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

persisted, “Is Issac really

met her gaze,

widened, holding back restraint

me go

have dinner, take a

Issac’s gone.” She cut him off,

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

upward, studying Seth’s stern face in silence. Then, as

she pulled out her phone

the phone to her

off the moment it started to ring. She

or six attempts,

in chaos, but the director could

her to calm down.

How can someone

taken by

can’t save a life, and you can’t stop someone

point of

vent her frustration. Seth stood by, allowing her

In the end, exhausted and without any answers, she

director’s office, like a zombie devoid of

the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed

same. The call was

began.

hand resting on her eyes, her slender

a ball. She seemed to

and sorrow were palpable.

her into his

head, his deep and gentle voice emanating from above her.

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt to

minute of silence, she

soup. I

restaurants outside.”

calm

hysteria, seemed far too

her

her up. Cicely did not refuse, her

she leaned on him, her

Charlie

bed, and Seth handed her a glass

accepted. After she drank, she nestled into the

later, Charlie brought

ate with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she set down

dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and

not

grip on his

her tone as

Issac away, making

not that he’s dead, and that I

divorce you over him?”

setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

lip, “Why? What else do you want? Aren’t the Ellis

hands good enough? Or is it because I was

feeling of being dumped, and you feel

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

jaw was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

a long while, he hooked his lips and piled

food in front of him. “So no matter what, this marriage…

be

lips curled in a sardonic smile, “Can’t you just pretend you

me?”

is you wanted to dump me. Why

for

cold

“For no

a knock on the door interrupted

Charlie stepped in, “Mr. Diaz,

for you; it can’t

of the previous day and losing an entire

and executives were

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including the one

to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to the Ellis Group, then straight

wife’s side, cool and composed as

didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her eyes

couch.

straightened up and grabbed his jacket from the

and you won’t gain

in the hospital

She could hear Seth’s footsteps fading away, followed

at the door. “Keep a close eye on her. Don’t take

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

clear the table and

remnants of the meal.

left the ward. Two

most natural thing in the

Creighton’s intensive care unit.

were busy, so she waited outside

could enter.

was still not optimistic.

the critical forty-eight hours to

doctor. She then sat beside the

rested her cheek against its

closed her eyes, pushing down the

inside her.

what was said in those

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

It can

the drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone

Joel and his team are working hard

retrieve the files, I’ll be

I’m your daughter,

go to

dare

I’m clear, I’ll

of trouble growing up, but I’ve never

makes my hands itch to do it. But

mess to deal with later,

me to get arrested, I

up. Dad, you’ve got to recover quickly and

support.”

up and wiped away the tears at the

hair. Her heart was full

had so much to say to someone, so

situation,

she might be pregnant.

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it was

excitement for them.

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

is infuriating.

who truly cared for her would react

support. That was why she couldn’t bring herself to

these issues.

how much Issac meant to

how ill-timed a pregnancy would be now. Creighton must

too, so she couldn’t tell him

talked to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding any mention

aftermath of the

quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask her

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

fence was the parking lot. Her mind was a

Creighton

anything beyond that.

blankly at the distant parking lot, watching people come and

with large bags and happy faces, others

a familiar figure carrying

that moment, her phone

Grandpa calling. He asked about

stood behind her, his expression somber as he watched

slowly from side to side, disbelief

unable to accept what had happened.

spun around, her eyes bloodshot

dead?”

cruel, ruthless reality she least wanted

face.

slightly as he

know.”

Enter title…

toward him, and up close,

pushed against his chest

woman’s strength isn’t much. Seth thought she

done the day before, but instead she pushed him, and

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

her gaze,

restraint and

go

to have dinner, take

cut him off, her eyes shimmering with

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold,

gaze drifted upward, studying Seth’s stern face in silence. Then,

struck her, she pulled out her

phone

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

or six attempts, she

in chaos, but the director could only plead

her to calm down.

How

was taken by his father. We couldn’t

good are you? You can’t save a life, and

What’s the point of

her vent her frustration. Seth

end, exhausted and

of the director’s office, like a zombie devoid of thought, nearly

wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

same. The call was disconnected

began.

her hand resting on her eyes, her slender

a ball. She seemed to be crying, soundlessly,

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into his arms, his hand

head, his deep and gentle voice emanating from above

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt to struggle

a minute of

soup. I don’t want

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared to

seemed far

her eyes,

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

leaned on him, her

instructed Charlie

laid on the bed, and Seth

drank, she nestled into the

hour later, Charlie brought

always ate with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

napkin, and looked at Seth

you not want to

on his cup tightened

couch, her tone as cold and

“So you think, by taking Issac away, making me unable

not that he’s dead, and that I won’t

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said, “It sounds

might be right.”

tugged at her lip, “Why? What else do you

good enough? Or is it because

you a feeling of being dumped, and you feel that your

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

tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

while, he hooked

in front of him. “So no matter

be

a sardonic smile, “Can’t you just pretend you

me?”

fact is you wanted to dump me. Why would I

for

with a cold

“For no reason,

on the door

Diaz, the company

for you; it can’t be delayed

the previous day and losing an entire

shareholders and executives

been bombarded with calls, including the

Diaz had first gone

his wife’s side, cool

believe Mr. Diaz was

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

and slowly closed her

couch.

his jacket from the couch. “I’ve got to

there, and you won’t gain anything

the hospital to avoid

remained silent. She could hear Seth’s

the door. “Keep a

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy up the room, removing

remnants of the meal.

ward. Two

most natural thing in

Creighton’s intensive

so she waited outside for

could enter.

not optimistic. Creighton needed to

critical forty-eight hours to be

and thanked the doctor. She

hand, and rested

pushing down the sourness

inside her.

what was said in those recordings.

gave me that USB drive.

special. It can fry a computer,

onto the drive and hides automatically.

Joel and his team

that’s ready and we retrieve the files,

need to worry. I’m your daughter, after all. How

agreed to go

they dare to bring me in for

I prove I’m clear, I’ll tear

caused plenty of trouble growing up, but

makes my

a mess to deal with later, and I’ll definitely need your

to get arrested, I won’t. However, I still

up. Dad, you’ve got to recover quickly and be

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears at

Her heart was full of pain and

so much to say

situation, her desire to divorce Seth, and

she might be pregnant.

Even if someone died, it was just a

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

truly cared for her would react the

That was why she couldn’t bring

these issues.

much Issac meant to her, how heartbroken she’d

how ill-timed a pregnancy would

so she couldn’t tell him any of

talked to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding any

of the Diaz International

hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to

the unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s

fence was the parking lot. Her mind was a

for Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t

anything beyond that.

she stared blankly at the distant

leaving with large bags and happy faces, others rushing in with

figure carrying things from a car

At that moment, her phone

Grandpa calling. He asked about her

eyes narrowed. Danielle… Erik said, “Go check on her for

gaze followed the man as

a familiar face, one that had clashed with

debates before.

assistant

take care of

calamity befalling the family, Erik

she had not even returned home to

how Danielle is doing, I

Enter title…

over to the railing and watched the

and going in the

silence on the other end of the phone was long

gripped the rusted railing tightly as she spoke in a

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

quicker. It wouldn’t have taken much, maybe just a

even ten

the blast, and Issac wouldn’t have left

gravelly voice filled with helplessness and a

from the phone, “Cicely…”

know what Issac meant to me? He was like

around, but now that

the old man’s granddaughter. So

wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time for

wouldn’t have died.

a deep breath, “Alright.

for you.”

put away her

hospital.

room for long before Cicely

some lunch. The two following

side of the hospital room door, not

her.

room, looking haggard with sunken, swollen

of the bed, peeling an apple Shane had handed

at the top, when she heard a knock

doorway.

react, Patty had already

warily. “What are you doing

left the room. These

came to love and hate. It was

affairs.

wry smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has

speaking, I’m closer to her than you are, so why

said, she approached

person wrapped up

mouth visible.

crusted with dry skin. Those bloodshot

all her strength were focused there,

tear Cicely apart.

well, and

you. So I came to see just how pitiful

Your legs had just healed, and now you’re

point of

you got no humanity? That’s your cousin you’re talking

wish her

could no longer hold back, shaking with

Cicely remained indifferent,

out from the bandages looked

a fury that seemed desperate to convey

hatred.

at me? Seems like,

a cursed star? Why

you suffer misfortune?”

are the cursed one.”

was pulling at her

eyes.

cooled. “Danielle, if you

wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t

together make no more difference to me than if you

shouted beside her, “Do you not hear how

like stray dogs to you? And what

Have you forgotten how

turned her head, her

back. “What

out of your mind?” Cicely finally said, “Can’t you

picking a fight? Everyone knows how

thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but somehow I

it’s actually you who are the most

“You…”

do you think you’d still

expect gratitude, but is

for your

in her eyes intensifying. “You

ruined Diaz International, trying to curry favor so I wouldn’t stand in the

you bother to risk your

hadn’t come, we

like this. You have the nerve to come here

I haven’t even begun to settle

of it all.

so thankless, to be unable to distinguish right from wrong, and

blatantly distort the truth.

slowly, her eyes narrowing with

hadn’t come along,

fate? Nothing more

seemed to shrink back at her words, her

you to be falling over yourselves with gratitude, but

understand something. Your lives? They were saved by Issac.

you scrape by every day

If it weren’t for you two, he

silence in the

Cicely’s temples throb with a

his death have to do with us? Got what he deserved, didn’t he?” The fury that had been brewing

felt as if the explosion that had

her head. “You think he got what he

his death was

emanating

In her panic, she raised the paring knife she’d

you trying to

her figure rigid as a statue. Patty’s heart

I wrong? I didn’t ask you to come

your own, dragging that spineless

come, how could he

Enter title…

forehead stood out

felt. “Even if I did come

me for

Issac wouldn’t have died. No one in their right mind would have

something like that.”

sensed

sharp paring

searing pain in her body,

raspy voice. “Cicely, don’t forget, you

upstairs to fetch your wedding

boarded the rescue helicopter right from the start, Issac

have even gone back for

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

now interspersed with painful gasps, “Besides, it was

his body. No

on me and Patty.”

reasons for wanting to go

at such a time, it

had known it from

They owed Issac a debt of gratitude, not

as unforgivable as his death being

could there be such shameless

fists, her body trembling

was gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was evident on

the late Millie were so similar,

but in temperament. Millie was a nothing more than a

arrogantly than anyone else,

the men seemed to have a soft spot

Patty hadn’t seen her humiliated or in pain.

it through her daughter. She could almost

Cicely’s anguish.

smile tinged with satisfaction and

to hurt her, badly, by

a long silence, Cicely suddenly let out a

I came to save

and trying to gain your favor. You

a faint smile and slowly lifted her left hand. As

Cicely continued in a mocking

shock, and even Danielle on

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her

realized it. It

relieving.

Ray nearly forced himself on

already fragile composure shattered, “You’re

a similar ring on Seth? Or

It’s in the drawer

froze for a few seconds, staring

“No!

me…”

cut her off, cool and dismissive, “Then why would he

Especially when I had already given up on him. Now that

another man around that time. Perhaps

to control herself, the knife in her

“He would never fall

so other

of why he would

was for the Ellis Group shares,

that’s the case, being

to you? I can’t

slowly recovering from her shock, eyed the trembling

her lip. “Cicely, if you’re done, could you please leave? I heard

father is not out of the woods yet, and

spend time with

suddenly darkened as she turned to Danielle, her

talking about? Who says

noticed Patty’s gaze piercing her

been keeping it a secret because

is dying?!” Patty’s shrill voice

and as she turned,

her, the knife

shock, instinctively shielded

again. “It’s all your fault! You are

halted by the hutch behind her.

no choice but to reach out and grasp Patty’s

wrong with you?!”

seemed to emanate from deep within

shivers through Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s eyes were bloodshot,

her cheeks as she glared at

“It’s all because of

fine. Everyone would be fine. You’re like a curse. You might

dead, go find Millie

Patty’s emotional outburst. Did

condition this much? What was

loved her father so much, why

promised me, he would never fall for

One moment it was Millie’s face,

back and

Patty’s bewildered look, glanced down at the knife

she thought to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened

Cicely’s hand.

Patty gave her a cruel

die, I’ll make sure Seth hates you for

her words, Patty yanked Cicely’s

plunged it into her

Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

face

as her warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a

Patty’s body began to slide down, she clung to Danielle’s

blanket tightly.

volumes. That word

on the blanket indescribably tight, her eyes

convey

filled Danielle with terror, and she finally

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

Shane and two

in. The scene stunned them into

beside the bed, drenched in

holding a bloodstained knife, her clothes and face

snap out of it and

fainted. The room descended into chaos, and Cicely stood frozen

avoidant glances from the medical

She might have been tough and

gory scene, especially

out of the room by the hospital staff, stumbling

she shakily washed the blood from her hands,

a daze, she made her way to Creighton’s intensive care

hours and stood outside the unit, lost and

been with

as they stood by her

overheard a

you

you need to

few seconds

“Cicely.”

lifting her head and turning toward

stood before her, well-preserved,

of a young lady, an air

softening her

confusion at the familiar yet somehow

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

fixed on her, and with a slight frown, she tapped

“Look at you, such a mess.” The tap was firm, enough to

wince and step aside.

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

cradling her niece’s face. “What’s

flickered, and she shook her head slightly, but tears filled her

nonetheless.

Cicely’s tears, she was still

hadn’t seen her cry even

Cicely had been through, Lana took a deep

embrace. Stroking her hair, Lana whispered softly, “It’s

am here now.”

the hospital. Patty was in critical condition. Shane tried to

had witnessed upon entering

stabbed in the chest, the blood-stained knife was

passed out in the

was careful with his words, not wanting to influence

how it was explained, everything seemed

Cicely.

arrived at Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely standing with another

deep in conversation.

black sighed in relief when they saw

Cicely tensed.

turned, appraising the young man before her. Handsome, young

beyond his years.

at composure, Lana’s experienced eyes

through his façade.

man. No wonder Cicely had fallen for

you are Seth? My niece’s

confusion.

Cicely, whose face was ghastly pale,

her silence lingering for a few seconds

“Your mother might

divorce, her

there’s no need for you to worry.” Lana was

Once she had made up her mind about right

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that had often caused her

headaches.

Seth’s face darkened immediately, “Who said we’re

divorce?”

saving, why not let it go? Do you really think you

as if nothing has happened and continue living together? It’s

while you’re still young, so neither of you

his eyes

emotionless. “Did you

her eyes at

give you the shares of

“Is Issac dead?”

mention of Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked up

“You’re asking

not dead, which means we can’t get a

“Seth, just to avoid a divorce, you would

you have something to do with Issac’s disappearance?

eyes, or hear of

“Think what you want.”

a chilly laugh, “I asked

mad, insisting you couldn’t possibly fall for me, and I agreed it

actions now. Could it be that

pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing, “What

you tell my

to use her to

at your proposal. And I asked her if

onto

in their emotional

up, “I’ll go talk to the doctor, arrange for

take your dad and you first, and

bring your grandfather over.”

she was already walking away but paused mid-way,

to Cicely, “If he

with him. If I remember

differences, living apart for two years

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

Lana, Seth caught her

restraint, “Do

leave just like that?”

go ahead and

stared at her silently, his voice subdued

provoke me.”

a little. “It sounds like

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and I’ll complete other

later.”

impatience and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s face.

not understand what I

startled by his low growl. For a moment, she

tightened. He spoke again,

Cicely.

Cicely was gripped by palpitations.

break free from his shackles. She didn’t answer

him an

her, the darker his gaze was, the tighter his grip

instinctively as she struggled.

winced. A thin layer of sweat had

and grasped his hand,

grip as unyielding

was slightly surprised. In the end, it was

break

moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely

wary gaze, her heart skipping a beat at

bottomless eyes.

was that? It was deep, unfathomable, as if stacking

abyss, devoid of sound, wind, breath, or

hurried away. She had never seen

to live

looked back at Cicely and wondered if she realized what

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures

soundlessly. “I told you, don’t provoke me.” Lana’s heart raced as she recalled Seth’s recently chilling gaze. She

said. “Don’t

more ominous in hindsight.

considered how severe the consequences

could be.

confidence came from, but she’d known all along

wouldn’t choose to have her killed if she insisted on leaving, as

said.

desperate and painful

but again, she

Enter title…

spoken with the doctor, and they’d managed to secure an

Perhaps it was the presence of

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

half an hour, Lana did

brother, she couldn’t

talk for thirty minutes. She never

meaningless activities.d2

glanced at the girl sitting by

hands tenderly holding her father’s, her plea for comfort both calm

her lips. She raised her hand to gently

your

grandpa.”

“Then I’ll visit

worry too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is much stronger

hadn’t he lived through in his

Lana, opened her mouth to speak, but in the end,

managed a soft “Mhm.”

deep breath, her hands sliding into the pockets of

I’ll wait for you, and we’ll

With

next. Especially concerning those two men

she felt clueless on how to

the ICU, they were met

their path. Their eyes glanced over the documents in their hands

on Cicely’s face.

of panic washed over Cicely,

noticed

glance.

allegation against you for intentional assault with

come with us to the

one of them

flickered, immediately thinking of Patty. Under

it seemed anyone would

went crazy

just asking for your cooperation at this stage. Please

the leading officer interrupted firmly,

away.

it was the Department

Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense

yet was

between Cicely and the

things clear right here first. Are you

a pretext to lock

officers’ expressions grew stern. “Ma’am, please

our work,”

scoffed, “Have I insulted you? Is that how

are these days? Can’t I

serious, “We’ll take her statement, investigate,

evidence. If she’s not involved,

smile dripping with sarcasm, “So you’ll

investigation is

“She’s

if I don’t

by up to three years in

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped

different question. “Who reported

they

whole being feeling like

of suffocation,

provoke him, was this his way of stabbing her

Lana’s throat at the realization of the depth of the

ruthlessness.

long pause, Cicely nodded slowly. She stood

in particular, lost in thought. Then, after several

any disturbance, rose gently. “Aunt

responded gravely, “Don’t worry, I won’t let them

right now.”

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

as if to herself.

focused on her niece’s profile,

smile.

really

was Seth who sent Issac away, probably because

want to

if Seth

feel

to let her leave with

fingers on her wrist from gripping

loved her as well.

asked him plainly, and he never answered,

So she wasn’t sure.

asked this

moment, she still couldn’t understand

Reaper had stayed. It’s like a twilit night that

a twilit night that just

darkening.

For some reason, she inclined more towards

metaphor.

“He does.”

is abnormal,

answer made Cicely smile. “Do

what the young girl in front of her was

think about this right

off her smile and nodded faintly.

leave, and visit

anymore, I’ll just go with

felt like

now bear any more incidents now. So, she could

with them. Lana’s brow furrowed instantly as she

and gave her a gentle smile, “Just going in for

“No way!”

sliced through the air, brooking

enforcement officers beside them

continue to obstruct official duties, we are well within our rights to deal

to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

cut Lana off.

Enter title…

years of being spoiled rotten overseas, Lana

lot about the situation back

check on grandpa and

And, could you please go first? I don’t want you

taken away, looking like I’m being sent off to

thinking about such seemingly

ridiculous, but that was just

she was.

with her

With everything that’s happened

with, and I don’t understand any of it. I’m relying

things out when you get back. You

for

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

you up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

two officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s

other pulled out handcuffs.

Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank,

compliance from just moments ago was replaced

“What are you

Cicely, as a suspect, we need to ensure

cooperate with us.”

don’t want

of the Ellis family. How could she possibly wear

with you and I won’t run. So there’s

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

necessary forceful action.”

they did just that. Without letting

hands and with a “click,” those delicate wrists

steel of the cuffs.

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

Her hands clenched into fists, shaking, then

relaxed.

a few steps out, at the emergency exit,

deep-set eyes calmly watching her. She slowed her

Diaz.” The officer

gaze remained fixed on the woman between them, especially on

around her hands. His eyes

clenched tightly. After a

go with

back

felt a coldness seeping

which had just shown fear

anger, to detachment,

curve on her lips.

this the consequence of provoking you? The Ellis

Even if I did actually hurt someone, my

in

many days can

narrowed dangerously, as if

abyss of his gaze. His hand

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

Cicely.” His voice

choking him.

tasting his

the cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands,

of showing goodwill?”

speaking, she didn’t wait to see Seth’s

the lead in moving forward. “Weren’t you in

if you’re not, I’m in a

quickly followed

leaving the hospital, Cicely stopped

cover this up

borrowed a lab coat

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

in the police car

went. She was then directed to sit in the

she pretended to casually look

was small, with a one-way mirror opposite her, a camera

a cheaply varnished table with a recorder on it.

The working conditions were

their hips,

didn’t begin immediately. Cicely sat quietly, picking at

on

She thought about the cop

as a psychological tactic,

She didn’t hurt anyone.

Seth watched Cicely

indifferent.

interrogator entered. The supposed

actual interrogation.

Liar.

began. The interrogator asked

events.

fully, and she shared every detail

that she and Seth had gotten married

if Seth loved

loon.” Cicely’s voice trembled,

hand and stabbed herself with

me the assailant, right?”

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