The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

…

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac really

met her

back restraint and forbearance. “Why didn’t

go out

have dinner, take a shower, and get some

gone.” She cut him off, her eyes

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold,

stern face in silence. Then,

struck her, she pulled out her phone and dialed

the phone

moment it started to ring. She

After five or six attempts, she gave up and walked

office was in chaos, but the

her to calm down.

he? How

by his father. We couldn’t stop

good are you? You can’t save a

the point

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

scene. In the end, exhausted and

office, like a

she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

but the result was the same. The

began.

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

seemed to be crying, soundlessly, but

and sorrow were palpable.

gently pulled her into his arms, his hand

and gentle voice emanating from

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no attempt to struggle

immediately, but after about a minute of silence, she spoke softly.

Yum soup. I

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm and compliance,

seemed far too

closed her eyes, “I’m

up. Cicely did not refuse, her body showing

she leaned on him, her

instructed Charlie to prepare

on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass

accepted. After she drank, she nestled

later,

slow, distinctive

a napkin, and

not want to divorce

his cup tightened

leaning on the couch, her tone as

“So you think, by taking Issac away,

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

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said,

might be right.”

else do you

Or is it because I was the one

giving you a feeling of being dumped, and you

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

clenched, his thin lips pressed into a straight

after a long while, he hooked his lips

“So no matter what, this marriage… might not

to be

smile, “Can’t

me?”

The fact is you wanted

for

a cold smile,

no

door interrupted

“Mr. Diaz, the

waiting for you; it can’t be delayed any

events of the previous day and losing an

and executives

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including the one

Diaz had first gone

by his wife’s side, cool

Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

slowly closed her eyes against the back

couch.

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

and you won’t

the hospital

could hear Seth’s footsteps fading

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

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up the

remnants of the meal.

left the ward. Two

thing in the

Creighton’s

waited outside for a good

could enter.

still not optimistic. Creighton

the critical forty-eight hours to

and thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

hand, and rested her cheek

her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

worry about what was said in those recordings. Yes, I said it, but

me that USB

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

onto the drive and hides automatically.

team are working hard on the decryption

ready and we retrieve the files,

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

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department

evidence of my innocence. If they dare to bring me in

I’m clear, I’ll

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

of it makes my hands itch to do it. But

a mess to deal with later, and

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

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

support.”

away the tears at

heart was full of pain and tenderness.

so much to say to

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

she might be pregnant. But everyone who should

bystanders. Even if someone died,

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the

is infuriating.

truly cared for her would react the

support. That was why she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

to her, how heartbroken she’d

how ill-timed a pregnancy

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him any

about trivial things,

the Diaz

an hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor

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

fence. Beyond the fence was the parking lot. Her mind was

for Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t

anything beyond that.

distant

bags and happy faces, others rushing in with

familiar figure carrying things from

At that moment,

Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad and

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

turned slowly from side to side, disbelief etched on her face

unable to accept what

around, her eyes bloodshot with

dead?”

the cruel, ruthless reality she

face.

deep-set eyes flickered slightly as he replied, his voice

know.”

Enter title…

him, and up close, the resentment in

She pushed against his chest with

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

but instead she pushed him, and caught

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is

her gaze,

back restraint

go out

dinner, take

cut him off, her eyes shimmering with a

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold,

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

she pulled out her phone and

phone

moment it started

six attempts, she gave

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

her to calm down.

he? How can someone

by his father. We couldn’t

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

the point

could only let her vent her frustration. Seth

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without any

a zombie devoid of

against the hallway wall, she mechanically

again, but the result was the same. The call was

began.

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

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

and sorrow were palpable.

pulled her into his arms, his

deep and gentle

go have lunch.”

her, making no attempt to struggle or resist. She

a minute of silence,

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

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared

seemed far too out of

her

and picked her up. Cicely did not refuse,

leaned on

Charlie to prepare

laid on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass

accepted. After she drank,

hour later, Charlie

ate with a slow, distinctive

a napkin, and looked

you not

grip on his cup tightened

the couch, her tone as cold and indifferent as

by taking Issac away, making

he’s left, not that he’s

divorce you over him?”

setting the glass down,

might be right.”

else do you

it because I was the one

of being dumped, and you feel that

you can’t get over it, so you won’t

was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

after a long while, he

in front of him. “So no matter what, this marriage… might not

be ended for

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

me?”

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

you for

eyes, tinged with a cold smile, grew chillier

no

door interrupted them, and Seth turned to

“Mr. Diaz, the

for you; it

events of the previous day and losing an entire building,

and executives

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including

off to him. Mr. Diaz had first

hospital, staying by his wife’s side, cool

Mr. Diaz was

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

jacket from the couch. “I’ve

out there, and you

in the hospital to avoid unnecessary

hear Seth’s footsteps fading away, followed

“Keep a close eye on her. Don’t

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

clear the table and

remnants of the meal.

slowly stood and left the ward. Two

thing in

the elevator up to Creighton’s intensive care unit.

she waited outside for a good fifteen minutes

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed

forty-eight hours to be truly

thanked the doctor. She then sat beside

rested her cheek against its

closed her eyes, pushing down

inside her.

those recordings. Yes, I said

gave me that USB drive. He’s

It can fry a computer, but all the

drive and hides automatically.

team are working hard on the decryption

ready and we retrieve the files, I’ll be

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

mistreated? I agreed to go to

innocence. If they dare to bring me in for questioning,

as I prove I’m clear, I’ll tear the

growing up, but I’ve

makes my hands itch to do

be a mess to deal with later, and

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

you’ve got to recover quickly and

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears

Her heart was full of pain

had so much to say

to talk about Issac’s situation, her desire to

pregnant. But

Even if someone died, it was just a bit

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s

is infuriating.

would react

why she couldn’t bring herself to tell Creighton

these issues.

to her, how

ill-timed a pregnancy would be now. Creighton

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him any

Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding any mention

the Diaz International

hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in

Cicely went to the hospital’s park and sat on

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

was hoping for Creighton

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking lot, watching people come and

and happy faces,

recognized a familiar figure

that

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her

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

man as he disappeared, then she

was a familiar face, one that had clashed with

debates before.

Another assistant working

take care

the family, Erik was bedridden.

she had not even returned

fine. Just go see how Danielle is doing,

Enter title…

and walked over to the

and going in the parking lot, “Issac

end of the phone was

slender hands gripped the rusted railing tightly as

and Danielle hadn’t dilly-dallied and just gotten

have taken much, maybe just a minute

even ten might have been enough.

blast, and Issac wouldn’t have left

voice filled with helplessness and a choke of emotion

from the phone, “Cicely…”

you know what Issac meant to me?

but now

the old man’s granddaughter. So was

much time for the sake of

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

away her phone and turned, expressionless,

hospital.

Danielle’s room for long before Cicely arrived.

of fruit and some

the hospital room door, not entering

her.

in Danielle’s room, looking haggard with sunken,

edge of the bed, peeling an apple

the top, when she heard a knock and turned to

doorway.

Shane could react, Patty had already jumped to her feet,

are you doing

left the room. These were

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

affairs.

wry smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has

than you are, so why wouldn’t I

she approached

eyes fell on the person wrapped up so tightly

mouth visible.

was crusted with dry skin. Those

as if all her strength were

tear Cicely apart.

well, and he asked

So I came to see just how pitiful

huh? Your legs had just healed, and now you’re back in bed.

point of living like

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

really wish

longer hold back, shaking

remained indifferent, her gaze fixed on

peeked out from the bandages looked both comical

a fury that seemed desperate

hatred.

are you glaring at me? Seems like, Issac

you born under a cursed star?

you suffer misfortune?”

the cursed one.” Her

was pulling at her wounds, causing tears to well up in

eyes.

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

things wouldn’t have happened. I

to me than if you were stray

beside her,

are like stray dogs to you? And what

you? Have you forgotten how

slowly turned her head, her detached and icy

step back. “What do you

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

a fight? Everyone knows

thought I was heartless and

you who

“You…”

save you, do you think you’d still be alive to argue with

these petty things? I don’t expect gratitude, but

for your

her eyes intensifying. “You saving us? Wasn’t it

Diaz International, trying to curry favor

Otherwise, why would you bother to risk your lives

If you hadn’t come, we would

wouldn’t be like this. You have the nerve

to settle

all. How twisted must

so thankless, to be unable to

blatantly distort the truth.

her eyes narrowing with a dangerous

we hadn’t come along, Danielle

so would you. Your fate? Nothing

shrink back at her words, her

be

understand something. Your lives? They were saved by

him. Even if you scrape by every day from here on

weren’t for you two, he

was a brief silence in the hospital room. “Dead?

made Cicely’s temples throb

with us? Got what he deserved, didn’t he?” The fury that had been brewing now crashed over Cicely

felt as if the explosion

inside her head. “You

his

shaken by the wild rage emanating

raised the paring knife she’d

you trying to

froze, her figure rigid as a statue. Patty’s heart

a cold, mocking smile. “Am I

on your own, dragging that spineless

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

Enter title…

veins on Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly

felt. “Even if I did come up because I was

if you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle, Danielle

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

something like that.”

bed, sensed the dangerous

paring knife in Patty’s

searing pain in her body, she

out each word with her raspy voice. “Cicely,

to go upstairs to fetch your wedding

boarded the rescue helicopter right from the start, Issac wouldn’t

even

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

now interspersed with

body. No matter what,

on me and Patty.”

matter her reasons

time, it didn’t matter anymore.

She had known it from the

Issac had still saved them. They owed Issac

unforgivable as his

there be such

clenched into fists, her body trembling with barely

reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was evident

Millie were so similar, not just

a nothing

and arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down on others.

all the men seemed to have a soft spot for

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

daughter. She could almost see

Cicely’s anguish.

tinged with satisfaction and

hurt her, badly, by any means

suddenly let out a

you know why I came to

your favor. You probably haven’t realized

lifted her left

a mocking

shock, and even Danielle on the

incredulously at Cicely.

felt vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her

of realized it. It

relieving.

Ray nearly forced himself on me, Seth

composure shattered,

ring on Seth?

drawer of

staring at the

more grotesquely. “No! I

me…”

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

given up on him. Now

with another man around that time. Perhaps he’s fallen for

Patty was struggling to control herself, the

never fall for you.

so other than

can’t think of why he would choose

was for the Ellis

case, being open

lie to you? I

recovering from her shock, eyed

bit her lip. “Cicely, if you’re

of the woods yet, and his

You should spend time with

as she turned to Danielle, her eyes

talking about? Who says my dad’s time

her

me. They have been keeping it a secret because of

is dying? Creighton is dying?!” Patty’s

Cicely frowned and as she turned, she saw

her, the knife lunging toward her

instinctively shielded her

again. “It’s all

her retreat halted by the

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

wrong with you?!”

in Patty’s hands seemed

taut nerves. Patty’s

glared at Cicely, unable to mask

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

fine. You’re like a curse. You might as

go find Millie

was still reeling from Patty’s emotional

father’s condition this much? What was

so much, why did

me, he would never fall for

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

flipping back and

seeing Patty’s bewildered look, glanced down at the knife in

to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened

Cicely’s hand.

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

if I die, I’ll make sure Seth

Cicely could process her words, Patty yanked

it into her own

in horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty then

warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a vivid

down, she clung to Danielle’s

the blanket tightly.

spoke volumes. That word

tight, her eyes locked onto Danielle’s,

convey a

and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

burst open as Shane and two men who had

scene stunned

lay beside the bed, drenched in blood, while

holding a bloodstained knife, her clothes

of it and called for a

into chaos, and Cicely

receiving suspicious and avoidant glances from the medical

was terrified. She might have been

scene, especially not this

she was ushered out of the room by

shakily washed the blood from her

a daze, she made her way to Creighton’s

arrived before visiting hours and stood outside

with her immediately called Seth, unsure of

they stood by

a daze, she overheard a commotion

you guys? Step

need to

few seconds of

“Cicely.”

blinked, slowly lifting her head and turning toward the familiar

her, well-preserved, exuding a mature

youthful grace of a young lady, an air of

softening her

at the familiar

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

her, and with a slight frown, she tapped

mess.” The tap was firm,

wince and step aside.

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

her niece’s

she shook her head slightly,

nonetheless.

herself, but seeing Cicely’s tears,

hadn’t seen her cry even when Millie had passed

through, Lana took a deep breath

an embrace. Stroking her hair, Lana whispered softly,

am here now.”

was in critical condition. Shane tried to

had witnessed

chest, the blood-stained knife was in

lay passed out

was careful with his words, not wanting to

events, but no matter how it was explained, everything seemed to point

Cicely.

and saw Cicely standing with

deep in conversation.

in black sighed in relief when they saw Seth.

Cicely tensed.

the young man before

calm and detachment beyond his years. But still,

at composure, Lana’s experienced

through his façade.

man. No wonder

are Seth? My niece’s

confusion.

face was ghastly pale,

staredat Seth, her silence lingering for a few

might be in critical

a divorce, her condition is

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

Once she had made up her mind

she stuck to it tenaciously, a

headaches.

her words, Seth’s face darkened

divorce?”

saving, why not let

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

terms while you’re still young, so

didn’t respond to Lana but kept his eyes intently on Cicely, his

emotionless. “Did you say

her eyes at the

you the shares of the Ellis

“Is Issac dead?”

mention of Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and

stare, “You’re

means we

“Seth, just to avoid a divorce, you would

have something to do with Issac’s

own eyes, or hear

“Think what you want.”

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

possibly fall for me, and

now. Could it be that you’ve truly fallen for

hand in his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing, “What

tell my

“She suggested I saved her to use her to

at your proposal. And I asked her if

brooding gaze locked onto her, sharp

their emotional entanglement. Glancing at

to the doctor, arrange for a

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

bring your grandfather over.”

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

Cicely, “If he refuses to divorce, you

talk so much with him. If I

irreconcilable differences, living apart for two

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll come with

Lana, Seth

a trace of restraint, “Do

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize

at her silently, his voice subdued

provoke me.”

a little. “It sounds like you’re planning on

on leaving?”

“No.”

So, I’ll be leaving and I’ll complete

later.”

and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s

not understand what

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

wrist tightened. He spoke again, his gentle voice marked by

“Behave, Cicely. Don’t

gripped by palpitations. Painfully, she

shackles. She didn’t answer him verbally, but

him

his gaze

instinctively as she struggled.

A thin layer of sweat had pushed

forward, and grasped his hand, intending to help

unyielding as iron claws

was slightly surprised. In the end, it was with all her

break

moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely

wary gaze, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of his

bottomless eyes.

of look was that? It was deep, unfathomable, as if

the bottom of an abyss, devoid of sound, wind,

and hurried away. She had never seen

seemed to live

back at Cicely and wondered if she

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures

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

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

more ominous in hindsight.

severe the consequences of Seth’s

could be.

came from, but she’d known

to have her killed if she insisted on leaving,

said.

was nothing more desperate and painful than death in

but again, she

Enter title…

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

Perhaps it was the presence of someone

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

time was half an hour, Lana did

for her big brother, she couldn’t bear standing

talk for thirty minutes. She never liked

meaningless activities.d2

about fifteen minutes, Lana glanced at the girl sitting

her father’s, her plea for comfort both calm

pursed her lips. She raised her

with your dad

grandpa.”

“Then I’ll visit grandpa

Your grandpa’s spirit

all, what hadn’t he lived through

her mouth to

managed a soft “Mhm.”

sliding into the pockets of her

I’ll wait for you, and

relaxed a little. With her aunt gone, she didn’t

next. Especially concerning those two men in

side, she felt clueless on how to handle

the ICU, they were met by two police officers

path. Their eyes glanced

Cicely’s face. “Are you

of panic washed

officers noticed her reaction and shared

glance.

allegation against you

to come with us to the station to assist with

of them

eyes flickered, immediately thinking of

seemed anyone would suspect her of

it; she went crazy on her own.”

just asking for your cooperation at this stage. Please discuss

at the station,” the leading officer interrupted firmly, intent on taking

away.

the Department of Justice, and

an eerie sense of inevitability, as

anything wrong yet was still trapped

herself between Cicely and the

here first. Are you taking her for

a pretext to lock her

“Ma’am, please watch

our work,” one

insulted you? Is that how bold

Can’t I even ask a

face grew serious, “We’ll take her

not involved,

her smile dripping with sarcasm, “So

investigation is

frown deepened, “She’s a suspect in a

don’t

is punishable by up

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to face the

“Who

hesitation, they answered,

contracted sharply, her whole being feeling

lightning. After a moment of suffocation, numbness set in. So,

his way

Lana’s throat at the realization

ruthlessness.

long pause, Cicely nodded slowly. She stood still,

in particular, lost in thought. Then, after

disturbance, rose gently. “Aunt

won’t let them take you. I’ll go find

right now.”

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

as if to herself.

niece’s profile, noticing the

smile.

he really love

was Seth who

want to

Seth loved her. Patty was mad, and

feel maybe he

now, he didn’t want to let her leave with her aunt at

her wrist from gripping tightly seemed to suggest

loved her as well.

plainly, and

So she wasn’t sure.

when Cicely asked this

emerged. To this moment, she still couldn’t understand that look,

It’s like a twilit night

twilit night that just

darkening.

and life… For some reason, she

metaphor.

“He does.”

abnormal, and

Cicely smile. “Do you

the young girl in front of her was thinking.

to think about this right

her smile and

leave, and visit grandpa. In order not

trouble anymore, I’ll

felt like

family couldn’t now bear any more incidents now. So, she

brow furrowed

gave her a gentle smile, “Just going in for

“No way!”

sliced through the air,

officers beside them

are well within

according to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

suddenly cut Lana off.

Enter title…

years of being spoiled

forgotten a lot about

go check on grandpa and make sure

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

I’m being sent off to do

admitted that thinking about such seemingly sentimental things

was somewhat ridiculous, but that was just the kind

she was.

with her eyes closed. “I’ll go with

happened these past few days, there’s

with, and I

back. You don’t need to come with me.

for

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

pick you up as soon

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

left, two officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s hands while

other pulled out handcuffs.

eyes suddenly shrank, and

The indifferent compliance from just moments ago was replaced

“What

a suspect, we need to

cooperate with us.”

want to

lady of the Ellis family. How could she possibly wear such things?

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

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

necessary forceful action.”

And they did just that. Without letting Cicely argue, they

and with a “click,” those delicate wrists were

steel of the cuffs.

her nose, biting

Her hands clenched into fists, shaking, then

relaxed.

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

his deep-set eyes calmly watching her. She slowed

Diaz.” The officer nodded

Seth’s gaze remained fixed on the woman between them, especially on

His eyes narrowed imperceptibly,

pocket clenched tightly. After a

go

to the bone, stared back at him. Despite

a coldness seeping into her

just shown fear

to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

consequence of provoking you? The Ellis family

hurt someone, my family would

in this

days can you

as if something feral

of his gaze. His hand in his

veins bulging, knuckles whitening,

His voice was tense, as

choking him.

just laughed, tasting his words, “Know

the cold, silvery handcuffs on

of showing goodwill?”

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

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

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

officers quickly followed

hospital, Cicely stopped

softly, “Could you cover this

an officer borrowed a lab coat

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly. Really

*

was whisked away in the police car to the

She was then directed to sit

her unease, she pretended to casually

with a one-way mirror

a cheaply varnished table with a recorder on it.

The working conditions were less

uniformed officers, pistols at their hips, stood stoically beside

immediately. Cicely

on the

thought about the cop dramas she’d

a psychological tactic, but did they

She didn’t hurt anyone.

Seth watched Cicely sitting there, her

indifferent.

the interrogator entered.

actual interrogation.

Liar.

The interrogator

events.

shared every detail she thought

her telling Patty that she and Seth had

loved her

was insane, a total loon.”

my hand and stabbed herself with the knife. That doesn’t

me the assailant, right?”