The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2041-2050
Before he returned, Seth had found Cicely’s words in the car utterly baseless
and irrational.
What had he said to her? He told her not to be too greedy, and not to be so
fussy. He accused her of sentencing him to death without cause, of making a
fuss over nothing.
When she said she could forgive him even if he fooled her just once, he told her
she was living a lie, and it was meaningless.
What else did he say? He mentioned he needed to think about whether he really
liked Danielle and that maybe he could give it a shot with her.
Enter title…
The memory of Cicely standing at the car door with that panicked and helpless
look in her eyes resurfaced in his mind. A bitter taste suddenly rose in his throat,
and as Issac clasped his collar tightly, Seth’s hands clenched into whiteknuckled fists at his sides.
She had given him so many chances, even waited for him to deceive her.d2
Seeing Seth’s stricken expression, Issac, regardless of his own raging anger,
realized he had to step out of their world. Issac let go, stepped back,
straightened his clothes, and left the bedroom.
The room fell silent.
Seth gazed at her for a long moment before slowly approaching her. “Why didn’t
you say anything?”
Cicely looked sideways at the slight gap left by the closet door not being
properly shut. “I guess I felt it would be too dramatic to say it out loud. Besides,
what’s done is done. Speaking about it won’t change anything. Why humiliate
myself further?” She threw his earlier words back at him.
“I’m sorry.”
A flicker passed through Cicely’s eyes as she slowly turned to meet his gaze.
“The last thing I wanted to hear was an apology because I really don’t want to
tell you it’s okay. It’s all so trivial, confirming indeed that you messed up, and it
doesn’t undo what’s happened.”
Seth watched her silently, as if waiting for her to vent all the pent-up resentment
in her heart.
Cicely took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and when she opened them again,
she looked at him with a faint laugh, “Am I being unreasonably stubborn again?
Are you always right, and everything I say is just adding to my mistakes?”
As she spoke, she glanced casually at the digital clock on the table, then
lowered her eyes, concealing the turmoil behind them, and spoke indifferently.
“I’m going downstairs to join Grandpa and Dad for New Year’s Eve.”
Seth stepped forward, “I’ll carry you down.”
Cicely turned her head away, her posture as she sat waiting for him to carry her
was notably stiff and unwelcoming.
Seth bent down, his long arm sweeping under the bend of her legs, his voice
low and dim as he spoke. “I didn’t go to the hospital.”
Cicely wrapped her arms around his neck to avoid falling. She didn’t respond.
Seth lifted her up and headed for the door, continuing, “Because I seriously
violated traffic laws.”
A sardonic smile played on Cicely’s lips. She had seen it all before.
“U-turning on the overpass, driving the wrong way, crossing the median. I got
detained, and had to pay a 200 dollar fine.”
Cicely’s brows twitched, and she looked up at him. “What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing much, just I deserved paying my fine for leaving you there.”
Cicely pulled a wry smile, “Don’t shift the blame to me. I’m not the one who
made you lose points or pay a fine.”
Seth cast a glance down at her, stopping by the stairwell wall to carefully set her
down.
Cicely frowned, looking at him with her injured foot raised. “Do you think now
that Issac is gone, you’re the only option I have to get downstairs?”
Seth grasped her waist and leaned in close, his back slightly bending to meet
her forehead, his voice carrying a hint of hurt as he reiterated, “I didn’t go to the
hospital.”
Cicely’s eyelids flickered slightly. She was once again struck by how deviously
manipulative this man could be. He was actually playing the victim and acting
hurt, and she was amazed he had it in him.
“Not going to the hospital is a regret? I never stopped you from the beginning,
so there’s no need to feel hurt with me, and you won’t gain anything.”
Seth’s grip tightened slightly, his voice deep and husky, “Do you really have to
play dumb with me?”
Cicely’s frown deepened, “While wasting time with me here, aren’t you afraid
Danielle might actually drop dead in the hospital without seeing you?”
Anger began to cloud Seth’s eyes, his emotions turning murky. “You don’t have
to say such nasty things.” His breath lowered, “That was not very wise to make
you into someone you are not because of her.”
Cicely chuckled lightly, “Perhaps the truth is harsh. What’s the point of living a
lie?”
Seth’s eyes darkened further, a flash of sharpness passing through, quickly
suppressed. “I shouldn’t have said those things in the car. I didn’t go to the
hospital, I never considered liking her, and I wasn’t really planning to try with
her. Stop using those words against me, okay? They were wrong. It’s my
mistake.”
His current attitude gave Cicely an illusion, that to continue arguing with him
seemed pointless. It made her feel even more like a petty, vindictive shrew.
But if he admitted he was wrong, did that mean the pain those words caused
could be completely erased?
She closed her eyes, pushing down the sadness in her heart.
Her slightly pursed lips were seized by his cool ones, gently probbing, “The
countdown is about to start. Even if you don’t forgive me, can we leave this
behind? Let’s welcome the new year together, okay?”
Leaving this in the past year and starting anew the next?
Cicely was carried downstairs by Seth, and both Erik and Creighton looked a bit
weary. It wasn’t common for people their age to stay up for New Year’s Eve, so it
must have been tough for them to hold out until now.
However, seeing Cicely seemed to invigorate them. “Let’s hurry, the countdown
is about to begin. Let’s go outside for the fireworks.”
The TV show was also gearing up for the New Year’s countdown.
Seth wrapped Cicely in a blanket and a warm down coat before carrying her
outside.
In the yard, Brody and a few men had already set up the fireworks, ready to be
ignited at the right moment.
The TV in the living room was turned up to the loudest volume, the thrilling voice
counting down second by second.
“Ten, nine, eight…”
“Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!”
The final second ticked by, and the fireworks in the backyard ignited, shooting
into the sky with a cacophony of whistles and pops. They exploded in a dazzling
array of colors, painting the night with their brilliance.
Amidst the festive clamor, Cicely thought she heard Seth’s voice near her ear.
She paused, turning to look at him with a puzzled expression, “What did you just
say?”
Seth looked down at her, his dark eyes reflecting the colorful lights from the
distant fireworks.
A faint smile played on his lips, and the icy look in his eyes seemed to melt
away as he gazed intensely at her, then leaned down to gently peck her lips.
“Happy New Year.”
Cicely’s eyes flickered with a hint of subtle disappointment, but it was fleeting.
She looked back up at the sky and replied softly—
“Happy New Year.”
*
Happy New Year.
There was the new year, but joy seemed absent.
Cicely’s winter break was marred by a foot injury that set her back over twenty
days.
Even so, even after a spat they had on New Year’s Day, Seth, upon returning to
work from his holiday, still bombarded her with a flurry of company emails. He’s
determined as ever.
Bored at home, Cicely read a couple out of the ten emails and then spent her
time tucked in a corner of the living room, piecing together a castle from a set of
building blocks she’d bought.
Seth came home several times to check on her progress, and finding it wanting,
he went straight to Creighton with his complaints.
Creighton could hardly contain his bemusement as he pointed at her, and from
then on, he took it upon himself to supervise her. Even as she sat in the corner
building her castle, Creighton would drill her on the company’s history, the
famous projects they’d pushed forward, their progress, outcomes, and the
comprehensive reasons behind their inception.
Cicely’s head spun with the daily analysis. She chewed Seth out in her mind
while stacking blocks—a grown man, tattling, of all things.
Danielle’s condition was not dire. The checkup revealed minor issues but
nothing significantly worrisome, only a slight delay in her recovery.
Seth still visited her occasionally, accompanying her to the hospital when it was
time for her bandages to be changed. He even went so far as to bring in a
renowned rehabilitation specialist from abroad. The Ellis family also extended
their utmost support.
Whether Danielle was spurred by some unseen motivation, her cooperation with
the therapy was surprisingly zealous, and her recovery progressed remarkably.
After New Year’s Eve, Cicely stopped bringing up Danielle. It didn’t matter if
Seth visited the hospital, arranged for experts for Danielle, or ensured someone
was always there to watch over her. Sometimes, Seth wondered if he was
uncomfortable with a life too tranquil.
Cicely fought with him over Danielle, and he was dissatisfied. Now that she no
longer made a fuss, he was still displeased.
He felt Cicely did not really care about what he did. It’s like as long as he was
there in the end, she could tolerate anything he did. He did not like this feeling.
Once Cicely’s foot was nearly healed, Seth brought her back to his side. He
personally drove her to the office, ensuring she stayed within his sight, whether
she was playing or dozing off from boredom.
He had even set up a desk for her in his office at Diaz International, right next to
his own. Her desk was smaller, a bit shorter than his, and whenever he brought
her there, her petite figure seated beside him exuded an air of endearing
obedience that he found quite pleasing.
Aside from work, she took an interest in almost anything. Her desk soon
became cluttered with little trinkets, including some on his desk—everything she
deemed unsightly was replaced with items she favored. He let her be.
The progress on their wedding home was on track for completion in two months.
Wedding planners had begun to consult with Cicely on the details, and she
spent her days in front of the computer in discussion. Every now and then, she
sought Seth’s opinion, which he occasionally provided with superficial
consideration. Eventually, Cicely found his advice lacking and stopped asking.
The venue was set in P City’s largest church, a testament to the Ellis family’s
penchant for indulging their loved ones. The church was funded and built by the
Ellis family over a decade ago, as a gesture of goodwill and safety for their
daughter who had married abroad.
The hotel was the most luxurious one in P City.
Just the selection of these two sites had made Cicely’s wedding preparations
the talk of the town, with everyone eagerly anticipating the event.
Cicely had become quite the busy bee, taking on some of the Ellis Group’s less
crucial matters since Seth had oddly entrusted her with them.
Though reluctant, she had picked up a few things, and she was getting to know
the company’s leadership quite well.
But life in the Ellis Group always came with its share of troubles, so she
preferred spending her time at Diaz International. Lounging idly there was
easier, as there was no need for her to get involved in company affairs.
Seth never hid anything from her. So, when she overheard Seth mentioning a
software project that had been in preparation since last year, requiring a
substantial investment and loan arrangements with the bank, curiosity got the
better of her. “What kind of software development requires such a huge sum?
What field is it in, and are you confident about it?”
Seth replied coolly, “Sixty percent confident.”
Developing the software was one thing, and market adaptability was another. If
it couldn’t seamlessly integrate into the market, failure was the only path that
awaited him.
Cicely frowned, clearly puzzled. “The Ellis Group has been dragging on that
mechanical construction project until now, and you know my dad has been
holding onto it for you. You pass up a project that’s practically handing money to
you to chase a new development you’re not entirely sure of. Two years of
preparation, and you’re only sixty percent confident now.”
“You want to prove yourself, to claim your dignity, not to play second fiddle to the
Ellis family. C&P has already succeeded, and now you’re the one calling the
shots at the Ellis Group , with notable results. Now who would dare to speak ill
of you? People are falling over themselves to get in with the Ellis Group . So
why does it seem like you’re the only one running in the opposite direction?”
Seth’s face was stern, his voice low and serious, “I’m not avoiding the Ellis
family. This project was something I intended to pursue from the start,
regardless of whether the Ellis family extended an olive branch or not.”
Cicely took a deep breath, “But what if it fails? What will become of Diaz
International? Seth, why not let Diaz International take shelter under the Ellis
Group’s wing? They can invest in your development project.”
Seth pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly irritated by Cicely’s suggestion, “I
don’t need it. If I truly fail, then the Ellis Group can consider taking over Diaz
International without any resistance.” To acquire a shell of a company would be
a piece of cake, wouldn’t it?
“Even if the Ellis Group did take over Diaz International, it would be for the good
of Diaz International.”
Seth inhaled deeply, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Aren’t you busy planning
a wedding? That should be more important to you right now.”Cicely watched as Diaz International began to buzz with activity. The newly
established Engineering Department was already in full swing with a senior
engineer at the helm. It was apparent that Seth had been planning for this
moment for years, with a team ready to hit the ground running.
She knew that the best way she could support him was to stand back and let
him take the reins, even though she wished she could do more to help.
Opportunities for her to get involved were just scarce.
On a quiet afternoon, Cicely took a stroll through the Engineering Department,
where the team—dressed in their plaid shirts and casual blazers—worked
diligently. They were the epitome of understated brilliance, their fingers dancing
Enter title…
across keyboards as screens filled with cryptic code that Cicely couldn’t begin to
decipher.
Her impending marriage to the head honcho of Diaz International was no secret
in P City, so her presence in the department went largely unremarked. The
place was abuzz with rumors of her being a pampered lady, hardly a tech wiz,
making the complex code on screen all the more alien to her.
The department manager, Camden, a tall and lean man sporting a slick suit and
a confident air, made sure to greet her with a touch of charm. His humor and wit
were a breath of fresh air in the otherwise grave environment, making him the
darling of the coding engineers.
“Ms. Cicely, here for an inspection, are we?” Camden quipped with a grin, as
Cicely casually scanned the rows of computers, humming thoughtfully.d2
“Do you have any instructions for us, Ms. Cicely?” Camden asked, following her
gaze to the screens full of incomprehensible code.
Cicely glanced at him and then at a nearby workstation. “How are other people,
like me, supposed to make sense of all this code?” she inquired.
With a knowing smile, Camden nodded to the engineer at the desk, “Show our
future Mrs. Diaz what we can do.”
The engineer swiftly switched screens and within moments, following a flurry of
keystrokes and one final resounding press of the Enter key, a simple animation
graced the monitor. A white kitten, lollipop in paw, bounced across the screen
under the twinkling words “Wishing Mr. Diaz and Mrs. Diaz a lifetime of
happiness.” The animation was simple, but the speed with which it was created
impressed Cicely
“The code may be difficult to understand, but the result is clear enough,”
Camden remarked with a smile.
Cicely nodded, genuinely impressed. “You guys really are quite something.”
“Thank you for the compliment, ma’am.” Camden replied.
After Cicely left the department, she immediately started Googling introductory
courses in engineering.
Later, Seth returned from a meeting to find Cicely squinting at her computer
screen with such intensity, he teased, “Planning on going blind?”
Cicely shot him a sidelong glance and continued her focus on the screen.
“Meeting over, huh?” she replied nonchalantly, eliciting a frown from Seth who
took a glimpse at her screen and saw the C programming language. “Why are
you looking at this?” he asked, puzzled.
Cicely replied with newfound interest, “It’s fascinating. I visited the Engineering
Department today, and they whipped up an animation for me in minutes. It
seemed magical.”
Seth chuckled, “You won’t get it. You might as well give up.”
Cicely glared at him but didn’t persist, although she wasn’t ready to give up just
yet. A few days of learning and the novelty could wear off, but she wasn’t about
to guarantee anything to Seth.
To Seth’s surprise, Cicely’s persistence outlasted his expectations. For a week
straight, she devoted herself to mastering C programming language, bringing
her books to the office and frequently visiting the Engineering Department. She
was scarcely seen except for lunch and at the end of the day.
Her casual approach to college, where she was known as the little princess of P
City, seemed to work in her favor as no one expected her to fail. The campus
had become more of a hobby, with occasional visits to maintain appearances.
During one of those visits, Joel struck up a conversation about coding, and
Cicely, now with a bit of coding knowledge and confidence, admitted she was
studying it too. Joel invited her to join a club at school run by a senior who was a
programming whiz.
[Does he have the patience for it?] she typed back to him, aware of the slight
irritation she had been causing at the Engineering Department.
[Of course, and you’ve got me, right?] Joel assured her.
[Fine, I’ll check it out tomorrow,] Cicely agreed with a sigh.
…
The next day, Camden and a few engineers couldn’t help but suppress their
excitement when they realized Cicely wasn’t accompanying Seth to work.
Camden cautiously asked Seth about her whereabouts.
“She’s at school,” Seth replied casually, and Camden’s mood lifted slightly.
Perhaps having Mrs. Diaz around wasn’t so bad after all—it meant no overtime
work for them.
Without hesitation, Cicely joined the club Joel had mentioned. It turned out Joel
had learned more than she had, and he patiently tutored her through the basics.
Before the after-school club wrapped up, Joel casually handed Cicely a USB
drive, given her noticeable dedication to studying these past few days, he
couldn’t resist asking:
“Why are you suddenly interested in coding?”
Cicely toyed with the drive in her hand, replying nonchalantly, “Just seems cool
and interesting. Seth’s working on a new project, and I figured I might be able to
help him out if I learn a bit.”
Joel’s eyes darkened slightly, then he let out a resigned sigh, “Since it’s software
development, it’s probably all advanced code. We’re talking a good three to five
years before we’re at that level.”
Cicely didn’t seem bothered, “Knowing a little is better than nothing. At least I’ll
understand what they’re talking about.”
After thinking for a moment, Joel nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, Cicely lifted the USB drive, “What’s this for?”
Joel then remembered, “Well, that’s got a program I developed with a friend.”
Cicely uttered an acknowledgement, about to plug the drive into a computer,
“Let’s see what it’s about.”
Joel quickly restrained her wrist, “Wait a second.”
“What’s up?”
Joel explained, “It’s a blank drive. The program code is embedded within. It’s a
virus. You can’t see it.”
Cicely’s mouth hung open in surprise, “A virus? So what happens when you
plug it into a computer? Does it just die?”
He nodded and then shook his head, “The drive has a huge capacity. Once you
plug it in, it’ll automatically back up all the stored files on the computer at
lightning speed. Once it’s done copying, the computer will crash.”
Cicely looked repulsed, “Then how do you use it? Even if you copy the files,
what will hold them for extraction?”
This seemed to be Joel’s pride and joy. The usually modest and polite boy now
displayed an unmistakable air of satisfaction. “The ‘virus’ will only spread to one
computer. On the second machine, it acts like a normal USB drive, but the files
are hidden and need to be cracked to show up.”
Cicely found this intriguing, “Is this to prevent corporate espionage?”
“That’s the idea if you have a specific target.”
Cicely shook her head, “Sounds complicated. Where’s the decryption code?”
Joel shook his head, “Still working on it. It needs time.”
“So why give it to me? It’s useless to me right now.”
“I wanted you to have a piece of my achievement, as a keepsake.”
Cicely raised an eyebrow and slipped the drive into her bag. “Make sure to send
me the cracked version when it’s ready.”
“Of course.”
*
Dusk had settled. The two chatted as they made their way toward the school
gates. “Did you arrange a ride? I can drive you home if not.”
“No, it’s fine. Seth said he’d pick me up.” Cicely hadn’t finished her sentence
when someone bumped into her shoulder, causing her bag to fall and her to
stagger, but Joel quickly steadied her.
“Sorry.” The person mumbled an apology. Cicely wasn’t one to hold a grudge,
but before she could regain her balance, Joel stepped in front of her,
protectively moving her behind him.
Cicely, puzzled, peeked around and saw Ray, whom she hadn’t seen in a while.
Ray seemed to recognize them too. His gaze lingered on Cicely before he let
out a sardonic laugh, “Ms. Cicely, aside from everything else,
there is something destined between us, right?”
Ray looked haggard, the once polished young guy now appeared disheveled.
His long hair was carelessly styled, and his chin sported a patch of stubble. His
clothes were wrinkled. It was clear he was trying to maintain his image, but the
effort only made his disarray more evident.
Although Cicely was almost raped by him, given the whole story and what lay
behind it, she actually felt Ray had been dealt a raw deal.
With his penis ruined and hiss family fortune lost, Ray’s current state evoked a
twinge of pity from Cicely.
“Mr. Ray, I assume there’s nothing else?” Joel interrupted, wary of Ray’s attempt
to converse with Cicely.
Ray’s laugh held a hint of scorn, “No. The Ellis family’s darling is loved by all, I
hear. You’re getting married in a month, I guess congratulations are in order.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked towards the school
entrance.
As they watched Ray disappear into the distance, Joel finally relaxed, turning to
Cicely. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. You had me covered.”
Joel bent down to pick up her bag, dusted it off, and handed it back to her. “Talk
about bad luck, I thought you wouldn’t see him at school. And yet, here we are,
running into him on the last day.”
Cicely took her bag, her voice tinged with confusion, “Last day?”
“Ray came to school today to drop out. With everything that happened at home,
and it’s probably best he leaves, given how he’d be treated here.”
Joel left the sentence hanging, but Cicely understood what he meant. “I see,”
she responded flatly, “I guess that makes sense.”
“Now his family is just him, and those who used to flock around are now
avoiding him. I heard he sold off his properties a few days ago, not sure what he
plans to do.”
Cicely paused, “Sold them?”
“Yeah.” Joel nodded, “There are plenty of rich kids around here; a few bought
from him. If he’s planning to use that money to make a comeback, that’s great.
But there’s the fear he might do something drastic. I heard he had a serious
clash with Seth not too long ago. You might want to warn him to be careful.”
Cicely’s expression grew somber.
At the school gate, a familiar luxury car with its hazard lights flashing was
waiting. The understated, yet imposing black sedan was boldly parked right at
the entrance. Clusters of students leaving the school cast curious glances its
way.
Cicely recognized the car immediately. She stopped and turned to bid Joel
farewell. The silent vehicle suddenly sprang to life as Seth emerged, dressed
sharply in a suit, his demeanor austere, drawing murmurs from the onlookers.
Nobody could mistake him. In the hallowed halls of the prestigious academy, it
was rare to find a young prodigy who, even before donning their graduation cap,
had already carved out a substantial niche in the elite echelons of the business
world. He was a legend whispered about in the corridors and classrooms, his
name synonymous with success and mystery.
His visits to campus were infrequent, his presence more myth than man to most
of the students. Thus, when he did appear, it was as if a celebrity had walked
among them, causing a stir of excitement and awe.
Cicely was mid-farewell with Joel when a sudden chorus of animated whispers
erupted around her. A gaggle of girls huddled by the nearby school monument,
their excitement bubbling over as they bounced in place, their voices a mix of
disbelief and delight.
Was all this fanfare really necessary?
She turned slightly, casting her gaze back to Seth. Well, perhaps the fuss was
justified.
Just right now, his expression was less than pleasant. His brows were furrowed
in a frown, his stance aloof, as if the weight of his glare could be felt from a
distance, cold and as deep as an abyss.
Cicely belatedly pieced together the puzzle. Right, that man had a minor clash
with Joel before.
Joel had been kind enough to part with friendly advice, cautioning her to warn
Seth to beware of a certain Ray. Comparing their temperaments, Seth’s current
demeanor seemed rather off-putting.
“Alright, I should head back. Take care on your way,” Cicely said, choosing not
to provoke him further despite her lack of enthusiasm for his attitude.
Joel replied with a smile, nodding. “You too, and remember, if you run into any
trouble, just give me a shout. I’m here for you.”
“Will do.”
They exchanged smiles and waved goodbye, but Seth’s expression only soured
further.
It wasn’t until Cicely approached him, seeing the stern cast of his face up close,
that she felt a mix of irritation and amusement bubble up. “Who got under your
skin?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.Seth shot Cicely a frosty glance, “How come you’re hanging out with him?”
Cicely replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world, “We’re in the same
class and part of the same club. Isn’t it pretty normal for us to hang out?”
Seth turned and opened the passenger door. As Cicely bent to get in, Seth
grabbed her arm. “What club are you talking about?”
“Uh, the coding and programming club.”
Seth narrowed his dark eyes, “Still can’t shake off this hobby, huh? It’s been
quite a while. How come the enthusiasm hasn’t faded?”
Enter title…
Cicely smiled, her eyes curving, “I’m surprised myself that I’ve stuck with it for so
long. Who knows? In a few years, you might be offering me a high salary to
work for you. Let go. You’re hurting me.”d2
Seth released her arm with a snort and a chuckle, “I bet you haven’t written that
many lines of code. If a corporate spy got their hands on you for a little
interrogation, I doubt it would take two minutes before you’d spill all my secrets.”
The smile vanished from Cicely’s eyes. Glaring at Seth, she retorted,
“Underestimate me? I could last five minutes, at least.”
“Heh,” he couldn’t help but laugh softly, his lips curling. “Get in the car.”
Cicely huffed and slid into the seat.
As soon as the car started, Cicely began to recount her recent run-in with Ray.
Seth hit the brakes, glanced at her, then eased off again.
“I’m fine. Joel was there too, didn’t even get a chance to exchange words with
him.”
Seth’s lips tightened slightly.
“Ray was at school today to drop out. I heard he’s sold off several of his
properties, too. Joel’s worried he might do something drastic again, especially
towards you…”
“Can’t you speak without bringing up Joel?” Seth’s voice was heavy with
displeasure, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Cicely paused, “Of course, that’s what I think too.”
The car sped up, taking Cicely straight to her apartment.
*
With just a month until the wedding, July was shaping up to be the happiest
month of Cicely’s life. Her birthday, her marriage anniversary, and her wedding
day were all coming up.
Her wedding dress had been custom-made by a designer Seth had flown in
from France a couple of months ago. It was due to arrive any day now. The
jewelry was specially ordered by Creighton from Belgium.
The wedding home was finished, decorated under Cicely’s meticulous
supervision, with every detail personally designed and arranged by her. After all,
it was where she and Seth would spend their lives together.
Some custom furniture was still due to arrive, but that too would be sorted out in
the next couple of days. Seth was so worried about her overdoing it, and he had
carried her back from the wedding house several times.
He had scolded her in various ways. She had pleaded for mercy, and Seth had
believed her, for a while. But she would dare to do it again next time.
The last time was just the day before when she received a call from the
renovation company saying that the custom furniture had arrived and needed
her direction for placement. She was about to leave when Seth pressed her to
the bed, leaving her weak and unable to get up until the next day.
After the Seth’s threats in bed, she was scared out of her wits, swearing she
wouldn’t dare again. Now, recalling their shameless romp, she didn’t even have
the courage to face people outside. Cicely chewed Seth out a countless number
of times alone in her room for being a brute.
Seth had Charlie take over the finishing touches on the renovation.
The third day before noon, Seth called Cicely to Diaz International.
Desperate to get out, Cicely got ready as quickly as she could, digging out
summer clothes that would cover her up as much as possible.
Black slim pants, and a white ruffled silk blouse – she was wrapped up tight.
Just stepping out of the car downstairs, Seth’s call came through. “Where are
you?”
“Downstairs at the company.”
“Wait there, I’ll come down and take you to lunch.”
“Okay.”
Seth raised an eyebrow at Cicely’s outfit today. He’d never seen her dressed like
this before. She looked like a delicate girl who somehow managed to pull off the
look of a professional woman.
“Aren’t you hot?” he quipped, noting her long sleeves and pants, which seemed
out of place in the summer heat.
Cicely shot him a glance, “Whose fault is that?”
Seth caught on instantly and chuckled lowly, wrapping his arm around her waist
as they left the building.
The lunch venue showed he had put in some effort, and the food was decent.
“You didn’t call me out just because you found this nice restaurant, did you?”
“No. I’ve got a surprise for you this afternoon.”
Cicely raised an eyebrow, asking a somewhat silly question, “What kind of
surprise?”
Seth just looked at her, saying nothing.
Cicely didn’t press further. A surprise wouldn’t be a surprise if it was revealed
ahead of time.
After lunch, Cicely leisurely savored her cake, taking in the tastefully decorated
restaurant. She was quite pleased until she noticed Seth checking his watch for
the third time, deflating her mood. “Do you have urgent work?”
Looking up at her, Seth’s gaze was calm and serious, “She’s being discharged
from the hospital today.”
Cicely paused, remembering her father mentioning this the day before, which
she had forgotten.
Swallowing the last bite of cake, she casually remarked, “Well, let’s go then.”
Seth’s eyes followed her hand as it rested on the fork beside her, his
unfathomable dark eyes briefly betraying an indiscernible emotion. “Finished?”
“Yes.”
Standing up, Seth said, “Then let’s go.”
Cicely took her time drinking some water, then slowly rose to her feet, flashing
Seth a smile as she approached him. He took her hand, and they left together.
“Did you finalize the script you’ve prepared for her?”
“Mhm.” Seth buckled her up with straightforward honesty, “It’s C&P’s big feature
this year.”
“But the script you picked for Emiliana wasn’t from C&P, and she even won an
award for that role. Big features aren’t exclusive to C&P, you know.”
Cicely turned to look at the man whose expression was a bit tense. Her smile
deepened, “Remember our deal, okay? Once she’s discharged, you promised
her a role in a show, and then you’re free of any entanglement.”
“Understood.”
Cicely didn’t say much more. She had been holding back until now, just one step
away from the outcome.
At this point, there really wasn’t any need for words or actions. It should all go
smoothly.
Danielle got discharged, and started filming. Cicely would marry Seth, and they
would announce it to the world.
Everyone would be happy, square and fair.
＊
At the hospital, everyone was there. Erik, Creighton, and Patty.
Everything was packed up. It seemed they were just waiting for them, or rather,
for Seth alone.
Danielle was dressed in a plain, ankle-length dress, revealing a stretch of her
slender, pale leg, moving as gracefully as before.
When Seth arrived, Patty finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright, let’s head
home. I can’t stand another second in this hospital.”
Cicely was holding a bouquet of flowers, but seeing Danielle, she didn’t seem
inclined to hand them over. Instead, she just raised an eyebrow and smiled
faintly, “Congratulations on your recovery.”
Seth stepped forward, handing over a folder to Danielle. “The promise I made to
you.”
Danielle took it, flipped through it, and found a script. Her grip tightened
suddenly, and looking up with a laugh, her eyes began to fill with tears. “Are you
that eager to be rid of me? I haven’t even left the hospital, and you’re already
looking to sever ties?”
Seth’s face was impassive, “A discharge gift.”
Danielle bit her lip hard.
Patty quickly came to soothe Danielle, glaring at Seth, “Couldn’t you have
picked a better time to give this to her?”
“Sooner or later it had to happen. She knows it well. Filming starts next month.
You’re the lead actress. Be prepared.”
Danielle’s tears fell in drops, infuriating Patty to the point of clenching her teeth,
“You…”
Suddenly, Creighton spoke up with a stern voice, “Enough! If you want a role,
the Ellis family has plenty of resources to help you. We all knew what you were
thinking when you made that deal with Seth. Having agreed to it has already
granted you significant favor. Now that we’re simply fulfilling a promise, do you
still expect to choose a time that suits you?”
“And what time would that be, to your liking?”
Cicely was taken aback; her father seemed unusually firm today. Danielle had
not even left the hospital and was already feeling slighted by Seth, and now her
father had given her another blow.
Danielle’s face froze, apparently not expecting Creighton to speak those words.
Her tears, in Cicely’s eyes, were like a fountain, flowing on command, never
drying up.
“Creighton, what nonsense are you spouting at such a time?” Patty was getting
frantic, glaring at him.
“Nonsense? Cicely and Seth are about to get married. When does Danielle plan
to give up and leave them alone?”
“We came to pick her up from the hospital, and what then? She sat there
determined to wait for someone. If she doesn’t move, we all have to sit and wait
with her. No matter how spoiled Cicely might be, she’d never stoop to such low,
selfish, disrespectful behavior. For years, the Ellis family has offered her nothing
but genuine care, and what has it gotten in return?”
It turned out Danielle was really waiting for Seth. Cicely regarded Danielle with
eyes brimming with irony.
After Creighton finished his words, he pulled Erik up, who was sitting in a chair,
leaning on a cane, with a scowl that barely hid his exhaustion.
“If it were just me today, I could wait with you. Your grandfather, at his age,
came personally to take you home for lunch, and you have the nerve to sit here
waiting. You really are something.” Creighton took almost every ounce of temper
he’d ever had in his life out on Danielle. Danielle had quite the skill to drive such
a gentle and courteous man to this state.
Danielle’s eyes blinked, and she suddenly realized her fault, but she looked up
not at Creighton or the tired-looking Erik who was still hungry. Instead, her gaze
was fixed on Seth, who stood beside Cicely. Even in embarrassment, it seemed
she only cared about Seth’s opinion.
Cicely walked to the bedside and tossed the bouquet she had been cradling into
the trash bin. She approached Danielle, her smile chillingly cold.
“What are you going to do?” Patty said defensively, stepping forward to shield
Danielle.
Cicely’s lips twisted into a discernible curve, her clenched hand in her pocket
gradually relaxing. “Why so nervous? Do you also feel Danielle indeed deserves
a good scolding?”
“Danielle, as the Ellis family’s granddaughter, it’s okay for you to be proud and
arrogant. But you need to know your place. If someone’s trying to teach you
manners, you should be humble enough to learn, not keep thinking you’re above
everyone else.
“How long have you lived, and how long have grandfather and my father lived?
The Ellis Group has remained stable under their guidance and is now a worldrenowned enterprise. How many people want to connect with them, or be
friends with them? Whether they succeed or fail, even a fool can see it clearly.
How come when it comes to you, even the most basic respect is lost?
“No wonder Seth doesn’t see anything in you, and to think otherwise would be
foolish. In fact, aside from Ray, no man would be so blind as to truly fancy you.
Unless, of course, your looks have some selling point.”
Danielle was so angry she shook all over, biting her lip until blood seeped out.
Cicely chuckled, “Since you have been discharged, what’s the point in lingering
with everyone here? Go home and prepare well for your role; after all, this script
wasn’t easy to come by.”
Patty held Danielle’s trembling arm tightly, “Let’s go, Danielle. Whatever it is, we
can talk after you’re discharged.”
They had to leave eventually.
Danielle glared at Cicely’s retreating figure, her eyes filled with undeniable
hatred. Patty squeezed Danielle’s arm and patted her back gently. The tension
in Danielle’s eyes blinked away, and her body slowly relaxed.
The group reached the hospital entrance, where three cars were parked,
arranging for everyone to get in.
Cicely now stood on the hospital steps, her arm linked with Seth’s, her gaze
faint and distant as she watched Patty and Danielle inseparable like shadows.
“Seth, tell me, do you think Danielle will really keep the promise she made to
you?”
Seth looked down at Cicely with a pensive frown. “Why do you ask this all of a
sudden?”
Cicely looked up at him, a wry and somewhat ironic smile playing around her
eyes. “I just suddenly felt that she’s not the type to keep her word. She’s too
competitive, especially against me. She won’t just give you up. You say you’ll
take care of her until she’s better, and you’ve promised her a role in a
screenplay. Do these things really mean more to her than her own life? Thinking
about it, this deal of yours doesn’t seem to favor her much, does it? Can she
really just let it go?”
Seth’s brow furrowed deeper. “I am married, Mrs. Diaz.”
Cicely chuckled softly. “But if I can’t manage to get along with my mother-in-law,
it speaks volumes, doesn’t it?”
She sighed then continued, “As long as your mom likes Danielle, she’s bound to
dislike me. That means I could be kicked to the curb at any moment.”
A deep, cobalt flame seemed to ignite in his eyes, his voice tight with tension.
“Stop that nonsense.”
Cicely sighed again, tiptoed, and rested her chin on the man’s shoulder.
“Danielle has your all-important mother to back her up. Look at me, what do I
have? Isn’t that pitiful? Won’t you consider handing over Diaz International to
me? At least then I’d have a fighting chance.”
Seth looked at her with a light gaze. “We’ve talked about this already.”
Cicely pouted in disappointment. As she turned her head, she suddenly caught
sight of a figure standing behind the hospital’s reinforced glass door, wearing a
black hat and a black mask, revealing only a pair of eyes that were coldly fixed
on her.mHer heart skipped a beat at the sight, her body staggering slightly.
When she looked again, the person seemed to smile at her, lifting a cellphone in
their hand, then turned and disappeared around the corner.
Seth steadied her promptly. “What’s wrong?”
Cicely pointed towards the door. “I thought I just saw someone I know.” She
could only say familiar, but with that disguise, she couldn’t make out who it was.
Seth looked back, but the crowd in the lobby was too thick to spot anyone
familiar to Cicely. “Who?”
Cicely furrowed her brow in thought, then finally shook her head. “I must have
been mistakenSeth whisked Cicely back to the company without a moment’s hesitation.
The whole ride there, her mind was a whirlwind of curiosity about who that
person could possibly be. She mentally flipped through every face she
remembered, but couldn’t match those eyes with any of them.
“What’s on your mind?” Seth glanced over at her several times during the drive,
each time finding her lost in thought.
She thought about it and couldn’t really think of who that person was, so she
could only shake her head, “Nothing.”
Taking a deep breath, she expelled the frustration from her system, her
eyebrows lifting playfully as she spoke, “So, any more surprises in store for me
Enter title…
today? Don’t tell me Danielle getting discharged is your big reveal.”
Seth’s lips curled slightly, “You didn’t know she was getting discharged
today?”d2
Cicely pursed her lips, “Dad called me last night.”
“You think her discharge counts as a surprise?”
Cicely rolled her eyes, “I’d rather she stayed there for the rest of her life if she
wasn’t wearing you out with every passing day she spent in the hospital.”
“Then it’s not that.”
Knowing she’d get nothing out of him, Cicely switched gears to another question
that had been nagging at her. “Actually, there’s a lunch at home because
Danielle is getting discharged. Why did you insist on us grabbing a bite before
heading over?”
“Weren’t you satisfied with today’s lunch?”
“It could’ve waited for another day.”
Their car slipped into the company’s underground parking lot, darkness
enveloping them, the sound of the tires rolling over speed bumps echoing
emptily.
“I’d hate to spoil your appetite; keeping your stomach happy seemed like the top
priority.”
Cicely paused, a smile she couldn’t suppress playing at her lips, “Since when
did you get so smooth?”
“Just stating the facts.”
They rode the elevator straight up to the top floor office.
As the door swung open, Cicely fixed her gaze on Seth, her eyes sparkling,
filled with anticipation for the surprise Seth had promised.
Seth, as cool as a cucumber, took his seat and began going through paperwork
as Charlie came in to report on the company’s project progress.
Seth browsed through the documents with a calm demeanor, signing off on
them after hearing Charlie’s update. Charlie handed over the signed documents,
and Cicely hurried over, her eagerness palpable.
Seth’s eyes hinted at amusement watching her. It had been a long time since
he’d seen her this lively and spontaneous in his presence. It was a rare sight
these days, but still deeply missed.
“Where’s my surprise?” Cicely pressed.
But no sooner had she asked than there was another knock on the door. Seth’s
eyebrow quirked up as he called for the person to enter.
Charlie walked in, only to be met with Cicely’s dark, stormy gaze. “Charlie, can’t
your updates wait to be reported all at once? Do you really have to come in and
out just to catch glimpses of Seth?”
Corner of Charlie’s mouth twitched, a bit caught off guard as he glanced toward
Seth, who was busy pretending to be fascinated by his pen. “Ma’am, this work
just came up unexpectedly, and I couldn’t delay.”
Cicely pursed her lips, leaned against Seth’s desk, arms crossed, and huffed to
show her displeasure.
Charlie cast a tentative look at Seth, feeling a tad nervous. Had he managed to
ruffle the lady of the house?
With a nod from Seth, Charlie placed the latest market research report on the
desk – a hot-off-the-press issue. Seth flipped it open and glanced through it.
Charlie continued, “Mr. Diaz, there’s already a software of similar nature making
rounds on the internet, boasting nearly three hundred thousand users. Our
development is in the final stages, and to prevent these competitors from getting
too savvy about our direction, I suggest we hold off on any further market
research to keep our information close to the chest.”
Seth, looking satisfied with the report, responded, “Do you really think that the
program I’ve spent a fortune and time to design could be so easily overtaken by
those shortcut-seekers and copycats? We’ve got the patents. Let them take a
shot at it. This research shows that our brand recognition and acceptance are
on the rise. Let them test the waters for us; it’s good publicity, after all.”
Charlie nodded in agreement.
The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by Cicely’s cool stare. “Charlie,
we’re not expecting any more last-minute documents in the next half-hour or so,
right?”
With an awkward chuckle and a couple of ‘no, no’s, Charlie beat a hasty retreat
from the office.
Cicely stood up, eyes narrowed, “You’re not tricking me into accompanying you
to pick up Danielle from the hospital, are you?”
“Tired?” Seth deflected, not directly answering her question.
Furious, Cicely retorted, “I’m going to sleep. Don’t bother waking me if my
‘surprises’ are not here!” With that, she stormed off to the office’s rest area, her
face a mask of indignation.
Ten seconds.
Fifteen seconds.
A thrilled shriek pierced the silence from the rest area, followed immediately by
the door swinging open as Cicely burst out.
Seth, lounging in his chair with a pleased expression, wasn’t surprised by her
reaction; it was as if he had expected it all along.
Cicely bounced up to him, pointing excitedly inside, “When did it get here?”
“About two hours ago,” Seth replied calmly, which meant it had arrived right
around the time she had reached the company’s lobby.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” She dashed back into the rest room, a
whirlwind of excitement, while Seth watched her, amused. Her curiosity was
clearly piqued by the contents inside. He pushed back from his desk and
followed her in.
In the center of the rest room stood a dazzling pure white wedding dress, its
surface almost entirely covered in delicate diamond sparkles. Despite the drawn
curtains, even the faintest light made the gown shimmer with a rainbow of
colors.
Not a detail was spared, even the gloves were adorned. The dress,
conservative in design with an off-the-shoulder cut and long lace sleeves,
exuded an air of top-tier elegance and charm. The train of the veil was so long it
hardly fit in the room, cascading down, wide enough to cover her shoulders
entirely.
She suspected every detail of the dress bore Seth’s influence, designed with
conservatism in mind.
Still, it was utterly breathtaking.
She had visited countless bridal shops before, but never had she found a dress
that captivated her heart quite like this one.
Cicely twirled in front of the mirror, her hands caressing the delicate lace of the
wedding gown she couldn’t seem to part with. “Do you think I’ll be the most
beautiful bride in the world if I wear this?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with
excitement as she clung to the dress.
Seth watched her, an amused smile curling his lips. “That’s a question for the
Magic Mirror, love.”
Cicely’s brow furrowed in mock annoyance. “Oh, c’mon! Can’t you just say yes?”
Approaching her with a relaxed stride, Seth’s fingers grazed the edge of the veil.
“Sure, you’re the most beautiful to me, but I prefer it when everyone agrees
you’re the fairest of them all. A princess only gets one answer from the Magic
Mirror.”
Well, the guy sure had a way with words.
Delighted, Cicely whipped out her phone and started snapping pictures of the
gown from every angle.
Seth stepped back, “Aren’t you going to try it on?”
“No way,” Cicely shook her head. “If I try it on in front of you now, you won’t get
the full effect on our wedding day.”
Her eyes danced with mirth as she looked at Seth. “Just you wait until the big
day to see the magic happen.”
Seth pressed his lips together, a sign that his patience was being tested.
“I’m gonna send these pics to Grandpa, Dad, and Issac.”
A shadow passed over Seth’s eyes, a hint of displeasure seeping through his
gaze. “Do you have to share everything with Issac?”
Cicely was busy typing out a message, replying without thinking, “Uh-huh.”
But then, sensing Seth’s mood, she looked up, her eyes still warm with smile.
“Issac has always been there for me since we were kids. I didn’t have many
friends, so naturally, he’s the one I talk to the most. He even bought sanitary
pads and underwear for me during my first period. And I remember once I
stained his shirt. I think he washed it himself.”
It seemed like a sudden recollection, and now, thinking back, she blushed a bit.
Back then, boys were so concerned with keeping their image, getting
embarrassed over the smallest things. They were especially offended by things
like girls getting their periods, and the boys often made fun of girls for such
things.
But Issac never did.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized how good Issac had been
to her. He’s quietly standing by her side, always there when needed, without a
single complaint. Because of his silent presence, she took him for granted all
these years, treating him like part of the background. But, he was as essential to
her as her nose, her eyes, her limbs – any part of her body.
Taken for granted, yet indispensable.
Cicely’s expression grew more serene as she pondered what life without Issac
would be like. What kind of Cicely would she be now?
Her contemplation caused Seth’s face to darken further.
“Cicely, what are you thinking about?”
His voice was deep and brooding, snapping Cicely back to reality just as her
phone vibrated in her hand. She looked down to find a message from Issac.
[Beautiful. You’ll definitely be the world’s most beautiful bride.]
Cicely’s lips curved into a gentle smile. See? That was the kind of answer that
satisfied a girl.
Upon seeing her reaction, Seth strode over and snatched the phone from her
hand.
He glanced down at the message Issac had sent so promptly. “I didn’t realize he
had it in him to say such things. Does that please you?” His jealousy wasn’t
even trying to hide itself.
“What girl doesn’t like to be called beautiful? Someone’s a bit too obvious with
their jealousy, Mr. Diaz.”
“Jealous?” Seth scoffed, then he tossed the phone back to her. “Shouldn’t I be?”
Cicely caught the phone, finding it amusing to see such a display from him. “Of
course, you should. Anyway, I might be out this afternoon for a bit, so you hold
down the fort at the office, champ.”
She pecked him on the lips and turned to leave, only to be yanked back by her
arm. “You didn’t mention having plans this afternoon. Where are you going, and
what for?”
Cicely thought for a moment. “Shopping.”
Seth’s brow furrowed. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll have someone buy it.”
“No need. Shopping is more meaningful when done personally.”
“I’ll have Charlie follow you.”
“Why suddenly assign Charlie to tail me? I’ll have Issac.”
Seth’s expression became even more strained.
Cicely sighed, her fingers fiddling with the smooth fabric of Seth’s suit sleeve.
“Issac and I have been like two peas in a pod since we were kids. He’s always
been good to me. He’s handsome, fit, even-tempered, and capable.”
Seth abruptly brushed her hand away, but she just laughed softly and caught his
sleeve again. “So, if there was anything romantic between Issac and me, you
wouldn’t have the change with me. If there was anything to develop, it would’ve
happened long ago.”
Seth tried to pull away, but Cicely held on tight.
“I’m married, Mr. Diaz. If you keep getting jealous, should we take out our
marriage certificate and give it a good look to calm your current mood?”
“The person who needs a good look is you.”
“Alright, alright. We’ll look at it together tonight at home.” She patted his hand
soothingly. “There, there. I’ll come pick you up after work, and we’ll head home
together.”
Seth just stared at her, and sighed.
*
As soon as Cicely left the office, she messaged Issac. [Going shopping.]
[Got it.]
Charlie, noticing Cicely’s departure, quickly got to his feet and greeted her. “Mrs.
Diaz, it hasn’t been an hour yet.”
Cicely gave a nonchalant “Hm” in response. “I’m leaving it to you. It seems like
you’re itching to spend more time with my husband. Didn’t want to keep you
waiting.”
The secretaries nearby couldn’t help but stifle their laughter at the exchange.
Charlie turned beet red. “Mrs. Diaz, it’s really just work.”
Cicely raised an eyebrow, giving him a knowing smile before heading for the
elevator.
Charlie, under the secretaries’ amused gazes, carried the freshly delivered
paperwork into Seth’s office.
Seth had just returned to his desk when he saw Charlie. He stopped in his
tracks. “You, follow Cicely.”
*
Stepping out of the office building, Cicely found Issac’s car already waiting for
her. He quickly opened the door and stepped out to greet her. “Miss, which mall
would you like to visit today?”
Cicely paused at the door, looking up at him. “Where do you usually shop for
clothes?”
Issac paused, his expression subdued as he spoke, “If I’m really short on
clothes, I’ll find the nearest small department store to buy some. It’s not the
place for you, Miss.”
Cicely frowned slightly, her gaze landing on Issac’s shoulder. She didn’t have
much of an idea about men’s suits or brands. She saw him every day, decked
out in a suit and leather shoes, impeccably neat and tidy. Yet, she had never
considered that his clothes might actually be so cheap.
Suddenly, she reached out and pinched the collar of Issac’s suit. Issac flinched,
instinctively stepping back.
“Don’t move.” Cicely leaned in closer, examining it carefully. In terms of color,
fabric, and craftsmanship, it was a far cry from any of Seth’s suits.
“It’s certainly not suitable for me.” Cicely let go of his collar and gracefully slid
into the car. “Then we’ll head to the most upscale department store in P City.”
“Alright.”
*
After parking the car in the underground lot, Cicely unbuckled her seatbelt.
“Issac, come with me.”
“Okay.”
A warm feeling suddenly washed over Cicely. The words Issac used most often
in her presence were “okay” and “yes.” Regardless of whether her proposals
were right or wrong, he was always like that
They walked into the elevator, and Cicely pressed the button for the men’s
designer floor.
The women’s section was mostly populated by female shoppers, while couples
dominated the men’s section.
Cicely was now the bride-to-be who was the talk of P City, and in this luxurious
place, there was no one who wouldn’t recognize her. Whenever she approached
a counter, the sales associates would surely offer their congratulations. “Ms.
Cicely, are you shopping for Mr. Diaz?”
Cicely just smiled faintly without answering. She casually perused the suits on
display, occasionally pulling one out and having Issac, who was standing by the
entrance, try it on for size.
Issac stood ramrod straight, allowing Cicely to use him as a temporary
mannequin.
After visiting three or four brand stores and trying on no fewer than ten suits,
Cicely finally spotted a white suit at another counter that caught her eye. After a
quick measure-up on Issac, she turned to the nearby sales associate and said,
“This one, get his size for him to try on.”
Issac glanced at the white suit, his lips tightening slightly. Hesitating for a
second, he still couldn’t help but speak up, “Mr. Diaz probably doesn’t like
white.”
“Who cares about that?”
She continued to pick out a shirt and tie, and then handed them to Issac to try
on. She went back to browsing the other styles on display.
Just a few minutes later, the fitting room door swung open, revealing Issac in a
white suit. Wearing a black shirt paired with a blue-gray diagonal striped tie, his
white waistcoat peeked out from beneath his open suit jacket. The jacket was
decorated with a row of carefully crafted black buttons. His overall look was a
balance of refinement and elegance.
His usual wear was always a modest black suit. This color, which he had never
tried before, turned out to suit him as well.
Cicely was pleased. “This is the one. Wrap it up when we’re done here.”
“Miss, I think my size is one down from Mr. Diaz.”
“Who said I was buying for him?”
Issac paused, mentally running through images of the Mr. Erik and Mr.
Creighton, yet none seemed to fit. “Could this be for…”
“Mm-hmm, hurry up and change. We need to get shoes next.”
“Miss,” Issac felt uneasy, glancing down at the suit he was wearing, “I’m often
working outside; this outfit doesn’t really suit my needs.”
“Who said anything about wearing it to work?” Cicely laughed lightly. “You think
I’d have you drive around in a high-end white suit? That’s not my style.”
“Then this is for…”
Cicely took a deep breath, “Did you really think I’d let you attend my wedding in
something off the rack from a small department store?”
Issac fell silent for a moment, “I’ll prepare something myself.”
“But I don’t trust your taste. You’ll be sitting with my family at the wedding. You
need to uphold the image of Cicely. If you don’t want the suit, then don’t bother
coming to my wedding.”
Of course, Issac would attend Cicely’s wedding. It was a given, no question
about it. However, Cicely’s words gave Issac pause, “Could I purchase it
myself?”
“That’s not an option.”
Silently, Issac turned and went back into the fitting room. Cicely smiled with
satisfaction and paid the bill.
After buying shoes, Issac found himself trailing behind Cicely, his arms filled
with bags of his own belongings for the first time.
Passing a café, Cicely stepped inside, ordering two cups of coffee without
hesitation. Issac couldn’t feign ignorance any longer and took a seat opposite
her.
The tall, handsome man exuded an aura of discomfort. Cicely rested her chin on
her hand, watching him, her voice soft, “Seeing that wedding dress today, I feel
like I’m finally getting married, stepping into the next phase of life, and it all hit
me hard. I thought about my life. Few people have been by my side, but they’re
the most important to me.”
“I considered what Cicely would be like without you in my life, and I can’t
imagine an answer.” Cicely sipped her coffee, gazing out the window at the
passersby. “Since I can remember, you’ve been there with me as a friend and a
brother, supporting me unconditionally, right or wrong. Wherever I am, whenever
I need you, you show up without fail. You never say much, always going along
with me, and I took that for granted, then easily overlooked you.”
Cicely turned back, catching the unguarded disappointment in Issac’s eyes. She
pressed her lips together, smiled gently. “But if you were absent from my
wedding, I think I would be very lost. Apart from the groom running away, your
absence would sadden me more than anyone else’s.”
Issac looked at her in surprise.
Cicely straightened up, stirring her coffee. “It’s the most important moments of
my life, and you won’t be absent, right?”
Issac nodded, “Right. I’ll always be there.”
At first, Charlie didn’t understand why Mr. Diaz had suddenly asked him to follow
his wife. Whenever she went out, Issac was always by her side, without fail. And
today seemed no different. Adding him to the mix seemed redundant.
Cicely personally shopping for clothes and shoes for Issac,
café chatting leisurely, Charlie kind of got why Mr. Diaz
The things she said, they were enough to set anyone’s heart racing. If
thing for Mr. Diaz, her words
confession.
*
stepped out of the café and rushed back to
wait for Seth to finish work – not counting his habitual
departures.
on his way, knowing she’d be in
soon enough.
office, Seth was hammering away at the keyboard,
with
in work?” Cicely flopped down on
monitor, Seth asked blandly, “Didn’t you go
What’d you buy?”
weighing the truth. Telling this guy might
off, she thought. “Just browsed
“Browsing aimlessly, huh? Was there really
the place was on
“Who rushed out?
data entry, saved the file, and shut down
I dig, or will you
by his
What could I possibly do that would make
check up
“If there’s nothing you could do, then
can’t tell
if you get all jealous
admit there’s something you’ve done that would
still act
died down. She couldn’t outplay this man. “So
you promise not to get
up and moving closer to her. “I
it to yourself. As you
you up.”
“Eh?”
when suddenly, she was
and into his arms.
happening, she kicked and struggled, “Hey,
what are
kicked open the
her into the bed.
think we should exercise some restraint. Save some
wedding night.”
doesn’t need
really
“Heh.”
chuckle, the man silenced her, and she had no more chances to
was thoroughly
Cicely kicked him weakly a couple of
but her efforts feeble.
long before Charlie’s call came through, as if he
take the call, something apparently requiring his attention. He
to stay put and
drained, waiting obediently was
of bed and
to leave, so she
used to working
to mess with her.
out of her league, but that didn’t mean
employees’ feathers.
expected, the moment Cicely appeared, everyone sat up
intensified. Cicely smirked and scanned the room.
wasn’t there, she headed for
today,” a programmer informed her kindly,
day she visited. Poor
the wringer; sick and yet not daring to
hear
were many things
leave today. He
been working really hard. I’ll have a word
cut Camden some slack.”
chair next to
like Seth for me. I need to take out
and sighed silently.While waiting for a coder to work his magic on her code,
checked it to find
wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it
see it
touched on every girl’s soft spot.
her wedding dress was the envy of another girl.
then,] she
I’m free tomorrow night though. How
message was followed by a string of
Enter title…
an eyebrow, [Tomorrow’s Friday. Alright, we’ll have dinner
take a look.]
[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2
[Sure. Dismissed.]
[Got it, your Highness.]
since her career took off, Emiliana had become
more familiar and
no replies from Creighton and Erik. Cicely had
if older folks just weren’t
pocketed her phone and turned her attention back
“Are we almost there?”
two more minutes,
her chin, bored. “Do you tech guys ever write
to mess up someone’s
steal
but it’s rare and targeted. We’re
or upgrading and reinforcing firewalls. As
secrets, those kinds of machines are
Take our computers here—our firewalls
abroad, commissioned by Mr. Diaz. We’re well-protected,
worries.”
“so if there’s corporate espionage, it must be an
job?”
correct, but that’s a crime.
“Right.”
“It’s ready, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
the cartoon character playing on the
resemblance to Seth. The character was adorably dressed in a
and a stern,
Seth’s typical
laugh, “So this is how you see Seth,
upright, “Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please
ma’am.”
out loud and said, “Move
her a few
threw punches with “pow,
could even
head off. It was hard to
taking a hit.
the simple game for over half an
suspecting she was causing chaos in
she would have kept
space. The
watched Seth approach with a thunderous expression,
pummeled on the screen and felt his
“Ma’am.”
engrossed in the game,
“Mr. Seth…”
The office, which had been filled
typing, fell silent, making Cicely’s
sensed a chilling presence behind her. As
she locked eyes with Seth’s dark, ominous glare. The impact was
intense she blinked rapidly.
at the screen,
“Yeah.”
“Enjoying it?”
“Sorta.”
sent shivers down her spine. “Should I
getting yourself so excited?”
was speechless. This man had the nerve
comment in public.
from her seat, “Let’s continue
my fill.
held her close, his hand tight against her
when you’re
gaze, Seth whisked
of engineering department collectively
heavens!
*
Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth as possible.
game. Stop looking for excuses to pick
couldn’t help but chuckle at Cicely’s
car and let the
department isn’t some playground.
there distracting
had no comeback for that. “I was there to boost morale,
work hard. You should consider giving them
paid for their work, but now they have to entertain
seem fair.”
really because you’re the bully. They’re just
You owe
bullying you?” Seth gave her a sidelong
his hand on her neck, his voice teasing. “How have
breath, “Did you know Camden called in sick today?” A
change
eyes narrowed slightly, “And
to care for your
her briefly, then turned to Charlie as
Camden.”
“Sure.”
red light. Charlie quickly dialed
ten seconds before it was answered,
to life. “Hello,
tad frazzled, prompting Charlie to
Camden? Something wrong?”
just that some emergency came up, and I didn’t have time to call
here on behalf of Mr.
tone was even, “Not that. Mr. Diaz is right here. You
directly.”
You are with Mr.
urgent that you don’t even have a minute to call and ask for
cut through
as Camden’s
the
won’t happen again. It’s just that
for a couple of days, and I was
for a few more days
weekend. You can’t
days?”
should do it, that’s plenty.
“Alright.”
lounged back
to be ten years older than you, and
got him stuttering and shaking like he’s about to
one paying his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread
to cry when you
and glanced out the window at a couple
each with an ice
ice cream with Emiliana
Tomorrow, Emiliana.
I won’t be joining you for dinner
Emiliana.”
will
out, so dinner, a movie, or
home
the latest. Otherwise, don’t bother going
not get to
not providing you
Charlie, who was
choked unexpectedly.
this side of Mr.
burned as if scalded by boiling water. Decency
most shameless of
*
at the restaurant Seth had taken her to
the hospital. Emiliana naturally
reviews as well.
dinner, they spontaneously decided to catch a
from the restaurant. They bought a couple of
while taking a leisurely
bustling with life.
conversation revolved around
on
bridesmaid, you. For groomsman,
the groomsmen be Mr. Diaz’s
not, Issac can just join my squad
bridesmaids.”
laughed, “You want him
suggest it, he might just be up for
he spoils
proud “Hmph,” “You just
cinema lobby, they passed by
glamorous than the last.
now, and to avoid unnecessary
hat.
grabbed their tickets and glanced over
boards—several were
saw Danielle at the studio
to be there,” Emiliana
the electronic posters.
much, “Considering it’s the biggest studio in
bumping into each other isn’t
their costumes and
it’s a top-notch production.”
he promised to help out, he wouldn’t skimp. But a toptier production, that I
Diaz’s favors are bound to
Cicely agreed with
some high-profile lady at
over the weekend. Let’s
it when you’re about to
let’s find our
was referring
She nodded and let Emiliana pull
o’clock. Cicely had called Issac, so as
they went straight
us to
“Got it.”
*
whole building was eerily quiet over the
her own access card.
floor, they headed for
was somewhat astonished, “I thought we were to
we at Mr.
the dress, but who
his office?”
that, Cicely figured the man probably
flicking on the
instantly bathed in brightness.
time here, and even without Seth
help but feel tense.
arrangement
you ignored the little table
plush cushion on the
mats.
thought of Cicely cooped up in this
couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
you holed up next to him at
can’t imagine it.
of cards out
“The affairs
I supposed to
got a point there.” Laughter
grabbed a decorative pillow from the chair and hurled it at her,
want, but let’s see you
her hands frantically, “No, no, I’m not up for
me the wedding
huff, Cicely moved to a concealed
froze for
Emiliana couldn’t wait and squeezed past
her
with a
business this
a testament to their passionate encounter. A
crept up Cicely’s ears.
the nail on the
of a cabinet. She
hand over her mouth, scurrying
now
than it had
all diamonds? I’m
bell sleeves are
so lush and
thread
design is
the stunning bridal
overstatement.
snorted with an air of pride, “Did you expect anything less for my
sneak peek before the big
few high-resolution photos with her
you wear it at the wedding. You’re going to be
again, “Don’t share those pictures, okay? Wait until I’m wearing
on the wedding day.”
such a beautiful dress, you must have repaid the favor in kind,
shot her a glare, “Are you done? If
her head, reluctant to leave the dress’s side, “I could look at
it still wouldn’t be
I’m
“Hey, wait for me…”
leave, she couldn’t really stay all night. “You
and you’re already
Cicely grabbed her
annoyed.
“Late for what?”
wants me back
raised an eyebrow, “That
the curfew was her idea of
not doing anything wrong. Even if you are late, what’s Mr.
A little charm, perhaps flirt a
office door, “I hope you get a boyfriend
to
as Cicely was about
her gaze fixed
button herself, “What’s
the top floor, and upon
on.”
entered, deep in
ground floor, then pulled out
up her makeup. She had plans to
drink.
elevator doors closed and the elevator began
fifteenth floor, Cicely suddenly reached down and
for the twelfth floor.
elevator halted almost
doors parted, and Cicely stepped out just as they were
a glimpse of her retreating figure. “This
floor!”
“Wait for me downstairs.”
completely, and Emiliana couldn’t tell if Cicely heard her
words.
was familiar to Cicely, second only to Seth’s office at
housed
three elevators had been on the ground floor when she and
two should have remained
at the twelfth?
home to
years in the making. The software was in the
or malicious sabotage could be a deathblow to
no room
something crucial behind and
thing. Or maybe
The thought made Cicely scoff. Such
could they? But if they did, why was
a single light
tiptoed through the foyer and down the hallway to
Inside, the flash of
from a hidden angle as the figure
something in a
intruder’s actions tightened Cicely’s chest
else could have a
company?
stranger sounded
with anger and urgency.
noticed the Bluetooth earpiece, occasionally winking
communicating
a private office
voice on the
That explained how the stranger
security badge.
stranger something
for
that file path you gave me better not
you’ll be picking out a
That voice…
recognition flashing in
face suddenly merged
the hospital door when she had
A sharp pain pulsed at the
information started connecting in her
Ray dropped out
planning a comeback or something
opted for the latter.
to a lack of time
because Ray had threatened him with his son’s
vowed to
was executing
was well-known within the
to find out, he certainly could have. It was
the world to Diaz International. So,
the program or destroy it. Then, everything that
had worked for
Ray of today was clearly no different from a desperado. She wasn’t
to face him
Issac to come
through the silence of the empty office space, the sound
walls.
Cicely’s mind went blank.
her face, and she squinted, drawing
raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare
you been? Everything okay? When are
as she inhaled
a moment more.
“Make it snappy.”
“Will do.”
and tucked it into
sheen of cold sweat.d2
said we have
Enter title…
demeanor was eerily calm, as if being caught in the act was
the world
herself to relax, offering a hesitant smile as she slowly
him.
aren’y you
It’s rare
Ms. Cicely. What brings
reply immediately, taking a moment before she retorted, “You
bothered about getting caught, do
casually against a nearby desk, legs crossed, the picture of
now didn’t blow my cover, does
perhaps strike a deal?”
burst into laughter.
Seth that
“Pure coincidence. I was just there to
between them, their
“To be honest, our first encounter left a
might have misunderstood you. I wouldn’t
the romantic
widened as he removed his face mask, “Ms. Cicely, I am in
could you hand over your phone? Just in
for backup, and then I’d really be in
purse to retrieve her phone. When
the screen
had been
phone’s screen illuminated, Ray snatched the
He checked the phone and saw no calls made, and
Still not satisfied, he emptied
cards, and other daily essentials across
with the unassuming USB
up the drive, he raised an eyebrow
reason as
her gaze fixed on the USB drive
head, “Not sure.”
“Hmm?”
against the desk, face-to-face with
Seth is
are his mother and Diaz International, left to him by
secret, and even though we’re set to marry,
I don’t know when he
so important to him, he wouldn’t
favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him
no way for me to break
were set on
transferring Diaz International to my name a few times,
the software development fails and
then Diaz International would easily
Group, Diaz International is
irrelevant to
on Ray who had been listening quietly, and she
not sure if your goals align with mine. I intend to
International will then face a huge
repaying it, the company will be mine. If
the software and start anew, I’m sorry, but I won’t let you. Ruining it
Helping you
all your planning, you’ve left no room for error,
to take it and reap any benefits. Even if you do develop
on, and he won’t let you off easy.
it be the best
her, his expression contemplative, then he
be terrifying, willing to go to such
I’ve kidnapped Camden’s son; I’ve
back. Seth destroyed the most important thing to
he tastes the loss of his most prized
International”
quick buck with this worthless program. If
money? Better to obliterate
gaze on her, “Aren’t you worried that
this,
“You had the audacity to
of
head of engineering
the surveillance was a piece of cake,
nodded, “Exactly. No cameras, no evidence, no reason for him to
me.”
his gaze on her, a sardonic grin playing on
together?”
up and strode toward Camden’s office. Following her,
access card to unlock the
up the computer,
had given him—spot
his own flash drive from his pocket, aiming to
but Cicely’s voice, cool as a cucumber, stopped him in
Ray.”
looked up
I’m going to sabotage, I’ll do it
moving files with that plain
could recover the lost files without breaking a sweat. What’s the point
your little exercise?”
face blanched. So Camden had a backup plan? Almost had him
should we do,
“Destroy the computer itself.”
asked,
to be a bit out
long as the hard drive remains intact, smashing it
to recover the
was starting to panic. “Then what
gestured towards the flash drive he
bag. “That flash drive is
in the system, it’ll shred everything, including
files will be destroyed, and
will be rendered useless.”
sounded like something out of a cyberpunk novel to Ray, but
It wasn’t outside the
should I
both in too deep now. If I’m playing you,
you’d let
and hard, and finally,
Cicely.
after we’re done, give me back the flash
to get back
truly wipes the computer as you
an eyebrow
took a deep breath and inserted the
then went black, showcasing a flurry of
across the darkness.
about two minutes, the display halted, and five seconds later, the
ceased to hum,
light faded to
It worked.
tense heart finally eased a bit. She had thought
her bold claims, but it seemed there was
also exhaled deeply, pressing the power button of the
went for the
easily noticing the faint
now that love indeed
wrath is a force
to meet his, raising an eyebrow,
mind?”
Seth really did a
princess to this extent.”
over and tried the computer switch to make
bent over to pull the flash drive out. “To me, it’s
a fight, but they can’t hold
the Ellis Group shares. Worst case scenario, I’ll compensate
some of the Ellis’
always generous,” he said with a laugh as he stood
is up to you. Take care of yourself.
for now.
the fountain downstairs.
Cicely remained stone-faced.
building, Cicely made her
and
lot.
“Cicely, you were gone
energy was nearly spent from the
“Nothing much. Where are you staying tonight? I
have Issac drive you.”
seeing Cicely’s pallor and realizing she wouldn’t get far
her head. “No need, I’ve booked a hotel nearby. I’ll take a cab. You
wel. You should head home
careful on
urging Cicely
the vehicle, Cicely leaned back, closing
happened?” Issac inquired.
took a deep breath and responded with
see anyone else leaving the building
were downstairs?”
tensed. “Did you run into someone at the
“Ray.”
jerked violently before coming to a stop on the side of the
his
her head.
exhaled in relief, restarted the car, and asked,
International?”
to destroy Seth more than he does. He was
program.”
a moment. “So, did he succeed
“Well… Oh, right.”
retrieved her phone, and dialed
yet, and Joel’s
unsure about getting a call
“the flash drive you gave
crack the program?”
program. That’s been on the back burner
suddenly asking about this?”
tremor in her voice betraying her panic. “I
important files on it. Why is it on
to crack?”
even through
on his bed ready to play with
not that it’s too hard, just that other things came
our senior right
circling her eyes.
what
“Okay, hold on.”
to the landline to call his
of the decryption software came up, “We did have some
we put it
projects. What happened?”
out, “The flash drive’s been
recover the files urgently. Can we work
“That urgent?”
affirmatively, “Better if
on the other end before
eased a little as she wiped her
university? I’m coming, too.”
“Sure.”
Cicely bit her lip and sent a message to Seth –
longer tonight. Don’t wait
added a pouting emoji and turned
we’re heading
won’t be any
and wait for news.”
him. I caused
fix it. Let’s just go to the university, and you turn off your
Seth can’t reach you.”
“Understood.”
after Cicely arrived at the university,
after another.
Cicely with red-rimmed eyes and a look of unease, they didn’t
do other than to start working on the computer
them, trying to understand their jargon-filled
seen Cicely with red
“You really
home, take a bath,
gripping his arm, “I can’t, Joel… You’ve got
otherwise.” As she spoke,
felt a mix of heartache and guilt,
drive, so I share the blame. If you
and try
she was of no help, let
nearby seat.
*
had just left the house when he received
phone call yesterday, Seth had a
had Charlie dig into it and found that Camden’s family
no clue where they were. Then they
young son had vanished, and Mrs. Camden
to pick their son up from school. Camden was
wanted to see
had been 24 hours. Only
– they’d been retrieved and were on their way
company.
and confirming she was with
no urgency
*
company, the man was a
Camden wept bitterly. “Mr. Diaz, I’m so sorry, I
threatened my
face darkened ominously. “Who
“It was Ray.”
already frosty, became glacial as he stood up,
feel like ice. “And what did
cards, my office’s key cards, my
the storage path for our latest
a chill run down his
targeting Ray’s family without
cripplin g Ray was too ruthless, which was why
So, he tossed Ray into the
not pursue the matter further afterward.
didn’t expect him to really take drastic
Diaz, Ray doesn’t seem to know much about
I still might be able to recover
expression only grew more severe at this. “When
getting my stuff.
who quickly left the office. Seth
scrambling behind.
*
twelfth floor, in Camden’s office, Charlie bent over
it up
with a palpable tension, his
screen fruitless. Frantically, he switched to a
first. Within minutes, his face drained of color,
like
wrong?!” Charlie, lacking Seth’s cool composure, pressed for
Camden’s
as he stammered, “Mr. Diaz,
clean from that computer.”
narrowed sharply, the chill in his brow spreading like frost
cold snap threatening
its data has been
out, stammered, “It’s
makes the computer operate, it’s gone.
good as a piece of
closed his eyes in despair. It was
invested, all for what? A pile
world’s most expensive junk.
hands hung by his sides, clenched into fists as if made of
he didn’t know anything about
don’t know. I’m just as lost. I remember
it was enough. But this, this is
not some amateur.”
catching a glimpse of
away, mumbling with his head
no way he could’ve done this on his own with
his heel, “I’ll
would it do? What’s
added, “He had me
stride halted, his fury cresting.
shrank back, tears streaming down his cheeks. “My son
Mr. Diaz. I can’t risk their lives for the company. I’m just a
for the firm, and I’m willing to
It’s
for a long moment. Charlie watched his expression carefully,
was as calm as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would
over?”
thought for a second. “It’s a
ass off,
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
month… It was
if he has a
nodded eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he still has
find him fast before
into action and dashed
*
night in his office, waiting for Charlie’s response. Ray
their
fallen asleep
She had hoped it was all a dream, but each time she
reality of her surroundings and the two busy figures nearby brought
welled up, followed by silent
two years and
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
want to see him like that. Just
enough.
could blame her and they could not get married,
on his
side the whole time, pained to see her this way.
out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and
he placed before
were always the
having worked all night,
without taking their
the hearty scent
again, and Issac pushed
breakfast.”
at the bag,
from the room, hand over her mouth. Issac followed
the wall,
up.
handed her water. After rinsing her mouth and
stomach, she
jacket over her
you to the hospital.”
“I’m fine. Just
the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around her, and
smell in there. Can you check
crack it?” Pale and weak, her
left her to ask Joel
worn but hopeful, “We should be able
can’t give a
and that
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
Despite being promised a certainty, no answer
getting a
up at the brightening sky, biting her lip in worry. “Issac, what do
Seth will do when he finds out the
Issac replied, “He won’t lose it. He’s young but
or if he ever
reddened again. “But he’s been working on
years.”
pained expression, “Everyone faces
his life to be smooth. I don’t want
because of me.”
harshness of reality made Cicely’s
tears falling, drop
a hand on her head, soothing her. “The
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program
don’t need to worry this much. Speak to him clearly,
especially since you did it for his sake. Even
leaked, and these programs are made by people. They can
it’s just a matter of
steadied with Issac’s comforting logic. She looked up, “What
is it?”
now is get some good sleep, then
at
if he finds out. I
two hours until work starts.” Issac held
before going to
the hotel next door. Go
awful, and this time
…
by the set to see Danielle.
studio city that evening, so they ended
morning, they were up early, ready
in their room and
downstairs.
they were about to walk out the
by someone who appeared
instinctive scream.
voice rang out.
that
She glanced at a startled Patty and quickly
“Let go of
but looked around and
it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I
the last thing I can do for you. I hope you get what you
I wish
to Diaz International before noon
him, you can ask him to meet you
“What are you talking about? Why
should I go
I have to
an eye on his surroundings as
his cap down low, and
frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that
phone? Is there something important on
approached, and after greeting
and
it out
*
breakfast and taking a stroll outside, Creighton received
the bat, Patty’s shrill voice
eardrums.
a piece of work! She’s so heartless and ruthless,
nor would we
never agree to let her marry into the
him, Creighton wouldn’t have minded,
to nothing, and Creighton’s temper
you this early in the
deserve such strong opinions?!”
“Where did she wrong me? She nearly ruined
she at home? If so,
now. We’re going to settle this
“Patty, Ray advised us not to
this morning. Let’s ask
instead.”
go to Diaz International?! Since when does
depend on his say-so.”
brink, it was understandable for
indignant rage, her fury
curse, and yet I had to be
Ellis Group but managed to drag Diaz International down
disaster!”
Patty almost roared at the driver. Danielle
demeanor,
her
*
confused and annoyed after being yelled
call Cicely to ask what was
she might still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to find
phone was off.
brow furrowed in
He immediately called Seth.
up
and Cicely have a
Seth paused, “No.”
why did your mother just call me wanting to call
Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with
company last night. I
She was out with
I hope everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?
that there was a problem at
happened?”
his lips, “I’ll contact
“Alright.”
up feeling unsettled, especially
the company. Given Patty’s hysterics
check on
*
intention of sleeping. No matter how
just
and left the room.
and seeing her like this, he sighed
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab some
Cicely shook her head.
no longer insisted. They
the company, they saw Charlie, looking
issue, Seth would
was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth
office?”
his gaze locked on her with an unfamiliar
the
hitch in Cicely’s
with a dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll
him.”
followed Cicely this time, accompanying her upstairs. The office
quiet on the weekend.
wait at the door
pairs of eyes turned to her in
Seth, seemingly in the middle of
with him.
disarray, the computer tower and
across
towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers with
ferocity. “Sleep well last night?” he asked, his
raspy to the extreme.
the door handle tighter and after a
to speak. “Seth, I didn’t go home last
late…”
night partying with Emiliana that you
home?”
each question sounding like an
something else.
shook her head, “No,
and he looked away. “As long as you haven’t
me behind my back, there’s no issue. I’m busy
leave.”
the chaos of the office. As she was about to open
suddenly cut
hear what we just told
dumb?”
project! Doesn’t this mess prove
is gone, and the computer is trashed. All
and Diaz International might go under because of her. This
woman!”
frown deepened as she turned to Patty and Danielle, who was
“How did
pointed at her,
it and you still don’t believe
Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m
did you know about the data
Patty’s
shook violently, and he abruptly stood up from
through the door and shielded Cicely
him.
rage beyond control, glared
like this? After what you’ve done, you still
shameless!”
the situation isn’t clear yet. Please
down.”
clarity do
phone from her bag
and after pressing something, tossed it
Seth.
play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the
expression at the time:
that Seth is cold and aloof. The most important things to
International, left to
is no secret, and even though we’re set
when he might leave me, so I thought, if I could
wouldn’t just
day her desire to set him
and well. There was no way for me
were set on Diaz
mentioned transferring Diaz International to my name
that if the software development fails
then Diaz International would easily fall
the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether it
to
completely destroy this program. Diaz International will
the Ellis
fall into my hands.
are no cameras, no proof of who did it. He has no reason
do it thoroughly. I
files with a regular USB, any engineer here could recover
exactly. What’s the point of
with a virus I had specially prepared for
computer, it
data, resulting in both data destruction
hardware failure.”
…
but
have much of a color to it, went completely pale all
looked towards Seth, who was also looking
to mocking, and he even
“You’re quite something, obliterating even the computer’s
a thorough
approached him, “It’s
his hand, batting away hers as she
herself on the nearby
it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze
inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more than
wanted to get your hands on Diaz International, and you’ve
tearing it down. I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely.
can’t stand to look at
teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by those
always scurrying off
with
the recording would you
surveillance, I’d have no reason to
too. There’s no surveillance, just
on a crack in the
playing across her face. It looked like
Cicely was done for.
head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I
recording, but none of it was true. I only
Ray.”
narrowed his eyes and turned to look at her, his clenched
It seemed like he was thinking, trying to
a way out for
up, “If it was just to
a flash drive would
that he might get
if he was going to do it?
words?”
sentence from Danielle completely overturned all
explanations.
flickered, and when he looked up again, they
and cold state. Just as Cicely was about to bring
flash drive, his
time, four uniformed
are from Department of Justice,
others to maliciously destroy company secrets,
the evidence is irrefutable. Please take
preparing
furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty,
phone over
words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s
of panic as she looked towards
suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury
back, tears streaming down his cheeks. “My son and wife are
I can’t risk their lives for the company. I’m
firm, and I’m willing to
the line. It’s just
silent for a long moment. Charlie
as calm as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would it take to
over?”
for a second. “It’s a six-month job. If we
off,
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
wedding next month… It was
Ray, see if he has a backup
right! Maybe he
to find him fast before he
into action and dashed
*
whole night in his office, waiting
become their only
school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her
it was
reality of her surroundings and the two
welled up, followed by silent
who had spent two years and a fortune on
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
to see him like that. Just
enough.
they could not get
on his
had been by her side the whole time,
to buy breakfast. Two portions for
one he placed
were always the same
friend, having worked all night,
on the buns without taking their eyes off their screens. The room
the hearty scent of the
pushed the bag toward
breakfast.”
at the bag, then her face turned,
room, hand over her mouth. Issac followed
the room, Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving
up.
handed her water. After rinsing her mouth
she settled
dropped jacket over her
you to the hospital.”
“I’m fine.
the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around
smell in there. Can you check on their
weak, her
to ask Joel about
but hopeful, “We should be
but we can’t give a definite timeline.
and that it’ll
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
being promised a certainty, no
to her without getting
brightening sky, biting her lip in worry. “Issac, what do
Seth will do when he finds out
won’t lose it. He’s young but
if he ever fails at something, he won’t
again. “But he’s been working on
years.”
pained expression, “Everyone
I
because of me.”
reality made
her head, tears falling, drop by
a hand on her
flash drive. They’ll
to worry this much. Speak to him
for his sake. Even if
these programs are made by
it’s just a matter
Issac’s comforting logic. She looked
is it?”
What you need to do now is get some
at the
he’ll be worried if he finds out.
are two hours until work starts.” Issac held her back as she tried
definitely sleep for two hours before going to
for you in the hotel next door. Go rest a
felt truly awful, and this time Issac
get some
…
dropped by the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised
evening, so
next morning, they were up early, ready to
breakfast in their room and packed up,
downstairs.
they were about to walk out the front
who appeared out of nowhere. She let out
instinctive scream.
me.”A familiar, anxious voice rang out.
that
glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook
go of
and took out a cellphone from his
I really like you, but
is the last thing I can do for you. I hope you get what
wish you
before noon to see Seth.
you can ask him to
you talking
why should I go
of time, I have to go. Just remember
his surroundings as he spoke, then
cap down low, and
“Who was that
the phone? Is
moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after
and they walked
it out
*
and taking a stroll outside, Creighton
bat, Patty’s shrill voice almost pierced
eardrums.
sure raised a piece of work! She’s so heartless and ruthless,
nor would we dare. This wedding is
will never agree to let her marry into the Diaz family
just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t
belittling his daughter to
the morning? Where did
deserve such strong opinions?!”
she wrong
Is she at home? If so, tell her to
International right now. We’re
Patty hung up, Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not to
International this morning. Let’s ask them to meet
instead.”
to Diaz International?!
depend on his say-so.”
company on the brink, it was understandable for Patty to be
indignant rage, her fury was palpable.
a curse, and yet I had to be entangled with her. We got
managed to drag Diaz International down first.
disaster!”
International!” Patty almost roared at the driver. Danielle frowned
Patty’s raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to
accompanied her to
*
was left confused and annoyed after being
call Cicely to
might still be asleep. Instead, he
phone was off.
brow furrowed
He immediately called Seth.
was picked up quickly,
you and Cicely have a
Seth paused, “No.”
call me
worst? Are you with Cicely
There was an issue at the company last night. I didn’t go home,
was out with friends last
I hope everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?
mother mentioned that there was a
happened?”
lips, “I’ll contact Cicely right
“Alright.”
hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth avoided talking
Given Patty’s hysterics on
Brody to check
*
intention of sleeping. No
so she just took a shower, changed into clean
and left the room.
and seeing her like
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab some breakfast
Cicely shook her head.
insisted. They
company,
issue, Seth would definitely
weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie,
office?”
her with an
“In the Engineering
hitch in
with a dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll
him.”
this time, accompanying her upstairs. The office
quiet on the weekend.
wait at the door while she pushed
of eyes
stood before Seth, seemingly in the middle
with him.
desk was in disarray, the computer tower
strewn across the
Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers
coldness and ferocity. “Sleep well last
raspy to the extreme.
gripped the door handle tighter and after
I didn’t go home last
late…”
the night partying with Emiliana that you
home?”
never wavered from her, each question sounding like an
something else.
lip and shook her head, “No,
eyes darkened, and he looked away. “As long as you
me behind my back, there’s no issue. I’m
leave.”
office. As
suddenly cut through the
just told you, or are you
dumb?”
your two-year project! Doesn’t this
data is gone, and the computer
might go
woman!”
frown deepened as she turned to
did you know about
at her, her eyes red with fury.
it and
Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m
did you know about the data
slap, Patty’s hand struck
violently, and he abruptly
burst through the door
him.
in a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely. “What right
Danielle like this? After what you’ve done, you still
shameless!”
was icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet.
down.”
clear? What more clarity do you need?
a phone from
pressing something, tossed it onto the desk
Seth.
familiar voice began to play, its clarity allowing
expression at the time:
and aloof. The most important things
his mother and Diaz International, left to him by his
even though we’re
might leave me, so I thought, if I could
he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware
to this day her desire to
and well. There was no way for me to break in from his mother, so
were set
transferring Diaz International to my
the software development fails and the
easily fall into my
Diaz International is
irrelevant to me; I just want
goal is to completely destroy this
then the Ellis family
fall into my hands.
no cameras, no proof of who did it. He has no reason
it thoroughly.
a regular USB,
What’s the point of
is infected with a virus I had
computer, it
resulting in
hardware failure.”
…
was interspersed, but it no
have much of a color to it, went completely
looked towards Seth, who was
from grim to mocking, and
obliterating even
a thorough job
and approached him, “It’s not like that,
his hand, batting away hers as she reached
herself on
what is it?” Seth eyed her coldly,
by
get your hands
I thought you were just being flippant,
stand to look at a single company
teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by
off to the engineering
deal with that,
on the recording would you
have no
too. There’s no surveillance,
fixed on
looked like she didn’t
Cicely was done for.
felt terrible, her head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I
of it was true. I only said
Ray.”
turned to look at her,
beside him. It seemed like
a way out for
moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If
flash
remind him that he might get caught, and to destroy the
was going to do it? Don’t you see the contradiction in
words?”
sentence from Danielle
explanations.
he looked up again, they
state. Just as Cicely was about to
flash drive,
four uniformed officers
are from Department of Justice, right? It’s her,
to maliciously
and the evidence is irrefutable. Please
preparing to
furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty,
phone over to one
the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s
panic as she looked towards
to press charges against me?”
back, tears streaming down his
lives for
and I’m willing to do
the line. It’s just not fair.
for a long moment. Charlie watched his expression
calm as a still pond, eerily composed. “How
over?”
a second. “It’s a six-month
ass off, two
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
next month…
find Ray, see if he
“Right, right, right! Maybe he still has
him fast
jolted into action
*
the whole night in his
their only
fallen asleep at her desk numerous
was all a dream, but each time
of her surroundings and the
Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed by
had spent two years
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
him like that. Just the
enough.
blame her and they could not get married, but she
look on his
whole time, pained to see her this way. As
breakfast. Two portions for Joel and
he placed
were always the
and his friend, having worked all
their
hearty scent of
and Issac pushed the bag toward her,
breakfast.”
groggy, looked around, sniffed at the bag, then her face turned, and
room, hand over her mouth. Issac followed
the wall, heaving with nothing to
up.
water. After rinsing her mouth and quenching
she
her dropped jacket over her and whispered, “I’ll
you to the hospital.”
shook her head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep
by the flowerbed, pulling the jacket
the smell in there. Can you
and weak, her
to ask Joel
be able to do it. We’re
can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell her to
that
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
Despite being promised a certainty,
without getting
looked up at the brightening sky, biting her
Seth will do when he finds
pause, Issac replied, “He won’t lose it. He’s young but
like this, or if he ever fails at something, he
again. “But he’s been working on this for
years.”
avoided her pained expression, “Everyone
I don’t want him to face
because of me.”
reality made Cicely’s heart
head, tears falling, drop by
on her head,
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program sooner or
need to worry this much. Speak to him
for his sake. Even if it’s
are made by people. They can
a matter
Issac’s comforting logic. She looked
is it?”
now is
him at
worried if he finds out. I can’t
starts.” Issac held her back as she tried
for two hours before going to the company. I
you in the hotel next door. Go rest a
felt truly awful, and this time Issac was insistent.
to get
…
set to see Danielle. Danielle promised to
evening, so they ended up staying at a
up early, ready to head back to the
they finished breakfast in their room and packed
downstairs.
were about to walk out the
arm by someone who appeared out of nowhere.
instinctive scream.
familiar, anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped
saw that it was
how…” She glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook off
go of
around and took out a cellphone from
I really like you, but
me. This is the last thing I can do for you. I
I wish
go to Diaz International before noon to see
him, you can ask him to meet
“What are you talking about? Why can’t I go
should I
of time, I have to go. Just remember what
eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle
down low,
frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that
the phone? Is there something important on
approached, and after greeting
and they walked
check it out
*
his breakfast and taking a
the bat, Patty’s shrill
eardrums.
piece of work! She’s
nor would we dare.
it! I will never agree to let her marry into
had just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have
his daughter to nothing, and Creighton’s temper
the morning? Where did
deserve such strong opinions?!”
wrong me?
me?! Is she at home?
International right now. We’re going to
“Patty, Ray advised
ask
instead.”
Diaz International?!
depend on his say-so.”
company on the brink, it was understandable
indignant rage, her fury was
a curse, and yet I had
Ellis Group but managed to drag Diaz International
disaster!”
Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at
Patty’s raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t
her
*
annoyed after being yelled
to call Cicely to ask what was going on,
still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac,
phone was off.
furrowed
He immediately called Seth.
was picked up quickly, and he sounded
you and Cicely have a
Seth paused, “No.”
your mother just call me wanting to call off
she’s the worst?
company last
She was out
everything’s fine. I can’t
mentioned that there was a problem
happened?”
“I’ll contact
“Alright.”
up feeling unsettled, especially since
at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the
Brody to check on
*
had no intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she
so she just took
and left the room.
at the door, and seeing her like this,
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
grab
Cicely shook her head.
no longer insisted. They headed
the company, they saw
a big issue, Seth would definitely be at
weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is
office?”
on her with an
the Engineering
reply caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She
dim expression, she muttered,
him.”
followed Cicely this time, accompanying her
quiet on the weekend.
the door while she pushed open
of eyes turned to
and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly in
with him.
was in disarray, the computer tower and monitor
strewn across
was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers
well
raspy to the extreme.
gripped the door handle tighter and after a brief silence,
go home last night. I came back
late…”
the night
home?”
her, each question sounding
something else.
bit her lip and shook her
and he looked away. “As long as
me behind my back, there’s no issue.
leave.”
chaos of the office. As she was about to
something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through
even hear what we just told you, or
dumb?”
two-year project! Doesn’t this mess prove
is gone, and the computer is trashed. All your efforts
might go under because of her. This
woman!”
deepened as she turned to Patty
“How did you
teeth clenched in anger, pointed at her, her eyes
it and you still
closer to Danielle, her gaze
did you know about the data
crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck
violently, and he abruptly
through the
him.
glared
After what you’ve done, you still act so
shameless!”
the situation isn’t clear yet. Please
down.”
clarity do you need? Does this
a phone from her bag – the one
– and after pressing something, tossed it onto the
Seth.
began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine
expression at the time:
cold and
International, left to him by his father. My
secret, and even though we’re set to marry, he’s
leave
important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware
and to this day her desire to set him up with
alive and well. There was no way for me to break in from his
were set
International to my name
saying that if the software development fails and
International would easily fall into my
Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry.
to me; I just
to completely destroy this program. Diaz International will
the Ellis family will
fall into my hands.
cameras, no proof of who did it. He
it thoroughly. I know a bit
with a regular USB, any engineer here
exactly. What’s the point of what
infected with a virus I had specially
it will automatically destroy everything
resulting in both data
hardware failure.”
…
but
of a color to
looked towards Seth,
grim to
“You’re quite something, obliterating
You’ve done a thorough
shook her head frantically and approached him, “It’s not like
Seth raised his hand, batting away hers as she reached for his
staggered, steadying herself on the nearby
eyed her coldly, his gaze like nails laced with
through her nerves inch by
to get your hands on Diaz International, and
down. I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely. All this
find everything dull, and you can’t stand to look at a
but
codes, always scurrying off
with
you
thing. Without surveillance, I’d have
too. There’s no
gaze fixed on a
her face. It looked like she didn’t have to lift
Cicely was done for.
spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I
recording, but none of it was true. I only said
Ray.”
turned to look at her, his clenched fist resting
seemed like he was thinking, trying to
looking for a way out for
moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up,
files onto a flash drive would
that he might get caught, and to destroy
he was going to do it? Don’t
words?”
Danielle completely overturned all
explanations.
he looked up again, they had returned to
as Cicely was about to
drive, his
same time, four uniformed officers
guys are from
to maliciously
and the evidence is irrefutable.
preparing to
turned to look
phone over to
words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot up,
she looked towards the tall, imposing
me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Seth
figures before him. “The situation
investigated.”
suddenly shouted, her angry voice piercing through
present, “The evidence is irrefutable,
go soft just because this woman’s put on a
Diaz International into the ground?
Diaz International or me anymore, is
clutched her chest, glaring at Seth,
just how
Enter title…
knitted together
the lead agent from the Department of Justice said
the matter
department can assist in the inquiry to ensure absolute fairness and
is indeed innocent, we will
unharmed.”
filing a lawsuit against her
and words spiraling
deep and tranquil
head, tears swirling in her eyes. “I
the tainted are taken there. I can’t bear to
I wouldn’t hurt you, and I wouldn’t do anything to bring shame to
Ellis family.”
fearful and helpless, laden with desperate pleading.
so terrified. Not
watched her for a long moment, taking in every facet of her
his voice deep and
a misunderstanding. Is that
with the motion.
have to
he had never seen her
fists clenched, Seth’s face tight with tension. Finally, when another
he paused, turning his
spoke again, his voice was like a sword cleaving
yet exceedingly sharp.
Her wide eyes stared blankly at Seth. Had
been for the tears that suddenly
was a statue, rigid and
imagined that one day
let’s go,” the two Justice Department agents
either side of her, ready
were now utterly still, her gaze
face. She looked at Seth silently for two seconds
seemingly
suddenly stepped forward, blocking their path. “You
of hope
Ms. Cicely to cooperate with the
about to speak, a
an investigation
taking her today, I
gaze trembled sharply as she lifted her head to see
her, his expression stern and commanding,
indomitable authority.
“Mr. Ellis.”
fury, “What in
this far? They’re a married couple. Since when does
intervene in
chairman of the Ellis family,
respect. But now that they had been assigned this case
parties were exerting pressure, they couldn’t
in. “Mr.
bring him up here. Let him
Patty demanded, unfazed
granted a reprieve,
bring the accused.
into laughter. “Ms.
neither of us could escape, huh? And to think, you were so confident
I almost believed
further explanation, his words were a
Cicely.
and suddenly realized
to win over Danielle by fighting
man? Should I say
Cicely’s composure returned. The chaos in her
to settle. Still, the
word hit Ray right where it hurt. He glared
before he laughed again. “It’s thanks to
Ms. Cicely, truly. Without you, I couldn’t have caused
I have no regrets in this life. I really should thank you,
me, or even
a cold laugh. How wonderful. Even now, he
of his life for Danielle. Even
shamelessly clawed her way into
still supported her.
Ray was concerned, everything Danielle did or wanted
deserved.
“Take him away.”
again within her.
blown to
into a smile, her
detachment.
at the grain of the gray wooden
distant. “Ray’s unwavering trust and support for
In this, I’m clearly outmatched,”
by emotion, resigned to being
So many people around,
intended for him alone.
was blaming him for not believing in her. What good was his trust when
were watching, so many people waiting? Could his lone
the prejudice against her?
the Ellis family, Cicely—was
about in the
a heartbeat, his eyes darkened, his jaw
with
from the Department of Justice
escort everyone out and investigate this
that
say?” Patty strode over, snatched back the phone she had
and hit play again, specifically for
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
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The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 2041-2050 .
In Chapter 2041-2050 of the The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride series, The passage describes a conflict between Chloe and Keira. Keira has hurt Chloe, and Lance Olson is caught in the middle. An old lady named Hannah observes the situation, and she wants to meet Chloe due to her good nature. However, there is a potential issue with her grandson's arrival......... Will this Chapter 2041-2050 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 2041-2050 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2041-2050