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.

seeing Cicely personally shopping for clothes and

kind

were enough to

had a thing for Mr. Diaz,

confession.

*

out of the café and rushed back to the office,

hour to wait for Seth to finish work –

departures.

sent Issac on his way, knowing she’d be

soon enough.

Seth was hammering away at the

He glanced up at her with a nonchalant

work?” Cicely flopped

fixed on the monitor, Seth asked blandly, “Didn’t you go

What’d you buy?”

out, weighing the truth. Telling this

off, she thought. “Just browsed a bit,

Was

the place was

guilty, “Who rushed out?

data entry, saved the file, and shut

dig, or will you

by his pressing

cheat on you? What could I possibly do that

to check

expression darkened, “If there’s nothing you could

you can’t tell

if you get all jealous and gobble me

there’s something you’ve done

still act like

died down. She couldn’t outplay

promise not to

snorted a laugh, standing up and moving closer to her. “I

to yourself. As you thought,

you up.”

“Eh?”

question when suddenly, she was swept

and into his arms.

what was happening, she kicked and struggled,

anything, what are

pretty obvious.” He kicked open the door to the

her into the bed.

think we should exercise some

wedding night.”

need

I’m not really looking forward

“Heh.”

chuckle, the man silenced her, and she

thoroughly at

kicked him weakly a couple

but her efforts feeble.

call came through, as if

up to take the call,

stay put and left

was drained, waiting obediently was not

and

leave, so she ambled over

used to working late

to mess with her.

league, but

employees’ feathers.

moment Cicely appeared, everyone sat up

smirked and scanned the

usually loitered around, wasn’t there,

today,” a programmer informed

every day she visited.

the wringer; sick and yet not daring to take a day

didn’t hear about him taking

many things she wasn’t aware

leave today. He might be marked absent

really hard. I’ll have a

cut Camden some slack.”

up a chair next

Seth for me. I need to take

her and sighed silently.While waiting for a coder to work his magic on her code, Cicely’s

checked it to find a text from Emiliana.

wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it

see it in

girl’s soft spot.

envy of another girl.

she

tomorrow night though.

was followed by a string

Enter title…

an eyebrow, [Tomorrow’s Friday.

take a look.]

[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2

[Sure. Dismissed.]

[Got it, your Highness.]

off, Emiliana had become

two girls had grown more familiar and comfortable with each

were no replies from Creighton and

folks just weren’t

turned her attention back

“Are we almost there?”

more minutes,

up her chin, bored. “Do you tech

drive to mess up someone’s system,

to steal trade

rare and targeted.

upgrading and reinforcing

those kinds of machines are too well-guarded for

computers

by Mr.

worries.”

if there’s corporate espionage, it must

job?”

but that’s a

“Right.”

“It’s ready, ma’am.”

“Huh?”

the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore

resemblance to Seth. The character was

and a stern, haughty expression,

Seth’s

this

“Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please go easy

ma’am.”

laughed out loud and said,

tech yielded his seat and showed her a few game commands.

threw punches with “pow, pow,

Seth could even swell

head off. It was

taking a hit.

for over half

office, suspecting she was causing chaos in

would have

the office space. The tech, whose seat she

a

the screen

“Ma’am.”

the

“Mr. Seth…”

pow, pow” continued. The office, which had been filled with the

fell silent, making

was off, she sensed a chilling presence behind

dark, ominous glare. The

intense she blinked rapidly.

at the screen, his voice icy, “Having

“Yeah.”

“Enjoying it?”

“Sorta.”

that sent shivers down her spine. “Should I thank

getting yourself so excited?”

speechless. This man had the nerve to make

comment in public.

arm, lifting her from her seat,

need, I’ve had my

hand tight against

when you’re this

everyone’s gaze, Seth whisked

of engineering department collectively exhaled

heavens!

*

car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth

just playing a game. Stop looking for

chuckle at Cicely’s scrunched-up

let the

some playground. They work

there distracting

had no comeback for that. “I was there to boost morale, and I realized

should consider

but now they

seem fair.”

really because you’re the bully. They’re just

You owe them that

gave her a sidelong

her neck, his voice teasing.

her breath, “Did you know Camden called in sick today?” A

to change

slightly, “And that

you to care for

turned to

Camden.”

“Sure.”

light. Charlie quickly

a good ten seconds before it was answered,

speaker crackling to life. “Hello, Charlie, is that

a tad frazzled, prompting Charlie to ask,

Camden? Something wrong?”

just that some emergency came up, and I didn’t have time

behalf of Mr.

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

directly.”

are with

have a minute to call and

stern voice cut

watched as Camden’s trembling voice

the

Mr. Diaz, it won’t happen again.

for a couple of days, and I was hoping

few more

Friday, and then it’s the weekend. You can’t make it

days?”

do it, that’s plenty. Thank

“Alright.”

hanging up, Cicely lounged back

be ten years older than you, and yet,

shaking like he’s about

paying his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread

when you lose your

the window at a couple of girls walking side

each with an ice cream

could have ice

Tomorrow, Emiliana.

for dinner tomorrow night.

Emiliana.”

will you be

out, so dinner,

be home before midnight for

the latest.

get to have a

providing you with a satisfying

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

choked unexpectedly.

this

if scalded by boiling water. Decency

most shameless

*

made a reservation at the restaurant Seth

was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally

reviews as well.

they spontaneously decided to catch a movie. The cinema was

blocks away from the restaurant. They bought a

them while taking a

were bustling with life. The square was crowded, and

their conversation revolved around Cicely’s upcoming

particularly focused on

bridesmaid, you. For groomsman, Issac’s a

groomsmen be Mr.

the merrier! If not,

bridesmaids.”

“You want

afraid if I actually suggest it, he might

he spoils you that

out a proud “Hmph,” “You just

passed by posters of movie stars,

glamorous than the last.

some fame by now, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, she

hat.

They grabbed their

on the promotional boards—several were talents under

Danielle at the studio today.

to be there,” Emiliana recalled,

the electronic posters.

much, “Considering it’s the

actors, bumping into each other

their costumes and crew today, so lavish. You can

it’s a top-notch production.”

he

Mr. Diaz’s favors

Cicely agreed

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

rest over the weekend. Let’s drop

about to

find

referring to, but she

She nodded and

nine o’clock. Cicely had called Issac, so as they

the cinema, they went straight

to

“Got it.”

*

over

her own access card. Leading Emiliana

floor, they headed for

astonished, “I thought we were

we

for the dress, but who knew he’d decide to

his office?”

man probably just wanted to corner

flicking

instantly bathed in brightness.

and even without Seth present,

help but feel tense.

and arrangement

ignored the little table next to the big desk.

plush cushion on the

mats.

Cicely cooped up in this place crossed her

couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

next to him at

any work done? I can’t imagine it. All

a deck of cards out of

“The affairs

am I supposed to do if not

got a point there.” Laughter brought tears

from the chair and hurled it

let’s see

waved her hands frantically, “No, no,

me the

Cicely moved to a concealed door in

Her expression froze for

going in…” Emiliana couldn’t wait

her words

a pause, she turned back with a mischievous wink. “You two got up

this afternoon,

a testament to their passionate

crept up Cicely’s ears.

the nail

a cabinet. She gasped. “Oh

over her mouth, scurrying to the center of the

dress was displayed, now illuminated under

stunning than it had

diamonds? I’m getting dizzy just

sleeves are

that veil, so

thread embroidery,

is just

reaction to the stunning bridal gown was

overstatement.

pride, “Did you expect anything less

you get the sneak peek

nodded, snapping a few high-resolution photos with

it at the wedding. You’re going to be

again, “Don’t share those pictures,

on the wedding day.”

dress, you must have

her a glare, “Are

shook her head, reluctant to leave the dress’s

it still

I’m out of

“Hey, wait for me…”

to leave, she couldn’t really stay all

and you’re already

it is.” Cicely grabbed her purse from the

annoyed.

“Late for what?”

wants me back

raised an eyebrow, “That

deeply, as if the curfew

Even if you are late, what’s Mr. Diaz gonna

little charm, perhaps flirt a little, and all’s well.

door, “I hope you get a boyfriend someday

a little’ to

just as Cicely was

gaze fixed on the display.

button herself, “What’s

on the top floor,

on.”

deep in

hit the button for the ground floor, then pulled out a compact

up her makeup. She had plans to drag

drink.

closed and the elevator began to

fifteenth floor, Cicely suddenly reached down

for the twelfth floor.

elevator halted almost

and Cicely stepped out just

glimpse of her retreating figure. “This is

floor!”

“Wait for me downstairs.”

couldn’t tell if

words.

Cicely, second only to Seth’s

– it housed

had been on the ground floor when she

should have remained

at the twelfth?

was home to

the making. The software was in the

sabotage

was no

something crucial behind and was coming back

would be one thing. Or maybe someone

The thought made Cicely scoff. Such

exist, could they? But if they did,

dark, not a

and down the hallway to the entrance of

Inside, the flash of a smartphone’s flashlight caught her

watched from a hidden angle

searching for something in

tightened Cicely’s chest with

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

company?

office?” The stranger sounded nervous, a muffled

with anger and urgency.

the Bluetooth earpiece,

they communicating with someone inside

Only Camden had a private office

tremulous voice on the phone that afternoon,

to realize something. That explained how the stranger

security badge.

the stranger something significant,

straight for Camden’s

path you gave

me, and you’ll be picking out a

That voice…

a tinge of recognition flashing in

suddenly merged with the pair of eyes

hospital door when she had picked up Danielle

at the center

the pieces of information started

that Ray dropped out of

a comeback or something

opted for the latter.

sudden no-show at work wasn’t due to a lack of time to call in

had threatened him with his son’s

gathering, Ray had vowed to make

was executing his sinister

software development was well-known within the

certainly could have. It was

to Diaz International. So, he chose the

program or destroy it. Then,

had worked for would come tumbling

Ray of today was clearly no different

face

to text Issac to

of the empty office

walls.

Cicely’s mind went blank.

face, and she

to shield her eyes from the glare

okay? When are you coming

Cicely’s face as she inhaled

me a moment more.

“Make it snappy.”

“Will do.”

and tucked it into her purse. Her

sheen of cold sweat.d2

always said we have a

Enter title…

calm, as if being caught in the

thing in the world

relax, offering a

him.

you in

all. It’s rare for

Ms. Cicely.

taking a moment before she

too bothered about

nearby desk, legs

didn’t blow my cover, does

perhaps strike a deal?”

for a beat, then burst into laughter. “So, you overheard what

Seth that day

deny, “Pure coincidence. I was just there to see Danielle

closed the distance between them, their conversation as casual

discussing the weather. “To be honest, our first

I might have misunderstood you. I

the romantic

his face mask, “Ms. Cicely, I

you hand over your phone? Just in case

and then I’d

reached into her purse to retrieve her phone.

button, the screen lit up, revealing

that had been lying

the moment the phone’s screen illuminated,

He checked the phone and saw no calls made,

not satisfied, he

tissues, bank cards, and other daily essentials

the

an eyebrow with a smirk,

here for the same reason as me today,

her fingers, her gaze fixed on the USB

head, “Not sure.”

“Hmm?”

face-to-face with Ray, her voice laced

knows that Seth is cold and aloof. The

Diaz

is no secret, and even though we’re

when he might leave me, so I thought, if I

so important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away.

mother favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him

no way for me

were set on Diaz

Diaz International to my name a few times,

the software development fails and the company

International would easily fall into my

to the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry.

to me; I

eyes on Ray who had

if your goals align with mine. I

software. Diaz International will then face a huge debt

company

start anew, I’m sorry, but

you

all your planning, you’ve left no room

and reap any benefits. Even if you do develop it

and he

be the best

her, his expression contemplative, then

be terrifying, willing

I’ve kidnapped Camden’s son;

back. Seth destroyed the most important thing to

the loss

International”

quick buck with

what’s the point of money? Better to obliterate

trailed off, his gaze on her,

behind this,

had

afraid of

of engineering Camden in my grasp

was a piece

“Exactly. No cameras, no evidence, no

me.”

grin

together?”

up and strode toward Camden’s office. Following her,

another access card to unlock 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 it

cool as a cucumber,

Ray.”

paused mid-air as he looked

just smiled. “If I’m going to sabotage, I’ll do it right.

that plain Jane

the lost files without breaking

your little exercise?”

face blanched. So Camden had a backup plan? Almost had him

we do,

“Destroy the computer itself.”

puzzled, asked, “Smash

a bit out of your

remains intact,

to recover the data more

was starting to panic. “Then what do we

drive he had placed aside, the one

flash drive is loaded with a

it’s in the system, it’ll

files

will be rendered useless.”

out of

of legendary hackers before. It wasn’t outside the realm

I trust

a better option? We’re both in too deep now. If I’m playing

you’d let me walk

and finally, through gritted teeth, decided

Cicely.

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

to get

computer as you claim, then it’s useless

an eyebrow but said

breath and inserted the flash drive into the port. The

then went black, showcasing

across the darkness.

halted, and five seconds later, the screen

black. The central unit ceased to hum, and even

light faded to

It worked.

a bit. She

it seemed there was no need

pressing the power button

for the monitor. She hadn’t fooled

up at Cicely, easily noticing the faint

indeed could drive people

a force

to meet his, raising

mind?”

Seth really did a number on you.

princess to this extent.”

tried the computer switch

on, and bent over to pull the flash drive

Diaz International could put up a fight,

of the Ellis Group shares. Worst case

of the Ellis’

a laugh as

is done, the rest is up to you. Take care of yourself.

your phone for now. Once I’m safely out

it by the fountain downstairs.

Cicely remained stone-faced.

the building, Cicely made her exit from

and Issac waiting

lot.

hurried over. “Cicely, you were gone for

was nearly spent from the standoff with Ray, and

pale face, “Nothing much. Where are you staying tonight?

have Issac drive you.”

pallor and realizing she wouldn’t get far

booked a hotel

You should head

careful

nodded, urging Cicely

leaned back,

happened?” Issac inquired.

and responded with a

“Didn’t you see anyone else

were downstairs?”

tensed. “Did you run into someone

“Ray.”

before coming to a stop on the side of the

to face her, his

shook her head. “I’m

in relief, restarted the car, and asked,

International?”

than he does. He was

program.”

hesitated for a moment. “So, did he succeed

“Well… Oh, right.”

up straight, retrieved her phone,

ten o’clock yet, and Joel’s phone was

about getting a call from Cicely.

flash drive you gave

crack the program?”

cracking program. That’s been on the back burner

suddenly asking about this?”

tremor in her voice betraying her panic. “I

really important files on it. Why is it on hold? Is

to crack?”

through the phone. Joel, who had

on his bed ready to play with

not that it’s too hard, just that other things

senior right now and see what’s

tears circling her eyes. “Don’t

what

“Okay, hold on.”

dashed to the landline to

decryption software came up, “We

difficult to solve, and then we put it on

projects. What happened?”

“The flash drive’s been used,

the files urgently. Can

“That urgent?”

hummed affirmatively, “Better if we

was silence on the other end before

eased a little as she wiped her

university? I’m coming, too.”

“Sure.”

her lip and sent a

a bit longer tonight. Don’t

pouting emoji and

heading to the

lips, “Miss, you won’t be any help there. Better

and wait for news.”

him.

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

Seth can’t reach you.”

“Understood.”

arrived at the university, Joel and his friend

after another.

Cicely with red-rimmed eyes and a look of

than to start working on

behind them, trying

with red eyes before, much

cry. “You really don’t need

this. Go home, take a

her head, gripping his arm, “I can’t, Joel…

do otherwise.” As she spoke, tears flooded

felt a mix of heartache and guilt, “Don’t

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

and try

was of no help, let Joel guide her

nearby seat.

*

the house when

yesterday, Seth had a

it and found that

had no clue where they were. Then they

son had vanished, and Mrs. Camden was taken while

son up from school. Camden was then

to see his wife and child

been 24 hours. Only now, Charlie

location – they’d been retrieved and were on

company.

receiving Cicely’s message and confirming

watch, Seth felt no urgency to

*

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

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

they threatened my son’s

darkened ominously.

“It was Ray.”

frosty, became glacial as

air to feel like ice. “And

took the company’s access cards,

path for our latest software

a chill run down

targeting Ray’s family without reason and then acting against

which was why he showed

family. So, he tossed Ray

did not pursue

hated Seth, but he didn’t expect him to

seem to know much about computers. If he

copied them, I still might be able to recover

expression only grew more severe at this.

paused, “He left after getting my

left the

scrambling behind.

*

floor, in Camden’s office, Charlie bent over

it up after several

a

fruitless. Frantically, he

access the first. Within minutes, his face drained of

like a

lacking Seth’s cool

Camden’s

he stammered, “Mr. Diaz, all its data

clean from that computer.”

the chill in his brow spreading like

voice was a cold snap threatening to fracture

you mean ‘all its data has been wiped

verge of passing out, stammered, “It’s all the fundamental

makes the computer operate,

a piece

closed his eyes in despair.

invested, all for

world’s most expensive junk.

his sides, clenched into fists as if

he didn’t know anything

lost. I remember he took a USB flash

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

not some amateur.”

glimpse of Seth’s

looked away, mumbling with his head down,

he could’ve done this on his own with his halfbaked

on his heel, “I’ll check the

would

with fear, added, “He had me erase the

stride halted,

his cheeks. “My son and wife

lives for the company. I’m just

firm, and I’m willing to

the line. It’s just not fair.

moment. Charlie watched his

still pond, eerily composed.

over?”

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

off,

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

next month… It

find Ray, see if

nodded eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he still has a backup.

find him fast

action and

*

his office, waiting for Charlie’s response.

become their only

school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her desk numerous times, her

uneasy. She had hoped it was all

her surroundings and the two busy figures

and helplessness welled up,

spent two years

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

him like that.

enough.

her and they could not get married, but she

look on his

by her side the whole time, pained to see her this way. As

stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and Joel’s

remaining one he placed

school cafeteria’s offerings were always the same – buns

his friend, having worked all night, didn’t stand on

their eyes

scent of the

pushed the

breakfast.”

at the bag, then her face

room, hand over

against the wall, heaving with

up.

water. After rinsing her mouth and quenching the churning

she settled

concerned, draped her dropped jacket

you to the hospital.”

her head, “I’m fine.

flowerbed, pulling the

the smell in there. Can you check

and weak, her voice

her to ask Joel about

be

give a definite timeline. Just tell her to hang

that it’ll work

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

to Cicely. Despite being

without getting a successful

looked up at the brightening sky, biting

he finds out the program

lose

he ever fails at something, he

he’s been working on

years.”

pained expression,

his life to be smooth. I don’t want him to

because of me.”

harshness of reality made Cicely’s

hung her head, tears falling, drop by

hand on her head, soothing

away from the flash drive. They’ll crack

don’t need to worry this much. Speak to him clearly, and

since you did it for his sake. Even if it’s

these programs are made by people. They

just a

comforting logic. She looked up,

is it?”

need to do now is get some good sleep,

at the

if he

starts.” Issac held her back as

sleep for two hours before going to the company. I booked

in the hotel next

and this time Issac

get some

to see Danielle. Danielle promised to

city that evening, so they ended up staying at

up early, ready to head back to the city

breakfast in their room and packed up, they

downstairs.

as they were about to walk out

by someone who appeared out

instinctive scream.

it’s me.”A familiar, anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped back

saw that it

at a startled Patty and quickly shook off

go

around and

it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I can’t expect you

the last thing I can do for you. I hope you get

wish you

noon to

him to meet you somewhere

was confused, “What are you talking about? Why can’t I

and why should I go see

out of time, I have to go. Just remember

as he spoke,

his cap down low, and

frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that

with the phone? Is there something important on

moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting

and

out

*

finishing his breakfast and taking a stroll outside, Creighton received a

Right off the bat, Patty’s

eardrums.

a piece of work! She’s so heartless and ruthless,

have her, nor would we dare.

to let her

him, Creighton wouldn’t

by belittling his daughter to nothing, and

into you this early in the morning? Where did Cicely

deserve such strong opinions?!”

did she wrong me?

think she wronged me?! Is she at home?

now. We’re

“Patty, Ray

Let’s ask them to meet

instead.”

to Diaz International?!

depend on his say-so.”

on the brink, it was understandable for Patty to be livid.

chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was palpable. “I

I had to be entangled

to

disaster!”

Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the driver.

and domineering demeanor,

her

*

and annoyed after being

Cicely to ask what was going on, but

still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to find

phone was off.

brow furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

phone was picked up quickly, and

you and Cicely

Seth paused, “No.”

did your mother just call me wanting to

worst?

at the company last

She was out with

I hope everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?

was

happened?”

pursed his lips, “I’ll contact

“Alright.”

unsettled, especially since Seth avoided talking

the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he

check on Diaz

*

had no intention of sleeping. No matter how

her eyes, so she just took a

and left the room.

door, and

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

to grab

Cicely shook her head.

longer insisted. They

company,

issue, Seth would

That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in

office?”

on her with

“In the

a hitch in Cicely’s heart.

expression, she muttered, “I’ll

him.”

accompanying her upstairs. The office

quiet on the weekend.

wait at the

pairs of eyes turned

seemingly in the middle of a

with him.

the

across

towards Seth, whose bloodshot

ferocity. “Sleep well

raspy to the extreme.

gripped the door handle tighter and after a brief silence, mustered

go home last

late…”

the night partying with Emiliana that

home?”

never wavered from her, each question sounding like an evasion

something else.

bit her lip and shook her head, “No, that’s

and he looked away. “As long

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

leave.”

at the chaos of the office.

something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut

did you even hear what we just told you,

dumb?”

deliberately sabotaged your two-year project!

data is gone, and the computer is trashed.

Diaz International might go under because of her.

woman!”

she turned to

did

pointed at her, her eyes red with

admits it and

however, stepped closer to Danielle,

did you know about the data

a crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck

eyes shook violently, and he abruptly stood

heard the commotion, burst through the door and

him.

in a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely. “What right do

you’ve

shameless!”

“Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet. Please

down.”

What more clarity do you need? Does this

pulling out a phone from her

after pressing something, tossed it onto the desk

Seth.

familiar voice began to play, its clarity

expression at the time:

that Seth is cold and aloof. The

and Diaz International, left to him by his father.

we’re set to marry,

might leave me, so I thought, if I could

to him, he wouldn’t just walk

favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set

no way for me to break in from

set on

mentioned transferring Diaz International to my name a few

that if the software development

Diaz International would easily fall into my hands.

Diaz International is small fry. Whether it fails

irrelevant to me; I just

this program. Diaz

bank loan issues, then the Ellis

fall into my hands.

proof of who did

Ray. If I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know a bit

a regular USB, any

the point

is infected with a virus I

computer, it will

computer’s operational data, resulting in both

hardware failure.”

voice was interspersed, but it no longer

of a

sudden. Instinctively, she looked towards Seth, who was also looking

from grim to mocking, and he even let out

“You’re quite something, obliterating

done a

head frantically and approached him, “It’s not like

away hers as she reached

herself on the nearby

what is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like

through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned

get your hands on

thought you were just being flippant, Cicely.

dull, and you can’t stand to look

it’s like pulling teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by

scurrying off to

deal with that,

on the recording would you

surveillance, I’d have no reason to suspect you.

There’s no surveillance,

to the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the floor,

It looked like she didn’t have to lift

Cicely was done for.

was spinning,

things on the recording, but none of it was true. I only said that

Ray.”

and turned to look at

seemed like he was thinking,

a

at that moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If it was just

the files onto a flash drive would have

he might get caught,

he was going to do it? Don’t you see

words?”

one sentence from Danielle

explanations.

eyes flickered, and when he looked up

Just as Cicely was about to bring up the

flash drive,

time, four uniformed officers stepped

quickly said, “You guys are from Department of Justice,

maliciously

and the evidence is irrefutable. Please

We’re preparing

slightly as he turned to look at Patty,

over to

the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot

panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing

suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury cresting.

streaming down his cheeks.

risk their lives for the

the firm, and I’m willing to do

on the line. It’s just not fair.

for a long moment. Charlie watched

as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would

over?”

a second. “It’s a six-month job.

ass off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

month… It was

find Ray, see if he has

right, right! Maybe

to find him fast before he

jolted into action and dashed

*

his office, waiting for Charlie’s response.

their

school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her

had hoped it was all

and the two busy figures

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.

blame her and they could not

look on

had been by her side the whole time, pained to see her this way. As

out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and Joel’s

remaining one he

always the same – buns

all night, didn’t stand on ceremony.

the buns without taking their eyes

hearty scent of the steamed

and Issac pushed the bag

breakfast.”

groggy, looked around, sniffed at the bag, then her

room, hand over her

Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving with

up.

After rinsing her mouth and

she settled

her dropped jacket over her

you to the hospital.”

shook her head, “I’m fine. Just

pulling the

the smell in there. Can you check on their progress

it?” Pale and weak, her voice barely

left her to ask Joel about the

but hopeful, “We should be able to

and modify, but we can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell

and that

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

back to Cicely. Despite being promised

getting a successful

brightening sky, biting her

do when he finds

pause, Issac replied, “He won’t lose it. He’s young but steady. Even

if he ever fails at something, he

“But he’s

years.”

expression, “Everyone

I don’t want him to face failure,

because of me.”

made Cicely’s heart ache with

tears falling, drop

hand on her head,

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

don’t need to worry this much. Speak

you did it for his sake.

programs are made

just a

mood steadied with Issac’s comforting logic. She looked up,

is it?”

to do now is get some good sleep, then explain

him at the

if he finds out.

work starts.” Issac

for two hours before going to

the hotel

this time Issac was insistent. She

to get

the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised to

that evening, so they ended up

up early, ready to head

their room and packed up,

downstairs.

walk out

by the arm by someone who appeared out of nowhere. She

instinctive scream.

anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped back

that it was

glanced at a startled Patty

go of

around and took out a cellphone from

handed it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I can’t expect you

the last thing I can do for you. I hope you

I wish you

International before noon to see Seth. If you want to

him, you can ask him to

are you talking

why should I

I have to

kept an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly

cap down

asked, “Who was that guy? All

phone? Is there

Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting

Patty and they walked down

it out in

*

his breakfast and taking a stroll

the bat,

eardrums.

a piece of work! She’s

can’t afford to have her, nor would we dare.

her marry

criticized him, Creighton

belittling his daughter to nothing, and Creighton’s temper

into you this early in the morning? Where did

deserve such strong opinions?!”

“Where did she wrong me? She nearly ruined

you think she wronged me?! Is she at home? If so,

right now. We’re going to settle this

“Patty, Ray advised us not

this morning. Let’s ask them

instead.”

go to Diaz International?! Since when does

depend on his say-so.”

on the brink, it was

chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was

yet I had to be entangled with her.

to drag Diaz

disaster!”

Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the driver. Danielle

domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to

her to

*

was left confused and annoyed

He wanted to call Cicely to ask

she might still be asleep. Instead, he

phone was off.

furrowed in

He immediately called Seth.

up quickly, and he

and Cicely have

Seth paused, “No.”

why did your mother just call me wanting to call off the

worst?

an issue at the company last night. I didn’t go home,

was out with

everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?

was a problem

happened?”

pursed his lips, “I’ll contact

“Alright.”

hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth

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

to check

*

No matter how uncomfortable

she just took a

and left the room.

at the door, and seeing

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

grab

Cicely shook her head.

insisted. They

company, they saw Charlie,

that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely

a weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in

office?”

his gaze locked on her with an unfamiliar blend

the Engineering

and terse reply caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed

expression,

him.”

Cicely this time, accompanying her

quiet on the weekend.

at the door while she pushed open

Three pairs of eyes

and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly

with him.

desk was in disarray, the computer tower and monitor now

strewn across

first glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers

well last night?” he asked, his

raspy to the extreme.

the door handle tighter and after

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

late…”

spent the night partying with Emiliana

home?”

gaze never wavered from her, each question sounding like

something else.

shook her head,

and he looked away.

behind my back, there’s no issue.

leave.”

at the chaos of the office.

Patty’s shrill voice suddenly

did you even hear what we just

dumb?”

your two-year project! Doesn’t

and the computer is trashed. All your efforts

Diaz International might go under because of her.

woman!”

to

her. “How did you know about

her, her eyes red with

admits it and you still don’t believe

closer to Danielle, her gaze

you know about the data

a crisp slap, Patty’s

violently, and he abruptly stood up from

through the

him.

a rage beyond control, glared at

you’ve done, you still act so

shameless!”

icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t

down.”

do you need?

mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag – the

pressing something, tossed it

Seth.

play, its clarity allowing one

expression at the time:

Seth is cold and aloof.

left to him by

and even though we’re set to marry, he’s

might leave

so important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware

to this day her desire to set him up with Danielle

no way for me to break in from his

set

mentioned transferring Diaz International to my name

the software development fails and the company

easily

Group, Diaz International is

is irrelevant to me; I

to completely destroy this program. Diaz International will

Ellis family will

fall into my hands.

proof of who did it. He has no reason to suspect

it thoroughly. I know a

a regular USB, any engineer here could recover

exactly. What’s the point of what you’re

USB is infected with a virus I had specially

it will automatically

resulting in

hardware failure.”

interspersed, but it no

a color to

Seth, who

to

quite something, obliterating even

done a thorough

shook her head frantically and approached him,

raised his hand, batting away hers as she

herself on the

is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like nails laced

through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more than

hands

you were just being flippant, Cicely. All

and you can’t stand to look at a

teeth, but

codes, always scurrying off to the engineering

with

on the recording would you say are

have no reason

wrong too. There’s no surveillance,

the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the

irony playing across her face. It looked like she didn’t have

Cicely was done for.

felt terrible, her head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I

on the recording, but none of it was true. I only said that

Ray.”

to look at her, his

him. It seemed like he

a

suddenly spoke up, “If it was just

flash

might get

do it? Don’t you see the

words?”

sentence from Danielle completely

explanations.

and when he looked up again, they had returned to

dark and cold state. Just as Cicely was about to

flash drive,

four

quickly said, “You guys are from Department of Justice, right? It’s

to maliciously destroy

evidence is irrefutable. Please

preparing to press

furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty, but Patty

phone over to one of

of Justice,’ Cicely’s head

panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing man

are you suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride

his cheeks. “My

risk their lives for the company. I’m

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

It’s just not fair. Why

moment. Charlie watched

pond, eerily composed. “How long

over?”

second. “It’s a six-month job. If

off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

next month… It was too

find Ray, see if he has a

eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he still has

find him fast

action and

*

whole night in his

become their

asleep at her

hoped it was

her surroundings and the two busy figures nearby

and helplessness welled up,

two years and a fortune on

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

like that. Just the

enough.

and they could not

on his

whole time, pained to see

he stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions

he placed before

cafeteria’s offerings were always the same –

and his friend, having worked all night, didn’t

on the buns without taking their eyes off their

the hearty scent

pushed the bag toward

breakfast.”

at the bag, then her

the room, hand over her mouth. Issac

leaned against the wall, heaving with

up.

rinsing her mouth and

she

concerned, draped her dropped jacket over her

you to the hospital.”

head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep

the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight

Can you check on their progress

weak, her voice

left her to ask Joel

should be able

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

and that it’ll work

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

back to Cicely. Despite being promised

her without getting a successful

at the brightening sky, biting

will do when he finds out the program

lose it. He’s young but steady. Even

like this, or if he ever fails

reddened again. “But he’s been

years.”

avoided her pained expression, “Everyone

to be smooth. I don’t want him to face

because of me.”

harshness of reality made Cicely’s heart ache with

her head, tears falling, drop

approached, gently placing a hand on her head, soothing her.

from the flash drive.

don’t need to worry this much. Speak

since you did it for his sake. Even

these programs are made

a matter

mood steadied with Issac’s comforting logic.

is it?”

is get some good sleep, then

at the

be worried if he

hours until work starts.” Issac held her back as she

before going

the hotel

and this time Issac was insistent. She acquiesced

get

the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised

studio city that evening, so they ended up staying at a

morning, they were up early, ready to head back

their room

downstairs.

walk out the

by someone who appeared out of nowhere. She let out

instinctive scream.

familiar, anxious voice rang out.

that it was

She glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook

“Let go of

around and

I really like

I can do for you. I hope

wish

Diaz International before noon

can ask him to meet you

“What are you talking about? Why

and why should I

have to go.

kept an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle

his cap down low,

scene, asked, “Who was

phone? Is

that moment, Patty’s driver approached, and

and

out in the

*

breakfast and taking a stroll outside,

Right off the bat, Patty’s shrill voice

eardrums.

of work! She’s so heartless

family can’t afford to have her, nor would

I will never agree to let her marry into the

just criticized him, Creighton

to nothing, and Creighton’s

the morning? Where did Cicely wrong

deserve such strong opinions?!”

did she wrong

think she wronged me?! Is she

International right now. We’re going

Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised

morning. Let’s ask them to meet us

instead.”

International?! Since when does

depend on his say-so.”

it was understandable for Patty to be

rage, her fury was palpable.

she was a curse, and yet I had to

but managed to drag Diaz International down first.

disaster!”

Patty almost roared at the

Patty’s raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to

her to

*

confused and annoyed after being yelled at

to call Cicely to ask what was going

might still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac,

phone was off.

brow furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

was picked up quickly, and he sounded

and Cicely have a

Seth paused, “No.”

mother just call

Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with

the company last night. I didn’t

was out with friends last

fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try? By

there was a problem

happened?”

“I’ll contact Cicely

“Alright.”

hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth

company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he

to check on Diaz

*

no intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she was,

so she just took a

and left the room.

had been waiting at the door, and seeing her like this,

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

to grab

Cicely shook her head.

insisted. They headed straight for Diaz

at the company, they saw

that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be

That was the logical

office?”

his gaze locked on her with

“In the

a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed her

and with a dim expression, she

him.”

followed Cicely this time, accompanying her upstairs.

quiet on the weekend.

Issac to wait at the door while she pushed open

pairs of eyes turned

seemingly in the

with him.

disarray, the

across the

Seth, whose bloodshot eyes

“Sleep well last

raspy to the extreme.

and after a

home

late…”

it because you spent the night

home?”

her, each

something else.

lip and shook her head,

looked away. “As

there’s no

leave.”

chaos of the office.

say something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through the air. “That’s

what we just told you, or are you deliberately

dumb?”

deliberately sabotaged your two-year project! Doesn’t this mess prove

gone, and the

go under

woman!”

frown deepened as she turned to Patty and Danielle, who was

did you

her, her eyes red with fury.

it and you still

however, stepped closer to Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m asking

know about the data

a crisp slap, Patty’s hand

he abruptly

the commotion, burst through

him.

a rage beyond control, glared

After what you’ve done, you still act

shameless!”

the situation isn’t clear

down.”

do you

mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag

something, tossed it

Seth.

voice began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the

expression at the time:

knows that Seth is cold and aloof. The most important

to him

even though we’re set to marry, he’s never said

don’t know when he might leave me, so I thought, if I could

important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away.

Danielle, and to this day her desire

was no way for me to break in from his mother, so

set on Diaz

transferring Diaz International to my name a few times, but

if the software development fails

easily

International is small fry.

value is irrelevant to me; I just want

destroy this program.

then the Ellis family

fall into my hands.

no proof of who did it.

I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly.

files with a regular USB, any engineer here could recover

point of what you’re

infected with a virus I

computer, it will automatically destroy

the computer’s operational data, resulting in

hardware failure.”

voice was interspersed, but it no longer

didn’t have much of a color to it, went completely pale all

towards Seth, who was also looking

eyes slowly morphing from grim to mocking, and

quite something, obliterating even the computer’s

done a thorough

shook her head frantically and approached him,

hand, batting away

steadying herself on

is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze

through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more

to get your hands on

thought you were just

everything dull, and you can’t stand to look at a single

if it’s like pulling teeth, but

always scurrying off to the engineering department.

deal with

words on the recording would you say are

I’d have no reason to suspect you.

There’s no surveillance, just

on a crack in the

face. It looked

Cicely was done for.

was spinning, and her

things on the recording, but none of it was true. I only

Ray.”

narrowed his eyes and turned to look at

It seemed like he was

for a way out for

Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If it was

the files onto a flash drive would have been enough. Why

him that he might get caught, and

it? Don’t you

words?”

sentence from Danielle

explanations.

when he looked up again, they had returned to

as Cicely was about to bring

flash drive, his look silenced

time, four uniformed officers stepped

from Department of Justice,

maliciously destroy

losses, and the evidence is irrefutable. Please

preparing

he turned to look at Patty, but Patty

phone over

Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot up,

as she looked towards the

me?” Seth caught the fear in her

the four figures before him. “The situation

investigated.”

suddenly shouted, her angry voice piercing through

is irrefutable, what’s

go soft just because this woman’s put on a meek

Diaz International into the ground?

me

glaring at Seth, “I’ve

probably knows just how cruel and

Enter title…

knitted together

lead agent from the Department of Justice

the matter hasn’t been

inquiry to ensure

Cicely is indeed innocent, we will

unharmed.”

filing a lawsuit against her immediately!” The malice

spread unchecked, her emotions and words spiraling

and tranquil as he looked

her eyes. “I don’t

nothing wrong, Seth. Only the tainted are taken there. I can’t bear to

and I wouldn’t do anything to

Ellis family.”

words were fearful and helpless, laden with desperate pleading. No

so terrified. Not Seth,

her for a long moment, taking in every facet of

he spoke slowly, his voice deep and chillingly calm, “You’re

been a misunderstanding.

with the motion.

to

to him; he

Seth’s face tight with tension. Finally,

pale cheek, he paused, turning

spoke again, his voice was like a sword

sharp.

on the spot. Her wide eyes stared

the tears that suddenly fell from her eyes,

a statue, rigid and

one day these words would pierce her

Cicely, let’s go,” the two Justice Department agents said,

side of her,

now utterly still, her gaze desolate except for

her face. She looked at

seemingly

blocking their path.

hope glinted

Ms. Cicely to cooperate

as Issac was about to speak, a deep and

with an investigation

away. Try taking her

sharply as she lifted her head

expression

indomitable authority.

“Mr. Ellis.”

a mask of fury,

this far? They’re a married couple. Since when does

intervene in

the chairman of the Ellis family,

to show some respect. But now that they had been assigned this case

exerting pressure, they couldn’t leave

hesitated, Charlie walked in. “Mr. Diaz, we’ve caught

bring him up here. Let him

demanded, unfazed

they’d been granted

bring the accused.

burst into laughter. “Ms. Cicely, we meet

huh? And to think,

believed Seth trusted

explanation, his words

Cicely.

and suddenly realized how

her. “Trying to win over Danielle

I say you’re devoted or just

composure returned. The chaos in

Still, the pain

it hurt. He glared at Cicely, but

to you I got this chance.

Ms. Cicely, truly. Without you, I couldn’t have caused

this life. I really should thank you, so

at me, or even

a cold laugh. How wonderful. Even now, he was willing

for Danielle. Even

woman who shamelessly clawed

still supported her.

Ray was concerned, everything Danielle did or wanted was right

deserved.

“Take him away.”

a curse, exploded again within her. It felt as though

to pieces, leaving her bleeding and broken.

into a smile, her expression transitioning from desolation to

detachment.

at the grain

yet distant. “Ray’s unwavering trust

I’m clearly

emotion, resigned

So many people around, yet

intended for him alone.

was blaming him for not believing in her. What good was his

so many people waiting? Could his

the prejudice against her?

family, Cicely—was she to be

in the

of a heartbeat, his eyes darkened, his jaw clenched, and

with a chill in

of

perhaps we should escort everyone out and

Would that be

there to say?” Patty strode over, snatched back the phone

play again,

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