The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2041-2050
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.
for clothes and
leisurely, Charlie kind of got why Mr. Diaz had
they were enough to set anyone’s
Diaz,
confession.
*
and rushed back to the office,
hour to wait for Seth to finish work – not counting his
departures.
sent Issac on his way, knowing she’d be
soon enough.
Seth was hammering away
up at her with a
in work?” Cicely flopped down on
on the monitor, Seth
What’d you buy?”
stuck her tongue out, weighing the truth.
thought. “Just browsed
paused. “Browsing aimlessly, huh? Was there really a
the place was
guilty, “Who
data entry, saved the file, and shut down
I dig, or
his pressing demeanor. “Do you
What could
to check
you could do,
can’t tell
you get all jealous and gobble
you’ve done that would make me jealous,
still act like
outplay this man.
promise not to get
snorted a laugh, standing up and moving closer to her.
to yourself.
you up.”
“Eh?”
question when suddenly, she
and into his arms.
kicked
what are you
pretty obvious.” He kicked open the
her into the bed.
we should exercise some restraint. Save some
wedding night.”
need to
I’m not really looking forward
“Heh.”
her, and
thoroughly at his
kicked him weakly a couple of times,
but her efforts feeble.
Charlie’s call came through,
the call, something apparently requiring his attention.
put
though Cicely was drained, waiting obediently was not in her nature.
out of bed and decided to wander
employees were preparing to leave, so
department. They were used to working late and knew better
to mess with her.
league, but that didn’t mean
employees’ feathers.
Cicely appeared, everyone sat up straight, and
Cicely smirked and scanned the room.
usually loitered around, wasn’t there, she headed
today,” a programmer
lot. They were suffering every day she visited.
sick and yet not daring to take a
puzzled, “I didn’t hear about him taking
many things
leave today. He might
been working really hard. I’ll have a word with Seth and ask him
cut Camden some slack.”
she pulled up a chair next to the programmer,
like Seth for me. I need to
and sighed silently.While waiting for a coder
checked it to find a text from Emiliana. [Sorry,
my scene. The wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it just from
to see it in
touched on every girl’s soft spot.
the envy
then,] she
tonight, I’m free tomorrow night though. How about
followed by a string of
Enter title…
Friday. Alright, we’ll have
take a look.]
[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2
[Sure. Dismissed.]
[Got it, your Highness.]
career took off, Emiliana had
girls had grown more
were no replies from Creighton and
just weren’t into texting
pocketed her phone and turned her
“Are we almost there?”
more minutes,
her chin, bored. “Do you tech guys ever
one in a hard drive to mess up someone’s
steal
do write viruses, but it’s rare and targeted. We’re
or upgrading and reinforcing firewalls.
kinds of machines are
Take our computers here—our firewalls are crafted by
commissioned by
worries.”
see,” Cicely murmured, “so if there’s corporate espionage,
job?”
correct, but that’s a crime. No one
“Right.”
“It’s ready, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
to the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore
to Seth. The character
and a stern, haughty expression,
to Seth’s
couldn’t help but laugh, “So this is how you see Seth,
Diaz is a commanding
ma’am.”
out loud and said, “Move
yielded his seat and showed her a
character threw punches with “pow,
even swell
was laughing her head off. It was
taking a hit.
half an hour,
her in the office, suspecting she was causing chaos in
would have
space. The
with a thunderous expression,
the screen and felt
“Ma’am.”
the game, ignored
“Mr. Seth…”
The office, which had been filled with
typing, fell silent, making Cicely’s
something was off, she sensed a chilling
locked eyes with Seth’s dark, ominous
intense she blinked rapidly.
screen,
“Yeah.”
“Enjoying it?”
“Sorta.”
a sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Should I
getting yourself so excited?”
had the nerve to make such a
comment in public.
lifting her from her seat, “Let’s continue at
had my fill. Don’t wanna
his hand tight against
try harder when you’re this
gaze, Seth whisked
department collectively exhaled in relief.
heavens!
*
car, Cicely put as much distance
a game. Stop looking for excuses
help but chuckle at Cicely’s scrunched-up figure as
let the couple
department isn’t some playground. They work
deadlines, and you’re there distracting them
comeback for that. “I was there to
do work hard. You should consider giving them a
but now they have
seem fair.”
because you’re the bully. They’re
You owe
gave her a sidelong glance,
his voice teasing. “How have I bullied
breath, “Did you know Camden called in sick
change
slightly,
reminding you to
her briefly, then turned to Charlie as
Camden.”
“Sure.”
red light. Charlie quickly dialed
phone rang for a good ten seconds before
to life. “Hello, Charlie,
a tad frazzled,
Camden? Something wrong?”
up, and I didn’t have time
behalf of Mr.
was even, “Not that. Mr. Diaz is
directly.”
You are with
so urgent that you don’t even have a
cut through the air, while
merely watched as Camden’s trembling voice grew
the
happen again.
for a couple of days,
few more days
the weekend. You can’t make it
days?”
it, that’s plenty. Thank you, Mr.
“Alright.”
up, Cicely lounged back against the cushion, drawling
than you, and
got him stuttering and shaking like he’s about
his hefty salary is me. Anger
nowhere to cry when you lose
at a couple of girls walking
an ice cream in
could have ice
Tomorrow, Emiliana.
be joining you for
Emiliana.”
time will you
Emiliana rarely gets out, so dinner, a movie, or maybe just
be home before midnight for
at the latest. Otherwise,
I not get to have a
not providing you with a satisfying
Charlie, who
choked unexpectedly.
He hadn’t anticipated this side of Mr.
scalded
the most shameless
*
a reservation at the restaurant Seth had
discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally gave it
reviews as well.
spontaneously decided to catch a movie. The cinema was
from the restaurant. They bought
while taking
life.
their conversation revolved around Cicely’s upcoming
on the bridesmaids
For
the groomsmen be Mr.
If not, Issac can just join
bridesmaids.”
“You want him in
I actually suggest it,
spoils you
let out a proud “Hmph,” “You just
they passed by posters of movie stars,
glamorous than the last.
had some fame by now, and to avoid unnecessary trouble,
hat.
waiting area was bustling. They grabbed
promotional boards—several were talents
me, I saw Danielle at the studio today. We
crew happened to be there,”
the electronic posters.
the
actors, bumping into each other isn’t
“I saw their costumes and crew today, so lavish.
it’s a top-notch production.”
smile, “If he promised to help out, he wouldn’t skimp. But a toptier production, that
favor. Mr. Diaz’s favors are
agreed
also saw some high-profile lady at the set visiting
tonight, so she’ll probably rest over the weekend. Let’s drop
on it when you’re about to
find
guess who Emiliana was referring to, but she really didn’t want
Danielle. She nodded and let
movie, it was nine o’clock. Cicely had called Issac, so
the cinema, they went straight
to Diaz
“Got it.”
*
building was eerily quiet over the weekend. Cicely, often visiting
own access card. Leading
the top floor, they headed for
astonished, “I thought we
Why are we
dress, but
his office?”
figured the man probably just wanted to
entered Seth’s office, flicking
instantly bathed in brightness.
here, and even
help but feel tense.
office’s decor and arrangement screamed grandeur and formality.
was if you ignored the little table next to
a plush cushion
mats.
thought of Cicely cooped up in this place
couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
up next to him at work cracks me up. But do
work done? I can’t imagine it. All I see is
of cards out of sheer
grimaced dismissively, “The affairs of
What else am I supposed to
a point there.” Laughter brought
a decorative pillow from the chair and hurled it
want, but let’s see you
hands frantically, “No, no, I’m not up for
the
huff, Cicely moved to a concealed
Her expression froze for
couldn’t
her
a pause, she turned back with a
business this
disarrayed bed was a testament to their passionate encounter. A
crept up Cicely’s ears.
nail on the head and stepped forward,
the corner of a cabinet. She
hand over her mouth, scurrying to the center of the lounge
was displayed, now illuminated under
it had been in
all diamonds? I’m getting dizzy just
sleeves
so lush and
thread
is just
reaction to the stunning bridal
overstatement.
an air of pride, “Did you expect anything less for
Only you get the sneak peek before the
high-resolution photos
see you wear it at
snorted again, “Don’t share those pictures,
on the wedding day.”
dress, you must have repaid the favor
a glare, “Are you done? If so,
her head, reluctant to leave the dress’s side, “I could
and it still wouldn’t be
looking. I’m
“Hey, wait for me…”
she
and you’re already rushing
is.” Cicely grabbed her purse from
annoyed.
“Late for what?”
wants me back
an eyebrow, “That
as if the curfew was
you are late, what’s
little charm, perhaps flirt a little,
opened the office door, “I hope you get a boyfriend someday
to keep
the elevator, and just as Cicely was about
froze in mid-air, her gaze fixed on the display.
button herself,
on the top floor, and upon opening, Emiliana
on.”
entered, deep in
the ground floor,
makeup. She had plans
drink.
elevator began to run, and
floor, Cicely suddenly reached
for the twelfth floor.
halted
and Cicely stepped out just as they were closing,
a glimpse of her retreating figure. “This
floor!”
“Wait for me downstairs.”
couldn’t tell if Cicely
words.
familiar to Cicely, second only to Seth’s office
it housed the
had been on the ground floor
other two should have remained
at the twelfth?
Department was home to Diaz International’s
in the making.
or malicious sabotage
There was no
behind and was coming back for it
thing. Or
better to do. The thought made Cicely scoff. Such employees
they? But if they did, why was
a single
down the hallway to
office. Inside, the flash of a smartphone’s flashlight caught
from a hidden angle as the
searching for something in
Cicely’s
insider. But who else could have a security badge
company?
sounded nervous, a
with anger and urgency.
Bluetooth earpiece, occasionally winking blue
ear. Were they communicating with someone
a private office in the Engineering
tremulous voice on the phone that
realize something. That explained how the stranger
security badge.
had told the stranger something significant, and
for
warning you, that file path you gave me better
any tricks on me, and you’ll be
That voice…
tinge of recognition flashing in her mind. Was
image of Ray’s face suddenly merged with the
door when she
pulsed at
the pieces of information started connecting in her
that Ray dropped out of school and sold his properties.
probably planning a comeback or something more extreme. Clearly,
opted for the latter.
to a lack of time to call
Ray had threatened him with his son’s
Ray had vowed
he was executing his sinister
software development was well-known within the company, and
find out, he certainly could have. It was no
So, he chose the moment
or destroy it. Then, everything that
had worked
clearly no
to face him
for her phone to text Issac to come up when
silence of the empty office space, the sound
walls.
Cicely’s mind went blank.
her face, and she squinted, drawing a
eyes from the glare and answered the
have you been? Everything okay? When are
Cicely’s face as she inhaled
more. I’ll
“Make it snappy.”
“Will do.”
the phone and tucked it into her purse. Her palms slick with
sheen of cold sweat.d2
said we have a certain fate, haven’t
Enter title…
being caught in
the world
forced herself to relax, offering a hesitant smile as
him.
Ray, aren’y you
at all. It’s rare for
weekend, Ms. Cicely.
taking a moment before she
about getting caught, do
desk, legs crossed,
blow my cover, does
perhaps strike a deal?”
silent for a beat, then burst into laughter. “So, you overheard what
to Seth that day outside the
was just there to see Danielle
their conversation as
discussing the weather. “To be honest, our
have misunderstood you.
romantic type,
smile widened as he removed his face mask, “Ms. Cicely, I am
deal, so could you hand over your
backup, and then
into her purse to retrieve
the screen lit up, revealing a
been lying
phone’s screen illuminated, Ray
checked the phone and saw no calls made,
satisfied, he
other daily essentials
the unassuming USB
an eyebrow with
for the same reason as
fixed on the USB
head, “Not sure.”
“Hmm?”
against the desk, face-to-face with Ray, her voice laced
that Seth is cold and aloof. The most
to him are his mother and Diaz
and even though
loves me. I don’t know when he
to him, he wouldn’t
mother favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him up
still alive and well. There was no way for me to
my sights were
International to my name a few times, but
software development fails and the
would easily fall into
Diaz International is small fry.
value is irrelevant to me; I just want
who had been listening quietly, and she
your goals align with mine.
International will then face a
family’s help in repaying it, the company
sorry, but I won’t
Helping you profit is
your planning, you’ve left no room for error, so
benefits. Even if you do develop it further on
on, and he won’t let you
be the best
expression
terrifying, willing to go to such lengths for
Your analysis isn’t wrong. I’ve kidnapped Camden’s son; I’ve made it
no turning back. Seth destroyed the most important thing to
he tastes the loss of his most
International”
have no intention of making a quick buck
the point of money? Better
trailed off, his gaze on her, “Aren’t you
this, he’ll
struck Cicely’s heart, “You had the audacity to walk
of the
head of engineering
was a piece of cake, wasn’t
No cameras, no evidence, no reason
me.”
grin playing
together?”
strode toward
another access card to unlock the door to Camden’s office.
the swivel chair, powered up the computer, and keyed in the
had given
he fished out his own flash drive from his pocket, aiming to plug
Cicely’s voice, cool as a cucumber,
Ray.”
he looked up at her. “What,
to sabotage, I’ll do
You moving files with that plain Jane
without breaking a sweat. What’s
your little exercise?”
face blanched. So Camden had a backup plan? Almost had
we
“Destroy the computer itself.”
asked,
be a bit out of your
the hard drive remains
the data more
starting to panic. “Then what do
he had
drive is loaded
Once it’s in the
core operational data. The files will
will be rendered useless.”
out of a cyberpunk
before. It wasn’t outside
I trust
have a better option? We’re both in too deep now. If I’m playing you,
think you’d let
finally, through
Cicely.
we’re done, give me back the flash drive. It cost me a
use it to get
truly wipes the computer as
eyebrow but said
inserted the flash drive into the port. The
flickered, then went black, showcasing a flurry of white code
across the darkness.
about two minutes, the display halted, and five seconds later, the
to hum, and even the monitor’s
faded to
It worked.
a bit. She had thought Joel’s
it
power button of the central unit in
the same went for the
easily noticing the
indeed
wrath is a force to
gaze to meet his, raising an eyebrow,
mind?”
Just that Seth really did a number on you. To push
princess to this extent.”
walked over, reached over and tried the computer switch
over to pull the flash drive out. “To me, it’s not
deal. Diaz International could put up a fight, but they can’t
a sliver of the Ellis Group shares. Worst case
of the Ellis’
Cicely, always generous,” he said with a laugh as he
is up to you. Take care
I’ll be taking your phone for now.
it by the fountain downstairs. Remember to pick
Cicely remained stone-faced.
Ray left the building, Cicely made her exit from
department. She found Emiliana and Issac waiting
lot.
over. “Cicely, you were gone
spent from the standoff with
face, “Nothing much. Where are you staying tonight?
have Issac drive you.”
Cicely’s pallor and realizing she wouldn’t get far
booked a hotel nearby. I’ll take
head home and
careful on your
urging Cicely into
the vehicle, Cicely leaned back, closing
happened?” Issac inquired.
and responded with a faint “hmm” before
“Didn’t you see anyone else leaving the building
were downstairs?”
Issac’s voice tensed. “Did you run into someone at the
“Ray.”
coming to a stop on the side of
face her, his expression grave.
her head.
the car, and asked,
International?”
wants to destroy Seth more than he does. He
program.”
he succeed in
“Well… Oh, right.”
her phone,
ten o’clock yet, and Joel’s phone
unsure about getting a call from Cicely.
began urgently, “the flash drive you
crack the program?”
on the back burner for
suddenly asking about this?”
in her
important files on it. Why is it on
to crack?”
anxiety was palpable, even through the phone.
his bed ready to play with his phone before sleep, shot up
that it’s too hard, just that other things came up.
our senior right now and
the phone tightly, tears circling her eyes. “Don’t
hear what
“Okay, hold on.”
to the landline
topic of the decryption software came up, “We did have
we put it on hold because
projects. What happened?”
urgency, blurted out, “The flash drive’s been
urgently. Can we work on
“That urgent?”
“Better if we start
other end before
she wiped her
university? I’m coming, too.”
“Sure.”
up, Cicely bit her lip and sent a
bit longer tonight. Don’t wait up.
pouting emoji and turned off her
heading to the
“Miss, you won’t be any help there. Better you go
and wait for news.”
to face him. I caused this mess, and
just go to the
Seth can’t reach you.”
“Understood.”
at the university, Joel and his friend showed
after another.
with red-rimmed eyes and a look of
than to start working on the
behind them, trying to understand
with red
would cry. “You really don’t need to be here.
with this. Go home, take
“I can’t, Joel… You’ve got
I’d do otherwise.” As
guilt, “Don’t worry, we’ll
so I share the blame. If you won’t go
and try
of no help, let Joel
nearby seat.
*
had just left the house when he
had a
and found that Camden’s family was
where they were. Then
young son had vanished, and Mrs. Camden
from school. Camden was
wanted to see his
it had been 24 hours. Only
location – they’d been retrieved and were on
company.
and confirming she
no urgency to hasten her return
*
met Camden at the company, the man was a wreck.
“Mr. Diaz,
threatened my
usually stoic face darkened
“It was Ray.”
became glacial as
air to feel like ice. “And what did
company’s access cards, my office’s key cards, my
storage path
felt a chill run down
felt that targeting Ray’s family without reason and then acting
cripplin g Ray was too ruthless, which was why he
tossed Ray into the
he did not pursue the matter
didn’t expect him to
Ray doesn’t seem to know much about computers. If he
copied them, I still might be able to
more severe at this.
“He left after getting my stuff. Wasn’t
Charlie, who quickly left the office.
scrambling behind.
*
floor, in Camden’s office, Charlie bent
boot it up after several
with a
fruitless. Frantically, he switched to a backup
first. Within minutes,
looking like
Charlie, lacking Seth’s cool
seeing Camden’s
lips quivered as he stammered, “Mr. Diaz, all its data has
clean from that computer.”
sharply, the chill in his brow spreading like frost
His voice was a cold snap threatening to fracture a
its data
the verge of passing out, stammered, “It’s all
makes the computer operate, it’s gone. Without it,
good as a piece of
closed his eyes in despair.
of preparation, a fortune invested, all for what? A pile of
world’s most expensive junk.
his sides, clenched into fists as if made
he didn’t know
I’m just as lost. I remember he
transferring files to it was enough.
not some amateur.”
catching a glimpse of Seth’s ominously dark
head down,
way he could’ve done this
on his heel, “I’ll check
“He had me erase the
stride halted, his fury cresting.
tears streaming down his cheeks. “My son
their lives
my hump for the firm, and I’m willing to do that. But I can’t put
the line. It’s just not fair.
silent for a long moment. Charlie watched
eerily composed. “How long would it take to
over?”
for a second. “It’s a six-month job. If we
ass off, two
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
month… It was too
if he has
“Right, right, right! Maybe he still has a backup.
him fast before he
jolted into action and dashed
*
whole night in his office, waiting
become their only
fallen asleep at
had hoped it was
surroundings and the two
and helplessness welled up,
two years and a fortune on
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
see him like
enough.
could blame her and they could not get married, but she couldn’t bear to
look on his
her side the whole time, pained to see her
breakfast.
he
were always the same
friend, having worked all night, didn’t stand on
their eyes off their screens.
the hearty scent of
woke again, and Issac pushed the bag toward
breakfast.”
the bag,
room, hand over her
room, Cicely leaned against the
up.
her
she settled
dropped jacket over her and
you to the hospital.”
her head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t
flowerbed, pulling the
you check
Pale and weak, her
to
should be able
but we can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell her
that
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
being promised a certainty,
without getting a successful
biting her lip in
he
lose it. He’s young but steady. Even
he ever fails at something, he
“But he’s been working
years.”
her pained expression, “Everyone faces failure
his life to be smooth. I don’t want
because of me.”
the harshness of reality made Cicely’s heart ache
her head, tears falling, drop
on
the flash drive. They’ll crack the program
to worry this much. Speak to him clearly, and
his sake. Even
these programs are made by
a matter of
with Issac’s comforting
is it?”
to do now is get some good sleep, then
at
be worried if he finds
Issac held her back as she tried to
definitely sleep for two hours before going to the company. I
for you in the hotel
this time Issac was
get some
…
set to see Danielle. Danielle
that evening, so they ended
they were up early, ready to head back to the
breakfast in their room and
downstairs.
about to walk out the front door, Danielle
by someone who appeared out
instinctive scream.
voice
that
glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook
“Let go
looked around and took out a cellphone from
to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I
can do for you. I hope
wish you
to Diaz International before noon to see
you can ask him to meet
talking about? Why
why should I go
time, I have
on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle
down low, and
frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that
phone? Is there something important on
Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting them,
and they walked
it out
*
breakfast and taking a stroll outside, Creighton received
the bat, Patty’s shrill voice almost pierced
eardrums.
of work! She’s so heartless and
family can’t afford to have her, nor would we
never agree to let her marry into the Diaz
just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have minded, but she
to nothing,
this early in the morning? Where did Cicely wrong
deserve such strong opinions?!”
wrong me? She nearly ruined Diaz
you think she wronged me?! Is she
We’re going to
Patty hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised
ask them to
instead.”
Diaz International?! Since
depend on his say-so.”
the company on the brink, it was understandable for Patty
heaving with indignant rage, her
she was a curse, and yet I had to be
Ellis Group but managed to drag Diaz International down first. What
disaster!”
Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the driver. Danielle frowned
demeanor, didn’t dare
accompanied her
*
left confused and annoyed after being yelled at
on. He wanted to call Cicely to
time, she might still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to
phone was off.
furrowed
He immediately called Seth.
up quickly,
you and Cicely have a
Seth paused, “No.”
why did your mother just call me wanting to
worst?
at the company last night. I
out with
see. I hope everything’s fine. I can’t
there was
happened?”
lips, “I’ll
“Alright.”
feeling unsettled, especially since
Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he
Brody to check
*
intention of sleeping. No
so she just
and left the room.
at the door, and seeing
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
grab some
Cicely shook her head.
longer insisted. They headed straight
company, they saw Charlie, looking
with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be at
the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in
office?”
his gaze locked on her with
“In the Engineering
and terse reply caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed her
and with a dim expression,
him.”
followed Cicely this time, accompanying her upstairs.
quiet on the weekend.
Issac to wait at the door while she
pairs of eyes turned
Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly
with him.
desk was in disarray, the computer
across the
whose bloodshot eyes
and ferocity. “Sleep well last
raspy to the extreme.
the door handle tighter and after a brief silence, mustered
go home last
late…”
it because you spent the night
home?”
from her, each question sounding like
something else.
bit her lip and shook her
away. “As long as
behind my back, there’s no issue. I’m
leave.”
of the office. As she was about to open
something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through the air.
just told you, or are you
dumb?”
two-year project! Doesn’t this mess
is gone, and the computer is trashed.
and Diaz International might go under because of her.
woman!”
as she turned to Patty
her. “How did
anger, pointed at her,
admits it and
however, stepped closer to Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m
you know about
crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck Cicely’s face
violently, and he abruptly stood up from
heard the commotion, burst through the door and shielded
him.
in a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely. “What right do
Danielle like this? After what you’ve done,
shameless!”
expression was icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet. Please
down.”
more clarity do you need? Does
laughed mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag –
pressing something, tossed it
Seth.
familiar voice began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the
expression at the time:
knows that Seth is cold and aloof.
to him by his
and even though we’re
leave me, so I thought, if
wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware
favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him up
no way for me to break in from his mother,
were set on
International to my name a few times,
saying that if the software development
would easily fall into my hands.
the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether
to me; I just
this
issues, then the Ellis family
fall into my hands.
proof of who did
do it thoroughly. I know
a regular USB, any engineer here could
point of what
infected with a virus I had specially prepared for
computer, it
computer’s operational data, resulting in both data
hardware failure.”
…
but it no
of a color to it, went completely
sudden. Instinctively, she looked towards Seth, who was also
grim to
obliterating even the computer’s
a thorough job
her head frantically and approached him, “It’s
his hand, batting away hers
staggered, steadying herself
what is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze
nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more than
your hands on Diaz International, and you’ve even
I thought you were just being flippant,
everything dull, and you can’t stand to look
but you’re oddly fascinated by
scurrying off to
with
words on the recording would you
I’d have no reason to suspect you.
wrong too. There’s no surveillance,
the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the
face. It looked like she didn’t have to
Cicely was done for.
terrible, her head was spinning, and her heart
things on the recording, but none of it was true. I only
Ray.”
his eyes and turned to look at her, his
him. It seemed like he was thinking,
looking for a way out
spoke up,
a flash drive would have been
him that he might get caught,
if he was going to do it? Don’t you see
words?”
from Danielle completely
explanations.
he looked up again,
Cicely
the flash drive, his
time, four
are from
maliciously destroy
is irrefutable.
We’re preparing to press
furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty,
Ray’s phone over to one of
words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot
she looked towards the tall, imposing
you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride
down his cheeks. “My son
I can’t risk their lives for the
I’m willing to do that. But I
line. It’s just not fair.
for a long moment.
a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would it take to
over?”
a second.
ass off,
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
month… It was too
if he has a backup
“Right, right, right! Maybe he still has
him fast before he
action and dashed
*
night in his office, waiting for
become their
fallen asleep at her
She had hoped it was all a
and the two
feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed by
had spent two
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
want to see him like that.
enough.
not get married, but
on
her side the whole time, pained
he stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel
remaining one he
offerings were always the
having worked all
the buns without taking their eyes
hearty scent of the steamed
pushed the bag toward her, “Have
breakfast.”
groggy, looked around, sniffed at the bag, then her
room, hand over her mouth.
against the wall, heaving with nothing
up.
After rinsing her mouth and quenching
she
draped her dropped jacket over her and whispered, “I’ll
you to the hospital.”
“I’m
flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight
the smell in there. Can you
weak, her voice
her to
but hopeful, “We should be able
we can’t give a definite timeline. Just
that
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
reported back to Cicely. Despite being promised a certainty, no
getting a successful decoder
brightening sky, biting
will do when he finds out the program is
Issac replied, “He won’t lose it.
if he ever fails at something,
reddened again. “But he’s been working on this for
years.”
pained expression,
be smooth. I don’t want him
because of me.”
and the harshness of reality made
tears falling, drop by
placing a hand on her head, soothing her. “The
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program sooner
much.
did it for his sake.
these programs are made by people.
a
Issac’s comforting logic. She
is it?”
to do now is get
him at
he’ll be worried if he finds out. I can’t
starts.” Issac held her back as she tried
definitely sleep for two hours before going
the hotel next door. Go rest a
felt truly awful, and this time Issac was
get some
…
Patty dropped by the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised to
the studio city that evening, so they ended
were up early, ready to head back to the city
in their room and packed up,
downstairs.
walk out the front door, Danielle
who appeared out of nowhere. She
instinctive scream.
it’s me.”A familiar, anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped back
and saw that it
She glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook
“Let go
didn’t let go, but looked around and took out a
I really like
the last thing I can do for you. I hope
wish
International before noon to
him, you can ask him to meet you somewhere
confused, “What are you talking about? Why can’t I go
why should I go see
have to go. Just remember
surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle
his cap down
scene, asked, “Who was that guy?
phone? Is
that moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting them,
and they walked
out in
*
breakfast and taking a
the bat, Patty’s shrill voice almost pierced
eardrums.
sure raised a piece of
to have her, nor would we dare. This
agree to let her marry into the Diaz family
had just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have minded, but
by belittling his daughter to
in the morning? Where did Cicely wrong
deserve such strong opinions?!”
“Where did she wrong me? She
Is she at home?
right now. We’re
Patty hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not
ask them to
instead.”
we go to Diaz International?! Since when
depend on his say-so.”
on the brink, it was understandable for Patty to
chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was palpable. “I
curse, and yet I had to be entangled with her.
Ellis Group but managed to drag Diaz International down first.
disaster!”
Patty almost roared
domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to
her to
*
confused and annoyed after being
call Cicely to ask what was going
Instead, he called
phone was off.
brow furrowed in
He immediately called Seth.
was picked up quickly, and he
you and Cicely
Seth paused, “No.”
why did your mother just call me wanting
Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with
the company
She was out with
can’t reach her. Could you
that there was a problem at
happened?”
lips, “I’ll
“Alright.”
especially since Seth avoided talking
happened at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on
to check on Diaz
*
No
close her eyes, so she just took a shower, changed into
and left the room.
had been waiting at the door, and seeing her like this,
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab some breakfast
Cicely shook her head.
They headed straight for Diaz
at the company, they saw Charlie, looking
a big issue, Seth would definitely
on a weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in
office?”
locked on her with an unfamiliar blend
the
a hitch in Cicely’s
a dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll go up
him.”
time, accompanying her upstairs. The
quiet on the weekend.
to wait at the door while
eyes turned to
and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly in the middle of a
with him.
desk was in disarray, the computer tower
across the
whose bloodshot eyes met hers
“Sleep well last night?” he asked, his
raspy to the extreme.
gripped the door handle tighter and
home last
late…”
it because you spent the night partying with Emiliana that you
home?”
never wavered from her, each question sounding like an
something else.
shook
and he looked away.
back, there’s no
leave.”
the office. As she was about to open her
suddenly
hear what we just
dumb?”
your two-year project! Doesn’t this mess
is gone, and the
Diaz International might go
woman!”
she turned to Patty
did you know about
pointed at her, her eyes red with
She admits it and you
to Danielle, her gaze sharp.
did you know
Patty’s
violently, and he abruptly stood up from his chair.
the commotion, burst through the
him.
control, glared
Danielle like this? After what you’ve done, you still
shameless!”
was icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet.
down.”
clarity do you
from her bag – the
Danielle – and after pressing something, tossed it onto the desk
Seth.
began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the
expression at the time:
cold and aloof.
Diaz International, left to him
secret, and even though we’re set to marry, he’s
I don’t know when he might leave me, so I thought,
he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well
day her desire to set him up
was no way for me to break in from his
set on Diaz
Diaz International to my name a few times, but
if the software development
then Diaz International would easily fall into my hands.
Ellis Group, Diaz International is
is irrelevant to me; I just want
completely destroy this program. Diaz International will
the Ellis family will help, and Diaz International
fall into my hands.
cameras, no proof of who did it. He has no reason
I’ll do it thoroughly. I know
USB, any engineer here could
the point
with a virus I had specially prepared for
computer, it will automatically destroy everything
computer’s operational data, resulting in
hardware failure.”
…
was interspersed, but it no
which didn’t have much of a color to it, went completely pale all
looked towards Seth, who
from grim to mocking, and he even
obliterating even
done a
and approached him, “It’s not like that,
raised his hand, batting away hers as she reached for
herself on the
eyed her coldly,
inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned
hands
thought you were just being flippant,
find everything dull, and you can’t stand to look at a
teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by
off
with
recording would you
have no
There’s no surveillance, just the
fixed on a crack in the floor, a smirk
face. It looked like she didn’t
Cicely was done for.
her head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth,
it was true. I
Ray.”
turned to look
seemed like he was thinking, trying to
a way
up, “If it
copy the files onto a flash drive would have been
that he might get caught, and to destroy
do it? Don’t you see the
words?”
sentence from Danielle
explanations.
when he looked up
cold state. Just as Cicely was about to
drive, his look silenced
time, four uniformed
said, “You guys are from Department of Justice, right? It’s
with others to maliciously destroy company
the evidence is
We’re preparing
brow furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty,
phone over to one
the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head
mix of panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing
to press charges against me?” Charlie’s
tears streaming down his
Diaz. I can’t risk their lives for the company. I’m just
and I’m willing to do that.
on the line. It’s just not fair.
moment.
calm as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would it take to
over?”
a second. “It’s a six-month job.
ass off, two
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
next month…
see if he has a backup
right, right! Maybe
him fast
into action and
*
the whole night in his office, waiting for Charlie’s
their
had fallen asleep
was all a dream,
surroundings and the two busy
feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled up,
had spent two
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
didn’t want to see him like that. Just
enough.
could blame her and they could not get
on his
side the whole time, pained to
out to buy breakfast.
he
cafeteria’s offerings were always the same – buns
and his friend, having worked all night, didn’t stand
the buns without taking their
scent of
woke again, and Issac pushed the bag
breakfast.”
around, sniffed at the
room, hand over her mouth.
the wall, heaving
up.
water. After rinsing her mouth and
stomach, she
draped her dropped jacket over her and whispered,
you to the hospital.”
her head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep
down by the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around
in there. Can you check on their progress for me?
Pale and weak, her voice barely held
left her to ask Joel about
“We should be
give a definite timeline.
that it’ll
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
to Cicely. Despite being promised
getting a successful decoder
up at the brightening sky, biting her lip in worry. “Issac, what
he finds out the program is
pause, Issac replied, “He won’t lose it. He’s
this, or if he ever fails at something,
reddened again. “But he’s been
years.”
expression, “Everyone
smooth. I
because of me.”
reality made Cicely’s heart ache with
hung her head, tears falling, drop
hand on her head,
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the
this much. Speak to him
did it for his sake. Even if it’s
leaked, and these programs are made by
just a
mood steadied with Issac’s comforting
is it?”
to do now is get
him at
be worried if he finds out.
until work starts.” Issac held her back as she tried to
can definitely sleep for two hours before going to the company. I booked
hotel next door.
felt truly awful, and this time Issac
get
…
to
evening, so they ended up staying at a
were up early, ready to head back
in their room
downstairs.
were about to walk out the front door,
by someone who appeared
instinctive scream.
voice rang out. Danielle
that
how…” She glanced at a startled
“Let go of
go, but looked around and took out
“Danielle, I really like you, but I
the last thing I can do for you. I hope you
wish you
don’t go to Diaz International before noon to see Seth. If
you can ask him to meet you
you talking about?
and why should I
have to go. Just remember what I
eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle
his cap down low, and hurried
“Who was that
with the phone? Is
that moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting them,
Patty and they walked
check it out
*
and taking a stroll
the bat, Patty’s
eardrums.
piece of work! She’s so
afford to have her, nor would we dare. This
her
criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t
belittling his daughter to
this early in the morning? Where did Cicely
deserve such strong opinions?!”
did she wrong me? She nearly ruined
Is she at home? If so,
International right now. We’re going to settle
hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not to go
Let’s ask them to meet us somewhere
instead.”
to Diaz International?! Since when does
depend on his say-so.”
was understandable for Patty
rage, her
was a curse, and yet I had to be entangled with
to drag Diaz International down first. What
disaster!”
roared at the driver. Danielle
domineering demeanor, didn’t dare
her to Diaz
*
and annoyed
Cicely to
still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to
phone was off.
furrowed in
He immediately called Seth.
was picked up quickly,
and
Seth paused, “No.”
did your mother just call me
Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with
issue at the company last
out
I hope everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try? By
there was a
happened?”
his lips, “I’ll contact Cicely right
“Alright.”
unsettled, especially since Seth avoided talking
company. Given Patty’s hysterics on
check
*
no intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable
just
and left the room.
at the door, and
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab some
Cicely shook her head.
no longer insisted. They headed straight
company,
thought that with such a big issue,
weekend. That was the logical conclusion.
office?”
looked up, his gaze locked on her
“In the
terse reply caused a hitch in
expression, she muttered, “I’ll go
him.”
time, accompanying her upstairs. The office
quiet on the weekend.
wait at the door while
eyes turned to her
and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly in the
with him.
was in disarray, the computer tower and monitor now
strewn across the
glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers
and ferocity. “Sleep well last night?” he
raspy to the extreme.
gripped the door handle tighter and after a brief silence, mustered
home
late…”
because you spent the night partying with Emiliana that you
home?”
never wavered from her, each question sounding like an evasion
something else.
bit her lip and shook
looked away. “As long as you haven’t
my back, there’s no issue. I’m busy
leave.”
office. As
suddenly cut
even hear what we just told you, or are
dumb?”
deliberately sabotaged your two-year project! Doesn’t
the computer
go under
woman!”
as she turned to Patty
“How did you know
at her, her eyes red with fury. “Listen
She admits it and you still don’t
closer to Danielle,
know about
slap, Patty’s hand struck Cicely’s face
eyes shook violently, and he abruptly stood up from his
the commotion, burst through the door and shielded Cicely
him.
rage beyond control, glared
like this? After what you’ve done,
shameless!”
was icy. “Madam, the situation
down.”
What more clarity do you need? Does
mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag – the
something, tossed it
Seth.
voice began to play, its clarity allowing one
expression at the time:
knows that Seth is cold and
Diaz International, left to
is no secret, and even though we’re set
know when he might leave me, so
important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware
this day her desire
well. There was no way for me
set
my
the software development
then Diaz International would easily fall
Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry.
its value is irrelevant to me; I
completely destroy this program. Diaz
then the Ellis family will help, and Diaz
fall into my hands.
who did it. He has no reason to suspect
destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know a bit
a regular USB, any engineer here could recover the
What’s the point
virus I
computer, it will automatically destroy everything
the computer’s operational data, resulting in both data
hardware failure.”
…
interspersed, but
face, which didn’t have much of a color to it,
towards Seth,
grim to mocking, and he even let
something, obliterating even
You’ve done a
approached him,
batting away hers
herself on the
what is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like
through her nerves inch by
you wanted to get your hands
thought you were just being
find everything dull, and you can’t stand to look
it’s like pulling teeth, but
off to
with
you say are not
I’d have no reason to suspect
too. There’s no surveillance,
to the side, her gaze fixed on
face. It looked like she
Cicely was done for.
spinning, and
it was
Ray.”
eyes and turned to look at
the desk beside him. It seemed like
a way out
suddenly spoke up,
a flash drive
might get caught, and to
it? Don’t you see the contradiction
words?”
one sentence from Danielle completely overturned all of
explanations.
when he looked up
dark and cold state. Just as Cicely was about to bring up
drive,
four uniformed officers stepped
from Department of Justice,
with others to maliciously destroy company
losses, and the evidence is irrefutable.
We’re preparing to
as he turned to look at Patty, but
over to one of
the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot
panic as she looked
against me?” Seth caught the fear in her eyes, his breath hitched for a
at the four figures before him. “The situation hasn’t
investigated.”
Patty suddenly shouted, her angry
“The evidence is irrefutable,
soft just because this woman’s put on a meek act.
driven Diaz International into
Diaz International or me anymore, is that
glaring at Seth, “I’ve already alerted the press.
knows just how cruel and shameless she
Enter title…
knitted
Diaz,” the lead agent from the
“Since you mentioned that the matter
can assist in the inquiry to ensure
Cicely is indeed innocent, we
unharmed.”
lawsuit against her immediately!” The
unchecked, her emotions and words spiraling
and tranquil as he looked
shook her head, tears swirling in her eyes. “I don’t want to go there.
wrong, Seth. Only the tainted are taken there. I can’t
I wouldn’t hurt you, and I wouldn’t
Ellis family.”
were fearful and helpless, laden
terrified. Not Seth, not
a long moment, taking in every facet
spoke slowly, his voice deep and chillingly calm,
misunderstanding. Is that
tears spilling over with the motion.
have to
face was alien to him; he had never seen her cry so
fists clenched, Seth’s face tight with tension. Finally,
he paused, turning his head away
voice was like a sword
yet exceedingly sharp.
spot. Her wide eyes stared blankly at Seth. Had
suddenly fell from
was a statue,
one day these
the two Justice Department agents
her, ready to escort her
eyes were now utterly still,
on her face. She looked at Seth silently for
seemingly
suddenly stepped forward, blocking their
of hope glinted
Cicely to cooperate
to speak, a deep and
an investigation doesn’t necessarily
taking her today, I dare
trembled sharply as she lifted her head to see
of her, his expression stern and commanding,
indomitable authority.
“Mr. Ellis.”
face was a mask of fury, “What in the
married
in marital
the chairman of the Ellis family, of course,
to show some respect. But now that
exerting pressure, they couldn’t
Charlie walked in. “Mr. Diaz, we’ve caught
here. Let him personally
unfazed by Creighton’s icy
like they’d been granted a reprieve,
bring the accused.
laughter. “Ms.
of us could escape, huh? And to think, you
almost believed Seth trusted
needing further explanation, his words were a death sentence
Cicely.
and suddenly realized how naively she
her. “Trying to win over Danielle by fighting for everything
man? Should I say you’re
there, Cicely’s composure returned. The chaos in
Still, the
where it
he laughed again. “It’s thanks to you I
Cicely, truly. Without you,
regrets in this life.
at me, or
laugh. How wonderful. Even
the rest of his life for Danielle.
who shamelessly
still supported her.
Ray was concerned, everything Danielle did
deserved.
“Take him away.”
like a curse, exploded again within her. It felt
been blown to pieces, leaving her bleeding
a smile, her expression transitioning from desolation
detachment.
she stared at the grain of the gray wooden floor,
unwavering trust and support for
I’m clearly outmatched,” she
by emotion, resigned to
a beat. So many people around, yet
intended for him alone.
was blaming him for not believing in her.
watching, so many people
the prejudice against her?
Ellis family, Cicely—was
in
span of a heartbeat, his eyes darkened,
retreating back with a chill
from the Department of Justice glanced awkwardly
Ellis, perhaps we should escort everyone out and investigate
that be
to say?” Patty strode over, snatched back
over, and hit play again, specifically for
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
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The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 2041-2050 .
In Chapter 2041-2050 of the The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride series, The passage describes a conflict between Chloe and Keira. Keira has hurt Chloe, and Lance Olson is caught in the middle. An old lady named Hannah observes the situation, and she wants to meet Chloe due to her good nature. However, there is a potential issue with her grandson's arrival......... Will this Chapter 2041-2050 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 2041-2050 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2041-2050