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

persisted, “Is Issac

met her gaze,

widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why

me go out last

you needed to have dinner, take a shower, and

him off, her eyes shimmering with

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

upward, studying Seth’s stern face

her, she pulled out

phone

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

six attempts, she

director’s office was in chaos, but the director

her to calm down.

How can someone just

taken by his father. We couldn’t

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

the point

could only let her vent her frustration. Seth

the end, exhausted and without

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

wall, she

was the same. The call

began.

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

into a ball. She seemed to be crying, soundlessly,

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her

and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to

about a minute

juice and Tom Yum soup. I

restaurants outside.”

current calm and compliance,

seemed far too

her eyes,

her up. Cicely did

she leaned on him, her eyes

Charlie

bed, and Seth handed her

she drank,

later, Charlie

with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she set

with a napkin,

you not want to divorce

his cup

leaning on the couch, her tone as

Issac away, making me unable to see

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

divorce you over him?”

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

might be right.”

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

is it because I was the one

being dumped, and you

been trampled on, and you can’t

his thin lips

long while, he hooked his lips and

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

to be ended for

curled in a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

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

you for

eyes, tinged with a cold smile,

“For no

the door interrupted them, and Seth turned to

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

it

day and

and executives were

been bombarded with calls, including

him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to

by his wife’s side, cool and

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

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

slowly closed her eyes against the back of

couch.

his jacket

and you won’t gain anything from

hospital to avoid

silent. She could hear Seth’s footsteps fading

detached voice at the door. “Keep a close eye on her. Don’t

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table

remnants of the meal.

stood and left the ward. Two burly men followed

thing

the elevator up to Creighton’s intensive

so she waited outside for

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed to

the critical forty-eight hours to be truly

the doctor. She then

Creighton’s hand, and rested her

eyes, pushing down the

inside her.

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

me that USB drive. He’s part

a bit special. It

drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

and his team

and we retrieve the

your daughter, after all. How could I

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice

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

clear, I’ll

up, but I’ve never actually

it makes my hands

to deal with later, and I’ll

me to get arrested, I

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

support.”

tears at the corner of her

Her heart was full of

had so much to say to someone,

to talk about Issac’s situation, her desire

be pregnant. But everyone who should know

bystanders. Even if someone died, it was just

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s

is infuriating.

would

was why she couldn’t bring

these issues.

Issac meant to

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

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him any

trivial things, carefully avoiding any mention

of the

hour passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came

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

was the parking lot. Her mind was a blur.

Creighton to

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant

leaving with large bags and happy faces,

she recognized a familiar figure

hospital. At that

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad

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

side to side, disbelief etched on her

unable to accept what had happened. After

around, her eyes bloodshot with distress.

dead?”

spoke directly, confronting the cruel, ruthless reality she least

face.

flickered slightly as he replied, his

know.”

Enter title…

toward him, and up close, the resentment in her

She pushed against

much. Seth thought she might slap him in fury, as

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac really

met her

holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why didn’t

go out

dinner, take a shower, and get some

She cut him off, her

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

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

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

phone to

it started to

six attempts, she

office was in chaos, but the director could only plead

her to calm down.

he? How can

was taken by his father.

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

the point of this

her vent her frustration.

end, exhausted and without any answers,

a zombie devoid of

against the hallway wall, she mechanically

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

began.

phone, her hand resting on

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

and sorrow were palpable.

her and gently pulled her into his

her head, his deep and gentle

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no attempt to struggle or resist. She

a minute of silence, she spoke softly.

Yum soup. I don’t want

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm and compliance, compared to

seemed far too

closed her

Cicely

fatigue as she leaned on

Charlie

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

drank, she nestled into

later, Charlie brought

with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

mouth with a napkin, and looked

“Do you not want

on his

who was leaning on the couch, her tone as cold

taking Issac

not that he’s dead,

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said, “It sounds

might be right.”

else

it

being

can’t get

clenched, his thin lips pressed into

long while,

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

be ended for

a sardonic smile, “Can’t you

me?”

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

you for

a cold smile,

“For no reason,

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

stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company

waiting for you; it can’t be delayed any

the events of the previous day

and

been bombarded with

handed off to him. Mr. Diaz had first

hospital, staying by his wife’s side, cool

Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

withdrew her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

straightened up and grabbed his jacket from the couch. “I’ve

It’s a mess out there, and you won’t gain anything

put in the hospital to avoid unnecessary

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

detached voice at the door. “Keep a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

slowly stood and left the ward. Two

thing

elevator up to Creighton’s

outside for a good fifteen

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed to

the critical forty-eight hours to be

thanked the doctor. She then sat beside

Creighton’s hand, and rested her cheek against its

down the sourness and fear welling

inside her.

said in those recordings. Yes, I said it, but

me that USB drive. He’s

a bit special. It can fry a computer, but

automatically. As

and his team are

we retrieve the files, I’ll

need to worry. I’m your daughter, after

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department

of my innocence. If they dare to

as I prove I’m clear, I’ll tear the

plenty of trouble growing up, but I’ve never

The thought of it makes my hands itch

deal with later, and I’ll definitely need your

me to get arrested, I won’t.

got to recover quickly and

support.”

up and wiped away the tears at the corner

heart was full of

had so much to say

talk about Issac’s situation, her

pregnant.

bystanders. Even if someone died, it was just a

excitement for them.

one person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

who truly cared for her would react the

couldn’t

these issues.

Issac meant to her,

ill-timed a pregnancy would

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell him

trivial things, carefully avoiding any

the

quickly, and the ICU

Cicely went to the hospital’s park

fence. Beyond the fence was the parking lot. Her

for Creighton to wake up; she couldn’t

anything beyond that.

at the distant parking lot,

bags and happy faces, others rushing in with

figure carrying

At that moment, her phone

asked about

said, “Go

the man as he disappeared, then she withdrew

familiar face, one that had clashed with Seth in

debates before.

assistant working

care

befalling the family, Erik was bedridden. There was

house, and she had not even

Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in

Enter title…

walked over to

the parking lot, “Issac is

of

gripped the rusted railing tightly as she spoke

and Danielle hadn’t dilly-dallied and just gotten

much, maybe just a

or even ten might have been enough. We

Issac

helplessness and a

from the phone, “Cicely…”

meant to me? He

around, but now that

man’s granddaughter. So

Patty wasting so much time for the

wouldn’t have died.

pause, Cicely took a deep breath, “Alright.

for you.”

Cicely put away her phone and turned, expressionless, towards

hospital.

in Danielle’s room for long before Cicely arrived. Charlie

some lunch. The

stood to either side of the hospital room door, not

her.

in Danielle’s room, looking haggard with sunken,

the bed,

top, when she heard a knock

doorway.

Shane could react, Patty had already jumped to

are you

left the room. These were

love and hate. It was best

affairs.

“Ms. Patty,

speaking, I’m closer to her than you are, so why wouldn’t

she

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

mouth visible.

dry skin.

her

tear Cicely apart.

well, and he asked me to

came to see just how pitiful

just healed, and now you’re back in

point of living

you got no humanity? That’s your cousin

wish her

could no longer hold back, shaking with

remained indifferent, her gaze fixed

the bandages looked both comical

at her with a fury that seemed desperate

hatred.

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

Danielle, were you born under a

you suffer misfortune?”

the cursed one.” Her voice was

if speaking was pulling at her wounds, causing

eyes.

“Danielle, if you hadn’t

I wouldn’t have met

difference to me than if you were stray

her,

Seth are like stray dogs to you? And what does

forgotten how

that, Cicely slowly turned her head, her detached and icy gaze

“What

mind?” Cicely

deliberately picking a fight? Everyone knows how I feel

thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but somehow I

that it’s actually you who are the most

“You…”

hadn’t come to save you, do you

gratitude, but is a

for your oh-so-superior

in her eyes intensifying.

International, trying to curry favor so

you and Seth? Otherwise, why would you

come, we would have missed

have the nerve to come here

to settle the score with

absurdity of it all. How twisted

unable to distinguish right

blatantly distort the truth.

with a dangerous glint as she

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

so would you. Your fate? Nothing

to shrink back at her

never expected you to be falling over yourselves with

lives? They

every day from here on

of gratitude. If it weren’t for

was a brief silence in the hospital room.

Cicely’s temples throb with a

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

if the explosion that had

“You think he

say his death was

emanating from Cicely, trembled from head

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

you trying

froze, her figure rigid as a

mocking smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t

that choice on your own, dragging that spineless lapdog up

doom. If you hadn’t come, how

Enter title…

Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly

“Even if I did come up because I was

but if you hadn’t stalled me

died. No one in their right

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the dangerous

paring

through the searing pain in

raspy voice. “Cicely,

you wanted to go upstairs to

right from the start, Issac wouldn’t

might have even

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

voice was now interspersed with painful gasps, “Besides, it

with his body. No matter what,

on me and Patty.”

was speechless. No matter her reasons for wanting to go upstairs for

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

had known

owed

as his death being

could there be

her body trembling with

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

the late Millie were so similar, not just

temperament. Millie was a nothing more

anyone else, always looking down on others.

men seemed to have a soft

seen her humiliated

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

Cicely’s anguish.

cruel smile tinged with satisfaction and triumph flickered in Patty’s

her, badly, by any means

silence, Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh and

why I came to

trying to gain your favor. You probably haven’t

faint smile and slowly lifted her left hand. As Patty’s

Cicely continued in a mocking

and even Danielle on the sickbed

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty

realized it. It was indeed quite

relieving.

after Ray nearly forced himself

fragile composure

you really never seen a similar ring on

the drawer of the bedroom at

a few seconds, staring

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

me…”

dismissive, “Then

when I had already given up on him.

another man around that

struggling to control herself, the knife

never fall for you.

so other than

would choose to

was for the Ellis Group

“If that’s the case,

Why lie to you? I can’t

her shock, eyed the

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

the woods yet, and his time

spend time

darkened as she turned to Danielle, her eyes

Who says

piercing her and

have been

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

she turned,

knife lunging

instinctively shielded her

again. “It’s all your

her retreat halted by the hutch

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

wrong with you?!”

trembling in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate from deep

shivers through Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s eyes were

she glared at Cicely, unable to mask

of you! If it

You’re like a

find Millie and

Patty’s emotional outburst. Did she really

this much? What was going through Patty’s

loved her father so much, why did Patty want

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

of Millie and Cicely. One moment

flipping back

bewildered look, glanced down at the

thought to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly

Cicely’s hand.

her a cruel smile. “I told you once

even if I die, I’ll make sure Seth hates you for the rest of his

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

and plunged it into

widened in horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked

Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty then slowly

blood painted Cicely’s

down, she clung to Danielle’s hospital

the blanket

agonized expression spoke volumes. That

the blanket indescribably tight, her eyes locked

convey a

sight filled Danielle with terror, and she finally let

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

open as Shane and two men who had

in. The scene

bed, drenched in

bloodstained knife, her clothes

snap out of it and called for a

descended into chaos, and Cicely

receiving suspicious and avoidant glances from the

terrified. She might have been tough and

scene, especially

she was ushered out of the room by the

washed the blood from her

Then, in a daze, she made her way to Creighton’s

arrived before visiting hours and stood outside the unit, lost and

had been with her immediately called Seth, unsure of

do as they stood by her

daze, she overheard

you guys? Step

but you need

seconds of

“Cicely.”

slowly lifting her head and turning toward the

woman stood before her, well-preserved, exuding a

the youthful grace of a young lady,

softening

confusion at the

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

fixed on her, and with a slight

a mess.” The tap was firm,

wince and step aside.

Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With a furrowed brow,

niece’s face. “What’s

shook her

nonetheless.

but seeing Cicely’s tears, she

cry even

Cicely had been through, Lana took a deep breath

Stroking her hair, Lana whispered softly, “It’s okay,

am here now.”

raced to the hospital. Patty was

had witnessed upon entering

was stabbed in the chest, the blood-stained knife was in

passed out

with his words, not

no matter how it was explained, everything seemed to

Cicely.

at Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely

deep in conversation.

sighed in relief

Cicely tensed.

young man before

his years. But

attempts at composure, Lana’s experienced eyes could

through his façade.

a good man. No wonder Cicely had

niece’s husband?” Lana’s words

confusion.

gaze to Cicely, whose face

lingering for a few seconds before she

mother might be in critical

on a divorce, her condition is none

you to worry.”

made up her mind about right and wrong,

it tenaciously, a trait that had often caused

headaches.

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

divorce?”

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

has happened and continue living together? It’s better

you’re still young, so neither

kept his eyes intently on

“Did you say

narrowed her eyes at the arrogant

“I’ll give you the

“Is Issac dead?”

shook, and she

“You’re

dead, which means we can’t

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

something to do with Issac’s

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

“Think what you want.”

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

possibly fall for

now. Could it be that you’ve

hand in his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes

tell

“She suggested I saved her to use

at your proposal. And I asked her if

gaze locked onto her,

their emotional entanglement. Glancing at the

talk to the doctor, arrange for a

and you first, and then we’ll arrange for

bring your grandfather over.”

already

Cicely, “If he refuses to

with him. If I remember correctly, the

irreconcilable differences, living apart

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come with

follow Lana, Seth caught her wrist.

trace of restraint, “Do you really think I’d let

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize

at her silently, his voice subdued

provoke me.”

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

on leaving?”

“No.”

and I’ll complete other procedures two

later.”

on

understand what I

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

spoke again, his

Cicely. Don’t

Cicely was gripped by palpitations. Painfully, she twisted

break free from his shackles. She didn’t

gave him

his gaze was, the

instinctively as she struggled.

thin layer of sweat had pushed

forward, and grasped his hand, intending

as unyielding as

In the end, it was with all her strength that

break

loosened, Lana quickly

her heart skipping a beat at the sight

bottomless eyes.

was deep, unfathomable, as if stacking

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

and hurried away. She had

that seemed to live in eternal

back at Cicely and wondered if she realized what kind of

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures

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

every word he had said. “Don’t

more ominous in hindsight.

never considered how severe the consequences of

could be.

where the confidence came from,

if she insisted

said.

desperate and painful

again, she was

Enter title…

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

it was the presence of someone to

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

hour, Lana did not stay in the

brother, she

She never liked

meaningless activities.d2

at the girl sitting by

her plea

She raised

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

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then

too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is much stronger

After all, what hadn’t he lived through in his

opened her mouth to speak, but

managed a soft “Mhm.”

sliding into

wait for you, and we’ll

expression finally relaxed a little. With her aunt gone, she

Seth would do next. Especially concerning those two men in

by his side, she felt

the ICU, they were met by two police

Their eyes glanced over

on Cicely’s face. “Are

uniforms, a wave of

noticed her

glance.

been an allegation against you for intentional

need you to come with us

of them

thinking of Patty.

anyone would

do it; she went crazy on her

just asking for your cooperation at

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

away.

First, it was the Department of

an eerie sense of inevitability,

anything wrong yet was still trapped

between Cicely

here first. Are you taking her for questioning or using

pretext to

officers’ expressions grew stern. “Ma’am,

work,” one

Is that how bold and

these days? Can’t I even ask a

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

If she’s not involved, she’ll

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

investigation is

“She’s a

I don’t let

by up to three

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

blinked, pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to

question. “Who reported

they answered,

contracted sharply, her whole being feeling like it had been

suffocation, numbness set in. So, when

provoke him, was this his way of

hitched in Lana’s throat at the realization

ruthlessness.

Cicely nodded slowly. She stood still, her gaze

in thought. Then, after several seconds, her

rose

won’t let them take you. I’ll go find

right now.”

to hear Lana’s words,

as if to herself.

niece’s profile,

smile.

really love

confirm that it was Seth who sent Issac away,

to

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

to feel maybe he loved

didn’t want to let her leave with her aunt at any

wrist from gripping tightly seemed to suggest

loved her as well.

once asked him plainly, and he never answered,

So she wasn’t sure.

mind, when Cicely asked this question, the

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

Reaper had stayed. It’s like a twilit night that

night that

darkening.

light and life… For some reason, she inclined

metaphor.

“He does.”

is abnormal, and that’s

Cicely smile. “Do

in front of

about

tapered off her smile and nodded faintly. “You

arrange for dad to leave, and visit grandpa.

I’ll just

aunt had just come back; she felt like she just had

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

Lana’s brow furrowed

gentle smile, “Just

“No way!”

through the air, brooking no

law enforcement officers beside them darkened in demeanor.

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

to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana off.

Enter title…

of being

lot about the situation

you go check on grandpa and make sure someone looks after

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

away, looking like I’m being sent off to

that thinking about such seemingly sentimental

was somewhat ridiculous, but that was just the kind

she was.

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

that’s happened these

deal with, and I don’t understand

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

for other important

seconds. “Alright, I’ll take care

up as soon

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

approached, one

other pulled out handcuffs.

those cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly

from just moments ago was replaced

and distress. “What are you

suspect, we need

cooperate with us.”

don’t want to

family. How could she possibly wear such

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

“If you don’t cooperate, don’t blame us for

necessary forceful action.”

that. Without letting Cicely argue, they

those delicate wrists were encircled

steel of the cuffs.

tingle in her nose, biting her lip

from her eyes. Her hands clenched into fists, shaking,

relaxed.

steps out, at the emergency exit,

eyes calmly watching her. She

Diaz.” The officer nodded at

remained fixed on the woman between them,

His eyes narrowed imperceptibly,

clenched tightly. After a

to go with your

chilled to the bone, stared back at

a coldness seeping into

pretty face, which had just shown fear and

anger,

curve on her lips.

consequence of provoking you? The Ellis family

if I did actually hurt someone, my family would ensure

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

many days can you

dangerously, as if something feral was struggling to

his gaze. His hand in his pocket clenched again,

bulging, knuckles whitening, his

His voice was tense,

choking him.

laughed, tasting his words,

cold, silvery handcuffs on

of showing goodwill?”

see Seth’s reaction

moving forward. “Weren’t you in a hurry

anymore? Even if you’re not, I’m

The officers quickly

Cicely stopped again. Staring at the

“Could you cover

borrowed a lab coat from

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly. Really

*

away in the police car to the nearest

went. She was then directed to sit in the

she pretended to casually look

with a one-way mirror opposite her, a camera in

with

working conditions were

at their hips, stood stoically

interrogation didn’t begin immediately. Cicely sat quietly,

spot on

by. She thought about

a psychological

She didn’t hurt anyone.

watched Cicely

indifferent.

minute, the interrogator entered.

actual interrogation.

Liar.

statement began. The interrogator

events.

and she shared every detail she thought

telling Patty that she and Seth had gotten married and

Seth loved

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

and stabbed herself with the knife. That doesn’t

me the assailant, right?”

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