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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

met her gaze,

holding back restraint and forbearance.

me go

needed to have dinner, take a shower, and get some

him off,

unshed tears.

suddenly turning

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

struck her, she pulled out her phone

the phone

off the moment it started to ring.

six attempts, she gave up

was in chaos, but the director could

her to calm down.

he? How can

the patient was taken by his father.

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

What’s the point

only let her vent her frustration. Seth

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without

of the director’s office, like a

hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

result was the same. The call was disconnected as soon

began.

hand

seemed to be crying, soundlessly, but her

and sorrow were palpable.

her into

of her head, his deep and

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no attempt to struggle

but after about a minute of

soup. I don’t want meat or anything from

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared to

hysteria, seemed far too

her eyes, “I’m

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

leaned on him,

Charlie

and Seth handed her a glass of

she drank, she

later, Charlie brought

distinctive

her mouth with a napkin, and looked at Seth with

not want

grip on his

leaning on the couch, her tone as

“So you think, by taking Issac away, making me unable to see

he’s left, not that he’s dead, and

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said, “It sounds like

might be right.”

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

is it because

giving you a feeling of being dumped, and

has been trampled on, and you can’t

jaw was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

and after a long while, he

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

to be

smile, “Can’t

me?”

you wanted to dump

you for no

eyes, tinged with a cold

“For no reason,

knock on the door interrupted them, and

Charlie stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the

waiting for you; it can’t be

the events of the previous day and losing

and executives

bombarded with calls,

him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to the Ellis

staying by his wife’s side, cool and composed as if

believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

and grabbed his jacket from

mess out there, and

the hospital to avoid unnecessary

hear Seth’s footsteps fading

a close eye on

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy

remnants of the meal.

ward. Two burly men followed her

natural thing in

up to Creighton’s intensive care

so she waited outside for a

could enter.

report was still not

past the critical forty-eight hours to be truly out of

She then sat

hand, and rested her cheek against its

closed her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

worry about what was said in those recordings.

trick Ray. Joel gave me that USB

bit special. It can fry a computer, but

automatically. As soon as

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard on the

ready and we retrieve the

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

be mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department

evidence of my innocence. If they dare to bring me

I’m clear, I’ll tear the place

up, but I’ve never actually

The thought of it makes my

to deal with later, and I’ll

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

the place up. Dad, you’ve got to recover

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears at the corner of her

hair. Her heart was full of pain

so much to say to someone, so

Issac’s situation, her desire to divorce Seth, and

be pregnant. But everyone who should know

bystanders. Even if someone died, it was

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes

is infuriating.

cared for her would react the most,

she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

much Issac meant to

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

she couldn’t

trivial things, carefully avoiding

aftermath of the

the ICU doctor came in

to the

the fence was the parking lot. Her mind was a

Creighton to

anything beyond that.

the distant

bags and happy

figure carrying things from a

At that moment, her phone

asked

her, his expression somber

side to side, disbelief etched on her

in her surroundings, unable to accept what had

she spun around, her

dead?”

directly, confronting the cruel, ruthless reality she

face.

flickered slightly as he

know.”

Enter title…

and up

against his chest

she might slap him

instead she pushed him, and caught off guard,

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is

met her

back restraint and forbearance.

go

dinner, take a shower, and get

off, her eyes shimmering with a layer

unshed tears.

suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

stern face in

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

phone to her

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

After five or six attempts, she

chaos,

her to calm down.

is he? How

taken by his father. We couldn’t

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

What’s the point of this

let her vent her

the end, exhausted and

like a zombie devoid of thought, nearly drifting

against the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

was the same. The call was disconnected as soon as

began.

away her phone, her hand resting on

She seemed to be crying,

and sorrow were palpable.

her and gently pulled her into his arms,

and gentle voice emanating from above

go have lunch.”

her, making no attempt to

minute of silence, she spoke softly.

plum juice and Tom Yum soup. I don’t

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm

far too out

closed her

her up. Cicely did not

fatigue as she leaned on him,

Charlie to

on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass of

accepted. After she drank, she nestled

later, Charlie

always ate with a slow, distinctive

napkin, and looked at Seth with a

you not want to divorce

grip on his cup tightened

the couch, her tone as cold and indifferent as

taking Issac away, making me unable to see

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

divorce you over him?”

After setting the glass down, he said, “It sounds like

might be right.”

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

good enough? Or is it because I was the one

a feeling of being dumped, and you

and you can’t get over it, so

jaw was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

long while,

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

to be ended for

a sardonic smile, “Can’t you just pretend

me?”

you wanted

you for

cold smile, grew

no reason,

of a knock on the door interrupted them,

“Mr. Diaz, the company matters are

for you; it can’t be delayed

of the previous day

and executives were

bombarded with calls,

handed off to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to the Ellis Group,

his wife’s side, cool and composed as

Diaz

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

slowly closed her eyes against the back of

couch.

and grabbed his jacket

out there, and you won’t

put in the hospital

hear Seth’s footsteps

detached voice at the door. “Keep a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

clear the table and tidy

remnants of the meal.

Two burly men

most natural thing in

rode the elevator up to Creighton’s intensive

she waited outside for a good fifteen

could enter.

report was still not

past the critical forty-eight hours to

She then sat

rested her cheek against

pushing down the sourness

inside her.

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

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

bit special. It can fry a computer, but all the

hides automatically.

and his team are working

retrieve the files, I’ll

to worry. I’m your daughter, after

I agreed to go to the justice department because

of my innocence. If they dare to bring me

I’m clear, I’ll tear the

up, but I’ve

my hands itch to do

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

to get arrested, I

place up. Dad, you’ve got to

support.”

and wiped away the tears at the

hair. Her heart was full of pain and tenderness.

had so much to say

Issac’s situation, her

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who should

bystanders. Even if someone died,

excitement for them.

becomes another’s entertainment, the thought

is infuriating.

who truly cared for her would react the most,

support. That was why she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

to

a pregnancy would be now. Creighton

so she couldn’t tell him any

trivial things, carefully

aftermath of the

passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came

the hospital’s park and sat on

the fence was the parking lot. Her

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

anything beyond that.

blankly at the distant parking lot,

happy faces, others

familiar figure carrying

At that

He asked about

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

as he disappeared, then she withdrew

was a familiar face, one that had clashed with Seth in

debates before.

assistant working

take care

befalling the family, Erik

in the house, and she had not even returned

see how Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in a

Enter title…

Cicely got up and walked over to

and going in the parking lot,

on the other end of the phone was long and

gripped the rusted railing tightly as she

hadn’t dilly-dallied and

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

thirty seconds, or even ten might have

and Issac

gravelly voice filled with helplessness

from the phone, “Cicely…”

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

noticeable when around, but now that

man’s granddaughter. So was

much time

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

Cicely put away her phone and turned, expressionless,

hospital.

Danielle’s room for long

some lunch. The two following behind

the hospital room

her.

in Danielle’s room, looking haggard with

bed, peeling an apple

a knock and turned to see Cicely in

doorway.

Patty had already jumped to her feet, looking

“What are you doing

the room. These

and hate. It was best for him to

affairs.

wry smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has Ellis blood in her

her than

that said, she

fell on the person wrapped up so

mouth visible.

dry skin. Those bloodshot eyes were

all her

tear Cicely apart.

not well, and he asked

came to see just how pitiful you are. Covered

just healed, and now you’re back in bed.

of living

got no humanity? That’s your cousin you’re talking about,

really wish her

hold back, shaking with rage.

indifferent, her gaze fixed on Danielle.

out from the bandages

with a fury that seemed

hatred.

glaring at me? Seems like, Issac and I

you born under a cursed star? Why does everyone

you suffer misfortune?”

trembled, “You are the cursed

at her wounds, causing

eyes.

if you hadn’t returned to the

have happened. I wouldn’t have met you

to me than if you were

suddenly shouted beside her, “Do you not hear how

Danielle and Seth are like stray dogs

how you

head, her detached and icy

“What

Cicely finally said,

a fight? Everyone knows how

was heartless and ungrateful, but

actually you who

“You…”

you think you’d still be alive to argue

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

for your oh-so-superior

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

trying to curry favor

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

If you hadn’t come, we would have missed

like this. You have the nerve to come here and

begun to settle

of it all.

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

blatantly distort the truth.

with

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

so would you. Your fate?

her words,

expected you to be

Your lives? They

day from

weren’t for you two,

a brief silence in the hospital room. “Dead?

sneer made Cicely’s temples throb

do with us? Got what he deserved, didn’t he?” The

if the explosion that had rocked her world

once again inside her head. “You think he got

his death

the wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled

the paring knife she’d been nervously

you

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

cold, mocking smile. “Am I

that choice on your own, dragging that

doom. If you hadn’t come, how

Enter title…

forehead stood out starkly against

she felt. “Even if I did

me for Danielle, Danielle would have been

died. No one in

something like that.”

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

upon seeing the sharp paring

the searing pain in her body,

spat out each word with her raspy voice. “Cicely,

to go upstairs to fetch your wedding

the rescue helicopter right from the start,

have even gone back

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

interspersed with painful gasps,

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

on me and Patty.”

reasons for

a time, it didn’t matter anymore. Patty and

She had known it from

still saved them. They owed

as unforgivable as

could there be such

into fists, her body

reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was

Cicely and the late Millie were so similar,

in temperament. Millie was a nothing more than a call

arrogantly than anyone else,

men seemed to have a soft spot

Patty hadn’t seen her humiliated or in

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

Cicely’s anguish.

satisfaction and triumph flickered in Patty’s eyes.

to hurt her, badly,

Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh and

you know why I came to save you? It

gain your favor. You probably haven’t realized

smile and slowly lifted

Cicely continued in a mocking tone,

in shock, and even Danielle on the

incredulously at Cicely.

felt vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her with such

Now she kind of realized

relieving.

after Ray nearly forced himself on

already fragile composure shattered, “You’re

ring on Seth? Or

It’s in the drawer of the

seconds, staring

grotesquely. “No! I don’t believe

me…”

cool and dismissive, “Then why

on him. Now that I think about it,

man around that time. Perhaps he’s

Patty was struggling to control herself, the knife

never fall for you. He

understanding, “Well, so

think of why he would choose to marry me behind

the Ellis Group shares,

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

Why lie to you? I

from her shock,

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

not out of the woods yet,

spend

she turned

talking about? Who says my dad’s

her and continued despite

They have been keeping it

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

she turned, she saw Patty’s crazed

knife lunging

shock, instinctively shielded

lunged again. “It’s all your fault! You

halted by

out and grasp Patty’s

wrong with you?!”

trembling in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate

nerves. Patty’s

cheeks as she glared at

of you! If it

fine. You’re like a curse.

go find Millie and stop tormenting the

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

father’s condition this much? What was

so much, why did Patty

never fall for you.” Patty’s vision

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

flipping back and

down at the knife in her

wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened her

Cicely’s hand.

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

sure Seth hates

could process her words, Patty yanked

handle, and plunged it into her

Patty, clutching her hand, yanked the

face and clothes. Patty

as her warm blood

down, she clung

the blanket tightly.

That word was alreay her limit.

the blanket indescribably tight, her

to convey a

terror, and she finally let out a piercing

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

Shane and two men who

in. The scene stunned them into

the bed, drenched in blood, while

knife,

first to snap out of

The room descended into chaos,

avoidant glances

terrified. She might have been tough and brash,

gory scene, especially not this

ushered out of the room by

the blood from

daze, she made

and stood outside the unit,

with

to do as they stood

overheard a commotion

you guys? Step

but you need

few seconds of

“Cicely.”

lifting her head and turning

beautiful woman stood before her,

a young lady, an air

softening her

in confusion at the

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

clear eyes fixed on her, and with a slight frown, she tapped

The tap was firm, enough to

wince and step aside.

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

her niece’s face. “What’s

shook her

nonetheless.

herself, but seeing Cicely’s

cry even when Millie had passed

Cicely had been through, Lana took

her

am here now.”

raced to the hospital. Patty was in critical

witnessed upon

was stabbed in the chest, the blood-stained

passed out

not wanting to influence

but no matter how it was explained, everything seemed

Cicely.

Creighton’s ICU and saw

deep in conversation.

in black sighed in relief when they

Cicely tensed.

turned, appraising the young man

calm and detachment beyond his

attempts at composure, Lana’s

through his façade.

a good man. No wonder Cicely had fallen for

My niece’s husband?” Lana’s

confusion.

Cicely, whose face was ghastly pale,

Seth, her silence lingering for a few seconds before

mother might

already decided on a divorce, her condition

no need for you to worry.” Lana

she had made up her mind about

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

headaches.

darkened immediately, “Who said we’re

divorce?”

why not let it

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

young, so neither

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

emotionless. “Did you

eyes at the arrogant

the

“Is Issac dead?”

Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked

stare, “You’re asking

not dead, which means we can’t get

Cicely’s heart, “Seth, just to avoid

have something to do with Issac’s

my own eyes, or hear of his death,

“Think what you want.”

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

possibly fall for me, and I

now. Could it be that you’ve

his pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing, “What

tell my

to use her to capture your

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

locked onto her, sharp

wasn’t interested in their emotional entanglement. Glancing at

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

take your dad and you first,

bring your grandfather over.”

already walking away but paused

Cicely, “If he refuses to divorce,

him. If I remember correctly, the

apart for two

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

she moved to follow Lana, Seth caught her wrist. “Cicely,” he began

finally revealing a trace of restraint, “Do you

leave just like that?”

don’t you go ahead and finalize

her silently, his voice subdued and

provoke me.”

like you’re planning on killing me if

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and

later.”

finally surfaced on Seth’s

understand what I

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

tightened. He spoke again, his gentle voice

Cicely.

gripped by palpitations. Painfully, she twisted

to break free from his shackles. She didn’t answer him verbally,

gave him

her, the darker his gaze was, the tighter his grip

instinctively as she struggled.

winced. A thin layer of sweat had

frowned, stepped forward, and grasped his hand, intending to help

unyielding

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

break his

moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely behind

wary gaze, her heart skipping

bottomless eyes.

look was that? It was deep,

an abyss, devoid

held Cicely tightly and hurried away. She had

that seemed to live

Cicely and wondered if she

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures emotionlessly. His lips

don’t provoke me.” Lana’s heart raced

“Don’t

more ominous in hindsight.

severe the consequences of Seth’s

could be.

know where the confidence came from, but she’d known

to have her killed if she insisted on leaving, as

said.

nothing more desperate and painful than

but again, she was

Enter title…

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

Perhaps it was the presence of someone to lean on that

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

Lana did not stay in the room for

duration. Even for her big brother,

thirty minutes. She never liked wasting

meaningless activities.d2

Lana glanced at the girl sitting by the hospital

holding her father’s, her plea for comfort both calm

pursed her lips. She raised her

your dad for now. I’ll go check

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then I’ll visit grandpa

too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is much stronger than

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

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

managed a soft “Mhm.”

her hands sliding into

you, and we’ll

finally relaxed a little. With her aunt

Especially concerning those two men in

by his side, she felt clueless

as they left the ICU, they were

glanced over the documents in

face. “Are you

uniforms, a wave of panic

noticed

glance.

against you for intentional

with us to the station

of them

eyes flickered, immediately thinking of

it seemed anyone would suspect her of

do it; she went crazy on her

asking for your cooperation at this stage.

the leading officer interrupted firmly, intent on taking

away.

an investigation. First, it was the Department

Cicely suddenly felt an eerie

was still trapped

stepped in, placing herself between Cicely and the

first. Are you taking her for

pretext to lock her

“Ma’am,

our work,”

insulted you? Is that how bold

these days? Can’t I even ask a

officer’s face grew serious, “We’ll

involved, she’ll be free to

sarcasm, “So you’ll keep

investigation

deepened, “She’s a suspect in

don’t

by up to

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

Lana aside, then stepped forward to face

“Who reported

they answered,

sharply, her whole being

moment of suffocation,

provoke him, was this his way

throat at the realization of

ruthlessness.

pause, Cicely nodded slowly. She stood still, her

particular, lost in thought. Then, after

disturbance, rose gently.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let them take you. I’ll go find

right now.”

you think…” Cicely seemed not to hear

as if to herself.

on her niece’s profile,

smile.

really

Seth who sent Issac away, probably because

to divorce

she asked Patty if Seth loved her. Patty

starting to feel maybe

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

wrist from gripping tightly

loved her as well.

asked him plainly, and he never answered, never admitted

So she wasn’t sure.

asked this question, the last look in

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

It’s like a twilit night

before, or a twilit night that just lost light and life and

darkening.

and life… For some reason, she inclined more towards

metaphor.

“He does.”

is abnormal, and

made Cicely smile. “Do you think

young girl in

to think about

her smile and nodded

leave, and visit grandpa. In order not

anymore, I’ll just go with

back; she felt like she just had a little

Ellis family couldn’t now bear any

brow furrowed instantly as she grabbed

gentle smile, “Just going in for a

“No way!”

the air,

them darkened in

obstruct official duties, we are well within our

to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

with you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana off.

Enter title…

After years of being spoiled rotten

forgotten a lot about the situation back

and make sure someone looks after my

you please go first? I don’t want you

taken away, looking like I’m being sent off

admitted that thinking about such seemingly sentimental things at

somewhat ridiculous, but that was

she was.

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

need. With everything that’s happened these past

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

get back. You don’t need to come with me.

time for other

seconds. “Alright, I’ll take care

you up as

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

officers approached, one lifting

other pulled out handcuffs.

those cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank,

just moments

“What are you

as a suspect, we need to ensure there’s no

cooperate with us.”

want

a lady of the Ellis family. How could

with you and I won’t run.

again: “If you don’t

necessary forceful action.”

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

a “click,” those

steel of the cuffs.

tingle in her nose, biting her lip hard

from her eyes. Her hands clenched into

relaxed.

emergency exit,

eyes calmly watching her.

The officer nodded

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

handcuffs around her hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his

clenched tightly. After

go with

to the bone, stared back at

she felt a coldness seeping into her from

pretty face, which had just shown fear and

to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

of provoking you?

I did actually hurt someone, my family

in this way? Let me tell you,

many days can you keep

eyes narrowed dangerously, as if something feral was struggling to

abyss of his gaze. His

knuckles whitening, his

Cicely.” His voice

choking him.

tasting his words, “Know when to

cold, silvery handcuffs on her

of showing goodwill?”

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

the lead in moving forward. “Weren’t you in

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

quickly

leaving the hospital, Cicely stopped again. Staring at the handcuffs,

cover this up

an officer borrowed a lab coat from

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly. Really

*

away in the police car to the nearest precinct.

was then directed to sit in the

she pretended to

small, with a one-way

with a recorder

working conditions were less

officers, pistols at their

interrogation didn’t begin immediately. Cicely sat

on the

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

indifferent.

interrogator entered.

actual interrogation.

Liar.

began. The interrogator asked

events.

she shared every

telling Patty that she and Seth had gotten

Seth loved her like

total loon.” Cicely’s voice trembled,

grabbed my hand and stabbed herself with the knife.

me the assailant, right?”

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