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

met her gaze,

widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why didn’t

go out last

to have dinner, take a shower,

cut him off, her eyes shimmering with a layer

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold, “He

gaze drifted upward, studying Seth’s stern

struck her, she pulled out

phone to her

call was cut off the moment it started to ring.

attempts, she

in chaos, but the director could

her to calm down.

How can

the patient was taken by his father. We

you? You can’t save

the point of

let her vent her frustration. Seth

a scene. In the end, exhausted

like a zombie devoid of thought, nearly drifting

wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

the result was the same. The call

began.

hand resting on

to be crying,

and sorrow were palpable.

approached her and gently pulled her

and

go have lunch.”

hold her, making no

minute of silence, she

plum juice and Tom Yum soup.

restaurants outside.”

calm and compliance,

hysteria, seemed far too out of

closed her

her up. Cicely did

on him, her eyes

instructed Charlie

the bed, and Seth handed her a glass of

drank, she

later,

slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

her mouth with a napkin, and looked at

“Do you not want to

on his cup tightened

couch, her tone

Issac

I’ll just think he’s left, not that he’s dead, and that I

divorce you over him?”

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

might be right.”

What else do you want? Aren’t the

Or is it because I was the one who spoke

giving you a feeling of being

on, and you can’t get

tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into

long while, he hooked

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

to be ended

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

me?”

is you wanted to dump

you for

eyes, tinged with a cold smile, grew

no reason,

a knock on the door interrupted them, and

Charlie stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company matters

you; it can’t be delayed

day and losing an entire building,

shareholders and executives

phone had been bombarded with calls, including the one

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

staying by his wife’s side, cool and composed as if nothing

But Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her eyes against the back

couch.

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

out there, and you won’t

put in the hospital

could hear Seth’s footsteps fading away,

“Keep a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy up the room, removing

remnants of the meal.

and left the ward. Two burly men followed her as

natural thing in

elevator up to Creighton’s intensive

so she waited outside for a good fifteen

could enter.

was still not

hours to

the doctor. She then

hand, and rested her

her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

said in those recordings. Yes, I said

that USB drive. He’s

drive is a bit special. It can fry a computer, but all the

onto the drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard on

ready and we retrieve the

really don’t need to worry. I’m your

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department

my innocence. If they dare to

prove I’m clear,

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

of it makes my hands

mess to deal with later,

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

got to recover

support.”

away the tears at the corner of her eyes.

hair. Her heart was full

had so much to say

talk about Issac’s situation, her desire to divorce Seth,

pregnant. But everyone who should

someone died, it was just a

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s

is infuriating.

would react

couldn’t bring herself to tell Creighton

these issues.

meant to her, how heartbroken

Seth, and how ill-timed a pregnancy would be

Seth too, so she couldn’t

Creighton about trivial

of the Diaz International

and the ICU

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

fence. Beyond the fence was the parking lot. Her

hoping for Creighton to wake up; she

anything beyond that.

blankly at the distant parking

and happy faces,

figure carrying things from

that moment, her phone

Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad and

narrowed. Danielle.Seth stood behind her, his expression somber as he

slowly from side to side, disbelief etched

surroundings, unable to accept what had

around,

dead?”

cruel, ruthless reality she least wanted

face.

eyes flickered slightly as he replied, his voice cool, “I

know.”

Enter title…

up close, the

She pushed against his chest

Seth thought she might

done the day before, but instead she pushed him,

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

her gaze,

eyes widened, holding back restraint

go

take a

gone.” She cut him off, her eyes shimmering

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning

gaze drifted upward, studying Seth’s stern face in

out her phone

the phone to her

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

five or six attempts,

in chaos, but the director could

her to calm down.

he? How can someone just

was taken by

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

the point of this

vent her frustration. Seth stood

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without

like a zombie devoid of thought, nearly

hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

was the same. The call was disconnected

began.

put away her phone, her hand

into a ball. She seemed to be

and sorrow were palpable.

approached her and gently pulled her into his arms, his

her head, his deep and gentle voice emanating from above

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt

after about a minute of silence, she

and Tom Yum soup. I don’t want meat

restaurants outside.”

current calm

seemed far too

her eyes, “I’m

and picked her up. Cicely did not

on him, her

instructed Charlie to prepare

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

she drank, she nestled

hour later, Charlie

with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

mouth with a napkin,

not want

on his cup tightened

was leaning on the couch, her tone as cold and indifferent as

taking Issac away, making

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

divorce you over him?”

the glass down, he said, “It sounds like

might be right.”

“Why? What else do you

Or is it because I

giving you a feeling of being

and you can’t

was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

long while, he hooked

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

be

sardonic smile, “Can’t you just pretend you

me?”

we pretend? The fact is you wanted to dump

for

with a cold smile, grew chillier

no reason,

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

“Mr. Diaz, the company matters

it can’t be delayed

events of the previous day and losing

shareholders and executives

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including the one Mr.

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

staying by his wife’s side,

But Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her

couch.

grabbed his jacket from the couch. “I’ve

there, and you won’t gain anything

the hospital to

hear Seth’s footsteps fading away, followed

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

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

clear the table and tidy up the room, removing

remnants of the meal.

slowly stood and left the ward. Two burly men followed her as if it

natural thing

up to Creighton’s intensive care

so she waited outside for a good fifteen minutes before

could enter.

not optimistic. Creighton needed to

the critical forty-eight hours

thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

and rested her cheek against its

pushing down the

inside her.

those recordings. Yes, I said it, but it

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

is a bit special. It can fry a computer, but all

automatically. As soon as someone

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard on the decryption

we retrieve the files, I’ll

worry. I’m your daughter, after all.

I agreed to go to the justice department because

they dare

as I prove I’m clear, I’ll tear

trouble growing up, but I’ve never actually

department. The thought of it makes my hands itch to do

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

don’t want me to get

got to recover quickly and be

support.”

tears at

hair. Her heart was full of pain and

to say to someone, so

Issac’s situation,

might be pregnant.

Even if someone died,

excitement for them.

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

is infuriating.

people who truly cared for her would react the most, and

couldn’t

these issues.

knew how much Issac meant to her, how heartbroken

how ill-timed a pregnancy would

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him any

Creighton about trivial things, carefully

the Diaz

passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask her

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

parking lot.

about was hoping for Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t figure

anything beyond that.

the distant parking lot, watching people

happy faces, others rushing

recognized a familiar figure carrying

that moment,

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad and

Danielle… Erik said, “Go check on her

gaze followed the man as he disappeared, then she

face, one that had

debates before.

assistant working

care

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

she had not even returned

fine. Just go see how Danielle is doing, I heard

Enter title…

and walked over

going in the parking lot, “Issac

on the other end of the phone was long and

hands gripped the rusted railing tightly as she

hadn’t

taken much, maybe just a minute

thirty seconds, or even ten might have

the blast, and Issac wouldn’t

helplessness and a choke of emotion

from the phone, “Cicely…”

do you know what Issac meant to me? He was like the air

when around, but now that

man’s granddaughter. So

Patty wasting so much time for the sake of

wouldn’t have died.

deep breath, “Alright. I’ll go check on

for you.”

put away her phone

hospital.

room for

a bag of fruit and some lunch. The two following behind

stood to either side of the hospital room

her.

Danielle’s room, looking

sat at the edge of the bed, peeling an apple Shane

a knock and

doorway.

Shane could react, Patty had already jumped to her

“What are you

These were matters

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

affairs.

smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has Ellis

her than you are, so why wouldn’t

she approached

eyes fell on the person wrapped up so tightly on the

mouth visible.

with dry skin.

hatred, as if all her strength

tear Cicely apart.

and he

how pitiful you

legs had just healed, and now you’re

point of

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

really wish

could no longer hold back, shaking with

remained indifferent, her

from the bandages looked

a fury that seemed desperate

hatred.

Seems like, Issac

were you born under a cursed

you suffer misfortune?”

the cursed one.” Her voice was

pulling at her wounds, causing tears to

eyes.

slowly cooled. “Danielle, if you

things wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have

together make no more difference to me than

beside her, “Do you

sound? Danielle and Seth are like stray dogs

Have you forgotten how you used to

turned her head,

back. “What

out of your mind?” Cicely

a

thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but

actually you who are

“You…”

hadn’t come to save you, do you think you’d

petty things? I don’t expect gratitude, but is a simple

for your oh-so-superior

in her eyes intensifying. “You saving us?

Diaz International, trying to curry favor so I wouldn’t

why would you bother to risk

come,

this. You have the nerve to come here and take

begun to settle the score with

it all. How twisted must one’s

unable to distinguish

blatantly distort the truth.

narrowing with a dangerous

closer. “If we hadn’t come along, Danielle would be nothing

Your fate? Nothing more than two

at her words,

be falling

Your lives? They were saved by Issac.

Even if you scrape by every day from here

of gratitude. If it weren’t for you

a brief silence in the hospital room. “Dead?

made Cicely’s temples

didn’t he?” The fury

the

once again inside her head. “You think

his death was

wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled from

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

are you trying

as a statue. Patty’s heart

smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t ask

made that choice on your own,

hadn’t come, how could he have

Enter title…

Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly against her skin,

“Even if I did come up because I was

me for Danielle,

have died. No one in their

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the dangerous mood that Cicely

seeing the sharp paring

through the searing pain in her body,

word with her raspy voice. “Cicely, don’t

you wanted to go upstairs to fetch your wedding dress. So, even

had boarded the rescue helicopter right from the

even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

was now interspersed with

you with his body. No matter

on me and Patty.”

was speechless. No matter her reasons

such a time, it didn’t matter anymore. Patty and

She had known it from

owed Issac a debt of gratitude,

unforgivable as

be

fists, her body trembling with

pain.

smugness. Cicely and the late Millie were

was a nothing more than a

and arrogantly than anyone else, always looking

men seemed to

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

through her daughter. She could almost see Millie’s pain

Cicely’s anguish.

with satisfaction and triumph flickered

her, badly, by

silence, Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh and

came to save you? It wasn’t because I was

and trying to gain your favor. You probably haven’t realized

and slowly lifted her left hand. As Patty’s gaze shifted

in a

in shock, and even Danielle

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her with

realized it. It was indeed quite pleasant

relieving.

nearly forced himself on me, Seth

already fragile composure

similar ring on Seth? Or do you

It’s in the drawer of the bedroom

seconds, staring at the

more grotesquely. “No! I don’t

me…”

and dismissive, “Then why would he suddenly

I had already given up on him.

around that time. Perhaps he’s

to control herself, the knife in her

never fall

so

can’t think of why he would choose

Ellis

flickered, “If that’s the case, being open about it would

lie to you? I

recovering from her shock, eyed the trembling

bit her lip. “Cicely, if you’re done, could you please

of the woods yet,

should spend time with him

as she turned

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

gaze piercing her and

They have been keeping it a secret because

is

frowned and as she turned, she saw Patty’s

the knife

shielded

lunged again. “It’s all your fault!

halted by

out and grasp

wrong with you?!”

in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate from deep

taut nerves. Patty’s

cheeks as she glared at

and hatred. “It’s all because of you! If it weren’t

be fine. Everyone would be fine. You’re like

dead, go find Millie and

reeling from Patty’s emotional

What was

father so much, why did Patty want to kill her

fall for you.” Patty’s

Millie and Cicely. One moment it was Millie’s face, the next it

flipping back

down at

she thought to wrestle it

Cicely’s hand.

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

make sure Seth hates you for the rest

process her words, Patty yanked Cicely’s hand, turned

handle, and plunged it into

in horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

blood spraying onto Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty

as her warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a

slide down, she clung

the blanket

spoke volumes. That word

indescribably tight, her

to convey

with terror, and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

open as Shane and two men who had been following

in. The scene stunned

drenched in blood, while Cicely

holding a bloodstained knife, her

to snap out of it and

fainted. The room descended into chaos,

avoidant glances

have been tough

a gory scene, especially not this

was ushered out of the

restroom where she shakily washed the blood from her

a daze, she made her way

and stood

who had been with her immediately

they stood by

she overheard a commotion behind

you

need to leave

few seconds

“Cicely.”

lifting her head

her,

the youthful grace of a young lady, an air of graceful

softening her

at the familiar

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

clear eyes fixed on her, and with a

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

wince and step aside.

reaction. With a furrowed brow, Lana

cradling her niece’s

her head slightly,

nonetheless.

braced herself, but seeing Cicely’s tears, she was still

seen her cry even

everything Cicely had been through, Lana took a

her

am here now.”

to the hospital. Patty was in critical

scene they had witnessed upon entering

in the chest, the

out in

careful with his words, not wanting to influence

matter how it was explained,

Cicely.

and saw Cicely standing

deep in conversation.

two men in black sighed in relief when they saw Seth. “Mr.

Cicely tensed.

appraising the young man

beyond his years. But still, he was

attempts at composure, Lana’s experienced eyes could

through his façade.

No wonder Cicely

My niece’s husband?” Lana’s words had

confusion.

face was ghastly pale, he asked, “Your

her silence lingering for a few

“Your mother might be in critical

on a divorce, her condition

need for you to worry.” Lana

made up her mind about right

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

headaches.

face darkened immediately, “Who said

divorce?”

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

nothing has happened and continue living together? It’s

you’re still young, so neither

didn’t respond to Lana but kept his eyes

“Did

her eyes at

give you the shares of the

“Is Issac dead?”

shook, and

“You’re asking

dead, which means we can’t get

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

Did you have something to

my own eyes, or hear of his death, we’re

“Think what you want.”

a chilly laugh, “I asked your mother, ‘Do

mad, insisting you couldn’t possibly fall

But look at your actions now. Could it be that you’ve truly fallen

in his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing,

tell my

I saved her to use her

married, at your proposal. And I asked

brooding gaze locked onto her, sharp and

interested in their emotional

“I’ll go talk to the doctor,

first, and

bring your grandfather over.”

was already walking away but paused mid-way,

at Seth before turning to Cicely, “If he refuses

so much with him. If I remember correctly, the

apart

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

follow Lana, Seth caught her wrist. “Cicely,”

finally revealing a trace of restraint, “Do you really think I’d

leave just like that?”

ahead

voice subdued and steady, “Be sensible.

provoke me.”

sounds like you’re planning on killing me

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and I’ll

later.”

on Seth’s face.

not understand

low growl. For a moment, she

tightened. He spoke again, his

Cicely. Don’t

was gripped by palpitations. Painfully, she twisted

his shackles. She didn’t answer

gave him an

the darker his gaze was, the tighter his grip

instinctively as she struggled.

winced. A thin layer of sweat had pushed through her

forward, and grasped

found his grip as unyielding

end, it was

break

the moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely behind her,

a wary gaze, her heart skipping

bottomless eyes.

that? It was

the bottom of an abyss, devoid of

away. She

seemed to live in eternal

and wondered if

had provoked.

stood watching their retreating figures emotionlessly. His lips parted

told you, don’t provoke me.” Lana’s heart

word he had said. “Don’t provoke me,” the three

more ominous in hindsight.

considered how severe the

could be.

know where the confidence came from,

have her killed if she insisted on

said.

desperate and painful than death in

again, she was

Enter title…

with the doctor,

Perhaps it was the presence

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

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

brother, she

small talk for thirty minutes. She

meaningless activities.d2

at

her father’s, her plea for comfort

sad. Lana pursed her lips. She raised her

“You stay here with your dad

grandpa.”

nodded lightly, “Then

too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is

all, what hadn’t he lived through

at Lana, opened her mouth to

managed a soft “Mhm.”

deep breath, her hands sliding into the pockets

you, and we’ll go back

little. With her aunt gone, she

Especially concerning those two men

felt clueless on how

they were met

Their eyes glanced over the

Cicely’s face.

uniforms, a wave of

officers noticed her reaction

glance.

there’s been an allegation against you for intentional assault

come with us to the station to assist

of them

thinking of Patty.

seemed anyone would suspect

didn’t do it; she went crazy on her own.”

asking for your cooperation at this stage. Please discuss

officer interrupted firmly, intent on

away.

First, it was the Department of Justice, and now

Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability, as

yet was still

stepped in, placing herself between Cicely and

Are you taking

a pretext to

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

work,”

“Have I insulted you? Is that how bold and

are these days? Can’t

serious, “We’ll take

she’s not involved, she’ll be

nodded, her smile dripping with sarcasm, “So you’ll keep her

investigation

officer’s frown deepened, “She’s

don’t let you take

of justice is punishable by up to

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to face the officers

question. “Who

hesitation, they answered, “Mr.

sharply, her whole being

suffocation, numbness set in.

was this his

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

ruthlessness.

slowly. She stood still, her

Then, after several seconds, her voice,

disturbance, rose gently. “Aunt

worry, I won’t let them take you. I’ll go find

right now.”

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

as if to herself.

focused on her niece’s profile, noticing the faint, almost

smile.

really love

Seth

want to

ward, she asked Patty if Seth loved her. Patty was mad, and

to feel

leave with her aunt at any cost. The

wrist from gripping

loved her as well.

plainly, and he never

So she wasn’t sure.

mind, when Cicely asked this question,

this moment, she still couldn’t understand that look, like

It’s like a twilit night that neither

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

darkening.

life… For some reason, she inclined more

metaphor.

“He does.”

abnormal, and that’s the

smile.

didn’t know what the young girl in front of her was

think about this

off her smile and nodded faintly. “You

for dad to leave, and

anymore, I’ll

like she just had a little bit of

any more incidents now. So,

Lana’s brow furrowed

gentle smile,

“No way!”

sliced through the air, brooking no

officers beside them darkened

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

according to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

with you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana off.

Enter title…

of being

lot about the

go check on grandpa and make sure someone looks after my

you please go

taken away, looking like I’m

admitted that thinking about such seemingly sentimental

but that was just

she was.

a deep breath with her eyes closed.

everything that’s happened these

with, and I don’t understand any of

when you get back. You

for

was silent for two seconds. “Alright,

up as soon

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

two officers approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and

from just moments ago was

“What are

a suspect, we need to ensure

cooperate with us.”

don’t want to wear

lady of the Ellis family. How could she possibly wear

to go with you and I won’t run. So there’s no need

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

necessary forceful action.”

they did just that. Without letting Cicely argue,

with a “click,” those delicate wrists were encircled

steel of the cuffs.

in her nose, biting her lip hard

her eyes. Her hands clenched

relaxed.

out, at the emergency exit, Seth stood tall, his

calmly watching her. She slowed

Diaz.” The officer nodded

gaze remained fixed on the

around her hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly,

pocket clenched tightly. After

to go

the bone, stared back at him.

a coldness seeping into her from every

shown fear

changed from indifference, to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

consequence of provoking you?

did actually hurt someone, my

think you can make me give in this way? Let me tell you, it’s

can

if something

the abyss of his gaze. His hand

view, veins bulging, knuckles whitening, his

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

choking him.

just laughed, tasting his words, “Know

silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is this

of showing goodwill?”

Seth’s reaction or hear what he might

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

Not in a rush anymore? Even if

The officers quickly

leaving the hospital, Cicely stopped again. Staring at the

cover this up for

a lab coat from the front desk

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

car to the nearest precinct.

was then directed

unease, she pretended

one-way mirror

table with a

conditions were less

their hips, stood

immediately. Cicely sat quietly,

on

about the cop dramas she’d

interrogation as a psychological tactic, but did they need

She didn’t hurt anyone.

Seth watched Cicely sitting there, her

indifferent.

entered. The supposed ‘statement’

actual interrogation.

Liar.

interrogator asked her to recount

events.

cooperated fully, and she shared

she and Seth had gotten

loved her

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

and stabbed herself

me the assailant, right?”

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