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.

seeing Cicely personally shopping for clothes and shoes for

café chatting leisurely, Charlie kind

were enough to

Mr. Diaz, her words might as well have

confession.

*

out of the café and rushed back to the office, there was

to wait for Seth to finish work – not counting his habitual

departures.

sent Issac on his way, knowing she’d be

soon enough.

was hammering away at the keyboard, sifting

up at her with a nonchalant lift

in work?” Cicely flopped down

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

What’d you buy?”

weighing the truth. Telling this

“Just browsed a bit, didn’t

huh? Was there

the place was

guilty, “Who rushed out?

up his data entry, saved the file, and shut

I dig, or

was getting annoyed by his pressing demeanor. “Do

you? What could I possibly

check up

you could do, then

you can’t

get all jealous and gobble

you admit there’s something you’ve done that would make me

still act

outplay this man. “So

not to

and moving

it to yourself. As you thought, I might

you up.”

“Eh?”

had just begun to question when suddenly, she was swept off

and into his arms.

she kicked

what are

kicked open the door to the resting room and

her into the bed.

should exercise some restraint. Save some

wedding night.”

doesn’t need to

not really looking

“Heh.”

her, and she had no more chances

thoroughly at his

Cicely kicked him weakly a couple

but her efforts feeble.

call came through, as if he

up to take the call,

stay put and left the

was drained, waiting obediently

of bed and decided

were preparing to leave, so she ambled over

department. They were used to working

to mess with her.

be out of her league, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t ruffle

employees’ feathers.

appeared, everyone sat up straight, and

typing intensified. Cicely smirked and scanned

around, wasn’t there, she headed

work today,” a programmer informed her

lot. They were suffering every day she

sick and yet not daring to take a

puzzled, “I didn’t hear

things she

for leave today. He

have a word with Seth and ask

cut Camden some slack.”

a chair next to the programmer, “I’m

for me. I need to take out

silently.While waiting for a

a new message. She checked it to

scene. The wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it

see

response touched on every girl’s soft

her wedding dress was the envy of another girl. [Come over

then,] she texted

free tomorrow

followed by a

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.]

off, Emiliana

two girls had grown more familiar

replies from Creighton and Erik. Cicely had gotten used to

older folks just weren’t into texting

turned her attention back to

“Are we almost there?”

more

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

drive to mess up someone’s

steal trade

do write viruses, but it’s rare

upgrading and reinforcing

those kinds of machines are too

break into. Take our computers here—our firewalls are

commissioned by Mr. Diaz. We’re well-protected,

worries.”

murmured, “so if there’s corporate

job?”

a crime. No one would

“Right.”

“It’s ready, ma’am.”

“Huh?”

to the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore

resemblance to Seth. The character was adorably dressed in

brows and a

to Seth’s

but laugh, “So this is how you see

sat upright, “Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please go

ma’am.”

out loud and said, “Move over.

her a few game commands.

with “pow,

could even swell up a

head off. It was hard to

taking a hit.

played the simple game for over half an hour, and if

her in the office, suspecting she was causing chaos in

would have

giggles echoed through the office space.

with a

the screen and felt his legs go

“Ma’am.”

in the game,

“Mr. Seth…”

The office, which had been filled with

making Cicely’s computer

sensed a chilling presence

dark, ominous glare.

intense she blinked rapidly.

at the screen, his voice icy, “Having

“Yeah.”

“Enjoying it?”

“Sorta.”

a sound that sent shivers down her spine.

getting yourself so excited?”

man had the nerve to make such

comment in public.

from

had my fill. Don’t wanna

held her close, his hand tight against her

harder when you’re this

Seth whisked

of engineering department collectively exhaled in

heavens!

*

the car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth

looking for excuses to

help but chuckle at

let the couple

engineering department isn’t some

and you’re there distracting

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

do work hard. You should consider giving them

they have

seem fair.”

the bully. They’re

You owe them that

I bullying you?” Seth gave her

on her neck, his voice teasing.

“Did you know Camden called in

to change the

eyes narrowed slightly,

you to

briefly, then turned to

Camden.”

“Sure.”

light.

rang for a good ten

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

sounded a tad frazzled, prompting

Camden? Something wrong?”

emergency came up, and

on behalf of

Diaz is right

directly.”

are

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

Seth’s deep and stern voice cut

scenes, merely watched as Camden’s trembling voice

the other

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

back for a couple of days, and

few

then it’s the weekend. You can’t make

days?”

that’s plenty. Thank you, Mr.

“Alright.”

up, Cicely lounged back

got to be ten years older than you, and yet, just a phone

him stuttering and shaking like he’s about

hefty salary is me. Anger

to cry when you lose your

window at a couple

an ice cream in

could have ice cream with Emiliana

Tomorrow, Emiliana.

you for dinner tomorrow

Emiliana.”

time will you

so dinner, a movie, or maybe just

home before

back by ten at the latest. Otherwise, don’t bother

not get to have

you

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

choked unexpectedly.

anticipated this side

if scalded by boiling water.

most shameless of

*

a reservation at the restaurant Seth had taken her

was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana

reviews as well.

to catch

the restaurant. They bought a couple of ice

them while taking a

with life. The square was crowded, and

conversation revolved

were particularly focused on the bridesmaids and

bridesmaid, you. For

groomsmen be Mr.

If not, Issac can just join my squad

bridesmaids.”

“You want

I actually suggest it, he might just be up

he spoils you

out a proud “Hmph,” “You just

passed by posters of

glamorous than the last.

and

hat.

grabbed their tickets and glanced over

the promotional boards—several were

saw Danielle at the studio

her crew happened to be

the electronic posters.

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

actors, bumping into each other isn’t

“I saw their costumes and crew today,

it’s a top-notch production.”

out, he wouldn’t skimp. But a toptier production, that

he’s repaying a favor. Mr. Diaz’s favors are bound to

Cicely agreed with a

I also saw some high-profile lady at the set visiting

she’ll probably rest over

about to announce your

let’s find our

who Emiliana was referring to, but

Danielle. She nodded and let Emiliana pull her

Cicely had called Issac,

cinema, they

to

“Got it.”

*

was eerily quiet over the weekend. Cicely, often

had her own access card. Leading Emiliana

top floor, they

somewhat astonished, “I thought we

Why are we at

the dress, but who knew he’d

his office?”

said that, Cicely figured the man probably just wanted to corner her

flicking on the lights, and the

instantly bathed in brightness.

first time here, and even without

help but feel tense.

arrangement

ignored the little table next

plush cushion on the

mats.

Cicely cooped up in this place

couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

up next to him at work cracks me up. But do

imagine it. All

of cards out of

dismissively, “The affairs

else am I supposed to do if not

point there.” Laughter brought

pillow from the chair and hurled it

but let’s see

frantically, “No, no, I’m

me the wedding

concealed door in the lounge area and

Her expression froze for

aren’t we going in…” Emiliana couldn’t wait and

her words

back with a

this afternoon,

was a testament

crept up Cicely’s ears.

hit the nail on the head and stepped forward,

the corner of a cabinet. She gasped. “Oh

mouth, scurrying to the center of

now

than it

that all diamonds? I’m

bell sleeves are

veil, so lush

silver thread embroidery,

design is just

to the stunning bridal

overstatement.

snorted with an air of pride, “Did you expect anything less for

you get the sneak peek

a few high-resolution photos with her

you wear it at the

again, “Don’t share those pictures, okay?

on the wedding day.”

beautiful dress, you must have repaid the favor in

shot her a glare, “Are you done? If so,

the dress’s side,

still

looking. I’m out

“Hey, wait for me…”

Emiliana was loath to leave, she couldn’t really stay all night. “You

here and you’re already rushing

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

annoyed.

“Late for what?”

me

eyebrow, “That

the curfew was

doing anything wrong. Even if you are late,

perhaps flirt a little, and all’s

hope you get a boyfriend someday and

a little’ to

reached the elevator, and just as Cicely

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

button herself,

top floor, and upon opening, Emiliana urged her,

on.”

entered, deep in

the button for the ground floor, then pulled

up her makeup. She had plans to drag Cicely to a

drink.

elevator doors closed and the elevator began to

reached down and pressed the floor

for the twelfth floor.

halted almost

and Cicely stepped out just as they were

to catch only a glimpse of her

floor!”

“Wait for me downstairs.”

and Emiliana couldn’t tell if

words.

Cicely,

– it housed the

had been on the ground floor when she

two should have remained

at the twelfth?

home

two years in the making.

coding. Any leak or malicious sabotage could be a

There was no room for

crucial behind and

Or maybe someone was just

better to do. The thought made Cicely scoff.

if they did, why was the vast

not a single light

down the hallway to the entrance of

flash of a smartphone’s flashlight

angle

for something in a

Cicely’s chest with apprehension. This

could have a security badge for free access to

company?

your office?” The stranger sounded nervous, a

with anger and urgency.

noticed the Bluetooth earpiece,

ear. Were they communicating with someone

Camden had a private

tremulous voice on the phone

realize something. That

security badge.

had told the stranger something significant, and the

for Camden’s

file path you gave

Play any tricks on me, and you’ll be picking out a

That voice…

of recognition flashing in

image of Ray’s face suddenly merged

door when she had picked up Danielle from

A sharp pain pulsed at the center

pieces of information started connecting in

had mentioned that Ray dropped out of school and sold his properties.

planning a comeback or something more extreme. Clearly,

opted for the latter.

work wasn’t due to a lack of time to call

Ray had threatened him

annual company gathering, Ray had vowed to make Seth

executing his sinister

within the company, and if

have. It was no secret

the world to Diaz International. So, he chose

either steal the program or destroy it. Then, everything that

worked for

of today was clearly no different

face him

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

silence of the empty office space,

walls.

Cicely’s mind went blank.

suddenly hit her face,

shield her eyes from the

been? Everything okay?

light dimmed on Cicely’s face as she inhaled a quiet breath, “I’m fine,

moment more. I’ll be

“Make it snappy.”

“Will do.”

hung up the phone and tucked it

sheen of cold sweat.d2

I’ve always said we have a certain fate, haven’t

Enter title…

as if being caught in the act was

in the

a hesitant

him.

you in the

chuckle escaped Ray, “Not at all. It’s rare for you to be here at

a weekend, Ms.

immediately, taking a moment before she retorted, “You

about getting caught, do

a nearby desk,

blow my cover, does

perhaps strike a deal?”

burst into

that

“Pure coincidence. I was just

closed the distance between them, their conversation as casual

the weather. “To be honest, our

misunderstood you. I wouldn’t have

romantic

as he removed his face mask, “Ms. Cicely,

shady deal, so could you hand over

backup, and then I’d really

into her purse to

button, the screen lit up, revealing a

that had been lying

screen illuminated,

hands. He checked the phone and

of tampering. Still not satisfied,

tissues, bank cards, and other daily essentials across the

the

the drive, he raised an eyebrow with a smirk, “Can I assume

for the same reason as

her fingers, her gaze fixed on the USB drive

head, “Not sure.”

“Hmm?”

face-to-face with Ray, her voice laced

Seth is cold and aloof. The

Diaz International, left to him by his

and even though we’re

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

to him, he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re

Danielle, and to this day her desire

is still alive and well. There was no way

were set on

transferring Diaz International to my name a few

that if the software development fails and the

easily fall into my

the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether it

to me; I just

on Ray who had been listening quietly, and she

align with mine. I intend

then face

family’s help in repaying it, the company

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

you profit is

assume with all your planning, you’ve left

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

on, and he won’t let you off easy. So,

it be

to her, his expression

love can be terrifying, willing to go to

I’ve kidnapped Camden’s son; I’ve made it

turning back. Seth destroyed the

make sure he tastes the loss of

International”

of making a quick buck with this worthless

the point of money? Better to obliterate it.

trailed off, his gaze on her, “Aren’t you worried

this,

Cicely’s heart, “You had the audacity to

afraid of the cameras

engineering Camden in my grasp and,

was a

“Exactly. No cameras, no evidence, no

me.”

on her, a sardonic grin playing on his lips. “So,

together?”

toward Camden’s

another access card to unlock the

swivel chair, powered up the

given him—spot

he fished out his own flash drive from his pocket, aiming

a cucumber, stopped him in his tracks.

Ray.”

hand paused mid-air as he looked up at her. “What,

“If I’m going to sabotage, I’ll

files with that plain Jane flash drive? Any

the lost files without breaking a sweat. What’s the point

your little exercise?”

So Camden had a backup

we do,

“Destroy the computer itself.”

puzzled, asked,

a bit out of your depth with

as the hard drive remains intact, smashing

the data more

was starting to panic.

flash drive he had

her bag. “That flash drive is loaded with a virus,

in the system, it’ll

data. The files will be

will be rendered useless.”

out of

heard of legendary hackers before. It wasn’t outside

should I trust

We’re both in too deep now. If

let me walk

and finally, through

Cicely.

back the

it to get back

as you claim, then it’s useless to

an eyebrow but said

the flash drive into the

showcasing

across the darkness.

halted, and

The central unit ceased to hum, and even

light faded to

It worked.

bit. She had

but it

pressing the power button of the

for

Cicely, easily noticing the faint smile playing

now that love indeed could drive

is a force

his, raising an eyebrow, “What’s on

mind?”

really did a number on

princess to this extent.”

over and tried the

bent over to pull the flash

put up a fight, but they can’t hold

sliver of the Ellis Group shares. Worst case scenario,

some of the Ellis’

said with a laugh as he stood up.

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

phone for now. Once

leave it by the fountain downstairs. Remember to pick it

Cicely remained stone-faced.

the building,

She found Emiliana and Issac waiting in

lot.

“Cicely, you were gone for so long,

the standoff

a pale face, “Nothing much. Where are

have Issac drive you.”

pallor and realizing she

booked a hotel nearby. I’ll take

head home

“Be careful on your

urging Cicely into the

Cicely leaned

happened?” Issac inquired.

responded with a

anyone else

were downstairs?”

“Did you run into someone

“Ray.”

jerked violently before coming to a stop on the side of the

face her, his expression grave. “Are

her

exhaled in relief, restarted the car, and asked, “What was he doing

International?”

to destroy Seth more than he does. He

program.”

moment. “So, did he succeed in

“Well… Oh, right.”

her phone, and

and Joel’s phone was answered quickly. He

and a little unsure about getting a call

urgently, “the flash drive you gave me, did you

crack the program?”

program. That’s been on the back burner for a while.

suddenly asking about this?”

a tremor in her voice betraying

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

to crack?”

was palpable, even through

bed ready to play with his phone

hard, just

contact our senior right now

tears circling her eyes. “Don’t hang up.

what he says,

“Okay, hold on.”

the landline to call his

came up, “We

and then we put it on hold

projects. What happened?”

Cicely’s urgency, blurted out, “The flash drive’s been used,

urgently.

“That urgent?”

“Better

on the other end before

as she wiped her tears, “Are we heading to

university? I’m coming, too.”

“Sure.”

hanging up, Cicely bit her lip and sent a message to Seth

bit longer tonight. Don’t wait

emoji and turned off her

heading

you won’t be any help there.

and wait for news.”

can’t sleep not knowing how to face him. I caused

just go to the university, and

Seth can’t reach you.”

“Understood.”

after Cicely arrived at the university,

after another.

red-rimmed eyes and a look of

other than to start working on the computer for a

them, trying to understand their

seen Cicely with red eyes before, much

cry. “You really

home, take

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

what I’d do otherwise.” As she

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

I share the blame. If you won’t go

try to

knowing she was of no help, let Joel guide

nearby seat.

*

just left the house when he received Cicely’s message.

call yesterday, Seth had a hunch that something

and found that

no clue where

Mrs. Camden

from school. Camden was then

to see his wife

afternoon, it had been 24

location – they’d been retrieved and were

company.

Cicely’s message and confirming she

watch, Seth felt no urgency to

*

company, the man was

“Mr. Diaz,

they threatened my

stoic face darkened ominously. “Who

“It was Ray.”

frosty, became glacial as he

feel like ice. “And what did he want from

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

the storage path

felt a chill run down his

felt that targeting Ray’s family without reason and then acting

g Ray was too ruthless, which was why he

family. So, he tossed Ray into

and he did not pursue the matter

but he didn’t expect him to really take drastic

Ray doesn’t seem to know much about computers. If he

them, I still might be

severe at this. “When

getting my

left

scrambling behind.

*

twelfth floor, in Camden’s office, Charlie

boot it up after several

the computer with a palpable

screen fruitless. Frantically, he switched to a

Within minutes, his

like a

Charlie, lacking Seth’s cool composure, pressed for

seeing Camden’s

as he stammered, “Mr. Diaz, all its data

clean from that computer.”

chill in

voice was a cold snap threatening to fracture a sturdy

you mean ‘all its data

out, stammered, “It’s all

the computer operate, it’s gone. Without

as a piece of

eyes in despair.

fortune invested, all for what? A pile

world’s most expensive junk.

sides, clenched into fists as if

he didn’t

just as lost. I remember

transferring files to it was enough. But

not some amateur.”

catching a glimpse of Seth’s ominously dark

head down,

help. There’s no way he could’ve done

his heel, “I’ll check

good would

added, “He had me erase

tapes.”Charlie’s stride halted,

down his cheeks. “My son and wife

lives for

my hump for the firm, and I’m willing

line. It’s just not

for a long moment. Charlie watched his expression carefully,

as a still pond, eerily composed. “How

over?”

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

off,

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

next month… It

find Ray, see if he

right! Maybe he still

him fast

action and

*

the whole night in his

their only

asleep at her

uneasy. She had hoped it was all a dream, but each time

surroundings and the two busy figures

feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed by silent

of Seth, who had spent two years and a

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

want to see him like

enough.

not

on his

side the whole time, pained to

to buy breakfast.

one he placed

school cafeteria’s offerings were always the same – buns and

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

buns without taking their eyes off their

hearty scent

and Issac pushed the bag

breakfast.”

sniffed at the bag,

hand over

room, Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving with

up.

water. After rinsing her mouth and quenching the churning

she settled

dropped jacket

you to the hospital.”

head, “I’m fine. Just

sat down by the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around

in there. Can you

it?” Pale and weak,

her to ask Joel about

but hopeful, “We should be

but we can’t give a definite timeline.

and that

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

Despite being

without getting a successful

the brightening sky, biting her lip in worry. “Issac,

Seth will do when he finds out the

won’t lose it. He’s young but steady. Even

if he ever fails

“But he’s

years.”

expression,

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

because of me.”

made Cicely’s heart

her head, tears falling, drop

gently placing a hand on her head,

run away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program

much. Speak

his sake.

made by people. They

just a matter of

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

is it?”

to do now is get some good

him at the

he finds out. I

work starts.” Issac held her back as she tried to

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

for you in the hotel next door. Go rest a

time Issac was insistent. She acquiesced

get some

…

Patty dropped by the set to see Danielle.

studio city that evening, so they ended

were up early, ready to head back to the city

finished breakfast in their room

downstairs.

to walk out the front door, Danielle

someone who appeared out of nowhere.

instinctive scream.

voice rang out. Danielle

saw that

at a startled Patty and quickly shook

go of

looked around and took out

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

thing I can do for you. I hope

I wish you

noon to see Seth. If you

you can ask him to meet you somewhere

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

why should

out of time, I have to go. Just remember what I

on his surroundings as

cap down low, and

“Who was that guy?

phone? Is there something important

that moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after

with Patty and

out in the

*

taking a stroll outside, Creighton

off the bat, Patty’s shrill

eardrums.

a piece of work! She’s so heartless and

her, nor

her marry into the Diaz

Creighton wouldn’t have minded, but

daughter to

in the morning? Where did Cicely

deserve such strong opinions?!”

did she wrong

wronged me?! Is she

right now. We’re going to

up, Danielle suggested, “Patty,

Let’s ask them

instead.”

to Diaz International?! Since

depend on his say-so.”

brink, it was understandable

rage, her

she was a curse, and yet I had to be entangled with her. We

the Ellis Group but managed to drag Diaz International down

disaster!”

roared at the

raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to

accompanied her

*

was left confused and annoyed after being yelled

He wanted to call Cicely to ask what was going

Instead, he called Issac, only to

phone was off.

furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

picked up quickly,

did you and Cicely

Seth paused, “No.”

your mother just call me wanting to call off the

like she’s the worst? Are you with Cicely

an issue at the company last

out with friends last

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

was

happened?”

“I’ll contact

“Alright.”

feeling unsettled, especially since Seth avoided

the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the

Brody to check

*

No

just took a shower, changed into clean

and left the room.

at the door, and seeing her like this,

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

grab some breakfast

Cicely shook her head.

longer insisted. They headed

the company,

a big issue, Seth would definitely be

was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth

office?”

gaze locked on her with an

“In the Engineering

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

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

him.”

time, accompanying her upstairs. The office was

quiet on the weekend.

wait at the

pairs of eyes turned to her in

stood before Seth, seemingly in the

with him.

was in disarray, the computer

across

towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes

and ferocity. “Sleep well last night?” he asked, his

raspy to the extreme.

and after

didn’t go home last night. I came

late…”

it because you spent the night partying with Emiliana that you didn’t

home?”

never wavered from her, each question sounding

something else.

lip and shook her head, “No,

looked away. “As long as you haven’t

on me behind my back, there’s no

leave.”

the chaos of the office. As she was about to

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

what we just told you, or are you deliberately

dumb?”

project! Doesn’t this mess prove

the computer

go

woman!”

turned to Patty and

“How did you know about

at her, her eyes red with

She admits it and you still

closer to Danielle, her

know about

crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck Cicely’s

shook violently, and he abruptly

burst through the

him.

beyond control, glared at Cicely.

After what you’ve done, you still act so

shameless!”

“Madam, the situation isn’t clear

down.”

clear? What more clarity do you need?

from her

something, tossed it onto the

Seth.

its clarity allowing one to imagine

expression at the time:

cold and aloof. The most important things to

his mother and Diaz International, left to him by his

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

leave me,

him, he wouldn’t just walk

to this day her desire to

for me to break

set on Diaz

my name a

that if the software development fails and the

easily fall into my hands.

the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry.

irrelevant to me; I

goal is to completely destroy this program.

bank loan issues, then the Ellis family

fall into my hands.

did it. He has no reason to

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

these files with a regular USB, any

exactly. What’s the point of what

with a virus

into the computer, it will

operational data, resulting

hardware failure.”

…

was interspersed, but

much of a color to it,

towards Seth, who

from grim to mocking,

quite something, obliterating even

a thorough job

approached him, “It’s not like

away hers as

herself on

Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like nails

her nerves inch by

to get your hands on

were just being flippant, Cicely. All

you can’t stand to look at a single company

but you’re oddly

codes, always scurrying off

deal with that,

words on the recording would you say are not true? Maybe you’re

surveillance, I’d have

too. There’s no

to the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in

face. It looked like

Cicely was done for.

terrible, her head was spinning, and

things on the recording, but none of it was

Ray.”

eyes and turned to look at her, his clenched

him. It seemed like he was thinking,

looking for a way out

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

copy the files onto a flash drive would

might get caught, and to destroy

it? Don’t you see the contradiction

words?”

from Danielle completely overturned all of

explanations.

looked up again, they had returned

and cold state. Just as Cicely

flash drive, his

the same time, four uniformed

said, “You guys are from Department of Justice, right?

with others to maliciously destroy company

the evidence is irrefutable. Please

We’re preparing to

he turned to

over

words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s

as she looked towards

to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury

streaming down his cheeks. “My son and

Diaz. I can’t risk their lives for

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

It’s just not fair. Why

silent for a long moment. Charlie watched his

still pond, eerily composed.

over?”

second.

off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

wedding next month… It was too

find Ray, see if he

right! Maybe he still has a backup.

fast before

jolted into action and

*

in his office, waiting for Charlie’s

become their only

Cicely had fallen asleep

She had hoped it was

the two busy figures

feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled

two years and a fortune on this,

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

didn’t want to see him like that. Just

enough.

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

on

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

to buy breakfast. Two

he placed before

school cafeteria’s offerings were always the same –

friend, having worked all

without taking their eyes off their screens.

the hearty scent of

and Issac pushed the bag toward her, “Have

breakfast.”

the bag, then her face

room, hand over her mouth. Issac followed

leaned against the wall, heaving with nothing to

up.

water. After rinsing her mouth and

she

her dropped jacket

you to the hospital.”

shook her head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep

the flowerbed, pulling the

there. Can you check on their progress for

Pale and weak, her voice

to ask

worn but hopeful, “We should be able to

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

that it’ll work

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

reported back to Cicely. Despite being promised a certainty,

to her without getting a successful decoder

at the brightening sky, biting her lip in

do when he finds

won’t lose it. He’s young

or if he ever fails at something, he

“But he’s been working on this

years.”

pained expression, “Everyone faces failure

want his life to be smooth. I don’t

because of me.”

and the harshness of reality made Cicely’s heart

head, tears falling, drop by

a hand on her head,

the flash drive.

really don’t need to worry this much.

it for his sake. Even

made by people. They can write

it’s just a matter

comforting logic.

is it?”

to do now is get some

him at

he’ll be worried if he finds out.

Issac

two hours before going to the company.

the hotel next

felt truly awful, and this time Issac was

to get

…

dropped by the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised to

so they ended up staying

next morning, they were up early, ready to

finished breakfast in their room and packed up,

downstairs.

they were about to walk out the front

by someone who appeared out of nowhere. She

instinctive scream.

it’s me.”A familiar, anxious voice rang

and saw that

She glanced at a startled

go of

but looked around and took out a

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

last thing I can do for

I wish you

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

him to meet you somewhere

you talking about?

should I go

I’m out of time, I have

his surroundings as he spoke, then

cap down low, and hurried

frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that

What’s with the phone? Is there something important

approached,

Patty and they walked

check it out

*

and taking a

bat, Patty’s shrill voice almost

eardrums.

sure raised a piece of

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

it! I will never agree to let her marry into the

criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have minded, but she

his daughter to nothing,

into you this early in the

deserve such strong opinions?!”

she wrong me? She nearly ruined

she at home? If so, tell her to come

right now. We’re going to

Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not

International this morning. Let’s ask

instead.”

International?! Since when does my

depend on his say-so.”

it was

with indignant rage,

and yet I had to be entangled with

managed to drag Diaz

disaster!”

almost roared

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

accompanied her to Diaz

*

left confused and annoyed

on. He wanted to call Cicely to

be asleep. Instead, he called

phone was off.

brow furrowed in

He immediately called Seth.

picked up quickly, and he

did you and Cicely have a

Seth paused, “No.”

your mother just call

the worst?

at the company

out

fine. I can’t

that there was a

happened?”

“I’ll contact Cicely

“Alright.”

unsettled, especially since Seth

happened at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics

to check

*

sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she

so she just took

and left the room.

been waiting at the door, and seeing

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

to grab

Cicely shook her head.

They headed straight for Diaz

the company, they

that with such a big issue, Seth would

weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is

office?”

on her

the

hitch

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

him.”

accompanying her upstairs. The

quiet on the weekend.

at the door

eyes turned

Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly in the

with him.

disarray, the computer tower and

strewn across

first glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met

“Sleep well last night?” he asked,

raspy to the extreme.

door handle tighter and after a

go home last night. I came

late…”

night partying

home?”

never wavered from her, each question sounding like

something else.

her lip and shook

away. “As long as you

back, there’s

leave.”

the office.

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

hear what we just told you,

dumb?”

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

and the computer is

might go

woman!”

deepened as she turned to Patty and

did

clenched in anger, pointed at her, her eyes red with fury. “Listen

and you still don’t

stepped closer to Danielle,

know

crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck Cicely’s

eyes shook violently, and he abruptly

through the door

him.

control, glared at Cicely. “What

Danielle like this? After what you’ve done, you still act

shameless!”

“Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet.

down.”

do you

a phone from her

– and after pressing something, tossed it onto the desk

Seth.

began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the

expression at the time:

and aloof. The

mother and Diaz International, left to him by his father. My affection

no secret, and even though we’re set to marry, he’s never

he might leave me, so

him, he wouldn’t

this day her

There was no way for me to

were set

International to my name a few

if the software development fails and

then Diaz International would easily fall into

to the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry. Whether it fails

value is irrelevant to me; I

completely destroy this program. Diaz International will

issues, then the Ellis family will

fall into my hands.

cameras, no proof of who did it. He has

destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know a bit about

files with a regular USB, any engineer here

point of what you’re

with a virus I

into the computer, it

the computer’s operational data, resulting in both data destruction

hardware failure.”

…

interspersed, but it no longer

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

looked towards Seth,

his eyes slowly morphing from grim to mocking, and

“You’re quite something, obliterating even the

done a

head frantically and approached him,

away hers as she reached

staggered, steadying herself on the

it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his

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

you wanted to get your hands on Diaz International, and

tearing it down. I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely. All

and you can’t stand to look at a single

like pulling teeth, but you’re oddly

codes, always scurrying off

with that,

you say are

one thing. Without surveillance, I’d have no reason to suspect

no surveillance,

on a crack

playing across her face. It looked like

Cicely was done for.

felt terrible, her head was spinning, and her

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

Ray.”

his eyes and turned to look at her, his clenched fist

desk beside him. It seemed like he was

looking for a way

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

a flash drive would have been enough.

remind him that he might get caught, and to destroy

was going to do it? Don’t

words?”

sentence from Danielle completely overturned all

explanations.

eyes flickered, and when he looked up

as Cicely was about to bring up

the flash drive, his look silenced

same time, four uniformed

are from

others to maliciously destroy company secrets,

the evidence is

preparing to press

furrowed slightly as he turned to look

phone over to one of

of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot up,

mix of panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing

“Seth, are you suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury

down his cheeks. “My son and wife are

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

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

line. It’s just not

was silent for a long moment. Charlie watched his

was as calm as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long

over?”

a second. “It’s a six-month job.

ass off, two

Enter title…

Seth closed his eyes.

month… It was

Ray, see if he

right, right! Maybe he still has a backup.

fast before he leaks

jolted into action

*

the whole night in his office, waiting

become their only

Cicely had fallen asleep at her desk numerous

She had hoped it was all a

of her surroundings and the two busy figures nearby

feeling. Anxiety and helplessness welled up, followed

had spent two

facing ruin was unbearable.

Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?

see him like that. Just

enough.

not get married, but she

look on his

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

to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and

one he placed before

were always the same – buns and

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

on the buns without taking their eyes off their screens. The room

the hearty scent of

and Issac pushed

breakfast.”

the bag, then her

from the room, hand over her mouth.

against the wall, heaving with nothing

up.

handed her water. After rinsing her

she

concerned, draped her dropped jacket over her and whispered,

you to the hospital.”

head, “I’m fine. Just

by the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight around her,

the smell in there. Can you check on their progress

Pale and weak, her voice barely

her to ask Joel

should be able to do

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

that it’ll

Issac nodded, “Thank you.”

Despite being

without getting a successful decoder

biting her

Seth will do when he finds out the program

lose it. He’s

this, or if he ever

eyes reddened again. “But he’s

years.”

her pained expression,

life to be smooth. I don’t want

because of me.”

reality made Cicely’s

hung her head, tears

placing a hand on her head, soothing her. “The

run away from the flash drive. They’ll crack

this much. Speak to him clearly, and

for his sake.

these programs are made by

just a matter

with Issac’s comforting logic. She looked

is it?”

do now is get some good sleep, then explain

him at the

he’ll be worried if he finds

Issac held her back as she tried

definitely sleep for two hours before going to

in the hotel next door. Go

truly awful, and this time Issac was insistent.

to get some

…

the set to

evening, so they ended up staying

early, ready to head

they finished breakfast in their room and packed up, they

downstairs.

were about to walk out the front door, Danielle

the arm by someone who appeared

instinctive scream.

familiar, anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped

saw that

a startled

“Let go of

but looked around and

really like you, but I

thing I can do for you. I hope

I wish you

International before noon to see

him, you can ask him to meet you

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

and why should

have to go. Just remember

an eye on his surroundings as he

his cap down low,

the scene, asked, “Who was

phone? Is

approached, and after greeting

Patty and they walked

check it out in

*

and taking a stroll outside, Creighton

off the bat, Patty’s shrill voice

eardrums.

you sure raised a piece of work!

her, nor would

to let her marry into the Diaz family in my

just criticized him, Creighton wouldn’t have minded,

by belittling his daughter to nothing, and Creighton’s

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

deserve such strong opinions?!”

she wrong me? She nearly ruined Diaz

you think she wronged me?! Is she at

International right now. We’re going to

suggested, “Patty, Ray advised us not to

this morning. Let’s ask them

instead.”

Diaz International?! Since when does

depend on his say-so.”

the company on the brink, it was understandable for Patty to be

chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was palpable.

she was a curse, and yet I had to be entangled with her.

but managed to drag Diaz International down

disaster!”

almost roared

raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t

accompanied her to Diaz

*

and annoyed

Cicely to ask what was going on,

Instead, he called

phone was off.

brow furrowed

He immediately called Seth.

was picked up quickly, and he

you and Cicely have

Seth paused, “No.”

mother just call me wanting to call off

Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with Cicely

the company last night. I

was out

I hope everything’s fine. I can’t

mother mentioned that there was a problem at

happened?”

“I’ll

“Alright.”

hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth avoided talking

happened at the company. Given Patty’s

check

*

intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable

close her eyes, so she just took

and left the room.

and seeing her like this, he

“Going to Diaz International?”

Cicely nodded.

grab some breakfast

Cicely shook her head.

They headed straight for

arriving at the company, they saw

thought that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be

a weekend. That was the logical conclusion.

office?”

on her with an unfamiliar

“In the

caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart.

dim expression, she muttered, “I’ll go

him.”

accompanying her

quiet on the weekend.

wait at the door while she

pairs of eyes

stood before Seth, seemingly in the

with him.

the computer tower and monitor now

strewn across the

Seth, whose

and ferocity. “Sleep well last night?” he

raspy to the extreme.

and after a brief silence, mustered

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

late…”

spent the night partying with Emiliana that

home?”

never wavered from her, each question sounding

something else.

and shook her head, “No, that’s

looked away.

back, there’s no issue.

leave.”

chaos of the office. As she was

say something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut

just told you, or are you

dumb?”

two-year project! Doesn’t

confidential data is gone, and the computer is trashed. All your efforts

International might go under because of her. This

woman!”

frown deepened as she turned to Patty and Danielle, who

her. “How did you know about

in anger, pointed at her, her eyes

admits it and you

Danielle, her

know

a crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck

eyes shook violently, and he abruptly stood up from his

through

him.

glared at

this? After what you’ve done, you still act

shameless!”

“Madam, the situation

down.”

clarity do you need? Does

out a phone from her bag –

something, tossed it onto the desk

Seth.

to play, its clarity

expression at the time:

cold and aloof. The most important

International, left to him

is no secret, and even though we’re set to marry, he’s never said he

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

so important to him, he wouldn’t

Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him up

was no way for me to break in

set

my name a few

the software

would easily fall

the Ellis Group, Diaz International is

value is irrelevant to me; I

goal is to completely destroy this program.

bank loan issues, then the Ellis family will

fall into my hands.

no cameras, no proof of who did it. He has no reason to

it thoroughly. I know a

these files with a regular USB, any engineer here could recover the

point of what you’re

with a virus I had specially prepared for today.

computer, it will automatically destroy

resulting in

hardware failure.”

…

was interspersed, but it no longer

of a color to it, went completely

she looked towards Seth, who

his eyes slowly morphing from grim to mocking, and he

quite something, obliterating even the

You’ve done a

approached him, “It’s not like that,

batting away hers as she reached for

staggered, steadying herself on

Seth eyed her coldly, his

nerves inch by inch. “You’ve

hands on Diaz International,

it down. I thought you were just being flippant, Cicely. All this

and you can’t stand to look at

like pulling teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by those

off to the

deal with

recording would you say are not true? Maybe

one thing. Without surveillance, I’d have no reason to

too. There’s no surveillance,

stood to the side, her gaze fixed on

playing across her face. It looked

Cicely was done for.

terrible, her head was spinning, and

recording, but none of it was true.

Ray.”

and turned to look at her,

the desk beside him. It seemed like he

for a

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

files onto a flash drive would have been

might get caught, and to destroy the

do it? Don’t you see the contradiction

words?”

one sentence from Danielle completely overturned all

explanations.

eyes flickered, and when he looked up

Cicely was about to bring up the

flash drive,

time, four uniformed officers stepped

“You guys are from Department

maliciously

evidence is irrefutable. Please take

We’re preparing

slightly as he turned to look at Patty, but Patty

Ray’s phone over to one of

‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot up,

of panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing man

me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Seth caught the fear in her eyes, his

up at the four figures before him.

investigated.”

Patty suddenly shouted, her angry voice piercing through the ears

“The evidence is irrefutable,

go soft just because this woman’s put on

driven Diaz International into

me

her chest, glaring at Seth, “I’ve

just how cruel and shameless she

Enter title…

brows knitted together

agent from the Department

that the matter

assist in the inquiry to ensure absolute fairness and

Ms. Cicely is indeed innocent, we will ensure

unharmed.”

against her immediately!”

and words spiraling out of

turned, deep and tranquil as he looked

in her eyes. “I don’t want to

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

I wouldn’t do anything to bring

Ellis family.”

were fearful and helpless, laden

her so terrified. Not Seth, not

long moment, taking in

his voice deep and

been a misunderstanding. Is

with the

to believe

he had never

face tight with tension. Finally, when another

her pale cheek, he paused, turning his

spoke again, his voice was like a sword cleaving

exceedingly sharp. “Take her

spot. Her wide eyes stared

suddenly fell

a statue, rigid

one day these words would pierce her

go,” the two

either side of her,

were now utterly still, her gaze desolate

at Seth silently for two

seemingly in a

suddenly stepped forward, blocking their path. “You can’t take her

hope glinted in Cicely’s

just asking Ms. Cicely to cooperate with

as Issac was about to speak, a deep and resonant voice boomed

an investigation doesn’t

taking her today, I dare

sharply as she lifted her head to see Creighton

his expression

indomitable authority.

“Mr. Ellis.”

mask of fury, “What

things this far? They’re a married couple. Since

intervene in

of the Ellis family, of course,

that they had been assigned

exerting pressure, they couldn’t

walked in. “Mr. Diaz, we’ve

him up here. Let him

unfazed

granted a reprieve, quickly

bring the accused.

Ray burst into laughter. “Ms. Cicely, we

us could escape, huh? And to think, you were so

believed Seth trusted

needing further explanation, his words were

Cicely.

realized how naively she

her. “Trying to win over Danielle by fighting

man? Should I say you’re devoted or just

returned. The chaos in her

settle. Still,

Ray right where it hurt. He glared at Cicely, but

again. “It’s thanks to you I got this

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

no regrets in this life. I really should thank you, so feel

me, or even

out a cold laugh. How wonderful. Even now, he

Danielle. Even if Danielle’s role

third woman who shamelessly clawed her

still supported her.

Ray was concerned, everything Danielle did or

deserved.

“Take him away.”

exploded again

to

danced into a smile, her expression transitioning from

detachment.

grain of the

unwavering trust

envy. In this, I’m clearly outmatched,” she said. Her voice was

emotion, resigned

heart skipped a beat. So many people around, yet

intended for him alone.

not believing in her. What good was

watching, so many people

the prejudice against her?

Cicely—was she to be

about in

of a heartbeat, his eyes darkened, his jaw

with a

officials from the Department of Justice glanced awkwardly

Ellis, perhaps we should escort

that

there to say?” Patty strode over, snatched back

hit play again, specifically for Creighton

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