seen except for lunch and at the end of the day.

Her casual approach to college, where she was known as the little princess of P

City, seemed to work in her favor as no one expected her to fail. The campus

had become more of a hobby, with occasional visits to maintain appearances.

During one of those visits, Joel struck up a conversation about coding, and

Cicely, now with a bit of coding knowledge and confidence, admitted she was

studying it too. Joel invited her to join a club at school run by a senior who was a

programming whiz.

[Does he have the patience for it?] she typed back to him, aware of the slight

irritation she had been causing at the Engineering Department.

[Of course, and you’ve got me, right?] Joel assured her.

[Fine, I’ll check it out tomorrow,] Cicely agreed with a sigh.

The next day, Camden and a few engineers couldn’t help but suppress their

excitement when they realized Cicely wasn’t accompanying Seth to work.

Camden cautiously asked Seth about her whereabouts.

“She’s at school,” Seth replied casually, and Camden’s mood lifted slightly.

Perhaps having Mrs. Diaz around wasn’t so bad after all—it meant no overtime

work for them.

Without hesitation, Cicely joined the club Joel had mentioned. It turned out Joel

had learned more than she had, and he patiently tutored her through the basics.

Before the after-school club wrapped up, Joel casually handed Cicely a USB

drive, given her noticeable dedication to studying these past few days, he

couldn’t resist asking:

“Why are you suddenly interested in coding?”

Cicely toyed with the drive in her hand, replying nonchalantly, “Just seems cool

and interesting. Seth’s working on a new project, and I figured I might be able to

help him out if I learn a bit.”

Joel’s eyes darkened slightly, then he let out a resigned sigh, “Since it’s software

development, it’s probably all advanced code. We’re talking a good three to five

years before we’re at that level.”

Cicely didn’t seem bothered, “Knowing a little is better than nothing. At least I’ll

understand what they’re talking about.”

After thinking for a moment, Joel nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Cicely lifted the USB drive, “What’s this for?”

Joel then remembered, “Well, that’s got a program I developed with a friend.”

Cicely uttered an acknowledgement, about to plug the drive into a computer,

“Let’s see what it’s about.”

Joel quickly restrained her wrist, “Wait a second.”

“What’s up?”

Joel explained, “It’s a blank drive. The program code is embedded within. It’s a

virus. You can’t see it.”

Cicely’s mouth hung open in surprise, “A virus? So what happens when you

plug it into a computer? Does it just die?”

He nodded and then shook his head, “The drive has a huge capacity. Once you

plug it in, it’ll automatically back up all the stored files on the computer at

lightning speed. Once it’s done copying, the computer will crash.”

Cicely looked repulsed, “Then how do you use it? Even if you copy the files,

what will hold them for extraction?”

This seemed to be Joel’s pride and joy. The usually modest and polite boy now

displayed an unmistakable air of satisfaction. “The ‘virus’ will only spread to one

computer. On the second machine, it acts like a normal USB drive, but the files

are hidden and need to be cracked to show up.”

Cicely found this intriguing, “Is this to prevent corporate espionage?”

“That’s the idea if you have a specific target.”

Cicely shook her head, “Sounds complicated. Where’s the decryption code?”

Joel shook his head, “Still working on it. It needs time.”

“So why give it to me? It’s useless to me right now.”

“I wanted you to have a piece of my achievement, as a keepsake.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow and slipped the drive into her bag. “Make sure to send

me the cracked version when it’s ready.”

“Of course.”

*

Dusk had settled. The two chatted as they made their way toward the school

gates. “Did you arrange a ride? I can drive you home if not.”

“No, it’s fine. Seth said he’d pick me up.” Cicely hadn’t finished her sentence

when someone bumped into her shoulder, causing her bag to fall and her to

stagger, but Joel quickly steadied her.

“Sorry.” The person mumbled an apology. Cicely wasn’t one to hold a grudge,

but before she could regain her balance, Joel stepped in front of her,

protectively moving her behind him.

Cicely, puzzled, peeked around and saw Ray, whom she hadn’t seen in a while.

Ray seemed to recognize them too. His gaze lingered on Cicely before he let

out a sardonic laugh, “Ms. Cicely, aside from everything else,

there is something destined between us, right?”

Ray looked haggard, the once polished young guy now appeared disheveled.

His long hair was carelessly styled, and his chin sported a patch of stubble. His

clothes were wrinkled. It was clear he was trying to maintain his image, but the

effort only made his disarray more evident.

Although Cicely was almost raped by him, given the whole story and what lay

behind it, she actually felt Ray had been dealt a raw deal.

With his penis ruined and hiss family fortune lost, Ray’s current state evoked a

twinge of pity from Cicely.

“Mr. Ray, I assume there’s nothing else?” Joel interrupted, wary of Ray’s attempt

to converse with Cicely.

Ray’s laugh held a hint of scorn, “No. The Ellis family’s darling is loved by all, I

hear. You’re getting married in a month, I guess congratulations are in order.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked towards the school

entrance.

As they watched Ray disappear into the distance, Joel finally relaxed, turning to

Cicely. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. You had me covered.”

Joel bent down to pick up her bag, dusted it off, and handed it back to her. “Talk

about bad luck, I thought you wouldn’t see him at school. And yet, here we are,

running into him on the last day.”

Cicely took her bag, her voice tinged with confusion, “Last day?”

“Ray came to school today to drop out. With everything that happened at home,

and it’s probably best he leaves, given how he’d be treated here.”

Joel left the sentence hanging, but Cicely understood what he meant. “I see,”

she responded flatly, “I guess that makes sense.”

“Now his family is just him, and those who used to flock around are now

avoiding him. I heard he sold off his properties a few days ago, not sure what he

plans to do.”

Cicely paused, “Sold them?”

“Yeah.” Joel nodded, “There are plenty of rich kids around here; a few bought

from him. If he’s planning to use that money to make a comeback, that’s great.

But there’s the fear he might do something drastic. I heard he had a serious

clash with Seth not too long ago. You might want to warn him to be careful.”

Cicely’s expression grew somber.

At the school gate, a familiar luxury car with its hazard lights flashing was

waiting. The understated, yet imposing black sedan was boldly parked right at

the entrance. Clusters of students leaving the school cast curious glances its

way.

Cicely recognized the car immediately. She stopped and turned to bid Joel

farewell. The silent vehicle suddenly sprang to life as Seth emerged, dressed

sharply in a suit, his demeanor austere, drawing murmurs from the onlookers.

Nobody could mistake him. In the hallowed halls of the prestigious academy, it

was rare to find a young prodigy who, even before donning their graduation cap,

had already carved out a substantial niche in the elite echelons of the business

world. He was a legend whispered about in the corridors and classrooms, his

name synonymous with success and mystery.

His visits to campus were infrequent, his presence more myth than man to most

of the students. Thus, when he did appear, it was as if a celebrity had walked

among them, causing a stir of excitement and awe.

Cicely was mid-farewell with Joel when a sudden chorus of animated whispers

erupted around her. A gaggle of girls huddled by the nearby school monument,

their excitement bubbling over as they bounced in place, their voices a mix of

disbelief and delight.

Was all this fanfare really necessary?

She turned slightly, casting her gaze back to Seth. Well, perhaps the fuss was

justified.

Just right now, his expression was less than pleasant. His brows were furrowed

in a frown, his stance aloof, as if the weight of his glare could be felt from a

distance, cold and as deep as an abyss.

Cicely belatedly pieced together the puzzle. Right, that man had a minor clash

with Joel before.

Joel had been kind enough to part with friendly advice, cautioning her to warn

Seth to beware of a certain Ray. Comparing their temperaments, Seth’s current

demeanor seemed rather off-putting.

“Alright, I should head back. Take care on your way,” Cicely said, choosing not

to provoke him further despite her lack of enthusiasm for his attitude.

Joel replied with a smile, nodding. “You too, and remember, if you run into any

trouble, just give me a shout. I’m here for you.”

“Will do.”

They exchanged smiles and waved goodbye, but Seth’s expression only soured

further.

It wasn’t until Cicely approached him, seeing the stern cast of his face up close,

that she felt a mix of irritation and amusement bubble up. “Who got under your

skin?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.Seth shot Cicely a frosty glance, “How come you’re hanging out with him?”

Cicely replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world, “We’re in the same

class and part of the same club. Isn’t it pretty normal for us to hang out?”

Seth turned and opened the passenger door. As Cicely bent to get in, Seth

grabbed her arm. “What club are you talking about?”

“Uh, the coding and programming club.”

Seth narrowed his dark eyes, “Still can’t shake off this hobby, huh? It’s been

quite a while. How come the enthusiasm hasn’t faded?”

Enter title…

Cicely smiled, her eyes curving, “I’m surprised myself that I’ve stuck with it for so

long. Who knows? In a few years, you might be offering me a high salary to

work for you. Let go. You’re hurting me.”d2

Seth released her arm with a snort and a chuckle, “I bet you haven’t written that

many lines of code. If a corporate spy got their hands on you for a little

interrogation, I doubt it would take two minutes before you’d spill all my secrets.”

The smile vanished from Cicely’s eyes. Glaring at Seth, she retorted,

“Underestimate me? I could last five minutes, at least.”

“Heh,” he couldn’t help but laugh softly, his lips curling. “Get in the car.”

Cicely huffed and slid into the seat.

As soon as the car started, Cicely began to recount her recent run-in with Ray.

Seth hit the brakes, glanced at her, then eased off again.

“I’m fine. Joel was there too, didn’t even get a chance to exchange words with

him.”

Seth’s lips tightened slightly.

“Ray was at school today to drop out. I heard he’s sold off several of his

properties, too. Joel’s worried he might do something drastic again, especially

towards you…”

“Can’t you speak without bringing up Joel?” Seth’s voice was heavy with

displeasure, cutting her off mid-sentence.

Cicely paused, “Of course, that’s what I think too.”

The car sped up, taking Cicely straight to her apartment.

*

With just a month until the wedding, July was shaping up to be the happiest

month of Cicely’s life. Her birthday, her marriage anniversary, and her wedding

day were all coming up.

Her wedding dress had been custom-made by a designer Seth had flown in

from France a couple of months ago. It was due to arrive any day now. The

jewelry was specially ordered by Creighton from Belgium.

The wedding home was finished, decorated under Cicely’s meticulous

supervision, with every detail personally designed and arranged by her. After all,

it was where she and Seth would spend their lives together.

Some custom furniture was still due to arrive, but that too would be sorted out in

the next couple of days. Seth was so worried about her overdoing it, and he had

carried her back from the wedding house several times.

He had scolded her in various ways. She had pleaded for mercy, and Seth had

believed her, for a while. But she would dare to do it again next time.

The last time was just the day before when she received a call from the

renovation company saying that the custom furniture had arrived and needed

her direction for placement. She was about to leave when Seth pressed her to

the bed, leaving her weak and unable to get up until the next day.

After the Seth’s threats in bed, she was scared out of her wits, swearing she

wouldn’t dare again. Now, recalling their shameless romp, she didn’t even have

the courage to face people outside. Cicely chewed Seth out a countless number

of times alone in her room for being a brute.

Seth had Charlie take over the finishing touches on the renovation.

The third day before noon, Seth called Cicely to Diaz International.

Desperate to get out, Cicely got ready as quickly as she could, digging out

summer clothes that would cover her up as much as possible.

Black slim pants, and a white ruffled silk blouse – she was wrapped up tight.

Just stepping out of the car downstairs, Seth’s call came through. “Where are

you?”

“Downstairs at the company.”

“Wait there, I’ll come down and take you to lunch.”

“Okay.”

Seth raised an eyebrow at Cicely’s outfit today. He’d never seen her dressed like

this before. She looked like a delicate girl who somehow managed to pull off the

look of a professional woman.

“Aren’t you hot?” he quipped, noting her long sleeves and pants, which seemed

out of place in the summer heat.

Cicely shot him a glance, “Whose fault is that?”

Seth caught on instantly and chuckled lowly, wrapping his arm around her waist

as they left the building.

The lunch venue showed he had put in some effort, and the food was decent.

“You didn’t call me out just because you found this nice restaurant, did you?”

“No. I’ve got a surprise for you this afternoon.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, asking a somewhat silly question, “What kind of

surprise?”

Seth just looked at her, saying nothing.

Cicely didn’t press further. A surprise wouldn’t be a surprise if it was revealed

ahead of time.

After lunch, Cicely leisurely savored her cake, taking in the tastefully decorated

restaurant. She was quite pleased until she noticed Seth checking his watch for

the third time, deflating her mood. “Do you have urgent work?”

Looking up at her, Seth’s gaze was calm and serious, “She’s being discharged

from the hospital today.”

Cicely paused, remembering her father mentioning this the day before, which

she had forgotten.

Swallowing the last bite of cake, she casually remarked, “Well, let’s go then.”

Seth’s eyes followed her hand as it rested on the fork beside her, his

unfathomable dark eyes briefly betraying an indiscernible emotion. “Finished?”

“Yes.”

Standing up, Seth said, “Then let’s go.”

Cicely took her time drinking some water, then slowly rose to her feet, flashing

Seth a smile as she approached him. He took her hand, and they left together.

“Did you finalize the script you’ve prepared for her?”

“Mhm.” Seth buckled her up with straightforward honesty, “It’s C&P’s big feature

this year.”

“But the script you picked for Emiliana wasn’t from C&P, and she even won an

award for that role. Big features aren’t exclusive to C&P, you know.”

Cicely turned to look at the man whose expression was a bit tense. Her smile

deepened, “Remember our deal, okay? Once she’s discharged, you promised

her a role in a show, and then you’re free of any entanglement.”

“Understood.”

Cicely didn’t say much more. She had been holding back until now, just one step

away from the outcome.

At this point, there really wasn’t any need for words or actions. It should all go

smoothly.

Danielle got discharged, and started filming. Cicely would marry Seth, and they

would announce it to the world.

Everyone would be happy, square and fair.

At the hospital, everyone was there. Erik, Creighton, and Patty.

Everything was packed up. It seemed they were just waiting for them, or rather,

for Seth alone.

Danielle was dressed in a plain, ankle-length dress, revealing a stretch of her

slender, pale leg, moving as gracefully as before.

When Seth arrived, Patty finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright, let’s head

home. I can’t stand another second in this hospital.”

Cicely was holding a bouquet of flowers, but seeing Danielle, she didn’t seem

inclined to hand them over. Instead, she just raised an eyebrow and smiled

faintly, “Congratulations on your recovery.”

Seth stepped forward, handing over a folder to Danielle. “The promise I made to

you.”

Danielle took it, flipped through it, and found a script. Her grip tightened

suddenly, and looking up with a laugh, her eyes began to fill with tears. “Are you

that eager to be rid of me? I haven’t even left the hospital, and you’re already

looking to sever ties?”

Seth’s face was impassive, “A discharge gift.”

Danielle bit her lip hard.

Patty quickly came to soothe Danielle, glaring at Seth, “Couldn’t you have

picked a better time to give this to her?”

“Sooner or later it had to happen. She knows it well. Filming starts next month.

You’re the lead actress. Be prepared.”

Danielle’s tears fell in drops, infuriating Patty to the point of clenching her teeth,

“You…”

Suddenly, Creighton spoke up with a stern voice, “Enough! If you want a role,

the Ellis family has plenty of resources to help you. We all knew what you were

thinking when you made that deal with Seth. Having agreed to it has already

granted you significant favor. Now that we’re simply fulfilling a promise, do you

still expect to choose a time that suits you?”

“And what time would that be, to your liking?”

Cicely was taken aback; her father seemed unusually firm today. Danielle had

not even left the hospital and was already feeling slighted by Seth, and now her

father had given her another blow.

Danielle’s face froze, apparently not expecting Creighton to speak those words.

Her tears, in Cicely’s eyes, were like a fountain, flowing on command, never

drying up.

“Creighton, what nonsense are you spouting at such a time?” Patty was getting

frantic, glaring at him.

“Nonsense? Cicely and Seth are about to get married. When does Danielle plan

to give up and leave them alone?”

“We came to pick her up from the hospital, and what then? She sat there

determined to wait for someone. If she doesn’t move, we all have to sit and wait

with her. No matter how spoiled Cicely might be, she’d never stoop to such low,

selfish, disrespectful behavior. For years, the Ellis family has offered her nothing

but genuine care, and what has it gotten in return?”

It turned out Danielle was really waiting for Seth. Cicely regarded Danielle with

eyes brimming with irony.

After Creighton finished his words, he pulled Erik up, who was sitting in a chair,

leaning on a cane, with a scowl that barely hid his exhaustion.

“If it were just me today, I could wait with you. Your grandfather, at his age,

came personally to take you home for lunch, and you have the nerve to sit here

waiting. You really are something.” Creighton took almost every ounce of temper

he’d ever had in his life out on Danielle. Danielle had quite the skill to drive such

a gentle and courteous man to this state.

Danielle’s eyes blinked, and she suddenly realized her fault, but she looked up

not at Creighton or the tired-looking Erik who was still hungry. Instead, her gaze

was fixed on Seth, who stood beside Cicely. Even in embarrassment, it seemed

she only cared about Seth’s opinion.

Cicely walked to the bedside and tossed the bouquet she had been cradling into

the trash bin. She approached Danielle, her smile chillingly cold.

“What are you going to do?” Patty said defensively, stepping forward to shield

Danielle.

Cicely’s lips twisted into a discernible curve, her clenched hand in her pocket

gradually relaxing. “Why so nervous? Do you also feel Danielle indeed deserves

a good scolding?”

“Danielle, as the Ellis family’s granddaughter, it’s okay for you to be proud and

arrogant. But you need to know your place. If someone’s trying to teach you

manners, you should be humble enough to learn, not keep thinking you’re above

everyone else.

“How long have you lived, and how long have grandfather and my father lived?

The Ellis Group has remained stable under their guidance and is now a worldrenowned enterprise. How many people want to connect with them, or be

friends with them? Whether they succeed or fail, even a fool can see it clearly.

How come when it comes to you, even the most basic respect is lost?

“No wonder Seth doesn’t see anything in you, and to think otherwise would be

foolish. In fact, aside from Ray, no man would be so blind as to truly fancy you.

Unless, of course, your looks have some selling point.”

Danielle was so angry she shook all over, biting her lip until blood seeped out.

Cicely chuckled, “Since you have been discharged, what’s the point in lingering

with everyone here? Go home and prepare well for your role; after all, this script

wasn’t easy to come by.”

Patty held Danielle’s trembling arm tightly, “Let’s go, Danielle. Whatever it is, we

can talk after you’re discharged.”

They had to leave eventually.

Danielle glared at Cicely’s retreating figure, her eyes filled with undeniable

hatred. Patty squeezed Danielle’s arm and patted her back gently. The tension

in Danielle’s eyes blinked away, and her body slowly relaxed.

The group reached the hospital entrance, where three cars were parked,

arranging for everyone to get in.

Cicely now stood on the hospital steps, her arm linked with Seth’s, her gaze

faint and distant as she watched Patty and Danielle inseparable like shadows.

“Seth, tell me, do you think Danielle will really keep the promise she made to

you?”

Seth looked down at Cicely with a pensive frown. “Why do you ask this all of a

sudden?”

Cicely looked up at him, a wry and somewhat ironic smile playing around her

eyes. “I just suddenly felt that she’s not the type to keep her word. She’s too

competitive, especially against me. She won’t just give you up. You say you’ll

take care of her until she’s better, and you’ve promised her a role in a

screenplay. Do these things really mean more to her than her own life? Thinking

about it, this deal of yours doesn’t seem to favor her much, does it? Can she

really just let it go?”

Seth’s brow furrowed deeper. “I am married, Mrs. Diaz.”

Cicely chuckled softly. “But if I can’t manage to get along with my mother-in-law,

it speaks volumes, doesn’t it?”

She sighed then continued, “As long as your mom likes Danielle, she’s bound to

dislike me. That means I could be kicked to the curb at any moment.”

A deep, cobalt flame seemed to ignite in his eyes, his voice tight with tension.

“Stop that nonsense.”

Cicely sighed again, tiptoed, and rested her chin on the man’s shoulder.

“Danielle has your all-important mother to back her up. Look at me, what do I

have? Isn’t that pitiful? Won’t you consider handing over Diaz International to

me? At least then I’d have a fighting chance.”

Seth looked at her with a light gaze. “We’ve talked about this already.”

Cicely pouted in disappointment. As she turned her head, she suddenly caught

sight of a figure standing behind the hospital’s reinforced glass door, wearing a

black hat and a black mask, revealing only a pair of eyes that were coldly fixed

on her.mHer heart skipped a beat at the sight, her body staggering slightly.

When she looked again, the person seemed to smile at her, lifting a cellphone in

their hand, then turned and disappeared around the corner.

Seth steadied her promptly. “What’s wrong?”

Cicely pointed towards the door. “I thought I just saw someone I know.” She

could only say familiar, but with that disguise, she couldn’t make out who it was.

Seth looked back, but the crowd in the lobby was too thick to spot anyone

familiar to Cicely. “Who?”

Cicely furrowed her brow in thought, then finally shook her head. “I must have

been mistakenSeth whisked Cicely back to the company without a moment’s hesitation.

The whole ride there, her mind was a whirlwind of curiosity about who that

person could possibly be. She mentally flipped through every face she

remembered, but couldn’t match those eyes with any of them.

“What’s on your mind?” Seth glanced over at her several times during the drive,

each time finding her lost in thought.

She thought about it and couldn’t really think of who that person was, so she

could only shake her head, “Nothing.”

Taking a deep breath, she expelled the frustration from her system, her

eyebrows lifting playfully as she spoke, “So, any more surprises in store for me

Enter title…

today? Don’t tell me Danielle getting discharged is your big reveal.”

Seth’s lips curled slightly, “You didn’t know she was getting discharged

today?”d2

Cicely pursed her lips, “Dad called me last night.”

“You think her discharge counts as a surprise?”

Cicely rolled her eyes, “I’d rather she stayed there for the rest of her life if she

wasn’t wearing you out with every passing day she spent in the hospital.”

“Then it’s not that.”

Knowing she’d get nothing out of him, Cicely switched gears to another question

that had been nagging at her. “Actually, there’s a lunch at home because

Danielle is getting discharged. Why did you insist on us grabbing a bite before

heading over?”

“Weren’t you satisfied with today’s lunch?”

“It could’ve waited for another day.”

Their car slipped into the company’s underground parking lot, darkness

enveloping them, the sound of the tires rolling over speed bumps echoing

emptily.

“I’d hate to spoil your appetite; keeping your stomach happy seemed like the top

priority.”

Cicely paused, a smile she couldn’t suppress playing at her lips, “Since when

did you get so smooth?”

“Just stating the facts.”

They rode the elevator straight up to the top floor office.

As the door swung open, Cicely fixed her gaze on Seth, her eyes sparkling,

filled with anticipation for the surprise Seth had promised.

Seth, as cool as a cucumber, took his seat and began going through paperwork

as Charlie came in to report on the company’s project progress.

Seth browsed through the documents with a calm demeanor, signing off on

them after hearing Charlie’s update. Charlie handed over the signed documents,

and Cicely hurried over, her eagerness palpable.

Seth’s eyes hinted at amusement watching her. It had been a long time since

he’d seen her this lively and spontaneous in his presence. It was a rare sight

these days, but still deeply missed.

“Where’s my surprise?” Cicely pressed.

But no sooner had she asked than there was another knock on the door. Seth’s

eyebrow quirked up as he called for the person to enter.

Charlie walked in, only to be met with Cicely’s dark, stormy gaze. “Charlie, can’t

your updates wait to be reported all at once? Do you really have to come in and

out just to catch glimpses of Seth?”

Corner of Charlie’s mouth twitched, a bit caught off guard as he glanced toward

Seth, who was busy pretending to be fascinated by his pen. “Ma’am, this work

just came up unexpectedly, and I couldn’t delay.”

Cicely pursed her lips, leaned against Seth’s desk, arms crossed, and huffed to

show her displeasure.

Charlie cast a tentative look at Seth, feeling a tad nervous. Had he managed to

ruffle the lady of the house?

With a nod from Seth, Charlie placed the latest market research report on the

desk – a hot-off-the-press issue. Seth flipped it open and glanced through it.

Charlie continued, “Mr. Diaz, there’s already a software of similar nature making

rounds on the internet, boasting nearly three hundred thousand users. Our

development is in the final stages, and to prevent these competitors from getting

too savvy about our direction, I suggest we hold off on any further market

research to keep our information close to the chest.”

Seth, looking satisfied with the report, responded, “Do you really think that the

program I’ve spent a fortune and time to design could be so easily overtaken by

those shortcut-seekers and copycats? We’ve got the patents. Let them take a

shot at it. This research shows that our brand recognition and acceptance are

on the rise. Let them test the waters for us; it’s good publicity, after all.”

Charlie nodded in agreement.

The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by Cicely’s cool stare. “Charlie,

we’re not expecting any more last-minute documents in the next half-hour or so,

right?”

With an awkward chuckle and a couple of ‘no, no’s, Charlie beat a hasty retreat

from the office.

Cicely stood up, eyes narrowed, “You’re not tricking me into accompanying you

to pick up Danielle from the hospital, are you?”

“Tired?” Seth deflected, not directly answering her question.

Furious, Cicely retorted, “I’m going to sleep. Don’t bother waking me if my

‘surprises’ are not here!” With that, she stormed off to the office’s rest area, her

face a mask of indignation.

Ten seconds.

Fifteen seconds.

A thrilled shriek pierced the silence from the rest area, followed immediately by

the door swinging open as Cicely burst out.

Seth, lounging in his chair with a pleased expression, wasn’t surprised by her

reaction; it was as if he had expected it all along.

Cicely bounced up to him, pointing excitedly inside, “When did it get here?”

“About two hours ago,” Seth replied calmly, which meant it had arrived right

around the time she had reached the company’s lobby.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” She dashed back into the rest room, a

whirlwind of excitement, while Seth watched her, amused. Her curiosity was

clearly piqued by the contents inside. He pushed back from his desk and

followed her in.

In the center of the rest room stood a dazzling pure white wedding dress, its

surface almost entirely covered in delicate diamond sparkles. Despite the drawn

curtains, even the faintest light made the gown shimmer with a rainbow of

colors.

Not a detail was spared, even the gloves were adorned. The dress,

conservative in design with an off-the-shoulder cut and long lace sleeves,

exuded an air of top-tier elegance and charm. The train of the veil was so long it

hardly fit in the room, cascading down, wide enough to cover her shoulders

entirely.

She suspected every detail of the dress bore Seth’s influence, designed with

conservatism in mind.

Still, it was utterly breathtaking.

She had visited countless bridal shops before, but never had she found a dress

that captivated her heart quite like this one.

Cicely twirled in front of the mirror, her hands caressing the delicate lace of the

wedding gown she couldn’t seem to part with. “Do you think I’ll be the most

beautiful bride in the world if I wear this?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with

excitement as she clung to the dress.

Seth watched her, an amused smile curling his lips. “That’s a question for the

Magic Mirror, love.”

Cicely’s brow furrowed in mock annoyance. “Oh, c’mon! Can’t you just say yes?”

Approaching her with a relaxed stride, Seth’s fingers grazed the edge of the veil.

“Sure, you’re the most beautiful to me, but I prefer it when everyone agrees

you’re the fairest of them all. A princess only gets one answer from the Magic

Mirror.”

Well, the guy sure had a way with words.

Delighted, Cicely whipped out her phone and started snapping pictures of the

gown from every angle.

Seth stepped back, “Aren’t you going to try it on?”

“No way,” Cicely shook her head. “If I try it on in front of you now, you won’t get

the full effect on our wedding day.”

Her eyes danced with mirth as she looked at Seth. “Just you wait until the big

day to see the magic happen.”

Seth pressed his lips together, a sign that his patience was being tested.

“I’m gonna send these pics to Grandpa, Dad, and Issac.”

A shadow passed over Seth’s eyes, a hint of displeasure seeping through his

gaze. “Do you have to share everything with Issac?”

Cicely was busy typing out a message, replying without thinking, “Uh-huh.”

But then, sensing Seth’s mood, she looked up, her eyes still warm with smile.

“Issac has always been there for me since we were kids. I didn’t have many

friends, so naturally, he’s the one I talk to the most. He even bought sanitary

pads and underwear for me during my first period. And I remember once I

stained his shirt. I think he washed it himself.”

It seemed like a sudden recollection, and now, thinking back, she blushed a bit.

Back then, boys were so concerned with keeping their image, getting

embarrassed over the smallest things. They were especially offended by things

like girls getting their periods, and the boys often made fun of girls for such

things.

But Issac never did.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized how good Issac had been

to her. He’s quietly standing by her side, always there when needed, without a

single complaint. Because of his silent presence, she took him for granted all

these years, treating him like part of the background. But, he was as essential to

her as her nose, her eyes, her limbs – any part of her body.

Taken for granted, yet indispensable.

Cicely’s expression grew more serene as she pondered what life without Issac

would be like. What kind of Cicely would she be now?

Her contemplation caused Seth’s face to darken further.

“Cicely, what are you thinking about?”

His voice was deep and brooding, snapping Cicely back to reality just as her

phone vibrated in her hand. She looked down to find a message from Issac.

[Beautiful. You’ll definitely be the world’s most beautiful bride.]

Cicely’s lips curved into a gentle smile. See? That was the kind of answer that

satisfied a girl.

Upon seeing her reaction, Seth strode over and snatched the phone from her

hand.

He glanced down at the message Issac had sent so promptly. “I didn’t realize he

had it in him to say such things. Does that please you?” His jealousy wasn’t

even trying to hide itself.

“What girl doesn’t like to be called beautiful? Someone’s a bit too obvious with

their jealousy, Mr. Diaz.”

“Jealous?” Seth scoffed, then he tossed the phone back to her. “Shouldn’t I be?”

Cicely caught the phone, finding it amusing to see such a display from him. “Of

course, you should. Anyway, I might be out this afternoon for a bit, so you hold

down the fort at the office, champ.”

She pecked him on the lips and turned to leave, only to be yanked back by her

arm. “You didn’t mention having plans this afternoon. Where are you going, and

what for?”

Cicely thought for a moment. “Shopping.”

Seth’s brow furrowed. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll have someone buy it.”

“No need. Shopping is more meaningful when done personally.”

“I’ll have Charlie follow you.”

“Why suddenly assign Charlie to tail me? I’ll have Issac.”

Seth’s expression became even more strained.

Cicely sighed, her fingers fiddling with the smooth fabric of Seth’s suit sleeve.

“Issac and I have been like two peas in a pod since we were kids. He’s always

been good to me. He’s handsome, fit, even-tempered, and capable.”

Seth abruptly brushed her hand away, but she just laughed softly and caught his

sleeve again. “So, if there was anything romantic between Issac and me, you

wouldn’t have the change with me. If there was anything to develop, it would’ve

happened long ago.”

Seth tried to pull away, but Cicely held on tight.

“I’m married, Mr. Diaz. If you keep getting jealous, should we take out our

marriage certificate and give it a good look to calm your current mood?”

“The person who needs a good look is you.”

“Alright, alright. We’ll look at it together tonight at home.” She patted his hand

soothingly. “There, there. I’ll come pick you up after work, and we’ll head home

together.”

Seth just stared at her, and sighed.

*

As soon as Cicely left the office, she messaged Issac. [Going shopping.]

[Got it.]

Charlie, noticing Cicely’s departure, quickly got to his feet and greeted her. “Mrs.

Diaz, it hasn’t been an hour yet.”

Cicely gave a nonchalant “Hm” in response. “I’m leaving it to you. It seems like

you’re itching to spend more time with my husband. Didn’t want to keep you

waiting.”

The secretaries nearby couldn’t help but stifle their laughter at the exchange.

Charlie turned beet red. “Mrs. Diaz, it’s really just work.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, giving him a knowing smile before heading for the

elevator.

Charlie, under the secretaries’ amused gazes, carried the freshly delivered

paperwork into Seth’s office.

Seth had just returned to his desk when he saw Charlie. He stopped in his

tracks. “You, follow Cicely.”

*

Stepping out of the office building, Cicely found Issac’s car already waiting for

her. He quickly opened the door and stepped out to greet her. “Miss, which mall

would you like to visit today?”

Cicely paused at the door, looking up at him. “Where do you usually shop for

clothes?”

Issac paused, his expression subdued as he spoke, “If I’m really short on

clothes, I’ll find the nearest small department store to buy some. It’s not the

place for you, Miss.”

Cicely frowned slightly, her gaze landing on Issac’s shoulder. She didn’t have

much of an idea about men’s suits or brands. She saw him every day, decked

out in a suit and leather shoes, impeccably neat and tidy. Yet, she had never

considered that his clothes might actually be so cheap.

Suddenly, she reached out and pinched the collar of Issac’s suit. Issac flinched,

instinctively stepping back.

“Don’t move.” Cicely leaned in closer, examining it carefully. In terms of color,

fabric, and craftsmanship, it was a far cry from any of Seth’s suits.

“It’s certainly not suitable for me.” Cicely let go of his collar and gracefully slid

into the car. “Then we’ll head to the most upscale department store in P City.”

“Alright.”

*

After parking the car in the underground lot, Cicely unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Issac, come with me.”

“Okay.”

A warm feeling suddenly washed over Cicely. The words Issac used most often

in her presence were “okay” and “yes.” Regardless of whether her proposals

were right or wrong, he was always like that

They walked into the elevator, and Cicely pressed the button for the men’s

designer floor.

The women’s section was mostly populated by female shoppers, while couples

dominated the men’s section.

Cicely was now the bride-to-be who was the talk of P City, and in this luxurious

place, there was no one who wouldn’t recognize her. Whenever she approached

a counter, the sales associates would surely offer their congratulations. “Ms.

Cicely, are you shopping for Mr. Diaz?”

Cicely just smiled faintly without answering. She casually perused the suits on

display, occasionally pulling one out and having Issac, who was standing by the

entrance, try it on for size.

Issac stood ramrod straight, allowing Cicely to use him as a temporary

mannequin.

After visiting three or four brand stores and trying on no fewer than ten suits,

Cicely finally spotted a white suit at another counter that caught her eye. After a

quick measure-up on Issac, she turned to the nearby sales associate and said,

“This one, get his size for him to try on.”

Issac glanced at the white suit, his lips tightening slightly. Hesitating for a

second, he still couldn’t help but speak up, “Mr. Diaz probably doesn’t like

white.”

“Who cares about that?”

She continued to pick out a shirt and tie, and then handed them to Issac to try

on. She went back to browsing the other styles on display.

Just a few minutes later, the fitting room door swung open, revealing Issac in a

white suit. Wearing a black shirt paired with a blue-gray diagonal striped tie, his

white waistcoat peeked out from beneath his open suit jacket. The jacket was

decorated with a row of carefully crafted black buttons. His overall look was a

balance of refinement and elegance.

His usual wear was always a modest black suit. This color, which he had never

tried before, turned out to suit him as well.

Cicely was pleased. “This is the one. Wrap it up when we’re done here.”

“Miss, I think my size is one down from Mr. Diaz.”

“Who said I was buying for him?”

Issac paused, mentally running through images of the Mr. Erik and Mr.

Creighton, yet none seemed to fit. “Could this be for…”

“Mm-hmm, hurry up and change. We need to get shoes next.”

“Miss,” Issac felt uneasy, glancing down at the suit he was wearing, “I’m often

working outside; this outfit doesn’t really suit my needs.”

“Who said anything about wearing it to work?” Cicely laughed lightly. “You think

I’d have you drive around in a high-end white suit? That’s not my style.”

“Then this is for…”

Cicely took a deep breath, “Did you really think I’d let you attend my wedding in

something off the rack from a small department store?”

Issac fell silent for a moment, “I’ll prepare something myself.”

“But I don’t trust your taste. You’ll be sitting with my family at the wedding. You

need to uphold the image of Cicely. If you don’t want the suit, then don’t bother

coming to my wedding.”

Of course, Issac would attend Cicely’s wedding. It was a given, no question

about it. However, Cicely’s words gave Issac pause, “Could I purchase it

myself?”

“That’s not an option.”

Silently, Issac turned and went back into the fitting room. Cicely smiled with

satisfaction and paid the bill.

After buying shoes, Issac found himself trailing behind Cicely, his arms filled

with bags of his own belongings for the first time.

Passing a café, Cicely stepped inside, ordering two cups of coffee without

hesitation. Issac couldn’t feign ignorance any longer and took a seat opposite

her.

The tall, handsome man exuded an aura of discomfort. Cicely rested her chin on

her hand, watching him, her voice soft, “Seeing that wedding dress today, I feel

like I’m finally getting married, stepping into the next phase of life, and it all hit

me hard. I thought about my life. Few people have been by my side, but they’re

the most important to me.”

“I considered what Cicely would be like without you in my life, and I can’t

imagine an answer.” Cicely sipped her coffee, gazing out the window at the

passersby. “Since I can remember, you’ve been there with me as a friend and a

brother, supporting me unconditionally, right or wrong. Wherever I am, whenever

I need you, you show up without fail. You never say much, always going along

with me, and I took that for granted, then easily overlooked you.”

Cicely turned back, catching the unguarded disappointment in Issac’s eyes. She

pressed her lips together, smiled gently. “But if you were absent from my

wedding, I think I would be very lost. Apart from the groom running away, your

absence would sadden me more than anyone else’s.”

Issac looked at her in surprise.

Cicely straightened up, stirring her coffee. “It’s the most important moments of

my life, and you won’t be absent, right?”

Issac nodded, “Right. I’ll always be there.”

At first, Charlie didn’t understand why Mr. Diaz had suddenly asked him to follow

his wife. Whenever she went out, Issac was always by her side, without fail. And

today seemed no different. Adding him to the mix seemed redundant.

shopping for clothes and

Charlie kind of got why Mr. Diaz

she said, they were enough to set

a thing for Mr. Diaz, her

confession.

*

out of the café and rushed back to the

wait for Seth to finish work

departures.

already sent Issac on his way, knowing she’d be

soon enough.

Seth was hammering away at the

with

in work?” Cicely flopped

monitor, Seth asked

What’d you buy?”

weighing the

him off, she thought. “Just browsed a bit, didn’t

Was there really a need to

the place was

guilty, “Who

saved the file,

I dig, or

by his

you out, or cheat on you? What could I

check

expression darkened, “If there’s nothing you could do,

can’t

what if you get all jealous and gobble

done that would

act

died down. She couldn’t outplay this man. “So if I

promise not

a laugh, standing up and moving closer

it to yourself. As you thought, I might just

you up.”

“Eh?”

begun to question when suddenly, she was swept off

and into his arms.

what was happening, she kicked and struggled, “Hey, don’t! I

are you jealous

kicked open the door to the

her into the bed.

I think we should exercise some restraint. Save some

wedding night.”

need

really

“Heh.”

the man silenced her, and she had no more

was thoroughly

kicked him weakly a couple of times, her

but her efforts feeble.

Charlie’s call came through, as if

take the call, something apparently

put and left

was drained, waiting obediently was not in her

out of bed and decided

preparing to leave, so she ambled over to

used to working late and

to mess with her.

out of her league, but that didn’t

employees’ feathers.

appeared, everyone sat up straight, and

smirked and scanned

usually loitered around, wasn’t there, she headed for his

to work today,” a

day she visited. Poor Camden must’ve

and yet not

“I didn’t hear about him taking a

things she

He

I’ll have a word with Seth and ask him

cut Camden some slack.”

a chair next to the programmer, “I’m in a

for me. I

coder looked at her and sighed silently.While waiting for a coder to work

to find a text from Emiliana. [Sorry,

wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it

dying to see

on every girl’s soft spot. Cicely

dress was the envy of another girl. [Come over and

then,] she

I’m free tomorrow night though. How

followed by a string of

Enter title…

an eyebrow, [Tomorrow’s Friday. Alright, we’ll

take a look.]

[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2

[Sure. Dismissed.]

[Got it, your Highness.]

off, Emiliana had become more confident and

grown more familiar and

and Erik. Cicely

older folks just

turned her attention

“Are we almost there?”

more

propped up her chin, bored. “Do you tech guys ever

in a hard drive to mess up someone’s system,

to steal trade

do write viruses, but it’s rare and targeted. We’re mostly

upgrading and reinforcing firewalls. As for hacking

steal secrets, those kinds of machines

into. Take our computers here—our firewalls

by Mr. Diaz. We’re

worries.”

murmured, “so if there’s corporate

job?”

but that’s a

“Right.”

“It’s ready, ma’am.”

“Huh?”

cartoon character playing on the scree.

to Seth. The character was

brows and a stern,

to Seth’s typical

“So this is

sat upright, “Mr. Diaz is a

ma’am.”

out loud and said, “Move

tech yielded his seat and showed her a

punches with “pow, pow, pow” sounds, and the

even swell

was

taking a hit.

over half an hour,

in the office, suspecting she was

she would

giggles echoed through the office space. The tech, whose

watched Seth approach with a thunderous expression, then glanced

Diaz getting pummeled on the screen and felt his legs go

“Ma’am.”

engrossed in the game, ignored

“Mr. Seth…”

continued. The office, which had been

typing, fell silent, making Cicely’s

sensed a chilling

she locked eyes with Seth’s dark,

intense she blinked rapidly.

at the screen, his voice icy, “Having

“Yeah.”

“Enjoying it?”

“Sorta.”

a sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Should I

getting yourself so excited?”

had the nerve to

comment in public.

her from

need, I’ve had my fill. Don’t wanna

her close, his hand tight against her skin, and she

harder when

Seth

of engineering department collectively exhaled in

heavens!

*

car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth as possible.

looking

but chuckle at

let

some playground.

there distracting

comeback for that. “I was there to boost morale, and I

work hard. You should consider

they have to entertain

seem fair.”

really because you’re the

owe them that

gave her

his hand on her neck, his voice teasing.

breath, “Did you know Camden called in

to change

narrowed slightly,

to care for

then turned

Camden.”

“Sure.”

light. Charlie quickly

ten seconds before it was

crackling to life. “Hello, Charlie, is that

frazzled, prompting Charlie to ask, “What’s

Camden? Something wrong?”

and

of Mr.

was even, “Not that. Mr. Diaz is right here.

directly.”

real? You are with

you don’t even have a minute to call and ask

cut through the air, while

such scenes, merely watched as Camden’s trembling voice

the

sorry, Mr. Diaz, it won’t happen again. It’s just that

of days, and I was hoping to take this opportunity

a few more days

Friday, and then it’s the weekend. You

days?”

should do it, that’s plenty. Thank you,

“Alright.”

Cicely lounged back

older than you, and yet, just

stuttering and shaking

his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread and butter,

when you

glanced out the window at a couple of girls walking side

with an ice cream

ice cream

Tomorrow, Emiliana.

you for dinner tomorrow night.

Emiliana.”

will you be

sure. Emiliana rarely gets out, so dinner, a movie, or maybe just hang

be home before midnight

by ten at the latest. Otherwise,

get to have

not providing you with a satisfying

cough, cough.” Charlie, who was driving with utmost

choked unexpectedly.

anticipated this side of Mr.

scalded by

most shameless

*

the restaurant

Danielle was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally

reviews as well.

decided to catch a movie. The cinema

They bought a couple of

while taking a

life. The square

revolved around

on

you. For groomsman, Issac’s

the groomsmen be Mr.

If not, Issac can just

bridesmaids.”

want him

I actually suggest it, he might just

spoils you

out a proud

passed by posters of movie

glamorous than the last.

now, and to avoid unnecessary

hat.

grabbed

the promotional boards—several were talents

saw Danielle at the studio

be

the electronic posters.

much, “Considering it’s the biggest studio in P City

into each other

and crew today, so lavish.

it’s a top-notch production.”

to help out, he wouldn’t skimp.

Mr. Diaz’s favors are bound to be

true,” Cicely agreed with

saw some high-profile lady at the set visiting Danielle.

so she’ll probably rest over the weekend. Let’s drop it,

about to announce your wedding to

find our

could guess who Emiliana was referring

nodded and let Emiliana pull her

Cicely had called Issac, so as they

of the cinema, they

us to Diaz

“Got it.”

*

eerily quiet over the weekend.

naturally had her own access card.

top floor, they headed

astonished, “I thought

Why are we at

we’re here for the dress, but who knew he’d

his office?”

the man probably just wanted to corner her

They entered Seth’s office, flicking on the lights, and the

instantly bathed in brightness.

Emiliana’s first time here, and even without Seth present, she

help but feel tense.

office’s decor and arrangement screamed grandeur

ignored the little table

a plush cushion on the chair,

mats.

of Cicely cooped up in

couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

him at

can’t imagine it.

of cards out

“The affairs of Diaz

am I supposed to do if not play

a point there.”

decorative pillow from the chair and hurled it at her, “Laugh

but let’s see

waved her hands frantically, “No, no, I’m not up for that.

the

to a concealed door in the lounge

froze

in…” Emiliana couldn’t

her words stopped

a pause, she turned back with a mischievous

business this

a testament to their

crept up Cicely’s ears.

had hit the nail on

a cabinet. She

mouth, scurrying to the center of the lounge

wedding dress was displayed, now illuminated under the brightest

stunning than it

I’m

bell sleeves are

so lush and

silver thread embroidery,

design is

the stunning bridal gown was anything but

overstatement.

with an air of pride, “Did you

get the sneak peek before the big

a few high-resolution photos with her phone.

you wear it at the

share those pictures, okay? Wait until I’m

on the wedding day.”

a beautiful dress, you must have repaid the favor in

glare, “Are you done? If

shook her head, reluctant to leave the

and it still wouldn’t be

looking. I’m

“Hey, wait for me…”

she couldn’t

here and you’re already

as it is.” Cicely grabbed her purse from the couch,

annoyed.

“Late for what?”

wants me back by

eyebrow, “That strict,

as if the curfew was

doing anything wrong. Even if you are late, what’s Mr. Diaz

perhaps flirt

opened the office door, “I hope you

little’ to

as Cicely was about to

in mid-air, her gaze fixed on the display. Emiliana pressed

button herself,

on the top floor, and

on.”

entered, deep in

button for the ground floor, then pulled out a compact

had plans

drink.

and the elevator began to run, and when

floor, Cicely suddenly reached down

for the twelfth floor.

elevator halted almost

out just as they were

to catch only a glimpse of her retreating figure. “This is

floor!”

“Wait for me downstairs.”

and Emiliana couldn’t tell if Cicely heard

words.

to Cicely, second only to Seth’s office

it housed the Engineering

on the ground floor

two should have remained there, so why

at the twelfth?

home to

making. The software was in the final

sabotage

was no room for

something crucial behind and was

Or maybe someone was

The thought made

they? But if they did,

not a

down

flash of a smartphone’s flashlight

a hidden angle as the figure

for something in a sneaky

Cicely’s

insider. But who else could have a security badge for free

company?

The stranger sounded nervous, a

with anger and urgency.

noticed the Bluetooth earpiece, occasionally

communicating

Camden had a private office in the Engineering

voice on the

to realize something. That explained how the

security badge.

stranger something significant, and

for Camden’s

that file path you gave me

any tricks on me, and you’ll be

That voice…

of recognition flashing in her mind. Was

suddenly merged with the pair of eyes she’d

she had picked up Danielle from

pulsed at the center of Cicely’s

pieces of information started connecting in her

dropped out of school and sold his properties.

planning a comeback or something more extreme.

opted for the latter.

due to

because Ray had threatened him with his

Ray had vowed to make Seth pay, and now

he was executing

software development was well-known within the company,

could have. It was no secret that

International. So, he chose the moment

either steal the program or destroy it. Then, everything

worked for would

was clearly no different from a

face

reached for her phone to text Issac to come up when suddenly, her

the silence of the empty office space, the

walls.

Cicely’s mind went blank.

face, and she

her eyes from

Everything okay? When are you coming

Cicely’s face as she inhaled a quiet breath, “I’m

a moment more. I’ll be

“Make it snappy.”

“Will do.”

hung up the phone and tucked it into her purse. Her palms slick

sheen of cold sweat.d2

always said we have a certain fate,

Enter title…

as if being caught

thing in the world

offering a hesitant

him.

you

It’s rare for you to be

a weekend, Ms.

a moment before she

about getting

against a nearby desk, legs crossed, the

didn’t blow my

perhaps strike a deal?”

fell silent for a beat, then burst

Seth that day

I was just there to

closed the distance between them, their conversation as casual

“To be honest, our first

might have misunderstood you. I

romantic type,

as he removed his face

a shady deal, so could you hand

and then I’d really be

her purse to retrieve her phone. When

screen lit up, revealing a simple

had been lying

moment the phone’s screen illuminated, Ray snatched

checked the phone and

satisfied, he emptied her

bank cards, and other daily essentials across the

with the unassuming USB

up the drive, he raised an eyebrow with a

the same reason as me

fingers, her gaze fixed on the USB drive

head, “Not sure.”

“Hmm?”

desk, face-to-face with Ray,

Seth is cold and aloof.

Diaz International, left to him by his father.

for him is no secret, and even though

me. I don’t know when he might leave me,

to him, he wouldn’t just walk

Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him

alive and well. There was no way for me to break in

were set

transferring Diaz International to my

if the software development fails and the

easily fall into my hands.

Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether

irrelevant to me; I just want

eyes on Ray who had been

sure if your goals align with mine. I intend to

Diaz International will then face a huge

it, the company

the software and start anew, I’m sorry, but I

Helping you profit is

your planning, you’ve left

to take it and reap any benefits. Even if you do

will eventually catch on, and he won’t let you off easy.

be the best

his expression contemplative, then

love can be terrifying, willing to

wrong. I’ve kidnapped Camden’s

the most important

sure he tastes the loss of his most prized

International”

making a quick

money? Better to obliterate it.

gaze on her, “Aren’t

behind this, he’ll

pang struck Cicely’s heart, “You had the

afraid of the cameras catching

of engineering Camden in my grasp

a

cameras, no evidence, no reason for him

me.”

a sardonic grin playing on his lips. “So,

together?”

toward

another access card to unlock the door to Camden’s office.

swivel chair, powered up the computer, and keyed

given him—spot

drive from his pocket,

as a cucumber, stopped

Ray.”

looked

I’m going to sabotage, I’ll do

that plain

could recover the lost files without breaking a sweat. What’s

your little exercise?”

Camden had a backup plan?

we

“Destroy the computer itself.”

puzzled, asked,

“You seem to be a bit out of your depth with

hard drive remains intact, smashing

the data more

was starting to panic. “Then what

drive he

flash drive is loaded with a

it’s in the system, it’ll

core operational data. The files

will be rendered useless.”

of a cyberpunk

It wasn’t outside the

I trust

you have a better option? We’re both in too deep

you’d let

pondered long and hard, and finally, through gritted teeth, decided to

Cicely.

we’re done, give me back the flash drive. It cost me a

knows? Maybe I’ll use it to get back

truly wipes the computer as you claim, then it’s useless

arched an eyebrow but

and inserted the flash drive into the port. The

black, showcasing

across the darkness.

display halted, and five seconds later,

ceased to hum, and

light faded to

It worked.

finally eased a bit. She had thought Joel’s

of her bold claims, but it seemed there was no

the power button of

same went for the monitor.

looked up at Cicely, easily noticing the faint smile playing on her lips.

now that love indeed could

wrath is a force to

gaze to meet his, raising an eyebrow, “What’s on

mind?”

a number on you.

princess to this extent.”

and tried the computer

and bent over to pull

could put up a fight, but

of the Ellis Group

of

generous,” he said with a laugh as he stood

deed is done, the rest is up to

phone for now. Once I’m

it by the fountain downstairs. Remember to pick it

Cicely remained stone-faced.

after Ray left the building, Cicely made her exit

department. She found Emiliana and Issac

lot.

hurried over. “Cicely, you were gone for so long,

energy was nearly spent from the standoff with Ray,

face, “Nothing much. Where are you staying

have Issac drive you.”

pallor and realizing she wouldn’t get far with

a

head home and

careful on your

Cicely into

Cicely leaned back, closing her eyes. “Miss,

happened?” Issac inquired.

responded with a faint “hmm” before

anyone else

were downstairs?”

“Did you run

“Ray.”

jerked violently before coming to a stop on

around to face her, his expression

her

restarted the car, and asked,

International?”

to destroy Seth more than

program.”

hesitated for a moment. “So, did he succeed in getting what he came

“Well… Oh, right.”

retrieved her phone, and

Joel’s phone was answered quickly. He

a little unsure about getting a call

drive

crack the program?”

the back

suddenly asking about this?”

bit her lip, a tremor in her

it.

to crack?”

through

ready to play with his phone before

that it’s too hard, just that other things

contact our senior right now and see

the phone tightly, tears circling

what

“Okay, hold on.”

to the landline to call his

came up, “We did have

difficult to solve, and then we

projects. What happened?”

urgency, blurted out, “The flash

the files urgently.

“That urgent?”

affirmatively, “Better if we

was silence on the other end before a

as she wiped

university? I’m coming, too.”

“Sure.”

up, Cicely bit her lip and sent a

tonight. Don’t

pouting emoji and turned

we’re heading to the

won’t be any help there. Better you

and wait for news.”

not knowing how to face him. I caused this mess, and now

it. Let’s just go to the university, and you turn off your phone

Seth can’t reach you.”

“Understood.”

at the university, Joel and his

after another.

and a look of unease, they

than to start

trying to understand

seen Cicely with red eyes

girl known for her pride, would cry. “You really don’t need to

with this. Go home, take

his arm, “I can’t, Joel…

what I’d do otherwise.” As

heartache and guilt, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something

flash drive, so I share the blame. If you won’t

try to

was of no

nearby seat.

*

house when

phone call yesterday, Seth had a hunch

and found that Camden’s

no clue where they

vanished, and Mrs. Camden was

up from school. Camden was then threatened

wanted to see his wife and

been

been retrieved and were on their way to

company.

confirming she

Seth felt no urgency

*

Camden at the company, the man was a wreck. Falling

before Seth, Camden wept bitterly. “Mr. Diaz, I’m so sorry,

threatened

face darkened ominously. “Who

“It was Ray.”

frosty, became glacial as he

“And what did he want from

the company’s access cards, my office’s key cards, my

path for our

chill

felt that targeting Ray’s family without

g Ray was too ruthless, which was why he showed a

he tossed

and he did not pursue the

he didn’t expect him to really

Mr. Diaz, Ray doesn’t seem to know much about computers. If

I still might be able

more severe

after getting my

quickly left the office. Seth

scrambling behind.

*

office, Charlie

it up after several

approached the computer with a palpable tension, his

the screen fruitless. Frantically, he switched to a

remotely access the first. Within minutes,

like

wrong?!” Charlie, lacking Seth’s cool

Camden’s pale

lips quivered as he stammered, “Mr. Diaz, all its data has been

clean from that computer.”

in

voice was a cold snap threatening to fracture a

mean ‘all its data has been wiped

verge of passing out,

computer operate, it’s gone. Without it, this

a

in despair. It

preparation, a fortune invested, all for what? A

world’s most expensive junk.

his sides, clenched into fists as if

thought he didn’t know

I’m just as lost. I remember he took a USB flash drive

to it was enough. But this, this is the work of a

not some amateur.”

catching a glimpse of Seth’s ominously dark expression

his head down, “Mr. Diaz. I think

way he could’ve done this on his own

spun on his heel, “I’ll check the

would

had me erase the records of

halted, his

streaming down his cheeks. “My son

can’t risk their lives for the company. I’m just a

the firm, and I’m willing to do that. But

on the line. It’s just not fair.

silent for a long moment. Charlie watched his expression carefully,

still pond, eerily composed. “How long

over?”

still cowering, thought for a second. “It’s a six-month job.

off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

next month…

Ray, see if he has a

right! Maybe he

find him fast before he

action and dashed

*

night in his office,

their only

had fallen asleep at her desk numerous times, her

it was

reality of her surroundings and the two busy figures nearby

Anxiety and helplessness welled

who had spent two years

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

didn’t want to see him like

enough.

could blame her and they could not get married, but she couldn’t bear to

on

the whole time, pained to see

he stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions

he placed before

cafeteria’s offerings were always the same – buns and

friend, having worked all

without taking their eyes off

the hearty scent of the

woke again, and Issac pushed the bag toward her,

breakfast.”

around, sniffed at the

over her mouth.

the room, Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving with

up.

rinsing her mouth and

stomach, she settled

draped her dropped jacket over

you to the hospital.”

“I’m

the jacket tight

the smell in there. Can you check on their

it?” Pale and weak, her voice

her to ask Joel

looked worn but hopeful, “We should be able

can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell her to

and that it’ll

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

to Cicely. Despite being promised a certainty, no answer

getting a successful decoder

looked up at the brightening sky, biting her lip in worry.

he finds

“He won’t lose it. He’s young but

this, or if he ever

swollen eyes reddened again. “But he’s been working on

years.”

pained expression, “Everyone

I

because of me.”

and the harshness of reality made Cicely’s heart ache with

head, tears falling,

a hand on her head, soothing

away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program sooner or

need to worry this much. Speak to him clearly, and

you did it for his sake.

are made by people.

a matter

mood steadied with Issac’s comforting

is it?”

What you need to do now is get some good

him at

if he finds out. I

work starts.” Issac held her back as

sleep for two hours before going to

the hotel next door.

awful, and this time Issac was insistent. She acquiesced

get

to see Danielle. Danielle

the studio city that evening, so they ended

morning, they were up early, ready to head back

they finished breakfast in their room and packed up,

downstairs.

about to walk out

the arm by someone who appeared out

instinctive scream.

anxious voice rang

and saw that it was

glanced at a startled

go of

but looked around and took out

I really like you, but I can’t expect you to

thing I can do for you. I hope you get what

wish

go to Diaz International before noon to see Seth. If you

you can ask him to meet you

“What are you talking about? Why can’t I go

should I

I’m out of time, I have to go.

his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut

his cap down

the scene, asked, “Who

with the phone? Is

Patty’s driver approached,

with Patty and

out in the

*

a stroll outside, Creighton received a

bat,

eardrums.

sure raised a piece of work! She’s so heartless and

family can’t afford to have her, nor

will never agree to let her

Patty had just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have

to nothing, and

you this early in the morning? Where did Cicely wrong you

deserve such strong opinions?!”

wrong me?

Is she at home? If

right now. We’re going to

Patty hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not to go

morning. Let’s ask them to meet

instead.”

to Diaz International?! Since when does

depend on his say-so.”

company on the brink, it was understandable for

her chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was

curse, and yet I had to

but managed to drag

disaster!”

almost roared at the driver. Danielle frowned

raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to speak up

accompanied her

*

left confused and annoyed after being

Cicely to ask what was going on,

might still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only

phone was off.

brow furrowed in

He immediately called Seth.

up quickly,

and Cicely have a

Seth paused, “No.”

did your mother just call me

worst? Are

issue at the company

out with friends

I can’t reach her. Could you try? By

that there was a problem at the

happened?”

his lips, “I’ll contact

“Alright.”

up feeling unsettled, especially

happened at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call,

check on

*

of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable

just took

and left the room.

waiting at the door, and

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

to grab

Cicely shook her head.

insisted. They headed straight

company, they saw Charlie,

a big issue, Seth

was the logical conclusion. “Charlie,

office?”

her with an

the Engineering

caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart.

dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll go up

him.”

this time, accompanying her

quiet on the weekend.

to wait at the door

pairs of eyes turned to her

Seth, seemingly in the middle of

with him.

was in disarray, the computer tower and monitor now

across

glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot

“Sleep well last night?” he asked,

raspy to the extreme.

the door handle tighter and after a brief silence, mustered

to speak. “Seth, I didn’t go home last night. I

late…”

because you spent the night partying with Emiliana that

home?”

never wavered from her, each question sounding

something else.

lip and shook

looked away. “As long as you haven’t

on me behind my back, there’s no issue. I’m busy now,

leave.”

the office. As

say something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through

you even hear what we just told you, or are you

dumb?”

project! Doesn’t this mess prove

is gone, and the computer is trashed.

go under because

woman!”

turned to Patty and Danielle, who was

“How did you

pointed at her, her eyes red with fury. “Listen

admits it and you still

stepped closer to Danielle, her gaze sharp.

did you know

Patty’s hand struck

violently, and he abruptly stood up from his

through the door and shielded

him.

now in a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely. “What

like this? After what you’ve done, you still act

shameless!”

was icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t clear

down.”

clarity do you need? Does this

laughed mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag –

– and after pressing something, tossed

Seth.

play, its clarity

expression at the time:

and aloof. The most

International, left to

no secret, and even though we’re set to

know when he might leave me, so I thought, if I

him, he wouldn’t

favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him up with Danielle

alive and well. There was no way for me

were set

transferring Diaz International to my

saying that if the software development fails and the

would easily fall into my

Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether it

value is irrelevant to me; I just

goal is to completely destroy this

Ellis family will help, and

fall into my hands.

proof of who did it. He has

to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know a

with a regular USB,

point of what

USB is infected with a virus I had specially

computer, it will

data, resulting in both

hardware failure.”

voice was interspersed, but it no

a color to it,

looked towards Seth, who was also

to mocking, and he even let out

obliterating even

done a thorough

head frantically and approached him, “It’s

batting away hers as she

herself on the nearby

it?” Seth eyed her coldly,

inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more than

wanted to get your hands on Diaz International,

tearing it down. I thought you were

everything dull, and you can’t stand to look at

it’s like pulling teeth, but

codes, always scurrying off

with that,

you say are not

surveillance, I’d have

too. There’s no surveillance, just the

on a crack in

irony playing across her face. It looked like she didn’t have

Cicely was done for.

was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth,

of it was true. I only

Ray.”

look at her, his

It seemed like he was thinking, trying

for a way out for

spoke up, “If it was

the files onto a flash drive would have been enough. Why

remind him that he might get caught, and to destroy the

if he was going to do it?

words?”

Danielle completely overturned all

explanations.

he looked up again, they had

cold state. Just as Cicely was about

flash drive, his look silenced

the same time, four

are from Department of Justice, right?

maliciously destroy

the evidence is irrefutable. Please

preparing to

he turned to look at

phone over to one

the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head

of panic as she looked towards

to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride

down his cheeks. “My

their lives for the company. I’m

willing to do that. But I can’t put

safety on the line. It’s

long moment. Charlie watched his expression carefully,

calm as a still pond, eerily composed.

over?”

still cowering, thought for a second.

off,

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

wedding next month…

Ray, see if he has a backup

Maybe he still has a

to find him fast before

jolted into action

*

spent the whole night in his office, waiting

become their

asleep

hoped it was all a dream,

and the two busy figures nearby

Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed

who had spent two years and a fortune

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

see him like that. Just the thought was

enough.

not get married, but she couldn’t bear

on

had been by her side the whole time, pained to see her this way. As

buy breakfast.

he placed

offerings were always the same – buns and

having worked all

taking their eyes off their

hearty scent

Issac pushed the bag toward her, “Have

breakfast.”

around, sniffed at the bag, then her face

the room, hand over her

the room, Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving

up.

After rinsing her mouth and quenching the

stomach, she settled

dropped jacket over her and

you to the hospital.”

“I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep

sat down by the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around her, and

Can you check on their progress for

and weak, her voice barely held

left her to ask Joel about the

but hopeful, “We should be able to

can’t give a definite

that it’ll

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

reported back to Cicely. Despite being

without getting a

brightening sky, biting

do when he finds

a pause, Issac replied, “He won’t lose

this, or if he ever fails at something, he

he’s been working

years.”

pained expression, “Everyone

life to be smooth. I don’t want him

because of me.”

made Cicely’s heart ache

her head, tears falling, drop

placing a hand on her head, soothing

run away from the flash drive. They’ll

really don’t need to worry this much. Speak to him

you did it for his

programs are made

it’s just a matter of

with Issac’s comforting logic. She looked up, “What

is it?”

to do now is get some good sleep, then

at

worried if he

hours until work starts.” Issac held her back

hours before going to

for you in the hotel next

and this time Issac was insistent. She

to get some

Patty dropped by the set to see Danielle. Danielle

that evening, so they ended up staying at

early, ready to head back to

their room and packed up, they

downstairs.

they were about to walk out

who appeared out of nowhere. She let out

instinctive scream.

me.”A familiar, anxious voice

that it

glanced at a startled Patty and quickly

go of

around and

it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I can’t expect you to

I can do for you. I hope you get what you

I wish you

Diaz International before noon to

him, you can ask him to

are you talking about? Why

why should I go see

time, I have to go.

an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then

cap down

the scene, asked, “Who

phone? Is there something

Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting them,

with Patty and they walked down

it out in

*

his breakfast and taking a stroll outside, Creighton received a

Right off the bat, Patty’s shrill

eardrums.

sure raised a piece of work! She’s so

afford to have her, nor would we dare. This wedding

her marry into the Diaz family in my

Creighton wouldn’t have minded, but

his daughter to nothing, and Creighton’s temper flared.

the morning?

deserve such strong opinions?!”

snorted, “Where did she wrong me? She nearly ruined

wronged me?! Is she at home? If

right now. We’re going

“Patty, Ray advised us not

morning. Let’s ask

instead.”

we go to Diaz International?! Since when does my family’s

depend on his say-so.”

on the brink, it was

rage,

yet I had to be

to drag Diaz International down first. What

disaster!”

Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the

domineering demeanor, didn’t dare

her

*

was left confused and annoyed after

wanted to call Cicely to ask what was going on,

asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to

phone was off.

brow furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

was picked up quickly, and he sounded

did you and Cicely

Seth paused, “No.”

why did your mother just call me wanting to

she’s the worst? Are

an issue at the company last night. I didn’t

She was out

I can’t reach her. Could you try? By the

mother mentioned that there was

happened?”

“I’ll contact Cicely right

“Alright.”

especially

happened at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he

to check

*

of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she was,

her eyes, so she just took a shower, changed into clean

and left the room.

the door, and seeing

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

grab some breakfast

Cicely shook her head.

They headed straight

arriving at the company,

thought that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be at

a weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in

office?”

up, his gaze locked on her with an unfamiliar

the Engineering

and terse reply caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed

a dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll go up and

him.”

accompanying her upstairs. The

quiet on the weekend.

Issac to wait at the door while she pushed

Three pairs of eyes

before Seth, seemingly in the middle of

with him.

the computer tower and

across

glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met

ferocity. “Sleep well last

raspy to the extreme.

and after a brief silence, mustered

didn’t go home last

late…”

because you spent the night partying with Emiliana that you

home?”

from her, each question sounding like

something else.

her lip and shook her

away. “As long as you

behind my back, there’s no issue.

leave.”

the chaos of the office. As she was about to open her

voice suddenly

hear what we just told

dumb?”

project! Doesn’t this mess

is gone, and the computer is

Diaz International might go under

woman!”

frown deepened as she turned to Patty and Danielle, who

her. “How did

her, her eyes

She admits it and you still don’t believe

to Danielle, her

you know about

Patty’s hand

violently, and he abruptly stood up from

heard the commotion, burst through the door and shielded

him.

a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely.

what you’ve done, you still

shameless!”

“Madam, the situation isn’t clear

down.”

clarity do you need?

mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag – the one Ray

pressing something, tossed

Seth.

its clarity allowing one to imagine the

expression at the time:

is cold and aloof. The

Diaz International, left to him by his father.

no secret, and even though we’re set to marry, he’s never said

don’t know when he might leave me, so I

he wouldn’t

favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him

no way for me to break in

were set on

my

that if the software development fails and the company

easily fall

the Ellis Group, Diaz International

to me;

to completely destroy this

loan issues, then the Ellis family will help, and Diaz International

fall into my hands.

who did

Ray. If I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know

a regular USB, any engineer here could recover the

What’s the point of

with a virus I

into the computer, it will automatically destroy

resulting

hardware failure.”

voice was interspersed, but

a color to it, went

Instinctively, she looked towards Seth, who was

morphing from grim to mocking, and he even let out a

something, obliterating even

a thorough

her head frantically and approached him, “It’s not like

hand, batting away hers as she reached for his

steadying herself on the

it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like

nerves inch by

you wanted to get your hands on Diaz International, and you’ve even

down. I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely.

dull, and you can’t stand to look at a

like pulling teeth, but you’re

always scurrying off to the engineering department.

with that,

would you say are not true?

have no reason to suspect you.

too. There’s no surveillance, just the

side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the floor,

across her face. It looked like

Cicely was done for.

felt terrible, her head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I did

of it

Ray.”

turned to look at her, his clenched

desk beside him. It seemed like

for a way out

at that moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If

onto a flash drive

might get caught, and to destroy the

to do it? Don’t you see

words?”

one sentence from Danielle

explanations.

looked up

Just as Cicely was

flash drive, his look silenced

time, four uniformed

said, “You guys are from Department of Justice, right? It’s her,

others to maliciously destroy company

and the evidence is

We’re preparing to

furrowed slightly as he turned to look

over to

the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s

she looked towards

Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury cresting.

tears streaming down his

their lives for

willing to do that. But

line. It’s just not fair.

was silent for a long moment. Charlie watched his expression

pond, eerily composed. “How long

over?”

still cowering, thought for a second. “It’s a six-month job.

off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

month… It was too

if he

nodded eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he

him fast before he leaks our

jolted into action

*

whole night in his

their only

school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her desk

uneasy. She had hoped it was all a dream,

the two busy figures nearby brought

feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed by

thought of Seth, who had spent two years and

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

want to see him like that. Just the thought was

enough.

and they could not get married, but she

on

had been by her side the whole time, pained to see

out to buy breakfast.

he

cafeteria’s offerings were always

all night,

buns without taking their eyes off

scent of the steamed

pushed

breakfast.”

groggy, looked around, sniffed at the

from the room, hand over her mouth.

the wall, heaving with nothing to

up.

her

she

dropped jacket over her

you to the hospital.”

her head, “I’m

the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight

the smell in there. Can you

and weak, her

to ask Joel about

hopeful, “We should be able to do it.

and modify, but we can’t give a definite

that

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

Cicely. Despite being

without getting

brightening sky, biting her lip in worry.

do when he finds out the

“He won’t lose it. He’s young

if he ever fails at something, he won’t

swollen eyes reddened again. “But he’s been working

years.”

expression,

smooth. I

because of me.”

of reality made Cicely’s

hung her head, tears falling, drop by

on her

the flash drive. They’ll crack

really don’t need to worry this much.

especially since you did it for his sake. Even if it’s

these programs are made by people.

just a

comforting

is it?”

now is get some good sleep,

at

be worried if he

two hours until work starts.” Issac held her back as she tried

can definitely sleep for two hours before going to the company.

hotel next door. Go rest

awful, and this time Issac was insistent. She acquiesced

to get

dropped by the set to see Danielle. Danielle

city that evening, so they ended up staying at

morning, they were up early, ready

their room and packed

downstairs.

to walk out the front door, Danielle

someone who appeared out of nowhere.

instinctive scream.

voice rang out. Danielle snapped back

and saw that it

glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook

go of

go, but looked around and took out a

“Danielle, I really like you, but I

can do for you. I hope you get what you

wish

to Diaz International before noon to see Seth.

ask him to meet you somewhere

confused, “What are you talking about? Why can’t I go to

and why should I

of time, I have

an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle

down low, and hurried

“Who

the phone? Is there something important on

Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting them,

and they walked down the

out in

*

and taking a

the bat, Patty’s shrill voice almost

eardrums.

sure raised a piece of work! She’s

afford to have her, nor

let her marry into the Diaz family in

just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t

by belittling his daughter to

into you this early in the morning? Where

deserve such strong opinions?!”

“Where did she wrong me?

she at home? If

International right now. We’re going to settle this

hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray

International this morning. Let’s ask them to

instead.”

to Diaz International?! Since

depend on his say-so.”

the company on the brink, it was understandable for

heaving with indignant rage, her fury

a curse, and yet I had

but managed to drag Diaz International down first. What

disaster!”

Patty almost roared at the driver.

domineering demeanor, didn’t

accompanied her

*

was left confused and annoyed after being

call Cicely to ask what was going

be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only

phone was off.

furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

picked up quickly, and he

did you and Cicely have a

Seth paused, “No.”

call me wanting to

she’s the worst?

company last night. I

out with friends last

can’t reach her. Could you try? By

was a problem at the company.

happened?”

his lips, “I’ll contact Cicely right

“Alright.”

feeling unsettled, especially since

the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on

check on

*

no intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she

eyes, so she just took a shower,

and left the room.

door, and

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

to grab

Cicely shook her head.

longer insisted. They headed straight for Diaz

at the company,

that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be at the

weekend. That was the logical conclusion.

office?”

on her with an unfamiliar blend of anger

“In the Engineering

hitch in

with a dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll go up and

him.”

Cicely this time, accompanying her

quiet on the weekend.

at the door

pairs of eyes turned to her

and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly

with him.

was in disarray, the computer tower and

strewn across the

first glance was towards Seth, whose

coldness and ferocity. “Sleep well last night?” he asked,

raspy to the extreme.

tighter and after

to speak. “Seth, I didn’t go home

late…”

you spent the night partying with Emiliana that

home?”

never wavered from her, each question

something else.

her lip and shook

he looked away.

back, there’s no issue. I’m busy now,

leave.”

the chaos of the office. As she was about to open her

Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through the

what we just told

dumb?”

sabotaged your two-year project! Doesn’t this mess prove

confidential data is gone, and the computer is trashed. All your

go under because of her. This

woman!”

she turned to Patty

did you

clenched in anger, pointed at her, her eyes red with

admits it and you still don’t believe

Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m

know about

slap, Patty’s hand struck Cicely’s face

violently, and he abruptly stood

heard the commotion, burst through the door

him.

in a rage beyond control, glared

this? After what you’ve done, you still

shameless!”

icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t

down.”

do you

a phone from her bag –

pressing something,

Seth.

began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine

expression at the time:

cold and aloof. The most important things to

to him

we’re set to

leave me,

wouldn’t just walk

day her desire

was no way for

were set

transferring Diaz International to my name a few

software development fails and the company

International would easily fall into my

Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether it

value is irrelevant to

is to completely destroy this program. Diaz International

Ellis

fall into my hands.

proof of who did it. He has no reason

If I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I

files with a regular USB,

the point of

virus I had specially prepared

the computer, it

computer’s operational data, resulting in both data

hardware failure.”

was interspersed, but it

a color to it, went completely pale

Instinctively, she looked towards Seth, who was also

eyes slowly morphing from grim to mocking, and he even

something, obliterating

done a thorough job

frantically and approached him, “It’s

away hers as she reached for

staggered, steadying herself on

it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his

inch by

you wanted to get your hands on Diaz International, and you’ve even

I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely. All

dull, and you can’t stand to look at a

but you’re oddly fascinated by those

scurrying off to the

with that,

words on the recording would you say are not

one thing. Without surveillance, I’d have

too. There’s no surveillance, just

side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the floor,

looked

Cicely was done for.

terrible, her head was spinning, and her

recording, but none of it was

Ray.”

his eyes and turned to look at her,

the desk beside him. It seemed like he was thinking, trying to

for a

moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If it was just

a flash drive would

him that he might get caught, and to destroy the

to do it? Don’t you see the

words?”

one sentence from Danielle completely overturned

explanations.

when he looked up again, they

and cold state. Just as Cicely was about to bring up

flash drive, his look

time, four uniformed officers stepped

said, “You guys are from

maliciously

the evidence is irrefutable.

preparing to

he turned to look at Patty,

Ray’s phone over

words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s

as she looked towards the tall, imposing man

Seth caught the

at the four figures before him. “The situation hasn’t

investigated.”

her angry voice piercing through the ears

evidence is irrefutable, what’s there to be

go soft just because this woman’s put on a

she’s practically driven Diaz International into

or me

at Seth, “I’ve already alerted the

just how cruel and shameless she

Enter title…

brows knitted together

the Department of Justice said with a

mentioned that the matter

can assist in the inquiry to ensure absolute

Cicely is indeed innocent, we will ensure she is

unharmed.”

a lawsuit against her immediately!” The malice

unchecked, her emotions and

gaze turned, deep and tranquil as

shook her head, tears swirling in her eyes. “I don’t

wrong, Seth. Only the tainted are taken there. I can’t bear

and I wouldn’t do anything to bring shame to

Ellis family.”

were fearful and helpless, laden with desperate

her so terrified. Not

for a long moment, taking in every

spoke slowly, his voice deep and

a misunderstanding. Is that

nodded, tears spilling over with the motion. “I wouldn’t harm

have to

him; he had

tight with tension.

he paused, turning his head away

he spoke again, his voice was like a sword cleaving

sharp. “Take

spot. Her wide eyes stared blankly

tears that suddenly fell

she was a

never imagined that one day these words

the two Justice Department agents

either side of her, ready to escort her

still, her gaze desolate except for

face. She looked at Seth silently

away, seemingly in a

their path. “You can’t

hope

asking Ms. Cicely to

speak, a deep and

with an investigation doesn’t

taking her

gaze trembled sharply as she lifted

in front of her, his expression

indomitable authority.

“Mr. Ellis.”

of fury, “What in the world

a married

in marital

agents knew the chairman of the Ellis family, of course,

some respect. But now that they

parties were exerting pressure, they couldn’t

they hesitated, Charlie walked in.

him up here. Let him personally testify whether

Patty demanded, unfazed by Creighton’s

like they’d been granted a

bring the accused.

laughter. “Ms. Cicely,

us could escape, huh? And to think,

believed Seth

needing further explanation, his words were a death sentence

Cicely.

Ray, and suddenly realized how

“Trying to win over Danielle by fighting for everything

a man? Should I say you’re devoted

there, Cicely’s composure returned. The

settle. Still,

it

“It’s thanks to you I got this

a pleasure, Ms. Cicely, truly. Without

life. I really should thank you, so feel

or

out a cold laugh. How wonderful. Even now,

life for Danielle. Even if Danielle’s role

shamelessly clawed her way into

still supported her.

as Ray was concerned, everything

deserved.

“Take him away.”

again within her. It felt as

her heart had been blown to pieces, leaving her bleeding

her expression

detachment.

the grain

distant. “Ray’s unwavering trust and support for Danielle

clearly

emotion, resigned to

heart skipped a beat. So many people around, yet her words

intended for him alone.

him for not believing in her. What good was

eyes were watching, so many people waiting? Could his lone trust

the prejudice against her?

Cicely—was she to

in the

the span of a heartbeat, his eyes darkened, his

Cicely’s retreating back with

Department of Justice

escort everyone out and

Would that be

strode over, snatched back the phone

over, and hit play again, specifically

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