The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2051-2060

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

…

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

her

eyes widened, holding back restraint

me go out

have dinner, take a shower, and get

cut him off, her eyes shimmering with

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

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

she pulled out her phone and dialed

the phone to

off the moment it started to ring. She tried

five or six attempts, she gave up and

was in chaos,

her to calm down.

he? How

patient was taken by his father.

save a life, and you can’t stop

the point of

let her vent her frustration. Seth stood by, allowing

scene. In the end, exhausted and

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

the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

but the result was the same. The

began.

hand resting on her eyes, her

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

and sorrow were palpable.

approached her and gently pulled her into his arms, his hand

head, his deep and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no

about a minute of silence, she spoke softly.

Tom Yum soup. I don’t want

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm

hysteria, seemed far too out of

closed her eyes,

up. Cicely did not refuse, her body showing

as she leaned on him, her

Charlie to

was laid on the bed, and Seth handed her

drank, she

hour later, Charlie brought

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

her mouth with a napkin, and looked

“Do you not

his cup

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

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

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

divorce you over him?”

setting the glass down,

might be right.”

lip, “Why? What else do you

my hands good enough? Or is it

you a feeling of being dumped, and you feel that

can’t get over it, so you won’t

lips pressed

after a long while, he

of him. “So no matter what,

be ended for

in a sardonic smile, “Can’t you

me?”

can we pretend? The fact is you wanted to dump

you for no

eyes, tinged with a cold smile, grew chillier as she

“For no reason,

door interrupted them, and Seth turned to open

Charlie stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the

you; it

the events of the previous day and

shareholders and executives

with calls, including

to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to the Ellis

his wife’s side, cool and composed as if

Mr. Diaz was unaware of

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against the back

couch.

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

and

in the hospital to avoid unnecessary

could hear Seth’s footsteps

a

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

in to clear the table and

remnants of the meal.

the ward. Two burly men followed her as

most natural thing in the

Creighton’s intensive care unit. The

she waited outside for a good fifteen minutes

could enter.

not optimistic. Creighton

the critical forty-eight hours to be truly

She then sat beside

Creighton’s hand, and rested her

pushing down the sourness and fear

inside her.

in those recordings. Yes, I said

that USB drive.

that drive is a bit special. It can fry a computer,

onto the drive and hides automatically. As

no issue. Joel and his team are

we retrieve

worry. I’m your daughter, after all. How could I

to go to the justice

they dare to bring

clear, I’ll tear

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

my hands itch

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

to get arrested, I won’t. However, I

Dad, you’ve got to recover

support.”

and wiped away the tears at the corner

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

so much to say to someone,

situation, her desire

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who should

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it was

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

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

why she couldn’t bring

these issues.

to her,

Seth, and how ill-timed a pregnancy

so she couldn’t

trivial things, carefully avoiding any

aftermath of the

the ICU doctor came in

went to the hospital’s park

the parking lot. Her mind was a blur. All

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

anything beyond that.

blankly at the distant

with large bags and happy faces,

figure carrying things

that

calling. He asked

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

side to side, disbelief etched on her face as

to accept what had

eternity, she spun around, her eyes bloodshot with

dead?”

spoke directly, confronting the cruel, ruthless reality

face.

eyes flickered slightly as he replied, his voice

know.”

Enter title…

stepped toward him, and up close, the resentment

unmistakable. She pushed against his chest

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

instead she pushed him, and

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is

met her gaze,

holding back restraint and

go out last

to have dinner, take

cut him off, her eyes

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

studying Seth’s stern face in silence.

out her phone

the phone

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

five or six attempts,

office was in chaos, but the director

her to calm down.

How

taken by

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

the point of

her vent her frustration. Seth

the end, exhausted and without any

the director’s office, like a zombie

the hallway wall, she mechanically

was the same. The call was disconnected as soon as

began.

hand resting on her eyes, her slender

seemed to be

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into his arms,

his deep and gentle voice emanating from

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to struggle or

after about a minute of silence, she

Yum soup.

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm

hysteria, seemed far too out of

her eyes, “I’m

Cicely did not refuse, her

she leaned on

Charlie to prepare

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

accepted. After she drank, she nestled into

later, Charlie brought

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

napkin, and looked at Seth

you not

on his

the couch, her tone as cold and

you think, by taking Issac

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

divorce you over him?”

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

might be right.”

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

Or is it

a feeling of being dumped, and you

can’t get over it, so you

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

while, he hooked his lips and

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

to be ended

a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

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

you for

with a cold

no

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

Diaz,

you; it can’t be delayed

the previous day and

shareholders and executives

had been bombarded with calls,

had first gone to the Ellis Group,

side, cool and composed as if nothing

Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

closed her eyes

couch.

straightened up and grabbed his jacket

mess out there, and you

hospital to avoid

She could hear

“Keep a close eye on her. Don’t take

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy

remnants of the meal.

and left the ward. Two burly

thing in

the elevator up to Creighton’s intensive care

busy, so she waited outside

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton

the critical forty-eight hours to be

thanked the doctor. She

hand, and rested her cheek against

down the sourness and

inside her.

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

to trick Ray. Joel gave me that USB drive.

special. It can fry a computer, but

hides automatically. As soon

issue. Joel and his team are working

that’s ready and we retrieve the files, I’ll

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

to go to the justice

dare

I’m clear, I’ll tear the

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

of it makes my hands itch to do it. But

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

you don’t want me to get arrested, I

got to

support.”

up and wiped away the tears at the corner of

Her heart was full of pain

to say to someone,

about Issac’s situation, her

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who should know

Even if someone died, it

excitement for them.

one person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

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

was why she couldn’t bring herself to

these issues.

how much Issac meant to her, how heartbroken she’d be

Seth, and how ill-timed a pregnancy would be now.

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him

to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding any

of the Diaz

quickly, and the ICU doctor

unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s

parking lot. Her mind was a blur. All

about was hoping for Creighton to wake

anything beyond that.

at the distant

bags and happy faces, others

familiar figure carrying things from

hospital. At that

He asked about her dad and

narrowed. Danielle… Erik said, “Go check on

gaze followed the man as he disappeared, then

It was a familiar face, one that had

debates before.

assistant working

care

a calamity befalling the family,

house, and she had not even

see how Danielle is doing, I heard she’s

Enter title…

up and walked over to the railing and watched the

going in the parking lot,

the other end of the phone was long

railing tightly as she spoke in

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

quicker. It wouldn’t have taken much, maybe

thirty seconds, or even ten might have been enough.

the blast, and Issac wouldn’t

helplessness and a

from the phone, “Cicely…”

meant to me? He was like the

but now

was the old man’s granddaughter. So

it wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

her

hospital.

been in Danielle’s room for long before

fruit and some

stood to either side of the hospital room

her.

there in Danielle’s room,

sat at the 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 her

“What are you

the room. These were matters

was best

affairs.

“Ms. Patty, Danielle has

than you

said, she approached

eyes fell on the person wrapped up so

mouth visible.

with dry skin. Those bloodshot eyes were

intense hatred, as if all her strength

tear Cicely apart.

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

to see just how pitiful you are. Covered in burns, your

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

of

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

wish her

could no longer hold back, shaking with rage.

remained indifferent, her gaze

from the bandages looked

at her with a fury

hatred.

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

Danielle, were you born under a cursed

you suffer misfortune?”

“You are the cursed one.”

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

eyes.

slowly cooled. “Danielle, if you hadn’t returned

wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have met you or

no more difference to me than if

shouted beside her, “Do you not hear how

stray dogs

how you

head, her detached and icy gaze making

back. “What do you

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

deliberately picking a fight? Everyone knows how

always thought I was heartless

that it’s actually you who are the

“You…”

you think you’d still be alive

gratitude, but is a simple ‘thank

for your

her eyes intensifying. “You saving

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

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

If you hadn’t come, we would

this. You have the nerve

begun to settle the score with

all. How twisted

to be so thankless, to be unable

blatantly distort the truth.

her eyes narrowing with a dangerous

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

so would you. Your fate? Nothing more than two charred

seemed to shrink back at her words, her

to be falling over yourselves with

understand something. Your lives? They were saved by

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

gratitude. If it weren’t for you two, he

silence in the

temples throb with a

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

felt as if the explosion that had rocked

again inside her head. “You think he got what

his death was

the wild rage emanating

her panic, she raised the paring

are you trying to

figure rigid as a statue. Patty’s heart

I wrong? I didn’t ask you

You made that choice on your own, dragging that spineless

hadn’t come, how could he have possibly

Enter title…

forehead stood

extreme anger she felt. “Even if I did

but if you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle, Danielle would have been

one in their

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the dangerous mood that

upon seeing the sharp paring knife in Patty’s hand. Her

in her body, she

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

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

rescue helicopter right from the start, Issac wouldn’t

even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

interspersed with painful

body. No matter what, you can’t blame Issac’s

on me and Patty.”

speechless. No matter her reasons for

a time, it didn’t matter anymore. Patty

known it from

They owed Issac a debt of gratitude,

as unforgivable as his death being

be such

into fists, her body

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

and the late Millie

Millie was a nothing more

arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down

seemed to have

Patty hadn’t seen

She could almost see

Cicely’s anguish.

with satisfaction and

her, badly, by any

silence, Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh and slowly

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

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

pulled a faint smile and slowly lifted

hand, Cicely continued in a mocking tone, “We’re

in shock, and even Danielle

incredulously at Cicely.

Patty could

she kind of realized it. It was

relieving.

Ray nearly forced himself on me, Seth

composure

ring on Seth? Or do you want

It’s in the drawer of the bedroom at Seth’s

for a few seconds, staring at the ring on Cicely’s

more grotesquely. “No! I don’t

me…”

off, cool and dismissive,

up on him. Now that I

with another man around that time.

was struggling to

fall for

so

why he would choose to marry me

Ellis Group

that’s the case, being open

lie to you? I

recovering from her shock, eyed the

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

is not out of the woods

should spend time

turned

Who says my dad’s time is running

gaze piercing her

me. They have been keeping it a secret because of

Creighton is dying? Creighton is dying?!”

and as she turned, she saw Patty’s

her, the knife lunging toward her

instinctively shielded her stomach and

all your fault! You

backward, her retreat halted by the

out and grasp Patty’s wrist. “What the

wrong with you?!”

hands seemed to emanate from

taut nerves. Patty’s

down her cheeks as she glared at Cicely, unable

“It’s all because of you! If it

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

dead, go find Millie and stop

emotional

much? What was going

much, why did Patty want to kill

never fall for you.” Patty’s vision swirled

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

back

down at the knife

she thought to wrestle it away, Patty

Cicely’s hand.

gave her a cruel smile.

make sure Seth hates you

her words, Patty

it into

horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked

spraying onto Cicely’s face and

her warm blood painted Cicely’s

Patty’s body began to slide down, she clung

blanket

expression spoke volumes. That word was alreay her limit.

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

to convey a

and

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

Shane and two men

in. The scene stunned them

lay beside the bed, drenched in blood, while

a bloodstained knife, her clothes and face

the first to snap out of it

room descended into chaos, and Cicely stood frozen

avoidant glances from the medical

might have been tough and brash,

scene, especially not

out of the room by the hospital staff,

where she shakily washed the blood

a daze, she made her way to Creighton’s

stood outside the unit, lost and

had been with her immediately called Seth, unsure of

do as they stood by her

she overheard

are you guys?

you need to leave

few seconds of silence

“Cicely.”

blinked, slowly lifting her head and turning

beautiful woman stood before her, well-preserved, exuding

a young lady, an air of

fortitude softening her

confusion at the familiar yet somehow distant figure

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

her, and with a

a mess.” The tap

wince and step aside.

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

cradling her niece’s face. “What’s

her head slightly, but tears filled her

nonetheless.

seeing Cicely’s tears, she was still taken

hadn’t seen her cry even when Millie had

through, Lana took a deep breath

her hair, Lana whispered softly, “It’s

am here now.”

raced to the hospital. Patty was in

scene they had witnessed

the chest, the blood-stained

Danielle lay passed out

his words, not wanting to influence

it was explained, everything

Cicely.

Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely

deep in conversation.

in black sighed in relief when they

Cicely tensed.

young man before her. Handsome, young

his years. But still, he was

attempts at composure, Lana’s experienced

through his façade.

wonder Cicely had fallen for

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

confusion.

whose face was ghastly

for a few seconds before

mother might

on a divorce, her condition

for you to worry.” Lana was

Once she had made up her mind about

tenaciously, a trait that had

headaches.

darkened immediately,

divorce?”

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

and continue living together? It’s

young, so neither

Lana but kept his eyes

emotionless. “Did you

narrowed her eyes at the

the shares of the Ellis

“Is Issac dead?”

shook, and she looked

“You’re asking

which means

in Cicely’s heart, “Seth, just

you have something to do

eyes, or hear of his death,

“Think what you want.”

let out a chilly laugh, “I asked your

fall for me,

But look at your actions now. Could it be

his pocket clenched slightly,

you tell

I saved her to use her to capture your heart.

at your proposal. And I asked her

locked onto her, sharp

emotional entanglement. Glancing at

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

your dad and you first, and

bring your grandfather over.”

she said this, she was already walking away

turning to Cicely, “If he refuses to divorce, you

I

apart

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll come with

Seth caught

finally revealing a trace of restraint, “Do you

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize

her silently, his voice subdued and steady, “Be sensible.

provoke me.”

sank a little. “It sounds like

on leaving?”

“No.”

good. So, I’ll be leaving and

later.”

on Seth’s

understand what

by his low growl. For a moment, she was

He spoke again, his gentle voice marked by

“Behave, Cicely.

palpitations. Painfully, she

his shackles. She didn’t answer him verbally, but

him

stared at her, the darker his gaze was, the tighter

instinctively as she struggled.

winced. A thin layer of sweat had

stepped forward, and grasped his hand, intending to help

unyielding as iron claws embedded in

In the end, it was with all her strength that

to break his

loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely

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

bottomless eyes.

that? It was deep, unfathomable,

of an abyss, devoid of sound, wind, breath,

and hurried away. She had never seen

to live

and wondered if

had provoked.

their retreating figures

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

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

more ominous in hindsight.

never considered how severe the

could be.

came from, but she’d

choose to have her killed if she insisted on leaving, as she’d

said.

there was nothing more desperate and painful than death

but again, she

Enter title…

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

was the presence of

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

hour, Lana

for her big brother, she

small talk for thirty minutes. She never

meaningless activities.d2

at the girl

her father’s, her plea for comfort both calm

sad. Lana pursed her lips. She raised her

here with your dad for now. I’ll go check

grandpa.”

“Then

Your grandpa’s

he lived through in

Lana, opened her mouth to speak, but

managed a soft “Mhm.”

sliding

I’ll wait for you, and

finally relaxed a little. With

Especially concerning

side, she felt clueless on how

they were met by two police officers

eyes glanced over the documents in

firmly on Cicely’s face. “Are you Miss

wave of

noticed her reaction and shared

glance.

an allegation against you

with us to the station to

of

thinking of Patty.

would suspect her of

she went crazy on her own.”

your cooperation at

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

away.

the

an eerie sense of inevitability,

was still

placing herself between

things clear right here first. Are you taking her for

a pretext to lock her

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

our work,”

insulted you? Is that how bold

Can’t I even ask

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

not involved, she’ll be free to

sarcasm, “So

the investigation

frown deepened, “She’s a suspect

if I don’t let you take

punishable by up to three years in

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

then stepped forward to

“Who reported

hesitation, they

her whole being feeling like it had

of suffocation, numbness set

was this his way of stabbing

throat at the realization of the

ruthlessness.

long pause, Cicely nodded slowly. She stood

Then,

any disturbance, rose gently.

worry, I won’t let them

right now.”

you think…” Cicely seemed not to hear

as if to herself.

on her niece’s profile, noticing the faint,

smile.

really love

Seth who sent Issac away,

to divorce

Seth

feel maybe he loved

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

of his fingers on her wrist from gripping

loved her as well.

and he never answered, never admitted

So she wasn’t sure.

Lana’s mind, when Cicely asked this question, the last look in

emerged. To this moment, she still

the Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s like

twilit night that just lost light and life and was

darkening.

some reason, she

metaphor.

“He does.”

people’s love is abnormal, and that’s the

smile.

the young girl in front of her was thinking.

about

smile and nodded faintly. “You just

to leave, and visit grandpa. In

I’ll

come back; she felt like she just had a little

any more incidents now. So,

brow furrowed instantly

gentle smile, “Just going in for a

“No way!”

sliced through the air,

enforcement officers beside them darkened

to obstruct official duties, we are

according to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

go with you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana off. “Auntie, this

Enter title…

After years of

a lot about

check on grandpa and make sure

with them. And, could you please go first?

I’m

such seemingly sentimental things

somewhat ridiculous, but that was just the

she was.

her

everything that’s happened these

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

things out when you get back. You don’t need

for other important

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

pick you up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

eyes suddenly

just moments ago was

and distress. “What are

suspect, we need to ensure there’s no trouble.

cooperate with us.”

want to

lady of the Ellis family. How could

and I won’t

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

necessary forceful action.”

did just that. Without letting Cicely argue,

a “click,” those

steel of the cuffs.

tingle in her nose, biting her lip

hands clenched into

relaxed.

steps out, at the emergency exit, Seth

deep-set eyes calmly watching her. She slowed her

officer nodded at

gaze remained fixed on the woman between them,

hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his

trouser pocket clenched tightly. After a moment,

go with

stared back at him.

felt a coldness seeping into her

shown fear and panic, was now facing him.

indifference, to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

you?

I did actually hurt someone, my family would ensure

in this way? Let

days can you

eyes narrowed dangerously, as if something feral was struggling

abyss of his gaze. His

whitening, his palm’s

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

choking him.

tasting his words, “Know when to

at the cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands,

of showing goodwill?”

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

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

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

quickly followed her

leaving the hospital, Cicely stopped again. Staring

“Could you cover

borrowed a lab

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

was whisked away in the police car to the nearest precinct. Straight

then directed

she pretended to

one-way

varnished table with

working conditions were less than

uniformed officers, pistols at their hips, stood

interrogation didn’t begin immediately. Cicely

on

ticked by. She thought about the

delay the interrogation as a psychological tactic, but

She didn’t hurt anyone.

one-way glass, Seth watched Cicely

indifferent.

minute, the interrogator entered. The supposed ‘statement’

actual interrogation.

Liar.

The interrogator asked

events.

and she shared every detail

her telling Patty that she and

loved her

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

hand and stabbed herself with the knife.

me the assailant, right?”

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