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

her gaze,

holding back restraint

me go

take a

She cut him off,

unshed tears.

darkened, his voice suddenly turning

stern

struck her, she pulled out her

phone to

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

attempts, she gave up

was in chaos, but the

her to calm down.

he? How

was taken by

good are you? You can’t save a

point of this

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

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without any answers,

like a zombie devoid of

against the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

result was the same. The call was disconnected

began.

phone, her hand

seemed to be crying,

and sorrow were palpable.

pulled her into his arms, his

his deep and gentle voice emanating from above her.

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt to struggle

about a minute of

and Tom Yum soup.

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and

seemed far too out

her

down and picked her up. Cicely did not

fatigue as she leaned on

instructed Charlie

and Seth

drank, she nestled into the

later, Charlie

with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she set

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

“Do you not want to divorce

his cup

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

taking Issac away, making me

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

divorce you over him?”

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

might be right.”

else do you

in my hands good enough? Or is it because I was

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

on, and you can’t get

lips pressed into a straight line.

after a long while, he hooked his lips and piled

“So no matter what, this marriage…

be ended

lips curled in a sardonic smile,

me?”

you wanted to dump me. Why

you for

tinged with a cold

no reason,

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

“Mr. Diaz, the company matters are

you; it can’t be delayed

the events of the previous day

and executives

been bombarded with calls, including

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

his wife’s side, cool and

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

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against the back

couch.

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

mess out there, and you won’t

the hospital to

remained silent. She could hear Seth’s

the door. “Keep a close eye on her.

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

in to clear the table and

remnants of the meal.

Two burly men followed her as

natural thing in the

elevator up to Creighton’s

outside for a good fifteen minutes before

could enter.

was still not optimistic. Creighton needed to

critical forty-eight hours

thanked the doctor. She then sat beside

rested

down the sourness

inside her.

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

that USB drive. He’s part of

a bit special. It can

automatically. As soon as

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard

we retrieve the files, I’ll

need to worry. I’m your daughter,

mistreated? I agreed to go

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

prove I’m clear, I’ll tear the place

of trouble growing up, but I’ve

thought of it makes my hands itch to

deal with later,

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

you’ve got to recover

support.”

and wiped away the tears at the corner

hair. Her heart was full

say to

talk about Issac’s situation,

might be pregnant.

detached bystanders. Even if someone died,

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes

is infuriating.

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

support. That was why she couldn’t bring

these issues.

how much Issac meant to her, how heartbroken

how ill-timed a pregnancy would

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

to Creighton about trivial things,

aftermath of the

an hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to

Cicely went to the hospital’s park and sat

the parking lot. Her mind was a blur. All

hoping for Creighton to wake up;

anything beyond that.

she stared blankly at the distant parking

large bags and happy faces, others rushing

figure carrying things from a

that

Grandpa calling. He asked about

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

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

to accept

she spun around, her eyes

dead?”

cruel, ruthless reality she least

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

and up close, the resentment in

unmistakable. She pushed against his

woman’s strength isn’t much. Seth thought she might slap him in

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is

met her gaze,

widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why

me go out

have dinner, take a shower, and

off, her

unshed tears.

his voice suddenly turning cold,

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

she pulled out her phone and dialed

phone

off the moment it started to ring. She tried

or six attempts, she gave up

hospital director’s office was in chaos,

her to calm down.

is he? How can someone

Cicely, the patient was taken by his father. We couldn’t stop

you? You can’t save a life,

the point of this

her vent her frustration. Seth stood by, allowing her

the end, exhausted and without any answers,

like a zombie devoid of thought,

against the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed

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

began.

put away her phone, her hand resting

seemed to be crying, soundlessly,

and sorrow were palpable.

gently pulled her into

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

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to struggle or resist. She

minute of

Tom Yum soup. I don’t want

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and

far too

closed her eyes,

down and picked her up. Cicely

she leaned on him,

instructed Charlie to prepare

the bed, and Seth handed her a

After she drank, she nestled

hour later, Charlie

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

with a napkin, and looked at

not want

his cup tightened

on the couch, her tone as cold and

think, by taking Issac away, making me

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

divorce you over him?”

After setting the glass down, he said,

might be right.”

What else do

in my hands good enough? Or is it because I was the one who spoke

feeling of being dumped, and you

been trampled on, and you can’t

lips

a long while,

him. “So no

be ended for

lips curled in a sardonic smile,

me?”

you wanted to dump me. Why would I

you for

with a cold smile, grew chillier

no

knock on the door interrupted them, and Seth turned to

Diaz, the company

it can’t

events of the previous day and losing an entire building,

shareholders and executives

had been bombarded with calls, including the one

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

by his wife’s side,

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

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her

couch.

grabbed his jacket from the couch. “I’ve

and you

the hospital to

She could hear Seth’s footsteps fading away,

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

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

left the ward. Two burly men followed her as

most natural thing in the

up to Creighton’s intensive

she waited outside for a good fifteen minutes

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed

past the critical forty-eight hours to be truly out

doctor. She then sat beside the

and rested

Cicely closed her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

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

USB drive. He’s part of a computer club

special. It

drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

no issue. Joel and his team are working

and we retrieve the

your daughter, after

I agreed to go to the justice department because

my innocence. If they dare to bring me in

as I prove I’m clear, I’ll

caused plenty of trouble growing up,

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

a mess to deal with later, and I’ll

to get

place up. Dad, you’ve got to

support.”

tears at

Her heart was full

say to

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

be pregnant. But everyone who should

died, it was

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the

is infuriating.

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

why she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

to her, how

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

so she couldn’t tell him

talked to Creighton about trivial

aftermath of the

passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in

leaving the unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s

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

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

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking lot, watching people

happy faces, others

a familiar figure carrying

that moment, her phone

asked about her

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

followed the man as

familiar face, one that

debates before.

assistant

care of

calamity befalling the family,

she had not even returned home to

fine. Just go see how Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in a

Enter title…

Cicely got up and walked over to the railing

and going in the

other end of the phone was long and

hands gripped the rusted railing tightly as she spoke in a

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

have taken much, maybe just a minute sooner,

ten might

the blast, and Issac wouldn’t have

deep, gravelly voice filled with helplessness and a choke

from the phone, “Cicely…”

do you know what Issac meant to me? He was

but now that

was the old man’s granddaughter.

wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

a deep breath, “Alright. I’ll go

for you.”

Cicely put away her phone and turned, expressionless, towards

hospital.

room for long before Cicely arrived. Charlie

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

the

her.

room, looking haggard with sunken,

of the bed,

at the top, when she heard a

doorway.

Shane could react, Patty had already jumped to

“What are you

room. These were matters among

hate. It was best for him to keep out

affairs.

smile, “Ms. Patty,

than you

said, she

up so tightly on the bed, only eyes

mouth visible.

mouth was crusted with dry skin.

hatred, as if all her

tear Cicely apart.

well, and he asked me

see just how pitiful

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

point of

no humanity? That’s your cousin you’re

really wish

longer hold back, shaking with rage.

remained indifferent, her gaze fixed on

out from the bandages looked

glared at her with a fury that seemed desperate

hatred.

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

a cursed

you suffer misfortune?”

lips trembled, “You are the cursed one.” Her voice was hoarse,

if speaking was pulling at her

eyes.

you hadn’t

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

to me than if

suddenly shouted beside her, “Do you

like stray dogs to

forgotten how you used to cling

her head, her detached

“What

out of your mind?” Cicely finally

deliberately picking a fight? Everyone knows

heartless and ungrateful,

that it’s actually you who are the

“You…”

do you think

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

your oh-so-superior

the anger in her eyes intensifying. “You saving

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

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

If you hadn’t come,

be like this. You have the nerve to come here and take

even begun to settle

felt the absurdity of it all. How twisted

so thankless, to be unable to

blatantly distort the truth.

turned slowly, her eyes narrowing with a

we hadn’t come along, Danielle would be

would you. Your fate? Nothing more than two

to shrink back at her

you to be falling over yourselves

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

every day from here on out, you

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

was a brief silence in the hospital room.

temples throb with

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

the

head. “You think he got

say his death was

emanating from Cicely, trembled from

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

you

a

“Am I wrong? I didn’t

choice on your own, dragging that spineless

you hadn’t come, how could he have possibly

Enter title…

Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly against her

if

me for Danielle, Danielle would have

one in their right

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed

paring knife in Patty’s hand. Her

through the searing pain in her body,

out each word with her raspy

who said you wanted to go upstairs to fetch your wedding

right from the start,

He might have even gone back

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

interspersed with painful gasps, “Besides, it

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

on me and Patty.”

her reasons for wanting to go

it

known it from the

They owed Issac a debt of gratitude, not

unforgivable as his

could there be such

clenched into fists, her body trembling with

gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was

the late Millie

in temperament. Millie was a nothing more

arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down on others.

seemed to have

had died, Patty hadn’t seen

it through her daughter. She

Cicely’s anguish.

cruel smile tinged with satisfaction and

hurt her, badly, by

a long silence, Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh

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

and trying to gain your favor.

slowly lifted her left

a mocking tone, “We’re already

face contorted in shock, and even Danielle

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her

of realized it. It was indeed quite pleasant

relieving.

nearly forced himself on me, Seth

composure

you really never seen a similar ring on Seth? Or do you want to see

drawer of the

staring at the ring on Cicely’s

even more grotesquely. “No! I don’t believe it!

me…”

cool and dismissive, “Then why would

Especially when I had already given up on him.

around that

was struggling to control

“He would never fall for you. He promised

nodded, feigning understanding, “Well, so other than him loving me,

think of why he would choose to

for the Ellis Group shares,

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

lie to you? I can’t

slowly recovering from her shock, eyed the trembling knife

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

your father is not out of the

You should spend time with him

suddenly darkened as she turned to Danielle, her

you talking about? Who says

noticed Patty’s gaze piercing her and continued

told me. They have been keeping

Creighton is dying? Creighton is dying?!” Patty’s shrill voice cut

frowned and as she turned, she

knife lunging

shock, instinctively shielded her stomach and stumbled

“It’s all your fault!

her retreat halted by

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

wrong with you?!”

trembling in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate

through Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s

down her cheeks as she glared at Cicely,

all because of you! If it weren’t for you,

be fine. You’re like a curse.

find Millie and stop

was still reeling from Patty’s emotional outburst. Did she really care

condition this much? What was going

loved her father so much, why did Patty want to kill

me, he would never fall for you.” Patty’s vision swirled

Cicely. One moment it was Millie’s

back

seeing Patty’s bewildered look, glanced down at

it away,

Cicely’s hand.

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

sure Seth hates you for the rest

process her words, Patty yanked Cicely’s hand,

and plunged it into her

as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

blood spraying onto Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty

grip, watching as her warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a

began to slide down, she

blanket

volumes. That word was alreay

indescribably tight, her eyes

to convey

sight filled Danielle with terror, and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

Shane and

scene stunned them into

drenched in blood, while Cicely

bloodstained knife, her clothes

was the first to snap out of it and

into chaos, and Cicely stood frozen

avoidant glances from the

been tough and brash, but she had

such a gory scene,

out of the room by

where she shakily washed the blood from her hands,

she made

visiting hours and stood outside the unit,

been with her

as they

a daze, she overheard a commotion

are you guys? Step

but you need to leave

few seconds of

“Cicely.”

lifting her head and turning toward the

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

a young lady, an air of graceful allure

softening her

stared in confusion at the familiar

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

and with a slight frown, she tapped

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

wince and step aside.

see Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With a

cradling her niece’s face.

she shook her head slightly, but tears

nonetheless.

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

even when Millie

Cicely had been through, Lana

her hair, Lana whispered softly,

am here now.”

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

had witnessed upon entering the

chest, the blood-stained knife

out in the hospital

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

but no matter how it was explained, everything seemed to

Cicely.

and saw Cicely standing with another

deep in conversation.

two men in black sighed in relief when they

Cicely tensed.

appraising the young man before her. Handsome,

beyond his

his attempts at composure, Lana’s experienced

through his façade.

man. No wonder Cicely had fallen for

My niece’s husband?”

confusion.

to Cicely, whose face was ghastly pale, he

Seth, her silence lingering for a few

“Your mother might be

on a divorce, her condition

no need for you to worry.” Lana was always

her mind about right and wrong, even

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

headaches.

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

divorce?”

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

continue living together? It’s better

terms while you’re still young, so neither of you

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

emotionless. “Did you say

narrowed her eyes at

give you the shares

“Is Issac dead?”

Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked up at Seth with

stare, “You’re asking

means we can’t get a

heart, “Seth, just to

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

or hear of his death, we’re

“Think what you want.”

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

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

your actions now. Could

hand in his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes

you tell my

to use her to

we’re married, at your proposal. And I asked her

gaze locked onto her,

interested in their emotional entanglement. Glancing at the

go talk to the doctor,

take your dad and you first, and then we’ll

bring your grandfather over.”

was already walking away but paused mid-way,

before turning to Cicely, “If he refuses

him. If I remember correctly, the marriage law states

irreconcilable differences, living apart for two years will

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll

Seth caught her wrist.

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

leave just like that?”

go ahead and

his voice subdued and

provoke me.”

heart sank a little. “It sounds like you’re planning on killing me if

on leaving?”

“No.”

and I’ll complete

later.”

on

understand what

growl. For a moment, she was silent. The

tightened. He spoke again, his gentle voice marked by

“Behave, Cicely. Don’t

Cicely was gripped by palpitations. Painfully,

shackles. She didn’t answer

him an

the darker his gaze was, the

instinctively as she struggled.

A thin layer of

forward, and grasped his hand,

his grip as unyielding as iron claws embedded in

the end, it was with all

break

loosened, Lana

a wary gaze, her heart skipping a beat

bottomless eyes.

kind of look was that? It was deep,

bones at the bottom of an abyss,

hurried away. She

to

if she realized what kind of man

had provoked.

figures

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

“Don’t provoke me,”

more ominous in hindsight.

considered how severe the consequences of

could be.

where the confidence came

killed if she insisted on

said.

there was nothing more desperate

again,

Enter title…

doctor, and they’d

it was the presence of someone to lean

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

was half an hour, Lana did not stay in the

duration. Even for her big brother, she couldn’t bear standing

thirty minutes. She

meaningless activities.d2

fifteen minutes, Lana glanced at the girl sitting by the hospital

holding her father’s, her plea for

her lips. She raised

your dad for now.

grandpa.”

“Then I’ll visit grandpa

Your grandpa’s spirit

he lived

her mouth to speak, but in the end,

managed a soft “Mhm.”

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

for you,

relaxed a little. With her

Seth would do next. Especially concerning

she felt clueless on

ICU, they

eyes glanced over the documents in their hands

on Cicely’s face. “Are

uniforms, a wave of panic washed

The officers noticed her reaction and

glance.

there’s been an allegation against you for

to come with us to

of them

eyes flickered, immediately thinking of Patty.

would suspect

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

just asking for your cooperation at this

the station,” the leading officer interrupted

away.

investigation. First, it was the Department of Justice, and now

station. Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability,

anything wrong yet was still

between Cicely and the officers.

first. Are you taking her

a pretext to

stern. “Ma’am, please

our work,”

scoffed, “Have I insulted you? Is that how

Can’t

face grew serious, “We’ll

evidence. If she’s not involved,

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

the investigation

deepened, “She’s a suspect

I don’t

up to three years in

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

stepped forward to face the officers

“Who reported the

they answered, “Mr.

contracted sharply, her whole being feeling like it

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

to provoke him, was this his way of stabbing her

Lana’s throat at the realization of the

ruthlessness.

slowly. She stood still, her gaze fixed

Then, after several seconds, her voice,

rose

I won’t let them take you. I’ll go

right now.”

to hear Lana’s words, continuing to

as if to herself.

profile,

smile.

really

Seth who sent Issac away,

want to

Seth

to feel maybe he

want to let her leave with her aunt at any cost.

of his fingers on her wrist from

loved her as well.

plainly, and

So she wasn’t sure.

mind, when Cicely asked this question, the last look

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

stayed. It’s like a twilit night

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

darkening.

some reason, she inclined more

metaphor.

“He does.”

people’s love is abnormal, and

Cicely smile. “Do you think

know what the young girl in front of

about

slowly tapered off her smile and nodded

and visit grandpa. In order not to stir

I’ll just go

come back; she felt like she just had a little

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

furrowed instantly as she grabbed

a gentle smile, “Just going in for

“No way!”

the

them

are well within

to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

cut

Enter title…

narrowed. After years of being

lot about the situation

you go check on grandpa and make sure someone looks

And, could you please go first? I

taken away, looking like I’m

thinking about such seemingly sentimental things at

was somewhat ridiculous, but that was

she was.

breath with her eyes closed. “I’ll go

need. With everything that’s happened these past few days, there’s

and I don’t understand

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

for other important

two seconds. “Alright, I’ll take

you up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

two officers approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

eyes suddenly shrank,

from just

distress. “What are

a suspect, we need to

cooperate with us.”

want to

a lady of the Ellis family. How could she

and I won’t run. So there’s

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

necessary forceful action.”

And they did just that. Without letting

“click,” those delicate wrists were encircled

steel of the cuffs.

in her nose, biting her lip

eyes. Her hands clenched

relaxed.

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

watching her.

Diaz.” The officer

the woman between them, especially

handcuffs around her hands. His eyes narrowed

his trouser pocket clenched tightly. After a moment, he spoke,

to go

back at him. Despite

seeping

face, which had just shown fear and panic, was

from indifference, to anger,

curve on her lips.

the consequence of provoking you? The Ellis family hasn’t

I did actually hurt someone,

make me give in this way?

can

dangerously, as if something

his gaze. His

knuckles whitening, his

His voice was tense, as if something was

choking him.

his words,

looked down at the cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands,

of showing goodwill?”

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

“Weren’t you in a hurry to

Even if you’re not,

quickly

Cicely stopped again. Staring

“Could you cover this up

officer borrowed a lab coat from the front

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

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

she went. She was then directed to sit

she pretended to casually

small, with a one-way mirror opposite

a cheaply varnished table with a recorder on it. Nothing

The working conditions

pistols at their hips,

begin immediately. Cicely sat

on

by. She thought about the cop dramas she’d

as a psychological tactic, but did they

She didn’t hurt anyone.

one-way glass, Seth watched Cicely sitting

indifferent.

entered. The

actual interrogation.

Liar.

so-called statement began. The interrogator asked her to recount

events.

shared every

Patty that she and Seth had gotten

Seth loved

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

grabbed my hand and stabbed herself with the knife. That

me the assailant, right?”