The old lady’s eyes widened with surprise. “Morning sickness? These days,

young folks don’t even know when they’re pregnant?” Cicely just stared blankly

for a long moment before slowly shaking her head. “No…”

The old lady furrowed her brows and took Cicely’s arm, resting her fingers

gently on her wrist. “I’ve been a midwife all my life, brought six of my own into

the world, and my kids have given me a baker’s dozen of grandbabies. I’ve seen

my share of expectant mothers, and if I can’t spot a bun in the oven, I might as

well hang up my hat. There you have it, darling, a baby pulse. Barely six weeks

along, and you’re feeling the pangs a bit early, aren’t you?”

Cicely felt dazed as her hand instinctively touched her flat belly. She felt like she

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

The old lady had seen all sorts of reactions from mothers-to-be when they found

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

Chuckling softly, she patted Cicely’s shoulder. “Bless your heart, go tell your

folks. And if you don’t take my word for it, get a thorough checkup with them. But

I’m telling you, you’re in the family way. Here, have one of these. My rascal of a

grandson thought he’d play a prank on me with these sour candies. And he gave

me so many all at once.”

As she spoke, the old lady fished out a handful of candies and handed them to

Cicely.

Cicely wandered over to the sink in a daze, rinsed her mouth, and mechanically

unwrapped a piece of candy, popping it into her mouth.

It was sour.

She never had a taste for it before, but now, it seemed more delightful than even

her favorite comfort food.

*

Cicely, who hadn’t planned on resting, went upstairs to find an apple in the fruit

bowl of her room. She clumsily peeled it and ate it, then curled up on the bed,

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

Half an hour later, she found herself back outside the emergency room.

Issac still hadn’t emerged. Brody sat there, head lowered. Cicely’s silent

approach allowed her to see a tear drop to the floor beside him. Her heart

clenched painfully, but she swallowed back the rising sorrow and took a seat

next to him.

Brody finally noticed her, jerking upright and frantically wiping his tear-streaked

face. Turning to Cicely, he didn’t catch her eye as she stared at the clock above

the emergency room door.

Brody was relieved she hadn’t seen him in that vulnerable moment. “He’s still in

there. Miss, why don’t you rest a bit more?”

“I managed to sleep for half an hour, and I even had an apple.” She figured the

best way to repay everyone’s care was to look after herself. Apart from that, she

didn’t know what else she could do.

Brody managed a relieved smile. “A bit more rest would do you good.”

Cicely couldn’t muster a smile, but her lips curled into a semblance of one.

“When Issac comes out, I’ll make sure to sleep even longer.”

Brody just chuckled, “As long as you get enough rest.”

Cicely didn’t respond, just fished another candy from her pocket and unwrapped

it.

*

Evening turned to night, and eight long hours passed with the red light outside

the emergency room still burning.

Nurses and doctors came and went, the urgency of their movements a clear

sign that the situation was dire.

With each ticking second, Cicely’s despair deepened, and Brody’s forced

composure also began to crumble.

*

The Ellis Group was indeed in chaos, because Seth didn’t arrive at the hospital

until past eight.

Cicely was no different than a living corpse now. Brody was pale and shaking,

barely able to keep himself together, let alone offer Cicely any comfort.

The emergency room doors swung open and shut, with medics rushing back

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

Charlie, witnessing the scene, felt his heart pounding as if it would burst from his

chest. What would happen if Issac couldn’t make it?

As that thought gripped him, the light outside the emergency room dimmed.

Silence engulfed the hallway.

Brody slowly rose from his seat, only to collapse weakly to the floor. Charlie

rushed to help him up.

The door to the emergency room opened, and several doctors appeared. Brody

stumbled towards them. “Doctor, how’s my boy…”

Cicely clasped her hands tightly, her gaze fixed on the doorway. She watched a

doctor remove his mask and shake his head with regret. “I’m sorry, we did

everything we could.”

It felt like a bomb went off in Cicely’s head. She swayed, nearly fainting.

Seth, his face grim, quickly wrapped his arms around her. “Cicely!”

The doctor continued, “The blast caused too much internal damage. He’s got

maybe 48 hours. Spend what time you can with him.”

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

“No, it can’t be. Issac… no, no, no.” Cicely stared into the void in Seth’s arms,

shaking her head and muttering under her breath. It wasn’t loud, but Seth felt as

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

At this point, Issac was wheeled out, Cicely forcefully turned in Seth’s arms,

staring at the man on the mobile bed full of tubes. She struggled to rush

forward. “Issac, don’t leave… you promised to stay with me… I’m scared, I’m

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

“You have not worn the dress I gave you for my wedding… you have not seen

me in a wedding dress… you said you would protect me for a lifetime… Issac…

please don’t leave me… I’m afraid… please…”

Charlie watched this scene, his eyes also welling up with tears.

Seth held Cicely tight, a wave of fear he had never experienced before welling

up within him. “Cicely, I’m here, I’ll be with ytou…”

“Get out!!!” As Issac was wheeled away, Cicely turned and slapped Seth.

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

Cicely turned to him in disarray, tears covering her entire face. There was thick

hatred in her eyes, and every word she said was like a knife edge.

As if she had realized something in an instant, she suppressed all her emotions,

staring at him, “What can you do if you’re here? What can you do? Can you

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

A flush spread across Seth’s cold face as he looked at her holding back her

already erupting anger, engulfed in overwhelming grief, and coldly watcjing him.

He was surprised by the depth of Cicely’s feelings for Issac. Underneath their

customary and bland interactions, such deep feelings were hidden. “So…” When

he spoke again, his tight voice was hoarse, “You’re saying if Issac really dies,

you won’t want me either?”

Cicely clenched her hand tightly, her fingertips piercing her palm. “Yes! If Issac

dies, I don’t want you either!”

The air around them seemed to be vacuumed out. Seth stared at her face, his

eyes dark as a night sky heavy with storm clouds, obscure and profound.

Charlie felt suffocated at his side, as if an unseen force was crushing his chest.

No one knew what Seth was thinking. Whether he wanted to strangle the

woman before him or simply cut ties with her once and for all.

But Cicely didn’t want to waste another minute with this man. He wouldn’t kill

her, not now at least. And if he wanted to break things off, she couldn’t care less.

She struggled to free herself from his embrace and turned to leave with cold

indifference, but a strong force yanked her back with vigor.

Seth held her wrists above her head, his dark eyes locking onto hers from a

closer distance. His voice was more hoarse than ever. He watched her for a

long while before slowly speaking, “Cicely, I’m asking you one more time, and

think carefully before you answer. The doctor has already signed Issac’s death

warrant. Are you sure you want to do the same to us?”

Cicely’s heart clenched, and an uncontrollable heavy pain spread a little bit

upwards towards her eyes. She had already given him an answer once, but this

time, to repeat it, the words stuck in her throat, unable to be voiced. If she really

said it, it might be the end of whatever was between her and Seth.

However, if Issac was truly gone, could the two of them pretend nothing had

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

“Without Issac to witness our wedding, I’d rather not have it. So yes, you’re right,

Seth. Unless Issac can pull through, the day he stops breathing is the day I file

for divorce from you.”Cicely fought to keep her words coherent, each syllable felt like she was

severing the cord that she had nourished with her own blood between them, the

pain was visceral. Seth’s grip on her wrist was so strong it felt like her bones

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

Instead, he just looked at her expression and suddenly sneered.

She was in pain now? He wanted to know how deep her pain ran, and to

compare it to the torment he was enduring now. But in the end, seeing her pale,

sweat-beaded face, he eased his grip. He still held her firmly, staring deeply into

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

Cicely’s heart felt like plastic on an open flame, shriveling instantly.

Seth was an enigma, and the nature of his relationship with Cicely—whether it

was affection, love, or indifference—was beyond Charlie’s understanding. It

seemed to Charlie that Mr. Diaz could act the same way with any other woman,

if he wanted.d2

But which woman could make Mr. Diaz willing to do so?

Charlie didn’t understand, but he sensed that the current standoff between the

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

“Mr. Diaz.” Charlie tried to remind Seth to stay calm, knowing that making

decisions in the heat of the moment was a bad idea.

Cicely, enduring the sharp pain in her heart, slowly nodded, “I’ll prepare the

divorce papers. The damage to Diaz International’s operations is indeed my

fault. As compensation, I’ll transfer all of my Ellis Group shares to you.”

Charlie was visibly shocked.

All of her shares in Diaz International? That could be enough to take over

several Diaz Internationals.

Seth smirked, “Seems like I’m getting the better end of the deal after all. But

Issac isn’t dead yet, so this sweet deal is just a thought for now.”

Cicely took a deep breath, “I’ll have the divorce agreement prepared in

advance.”

Seth watched her silently for a moment longer, then finally let go of her hand.

“But before that, Cicely, don’t forget you’re still my wife. You and your well-being

are still my responsibility. Issac dies the day after tomorrow, and until then, you’d

better swallow your food and water, even if you have to force it down. I’ll even

tie you to the bed if I have to make sure you get some sleep. So, it’s in your best

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

Charlie snapped to attention, “Yes, Mr. Diaz.”

“Take her to see Issac, and in half an hour, set the nightcap in front of her and

watch her finish it.”

Charlie glanced at Cicely, torn, but obliged. “Understood.”

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

Cicely watched his assertive retreating figure, her clenched fists tightening and

then releasing. Finally, she lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions in her

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

Brody stood by, looking at his unconscious son on the hospital bed, tears

streaming down his face.

Cicely stumbled as she entered the room but managed to steady herself with

Charlie’s help. She stared at the man on the bed, tears falling uncontrollably. All

the tears of her life seemed to want to dry up in just one day.

Charlie assisted Cicely closer to the lifeless Issac, and suddenly, she knelt

before Brody.

“Miss!” Brody’s voice quivered as he tried to lift her up.

However, Cicely grabbed his hand instead. She lowered her head, biting her lip

tightly to keep the sadness coursing through her body down, and to keep her

voice from sounding so shaking. “Brody, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

Cicely shook her head, her voice tense with endless regret and sorrow. “It is all

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

Charlie could see that Brody still harbored regrets, and he still blamed Cicely.

Regardless of the reasons, Issac’s condition had something to do with her. Even

if it was about duty or responsibility, the only son he had was about to be lost.

People might not believe it if you said Cicely was well-behaved and

understanding, but they would believe if you said she was spoiled and petulant.

Brody had watched Cicely grow up, pampered and loved. She was sensible,

indeed, but she was also petulant.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to truly blame her. Everyone was a victim in their

own right.

“I’m sorry, Brody. I’m sorry.” Cicely’s slender shoulders shook as she repeated

her apology.

Brody heaved a deep sigh, then knelt beside her. “Miss, Issac did the right thing.

It’s just fate.”

Cicely took a deep breath, struggling to stand and helping Brody up with

Charlie’s assistance, then guiding him to sit down.

The busy medical staff approached to remind them, “You can stay at most 30

minutes tonight.”

*

Seth made his way straight to the hospital’s park, stopping in front of a row of

cypress trees.

The events of the entire day replayed in his mind. In the end, it all came down to

Cicely’s every expression, and every word she spoke.

She seemed to wield a hundred ways to inflict pain, sharp, keen, and unerring.

If Issac died, she didn’t want anything to do with him. The one who feared he

would leave was her, and ironically, the one who didn’t want him was also her.

A low, cool chuckle escaped his throat as he took out his phone with fingertips

white from the cold. He dialed a number and waited for the call to connect, the

phone pressed to his ear.

The summer night’s warm breeze brushed by, people in the park walked and

chatted, but in his world, there was only the sound of the call waiting tone.

“Hello?” A deep, steady voice eventually answered.

Seth slowly began, “Damon, I need a favor.”

“A favor?” The voice on the other end fell silent for a split second, as if the words

were unfamiliar, especially coming from Seth. “I’ve been following the news. If

you want my help with Diaz International, no problem.”

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

Damon’s lips curled into a smirk. This was the Seth he knew—oozing pride and

arrogance from every pore. But if that were the case, what could possibly make

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

Damon’s interest was piqued, a rare occurrence. “So, what’s up?”

“Help me save someone.”

“You’re asking for help, which means this isn’t going to be easy.”

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

Seth’s expression turned to stone. “Failure is not an option.”

No matter what. At any cost. Issac couldn’t die.

Half an hour later, Seth found his way to the VIP hospital room. Charlie’s

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

Cicely was perched on a sofa outside the room, nibbling on a plate of neatly

sliced fruit. It was her request, and Charlie had personally peeled and sliced it

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

Seth’s gaze shifted from Cicely, his tone as flat as his expression. “I told you to

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

“My apologies, Mr. Diaz,” Charlie hastily replied. “Dinner will be just a little while

longer. The missus wanted something from Carly’s kitchen, and I’ve already

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

Seth was surprised. He hadn’t expected her to ask for anything to eat. It wasn’t

like her usual style, but it did remind him of the Cicely who never let herself be

slighted.

His expression softened slightly as he took off his coat and approached the

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

Cicely didn’t look up from her phone, occasionally picking up a piece of fruit and

chewing with a crunch. He sat down beside her, watching as her plate of fruit

neared empty yet she showed no sign of stopping. He finally spoke up. “You still

need to eat dinner.”

Cicely kept eating, “I’ll eat dinner and fruit. I’ll eat whatever I want. When did you

start dictating my diet? Or is it that you think you’ve only got two days left to

make me miserable?”

Her words were laced with venom, dripping with sarcasm. In the end, no one

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

Charlie glanced at Seth, trying to gauge his reaction. Charlie had to admit that

Seth was truly good at hiding his emotions. If anyone else were in Mr. Diaz’s

shoes, they’d probably be angry, but Seth remained impassive, simply leaning

back and pinching the bridge of his nose. “Better to eat less at night. Overeating

will make you uncomfortable, and it will disturb my rest.”

Cicely paused, “If you’re so concerned, keep your distance. The bed at home

must be comfortable, or anywhere else for that matter. Don’t worry. Even if I’m in

agony, I won’t bother you.”

Seth dropped his hands and looked at Charlie, “How many servings did Carly

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

“Hmm, tell her to pack some extra, I’m starving.”

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

Charlie helped set it up, and as Cicely put away her phone and tried to stand,

Seth picked up a bowl of soup and said flatly, “If you don’t want me to force-feed

you or make idle conversation, sit down and eat. You’re the last person who

should be wasting energy today.”

Charlie handed her the utensils in timely fashion, “Ma’am, these are all dishes

you requested. Don’t let anger spoil your appetite.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Cicely’s face, but she took the utensils anyway.

Seth and Charlie were right.

They ate in silence, neither offering food to the other, their utensils never

crossing paths.

Seth finished first and stood up, checking the time and glancing at Charlie.

Charlie quickly exited the room.

“Take a shower after you eat.” Seth looked down at Cicely, still leisurely enjoying

her meal, and with that, he took his coat and left the room.

When Charlie stepped out, he was met by two imposing strangers, standing

rigidly on either side of the room, obviously there to guard the Cicely’s room.

Startled, he saw Seth emerge behind them. “Sir, what is—”

Seth closed the door and gave him a level look. “Keep a close eye on her,

especially don’t let her step out of this room.”

Charlie was puzzled. Watching the lady was a given, but not allowing her to

leave and bringing in bodyguards, was this some kind of house arrest?

“If you can’t manage that, consider donating your heart and lungs to Issac.”

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

Cicely finished her meal with no intention of showering. She wanted to check on

her father and see Issac again, but as soon as she opened the door, her vision

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

Regaining her composure, she faced the two men in black suits, their

expressions blank as they stood in her path. Her brow furrowed as she turned to

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

Charlie’s scalp tingled with anxiety, “For your safety, ma’am.”

“Really?” Cicely raised an eyebrow coolly, “Is Danielle and her mother out for

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

Charlie had never known how to handle the little princess of P City, and now he

was even more at a loss. “It is not like that, ma’am.”

“No? Aside from those two lunatics, I really can’t think of anyone else with such

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

On reflection, even though the P City princess was known for being haughty and

proud, it seemed no one had really crossed her. Perhaps it was out of respect

for her status as the heiress of the Ellis family, but he couldn’t fathom who would

pose a threat to her. It seemed that the only people who really couldn’t stand her

were Ms. Danielle and Mr. Diaz’s mother. But after all, they were both saved by

Mrs. Cicely, and it wouldn’t be right for them to cause her any trouble at this

time. So what exactly Mr. Diaz meant by his actions, Charlie didn’t understand.

“For safety’s sake, Mrs. Cicely, you should go back and rest.”

“And what if I don’t?”

Charlie sighed, “Then I’m sorry, ma’am, but I must insist.”

Cicely’s face was set in a frown as she attempted to leave, but the two men

swiftly moved to block her, standing as two unyielding walls, determined not to

let her step out of the hospital room. Knowing that forcing her way out would be

futile, Cicely picked up her phone and dialed Seth’s number.

It took a while for Seth to answer, his voice low and indifferent, rippling through

the line without a hint of surprise. “Yes?”

“I want to go out.”

“Have you taken a shower? If so, go to bed and sleep.”

Cicely closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, “Seth, what do you mean?”

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

“Since you’re calling me now, it proves my arrangements are correct. Don’t

waste my time. You don’t like talking to me, do you? But if you’ve changed your

mind, I can come right back and keep you company.”

Cicely hung up without another word.

Seth pocketed his phone and stepped out from the top floor’s emergency exit.

The ground below was alight with the constant flicker of neon signs and the red

streams of traffic.

The city of P remained vibrant with life, and everything that had happened today

was swallowed up in the urban pulse, as if leaving no trace.

*

Back in her hospital room, Cicely had taken a shower, her hair still damp.

Seth walked in with his jacket draped over his wrist, tossed it onto the couch,

and headed straight for her.

Cicely was standing by the window, sipping water and gazing out at the night

skyline that belonged uniquely to P City, lost in thought. She was aware of

Seth’s presence when he entered the room and even as he approached her. His

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

He reached out to touch her hair, “Should I dry it for you?”

Cicely swatted his hand away. “What is all this?” Cicely spoke slowly, her tone

flat, “Are you afraid that I’m going to wait for an opportunity to flee the city after I

ruin your program? Or do you think I’ll choose to go into hiding because I don’t

want to divorce you?”

“You can rest easy. My dad and Issac are here; even if I were guilty, I wouldn’t

leave them. And if it’s the latter, since I’m the one who initiated this, I surely don’t

need to be so cowardly as to back out now.”

Seth glanced at her coolly, then turned and walked into the bathroom, only to

come out with a hairdryer and approach her again. “Sit on the bed.”

Cicely’s delicate hand clenched the water glass tightly. His nonchalant attitude

was infuriating. Unable to contain her temper, she threw the warm water from

the glass in Seth’s face.

“Who are you playing the good guy for? Afraid I won’t write your shares into the

divorce agreement? Don’t worry, I will give them to you. Everyone knows my

character; the Ellis Group is doomed under my watch. Rather than letting others

scheme and take it from me, I’d rather give it to you. At least Diaz International

will have some hope. Even if you don’t covet it, I was going to give it to you

eventually. Why else would I let you willingly manage the Ellis Group? I’ve given

you the opportunity to covet what I have from the start, and after suffering for so

long, it’s time you got what you wanted.”

His expensive light-colored shirt was soaked, drops of water still gathering and

trickling down his cool, indifferent face. Even after being splashed, Seth had no

reaction, but after hearing Cicely’s words, his eyes, veiled with droplets,

suddenly narrowed. “It’s time we got what we wanted?”

Cicely laughed sarcastically, “Well, it’s because of your mother, isn’t it? She

hates me because my father loved my mother, and because your father loved

her too. What other reason could there be for her to agree to let her son marry

me?”

Seth’s expression darkened further, “Did you hear something?”

“The plots you and your mother conjured together? It’s quite remarkable that I

would get wind of it. So, why then? Well, Charlie mentioned it was for my safety.

Is your mother sick again, ready to burst in here and stab me at any moment?”

For the first time, Seth’s expression could be described as furious, “Cicely, even

if you’re trying to provoke me, I won’t let you go out tonight. We can separate,

sure, but only after Issac’s dead the day after tomorrow.”

The water stopped dripping from his face, and with that, Seth took her hand and

led her to the bed. “You’ve said too much tonight. If you want to keep talking,

after I dry your hair, I’ll listen for as long as you want.”

Cicely closed her eyes, letting him dry her hair. “So, I was that annoying before.

You have quite the patience.”

Seth paused for a moment, then continued to run his fingers through her scalp,

her soft hair slipping through the warm air from the dryer. Afterward, he went

into the bathroom himself.

Cicely opened the door to the room, and the two men were still stationed

outside. Charlie leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Seeing

Cicely, he suddenly stood up straight. “Ma’am.”

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

Charlie was briefly taken aback, then quickly responded, “Right away, ma’am.”

Cicely closed the door again.

When Seth came out of the shower, Charlie was just knocking on the door,

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

Cicely leaned against the headboard, browsing her phone. The news was full of

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

The Ellis Group was holding steady, thanks to Seth having taken the reins for a

while now. With him at the helm, things were relatively stable.

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

Danielle’s face was ruined, her body riddled with shards of glass, large patches

of skin burnt away. But she had dumb luck on her side. She had been close to

the window when the blast threw her out, landing her outside where she was

scorched for a good while. At least she was still breathing, her organs

miraculously unharmed.

How did that woman always manage to land on her feet? It’s the good ones that

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

Cicely had enough of the screen and got up, grabbing the glass of milk. Charlie

was thoughtful as ever; the milk was the perfect temperature. She tilted her

head back, took a gulp, and then walked over to the bed, pulling back the

covers to slide in.

Seth was outside on a call, seemingly about the Ellis Group.

When he returned, he climbed into bed, pulling her into his embrace. Cicely

wasn’t asleep, and she didn’t open her eyes in his arms. “We’re on the brink of

divorce. You find this amusing?”

“Not in the least. Maybe I should pin you down and have my way with you a few

times? Would that be amusing?”

Cicely’s eyes fluttered, her arm resting on her waist, palm on her belly, and she

fell silent.

Today had been draining, and even though nothing had turned out as she had

hoped, exhaustion took over, and Cicely quickly fell asleep. Her shallow breaths

danced on his chest, the familiar soft warmth in his arms, yet something felt

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

Seth gazed down at her smooth forehead and curled lashes, his arms around

her tightening slightly. After a moment, he lowered his head and kissed her

forehead.

*

The next day, under Seth’s supervision, Cicely had breakfast and changed into

clean clothes. “I want to go see my dad.”

“You can visit him for 30 minutes this afternoon.”

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

Cicely clenched her fists, looking up at Seth with a cold indifference. “You’re not

planning to keep me cooped up here for two days, are you?”

After a brief silence, Seth slipped into the clean clothes Charlie had laid out for

him and said indifferently, “I’ll come with you.”

Cicely didn’t bother to respond; it was pointless.

At the door, two men in black suits stood guard as Charlie lingered nearby, but

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

When they reached the ICU where Issac was supposed to be, there was no one

there. Issac wasn’t in his bed, and Brody wasn’t by his side. The entire ICU had

been cleared out, devoid of any trace of its previous occupants.

Cicely’s gaze landed on the empty scene, her mind buzzing, and then

everything went blank.Seth stood behind her, his expression somber as he watched her silhouette.

Her head turned slowly from side to side, disbelief etched on her face as she

took in her surroundings, unable to accept what had happened. After what felt

like an eternity, she spun around, her eyes bloodshot with distress. “Issac’s

dead?”

She spoke directly, confronting the cruel, ruthless reality she least wanted to

face.

Seth’s deep-set eyes flickered slightly as he replied, his voice cool, “I don’t

know.”

Enter title…

Cicely suddenly stepped toward him, and up close, the resentment in her gaze

was unmistakable. She pushed against his chest with both hands.

A woman’s strength isn’t much. Seth thought she might slap him in fury, as she

had done the day before, but instead she pushed him, and caught off guard, he

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is

met her

widened, holding back restraint

me go

take a

Issac’s gone.” She cut him off, her eyes shimmering

unshed tears.

his voice suddenly turning cold,

gaze drifted upward, studying Seth’s stern face in

pulled out her phone and dialed Brody’s

phone to

the moment it started to ring. She tried again,

After five or six attempts,

was in chaos,

her to calm down.

How can someone just

Cicely, the patient was taken by his father.

save a life,

point of this

vent her frustration.

scene. In the end, exhausted and without any answers,

the director’s office, like a zombie devoid

against the hallway wall, she

was the same. The call was

began.

put away her phone, her hand resting on her eyes,

into a ball. She seemed to be crying, soundlessly, but her

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into his arms, his

and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

making no attempt

minute

plum juice and Tom Yum soup. I don’t want meat

restaurants outside.”

calm and

seemed far too out

closed her

and picked her up. Cicely did not refuse, her body

leaned on

Charlie

Seth handed her a glass

accepted. After she drank,

hour later, Charlie brought

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she set down

napkin, and looked

“Do you not want to

grip on his cup tightened

on the couch, her tone as cold and

taking Issac away,

not that he’s dead, and that I

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said,

might be right.”

lip, “Why? What else

hands good enough? Or is it because

of being dumped, and you feel that

has been trampled on, and you can’t get over it, so

clenched, his thin lips pressed into a straight

while, he hooked his

him. “So no matter what, this marriage… might

be ended

lips curled in a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

can we pretend? The fact is you wanted to dump me. Why would

you for no

cold smile, grew chillier as

“For no

knock on the door interrupted them, and Seth

Diaz, the company matters are

you; it can’t be delayed any

previous day and losing

shareholders and

with calls,

Mr. Diaz had first gone to the Ellis

side, cool and

didn’t believe Mr. Diaz

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

and slowly closed her eyes against the back of

couch.

grabbed his jacket

out there, and you

hospital to

remained silent. She could hear Seth’s

voice at the door. “Keep a close eye

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy up the

remnants of the meal.

Two

natural thing

Creighton’s intensive care unit. The

busy, so she waited outside for a

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed to stabilize

the critical forty-eight hours

thanked the doctor. She then

hand, and rested

closed her eyes, pushing down the sourness and fear welling

inside her.

said in those recordings. Yes,

Joel gave me that USB drive. He’s part of a computer

is a bit special. It can fry a

drive and hides automatically.

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard on

we retrieve

don’t need to worry. I’m your

agreed to go to

my innocence. If they dare to bring me in for

I prove I’m clear, I’ll tear

caused plenty of trouble growing up, but I’ve never actually

it makes my hands itch to

to deal with

you don’t want me to get arrested, I won’t. However, I

you’ve got to recover quickly

support.”

up and wiped away the tears at the corner of

Her heart was full of pain

so much to say to

wanted to talk about Issac’s situation, her desire to

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who

died,

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes

is infuriating.

truly cared for her would react the most, and offer

she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

to her, how heartbroken she’d

how ill-timed a pregnancy would be now.

she couldn’t

to Creighton about trivial things, carefully

aftermath of the

passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to

the unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s

Beyond the fence was the parking

hoping for Creighton to wake up; she

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant

leaving with large bags and happy faces, others rushing in

a familiar figure carrying things from a car

At that

asked about her dad and Danielle’s

Danielle.Seth stood behind her, his

side to side,

to accept what had happened. After what

she spun around, her eyes bloodshot with distress.

dead?”

cruel, ruthless reality she least

face.

as he

know.”

Enter title…

stepped toward him, and up close,

unmistakable. She pushed against his chest with

thought she might slap

instead she

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is

her gaze,

back restraint

go out last

you needed to have dinner, take a

off,

unshed tears.

darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold,

stern face

out her phone

the phone to her

off the moment it started to ring. She tried again,

After five or six attempts, she

hospital director’s office was in chaos, but the director could only plead

her to calm down.

is he? How can someone just

patient was taken by his father. We

you? You can’t save a life, and you

point

could only let her vent her frustration. Seth stood by,

exhausted and without any

like a zombie devoid

hallway wall, she mechanically dialed

the result was the same. The

began.

hand resting on

She seemed to

and sorrow were palpable.

her and gently pulled her

deep and gentle

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt to struggle or resist.

minute of silence, she spoke

sour plum juice and Tom Yum soup. I don’t

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared to

seemed far too out

her eyes,

up. Cicely did not refuse, her

fatigue as she leaned on

instructed Charlie to prepare

on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass of water,

drank, she nestled into

later, Charlie

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and looked at

“Do you not want to

grip on his cup tightened

leaning on the couch, her tone as

by taking Issac away, making me unable to

he’s left, not that he’s dead, and that I won’t

divorce you over him?”

remained silent. After setting the glass down, he said, “It

might be right.”

tugged at her lip, “Why? What else

good enough? Or is it because

feeling of being dumped, and you

has been trampled on, and you can’t get over it, so you won’t

tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.

and after a long while, he hooked

him. “So no matter what, this

be ended for

a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

can we pretend? The fact is you wanted to dump me. Why

for

eyes, tinged with a cold smile, grew chillier

“For no reason,

sound of a knock on the door interrupted them, and Seth turned to open

Diaz, the company

for you; it

the events of the previous day

shareholders and

with calls, including the one

him. Mr. Diaz had first

staying by his wife’s side, cool

believe Mr. Diaz was

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

her gaze and slowly closed

couch.

jacket

a mess out there, and you won’t gain

the hospital to avoid

silent. She could hear

door. “Keep a close eye on her.

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

and left the ward. Two

natural thing

Creighton’s

waited outside for a good fifteen

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not

it past the critical forty-eight hours to

thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

hand, and rested her

pushing down the sourness and fear

inside her.

in those recordings. Yes, I said it,

gave me that USB drive. He’s part of a

bit special. It can

the drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

and his team

and we retrieve the files, I’ll

worry. I’m your

I agreed to go to

they dare to bring me in

clear, I’ll tear the

up, but

it makes my hands itch to do it. But

be a mess to deal with

get arrested,

the place up. Dad, you’ve got to recover

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears at

Her heart was full of

much to say to someone, so very

talk about Issac’s situation, her desire to

that she might be pregnant. But everyone

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it

excitement for them.

one person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the thought

is infuriating.

cared for her would react

she couldn’t bring herself to tell Creighton

these issues.

knew how much Issac meant to

a pregnancy would be

too, so she couldn’t tell

about trivial

the

hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came

leaving the unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s park and sat

was the parking lot. Her mind was

Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t figure

anything beyond that.

the distant parking

bags and happy faces, others rushing in with

she recognized a familiar figure carrying things from a

that moment,

asked about

narrowed. Danielle… Erik said, “Go

gaze followed the man as

a familiar face, one that had clashed with

debates before.

Another assistant

take care

such a calamity befalling the family, Erik was bedridden. There

in the house, and she had not even returned

Just go see how Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in a

Enter title…

got up and walked over

going in the parking lot, “Issac is

other end of the phone was

hands gripped the rusted railing tightly

Patty and Danielle hadn’t dilly-dallied and just gotten on the

It wouldn’t have taken much,

even ten

Issac

voice filled with helplessness and

from the phone, “Cicely…”

meant to me? He was

noticeable when around, but now that

man’s

it wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

Cicely took a deep breath, “Alright. I’ll go check

for you.”

her phone

hospital.

for long

a bag of fruit and some lunch.

of the hospital room

her.

there in Danielle’s room, looking haggard with sunken,

sat at the edge of the bed,

when she heard a knock and turned to see

doorway.

react, Patty had already jumped to her

are you

room. These were matters among

it came to love and hate. It was best for him to keep out

affairs.

smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has Ellis

to her than

said, she approached the

fell on the person wrapped up

mouth visible.

was crusted with dry skin. Those

intense hatred, as if all her

tear Cicely apart.

and

to see just how pitiful you are.

legs had just healed, and now you’re

point of

humanity? That’s your cousin

really wish

longer hold back, shaking with rage. Her voice exploded

ear, yet Cicely remained indifferent, her gaze fixed

out from the bandages looked

those eyes glared at her with a fury that seemed desperate

hatred.

like, Issac and

born under a cursed star? Why does everyone

you suffer misfortune?”

are the cursed one.” Her voice was hoarse, and

speaking was pulling at her wounds, causing tears to

eyes.

cooled. “Danielle, if you hadn’t returned to the

many things wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have met you

make no more difference to

suddenly shouted beside her,

Danielle and Seth are like stray dogs to you?

Have you forgotten how you

Cicely slowly turned her head,

step back. “What do you

Cicely finally said, “Can’t you

a fight? Everyone

always thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but

you who are

“You…”

you

I don’t expect gratitude, but is

for your oh-so-superior

paused, the anger in her eyes intensifying. “You

curry favor

Otherwise, why would you bother to risk

joke! If you hadn’t come, we would have

have the nerve to come

begun to settle

all. How twisted must one’s

unable to distinguish right from wrong, and

blatantly distort the truth.

slowly, her eyes narrowing with a

“If we hadn’t come along, Danielle

fate? Nothing

her

never expected you to be falling over yourselves

understand something. Your lives? They were

scrape by every day from here on out, you live with

gratitude. If it weren’t for

was a brief silence in

temples throb

he?” The fury that had been brewing now crashed

as if the explosion that had rocked

her head. “You think he got what he

say his

the wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled from head

she raised the paring

are you

a

a cold, mocking smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t ask you

choice on your

his doom. If you hadn’t come, how could he have possibly

Enter title…

on Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly against her skin,

if I did come up

you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle, Danielle would

wouldn’t have died. No one

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the dangerous mood

seeing the sharp paring knife in

pain in her body, she

spat out each word with her raspy voice. “Cicely, don’t forget, you were

you wanted to go upstairs to fetch your wedding dress.

right from

even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

was now interspersed with painful gasps, “Besides,

with his body. No matter what, you can’t blame

on me and Patty.”

her reasons for wanting

dress at such a time, it didn’t

known it from the

still saved them. They owed Issac a

as his

there be such shameless

clenched into fists, her body

reveling in Cicely’s pain.

Cicely and the late Millie

Millie was a nothing more than a

anyone else, always looking down

seemed to have a soft

when Millie had died, Patty hadn’t seen her humiliated or in pain.

through her daughter. She could almost see

Cicely’s anguish.

and triumph flickered in

to hurt her, badly, by

suddenly let out a soft

came to

you and trying to gain your favor. You probably

and slowly lifted her left hand.

a mocking tone, “We’re already

and even Danielle

incredulously at Cicely.

Patty could

Now she kind of realized it. It

relieving.

days after Ray nearly forced himself on

already fragile composure

really never seen a similar ring on Seth? Or do you want to

drawer of the bedroom

a few seconds, staring at

“No! I don’t believe it! He

me…”

and dismissive, “Then

when I had already given up on him. Now

another man around that

your mouth!” Patty was struggling to control herself, the knife in her

would never fall for you.

understanding, “Well, so other than

he would choose

was for the Ellis Group shares,

“If that’s the case,

Why lie to you? I can’t

shock, eyed the trembling knife

“Cicely, if you’re done, could you please leave?

the woods yet, and his time might be

spend time with

turned

you talking about? Who says my dad’s time is

gaze piercing her and continued despite the

told me. They have been keeping

Creighton is dying? Creighton is dying?!” Patty’s shrill voice cut

she turned, she saw Patty’s crazed

the knife lunging

in shock, instinctively shielded her stomach

lunged again. “It’s all your fault! You are

stumbled backward, her retreat halted by the hutch

but to reach out and grasp Patty’s wrist. “What

wrong with you?!”

hands seemed to emanate

nerves. Patty’s eyes

glared

all because of you! If

fine. You’re like a curse. You might

go find Millie and

was still reeling from Patty’s emotional outburst. Did she really care

father’s condition this much? What was going

Patty loved her father so much, why did Patty want

fall

of Millie and Cicely. One moment it was Millie’s

flipping back and

seeing Patty’s bewildered look, glanced down at

it away, Patty suddenly

Cicely’s hand.

but then Patty gave her a cruel smile. “I told you once at

sure Seth hates

process her words, Patty yanked Cicely’s hand,

and plunged it into her own

horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty

blood

down,

the blanket tightly.

volumes. That word was alreay

on the blanket indescribably tight, her eyes

convey a

filled Danielle with terror, and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

burst open as Shane and

scene stunned them

beside the bed, drenched in blood, while Cicely stood

holding a bloodstained knife, her

out of it and called for a doctor

descended into chaos, and Cicely stood

suspicious and avoidant glances

been tough and brash, but she

scene, especially not this

the room by

washed the

made her way

stood outside

been with her

do as they stood

overheard a commotion behind

are you guys?

need to leave

few seconds

“Cicely.”

slowly lifting her head

stood before her,

a young

softening

in confusion at the

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

on her, and with

mess.” The

wince and step aside.

see Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With a furrowed brow, Lana

her niece’s

eyes flickered, and she shook her

nonetheless.

but seeing Cicely’s

hadn’t seen her cry even

been through,

her hair,

am here now.”

the hospital. Patty was in

had witnessed

stabbed in the chest, the

passed out

his words, not wanting to influence Seth’s

no matter how it was explained,

Cicely.

at Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely standing with

deep in conversation.

in relief when they

Cicely tensed.

the young man before her.

beyond his

at composure, Lana’s

through his façade.

man. No wonder Cicely had fallen

are Seth? My niece’s husband?” Lana’s words had

confusion.

to Cicely, whose face was ghastly

for a

might be

already decided on a divorce,

need for you to

made up her mind about right and wrong, even

a trait that had often caused

headaches.

her words, Seth’s face darkened

divorce?”

the marriage is beyond saving, why not let it go? Do you really think you

continue living

while you’re still young, so neither of you wastes

but kept his eyes intently

emotionless. “Did you

eyes at

give you the

“Is Issac dead?”

shook, and

“You’re asking

dead, which means we can’t

swelled in Cicely’s heart, “Seth, just to avoid

something to do with

own eyes, or hear of his death,

“Think what you want.”

suddenly let out a chilly laugh, “I asked your mother, ‘Do

couldn’t possibly fall for me,

now. Could it be that you’ve truly

in his pocket clenched

tell

saved her to

married, at your proposal. And I asked her if you loved

brooding gaze locked onto her,

wasn’t interested in their emotional entanglement. Glancing at

spoke up, “I’ll go talk to the doctor, arrange for a discharge as

dad and you first, and then we’ll arrange for someone

bring your grandfather over.”

she said this, she was already walking away but paused mid-way,

before turning to Cicely, “If he

talk so much with him. If I remember correctly, the

living apart for two years

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll come

follow Lana, Seth

trace of restraint, “Do you really think

leave just like that?”

you go ahead and finalize our

voice subdued and steady, “Be sensible.

provoke me.”

a little. “It sounds like you’re

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and I’ll complete

later.”

and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s

understand

startled by his low growl. For a moment, she was silent. The grip

tightened. He spoke again, his gentle voice marked

Cicely. Don’t push

Cicely was gripped by palpitations. Painfully, she

free from his shackles. She didn’t

him an

at her, the darker his gaze was, the tighter

instinctively as she struggled.

of

forward, and grasped his hand,

his grip as unyielding as iron claws embedded in

it was with

to break his

his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely behind her,

skipping a beat at

bottomless eyes.

that? It was deep, unfathomable,

at the bottom of an abyss,

Cicely tightly and hurried away. She had never

to live in eternal

back at Cicely and wondered if she realized

had provoked.

figures emotionlessly. His lips

me.” Lana’s heart raced as she recalled

every word he had said. “Don’t provoke

more ominous in hindsight.

how severe the consequences of

could be.

confidence came from, but she’d known all

have her killed if she insisted

said.

nothing more desperate and painful than death in

but again, she was

Enter title…

just spoken with the doctor, and they’d managed to

presence of someone to

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

the visiting time was half an hour, Lana did not stay in the

brother, she couldn’t

minutes. She never

meaningless activities.d2

about fifteen minutes, Lana glanced at the girl sitting

hands tenderly holding her father’s, her plea

sad. Lana pursed her lips. She raised her hand to gently

“You stay here with your dad for now.

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then

worry too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is much

what hadn’t he lived

Lana, opened her mouth

managed a soft “Mhm.”

deep breath, her hands sliding into the pockets of her

I’ll wait for you, and

finally relaxed a little. With her

would do next. Especially concerning those two

by his side, she felt clueless on how to

left the ICU, they were met by two police

their path. Their eyes glanced over the documents in

Cicely’s face. “Are you Miss

seeing the uniforms, a wave of

back. The officers noticed her

glance.

Cicely, there’s been an allegation against

you to come with us to the

one of them

flickered, immediately thinking of Patty.

seemed anyone would suspect her of injuring

she went crazy on

your cooperation at this stage.

at the station,” the leading officer

away.

the

station. Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense of

wrong yet was still trapped by

stepped in, placing herself between Cicely and the officers.

you taking her for questioning or

to lock her

“Ma’am, please watch your

work,”

insulted you? Is

Can’t I even

officer’s face grew serious, “We’ll take her statement, investigate,

she’s not involved, she’ll be free

dripping with sarcasm,

investigation is

“She’s a suspect in

I don’t let you

is punishable by up to three years

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

blinked, pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward

“Who reported the

they

eyes contracted sharply, her whole being feeling like it

of suffocation,

his way

the

ruthlessness.

Cicely nodded slowly. She

thought. Then, after several seconds, her voice,

rose

I won’t let them take you.

right now.”

think…” Cicely seemed not to hear Lana’s words, continuing

as if to herself.

profile, noticing the

smile.

really love

Seth who sent Issac

want to

ward, she asked Patty if Seth loved her. Patty

feel maybe he loved

leave with her aunt at any cost.

his fingers on her wrist from gripping tightly seemed to

loved her as well.

plainly, and he never

So she wasn’t sure.

Cicely asked this question, the last look in Seth’s

still

Reaper had stayed. It’s

nor life before, or a twilit night that just lost light and life and was

darkening.

For some reason, she inclined more towards

metaphor.

“He does.”

is abnormal, and

smile.

the young girl in front

think about

and

leave, and visit grandpa. In order not to

anymore, I’ll

she felt like she just had a

any more incidents

them. Lana’s brow furrowed instantly

her a gentle smile,

“No way!”

the air, brooking

officers beside them darkened in demeanor. “Ma’am,

we are well within our rights to

to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana

Enter title…

narrowed. After years of being spoiled rotten overseas, Lana

forgotten a lot about the situation

grandpa and make sure someone looks

with them. And, could you please go

away, looking like I’m being sent

thinking about such seemingly sentimental things

somewhat ridiculous, but that was just the kind of

she was.

with her eyes closed. “I’ll

With everything that’s happened these

to arrange and deal with, and I don’t understand any of

to sort things out when you get back.

for other important

silent for two seconds. “Alright, I’ll take care

you up as soon

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and she

The indifferent compliance from just moments ago

and distress. “What are you

suspect, we need to ensure there’s

cooperate with us.”

don’t want to wear

Ellis family. How could she possibly wear such

won’t run. So there’s no need for

spoke again: “If you don’t cooperate, don’t

necessary forceful action.”

Without letting Cicely argue,

those delicate

steel of the cuffs.

sudden tingle in her nose, biting her lip hard to keep

her eyes. Her hands clenched into fists, shaking,

relaxed.

few steps out, at the emergency exit,

watching her. She

Diaz.” The officer nodded

gaze remained fixed on the woman between them,

His eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his

After a moment,

to go with your

to the bone, stared back at him. Despite the sweltering

coldness seeping

fear and panic,

anger, to detachment, to a

curve on her lips.

provoking you? The Ellis family hasn’t

did actually hurt someone, my family

make me give in this way?

many days can you

eyes narrowed dangerously, as if something feral was struggling

of his gaze. His

view, veins bulging, knuckles whitening, his palm’s circulation cut

to fold, Cicely.” His voice was tense, as if something was

choking him.

his

down at the cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is this your

of showing goodwill?”

she didn’t wait to see Seth’s reaction or hear what he

moving forward. “Weren’t you in a hurry to get back

if

The officers quickly followed

the hospital, Cicely stopped again. Staring

you cover

a lab coat from the front

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

ugly.

*

car

was then directed to sit in

pretended to casually look

a one-way mirror opposite her, a camera in

and a cheaply varnished table with a recorder on

working conditions were

their hips,

Cicely sat quietly, picking

spot on

ticked by. She thought about the cop dramas she’d

a psychological tactic, but did

She didn’t hurt anyone.

watched Cicely sitting

indifferent.

interrogator entered. The supposed ‘statement’

actual interrogation.

Liar.

so-called statement began. The interrogator asked her to recount

events.

fully, and she shared every detail she thought was

that she and Seth had gotten

Seth loved her

insane, a total loon.” Cicely’s voice trembled, her fingertips

stabbed herself with the knife.

me the assailant, right?”

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