Chapter 2024


    Cicely was undeniably beautiful, a local belle known for her stunning looks since childhood. Her


    inherent pride was unmatched, and while some found her personality challenging, many envied her


    grace and radiance.


    Seth was convinced he had seen her at her most beautiful. Yet the moment he looked up and saw


    her, his eyes involuntarily narrowed. Her beauty was stic, always managing to shatter previous


    notions of elegance and allure.


    At the bridal boutique, the photographer cradled the camera, constantly shifting angles to capture


    Cicely in this moment.


    Cicely was slightly embarrassed by the revealing marks, and though she never felt constrained by


    her wardrobe before, today she felt an unusual sense of nervousness. "How does it look?"


    Seth''s gaze swept over her again, "Gorgeous, but maybe the next one will be even better."


    Was that a diplomatic way of expressing dissatisfaction?d2


    The attendant beside Cicely quickly added, "Ms. Cicely''s figure is perfect. This gown highlights all of


    her best features."


    Seth''s gaze fixated on Cicely''s face, "Do you like it?"


    A hint of disappointment flickered in Cicely''s eyes, "Of course, I''d hope you''d like it too."


    Suddenly, Seth stood and walked towards her. She watched in confusion as he lifted the trailing veil


    from behind her, wrapped it around her shoulders, then around her waist, and finally tied a knot


    above her knee. After stepping back to take another look, he nodded satisfactorily, "If it''s like this,


    then this one might work after all."


    Cicely fell silent.


    The attendants finally understood the situation. Aside from his handsome looks, Seth seemed to


    carry an adorable possessiveness and a strong hint of jealousy.


    "Then perhaps we shouldn''t bother with this one." If the gown''s only advantage was to be


    concealed, what was the point?


    Seth couldn''t be happier. "Try on some others then."


    Cicely couldn''t even muster up anger, only to retreat back into the dressing room.


    Seth smirked and settled back onto the couch.


    Trying on wedding dresses took time, and most of the staff were gathered around, watching Seth


    and anticipating Cicely''s next appearance.


    An employee entered, calling the manager, "The actors from our partnered production are here to


    try on dresses."


    "I''ll be right there." The woman acknowledged as Manager greeted Seth and hurried off.


    Cicely chose a more conservative dress for her second fitting, a long-sleevece gown with a small


    train and a V-neck. Unsurprisingly, Seth was pleased.


    Cicely rolled her eyes. This man, despite his young age, had rather conservative tastes.


    The photographer snapped a few more pictures, including some of Seth and Cicely together.


    After trying on two dresses, Cicely was exhausted. She couldn''t tell if Seth was growing impatient,


    but she was ready to surrender.


    They left the VIP dressing room, Seth went to get the car, and Cicely spoke to the receptionist,


    "Please save a copy of the photos we took."


    "Sure, may I have your email?"


    Cicely wrote down her address.


    "This one for the beginning, this one for the grand finale."


    Cicely''s brow furrowed at the familiar voice, and as she turned to leave, Danielle''s gaze fell upon


    her.


    Danielle''s confusion turned to a dark realization upon seeing Cicely''s face.


    Cicely had no intention of putting on a show for her. She walked away, but as she passed by,


    Danielle suddenly grabbed her arm with a grip that made Cicely frown. She turned to see a


    panicked Danielle, whose voice quivering, "What are you doing here?"


    Cicely nced coldly at her gripped arm, "Let go."


    Danielle''s grip tightened, but upon seeing Cicely''s angry and impatient face, she relented and asked


    again, "What are you doing here?"


    "Is it any of your business?"


    "Are you here to try on dresses with someone, or are you..."


    "Do you think there''s anyone worth my time to apany to a dress fitting?"


    Danielle''s face paled, "You mean you..."


    "What else?"


    Cicely gave her a chilling look, "We''re both in P City, and I get the whole ''hard to avoid'' thing, but


    you''d better learn to take a detour when you see me. If that''s too much, at least don''te looking


    for me. I''m holding back now, not because I can''t take action. Understand?"


    Danielle stood pale as Cicely''s words echoed. They weren''t new, but they struck hard. All Danielle


    could focus on was that Cicely was here trying on wedding dresses, which meant she was getting


    married.


    To whom? Who else but Seth could Cicely marry?


    Rubbing her wrist, Cicely left the boutique with a cold expression, finding Seth''s car waiting at the


    entrance.


    Danielle btedly followed, witnessing Cicely get into Seth''s car. If not for the white pir she clung


    to, she might have copsed then and there.


    "Danielle, are you okay?" Her fellow actor noticed Danielle''s distress and came over. Danielle''s nails


    dug into the pir, her eyes filled with panic.


    How could Patty ever agree to their marriage? No, this can''t be.


    As Danielle watched the car disappear through the ss doors, her gaze never wavered. She bit


    her lip, staring nkly out the door, lost in thought.


    *


    On New Year''s Day, the Ellis family announced Seth and Cicely''s wedding date was set for the


    following July 28th. Despite the preparations, the news caused quite a stir in P City.


    A few dayster, Patty paid a visit to the Ellis home.


    Cicely, spending the holiday with the Ellis family, descended the stairs to face an unpleasant scene.


    Patty was there, looking as somber as ever, sitting next to Danielle.


    Danielle’splexion was pallid, hardly any trace of a smile on her face. Danielle always had that


    resting bitch face, so Cicely didn''t pay her much attention.


    "Patty, long time no see."


    Patty managed a thin smile, "Indeed, it''s been a while. You''ve been overly generous with the holiday


    gifts. So many for New Year''s, you shouldn''t have."


    Cicely took a seat next to Creighton, "It''s the least I could do."


    "Though, I must say, you''ve be quite the stranger at our house. The gifts alwayse through


    a third party. This ruby ne, I''ve been coveting for ages but could never find a ce to buy it. I


    mentioned it to Seth a couple of times, but to no avail. I had nearly given up hope, and then you


    surprised me with it. I absolutely adore it, and Seth mentioned you went through quite some trouble


    to get it. Very thoughtful of you."


    Cicely paused, her gaze fixing on the gleaming ruby ne around Patty''s neck, clearly of


    considerable value. She had no idea Patty wanted it, let alone bought it or sent it to her. So Seth got


    it and passed it off as a gift from her to curry favor with her mother-inw?


    Cicely forced a smile, "Seth really deserves most of the credit."


    Patty''s smile returned as she shifted her focus back to Creighton, "The thought that our families are


    about to be united took me by surprise. Me and Tod’s son with you and Millie’s daughter. Your friend


    and my friend. Sounds quite charming, doesn''t it?"


    The irony in Patty''sughter was unmistakable. She said it sounded nice, but her demeanor


    suggested it was more of a joke. There was a clear insinuation in her words.


    Creighton''s expression darkened slightly, "It''s all fate. Family ties doubling up, always a joyous


    asion."


    Patty sipped her tea, concealing her smirk, "Indeed."


    "Oh, by the way." As if recalling something, Patty set down her cup, "Danielle is doing quite well in


    the entertainment industry. And with Seth now involved in the scene, he''ll surely look out for her.


    Don''t worry about Danielle. It seems Cicely’s nning to step back frompany matters. Seth


    might be busier, but that''s to be expected. Still, we hope he''ll avoid unnecessaryplications."


    Cicely''s smile grew wider and colder. Patty was implying that for Seth''s convenience in taking care


    of Danielle, it only made sense for her contracts to be with Seth''spany. Since Cicely wouldn''t


    be managing thepany, she should keep out of it and not cause Seth any trouble.


    Cicely responded with a frosty politeness, "With Danielle''s career flourishing, we''ve little to worry


    about. Should any issue arise, the Ellis family would undoubtedly have her back. I am the one


    marrying Seth, not Danielle. She''s not my responsibility, and Seth has no obligation to cater to her


    needs. As long as she remains unmarried, it''s the Ellis family''s duty to take care of her, not


    someone else''s."


    Patty''s smile faded ever so slightly, "Someone else?"


    "To the Diaz family, isn''t she just that? I know you and her mother are close friends, but as you just


    mentioned, my mother is your best friend as well. Why haven''t you considered me like a daughter


    all these years?"


    Patty looked at Cicely''s carefree, beautiful face, her anger turning intoughter. "Well, I''ve never


    seen you as an outsider."


    "Then perhaps I''ve been ungrateful, feeling like an outsider all this time. Fortunately, we''ll soon be


    family, and I trust you''ll treat us with kindness. For the sake of my future with Seth and the Diaz


    family, let''s not let outsiders disrupt our harmony. A stable home is the foundation of sess, don''t


    you agree?"


    The implication was clear: don''t let someone like Danielle create chaos at home, causing Seth


    distress and impacting his work—that would be the "unnecessary trouble."


    Patty''s gaze on Cicely grew icy. "The Ellis family will lean on Seth in the future. Whether it''s the Ellis


    family or him looking after Danielle, it''s all the same."


    "That''s a concern for another day. There will always be many people the Ellis family needs to look


    after."


    Cicely''s lips curled into a cold smirk, her eyes turning towards Danielle, who had been silent


    throughout.


    "Danielle will indeed need special attention. It seems Seth and I will have to find you a suitable


    match to marry off. Right?"


    Danielle''s already paleplexion turned even paler. Seth finding her a husband? The thought was


    more torturous than death itself. Cicely knew just how to twist the knife.


    "My life is my own, and it doesn''t need managing by anyone else."


    "Such independence soundsmendable, but can you truly handle it on your own? Danielle, no


    one denies you''re an Ellis. Have some self-awareness, and don''t impose on others. If you''re facing


    trouble, seek your family, not outsiders."


    Danielle''s hands clenched tightly, her face a mix of anger and embarrassment.


    "Seriously, when I finally marry into the Diaz family, you think you can still squabble with me over


    scraps, just because Patty dotes on you? Sure, you could try, but then you''d be the one putting


    Patty in a tight spot, not me. She spoils you rotten, and you should be grateful for that, not wear out


    your wee."


    The issue with Danielle was the focal point of conflict between Cicely and Seth, as well as between


    Cicely and the entire Diaz family. It was rare for them to meet up, so while what Cicely said wasn''t


    exactly polite, today was the day toy all her cards on the table, even if it meant taking a hit to


    Danielle’s pride.


    "But I really can''t figure out what difficult matter it is. You can''t solve it on your own, and the Ellis


    family can''t solve it, but someone like Patty, who seems unaware of worldly matters, can take care


    of it."


    Danielle couldn''t muster a reply. Even Patty herself, who was standing nearby, began to reassess


    Danielle with new scrutiny after Cicely''s words.


    Danielle had noeback for Cicely. Every time, Cicely''s arguments seemed the most convincing,


    sounding like the absolute truth. Every time, Danielle felt exposed, her thoughtsid bare.


    Cicely was all too familiar with Danielle''s silenced, frustrated demeanor, and she gave a small,


    knowing smile. "If you decided on your own two feet, have a spine."


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Danielle was losing control, "You think you''re so perfect? What have you got to be proud of? What


    right do you have to judge whether I have a backbone or not?"


    Her sharp tone made everyone in the living room turn to stare at her.


    Cicely raised an eyebrow, leisurely took a sip of her water, and said slowly, "I have the right as the


    lady from the Ellis family, and I have the chops to win over Seth, to offer him everything that the Ellis


    family has to offer. Does that work for you?"


    Danielle''s hands clenched tighter, her face turning even paler. Cicely’s im of winning Seth left her


    utterly defeated.


    Danielle''s difort was palpable to everyone, as Cicely nonchntly picked up her ss once


    more, her eyes warmly detached, betraying a serene smile as if all was right in the world.


    Patty pursed her lips, unable to counter Cicely''s words. Young as she was, Cicely had a sharp


    tongue. Even Patty''s intervention hadn''t been enough to secure Danielle''s contract, and she was


    left speechless by Cicely''s few pointed remarks.


    Patty knew Seth truly found Danielle to be a nuisance. If his previous confessions were sincere,


    then Danielle was indeed a problem.


    The topic was dropped, and throughout the meal, Danielle kept ncing at Patty, hoping she''d bring


    up her contract once more. But aside from a few brief eye contacts with Cicely, the matter of her


    contract was never mentioned again.


    Danielle bit her lip, her heart seething with resentment.


    After lunch, Danielle left with Patty. The silence during their drive prompted Patty to finally nce at


    her. "Think about it, if Cicely managed to keep Seth on a leash, whatever the reason, that''s her skill.


    You two are both from the Ellis family, starting from the same line, but Seth chose her in the end.


    Maybe you should consider why. She used some tricks, but to get what one wants, a little strategy is


    necessary. Why wait for it to be handed to you on a silver tter?"


    "You don''t need to be so down. Even if Seth marries her, it won''tst. He''s just after the Ellis family''s


    influence. Men always have some ambition."


    This was Seth''s reasoning, and at first, Patty was shocked. She had her doubts. But so what?


    A marriage followed by a harsh abandonment, wouldn’t the hurt be doubled?


    Millie made Patty miserable for the rest of her life and even in death, Millie''s daughter seduced her


    son.


    This mother and daughter, whoever got punished, it would be a constion for Patty, a delicious


    revenge.


    Why? Why could Millie have all the love?


    The love she yearned for but couldn''t have was Millie''s. The love she settled for, hoping to relish the


    feeling of being loved, turned out to be a lie centered around Millie.


    What shouldn''t be Millie’s was all hers.


    What Patty couldn''t have was a tragedy, and what she did have was a farce. Her life had be a


    pathetic joke because of Millie. And now, even Millie’s daughter was living a charmed life that others


    envied.


    It was utterly detestable.


    Now, it seemed like karma hade full circle.


    Danielle''s eyes reddened, "So Seth doesn''t love Cicely? If he really gets the Ellis family, will he


    really abandon her? Patty, is all of this true? Can he really do it? There are many ways to get the


    Ellis family. I''ll have shares in it, too. Why didn''t he choose me to help him instead of going to all this


    trouble with Cicely?"


    Patty''s face darkened, "Creighton holds the reins of the Ellis family''s power. Do you think he''ll


    choose you over her?"


    Danielle paused, realizing it was a reasonable exnation. But then again, if Creighton was out of


    the picture and Cicely wasn''t with Seth, with Seth''s current reputation in the Ellis family, the power


    would still likely be his. Why bother getting married with Cicely?


    She fell silent, her anxiety growing. The more she thought about it, the more desperate and


    hopeless the answers seemed.


    Although Patty didn''t get a response from Danielle, Danielle''s words weighed heavily on her heart.


    Because Danielle''s reasoning made sense.


    Around New Year''s, the big award ceremonies began in earnest.


    As expected, "Era of Elegance" swept up the major awards. Danielle was nominated for Best


    Supporting Actress, and as a guest performer at the awards show, she performed a dance that


    reignited her poprity.