The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

So, what do you want to do then?”

Seth’s nonchalant retort caught Danielle off guard. She opened her mouth to

speak, but no words came out.

Nearby, the janitorial staff worked at lightning speed to make the unsightly

hospital room spotless again.

Charlie returned with a fresh lunch from a nearby deli.

Seth stood by the bedside, watching Charlie set the meal in front of Danielle.

“Eat up.”d2

Danielle bit her lip, her eyes reddening, but she didn’t move.

Enter title…

Seth looked at her sternly. “I’m not a patient man. Either you stop eating forever,

or I’ll have the doctor amputate your legs and fit you with prosthetics so you can

use the restroom on your own.”

Danielle seemed frightened, her eyes trembling, but eventually, she picked up

the fork.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief when Danielle took a bite.

“Have you eaten?”

After a few bites, Danielle calmed down and seemed to realize her earlier

tantrum was uncalled for. She looked up at Seth with a softer voice.

Seth gave her a brief glance. “Eat your food. Don’t worry about me.”

Danielle didn’t dare to press him further.

*

Cicely changed into a new outfit and headed out, while Issac, thinking she was

off to enjoy herself, opened the car door for her. But Cicely didn’t move.

“I’ll grab a cab later. You should head to the hospital and check on Danielle.”

Issac stared at her silently.

“That woman is too proud to ask for help from the Ellis family. And now with her

injuries, we have to make sure we’re above reproach. If she needs anything,

make sure she gets it.”

Issac was moved. “I’ll send someone.”

“Just you,” Cicely insisted, already hailing a cab on her phone. As she did, a

message popped up from Emiliana.

Emiliana: [Santino has an interview tonight, and he’ll drop off the car over. He

wants to add you as a contact. Should I give him your info?]

Cicely: [I’ll add him.]

Emiliana promptly sent over Santino’s contact, and Cicely sent a friend request.

I

ssac was still there when she looked up.

“Why haven’t you left?”

“I was going to arrange a new driver for you.”

“No need. I don’t want to wait, and the taxi is almost here.”

Issac finally compromised but insisted on taking a picture of the taxi and its

driver’s ID before letting Cicely leave.

Shortly after getting in the cab, Cicely’s phone notified her that Santino had

accepted her friend request.

Santino: [Ms. Cicely, I’m on my way. Where should I drop off the car?]

Cicely: [Have you had lunch yet?]

Santino: [Not yet.]

Cicely found a compromise. She chose a bistro, and soon after she arrived,

Santino did too.

Unlike other celebrities who prioritized style over comfort, Santino’s down jacket

and scarf gave him a more down-to-earth vibe. That is, until he removed the

mask and sunglasses hiding his well-known face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Cicely waved it off. “I haven’t been here long. I heard you have an evening gig. I

hope you’re not pressed for time.”

Santino hung his jacket and settled in. “That’s for later tonight.”

Cicely smiled as the dishes began to arrive.

“Thanks for bringing my car back.”

“Just on the way. No need for formalities, Ms. Cicely. Makes conversation

difficult.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow. “Fine by me.”

“Are you out on your own again today?”

The question felt ironic to Cicely.

“Is that strange?”

Santino shook his head. “Most students and people with partners spend

weekends with friends or glued to their significant others. Being out alone at

your age seems a bit lonely too soon.”

Lonely.

Cicely paused. The word felt foreign to her.

She had never considered it a description for herself.

Now that it was mentioned, she couldn’t deny its accuracy.

“I have no friends, and my boyfriend is too busy. Clinging to him now would be

annoying.”

Santino’s gentle gaze lingered on Cicely for a moment.

“Ms. Cicely, so considerate and understanding. Far from the rumors.”

“Considerate and understanding?”

“You’d rather drink alone to oblivion than trouble your boyfriend with your woes.

On the weekend, you think not to bother him and even justify why you can’t. Ms.

Cicely, you’re the ideal girlfriend, perhaps even a perfect wife in the future. But

every man is busy. If it matters, they find a way to make up the time spent with

you through more efficient work.

“If it’s not you clinging, it could be someone else. The squeaky wheel gets the

grease. Your understanding nature makes you a taken-for-granted backdrop.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace. The more it hurts, the

more you’ve won.”

Cicely’s gaze turned distant.

Better to leave a scar on him than to pass without a trace.

The more it hurts, the more she wins.

Savoring Santino’s words, Cicely smiled.

“You’ve let acting delay your career as a relationship expert.”

Santino chuckled. “Playing many roles gives one such insights.”

Cicely remained noncommittal.

After all, actors portray life in all its facets.

“Where to next? I’m bored and you’re alone, maybe we can entertain each other

for a while.”

Santino reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth as he spoke.

Cicely took a sip of water. “I’m not bored.”

Santino laughed softly. “Actually, I’m not familiar with P City. I had to use

navigation to bring your car. Ms. Cicely, I think lunch doesn’t suffice for your

gratitude.”

Cicely fell silent.

Did every gentleman on the outside have a wild streak on the inside?

Standing up, she grabbed her coat from the rack. “Perfect, you can drive then.”

Santino seemed quite pleased with the idea.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, the attendant gave an extra glance

upon seeing another man with Cicely, and quickly brought out the framed

wedding photos.

“Please take a look. If there’s no issue, we’ll wrap them up for you.”

There were two photos.

One was a solo shot of Cicely.

The other captured her standing next to Seth. In the picture, Seth was slightly

turned, his arm wrapped around her waist, chin tucked in, looking down at her.

The hint of a smile on the visible half of his face could pass as genuine.

Even if they were to pose for a typical wedding shoot, no photographer would

suggest such a clichéd stance.

But the candid shot felt more meaningful than any posed wedding photos they

might take in the future.

Their intimacy in the photo, that almost-smile, was heart-stirringly real because

of its authenticity.

“Great, wrap it up for me.”

The staff directed them to a lounge area with freshly brewed coffee.

Santino was somewhat surprised Cicely had brought him to this kind of place.

Actually, he was completely taken aback.

“Just two wedding photos?”

Cicely sipped her coffee and smiled. “Just a couple of keepsakes from the dress

fitting.”

Santino nodded in understanding.

The lounge had other patrons, and as soon as Santino removed his mask and

sunglasses, he was recognized.

It was a bride-to-be, still in her wedding gown, and a fan of Santino.

Covering her mouth excitedly, she asked, “What brings you here, Mr. Santino?”

Santino, a bit sheepish, replied, “Just helping a friend pick up some things.

Congratulations, you look stunning.”

Tears of joy welled up in the fan’s eyes as she stammered, “I never dreamed I’d

meet you one day. I’m so happy. Mr. Santino, could I possibly get a photo with

you?”

Santino, smiling at her white dress, said gently, “Your fiancé might get jealous.”

“Not at all. He votes for you every day with me. Look, even the engagement ring

he proposed with is the same brand you endorse.”

She lifted her hand, showing off the platinum diamond ring.

Meeting a superfan on her big day, Santino couldn’t help but agree to take a

photo with her.

The fan, overjoyed, glanced at Cicely sitting beside, her eyes crinkling with a

smile, then turned back to Santino, “Mr. Santino, most of your fans just want you

to be happy. No matter who you end up choosing, we support you. Wishing you

all the best.”

“Thank you,” Santino said, shooting Cicely an amused look as their eyes met.

They both chuckled at the apparent misunderstanding.

The staff brought the wrapped frames over. They might be a bit heavy, so

Santino took them casually.

As they prepared to leave, the fan called out, “Mr. Santino, may I share our

picture on social media?”

“If that’s what you’d like, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Exiting the bridal shop, Santino placed the framed photos in the trunk of the car.

“Any plans now?” he asked.

Cicely was engrossed in her phone, reading a message from Issac half an hour

ago.

Danielle had thrown a tantrum over her daily care, causing chaos in her room

and rejecting her lunch.

Seth had stepped in to calm her and stayed until she ate.

Issac had spent extra to hire two more robust nurses to assist Danielle with her

needs, including trips to the bathroom.

The kicker was that Issac had dismissed the nurse Seth hired for Danielle that

very noon.

Santino was right.

Men were busy, but they always made time for a woman.

If not for her, then for someone else.

Switching off her phone, Cicely tossed it into the car’s glove compartment.

“No other plans, and I don’t feel like going home.”

Seeing her action, Santino started the car. “I have an interview tonight. I’m

heading over to prep. If you’re really that bored, you’re welcome to hang out

there.”

Cicely slid down in her seat a bit. “Sounds good. Let’s do thatSeth had barely settled into

his office when Charlie’s call came through.

Issac dismissed the caregiver Seth had arranged for Danielle and replaced

them with someone hired by the Ellis family. Every aspect of Danielle’s care,

even the unexpected ones, had been meticulously arranged.

Striding into the elevator, Seth’s tall, imposing figure came to a rest. He ended

the call and dialed Cicely’s number.

— Powered off.

His brow furrowed, and he then called the apartment.

Enter title…

Carly answered, “The missus, she left around noon and hasn’t come back

yet.”d2

“Alright,” Seth replied coolly.

Seizing the moment, Carly added, “Sir, will you and the missus be dining at

home tonight? Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? It seems you’ve both

been dining out quite often lately.”

After a brief silence, Seth said, “We’ll eat in. Prepare some of her favorites.”

“Sure thing.”

*

An up-and-coming media outlet had been gaining popularity rapidly over the

past two years.

They interviewed only the heavy hitters in show business, and they certainly

didn’t skimp on expenses.

Stepping into the interview studio was like entering a realm of luxury—the

lighting and the sound quality were top-notch.

First, there was a soundcheck, followed by a visit to the make-up room. There,

refreshments and snacks were ready, and the heating was more than sufficient.

As Santino was getting his makeup done and touched up, Cicely watched with

interest.

She was curious to see the transformation makeup could achieve on a man, but

in the end, he looked pretty much the same as usual—just with an extra layer of

foundation, a touch-up on the brows and eyes, and a setting spray.

Boring.

She had been hoping to witness a makeup miracle akin to plastic surgery.

The makeup artists probably mistook Cicely for Santino’s assistant given no one

recognized her.

But with her demeanor, she seemed even more high-profile than Santino

himself, making them all hesitant to give her any orders.

In reality, Santino’s actual assistant was busy coordinating interview questions

with the staff.

“How long will your interview take?” Cicely asked.

Santino glanced up, catching her reflection in the mirror. “Around an hour or so.”

Cicely raised an eyebrow, “Are they expecting you to recite your life story in

excruciating detail?”

“Not quite.”

Cicely sighed. “Sounds dull.”

“Sorry to bore you. I’ll make it up to you with dinner afterward,” Santino offered.

“It better be the best meal ever.”

The makeup artists exchanged glances—her boredom wasn’t their fault, was it?

Santino and Cicely were a pair bold in speech and even bolder in audacity.

During the interview, Cicely sat outside the camera’s view on a nearby couch.

Santino’s demeanor was relaxed, no different from his usual self. He spoke

coherently, without giving any openings for criticism—a flawless image

personified.

The host was naturally fishing for more juicy details, and Cicely had already

caught their attention.

The makeup artists had been gossiping from the start, and now the entire crew

responsible for Santino’s interview was curious about her.

From the moment she arrived until now, she seemed inseparable from Santino.

Santino’s assistant stayed close to Cicely, nervously trying to clarify at every

opportunity that they were just friends.

In the entertainment industry, the slightest spark could cause a thunderstorm.

Even if Santino and Ms. Cicely were innocent, any hint of a romance could stir

up a frenzy.

Their plans did not include a love affair for Santino.

Fortunately, the host didn’t press further and simply asked the assistant who

Cicely was after the interview.

The assistant sincerely replied that she was a friend of Santino’s.

As winter days are short and the nights are long, when the interview ended, it

was already dark outside.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

At the entrance, Santino’s fans held up support signs, eagerly waiting. Upon

seeing him, they erupted into excited screams.

Santino waved back with a smile.

However, when the fans noticed the unfamiliar woman by his side, they became

anxious.

“Santino, who is she?”

“Is she your new assistant?”

The assistant and other staff quickly ushered them into the car amidst the

chaos, explaining that they were just friends.

But the term “friends” seemed too dismissive and almost incriminating at that

moment.

Some fans even started crying on the spot.

Cicely sat comfortably in Santino’s car, watching the chaotic scene outside with

detached amusement.

“What a spectacle,” she remarked.

Santino gave a wry smile. “Are you mocking me?”

“Why would it be mocking? So many people out there like you, love you. Do you

find them ridiculous?”

Santino shook his head. “Not ridiculous. But some forms of affection can be

suffocating.”

Cicely narrowed her eyes, “How so?”

“What if I announced I had a girlfriend today? How would they react?”

Cicely pondered for a moment. “The fan at the bridal shop hoped you would be

happy.”

“That’s the majority. But there are some who, if they can’t have something, they

don’t want others to have it either. They’d rather destroy it. The same people

who adore and idolize me now would be the ones trampling and vilifying me

later.”

Cicely understood; such people did exist.

“That does sound suffocating.”

Santino couldn’t tell what Cicely was thinking at that moment, or if she was even

interested in the topic at all.

He shifted his gaze back inside the car. “Give your car keys to my assistant;

they’ll be returned to you shortly.”

Cicely did as instructed.

Santino had booked a table at the newest themed restaurant in town, which

specialized in dishes featured in movies and TV shows from around the world.

Cicely was genuinely intrigued.

She had seen her fair share of films and had often been curious about the

meals portrayed in them. She had even flown to Paris on a whim just to try a

dish she had seen in a movie.

*

When Seth returned to the apartment, Carly greeted him with a warm smile, her

apron wrapped around her waist as she emerged from the kitchen.

Noticing Seth alone at the entrance, removing his shoes, her smile faltered, and

she glanced towards the door.

“Sir, you’re back.”

“Yes. Where is she?”

Carly wiped her hands on her apron. “The missus hasn’t returned yet.”

She had thought the couple would come home together.

Seth’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his jaw clenched as he pulled out his

phone and continued to call Cicely.

Voicemail.

It had been voicemail all afternoon.

He turned and dialed Charlie’s number instead.

This morning, Cicely had a spat with him over Charlie and Shane. Since she

valued Charlie’s work ethic, Charlie was the person to ask.

“Can you find out where she is right now?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Ms. Cicely? She should be at this new

Hollywood-themed diner.”

Charlie’s crisp answer caught Seth off guard, leaving him momentarily

speechless.

Charlie, guessing Seth’s mood, continued, “There’s something about Ms. Cicely

online. You’ll see.”

Online.

Seth opened his browser, and the news about Santino and Cicely was

overwhelming.

From the two having lunch together, to visiting a bridal shop, then

accompanying Santino during an interview and later entering a diner together.

The spark that ignited the flame was their joint appearance in front of fans after

the interview, particularly Santino and a fan’s photo in the bridal shop.

No one mentioned that the woman in the photos or videos was Cicely, but those

who knew her could recognize her without a doubt.

Seth’s eyes were cold and terrifying.

Carly shivered from where she stood.

Seth pocketed his phone and glanced at the shoes he had just taken off before

turning to walk into the living room.

“Carly, you can head home.”

Seth’s voice was calm as he accepted a glass of water and gave his

instructions.

“But there are a few dishes left to make.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Carly didn’t dare linger. She removed her apron, grabbed her purse, and left.

After finishing his water, Seth set the glass down and walked into the kitchen.

The ingredients were ready; all that was left was the cooking. A pot of soup was

still simmering on the stove.

*

Cicely’s meal came with red wine, which Santino didn’t touch, his eyes

frequently on his watch.

“Is dining with me that excruciating?” she teased. “You’re counting the minutes.”

Santino took a sip of water, “I’m just worried that the later it gets, the more

uncomfortable it will be for you.”

Cicely blinked, “Well, I think I didn’t finish my homework.”

Santino fell silent.

Texts kept coming in for Santino; from his assistant and his agent.

He was trending.

No need to guess it was about the woman sitting across from him.

His agent was checking in about a romantic relationship, but upon hearing they

were just friends, his agent advised him not to worry about it further.

Santino didn’t make much of it.

After dinner, Santino handed her a scarf.

“Wrap this around you. You’ll need it soon. It’ll be troublesome if your face is

recognized.”

Cicely didn’t understand but took it at the mention of trouble.

Journalists and fans had gathered at the diner’s entrance.

When they stepped out, Santino shielded Cicely behind him.

The fans cried out, and the journalists bombarded them with questions.

Who was she?

Was Santino in love?

Cicely wrapped herself in the scarf, wore a mask, and bundled up tightly.

The assistant tried to explain, to no avail.

Finally, Santino stopped, protecting Cicely with his arm behind him, standing tall

and calm, his demeanor sober. For someone usually so mild-mannered, his

displeasure was clear.

\ “If I were in love, I wouldn’t hide it. It’s about respect, for my future partner, for

myself, and for our relationship. She’s just a friend, and there’s no need for you

to know who.”

The fans calmed down, regained their senses, and even helped deal with the

persistent journalists.

Santino pulled Cicely away.

*

At eight o’clock, Seth stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living

room, his gaze piercing the dark night sky, fixated on the familiar car slowly

pulling up to the apartment building.

Despite the high floor, he immediately recognized the slight figure of Cicely.

Too distant to see her expression, he couldn’t tell what she said to the man who

emerged from the driver’s seat to open the car door for her.

Then she unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to the tall, well-built

man opposite her.

After a few more words, Cicely turned and walked toward the apartment

building.

Santino watched her leave, glanced at the scarf in his hands, and wrapped it

around his neck.

Seth’s eyes narrowed instantly, his hands clenched in his pockets, his jaw

tightened as he turned away from the window.

Cicely punched in the code, opened the door, and the living room lights were the

brightest they could be, immediately revealing the dark figure sitting on the sofa

with his back to her.

She didn’t start the conversation, placing her keys on the cabinet, taking off her

coat, then bending down to change her shoes.

Then she walked into the living room. Seth had already stood up, watching her

with a detached gaze.

Cicely glanced at him and gathered her statically charged hair.

“Did you come back early today?”

“I’m usually back by this time on weekdays.”

Cicely gave a half-smile, “I see,” she said, gathering her hair and heading

toward the bedroom while tying it up.

“You can wash your hands outside too.”

From the moment she entered, aside from that initial glance, her eyes hadn’t

lingered on him for even a second.

Seth’s carefully maintained composure was being swallowed by the rising fury

within him, his voice tense and cold.

Cicely could feel it too, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seth’s voice was eerily calm, “Dinner first.”

“I’ve already eaten. Haven’t you? You better eat quickly.”

As she spoke, her attitude was as normal as could be, and she continued

toward the bedroom.

After a few steps, she suddenly found herself pinned against the wall at the

bedroom entrance.

The force wasn’t strong, but she still winced in pain, frowning.

“What are you doing?”

Cicely inhaled sharply, her voice almost a growl with anger.

Seth held her waist with one hand, his usually serene face now dark with

brewing storms, his voice strained and hoarse, his grip tightening.

“Drinking again?”

“I did,” Cicely didn’t bother to hide it; there was no point. “Can you let me go?

I’m tired and want to rest early.”

Seth leaned in closer, his nose grazing her cheek as he bent down, burying his

face in her neck.

“I made your favorite dishes. Join me for dinner.”

Cicely felt a tingling sensation on her scalp from his touch, but his words were

like a bucket of ice-cold water, drenching her from head to toe.

She pushed him away, saying, “If you can smell the alcohol on my breath, then

you should know that when I said I’ve already eaten, I wasn’t just making

conversation. You’re not a child, nor are you incapacitated. Surely you’re not so

helpless that you need someone to sit with you to make sure you eat.”

Seth had never been treated like this before.

The tension in the air snapped like a taut string breaking.

In a swift motion, he grabbed her arm, pulled her into the bedroom, and flung

her onto the bed.

As Cicely was still reeling, he leaned over her, pinning her struggling shoulders

to the mattress.

The cold fury on his face was now bare, stripped of any pretense or restraint.

“When are you going to stop this charade with me, huh?” he demanded, his

breath a chilling mix of anger and frost.

“Ever since the car accident and my stay at the hospital, you’ve been distant

and indifferent. What exactly are you trying to tell me?Seth raged at her, but she just

chuckled coldly in response, unfazed by his fury.

“Does that bother you, Seth? Have you ever thought about the kind of attitude

you’re expecting from me?

You want me to act as if nothing’s happened? I’ve been doing just that for a long

time, but it seems like it hasn’t worked.”

Her lips twisted into a defiant smirk.

“Or do you want a full-blown showdown? What for? To make you neglect

Danielle? To forbid you from making up for your neglect towards her, turning you

into some heartless jerk?”

Enter title…

Suddenly, Seth’s eyes, filled with rage, froze.d2

She had actually considered all of this.

Tears rimmed Cicely’s eyes, yet she laughed, “A confrontation would mean

putting you in a tough spot between two women. Do you think that would be

easier for you? Fine, now that everything’s out in the open, can you honestly let

Danielle go?”

Seth’s lips pressed tightly together as he faced the woman before him, defiant

and dripping with sarcasm.

“When she’s fully recovered,” he finally said.

With a soft laugh, Cicely nodded, “Just as I expected.

And then what? What do you expect me to be like in your presence?”

Seth remained silent.

“The Ellis family has given me enough pride to last a lifetime, Seth. I’ve always

looked down on Danielle. I warned her to stay away from you because she was

a nuisance, buzzing around with her intentions clear as day. It was disgusting,

like watching a fly. I’ve always treated her that way, and she knew it. But now, I

feel like a joke. A person I’ve always despised has become my biggest threat.

I’m worried that one day this person, whom I’ve trampled underfoot, will step on

my face and laugh at my failure.

“I’ve thought about you, Seth, maybe too much. That’s why I’ve been

compromising, praying that I won’t be the one laughed at in the end. My dignity

is in your hands; what else do you want from me?”

Her voice rose as she said his name, her eyes blazing with defiance and

mockery.

Seth realized he needed to control himself, like right now.

Whether Cicely liked him was always clear.

He knew her attitude was based on her feelings for him, s

o why did he lose control tonight?

He embraced her, his voice now restrained and hoarse, his breath warm against

her face.

“I haven’t been good enough, and you have the right to be angry, to lash out at

me. But don’t reach out to other men, Cicely. I don’t like that.”

“Other men? Oh, I hadn’t realized I am still so attractive. Just a second

encounter and I’ve already stolen a heart. You don’t like it, so I can’t do it. Is that

it? It seems you’re well aware of how much I like you, that’s why you can say

such things so easily.

“If you’re aware, then there’s no need to bring it up again. I like you, so I won’t

give other men a chance. My feelings aren’t so cheap, not until I truly believe

they’re worthless.”

Her expression briefly turned chillingly cold and dismissive before she pushed

him away and left for the bathroom without a word.

“Go eat if you haven’t. I’m not in the mood for dinner with you.”

*

After a shower, Seth was still in the bedroom, now in his pajamas, with damp

hair, clearly post-shower as well.

Cicely blow-dried her hair tonight. Mainly because she had been staying with

Seth recently, and this habit of not blow-drying her hair had been gradually

changed by Seth.

She didn’t want to deal with his commands or his somber face because of wet

hair, and tonight, she didn’t want him drying it for her either.

Seth’s gaze habitually swept her hair before watching her slide under the covers

with a calm expression.

“I’ll call Charlie back tomorrow, but I’ll follow up on Danielle’s condition until

she’s healed. I promised her a new show, and that’s it. No other promises,

nothing else between us. Your worries won’t happen,” he said, standing by the

window.

Cicely, her hair now loose, lay down. She spoke, waiting for his response.

“You’re making a commitment tonight. You’ll take care of her until she’s better,

you’ll secure her a career-making show, and then no more ties with her, right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I trust you.”

What other choice did she have?

Her response was neutral, but she gave the reaction he needed.

He wasn’t satisfied, but couldn’t pinpoint what more he wanted.

He moved to the bed, unwilling to accept her turning her back to him.

Perhaps knowing what Seth might do next, Cicely spoke first.

“Have you ever thought about the day I might leave you?”

Seth paused, then pulled her into his arms.

Cicely faced his chest, eyes wide open, waiting for his response.

“No, I haven’t thought about it. You won’t,” he said with conviction, as if he knew

her through and through.

Cicely’s eyes flickered, then closed, “I can’t imagine it either.”

The bedroom light went off, and the woman in his arms’ breathing evened out.

Seth, eyes narrowed in the dark, gazed at the wardrobe’s reflected patterns, his

arms still tight around her.

Would she leave him?

How could she?

If he didn’t want to let go, how could she possibly leave his side?

But the moment the question arose, a flurry of panic surged in his heart, as if the

mere speculation of such a day could tear a gaping hole in his chest, with no

way to mend or fill it.

*

True to his word, Charlie came back, and first thing the next morning, he made a

point to check in at the apartment in person.

It was Monday, and Cicely had school. She hadn’t slept late the previous night

and had woken up early.

Seth took it upon himself to make breakfast that morning, and Cicely answered

the door for Charlie.

Their meeting was marked by a smile that was almost too eager to please. “Ms.

Cicely, I’m here to take you to school.”

He was the one who usually waited in the car downstairs. Today, he made the

extra effort to come up, his intentions as clear as day.

Cicely couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She tossed him the car keys.

“There are two picture frames in the trunk. Bring them up for me.”

Charlie caught the keys deftly and immediately went downstairs.

Soon after, he was lugging two frames—one large, one small—into the living

room.

Cicely tore off the packaging, revealing two brand-new, well-designed frames.

The larger one held a photo of the two of them together, and the smaller one

was a solo shot of Cicely.

Charlie, by her side, saw the images too. When Cicely glanced his way, he gave

an awkward laugh. “Ms. Cicely, you look stunning.”

Cicely flashed a wry smile. “Go find some tools in the storage room and help me

hang them up.”

“Sure thing.”

As Seth emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, he heard Cicely’s voice and

found her directing Charlie on how to hang the frames by the bed. She was in a

wedding dress, and he in a suit—it was a moment captured without him

remembering when.

Her tone suggested she was in a good mood.

“A bit to the right.”

“Be careful with the wall. Don’t make it ugly.”

“And mind my picture. If you ruin it, you can make amends with your life.”

It wasn’t a particularly hard task, but Cicely’s words had Charlie sweating

bullets.

Seth approached, his gaze briefly sweeping over Charlie, his voice cool and

steady.

“It seems you’re quite at ease with Charlie around.”

Cicely’s lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, after all this time, Charlie and I

ought to have built some rapport.”

Charlie nearly leapt out the nearby window.

This was surely Ms. Cicely’s way of getting back at him.

“Time to eat.”

Seth’s chilly voice came from behind. Cicely didn’t move. “A little more to the

left. There, that’s perfect.”

Charlie exhaled in relief, only for Cicely’s voice to rise again. “There’s another

frame. Hmm, hang it in the study. What are you doing?”

“Time for breakfast.”

Seth’s face was a mask of displeasure as he pulled her away, almost forcefully.

After breakfast, Seth and Cicely left the apartment together.

He dropped her off at school before Charlie took over the driving duties to head

to the office.

The school was abuzz with the scandal involving Santino from yesterday, but

Cicely checked online only to find that, thanks to Santino’s comment outside the

restaurant the previous evening, his fans chose to stand by him, rejecting the

rumors. It was only after Santino’s studio issued an official statement denying

the affair that the matter finally settled.

A few people mentioned her, but it didn’t make a splash.

She wondered if her reputation in P City wasn’t strong enough, or if someone

had deliberately quashed the story.

Cicely didn’t dwell on it.

Once it was over, it was over.

Later, Santino sent her a message, apologizing for any trouble he might have

caused.

Cicely felt some responsibility too, but in the end, the matter was resolved, and

it was best to let it go.

However, the brief interaction with Santino had confirmed some of his words for

her.

For instance, the usually busy Seth had taken the time to drive her to school in

the mornings, pick her up in the afternoons, and have dinner with her in the

evenings.

She could tell he was genuinely busy at times, but he never let it interfere with

his work.

His efficiency visibly increased.

Yet, it was clear he was getting tired.

Women don’t need men to tell them how busy they are because they’ll always

find reasons to be understanding and to feel for them.

They’ll step back, compromise, and willingly forsake their desires to

accommodate them.

Like her, she wished Seth would continue spending time with her, but she didn’t

want to see him exhausted.

Thankfully, it was only for a week.

*

Cicely spent a day resting at home during the holiday.

The next day, she received a message from Issac: [Danielle was causing

trouble at the hospital again.]

Starting some simple rehab exercises had reignited her pain and weakness,

leading to another emotional breakdown.

If Cicely didn’t know Danielle was truly crippled, she would have suspected it

was all an act to garner attention.

It had worked for her before.

Danielle’s room was in disarray.

It showed signs of being cleaned up, but that was no match for Danielle’s

deliberate mess.

Cicely visited around noon, bringing lunch from home.

Danielle’s edgy bravado seemed to wane upon seeing her, her demeanor

shifting to a feigned calm as she faced Cicely coldly.

“Here to gloat over me again?”

“There are a lot of people far more entertaining than you. Now, other than lying

in bed, what’s so interesting about your little performance art of throwing things

around?”

Danielle scoffed. “Cicely, I may be broken now, but it won’t last forever. I won’t

suffer all this for nothing. Everything I’m enduring now, I’ll claim back double

someday.”

Cicely opened the food container, letting the aroma of the meal waft out.

Hearing Danielle’s words, her grip on the container’s edge tightened.

“Danielle, I really don’t like you. I despise you so much that every word out of

your mouth sounds like a conspiracy to me. For example, all this suffering you’re

enduring, nearly crippled, experiencing inhuman pain—I suspect it’s all part of

your grand design.”

Danielle’s hands clenched the blanket. After a few seconds, she laughed

derisively. “Funny, I hate you just as much.”

Cicely’s smile was thin. “You’re not even on my level. Your misery in bed has

nothing to do with me, nor does it mean everyone owes you something. But

remember, Danielle, you still owe me.”

Cicely glanced at the caregiver beside her, who promptly set up the tray table

and arranged the lunch before Danielle.

Danielle looked down at the spread that could be considered lavish, a sarcastic

smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Cicely.

“What’s this supposed to mean? I thought I was in debt to you? What’s this, kill

me with kindness?”

Cicely couldn’t help but laugh as if she had just heard the funniest joke.

“When have I ever been anything but spiteful in all these years that you could

use that term to describe me?”

Danielle’s face turned sour with malice.

A frosty layer settled over Cicely’s eyes too, her voice as cold as ice, “I’m not

one to turn the other cheek. But don’t you worry about me poisoning you; you’re

hardly worth the effort of exacting such a price. What goes on between us is our

own business, but my visit today has everything to do with you and Seth. After

all, you risked your life to save him, and as the one he loves the most, it’s only

natural I take care of some nuisances for him while he’s tied up with other

matters.”Danielle’s chest tightened with emotion. Cicely was here in Seth’s place?

Cicely said Danielle was nothing but trouble. Indeed, there she was, bedridden

and unable to care for herself. If that wasn’t a bother, what was?

Cicely sure had a knack for twisting the knife with her words.

“Get out.” Even as she tried to suppress her feelings, those words betrayed her

anger and agitation.

“Don’t get all worked up, you know. Getting angry is bad for your health. If you

end up bedridden for life, Seth and I will be driven to madness, won’t we?”

Enter title…

Danielle glared at her coldly and then let out a mocking laugh. “You’re scared,

aren’t you? If I really am disabled for life, you’ll never be able to shake me

off.”d2

Cicely’s eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Danielle, who seemed to have

given up hope. Cicely gave a faint smile. “How shameless are you to say such

things? Sadly for you, even if you wish for a life of disability, the Ellis family

won’t allow it, and neither will Seth. Even blood relatives fed up after years of

care. How important do you think you are in Seth’s heart? You’ve got, what,

another three or four decades to live? How patient do you think he’ll be, to tend

to you day in and day out? Or rather, do you think Seth could ever love

someone disabled?”

Danielle’s pale lips trembled violently as she glared at Cicely. Each word was a

stab to her most vulnerable spots.

“Don’t think for a second that you’re off the hook just because you’re disabled.

Don’t even dream of running away. You were so proud, weren’t you? Well, even

if you die, I will dig you up from your grave and lash your corpse to satisfy my

hatred. Eat up. Maybe if you get better soon, you might be able to slap me back.

Otherwise, don’t blame me for bullying you.”

Grinding her teeth, Danielle eyed the neatly laid out food before her. Her hand

twitched, but Cicely’s icy, detached voice rang out again.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t starve myself just to spite someone. I’ll prepare your

meals over and over until you’re willing to eat, that’s if you don’t find me

annoying.”

Just as her arm began to lift, it froze in place. To eat or not to eat, either way,

Cicely would win.

“You’re ruining my appetite. Please, leave now.”

Cicely looked up at the nurse standing by. “Keep an eye on her. Let me know

whether she eats or not.”

“Understood.”

Danielle took a deep breath.

Cicely didn’t look at her again, turning towards the door to leave. But before

Cicely could take two steps, the door swung open from the outside.

She paused, her expression darkening as the man who entered caught her eye.

It was Ray. The sight of Cicely brought a surge of intense hatred to his eyes.

Issac, who had just returned from the restroom, rushed in, positioning himself in

front of Cicely.

Cicely, standing behind Issac, furrowed her brows as she recalled Ray’s

expression when he opened the door. She reached out and pushed Issac aside.

“Mr. Ray, feeling any better?”

Ray’s face stiffened, his teeth clenched as he glared at Cicely, embarrassment

mixed with rage.

Cicely smiled, “Mr. Ray, don’t you think you’re misdirecting your anger? You

were the one who nearly took advantage of me that night when you were drunk.

I haven’t even come to settle that score yet, and here you are looking as if I’ve

castrated you myself.”

The words hit Ray hard.

“Ms. Cicely,” Ray stammered, “Seth never told you what really happened that

night?”

Her gaze lowered slightly, “Does what he say negate the fact that you almost

raped me?”

Raising her eyes with a faint smile, she added, “I’m aware of Mr. Ray’s current

condition and genuinely regret it. Let’s put our grievances aside for now. But

please, Mr. Ray, get your facts straight. It was your drunken folly that night that

led to this mess, not anyone else’s doing. Ms. Danielle is the true victim here,

now incapacitated and dependent. Let’s not make her situation any harder.”

Issac, listening to the exchange, could hardly believe the facade.

Ray turned briefly to Danielle, his expression flustered, “I’m here to visit, not to

cause trouble. Of course, I know Danielle is the biggest victim.”

“Is that so?” Cicely nodded with a smile, “Then I must have misunderstood. With

that cleared up, I’ll take my leave.”

Issac shielded Cicely as they left the hospital room. “Ray wasn’t involved in the

accident, so we can’t hold him accountable. He’s been hospitalized here. He

came by yesterday, but I didn’t let him in.”

Cicely clenched the bag in her hands until her knuckles turned white.

Encountering Ray again brought back the chaos of that night, the helplessness

and the fear, so vivid and terrifying that even the mere thought of it made her

shudder.

“Miss?”

Cicely blinked away the memories, “It seems Mr. Ray is quite fond of Danielle.”

Issac had been skeptical. A rich playboy, surrounded by a constant stream of

women, suddenly proclaiming true feelings for one seemed far-fetched. But

now, it seemed genuine.

“Perhaps.”

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

Cicely scoffed, “Not perhaps. With his family on the brink, he’s willing to throw

money into this charade for Danielle. It’s clear she means a lot to him. I even

suspect this accident was orchestrated by his family for her sake.”

Issac frowned at the thought.

Ray liked Danielle so much he’d nearly get her killed? That seemed a bit farfetched.

*

In the hospital room, Ray stood by Danielle’s bed. His handsome face etched

with concern and guilt. “I’m sorry, I had no idea it would turn out this bad.”

Danielle wasn’t in the mood to give Ray any more attention than she had to.

Holding her fork clumsily, she shoveled food into her mouth with mechanical

indifference.

“Ray, it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Regardless of the tactics used, your family is

finished,” she said, not looking up from her plate. “Is it really necessary to go for

the jugular? Nothing’s happening to him now, and your family is on its last legs.

Before, there was at least a chance for a comeback, but now, you guys have

blown it for good.”

Ray’s hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white, and a vein

throbbed on his forehead. “He orchestrated the downfall of my family from the

very start, Danielle. I’ve told you not to be fooled by his act. His ruthlessness is

beyond what you can imagine. My dad said the moment he entered showbiz

and started his agency, he had his sights set on bringing us down.”

“A fledgling talent agency, run by a guy who hasn’t graduated from college yet.

He relied on these things to make everyone relax their guard against him, and

then suddenly delivered a fatal blow. He played innocent but was actually

cunning and ruthless. That night, I wasn’t simply drunk. I’ve never hidden my

feelings for you, and if Cicely hadn’t shown up, who do you think would have

been at the receiving end of my actions?”

Danielle’s face drained of color. She had pondered this question before, but she

was too afraid to delve into it. She didn’t want to confront the potential cruelty of

this “possible truth.”

“That’s impossible.” she whispered.

Ray took a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t believe it, which is why I never

brought it up before. I’ve checked with the doctors about your condition, and the

prognosis is optimistic, albeit a rough road ahead. I came here today to see you

and to ask you something.”

Danielle still didn’t look up, her voice restrained and flat. “Go ahead.”

“When you stepped in front of that car for him, was it truly out of a willingness to

risk your life to save him, or was it just a ploy to achieve some ulterior motive?”

Danielle paused mid-bite and finally turned to look at Ray. “Does it make a

difference? Even with a motive, my only desire was to win him over.”

Ray gave a melancholic smile. “It’s different. The accident was unforeseen.

Even I didn’t expect my father to be so obstinate. If you knew the crash would

be severe, would you still have stepped in?”

After a long silence, Danielle set her fork down and looked up at him. “What kind

of answer are you hoping for?”

Ray pressed his lips together. “You should know.”

“Then no, I wouldn’t.”

Ray stared at her quietly. “I didn’t expect you to brush me off like this.”

“It’s not brushing you off. If I had died, what would be the point of saving him?”

Ray nodded slightly. “Whether true or not, that’s the answer I needed to hear.

And you don’t have to play the villain in front of me to push me away. At this

point, if I stop caring for you, it’s like denying everything I’ve ever felt. If I could

go back, I would, but since I can’t, I need to find a reason for it all.”

Danielle had never seen Ray this composed yet so obsessively insane. Her

hand on the blanket trembled slightly. She was afraid of Ray in this state. With

nothing left to lose, there was no telling what kind of madness he might resort

to.

*

Cicely and Issac stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, only to see

Seth standing across the hall.

Tall, stoic, and brooding.

His brow furrowed imperceptibly when he saw Cicely.

Cicely’s grip on her purse slackened for a moment then tightened. She stepped

out, with a familiar, faint smile on her face. “You’re here?”

Seth’s gaze was heavy. “You hate hospitals. What are you doing here?”

“I heard she had another episode. Came to check on her with some lunch,”

Cicely admitted. After a brief silence, she glanced at him coolly. “I have no

interest in bullying a cripple, so don’t worry.”

Seth appeared here not long after Cicely arrived at the hospital. Issac, standing

on the side, instantly grasped what Seth was worried about. “Mr. Diaz, Ms.

Cicely is here on your behalf to check on Miss Danielle, considering how busy

you’ve been lately. She thought it might give you a break.”

Seth’s gaze faltered for a moment.

Cicely adjusted the scarf around her neck, presenting only her profile to him, yet

the subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and lips was evident.

“Her moods are volatile, and your presence might exacerbate them, potentially

even leading to harm.”

Cicely looked up at him with a light smile. “I have Issac with me. Do you think a

crippled person could hurt me when I’m fully able and protected?”

Seth’s expression darkened. “The sooner she recovers, the sooner I can sever

ties with her.”

“I know,” Cicely replied, hands tucked into the pockets of her down jacket.

“That’s why I braved the disgust and came.”

Once again, that demeanor. No overt anger, just a serene and gentle defiance.

But the more she displayed it, the clearer Seth could sense her underlying

sarcasm and rebellion.

“Have you had lunch?” Seth reached out to pull her closer, remembering the

lesson he’d learned just a week prior.

However, Cicely stepped aside, avoiding his touch. “Whether I have eaten or

not, you probably don’t have the time to join me. And as it happens, I don’t feel

like sharing a meal with you today.”

Faced with such blunt rejection, Seth’s complexion soured.

“Have you ever trusted me?” The question floated into Seth’s ears, simple yet

profound. After a brief pause, he looked up to find the woman already walking

away. She didn’t leave room for an answer, as if the question itself had a

foregone conclusion in her mind.

*

Issac followed Cicely out.

“Where to next, miss?”

Cicely settled into the car and pondered for a moment, her expression neutral.

“Let’s visit Dad at the Ellis estate.”

“Alright.”

As the car rolled through the gates of the Ellis family estate, Cicely gazed

through the window at the sprawling manor, feeling an unexpected sense of

desolation. The dark green pines stood tall but failed to bring any sense of

vitality.

Cicely furrowed her brows, and the already somewhat suppressed emotions

deepened a bit. She got out of the car and walked towards the villa. The living

room was empty, with servants occasionally moving about in silence. Even their

breathing seemed to be cautious. “Miss, you’re back.”

Brody rushed over at the sound of her arrival, a look of surprise on his face.

“Why didn’t you give us a heads up, Miss?”

Cicely glanced upstairs, “Where’s Dad?”

“He finished lunch not too long ago and was reading in the study. Not sure if

he’s fallen asleep.”

“What did he have for lunch?”

“We made some buckwheat wraps.”

Cicely paused her ascent up the stairs, turning to look at Brody from the first

step, “And what else?”

Brody hesitated, “There were a couple of side dishes.”

Cicely’s frown deepened as she turned and headed straight for the kitchen. With

a stern face, she ordered the servants to bring out what Creighton had for lunch.

Half a plate of the brownish buckwheat wraps remained, along with two side

dishes—one being a light salad of carrots and celery, the other a chilled platter

of ham and cheese.

Gripping the back of a nearby chair, she lifted her gaze to the servants, “Is this

what you prepared for my father’s lunch?”

The servants were too frightened to reply, their heads lowered in silence.

“Miss,” Brody said helplessly, “Sir has been preferring lighter meals these days,

and he specifically asked for these dishes. Even if we prepared more, he

wouldn’t touch them. Elderly folks’ meals are quite simple. When you’re not

home, sir says there’s no need to cook so much.”

Cicely knew Brody well enough not to doubt his words, but in her memories, the

Ellis family’s dining table was always a feast of variety.

Upon reaching the study, she found Creighton slumped in a chair by the

window, a book resting on his chest, his head tilted, seemingly asleep. A sudden

pang of sorrow hit Cicely, and her eyes began to redden.

This vast estate now had but one master. That grand dining table now set with

only a humble corner for his simple meal.

She had married early, head over heels in love, insisting on living with Seth and

leaving her father alone in the house.

She blamed herself deeply in her mind.

She didn’t wake Creighton, gently covering him with a blanket before tiptoeing

out of the study.

When Creighton woke from his nap and came downstairs to find Cicely

discussing something with the servants, his face lit up with an unmistakable joy.

“You little rascal, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“What, got secrets to hide before I arrive?”

Creighton playfully glared at her. “You’re not fighting with Seth again, are you?”

“How could there be so many quarrels?” Cicely laughed, linking arms with

Creighton and settling onto the couch. “He’s busy with work, and I was getting

bored on my break, missing all the home-cooked meals. Dad, how about inviting

Grandpa over for dinner tonight?”

Creighton nodded, “You’ll have to ask him. He listens to you more than he does

to me.”

“Alright, I’ll talk to him.”

Cicely stayed glued to Creighton for the rest of the afternoon. She badgered him

into teaching her chess, playfully demanding take-backs that left Creighton both

amused and exasperated.

When Erik arrived, father and son squared off while she placed bets and sipped

tea, occasionally chiming in with unsolicited advice.

Erik bristled, “Silence is golden; don’t meddle in the game.”

This afternoon was lively and bustling, and even the servants were working

energetically. The entire Ellis family seemed to have returned to how it used to

be.

During dinner, Creighton inquired about Seth.

Cicely said he was too busy to make it back. Creighton frowned, giving her an

extra glance, “Are you two really okay?”

Cicely, exasperated, “Just hope for us to be alright, will you?”

Creighton relented.

After dinner, Cicely still sent Seth a message. [I’m at the Ellis estate, won’t be

coming home tonight.]

She wasn’t about to create a dramatic runaway scenario with Seth, spending a

night away from home. After all, she couldn’t let Grandpa and Dad sense

anything amiss.

Seth didn’t reply, and she didn’t wait up for him.

At eight, Seth showed up at the Ellis estate’s doorstep. Cicely concealed her

slight frown and moved to assist Seth with his coat. “Why are you here?”

“Didn’t your message imply for me to come?”

Cicely hung his coat on the rack, her voice neutral, “No, it was just to let you

know.”

“Unless it’s unavoidable, there’s no reason for a married couple to sleep apart. I

took your message as an invitation for us to stay here tonight.”

Before she could respond, he had pulled her into his embrace and they walked

together into the living room. “Good evening.”

Creighton, seeing the couple’s closeness, smiled, “I’ve heard you’ve been

working hard these past few days, have you eaten dinner?”

“Not yet.”

“Well then, go ahead, I’ll have the staff whip up a few dishes. Cicely, take care of

it.” The dishes were all tailored to his taste.

Cicely hadn’t planned on joining him for dinner, but as she stepped out, she was

met with the inexplicable stares of her father and Seth in the living room.

“Finished eating?”

“Not yet.”

Creighton chimed in, “You two aren’t fighting, are you?”

Cicely took a deep breath, “Just came out to grab my water bottle.”d2

She made her way over to the coffee table, bending down to pick up her bottle,

then headed back to the dining room.

Enter title…

Seth seemed to have anticipated her return to dine with him, and only when she

sat down across from him did he glance up at her. “If you really wanted to pick a

fight, the Ellis family estate isn’t as cozy as our apartment.”

Cicely gripped her water bottle, her expression nonchalant. “There’s no fight. I’ll

be staying here for the near future.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Seth’s brow as he methodically chewed his meal,

then set down his fork.

“Did I not explain myself clearly today?”

“I understand very well. Now that you’ve explained it, it’s even clearer.” Cicely

lifted her water bottle for a sip, “I said I’m not fighting with you. There’s no point

in wasting time over the same person or issue.”

Seth dabbed his mouth with a napkin, “So you’re telling me you’ve decided to

move back here just on a whim?”

“If you insist on a reason, I have some. I’m on holiday, but you’re busy. I need

company, but you’re short on time. In fact, on my way back today, I hadn’t

planned on staying, but then I saw my dad and changed my mind. You don’t

have time for me, but he could use some company. Are these reasons enough

to prove I’m not fighting with you?”

Her face was impassive, her lips curled in an almost imperceptible smile.

Upon hearing the last part, coupled with her subtle expression, it seemed as

though an answer had been placed on the question she had left lingering since

noon.

Would he believe it? If not, she would prove it.

Seth’s lips twitched in amusement. “If you want to stay, stay. It’s just a bit

inconvenient here, that’s all.”

“My own home, nothing’s inconvenient.”

Seth casually took a sip from his water glass. “As you wish.”

Cicely was surprised by his easy acquiescence, but the feeling was fleeting.

Because even if he disagreed today, it wouldn’t matter.

Later, Cicely came to understand why he mentioned inconvenience and made

such an easy compromise.

After dinner, Seth joined Cicely’s father and grandfather in the study. It was

obvious to her what their conversation would be about—nothing but business

matters.

Cicely browsed her shopping app for little home decor items – mugs,

thermoses, castle LEGO sets, and notebooks with pens. Not that she was

studious, but she liked doodling when bored.

The front door was knocked, the servant opened it to find Charlie, shrouded in a

layer of frost, stepping inside. “Ms. Cicely, good evening.”

Cicely glanced at him, “How heartless, sending you out in such cold weather, in

the middle of the night no less.”

Charlie chuckled awkwardly.

“He’s upstairs discussing matters. You can sit and wait for him.”

“Well, no need, I just have an errand. Mr. Seth asked me to bring some clothes

over. I’ll be on my way now.”

Cicely finally looked up, turned around, and noticed a gray suitcase standing

next to Charlie. Brody, seeing this, quickly directed the servant to carry the

suitcase upstairs.

Charlie didn’t linger, bidding farewell an