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

her gaze,

eyes widened, holding back restraint

go

have dinner, take a

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

unshed tears.

darkened, his voice suddenly

Seth’s stern

struck her, she pulled out her

the phone

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

After five or six attempts,

director’s office was in chaos, but the director

her to calm down.

he? How can someone

patient was taken by his father.

You can’t save

the point of

vent her frustration.

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without any

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

wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

but the result was the same.

began.

put away her phone, her hand resting on her

a ball. She seemed to be

and sorrow were palpable.

gently pulled her into his arms, his hand

her head, his deep and gentle voice emanating

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to struggle

after about a minute of silence,

sour plum juice and Tom Yum soup. I

restaurants outside.”

current calm and

far too out

her eyes,

her up. Cicely

on him, her eyes

instructed Charlie

was laid on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass of

After she drank, she

hour later, Charlie

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

her mouth with a napkin, and looked at Seth with a

“Do you not want to

grip on his

couch, her tone as cold and

Issac away, making me unable to

think he’s left, not that he’s dead, and that

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said,

might be right.”

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

hands good enough? Or is it because I was the one

being dumped, and you feel

on, and you can’t get over it,

thin lips pressed into a straight

a long while, he hooked his lips and

“So no matter what, this marriage… might

to be ended for

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

me?”

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

for no

with a cold smile, grew

no reason,

knock on the door interrupted them, and

Diaz, the company matters

for you; it can’t be

day and losing an entire

shareholders and executives were

been bombarded with calls, including the one

to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone

by his wife’s side, cool and composed as

Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

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

there, and you won’t gain anything from

in the hospital to avoid

hear Seth’s footsteps fading away,

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

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

and left the ward. Two burly men followed her as

natural thing in

to Creighton’s intensive care unit. The

waited outside for a

could enter.

still not optimistic.

forty-eight hours to be

doctor. She

rested her

her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

was said in those recordings.

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

that drive is a bit special. It can fry a

onto the drive and hides automatically.

Joel and his team are working hard on the

we retrieve the files, I’ll

don’t need to worry. I’m your daughter, after all. How

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department because I

dare to bring

I’m clear, I’ll tear the place

caused plenty of trouble growing up, but I’ve

department. The thought of it makes my hands

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

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

got to recover quickly and be

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. She

was full of

so much to say

wanted to talk about Issac’s situation,

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who should know

bystanders. Even if someone died, it

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the

is infuriating.

cared for her would react the most, and offer

she couldn’t

these issues.

to her,

ill-timed a pregnancy would be now.

in Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him any of

talked to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding

aftermath of the Diaz International

the ICU doctor came in to ask

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

the fence was the parking lot. Her mind was a blur.

Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t

anything beyond that.

at the distant parking

and happy faces, others rushing in with

a familiar figure carrying things from

that

He asked about her dad and Danielle’s

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

side, disbelief

unable to accept what had happened.

she spun around, her

dead?”

directly, confronting the cruel,

face.

he replied, his voice cool,

know.”

Enter title…

stepped toward him, and up close, the

unmistakable. She pushed against his chest with both

Seth thought she might

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

met her gaze,

eyes widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why

go out

have dinner, take a shower, and get

cut him off, her eyes shimmering with a

unshed tears.

darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold, “He

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

struck her, she pulled out her phone and dialed Brody’s

the phone

the moment it started to

or six attempts,

chaos, but

her to calm down.

he? How

by his

save a life,

the point

only let her vent her frustration. Seth stood by,

exhausted and without

director’s office, like a zombie devoid of

against the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed

the result was the same.

began.

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

seemed to be

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into

her head, his deep and gentle voice emanating

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to struggle or resist.

after about a minute of silence, she

soup. I

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and

hysteria, seemed far too out

her

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

fatigue as she leaned on him, her

instructed Charlie to

and Seth handed her a glass of water,

drank, she nestled

later, Charlie

slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

napkin,

not want to divorce

on his cup

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

taking Issac

that he’s

divorce you over him?”

setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

else do you want? Aren’t the Ellis

hands good enough? Or is it because I was the one

of being dumped, and you feel that your

on, and you can’t get over it, so you

jaw was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into

a long while,

no matter what, this marriage… might

to be ended

sardonic smile, “Can’t you just

me?”

fact is you wanted to dump me. Why would I want

you for no

tinged with a cold smile,

no

knock on the door interrupted them, and Seth turned to

stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company matters

it can’t

day and losing

shareholders and

had been bombarded with calls, including the

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

wife’s side, cool and composed as if

believe Mr. Diaz

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed

couch.

straightened up and grabbed his jacket from the

mess out there, and you won’t

in the hospital to avoid

remained silent. She could hear Seth’s footsteps fading away, followed

voice at the door. “Keep a close eye on her.

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

came in to clear the table and tidy up the room, removing

remnants of the meal.

ward. Two burly men

most natural thing in

elevator up to Creighton’s intensive care

so she waited outside for a

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not

it past the critical forty-eight hours to

She then sat beside the

and rested her cheek

down the sourness

inside her.

in those recordings. Yes, I said it,

gave me that USB

a bit special. It can fry a

and hides automatically. As

Joel and his team are working hard on the decryption

ready and we retrieve the files, I’ll be

worry. I’m your daughter, after

to go to the justice

evidence of my innocence. If they dare to bring me

clear, I’ll tear the

plenty of trouble growing up, but I’ve never

my hands

to be a mess to deal with later, and I’ll

want me to get arrested, I won’t.

you’ve got to recover quickly

support.”

the tears at the

hair. Her heart was full of pain and tenderness. Right

had so much to say to someone, so

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

be pregnant.

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it

excitement for them.

one person’s tragedy becomes

is infuriating.

people who truly cared for her would react the

That was why she couldn’t bring

these issues.

Issac meant to her,

ill-timed a pregnancy would be now. Creighton

so she couldn’t tell him any

to Creighton about trivial

aftermath of the Diaz

quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask her

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

fence was the parking lot. Her mind

Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t figure

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking

leaving with large bags and happy faces, others rushing in

she recognized a familiar figure

hospital. At that

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad and

Danielle… Erik said, “Go check

as he disappeared, then

a familiar face, one that had clashed with

debates before.

assistant working alongside

take care

the family, Erik was bedridden. There was

house, and she had not even

Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in a bad

Enter title…

walked over to the railing and

and going in the parking lot, “Issac is

end of

slender hands gripped the rusted railing

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

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

even ten might have been enough. We

Issac wouldn’t have

helplessness and a choke of

from the phone, “Cicely…”

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

around, but now that

the old man’s granddaughter. So

Patty wasting so much time for the sake

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

Cicely put away her phone

hospital.

Danielle’s room for long before

fruit and some lunch. The two

side of the hospital room

her.

there in Danielle’s room, looking

edge of the bed, peeling an apple Shane had handed

a knock and turned to see Cicely in

doorway.

Shane could react, Patty had already jumped to

warily. “What are you doing

the room. These were matters

was best

affairs.

smile, “Ms. Patty,

speaking, I’m closer to her than you

that said, she

eyes fell on the person wrapped up so tightly on the bed, only eyes

mouth visible.

dry skin.

her strength

tear Cicely apart.

Cicely laughed, “Grandpa’s not well, and he asked

you. So I came to see just how pitiful you

Your legs had just healed, and now you’re back

of

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

wish

hold back, shaking with rage. Her voice exploded

ear, yet Cicely remained indifferent, her gaze fixed on

bandages

her with a fury that

hatred.

you glaring at me? Seems like, Issac and I have

a cursed star?

you suffer misfortune?”

“You are the cursed one.”

pulling at her wounds,

eyes.

you hadn’t

happened. I wouldn’t have met you

together make no more difference to

her,

Seth are like stray dogs to

how

slowly turned her head, her detached

back. “What do

mind?” Cicely finally said, “Can’t you understand

deliberately picking a fight?

was heartless and ungrateful,

that it’s actually you who are the most

“You…”

you think you’d still be

expect gratitude,

for your oh-so-superior

the anger in her eyes intensifying. “You saving us?

trying to curry favor

Seth? Otherwise, why would you bother to risk your lives to save

If you hadn’t come, we would have missed the

have the nerve to come here

to settle the score

of it all. How twisted

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

blatantly distort the truth.

turned slowly, her eyes narrowing with a

we hadn’t come along, Danielle would be

and so would you. Your fate?

her

expected you to be

something. Your lives? They were

scrape by every day

gratitude. If it weren’t for

silence in the hospital room. “Dead?

temples throb with a

what he deserved, didn’t he?” The fury that had been

if the explosion that had rocked her

head. “You

his death

by the wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled from head

the paring knife she’d been nervously

are you trying

figure rigid as a

smile. “Am I wrong? I

choice on your own, dragging

If you hadn’t come, how could he have

Enter title…

stood out starkly against her

she felt. “Even if I did come up

but if you hadn’t stalled me for

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

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the dangerous mood that Cicely was

sharp paring knife in Patty’s

through the searing pain in her

raspy

said you wanted to go upstairs to fetch your

right from the start, Issac wouldn’t

might have even gone back for

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

with painful gasps, “Besides, it was

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

on me and Patty.”

speechless. No matter her reasons for wanting to go

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

had known it from the

owed Issac a debt of

as unforgivable as his death

there be such

fists, her body trembling with barely

was gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain.

Millie were

temperament. Millie was a nothing more than a call girl,

anyone else, always looking down

to have

had died, Patty hadn’t seen

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

Cicely’s anguish.

and

to hurt her, badly, by any means

let out a soft laugh and

to save you? It wasn’t because

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

a faint smile and slowly lifted her

continued in a mocking tone,

and even Danielle

incredulously at Cicely.

Patty could

realized it. It

relieving.

a few days after Ray nearly forced himself

already fragile composure shattered, “You’re

similar ring on Seth? Or do you want to

drawer of the

froze for a few seconds, staring

even more grotesquely. “No! I don’t

me…”

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

up on him. Now that I think

man around that time. Perhaps he’s fallen

to control herself, the

“He would never fall for you. He

so other

he would choose

the Ellis

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

Why lie to

slowly recovering from her shock,

her lip. “Cicely, if you’re

out of the woods yet, and his time might

should spend

suddenly darkened as she turned

says my

noticed Patty’s gaze piercing her and continued despite

me. They have been keeping it a secret

Creighton is dying?!” Patty’s shrill

as she turned, she saw Patty’s

knife lunging toward

shock, instinctively shielded her stomach

all your fault! You are

stumbled backward, her retreat halted by the hutch behind

no choice but to reach out and grasp Patty’s wrist. “What

wrong with you?!”

trembling in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate from

Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s eyes were

cheeks as she glared at Cicely, unable to mask

of you! If

Everyone would be fine. You’re

find Millie and stop tormenting the

emotional outburst. Did she

this much? What

father so much, why did

me, he would never fall for

Cicely. One moment it was Millie’s

back

Patty’s bewildered look, glanced down

as she thought to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly

Cicely’s hand.

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

sure Seth hates you for the rest of his

Cicely could process her words, Patty yanked

it into her own

horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked

blood spraying onto Cicely’s face

blood painted Cicely’s hands a

began to slide down, she clung to

blanket

agonized expression spoke volumes. That word was

was on the blanket indescribably tight, her eyes locked onto Danielle’s,

to convey

sight filled Danielle with terror, and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

burst open as Shane and two men who had been following

scene stunned them into

drenched in blood, while

holding a bloodstained knife, her clothes and

first to snap out of it and called for a doctor in

room descended into chaos, and Cicely stood frozen

suspicious and avoidant

have been tough and brash, but she had

such a gory scene, especially not this

out of the room by the hospital

she shakily washed the blood

she made

hours and stood outside

men who had been with her immediately called Seth, unsure

as they stood

she overheard

you guys?

you need to

few seconds

“Cicely.”

lifting her head and turning toward the

beautiful woman stood before her, well-preserved, exuding a

grace of a young lady, an air of graceful allure

fortitude softening her

stared in confusion at the familiar yet somehow distant figure

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

fixed on her, and with a slight

you, such a mess.” The tap was firm, enough to make

wince and step aside.

Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With a furrowed brow,

her niece’s face. “What’s

she shook her head slightly, but tears

nonetheless.

Cicely’s tears, she was still taken

her cry even

had been through, Lana took

an embrace. Stroking her hair, Lana

am here now.”

was in

scene they had witnessed upon

chest, the blood-stained knife was in

out in

careful with his words, not wanting to influence Seth’s

events, but no matter how it was

Cicely.

Creighton’s ICU and

deep in conversation.

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

Cicely tensed.

man before

and detachment beyond his years. But

composure, Lana’s experienced

through his façade.

No wonder

My niece’s husband?” Lana’s

confusion.

whose face

her silence lingering for a few seconds before she

mother might be in

divorce,

there’s no need for you to worry.”

made up her mind about

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that had often

headaches.

face darkened immediately, “Who

divorce?”

not let it go? Do

has happened and continue

while you’re still young, so neither

to Lana but kept his eyes intently on Cicely, his

emotionless. “Did you say

narrowed her eyes

nodded, “I’ll give you the

“Is Issac dead?”

eyes shook, and she looked up at Seth with

stare, “You’re

dead, which means we can’t get

swelled in Cicely’s heart, “Seth, just

you have something to do with Issac’s disappearance? Unless I

or hear of

“Think what you want.”

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

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

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

hand in his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing,

you tell my

her to use

your proposal. And

locked onto her,

emotional entanglement. Glancing at the

up, “I’ll go talk to the doctor,

and you first, and then

bring your grandfather over.”

already walking away but

at Seth before turning to Cicely, “If he

him. If I remember correctly, the marriage law

irreconcilable differences, living apart for two years

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

Lana, Seth caught her wrist.

revealing a trace of restraint, “Do you really

leave just like that?”

go ahead and

silently, his voice subdued and steady,

provoke me.”

“It sounds like you’re planning on killing me if

on leaving?”

“No.”

So, I’ll be leaving and I’ll

later.”

and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s face. “Did

understand what I

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

tightened. He spoke again, his gentle

Cicely.

palpitations. Painfully, she twisted

free from his shackles. She didn’t answer

gave him an

her, the darker his gaze was, the

instinctively as she struggled.

of sweat had

and grasped his

found his grip as unyielding as iron claws embedded in

was slightly surprised. In the end, it was

break his

loosened, Lana quickly pulled

heart skipping a beat

bottomless eyes.

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

bottom of an abyss,

away. She had never

to live in

and wondered if she realized what

had provoked.

stood watching their retreating figures emotionlessly. His lips parted

soundlessly. “I told you, don’t provoke me.” Lana’s heart raced

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

more ominous in hindsight.

never considered how severe

could be.

didn’t know where the confidence came from, but she’d known all along

her killed if she insisted on

said.

more desperate and painful

again,

Enter title…

just spoken with the doctor, and they’d

slot. Perhaps it was the presence of someone to lean

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

hour, Lana did not stay in the room for

for her big brother, she couldn’t bear standing

small talk for thirty minutes. She never liked

meaningless activities.d2

minutes, Lana glanced at the

her father’s, her

lips. She raised

girl’s hair, “You stay here with your dad

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then I’ll

much. Your grandpa’s spirit

he lived

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

managed a soft “Mhm.”

deep breath, her hands sliding into the pockets of her dress,

for you, and we’ll go back

expression finally relaxed a little. With her aunt gone,

Especially concerning

felt clueless on how to handle

they left the ICU, they

Their eyes glanced over the documents in their

Cicely’s face.

seeing the uniforms, a wave of

noticed her

glance.

an allegation against you

to come with us to the station

one of them

flickered, immediately thinking of

it seemed anyone would

it; she went crazy on her own.” she

asking for your cooperation at this

leading officer interrupted firmly,

away.

investigation. First, it was the Department of

station. Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability, as if she

wrong yet was still

in, placing herself between Cicely

right here first. Are you taking

to lock

grew stern. “Ma’am, please watch your language

our work,”

insulted you? Is that

these days? Can’t

serious, “We’ll take her

she’s not involved, she’ll

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

investigation

deepened, “She’s a suspect in

if I don’t

up to three years

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward

question. “Who reported

they answered, “Mr.

eyes contracted sharply, her whole being feeling like

of suffocation, numbness set in.

this his

at the realization of the depth of

ruthlessness.

nodded slowly. She

lost in thought. Then, after

rose

“Don’t worry, I won’t let

right now.”

to hear

as if to herself.

profile, noticing the

smile.

really

Seth who sent Issac

want to divorce

ward, she asked Patty if Seth loved her. Patty

starting to feel maybe he loved

didn’t want to let her leave

on her wrist from gripping tightly

loved her as well.

once asked him plainly, and

So she wasn’t sure.

this question, the

she still couldn’t understand

Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s

nor life before, or a twilit night that

darkening.

light and life… For some reason, she

metaphor.

“He does.”

abnormal,

answer made Cicely smile.

young girl in front

about

smile and nodded faintly. “You just

arrange for dad to leave, and visit grandpa. In order not

anymore, I’ll just go

like she just had a little bit of

any more

with them. Lana’s brow furrowed instantly as she grabbed

her a gentle smile, “Just going

“No way!”

through the

enforcement officers beside them darkened in demeanor.

are well within our

to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

Cicely suddenly cut Lana off. “Auntie,

Enter title…

years of being spoiled

about the

on grandpa and make sure someone

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

away, looking like I’m being sent off to

such seemingly sentimental things at

ridiculous, but that was just the

she was.

a deep breath with her eyes closed. “I’ll go with

everything that’s happened these past few

I

you get back. You don’t need to come

time for other important

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

up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

two officers approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

those cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and she quickly

compliance from just moments ago

distress. “What are you

we need

cooperate with us.”

want

a lady of the Ellis family. How could she possibly

with you and I won’t run. So there’s

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

necessary forceful action.”

did just that. Without letting Cicely argue, they

hands and with a “click,” those delicate wrists were

steel of the cuffs.

nose, biting her lip hard to keep

her eyes. Her hands clenched into fists, shaking,

relaxed.

a few steps out, at the emergency exit, Seth stood tall, his face

watching

Diaz.” The officer

fixed on the woman between them,

around her hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly,

clenched tightly. After a moment,

to go

chilled to the bone, stared back at

seeping into her from every

shown fear and

changed from indifference, to anger, to detachment, to a

curve on her lips.

you? The

Even if I did actually hurt someone,

can make me give in this way? Let me tell you,

days can you keep

dangerously, as if something

His hand in his pocket clenched again,

knuckles whitening, his

Cicely.” His voice was tense, as if something

choking him.

tasting his words,

silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is this your

of showing goodwill?”

Seth’s reaction or

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

in a rush anymore? Even if you’re not, I’m

quickly followed

stopped again. Staring at

you cover this up for

officer borrowed a

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly. Really

*

whisked away in the police car to the nearest precinct.

room, she went. She was then

pretended to casually

one-way mirror opposite her, a camera in

with a recorder on

working conditions

at their

immediately. Cicely sat

on the

about the

interrogation as a psychological tactic,

She didn’t hurt anyone.

one-way glass, Seth watched Cicely

indifferent.

the interrogator entered. The supposed ‘statement’ was

actual interrogation.

Liar.

interrogator asked her

events.

shared every detail she

that she and Seth had gotten married and

if Seth loved her

loon.” Cicely’s voice trembled, her fingertips

and stabbed herself with the knife. That

me the assailant, right?”

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