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
kind
were enough to
had a thing for Mr. Diaz,
confession.
*
out of the café and rushed back to the office,
hour to wait for Seth to finish work –
departures.
sent Issac on his way, knowing she’d be
soon enough.
Seth was hammering away at the
He glanced up at her with a nonchalant
work?” Cicely flopped
fixed on the monitor, Seth asked blandly, “Didn’t you go
What’d you buy?”
out, weighing the truth. Telling this
off, she thought. “Just browsed a bit,
Was
the place was
guilty, “Who rushed out?
data entry, saved the file, and shut
dig, or will you
by his pressing
cheat on you? What could I possibly do that
to check
expression darkened, “If there’s nothing you could
you can’t tell
if you get all jealous and gobble me
there’s something you’ve done
still act like
died down. She couldn’t outplay
promise not to
snorted a laugh, standing up and moving closer to her. “I
to yourself. As you thought,
you up.”
“Eh?”
question when suddenly, she was swept
and into his arms.
what was happening, she kicked and struggled,
anything, what are
pretty obvious.” He kicked open the door to the
her into the bed.
think we should exercise some
wedding night.”
need
I’m not really looking forward
“Heh.”
chuckle, the man silenced her, and she
thoroughly at
kicked him weakly a couple
but her efforts feeble.
call came through, as if
up to take the call,
stay put and left
was drained, waiting obediently was not
and
leave, so she ambled over
used to working late
to mess with her.
league, but
employees’ feathers.
moment Cicely appeared, everyone sat up
smirked and scanned the
usually loitered around, wasn’t there,
today,” a programmer informed
every day she visited.
the wringer; sick and yet not daring to take a day
didn’t hear about him taking
many things she wasn’t aware
leave today. He might be marked absent
really hard. I’ll have a
cut Camden some slack.”
up a chair next
Seth for me. I need to take
her and sighed silently.While waiting for a coder to work his magic on her code, Cicely’s
checked it to find a text from Emiliana.
wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it
see it in
girl’s soft spot.
envy of another girl.
she
tomorrow night though.
was followed by a string
Enter title…
an eyebrow, [Tomorrow’s Friday.
take a look.]
[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2
[Sure. Dismissed.]
[Got it, your Highness.]
off, Emiliana had become
two girls had grown more familiar and comfortable with each
were no replies from Creighton and
folks just weren’t
turned her attention back
“Are we almost there?”
more minutes,
up her chin, bored. “Do you tech
drive to mess up someone’s system,
to steal trade
rare and targeted.
upgrading and reinforcing
those kinds of machines are too well-guarded for
computers
by Mr.
worries.”
if there’s corporate espionage, it must
job?”
but that’s a
“Right.”
“It’s ready, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore
resemblance to Seth. The character was
and a stern, haughty expression,
Seth’s
this
“Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please go easy
ma’am.”
laughed out loud and said,
tech yielded his seat and showed her a few game commands.
threw punches with “pow, pow,
Seth could even swell
head off. It was
taking a hit.
for over half
office, suspecting she was causing chaos in
would have
the office space. The tech, whose seat she
a
the screen
“Ma’am.”
the
“Mr. Seth…”
pow, pow” continued. The office, which had been filled with the
fell silent, making
was off, she sensed a chilling presence behind
dark, ominous glare. The
intense she blinked rapidly.
at the screen, his voice icy, “Having
“Yeah.”
“Enjoying it?”
“Sorta.”
that sent shivers down her spine. “Should I thank
getting yourself so excited?”
speechless. This man had the nerve to make
comment in public.
arm, lifting her from her seat,
need, I’ve had my
hand tight against
when you’re this
everyone’s gaze, Seth whisked
of engineering department collectively exhaled
heavens!
*
car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth
just playing a game. Stop looking for
chuckle at Cicely’s scrunched-up
let the
some playground. They work
there distracting
had no comeback for that. “I was there to boost morale, and I realized
should consider
but now they
seem fair.”
really because you’re the bully. They’re just
You owe them that
gave her a sidelong
her neck, his voice teasing.
her breath, “Did you know Camden called in sick today?” A
to change
slightly, “And that
you to care for
turned to
Camden.”
“Sure.”
light. Charlie quickly
a good ten seconds before it was answered,
speaker crackling to life. “Hello, Charlie, is that
a tad frazzled, prompting Charlie to ask,
Camden? Something wrong?”
just that some emergency came up, and I didn’t have time
behalf of Mr.
even, “Not that. Mr. Diaz is right here. You
directly.”
are with
have a minute to call and
stern voice cut
watched as Camden’s trembling voice
the
Mr. Diaz, it won’t happen again.
for a couple of days, and I was hoping
few more
Friday, and then it’s the weekend. You can’t make it
days?”
do it, that’s plenty. Thank
“Alright.”
hanging up, Cicely lounged back
be ten years older than you, and yet,
shaking like he’s about
paying his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread
when you lose your
the window at a couple of girls walking side
each with an ice cream
could have ice
Tomorrow, Emiliana.
for dinner tomorrow night.
Emiliana.”
will you be
out, so dinner,
be home before midnight for
the latest.
get to have a
providing you with a satisfying
cough, cough.” Charlie, who was driving with utmost
choked unexpectedly.
this
if scalded by boiling water. Decency
most shameless
*
made a reservation at the restaurant Seth
was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally
reviews as well.
they spontaneously decided to catch a movie. The cinema was
blocks away from the restaurant. They bought a
them while taking a
were bustling with life. The square was crowded, and
their conversation revolved around Cicely’s upcoming
particularly focused on
bridesmaid, you. For groomsman, Issac’s a
groomsmen be Mr.
the merrier! If not,
bridesmaids.”
“You want
afraid if I actually suggest it, he might
he spoils you that
out a proud “Hmph,” “You just
passed by posters of movie stars,
glamorous than the last.
some fame by now, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, she
hat.
They grabbed their
on the promotional boards—several were talents under
Danielle at the studio today.
to be there,” Emiliana recalled,
the electronic posters.
much, “Considering it’s the
actors, bumping into each other
their costumes and crew today, so lavish. You can
it’s a top-notch production.”
he
Mr. Diaz’s favors
Cicely agreed
also saw some high-profile lady at the set visiting Danielle.
rest over the weekend. Let’s drop
about to
find
referring to, but she
She nodded and
nine o’clock. Cicely had called Issac, so as they
the cinema, they went straight
to
“Got it.”
*
over
her own access card. Leading Emiliana
floor, they headed for
astonished, “I thought we were
we
for the dress, but who knew he’d decide to
his office?”
man probably just wanted to corner
flicking
instantly bathed in brightness.
and even without Seth present,
help but feel tense.
and arrangement
ignored the little table next to the big desk.
plush cushion on the
mats.
Cicely cooped up in this place crossed her
couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
next to him at
any work done? I can’t imagine it. All
a deck of cards out of
“The affairs
am I supposed to do if not
got a point there.” Laughter brought tears
from the chair and hurled it
let’s see
waved her hands frantically, “No, no,
me the
Cicely moved to a concealed door in
Her expression froze for
going in…” Emiliana couldn’t wait
her words
a pause, she turned back with a mischievous wink. “You two got up
this afternoon,
a testament to their passionate
crept up Cicely’s ears.
the nail
a cabinet. She gasped. “Oh
over her mouth, scurrying to the center of the
dress was displayed, now illuminated under
stunning than it had
diamonds? I’m getting dizzy just
sleeves are
that veil, so
thread embroidery,
is just
reaction to the stunning bridal gown was
overstatement.
pride, “Did you expect anything less
you get the sneak peek
nodded, snapping a few high-resolution photos with
it at the wedding. You’re going to be
again, “Don’t share those pictures,
on the wedding day.”
dress, you must have
her a glare, “Are
shook her head, reluctant to leave the dress’s
it still
I’m out of
“Hey, wait for me…”
to leave, she couldn’t really stay all
and you’re already
it is.” Cicely grabbed her purse from the
annoyed.
“Late for what?”
wants me back
raised an eyebrow, “That
deeply, as if the curfew
Even if you are late, what’s Mr. Diaz gonna
little charm, perhaps flirt a little, and all’s well.
door, “I hope you get a boyfriend someday
a little’ to
just as Cicely was
gaze fixed on the display.
button herself, “What’s
on the top floor,
on.”
deep in
hit the button for the ground floor, then pulled out a compact
up her makeup. She had plans to drag
drink.
closed and the elevator began to
fifteenth floor, Cicely suddenly reached down
for the twelfth floor.
elevator halted almost
and Cicely stepped out just
glimpse of her retreating figure. “This is
floor!”
“Wait for me downstairs.”
couldn’t tell if
words.
Cicely, second only to Seth’s
– it housed
had been on the ground floor when she
should have remained
at the twelfth?
was home to
the making. The software was in the
sabotage
was no
something crucial behind and was coming back
would be one thing. Or maybe someone
The thought made Cicely scoff. Such
exist, could they? But if they did,
dark, not a
and down the hallway to the entrance of
Inside, the flash of a smartphone’s flashlight caught her
watched from a hidden angle
searching for something in
tightened Cicely’s chest with
insider. But who else could have a security badge for free
company?
office?” The stranger sounded nervous, a muffled
with anger and urgency.
the Bluetooth earpiece,
they communicating with someone inside
Only Camden had a private office
tremulous voice on the phone that afternoon,
to realize something. That explained how the stranger
security badge.
the stranger something significant,
straight for Camden’s
path you gave
me, and you’ll be picking out a
That voice…
a tinge of recognition flashing in
suddenly merged with the pair of eyes
hospital door when she had picked up Danielle
at the center
the pieces of information started
that Ray dropped out of
a comeback or something
opted for the latter.
sudden no-show at work wasn’t due to a lack of time to call in
had threatened him with his son’s
gathering, Ray had vowed to make
was executing his sinister
software development was well-known within the
certainly could have. It was
to Diaz International. So, he chose the
program or destroy it. Then,
had worked for would come tumbling
Ray of today was clearly no different
face
to text Issac to
of the empty office
walls.
Cicely’s mind went blank.
face, and she
to shield her eyes from the glare
okay? When are you coming
Cicely’s face as she inhaled
me a moment more.
“Make it snappy.”
“Will do.”
and tucked it into her purse. Her
sheen of cold sweat.d2
always said we have a
Enter title…
calm, as if being caught in the
thing in the world
relax, offering a
him.
you in
all. It’s rare for
Ms. Cicely.
taking a moment before she
too bothered about
nearby desk, legs
didn’t blow my cover, does
perhaps strike a deal?”
for a beat, then burst into laughter. “So, you overheard what
Seth that day
deny, “Pure coincidence. I was just there to see Danielle
closed the distance between them, their conversation as casual
discussing the weather. “To be honest, our first
I might have misunderstood you. I
the romantic
his face mask, “Ms. Cicely, I
you hand over your phone? Just in case
and then I’d
reached into her purse to retrieve her phone.
button, the screen lit up, revealing
that had been lying
the moment the phone’s screen illuminated,
He checked the phone and saw no calls made,
not satisfied, he
tissues, bank cards, and other daily essentials
the
an eyebrow with a smirk,
here for the same reason as me today,
her fingers, her gaze fixed on the USB
head, “Not sure.”
“Hmm?”
face-to-face with Ray, her voice laced
knows that Seth is cold and aloof. The
Diaz
is no secret, and even though we’re
when he might leave me, so I thought, if I
so important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away.
mother favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set him
no way for me
were set on Diaz
Diaz International to my name a few times,
the software development fails and the company
International would easily fall into my
to the Ellis Group, Diaz International is small fry.
to me; I
eyes on Ray who had
if your goals align with mine. I
software. Diaz International will then face a huge debt
company
start anew, I’m sorry, but
you
all your planning, you’ve left no room
and reap any benefits. Even if you do develop it
and he
be the best
her, his expression contemplative, then
be terrifying, willing
I’ve kidnapped Camden’s son;
back. Seth destroyed the most important thing to
the loss
International”
quick buck with
what’s the point of money? Better to obliterate
trailed off, his gaze on her,
behind this,
had
afraid of
of engineering Camden in my grasp
was a piece
“Exactly. No cameras, no evidence, no
me.”
grin
together?”
up and strode toward Camden’s office. Following her,
another access card to unlock the
swivel chair, powered up the computer, and keyed in the
had given
he fished out his own flash drive from his pocket, aiming to plug it
cool as a cucumber,
Ray.”
paused mid-air as he looked
just smiled. “If I’m going to sabotage, I’ll do it right.
that plain Jane
the lost files without breaking
your little exercise?”
face blanched. So Camden had a backup plan? Almost had him
we do,
“Destroy the computer itself.”
puzzled, asked, “Smash
a bit out of your
remains intact,
to recover the data more
was starting to panic. “Then what do we
drive he had placed aside, the one
flash drive is loaded with a
it’s in the system, it’ll
files
will be rendered useless.”
out of
of legendary hackers before. It wasn’t outside the realm
I trust
a better option? We’re both in too deep now. If I’m playing
you’d let me walk
and finally, through gritted teeth, decided
Cicely.
we’re done, give me back the flash drive. It cost
to get
computer as you claim, then it’s useless
an eyebrow but said
breath and inserted the flash drive into the port. The
then went black, showcasing
across the darkness.
halted, and five seconds later, the screen
black. The central unit ceased to hum, and even
light faded to
It worked.
a bit. She
it seemed there was no need
pressing the power button
for the monitor. She hadn’t fooled
up at Cicely, easily noticing the faint
indeed could drive people
a force
to meet his, raising
mind?”
Seth really did a number on you.
princess to this extent.”
tried the computer switch
on, and bent over to pull the flash drive
Diaz International could put up a fight,
of the Ellis Group shares. Worst case
of the Ellis’
a laugh as
is done, the rest is up to you. Take care of yourself.
your phone for now. Once I’m safely out
it by the fountain downstairs.
Cicely remained stone-faced.
the building, Cicely made her exit from
and Issac waiting
lot.
hurried over. “Cicely, you were gone for
was nearly spent from the standoff with Ray, and
pale face, “Nothing much. Where are you staying tonight?
have Issac drive you.”
pallor and realizing she wouldn’t get far
booked a hotel
You should head
careful
nodded, urging Cicely
leaned back,
happened?” Issac inquired.
and responded with a
“Didn’t you see anyone else
were downstairs?”
tensed. “Did you run into someone
“Ray.”
before coming to a stop on the side of the
to face her, his
shook her head. “I’m
in relief, restarted the car, and asked,
International?”
than he does. He was
program.”
hesitated for a moment. “So, did he succeed
“Well… Oh, right.”
up straight, retrieved her phone,
ten o’clock yet, and Joel’s phone was
about getting a call from Cicely.
flash drive you gave
crack the program?”
cracking program. That’s been on the back burner
suddenly asking about this?”
tremor in her voice betraying her panic. “I
really important files on it. Why is it on hold? Is
to crack?”
through the phone. Joel, who had
on his bed ready to play with
not that it’s too hard, just that other things
senior right now and see what’s
tears circling her eyes. “Don’t
what
“Okay, hold on.”
dashed to the landline to
decryption software came up, “We
difficult to solve, and then we put it on
projects. What happened?”
“The flash drive’s been used,
the files urgently. Can
“That urgent?”
hummed affirmatively, “Better if we
was silence on the other end before
eased a little as she wiped her
university? I’m coming, too.”
“Sure.”
her lip and sent a
a bit longer tonight. Don’t
pouting emoji and
heading to the
lips, “Miss, you won’t be any help there. Better
and wait for news.”
him.
it. Let’s just go to the university, and you turn off your phone
Seth can’t reach you.”
“Understood.”
arrived at the university, Joel and his friend
after another.
Cicely with red-rimmed eyes and a look of
than to start working on
behind them, trying
with red eyes before, much
cry. “You really don’t need
this. Go home, take a
her head, gripping his arm, “I can’t, Joel…
do otherwise.” As she spoke, tears flooded
felt a mix of heartache and guilt, “Don’t
drive, so I share the blame. If you won’t
and try
was of no help, let Joel guide her
nearby seat.
*
the house when
yesterday, Seth had a
it and found that
had no clue where they were. Then they
son had vanished, and Mrs. Camden was taken while
son up from school. Camden was then
to see his wife and child
been 24 hours. Only now, Charlie
location – they’d been retrieved and were on
company.
receiving Cicely’s message and confirming
watch, Seth felt no urgency to
*
met Camden at the company, the man was a wreck. Falling
wept bitterly. “Mr. Diaz, I’m so sorry,
they threatened my son’s
darkened ominously.
“It was Ray.”
frosty, became glacial as
air to feel like ice. “And
took the company’s access cards,
path for our latest software
a chill run down
targeting Ray’s family without reason and then acting against
which was why he showed
family. So, he tossed Ray
did not pursue
hated Seth, but he didn’t expect him to
seem to know much about computers. If he
copied them, I still might be able to recover
expression only grew more severe at this.
paused, “He left after getting my
left the
scrambling behind.
*
floor, in Camden’s office, Charlie bent over
it up after several
a
fruitless. Frantically, he
access the first. Within minutes, his face drained of
like a
lacking Seth’s cool
Camden’s
he stammered, “Mr. Diaz, all its data
clean from that computer.”
the chill in his brow spreading like
voice was a cold snap threatening to fracture
you mean ‘all its data has been wiped
verge of passing out, stammered, “It’s all the fundamental
makes the computer operate,
a piece
closed his eyes in despair.
invested, all for
world’s most expensive junk.
his sides, clenched into fists as if
he didn’t know anything
lost. I remember he took a USB flash
files to it was enough. But this, this is the work of
not some amateur.”
glimpse of Seth’s
looked away, mumbling with his head down,
he could’ve done this on his own with his halfbaked
on his heel, “I’ll check the
would
with fear, added, “He had me erase the
stride halted,
his cheeks. “My son and wife
lives for the company. I’m just
firm, and I’m willing to
the line. It’s just not fair.
moment. Charlie watched his
still pond, eerily composed.
over?”
cowering, thought for a second. “It’s a six-month job.
off,
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
next month… It
find Ray, see if
nodded eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he still has a backup.
find him fast
action and
*
his office, waiting for Charlie’s response.
become their only
school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her desk numerous times, her
uneasy. She had hoped it was all
her surroundings and the two busy figures
and helplessness welled up,
spent two years
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
him like that.
enough.
her and they could not get married, but she
look on his
by her side the whole time, pained to see her this way. As
stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and Joel’s
remaining one he placed
school cafeteria’s offerings were always the same – buns
his friend, having worked all night, didn’t stand on
their eyes
scent of the
pushed the
breakfast.”
at the bag, then her face
room, hand over
against the wall, heaving with
up.
water. After rinsing her mouth and quenching the churning
she settled
concerned, draped her dropped jacket
you to the hospital.”
her head, “I’m fine.
flowerbed, pulling the
the smell in there. Can you check
and weak, her voice
her to ask Joel about
be
give a definite timeline. Just tell her to hang
that it’ll work
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
to Cicely. Despite being
without getting a successful
looked up at the brightening sky, biting
he finds out the program
lose
he ever fails at something, he
he’s been working on
years.”
pained expression,
his life to be smooth. I don’t want him to
because of me.”
harshness of reality made Cicely’s
hung her head, tears falling, drop by
hand on her head, soothing
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack
don’t need to worry this much. Speak to him clearly, and
since you did it for his sake. Even if it’s
these programs are made by people. They
just a
comforting logic. She looked up,
is it?”
need to do now is get some good sleep,
at the
if he
starts.” Issac held her back as
sleep for two hours before going to the company. I booked
in the hotel next
and this time Issac
get some
…
to see Danielle. Danielle promised to
city that evening, so they ended up staying at
up early, ready to head back to the city
breakfast in their room and packed up, they
downstairs.
as they were about to walk out
by someone who appeared out
instinctive scream.
it’s me.”A familiar, anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped back
saw that it
at a startled Patty and quickly shook off
go
around and
it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I can’t expect you
the last thing I can do for you. I hope you get
wish you
noon to
him to meet you somewhere
was confused, “What are you talking about? Why can’t I
and why should I go see
out of time, I have to go. Just remember
as he spoke,
his cap down low, and
frowning at the scene, asked, “Who was that
with the phone? Is there something important on
moment, Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting
and
out
*
finishing his breakfast and taking a stroll outside, Creighton received a
Right off the bat, Patty’s
eardrums.
a piece of work! She’s so heartless and ruthless,
have her, nor would we dare.
to let her
him, Creighton wouldn’t
by belittling his daughter to nothing, and
into you this early in the morning? Where did Cicely
deserve such strong opinions?!”
did she wrong me?
think she wronged me?! Is she at home?
now. We’re
“Patty, Ray
Let’s ask them to meet
instead.”
to Diaz International?!
depend on his say-so.”
on the brink, it was understandable for Patty to be livid.
chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was palpable. “I
I had to be entangled
to
disaster!”
Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the driver.
and domineering demeanor,
her
*
and annoyed after being
Cicely to ask what was going on, but
still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac, only to find
phone was off.
brow furrowed
He immediately called Seth.
phone was picked up quickly, and
you and Cicely
Seth paused, “No.”
did your mother just call me wanting to
worst?
at the company last
She was out with
I hope everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?
was
happened?”
pursed his lips, “I’ll contact
“Alright.”
unsettled, especially since Seth avoided talking
the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he
check on Diaz
*
had no intention of sleeping. No matter how
her eyes, so she just took a
and left the room.
door, and
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab
Cicely shook her head.
longer insisted. They
company,
issue, Seth would
That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in
office?”
on her with
“In the
a hitch in Cicely’s heart.
expression, she muttered, “I’ll
him.”
accompanying her upstairs. The office
quiet on the weekend.
wait at the
pairs of eyes turned
seemingly in the middle of a
with him.
the
across
towards Seth, whose bloodshot
ferocity. “Sleep well
raspy to the extreme.
gripped the door handle tighter and after a brief silence, mustered
go home last
late…”
the night partying with Emiliana that
home?”
never wavered from her, each question sounding like an evasion
something else.
bit her lip and shook her head, “No, that’s
and he looked away. “As long
behind my back, there’s no issue. I’m busy now, you
leave.”
at the chaos of the office.
something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut
did you even hear what we just told you,
dumb?”
deliberately sabotaged your two-year project!
data is gone, and the computer is trashed.
Diaz International might go under because of her.
woman!”
she turned to
did
pointed at her, her eyes red with
admits it and
however, stepped closer to Danielle,
did you know about the data
a crisp slap, Patty’s hand struck
eyes shook violently, and he abruptly stood
heard the commotion, burst through the door and
him.
in a rage beyond control, glared at Cicely. “What right do
you’ve
shameless!”
“Madam, the situation isn’t clear yet. Please
down.”
What more clarity do you need? Does this
pulling out a phone from her
after pressing something, tossed it onto the desk
Seth.
familiar voice began to play, its clarity
expression at the time:
that Seth is cold and aloof. The
and Diaz International, left to him by his father.
we’re set to marry,
might leave me, so I thought, if I could
to him, he wouldn’t just walk
favors Danielle, and to this day her desire to set
no way for me to break in from
set on
mentioned transferring Diaz International to my name a few
that if the software development
Diaz International would easily fall into my hands.
Diaz International is small fry. Whether it fails
irrelevant to me; I just
this program. Diaz
bank loan issues, then the Ellis
fall into my hands.
proof of who did
Ray. If I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly. I know a bit
a regular USB, any
the point
is infected with a virus I
computer, it will
computer’s operational data, resulting in both
hardware failure.”
…
voice was interspersed, but it no longer
of a
sudden. Instinctively, she looked towards Seth, who was also looking
from grim to mocking, and he even let out
“You’re quite something, obliterating
done a
head frantically and approached him, “It’s not like
away hers as she reached
herself on the nearby
what is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like
through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned
get your hands on
thought you were just being flippant, Cicely.
dull, and you can’t stand to look
it’s like pulling teeth, but you’re oddly fascinated by
scurrying off to
deal with that,
on the recording would you
surveillance, I’d have no reason to suspect you.
There’s no surveillance,
to the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the floor,
It looked like she didn’t have to lift
Cicely was done for.
was spinning,
things on the recording, but none of it was true. I only said that
Ray.”
and turned to look at
seemed like he was thinking,
a
at that moment, Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If it was just
the files onto a flash drive would have
he might get caught,
he was going to do it? Don’t you see
words?”
one sentence from Danielle
explanations.
eyes flickered, and when he looked up
Just as Cicely was about to bring up the
flash drive,
time, four uniformed officers stepped
quickly said, “You guys are from Department of Justice,
maliciously
and the evidence is irrefutable. Please
We’re preparing
slightly as he turned to look at Patty,
over to
the words ‘Department of Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot
panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing
suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride halted, his fury cresting.
streaming down his cheeks.
risk their lives for the
the firm, and I’m willing to do
on the line. It’s just not fair.
for a long moment. Charlie watched
as a still pond, eerily composed. “How long would
over?”
a second. “It’s a six-month job.
ass off, two
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
month… It was
find Ray, see if he has
right, right! Maybe
to find him fast before he
jolted into action and dashed
*
his office, waiting for Charlie’s response.
their
school, Cicely had fallen asleep at her
had hoped it was all
and the two busy figures
Anxiety and helplessness welled up,
had spent two
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
didn’t want to see him like that. Just
enough.
blame her and they could not
look on
had been by her side the whole time, pained to see her this way. As
out to buy breakfast. Two portions for Joel and Joel’s
remaining one he
always the same – buns
all night, didn’t stand on ceremony.
the buns without taking their eyes
hearty scent of the steamed
and Issac pushed the bag
breakfast.”
groggy, looked around, sniffed at the bag, then her
room, hand over her
Cicely leaned against the wall, heaving with
up.
After rinsing her mouth and
she settled
her dropped jacket over her
you to the hospital.”
shook her head, “I’m fine. Just
pulling the
the smell in there. Can you check on their progress
it?” Pale and weak, her voice barely
left her to ask Joel about the
but hopeful, “We should be able to
and modify, but we can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell
and that
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
back to Cicely. Despite being promised
getting a successful
brightening sky, biting her
do when he finds
pause, Issac replied, “He won’t lose it. He’s young but steady. Even
if he ever fails at something, he
“But he’s
years.”
expression, “Everyone
I don’t want him to face failure,
because of me.”
made Cicely’s heart ache with
tears falling, drop
hand on her head,
away from the flash drive. They’ll crack the program sooner or
don’t need to worry this much. Speak
programs are made
just a
mood steadied with Issac’s comforting logic. She looked up,
is it?”
to do now is get some good sleep, then explain
him at the
if he finds out.
work starts.” Issac
for two hours before going to
the hotel
this time Issac was insistent. She
to get
…
the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised to
that evening, so they ended up
up early, ready to head
their room and packed up,
downstairs.
walk out
by the arm by someone who appeared out of nowhere. She
instinctive scream.
anxious voice rang out. Danielle snapped back
that it was
glanced at a startled Patty
go of
around and took out a cellphone from
handed it to Danielle. “Danielle, I really like you, but I can’t expect you
the last thing I can do for you. I hope you
I wish you
International before noon to see Seth. If you want to
him, you can ask him to
are you talking
why should I
I have to
kept an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly
cap down
asked, “Who was that guy? All
phone? Is there
Patty’s driver approached, and after greeting
Patty and they walked down
it out in
*
his breakfast and taking a stroll
the bat,
eardrums.
a piece of work! She’s
can’t afford to have her, nor would we dare.
her marry
criticized him, Creighton
belittling his daughter to nothing, and Creighton’s temper
into you this early in the morning? Where did
deserve such strong opinions?!”
“Where did she wrong me? She nearly ruined
you think she wronged me?! Is she at home? If so,
right now. We’re going to settle this
“Patty, Ray advised us not
this morning. Let’s ask them
instead.”
go to Diaz International?! Since when does
depend on his say-so.”
on the brink, it was
chest heaving with indignant rage, her fury was
yet I had to be entangled with her.
to drag Diaz
disaster!”
Diaz International!” Patty almost roared at the driver. Danielle
domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to
her to
*
was left confused and annoyed
He wanted to call Cicely to ask
she might still be asleep. Instead, he
phone was off.
furrowed in
He immediately called Seth.
up quickly, and he
and Cicely have
Seth paused, “No.”
why did your mother just call me wanting to call off the
worst?
an issue at the company last night. I didn’t go home,
was out with
everything’s fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try?
was a problem
happened?”
pursed his lips, “I’ll contact
“Alright.”
hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth
at the company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he
to check
*
No matter how uncomfortable
she just took a
and left the room.
at the door, and seeing
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
grab
Cicely shook her head.
insisted. They
company, they saw Charlie,
that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely
a weekend. That was the logical conclusion. “Charlie, is Seth in
office?”
his gaze locked on her with an unfamiliar blend
the Engineering
and terse reply caused a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed
expression,
him.”
Cicely this time, accompanying her
quiet on the weekend.
at the door while she pushed open
Three pairs of eyes
and Danielle stood before Seth, seemingly
with him.
desk was in disarray, the computer tower and monitor now
strewn across
first glance was towards Seth, whose bloodshot eyes met hers
well last night?” he asked, his
raspy to the extreme.
the door handle tighter and after
to speak. “Seth, I didn’t go home last night. I came
late…”
spent the night partying with Emiliana
home?”
gaze never wavered from her, each question sounding like
something else.
shook her head,
and he looked away.
behind my back, there’s no issue.
leave.”
at the chaos of the office.
Patty’s shrill voice suddenly
did you even hear what we just
dumb?”
your two-year project! Doesn’t
and the computer is trashed. All your efforts
Diaz International might go under because of her.
woman!”
to
her. “How did you know about
her, her eyes red with
admits it and you still don’t believe
closer to Danielle, her gaze
you know about the data
a crisp slap, Patty’s
violently, and he abruptly stood up from
through the
him.
a rage beyond control, glared at
you’ve done, you still act so
shameless!”
icy. “Madam, the situation isn’t
down.”
do you need?
mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag – the
pressing something, tossed it
Seth.
play, its clarity allowing one
expression at the time:
Seth is cold and aloof.
left to him by
and even though we’re set to marry, he’s
might leave
so important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away. You’re well aware
to this day her desire to set him up with Danielle
no way for me to break in from his
set
mentioned transferring Diaz International to my name
the software development fails and the company
easily
Group, Diaz International is
is irrelevant to me; I
to completely destroy this program. Diaz International will
Ellis family will
fall into my hands.
proof of who did it. He has no reason to suspect
it thoroughly. I know a
a regular USB, any engineer here could recover
exactly. What’s the point of what you’re
USB is infected with a virus I had specially
it will automatically
resulting in
hardware failure.”
…
interspersed, but it no
a color to
Seth, who
to
quite something, obliterating even
done a thorough
shook her head frantically and approached him,
raised his hand, batting away hers as she
herself on the
is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze like nails laced
through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more than
hands
you were just being flippant, Cicely. All
and you can’t stand to look at a
teeth, but
codes, always scurrying off to the engineering
with
on the recording would you say are
have no reason
wrong too. There’s no surveillance,
the side, her gaze fixed on a crack in the
irony playing across her face. It looked like she didn’t have
Cicely was done for.
felt terrible, her head was spinning, and her heart ached.m“Seth, I
on the recording, but none of it was true. I only said that
Ray.”
to look at her, his
him. It seemed like he
a
suddenly spoke up, “If it was just
flash
might get
do it? Don’t you see the
words?”
sentence from Danielle completely
explanations.
and when he looked up again, they had returned to
dark and cold state. Just as Cicely was about to
flash drive,
four
quickly said, “You guys are from Department of Justice, right? It’s
to maliciously destroy
evidence is irrefutable. Please
preparing to press
furrowed slightly as he turned to look at Patty, but Patty
phone over to one of
of Justice,’ Cicely’s head
panic as she looked towards the tall, imposing man
are you suing me? Are you going to press charges against me?” Charlie’s stride
his cheeks. “My
risk their lives for the company. I’m
my hump for the firm, and I’m willing to do that. But I
It’s just not fair. Why
moment. Charlie watched
pond, eerily composed. “How long
over?”
second. “It’s a six-month job. If
off, two
Enter title…
Seth closed his eyes.
next month… It was too
find Ray, see if he has a
eagerly, “Right, right, right! Maybe he still has
find him fast
action and
*
whole night in his
become their
asleep at her
hoped it was
her surroundings and the two busy figures nearby
and helplessness welled up,
two years and a fortune on
facing ruin was unbearable.
Disappointment? Regret? Defeat? Despair?
like that. Just the
enough.
and they could not
on his
whole time, pained to see
he stepped out to buy breakfast. Two portions
he placed before
cafeteria’s offerings were always the same –
and his friend, having worked all night, didn’t
on the buns without taking their eyes off their
the hearty scent
pushed the bag toward
breakfast.”
at the bag, then her
the room, hand over her mouth. Issac
leaned against the wall, heaving with
up.
rinsing her mouth and
she
concerned, draped her dropped jacket over her
you to the hospital.”
head, “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep
the flowerbed, pulling the jacket tight
Can you check on their progress
left her to ask Joel
should be able
can’t give a definite timeline. Just tell her to
and that it’ll work
Issac nodded, “Thank you.”
back to Cicely. Despite being promised
her without getting a successful
at the brightening sky, biting
will do when he finds out the program
lose it. He’s young but steady. Even
like this, or if he ever fails
reddened again. “But he’s been
years.”
avoided her pained expression, “Everyone
to be smooth. I don’t want him to face
because of me.”
harshness of reality made Cicely’s heart ache with
her head, tears falling, drop
approached, gently placing a hand on her head, soothing her.
from the flash drive.
don’t need to worry this much. Speak
since you did it for his sake. Even
these programs are made
a matter
mood steadied with Issac’s comforting logic.
is it?”
is get some good sleep, then
at the
be worried if he
hours until work starts.” Issac held her back as she
before going
the hotel
and this time Issac was insistent. She acquiesced
get
…
the set to see Danielle. Danielle promised
studio city that evening, so they ended up staying at a
morning, they were up early, ready to head back
their room
downstairs.
walk out the
by someone who appeared out of nowhere. She let out
instinctive scream.
familiar, anxious voice rang out.
that it was
She glanced at a startled Patty and quickly shook
“Let go of
around and
I really like
I can do for you. I hope
wish
Diaz International before noon
can ask him to meet you
“What are you talking about? Why
and why should I
have to go.
kept an eye on his surroundings as he spoke, then abruptly cut Danielle
his cap down low,
scene, asked, “Who was
phone? Is
that moment, Patty’s driver approached, and
and
out in the
*
breakfast and taking a stroll outside,
Right off the bat, Patty’s shrill voice
eardrums.
of work! She’s so heartless
family can’t afford to have her, nor would
I will never agree to let her marry into the
just criticized him, Creighton
to nothing, and Creighton’s
the morning? Where did Cicely wrong
deserve such strong opinions?!”
did she wrong
think she wronged me?! Is she
International right now. We’re going
Danielle suggested, “Patty, Ray advised
morning. Let’s ask them to meet us
instead.”
International?! Since when does
depend on his say-so.”
it was understandable for Patty to be
rage, her fury was palpable.
she was a curse, and yet I had to
but managed to drag Diaz International down first.
disaster!”
Patty almost roared at the
Patty’s raging and domineering demeanor, didn’t dare to
her to
*
confused and annoyed after being yelled at
to call Cicely to ask what was going
might still be asleep. Instead, he called Issac,
phone was off.
brow furrowed
He immediately called Seth.
was picked up quickly, and he sounded
and Cicely have a
Seth paused, “No.”
mother just call
Cicely like she’s the worst? Are you with
the company last night. I didn’t
was out with friends last
fine. I can’t reach her. Could you try? By
there was a problem
happened?”
“I’ll contact Cicely
“Alright.”
hung up feeling unsettled, especially since Seth
company. Given Patty’s hysterics on the call, he
to check on Diaz
*
no intention of sleeping. No matter how uncomfortable she was,
so she just took a
and left the room.
had been waiting at the door, and seeing her like this,
“Going to Diaz International?”
Cicely nodded.
to grab
Cicely shook her head.
insisted. They headed straight for Diaz
at the company, they saw
that with such a big issue, Seth would definitely be
That was the logical
office?”
his gaze locked on her with
“In the
a hitch in Cicely’s heart. She pressed her
and with a dim expression, she
him.”
followed Cicely this time, accompanying her upstairs.
quiet on the weekend.
Issac to wait at the door while she pushed open
pairs of eyes turned
seemingly in the
with him.
disarray, the
across the
Seth, whose bloodshot eyes
“Sleep well last
raspy to the extreme.
and after a
home
late…”
it because you spent the night
home?”
her, each
something else.
lip and shook her head,
looked away. “As
there’s no
leave.”
chaos of the office.
say something, Patty’s shrill voice suddenly cut through the air. “That’s
what we just told you, or are you deliberately
dumb?”
deliberately sabotaged your two-year project! Doesn’t this mess prove
gone, and the
go under
woman!”
frown deepened as she turned to Patty and Danielle, who was
did you
her, her eyes red with fury.
it and you still
however, stepped closer to Danielle, her gaze sharp. “I’m asking
know about the data
a crisp slap, Patty’s hand
he abruptly
the commotion, burst through
him.
a rage beyond control, glared
After what you’ve done, you still act
shameless!”
the situation isn’t clear
down.”
do you
mockingly, pulling out a phone from her bag
something, tossed it
Seth.
voice began to play, its clarity allowing one to imagine the
expression at the time:
knows that Seth is cold and aloof. The most important
to him
even though we’re set to marry, he’s never said
don’t know when he might leave me, so I thought, if I could
important to him, he wouldn’t just walk away.
Danielle, and to this day her desire
was no way for me to break in from his mother, so
set on Diaz
transferring Diaz International to my name a few times, but
if the software development fails
easily
International is small fry.
value is irrelevant to me; I just want
destroy this program.
then the Ellis family
fall into my hands.
no proof of who did it.
I’m to destroy, I’ll do it thoroughly.
files with a regular USB, any engineer here could recover
point of what you’re
infected with a virus I
computer, it will automatically destroy
the computer’s operational data, resulting in
hardware failure.”
…
voice was interspersed, but it no longer
didn’t have much of a color to it, went completely pale all
towards Seth, who was also looking
eyes slowly morphing from grim to mocking, and
quite something, obliterating even the computer’s
done a thorough
shook her head frantically and approached him,
hand, batting away
steadying herself on
is it?” Seth eyed her coldly, his gaze
through her nerves inch by inch. “You’ve mentioned more
to get your hands on
thought you were just
everything dull, and you can’t stand to look at a single
if it’s like pulling teeth, but
always scurrying off to the engineering department.
deal with
words on the recording would you say are
I’d have no reason to suspect you.
There’s no surveillance, just
on a crack in the
face. It looked
Cicely was done for.
was spinning, and her
things on the recording, but none of it was true. I only
Ray.”
narrowed his eyes and turned to look at
It seemed like he was
for a way out for
Danielle suddenly spoke up, “If it was
the files onto a flash drive would have been enough. Why
him that he might get caught, and
it? Don’t you
words?”
sentence from Danielle
explanations.
when he looked up again, they had returned to
as Cicely was about to bring
flash drive, his look silenced
time, four uniformed officers stepped
from Department of Justice,
maliciously destroy
losses, and the evidence is irrefutable. Please
preparing
he turned to look at Patty, but Patty
phone over
Justice,’ Cicely’s head shot up,
as she looked towards the
me?” Seth caught the fear in her
the four figures before him. “The situation
investigated.”
suddenly shouted, her angry voice piercing through
is irrefutable, what’s
go soft just because this woman’s put on a meek
Diaz International into the ground?
me
glaring at Seth, “I’ve
probably knows just how cruel and
Enter title…
knitted together
lead agent from the Department of Justice
the matter hasn’t been
inquiry to ensure
Cicely is indeed innocent, we will
unharmed.”
filing a lawsuit against her immediately!” The malice
spread unchecked, her emotions and words spiraling
and tranquil as he looked
her eyes. “I don’t
nothing wrong, Seth. Only the tainted are taken there. I can’t bear to
and I wouldn’t do anything to
Ellis family.”
words were fearful and helpless, laden with desperate pleading. No
so terrified. Not Seth,
her for a long moment, taking in every facet of
he spoke slowly, his voice deep and chillingly calm, “You’re
been a misunderstanding.
with the motion.
to
to him; he
Seth’s face tight with tension. Finally,
pale cheek, he paused, turning
spoke again, his voice was like a sword
sharp.
on the spot. Her wide eyes stared
the tears that suddenly fell from her eyes,
a statue, rigid and
one day these words would pierce her
Cicely, let’s go,” the two Justice Department agents said,
side of her,
now utterly still, her gaze desolate except for
her face. She looked at
seemingly
blocking their path.
hope glinted
Ms. Cicely to cooperate
as Issac was about to speak, a deep and
with an investigation
away. Try taking her
sharply as she lifted her head
expression
indomitable authority.
“Mr. Ellis.”
a mask of fury,
this far? They’re a married couple. Since when does
intervene in
the chairman of the Ellis family,
to show some respect. But now that they had been assigned this case
exerting pressure, they couldn’t leave
hesitated, Charlie walked in. “Mr. Diaz, we’ve caught
bring him up here. Let him
demanded, unfazed
they’d been granted
bring the accused.
burst into laughter. “Ms. Cicely, we meet
huh? And to think,
believed Seth trusted
explanation, his words
Cicely.
and suddenly realized how
her. “Trying to win over Danielle
I say you’re devoted or just
composure returned. The chaos in
Still, the pain
it hurt. He glared at Cicely, but
to you I got this chance.
Ms. Cicely, truly. Without you, I couldn’t have caused
this life. I really should thank you, so
at me, or even
a cold laugh. How wonderful. Even now, he was willing
for Danielle. Even
woman who shamelessly clawed
still supported her.
Ray was concerned, everything Danielle did or wanted was right
deserved.
“Take him away.”
a curse, exploded again within her. It felt as though
to pieces, leaving her bleeding and broken.
into a smile, her expression transitioning from desolation to
detachment.
at the grain
yet distant. “Ray’s unwavering trust
I’m clearly
emotion, resigned
So many people around, yet
intended for him alone.
was blaming him for not believing in her. What good was his
so many people waiting? Could his
the prejudice against her?
family, Cicely—was she to be
in the
of a heartbeat, his eyes darkened, his jaw clenched, and
with a chill in
of
perhaps we should escort everyone out and
Would that be
there to say?” Patty strode over, snatched back the phone
play again,
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2041-2050
The Read The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride by Novelxo.com has been updated to chapter Chapter 2041-2050 .
In Chapter 2041-2050 of the The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride series, The passage describes a conflict between Chloe and Keira. Keira has hurt Chloe, and Lance Olson is caught in the middle. An old lady named Hannah observes the situation, and she wants to meet Chloe due to her good nature. However, there is a potential issue with her grandson's arrival......... Will this Chapter 2041-2050 author Novelxo.com mention any details. Follow Chapter 2041-2050 and the latest season of this series at Novelxo.com.
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride Chapter 2041-2050
The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2041-2050