The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Seth returned to the Diaz residence.

The somber funeral parlor was nearly empty, with only a few servants silently

bustling about.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, Seth stood rigid and silent before the hall, his

gaze solemnly fixed on Patty’s black and white portrait. It was unclear what was

going through his mind.

Time seemed to drag until Charlie burst in with urgency, “Mr. Diaz, the Ellis

family has sent someone.”

“Considering we’re practically in-laws, it seems rather harsh to leave me out in

the cold, doesn’t it?” Lana’s icy, sarcastic voice cut through the silence, and

Enter title…

seconds later she appeared at the entrance to the hall, flanked by two muscular

bodyguards.

Seth remained motionless.d2

Lana stepped inside, moving to one side. She picked up a flower, approached

Seth, and without so much as bending, nonchalantly tossed the flower in front of

Patty’s portrait.

“I’m so happy for you that your son has such a good mother. Got what you

wished for. Your son personally sent his beloved woman straight to jail. Are you

pleased with him now? What’s the look on your face? Happy? Relieved?

Joyful?”

Seth stood still, silent as a grave.

Her biting remarks soaked Charlie in a cold sweat. “Ms. Lana, the deceased

deserves some respect.”

Lana let out a cold laugh, “Which word of mine has disrespected her? I’m

helping her leave without worries. And I’ve brought her a gift that will surely

make her grin from ear to ear down below.”

With that, she raised her hand and one of the bodyguards handed her a

document. She tore open the envelope, pulled out its contents, and turned them

towards Patty’s portrait.

“See clearly now? Divorce Settlement Agreement. And Share Transfer

Agreement.” She enunciated each word with venomous precision, her laughter

revealing a profound loathing. “Aren’t you so happy now? Look how reasonable

Cicely was to get you such a thoughtful gift.”

Charlie watched on, heart pounding, glancing at Seth who stood like a lifeless

statue.

Divorce settlement agreement and share transfer agreement. These documents

alone inspired dread.

Lana’s smile eventually faded as she stepped closer to Patty’s portrait, gently

caressing the warm, generous smile on her face. “Now that you’ve got your gift,

shall we settle our own scores? Did you really love my brother that much, hmm?

Tod lied to you, didn’t he? Was he unkind to you after the wedding? He didn’t

love you, but did you love him? Your actions, where did they leave him? You

wanted everyone to love you, yet you couldn’t love anyone in return. You chose

to die, but why, why drag my brother down with you? How could a selfish

woman like you ever be worthy?!”

In a furious motion, Lana smashed Patty’s portrait to the ground. The frame

shattered on impact, its breaking echo unnaturally clear in the empty hall. She

proceeded to knock down all the flowers and anything else within sight,

unleashing her boundless rage.

Had it not been for Patty’s selfishness and obsession, would the Ellis family

have ended up like this?

“Ms. Lana!” Charlie’s heart skipped a beat, wanting to intervene but was blocked

by the men Patty had brought.

“Mr. Diaz!” With no other recourse, Charlie turned to Seth, who remained

impassive, coldly observing Lana’s tirade.

The funerary arrangement was minimalist, and Lana’s destruction was

devastatingly simple. Chaos reigned. She seemed not to have vented enough

but had no choice but to stop.

Her anger still apparent, her hair slightly disheveled. She picked up the

documents from the floor and thrust them into Seth’s chest pocket. “She said to

sign these as soon as possible, and she’s eager to get back to her cell.”

Seth’s dark, calm eyes flickered imperceptibly at her words.

Lana’s lips curled with cruel satisfaction. “I finally understand why Cicely, even

as she was about to be taken by the police, needed to confirm over and over if

you loved her.”

Despite her words, Lana was overwhelmed with an infinite sadness.

Using love as punishment, wasn’t this the most intangible yet most heartwrenching method?

So much love, yet inflicted with such cruelty.

Shaking her head, her cold, thin smile was a boundless irony. “Perhaps you

were right to be confident. Cicely did love you. So, do you feel it now? The more

she loved you, the more she hates you.”

Seth’s chest heaved violently, his pupils contracting, fists clenching tightly.

Lana left, and Charlie, taking in Seth’s demeanor, began to restore order to the

desecrated hall.

Only after a long while did Seth move. He took out the documents Lana had left

him, unfolded them, and saw the words ‘Divorce Settlement Agreement’ in bold.

The contract was straightforward: mutual incompatibility, no children, no

financial disputes, a voluntary separation.

Below, in familiar handwriting, flowed the signature he imagined Cicely making.

Was she expressionless? Undoubtedly determined?

He clenched the papers tightly, then abruptly left the hall.

Charlie jumped, following quickly. “Mr. Diaz, where are you going?”

*

Cicely, clad in a sleek black silk suit, her hair gathered low, was an unusual sight

in the hall.

The once vibrant girl, now in such somber attire, stood out starkly even in the

mourning atmosphere.

She knelt quietly, staring at Creighton’s portrait with a calm, vacant gaze, her

eyes bone-dry, devoid of tears.

When Lana returned, seeing Cicely unchanged from the moment she left, her

heart twisted with sorrow. “Cicely, birth, aging, sickness, and death are the

natural order. Each life has its destiny. No matter the grief, there is a limit. Think

of how dearly your father loved you. If you’re not well, how can he rest in

peace?”

Cicely’s body moved slightly, her gaze calm as she spoke, “Did he sign?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“I see.” Cicely’s voice was a mere whisper, devoid of emotion as she turned her

gaze away.

“Don’t be a fool, Cicely. Patty’s death wasn’t your fault. I’ll file an appeal for this

case. Otherwise, you’ll ruin your life, do you understand? You have a whole life

ahead of you. Without Seth, you’ll find a fresh start. You’ll meet a kind man,

have a couple of beautiful kids, and lead the simple life everyone dreams of.”

Cicely’s eyes flickered at the mention of children. She closed her eyes,

momentarily forgetting the unborn life stirring within her.

The housemaid entered quietly, peeking at Cicely before softly informing Lana,

“Mr. Diaz is at the front gate.”

Despite the hushed tone, Cicely overheard. “Don’t let him in. My father doesn’t

want to see him.”

Addressing Cicely directly, the housemaid relayed, “Mr. Diaz insists on seeing

you.”

“I said no. If he’s brought the signed divorce papers, just take them from him,”

Cicely replied, her voice barely above a murmur.

Lana gave the housemaid a look before stepping out herself. At the gate, she

faced Seth, “You still have the nerve to see her after all you’ve done? Planning

on locking her away for life?”

Through the gate, Seth met Lana’s gaze with a steady one of his own. “You’re

filing an appeal, aren’t you?”

Her eyes narrowed, “She’ll have to request it herself.”

Seth stood still, the divorce papers in his grip already creased from the tension.

The veins on his hand stood out, a silent testament to the force he’d used.

Time seemed to slow before Seth finally spoke, “Charlie, give me a pen.”

Charlie flinched, and even Lana was taken aback.

“Mr. Diaz…” Charlie hesitated, not sure what to say. But even without a divorce,

how could Seth and Cicely possibly move forward under these circumstances?

“Give it to me!”

Seth’s command left no room for doubt. Charlie pulled a pen from his pocket

and handed it over.

Seth took the pen and signed his name outside the gate, his usual confident

script now shaky. The pressure of the pen against the paper was palpable, his

signature flowing from the pen as if branded by fire.

Once he finished, he folded the papers and passed them through the gate to

Lana. “If she agrees to the appeal, give this to her.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll just hand it to her?”

Clutching the pen tightly, Seth’s voice was stiff and solemn, “I think you want her

to appeal even more than I do.”

Taking the papers, Martha looked at the signature, a wave of bitter sorrow

washing over her. She didn’t even know how to hate this manSeth returned to the Diaz residence.

The somber funeral parlor was nearly empty, with only a few servants silently

bustling about.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, Seth stood rigid and silent before the hall, his

gaze solemnly fixed on Patty’s black and white portrait. It was unclear what was

going through his mind.

Time seemed to drag until Charlie burst in with urgency, “Mr. Diaz, the Ellis

family has sent someone.”

“Considering we’re practically in-laws, it seems rather harsh to leave me out in

the cold, doesn’t it?” Lana’s icy, sarcastic voice cut through the silence, and

Enter title…

seconds later she appeared at the entrance to the hall, flanked by two muscular

bodyguards.

Seth remained motionless.d2

Lana stepped inside, moving to one side. She picked up a flower, approached

Seth, and without so much as bending, nonchalantly tossed the flower in front of

Patty’s portrait.

“I’m so happy for you that your son has such a good mother. Got what you

wished for. Your son personally sent his beloved woman straight to jail. Are you

pleased with him now? What’s the look on your face? Happy? Relieved?

Joyful?”

Seth stood still, silent as a grave.

Her biting remarks soaked Charlie in a cold sweat. “Ms. Lana, the deceased

deserves some respect.”

Lana let out a cold laugh, “Which word of mine has disrespected her? I’m

helping her leave without worries. And I’ve brought her a gift that will surely

make her grin from ear to ear down below.”

With that, she raised her hand and one of the bodyguards handed her a

document. She tore open the envelope, pulled out its contents, and turned them

towards Patty’s portrait.

“See clearly now? Divorce Settlement Agreement. And Share Transfer

Agreement.” She enunciated each word with venomous precision, her laughter

revealing a profound loathing. “Aren’t you so happy now? Look how reasonable

Cicely was to get you such a thoughtful gift.”

Charlie watched on, heart pounding, glancing at Seth who stood like a lifeless

statue.

Divorce settlement agreement and share transfer agreement. These documents

alone inspired dread.

Lana’s smile eventually faded as she stepped closer to Patty’s portrait, gently

caressing the warm, generous smile on her face. “Now that you’ve got your gift,

shall we settle our own scores? Did you really love my brother that much, hmm?

Tod lied to you, didn’t he? Was he unkind to you after the wedding? He didn’t

love you, but did you love him? Your actions, where did they leave him? You

wanted everyone to love you, yet you couldn’t love anyone in return. You chose

to die, but why, why drag my brother down with you? How could a selfish

woman like you ever be worthy?!”

In a furious motion, Lana smashed Patty’s portrait to the ground. The frame

shattered on impact, its breaking echo unnaturally clear in the empty hall. She

proceeded to knock down all the flowers and anything else within sight,

unleashing her boundless rage.

Had it not been for Patty’s selfishness and obsession, would the Ellis family

have ended up like this?

“Ms. Lana!” Charlie’s heart skipped a beat, wanting to intervene but was blocked

by the men Patty had brought.

“Mr. Diaz!” With no other recourse, Charlie turned to Seth, who remained

impassive, coldly observing Lana’s tirade.

The funerary arrangement was minimalist, and Lana’s destruction was

devastatingly simple. Chaos reigned. She seemed not to have vented enough

but had no choice but to stop.

Her anger still apparent, her hair slightly disheveled. She picked up the

documents from the floor and thrust them into Seth’s chest pocket. “She said to

sign these as soon as possible, and she’s eager to get back to her cell.”

Seth’s dark, calm eyes flickered imperceptibly at her words.

Lana’s lips curled with cruel satisfaction. “I finally understand why Cicely, even

as she was about to be taken by the police, needed to confirm over and over if

you loved her.”

Despite her words, Lana was overwhelmed with an infinite sadness.

Using love as punishment, wasn’t this the most intangible yet most heartwrenching method?

So much love, yet inflicted with such cruelty.

Shaking her head, her cold, thin smile was a boundless irony. “Perhaps you

were right to be confident. Cicely did love you. So, do you feel it now? The more

she loved you, the more she hates you.”

Seth’s chest heaved violently, his pupils contracting, fists clenching tightly.

Lana left, and Charlie, taking in Seth’s demeanor, began to restore order to the

desecrated hall.

Only after a long while did Seth move. He took out the documents Lana had left

him, unfolded them, and saw the words ‘Divorce Settlement Agreement’ in bold.

The contract was straightforward: mutual incompatibility, no children, no

financial disputes, a voluntary separation.

Below, in familiar handwriting, flowed the signature he imagined Cicely making.

Was she expressionless? Undoubtedly determined?

He clenched the papers tightly, then abruptly left the hall.

Charlie jumped, following quickly. “Mr. Diaz, where are you going?”

*

Cicely, clad in a sleek black silk suit, her hair gathered low, was an unusual sight

in the hall.

The once vibrant girl, now in such somber attire, stood out starkly even in the

mourning atmosphere.

She knelt quietly, staring at Creighton’s portrait with a calm, vacant gaze, her

eyes bone-dry, devoid of tears.

When Lana returned, seeing Cicely unchanged from the moment she left, her

heart twisted with sorrow. “Cicely, birth, aging, sickness, and death are the

natural order. Each life has its destiny. No matter the grief, there is a limit. Think

of how dearly your father loved you. If you’re not well, how can he rest in

peace?”

Cicely’s body moved slightly, her gaze calm as she spoke, “Did he sign?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“I see.” Cicely’s voice was a mere whisper, devoid of emotion as she turned her

gaze away.

“Don’t be a fool, Cicely. Patty’s death wasn’t your fault. I’ll file an appeal for this

case. Otherwise, you’ll ruin your life, do you understand? You have a whole life

ahead of you. Without Seth, you’ll find a fresh start. You’ll meet a kind man,

have a couple of beautiful kids, and lead the simple life everyone dreams of.”

Cicely’s eyes flickered at the mention of children. She closed her eyes,

momentarily forgetting the unborn life stirring within her.

The housemaid entered quietly, peeking at Cicely before softly informing Lana,

“Mr. Diaz is at the front gate.”

Despite the hushed tone, Cicely overheard. “Don’t let him in. My father doesn’t

want to see him.”

Addressing Cicely directly, the housemaid relayed, “Mr. Diaz insists on seeing

you.”

“I said no. If he’s brought the signed divorce papers, just take them from him,”

Cicely replied, her voice barely above a murmur.

Lana gave the housemaid a look before stepping out herself. At the gate, she

faced Seth, “You still have the nerve to see her after all you’ve done? Planning

on locking her away for life?”

Through the gate, Seth met Lana’s gaze with a steady one of his own. “You’re

filing an appeal, aren’t you?”

Her eyes narrowed, “She’ll have to request it herself.”

Seth stood still, the divorce papers in his grip already creased from the tension.

The veins on his hand stood out, a silent testament to the force he’d used.

Time seemed to slow before Seth finally spoke, “Charlie, give me a pen.”

Charlie flinched, and even Lana was taken aback.

“Mr. Diaz…” Charlie hesitated, not sure what to say. But even without a divorce,

how could Seth and Cicely possibly move forward under these circumstances?

“Give it to me!”

Seth’s command left no room for doubt. Charlie pulled a pen from his pocket

and handed it over.

Seth took the pen and signed his name outside the gate, his usual confident

script now shaky. The pressure of the pen against the paper was palpable, his

signature flowing from the pen as if branded by fire.

Once he finished, he folded the papers and passed them through the gate to

Lana. “If she agrees to the appeal, give this to her.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll just hand it to her?”

Clutching the pen tightly, Seth’s voice was stiff and solemn, “I think you want her

to appeal even more than I do.”

Taking the papers, Martha looked at the signature, a wave of bitter sorrow

washing over her. She didn’t even know how to hate this manLana returned to Cicely with Seth’s proposition. “He says if you agree to appeal,

he’ll sign the divorce papers.”

Cicely stared at the photo of Creighton, chuckled faintly, “Alright, I agree.”

Lana paused, watching Cicely’s silhouette in silence.

Cicely looked down at the ring she had been caressing on her finger, scrutinized

it for a long while, then, with a deliberate movement, she slid it off. Lifting her

hand, the simple platinum band, devoid of even a single diamond, glinted coldly

under the light.

She gazed at the ring for a few more seconds, then, lowering her lashes, spoke

with an undisturbed calm, “Lana, could you please return this to him for me?”

Enter title…

Lana stepped forward, hesitated slightly upon seeing the ring, then took it from

Cicely’s hand. Lips pursed, she looked at Cicely, “Cicely, did you…?”d2

“Hmm?”

“Did you know that this was the only way he’d sign the divorce papers? Is that

why you decided to plead guilty in court?”

Cicely smiled again, closing her eyes and shaking her head, her voice

indifferent. “No.”

Lana didn’t say anything, glancing at Creighton’s picture on the hearth in

disbelief.

No one knew how much Creighton loved Cicely better than Cicely herself. So

how could she possibly choose to defy his wishes and ruin her life under a false

accusation of murder?

Maybe everyone had been fooled by this girl.

*

The next day was Creighton’s burial. Cicely had vigil at the wake all night. As

dawn broke, the burial preparations began.

There were many customs to observe at a funeral, and by the time they finished

at the graveside, it was broad daylight.

The weather had been gloomy these past days, and finally, this morning, it

started to rain. It’s a gentle patter, as though reluctant to disturb a world that

seemed a shade too dim.

Cicely stood at Creighton’s gravestone, holding a black umbrella, with Lana by

her side and two uniformed officers behind her. “Ms. Cicely, it’s about time.”

As a convicted criminal, it was only through connections that she was allowed

out, and her 24-hour respite was nearly up.

Cicely blinked slowly and stepped forward, her hand reaching out to touch the

gravestone. Her fingers trembled minutely as she leaned in, resting her

forehead against the cold stone.

Tears fell silently.

“Dad, goodbye”

Her calm, soft call made Lana, who had been stoic for days, nearly break down

crying. The day before, Cicely had knelt in the chapel, tearless and silent, her

composure reminiscent of when her mother had passed away.

Lana thought Cicely would weep alone upon returning to her cell, just as she

had cried alone in her room back then, but it wasn’t the same. Back then, Cicely

still had her father; now, she had only herself.

After a long time, she slowly straightened up and stood in silence for a moment

longer with her umbrella before turning and walking over to Lana. “I need to go.”

Lana, noting Cicely’s nonchalant demeanor, nodded softly, “The appeal is in two

days. You’ll—”

“I know.”

Cicely cut her off gently and then hugged Lana, “Thank you.”

Lana patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry.”

“Yeah.”

Then Cicely let go, walked away with the officers.

Lana watched them leave, feeling unease. Something seemed off.

Outside the cemetery, across from the patrol car with its flashing lights, a black

sedan was parked quietly, the rain washing it even darker. Beside it, a tall figure

stood under a black umbrella, his handsome features blurred through the rain.

But how could she not recognize him? For her, it was too easy. Even in a vast

crowd, she’d spot him in an instant.

She stood there, watching him beyond the patrol car, then, with detached poise,

got into the car, folded her umbrella, and threw it to the roadside.

Seth watched the patrol car drive away, then his gaze fell on the umbrella she’d

discarded.

Classic Cicely. One moment, it shielded her from the storm, the next, discarded

like worn-out shoes.

Lana came down from the cemetery, noticing the extra umbrella in his hands,

her brows furrowing slightly. “She said she didn’t want to see you. Why bother?”

Seth spoke evenly, “But she can’t avoid me forever.”

Lana narrowed her eyes, “What do you mean?”

Seth smiled faintly and walked away without a word. Lana hurried after him,

“Don’t tell me you still can’t let her go.”

Seth folded the umbrella neatly and secured it. “I never planned to let go from

the very beginning.”

Lana stood frozen, recalling a comment from Seth. “Do you think I waited all this

time just to drop the case?”

Now it could be rephrased as— “Do you think I waited all this time just to give

up?”

Lana started to feel pained. One wouldn’t compromise. The other wouldn’t let

go. But the more Seth persisted, the more Lana found Cicely’s reactions

peculiar. She couldn’t pinpoint why seeing Seth made her uneasy about Cicely,

but a sense of foreboding lingered.

*

It wasn’t until the day of the second appeal that Lana finally understood. Cicely

was still found guilty, but the case indeed was turned over.

From premeditated murder to manslaughter.

Cicely was sentenced to three to seven years in prison.

At the moment of sentencing, Seth stood abruptly from the plaintiff’s bench, his

gaze dark and stormy, his expression grim. “You lied to me?!”

Cicely smiled faintly, “As if you ever really believed me. Is the case overturned?”

Seth’s arms tensed from clenching his hands.

“It is.” Cicely answered herself, “And I didn’t promise you anything else.”

“Besides, we have Danielle’s testimony.”

Today’s appeal was essentially a continuation of the first trial. If she hadn’t

confessed herself back then, even with Danielle’s testimony at the end of the

first trial, she’d most likely be facing the same outcome as today—a conviction

for manslaughter.

Seth’s eyes were roiling with towering fury. She had deceived him; it was all a

him

Cicely let out a

you. But did you ever really plan to let

jaw clenched tightly. The answer

heartbroken and anguished, suddenly came to a

then

off easily.

this is the end of the line. Everything’s over.

things out for me,

pretend I’m dead for three

“Cicely!”

Seth, “If anyone tries to pry into my

die in there

bloodshot eyes

threatening me?”

“Hopefully.”

cruel edge. Lana immediately requested another meeting with her. “Why? Why did

way? Did you deceive me

the receiver, Cicely looked into Lana’s distraught face

won’t let

could have left with

closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, “Don’t

you wouldn’t

may have been a bit of a scatterbrain in

me. My mother was smart, my father was wise, and

be

Enter title…

detention. With the Ellis family’s influence, how

get me out? Someone is aiding

if I truly made it

me. As long as he refuses to let me

escape.”d2

suddenly had an epiphany. Indeed, there was that to

wouldn’t you let me help you? Why didn’t you

happening to you.”

die, so he definitely will look into my situation,

would be under his surveillance. I don’t want him to

years to make him

might I have a chance at true freedom after I get

was stunned, lost for words. This child, what had

she be so

am responsible for the deaths of Dad

my penance for the lives

not your fault,

all my fault. Three years for

short, Lana, far too

streaming down her face, unable to utter a

word.

You should head back soon. Please, really,

I’ll be fine in here. I won’t see you out. I wish you

at Lana and then hung up the

repeatedly requested to see her, but

refused each time.

her sentence. Life in prison

adapt at all.

a true

clothes the most comfortable, her meals of

to be top-notch; she couldn’t lift a

She didn’t have to do anything;

before her.

to be “useless,” but no one ever said

Everyone envied her.

it weren’t for her own foolishness,

her whole life.

had the confidence, and so did

their wealth for ten

A daughter is born to be cherished, especially

Creighton and Millie.

died, and Creighton too. Their

envied, but their daughter didn’t turn out as heartless

they had hoped.

she blamed herself, and she was using three years

herself for every wrong choice

was the kindest, most well-behaved, and most

*

expected, Cicely found she was

she tossed the food away,

days until her meals returned

solitary cell

arrived, she soaked it

on the hard cot, standard

was frequently in the guards’ spotlight, receiving

Sometimes they took photos, sometimes they recorded videos.

video, she smashed a bowl and staged a

wrists.

showed the video

Seth’s eyes, dark and cold, seemed as if they

the video

a cold laugh.

the video completely.

“But she won’t

Then let her

his phone with

*

see him

looked at each other

“What did you

just locked eyes with

you won’t speak,

elicit a reaction from Seth. He smirked, still fixated on

Shall we

during the visit. Then he

the chair for a long while, eventually letting out

need for revenge was

and now he was using

her.

*

all special arrangements. From now on, I don’t want to hear

about her.”

driving, was taken aback, “But it’s still a

indifferent expression and tone. “Living is better

dying. She won.”

*

Cicely couldn’t escape the

locked in the bathroom and drenched

food was spat

up only to have trash deliberately thrown

from the work

hold back, but

were capable of anything. She had seen

bathroom floor, laughing wickedly behind

hands.

couldn’t stand against them. She

what it meant to yield. It was

inside her.

discovered the existence of her unborn

into a whirlwind of panic and confusion. Deep down, she

keep the baby, that it would be

couldn’t bear the thought of

fact that this was her child

she felt she had nothing else, the baby

more reason to

keep the baby, so any reason felt

good enough reason.

to others’ preferences, learning to read between the

own ways to survive in this new

not just for herself but for her

once the untouchable princess of P City, and the transformation

a compromise of

had to endure.

And endure she did.

hanging out with

then pitying each other.

it was the women who ended up

*

requested to visit Cicely again. It was

she had been waiting for had finally

window stood a man completely unknown to Cicely. “Ms. Cicely,

of Mr. Harper,”

then. “I have

nodded in understanding. “Mr. Harper accepts all your

deeply sorry. He’s willing to

danced on Cicely’s lips. Indeed, the Harper

City wasn’t without reason.

worry。 I won’t make it too hard for him. I have

his dear friend, knows

man nodded. “Of course. You could ask for more,

up. “No

*

that he would be kept, or maybe he felt

Cicely’s burdens, or perhaps he

womb. He

had left Cicely

warden had once been in Creighton’s

and he couldn’t show Cicely blatant favoritism. However, upon learning

her request, he arranged for her

house arrest as discreetly

nerves, nearly claimed

however, this was a detached

pain-free for any woman.

giving birth is like a walk on the edge

the Grim Reaper

was

moment on, she had another

would never leave

Her son.

ensure they would never part in the future, they

temporarily now.

month later, the baby was sent

Hugo.

temporary separation, just temporary.

and

hair sprawled across

peek-a-bo and sneak

the serene expression etched on her

exquisite woman.

outside was blocked out

the humidifier next to the bed was silently

the room

Enter title…

in bed slowly

quivered, and her slender

stretched out from under the

flexed her arms gently as her smooth brow furrowed slightly, and

reluctantly opened her eyes.

illuminating her

puffiness, her eyes were still

was beyond

room, landed on

something. Her eyes flinched as if stung, closed

buried her head into the soft pillow for a

and heading to the

the decor was also elegantly simple, with every detail

idly dusting corners

and chit-chatting in hushed

laid back. Aside from

great. I’m so lucky

who’s lucky? A pampered mistress living

royalty.”

or six, mostly waiting on her. I bet even Mr. Diaz’s

doesn’t get this

don’t know the half of it. Mr. Diaz is not likely to treat his girlfriend like

last night, nearly scared to death. I’ve never seen Mr.

Ms. Cicely was

“What happened?”

it was even scarier upstairs. I could hear Ms. Cicely

from down here.”

forced himself

would he need to? Keeping her for

think they’re normal? Them being normal would be

“True that.”

servant tiptoed down from

heard movement. She must

straightened up and scattered

hour later, Cicely descended

gently at the wrists.

added a touch

skin almost glowing. Her

graceful, her eyes half-lidded

an unforgivable luxury in the eyes of

hurried over with a glass of

lunch will

she replied indifferently, taking the glass

picked up a magazine from the

casually opened inside page met a

Diaz International, so it was normal

Seth.

wore a faint smile that never quite reached

were deep pools of ice, radiating

the page. Dressed in

seemed all the

matured since three years ago but

detached.

furiously he had dragged her from No.

he wanted her dead, her

magazine back onto the coffee

Cicely, lunch is

staff attended

the end of the meal, there was still some food left

phone and turned it on as

missed call notifications popped

cease.

were a few from others, but most were from Joel,

gotten along with quite well. He had

abroad, the years polishing him

The cheerful, sunny boy from back then now

poise and sophistication.

touch with her. Joel had sent a

to the set

a fight scene to shoot the next afternoon, and most

scenes were with Danielle.

numerous commitments and the well-known backing of Seth,

her, Crysti couldn’t

done, the director told her

for her to meet

was still known as “Diamond” at No. 8 Mansion, and now

serious power players who were

their guests to No. 8 Mansion at gatherings,

to open bottles

owner was shrewd, and Cicely, ever the opportunist, worked

no set salary – a

as a potential big spender. They

Mansion

earned her commission there,

bottles of Louis.

the support,” Cicely accepted his generosity

need anything, just let

is a fine place to

of your stature. You should bring your friends here more

watched her for a long moment, “You’re just

downed her drink, gazing at the empty crystal glass reflecting

elegantly. “How is that

so open, never one to hide your true intentions. It’s

clear what you’re after.”

me to disguise my purpose when I come up

a liquor

stuff on the flash drive has been recovered and I

handed over to Seth.”

of wine, murmured an indifferent

and remained expressionless.

bring up Cicely’s

the conversation to himself.

Cicely stepped foot into the No.

Seth’s call finally

Cicely answered, “What’s up?”

“Done reminiscing?”

“Not yet.”

Seth silent for a few seconds; when he

his voice was coated with ice. “You coming out on your own, or should

in and find

and

“What happened?”

downed her glass of wine.

too much. Let’s catch up another

nodded. “Where do you live? I’ll

for a moment, grabbed her

my ride is waiting

together, and there, parked in

The man who should have

inside had stepped out

driver, felt a chill on his scalp. What

rapid rise to fame and Seth was discovered to be

were often followed by

Danielle was Mr. Diaz’s darling. If they found out

wouldn’t the

the gossip, this unwanted hassle could

avoided. Why make such

expected to see Seth here. He looked

her behind

ascended the steps of No. 8 Mansion

His gaze fell on Cicely’s wrist, held

standing quietly behind Joel, her delicate

bit the protected

irritating. In fact, an invisible tension was

swirling in Seth’s chest.

his designer suit accentuating his tall,

exuded a chilling,

than just one person. Seth now seemed like

leader of great authority, effortlessly quelling

signs of defiance.

“Get in the car.”

words was clear, with no pleasantries for

worth his

Joel had his suspicions, he was

no longer be

stayed on her, as though he

if she didn’t move, in a relentless standoff. “I

set.”

scoffed. “Since when did the set become so

need to be there for

you’re

tightened.

again, the word “job” seeming

bad timing. One moment you have time to catch up,

when I ask for your company. How about

a break, make it easy for

“Mr. Diaz, why

gaze finally landed on Joel’s face. After a long

with her. But if we can’t

way, you

men

sensed the danger in Seth’s tone

go. I’ll get in touch when I have time.” Her voice carried

imperceptible urgency.

Seth’s expression darkened.

“But Cicely…”

“Leave, now.”

pushed Joel away impatiently, her voice louder than usual.

were filled with a chilling

of his lips suggested

*

into

spoke on the way, the atmosphere in the vehicle eerily

front, felt an icy chill

her apartment that

broke the silence.

stopped, “What’s it

a moment, his face bearing a cold, mocking

you as my sugar baby for so long, isn’t it

you to keep me. There’s a

you, Danielle at the front, isn’t she? You make

Seth’s firm grip on her wrist pulled her

surged through Cicely, “What

curled into a sinister smile, a hint of menace in his

you think…”

brushed against her face,

you think I have Joel

you say?”

froze, then pushed him away. “You’re

open, stepping

car pulled up in front of her. Several men stepped

forward; his face was already bloodied. He steadied himself

to the back of

Her mind went blank.

to see Seth approaching her, his steps

him, “Have you lost your

of mischief in his eyes.

thought I’d come over and prove it to

waist, pulling her close with

embrace.

know, it’s like I’ve been treating you like royalty.

like throwing

mood for sex at night, I respect that. Even when it

you. Has all this made

pushover? A saint who’s always gentle, agreeable,

I’m powerless when it comes to you, it’s just

But don’t mistake my leniency for a

be the one to smooth things over.

be able to feel the air gradually freezing around

neither fading nor deepening,

eyes, however, resembled icy obsidian,

her.

clutching Seth’s arms, staring back at

him go, and

exclaimed, his voice laced with surprise

moment, his gaze still locked on Cicely,

nod acknowledging her offer. “Alright.” With a single word, he tightened

Enter title…

pulling her forcefully toward the

overwhelming strength.

his pace or power; she

she entered the elevator, she was nearly flung

with a force

could regain her bearings, Seth’s presence overwhelmed her.

her head,

was the second

first was

were over the same issue. Amidst the panic, she found

situation absurdly comical.

She’d learned to yield all too well

women, resigned to their fates, indulged in acts too dirty for the light

yet she could

and wealth, could crush others in his grip,

public with a gun declaring he’d take a life without batting

to

that he felt

to great lengths to keep her by his side. Surely he wouldn’t kill

with him either. She couldn’t even bring herself

for money with him for Hugo’s sake, let

one mattered

last time you were with a woman? Has Danielle been

the minute I agreed to sleep with

and leaning down to

forced her face back, his

expression. “Having second

defiantly, “I don’t have a

you’re in a position

to be in your bed, so can you let me

elevator doors slid open, and Seth’s intense gaze

tingle with dread.

you think you deserve to be

surged within Cicely as she

you.”

self-proclaimed restraint crumble before

to shatter the walls that

a snarl, he grabbed her wrist, dragging

approached the apartment, Cicely’s panic became

instinctively. “Let go

apartment door swung open, and the servants rushed to greet them, only

forcefully pulling Ms.

to stop him, but it only resulted in

effectiveness.

kicked open

even paler. “Let go

want to do this!”

was futile; he lifted her

before dousing her

shivered violently. Her clothes clung to her, hair plastered to her

eyes unable to open.

you, not for

where Joel had held

trying to scrub away a layer

pain, and the humiliation, Cicely met

stare.

at her clothes. Cicely clung

she was no match for Seth’s strength, and

were ripped to

was like a lion provoked, only the slaughter of all nearby

quell his rage.

bed, Cicely was exhausted. Naked and

violent intimacy that was to come. She

clenched shut, bracing for what was

was a low growl as he pinned

at me! Do you know who

Cicely bit harder, unresponsive.

lifted again, the chill forcing her

in the corner of the bedroom, she saw

gaze reflected

panic, and injustice swirled within, but she

welled and her eyes

enough? How many

What you wear, what you use,

best? Can other men afford to keep

type who can’t even stand to lose the slightest

about finding ways to provoke

learn their lessons. What do you think you

from standing up to me,

cold breath sprayed on her ear. Through the

his chillingly cold eyes.

masking her desolation, she said, “Two

enough for a

the rigid tension in Seth’s body

was an unmistakable hardness, like

steel.

to look at her in the mirror. His icy gaze

frostbite, intense and rigid.The curve of Cicely’s lips widened slightly, her reddened

unable to look

I haven’t lost enough for you to understand, but there’s no

to lose. Perhaps if I spend a

you from back then and the you now

thing,”

as if

let go of

upon the room. The icy chill and hostility

space began to dissipate.

Enter title…

the reflection in the mirror for a long

have said something, but the sight of her red-rimmed

matter what he

the phone came as a lifeline to him. It was

touch with for a long

phone, he turned and left the bedroom. “I’ve got things

should get some rest.”

closed, and

quiet for quite some time did Cicely close her

to the bed and sitting down. The

lap were

what felt like an eternity, there was a knock

throw

the

each one fraying

Cicely, your milk is

She didn’t respond,

took

Diaz will be traveling abroad for business and won’t return for several

you need anything,

breathed a sigh of relief. Going abroad meant he wouldn’t be back

certainly didn’t want to see

＊

of P

just a matter of money. For some

for Cicely, who had nothing and had just been

this place was her recent best, absolutely

provide what

live here, not

received a call from Crysti. “Girl, I’m off

pick me up and take me to the

might just fire me.”

nonchalant, “What are you worried about? With your

give

make it big, I’m already being

tantrums. How am I supposed to survive? Hurry up, there’s an

I need to

breath and put down her

hassle. Is making money

hard?”

should consider letting my brother keep

money.”

I supposed to cater to his whims? If that’s the

idea of that germophobe sponsoring a woman seemed

more like risking her

“In your dreams.”

laughed lazily, “I’m heading

snapped, “You

Crysti a chance to

days

her

get some peace, but seeing Charlie downstairs,

face turned dark.

Cicely, Mr. Diaz has gone abroad on business and left me

anger, “Are you his personal assistant or his

servant?”

an awkward smile, “It’s primarily because

Where would you like to go, Ms. Cicely? I’ll

had opened for her, Cicely took a deep

if I say I

not

scoff, Cicely

closing the door, Charlie let out a breath, wiped the sweat from his

hurried into

picked up Crysti and headed to

scene with the stunt coordinator

was late for her scene with

tense. The director was visibly impatient, and the

the brunt of his

juice

Crysti sweat profusely.

young lady have to subject to

phone, she took a deep breath.

her, who was so desperately in need of

the sun was about to set, Danielle finally arrived, apologizing

I was at the airport

got stuck in traffic on the way back. I’ll treat

don’t

continuously, her hands clasped

making it hard for anyone to continue being upset with

ask anyone to forgive her, she just tried to quell their

truly, whether they forgave her or not didn’t matter to her, nor did their

had Seth backing her,

Even if the schedule was delayed, it was

not theirs.

so important that our big star

them off at the

at Cicely, who was sitting there, idly chewing on

a look of utter boredom. “It’s Seth. He’s off on

be back for a few

“Well, that explains it.”

started to tease, while others cast glances

the petite princess of

was her relationship with Mr.

hand, tormented by the balance in

contacts, looking for a sucker to lure

was both aware and

at Cicely and then spoke up, “Can

today? By the time I’m done with makeup, the sun

Can we shoot something

furrowed his brow and glanced instinctively

practicing here all

spot; he couldn’t afford to upset either

hoping to use her as a mediator. After all, she was the

most and would love nothing more than to

dCicely glanced at the time on her phone, not bothering to feign

her chair, crossing her legs with a sly

a rich family, which might suggest she’s delicate, but

’em. The girl’s been practicing fight scenes all

could wait a couple more hours, but she won’t be at her best. So,

day and let me take her

had expected as much from Cicely.

Crysti has worked

pale pink dress

lip balm,

made-up actresses on set. “And Ms. Danielle’s makeup

Enter title…

just hanging around, why don’t we

a drink? Crysti’s treating.”

fell silent. When did she

perked up at the promise of

The director, seeing the mood, couldn’t disagree.

they’d all be waiting on

then, thanks in advance,

the crowd, but Danielle’s face turned sour.

she wouldn’t start shooting until 8 PM, and

just offered to treat everyone

wouldn’t have time

the set cleared, leaving behind only her agent, a

artists, Danielle clenched her fists,

goings-on at the set even when she

afternoon, not to get into makeup or

all afternoon, wanted to seize the moment

easy, not with

slap that Cicely had

couldn’t act as if

provoke Cicely by mentioning Seth’s

but Cicely

a bunch of drinks and snacks in Crysti’s name, but she

around to indulge. With a day’s paycheck in hand,

thank Danielle for acting

was off to No. 8 Mansion. Later that evening, she returned

booked by the crew.

next day was business as usual on set, but Danielle was

cough. With no scenes of her own,

After lunch,

late on the chilly mountain and

for IV treatment. The

were canceled.

was also losing her temper, and

over at the director, whose face had soured

a loss with Danielle. This wasn’t a

consent wasn’t

game app, Cicely stood and smoothed her hair. “Shall I

and head out?”

could the

even

“She’s just relying on

around. Isn’t she taking things

waste of resources not to play the diva

clout? You

breath, “That would drive the director

to act, not get caught up in petty fights. It’s harmful

“Look how sensible you are. But I don’t like

this. It’s too

just find a job where you