The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

…

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac

met her gaze,

back restraint and forbearance.

me go out

you needed to have dinner, take

Issac’s gone.” She cut him off, her eyes shimmering with a

unshed tears.

suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

upward, studying Seth’s stern face in

out her

phone

started to ring. She tried again, with

five or six attempts, she gave up

office was in chaos, but the director could only plead

her to calm down.

How can someone

was taken by

You can’t save a life, and

point

only let her vent her frustration. Seth

end, exhausted and without

like a zombie devoid

the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

same. The call

began.

her phone, her hand resting on her

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

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into his

head, his deep and gentle voice emanating from above

go have lunch.”

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

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

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

restaurants outside.”

calm and compliance, compared

far too out

closed her eyes,

her up. Cicely did not refuse, her

fatigue as she leaned on him, her eyes closed,

instructed Charlie

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

accepted. After she drank, she

later,

ate with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

napkin, and looked at

“Do you not want to

his cup tightened

her tone as cold

you think, by taking Issac away, making me unable to

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

divorce you over him?”

After setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

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

good enough? Or is it because I was

of being dumped, and you feel that

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

lips pressed into a straight line.

and after a long while, he hooked his lips and piled

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

to be

lips curled in a sardonic smile,

me?”

is you wanted to dump me. Why

for no

with a cold smile,

no reason,

a knock on the door interrupted them,

stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company matters

for you; it can’t be

day

shareholders and executives were

been bombarded with calls, including the

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

by his wife’s side, cool and

Diaz was unaware of how

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

closed her

couch.

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

out there, and you won’t gain anything

hospital to

She could hear

the door. “Keep a close eye on

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table and tidy up the

remnants of the meal.

stood and left the ward. Two burly men followed

natural thing in

to Creighton’s

so she waited outside for a good

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed to

critical forty-eight hours to

thanked the doctor. She then sat

Creighton’s hand, and rested her

closed her eyes, pushing down the

inside her.

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

Joel gave me that USB drive.

drive is a bit special. It can fry a

drive and hides automatically. As

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

retrieve the files,

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

mistreated? I agreed to go to

dare to bring me in for questioning,

I prove I’m clear,

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

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

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

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

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

support.”

the tears at the

Her heart was full of pain and tenderness. Right

say to someone, so

Issac’s situation, her desire to

pregnant. But everyone who

Even if someone died,

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the thought

is infuriating.

cared for her would

she couldn’t bring

these issues.

to her, how

a pregnancy would

Seth too, so she couldn’t

about trivial things, carefully avoiding any mention

aftermath of the Diaz International

passed quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask her

went to the hospital’s park and sat

fence was the parking lot. Her mind was a

was hoping for Creighton to

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking lot, watching

and happy faces,

familiar figure carrying things from a

that moment, her

asked

narrowed. Danielle.Seth stood behind her, his

side to side, disbelief

to accept what had happened.

spun around, her eyes bloodshot

dead?”

confronting the cruel, ruthless

face.

flickered slightly as he replied, his voice

know.”

Enter title…

stepped toward him, and up close, the resentment in her

against his chest with both

she might slap him in

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

met her gaze,

back restraint and forbearance. “Why didn’t

go

dinner, take a shower, and get

off, her eyes

unshed tears.

suddenly turning

stern face

out her phone and dialed Brody’s

phone

the moment it started to ring.

or six attempts, she gave up and walked

in chaos, but

her to calm down.

he? How

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

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

point of

her vent her frustration.

In the end, exhausted and without any answers,

like a zombie devoid

wall, she mechanically

result was the same. The

began.

her phone, her hand resting

She seemed to be crying, soundlessly,

and sorrow were palpable.

her into

her head, his deep and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

no attempt to struggle

a minute of

Yum soup. I don’t want meat

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and

far

closed her

her up. Cicely did not refuse, her body

on him, her eyes

instructed Charlie to

laid on the bed, and Seth

she drank, she nestled into

later, Charlie brought

with a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and looked

you not want

grip on his cup tightened

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

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

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

divorce you over him?”

After setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

“Why? What else do you want? Aren’t

it

being dumped, and you feel that your

been trampled on, and you can’t get over

was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into a

and after a long while,

him. “So no matter what, this marriage…

to be ended for

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

me?”

is you wanted to dump me. Why would

you for no

with a cold smile, grew chillier

no reason,

a knock on the door interrupted them, and Seth turned

stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company matters

waiting for you; it can’t

of the previous day

and executives

had been bombarded with calls, including the

had first

his wife’s side, cool and composed as

Mr. Diaz was unaware of

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

closed her eyes against the

couch.

grabbed his jacket from the

out there, and you won’t gain anything

the hospital to avoid unnecessary

She could hear Seth’s

detached voice at the door. “Keep a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

left the ward. Two burly men followed her as if it

most natural thing in the

the elevator up to Creighton’s intensive care unit. The medical

waited outside for

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton needed

forty-eight hours to be

nodded and thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the bed,

rested her

pushing down the

inside her.

what was said in those recordings. Yes, I said

me that USB

drive is a bit special. It can

automatically. As soon as someone

team are

and we retrieve the

worry. I’m your daughter,

agreed to go to the justice

innocence. If they dare to bring me in

clear,

trouble growing up, but I’ve never actually dismantled

The thought of it makes my hands itch

deal with later, and I’ll definitely

get arrested, I won’t.

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

support.”

stood up and wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. She

heart was full of pain and tenderness.

say to someone, so very

wanted to talk about Issac’s situation, her

she might be pregnant. But everyone who should

if someone died,

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the

is infuriating.

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

couldn’t

these issues.

Issac meant to her, how heartbroken

pregnancy would

too, so she couldn’t tell him any of

about trivial things, carefully

aftermath of the Diaz

quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask

unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s

Beyond the fence was the parking

about was hoping for Creighton to

anything beyond that.

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

bags and happy faces, others rushing

she recognized a familiar figure

that moment, her

Grandpa calling. He asked about her dad and

Danielle… Erik said, “Go

the man as he disappeared,

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

debates before.

assistant working alongside

take care

befalling the family, Erik

the house, and she had not even returned

is doing,

Enter title…

and walked over to the railing and watched the

and going in the parking

the other end of the phone

the rusted railing tightly as she

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

wouldn’t have taken much,

even ten might have been

the blast, and Issac wouldn’t have left

helplessness and a

from the phone, “Cicely…”

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

around, but now that he’s

was the old man’s granddaughter. So

much time for the sake

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

Cicely put away her

hospital.

in Danielle’s room for long before

fruit and some lunch. The two following behind

side of the hospital room door, not

her.

Danielle’s room, looking

the edge of the bed, peeling an apple

she heard a

doorway.

Patty had already jumped to her feet,

warily. “What are you doing

quietly left the room. These were matters among

came to love and hate. It was best

affairs.

wry smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has

closer to her than you

she approached the

on the person wrapped up so tightly

mouth visible.

with dry skin. Those bloodshot eyes were

intense hatred, as if all her strength

tear Cicely apart.

laughed, “Grandpa’s not well, and

I came to see just how pitiful you are. Covered

legs had just healed, and now you’re back

of

That’s your cousin you’re talking

wish her

shaking with rage. Her voice exploded

indifferent, her

the bandages looked

her with a fury

hatred.

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

a cursed star? Why

you suffer misfortune?”

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

at her wounds, causing tears to

eyes.

you hadn’t

wouldn’t have happened. I

more difference to

beside her, “Do you not hear how

Seth are like stray dogs to you? And what does

you? Have you forgotten how you used

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

step back. “What do

Cicely finally said, “Can’t you

are you deliberately picking a fight? Everyone knows how I feel

was heartless and

it’s actually you

“You…”

to save you, do you think

expect gratitude, but is a

your oh-so-superior

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

trying to curry favor so I

Otherwise, why would you bother to risk your lives to

a joke! If you hadn’t come,

the nerve to come here and

begun to settle the score

it all. How twisted must one’s

so thankless, to be unable

blatantly distort the truth.

slowly, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint

along,

you. Your fate? Nothing

back at her words, her shoulders tensing

to be falling over yourselves with

lives? They were saved by

by every day

it weren’t for you two, he wouldn’t be

a brief silence in the

temples throb with a

does his death have to do with us? Got what he deserved, didn’t he?” The fury that had been brewing now crashed over Cicely

as if the explosion that had rocked her

once again inside her head. “You

his

the wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled from

the paring knife she’d been nervously

you

a statue. Patty’s heart steadied,

smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t ask

choice on your own, dragging that spineless

If you hadn’t come, how could he

Enter title…

veins on Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly against her

she felt. “Even if I did come up because

if you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle,

died. No one in their right

something like that.”

lying in her bed, sensed the

upon seeing the sharp paring knife in Patty’s

searing pain in her

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

go upstairs to fetch your

boarded the rescue helicopter right from

might have even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

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

his body. No matter

on me and Patty.”

speechless. No matter her reasons for wanting to go

it didn’t

known it

had still saved them. They owed Issac a debt of gratitude, not

as

be

into fists, her body

gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was

Cicely and the late Millie were so similar, not just

but in temperament. Millie was a nothing more

arrogantly than anyone else, always looking

seemed to

hadn’t seen her humiliated or in

her daughter. She could almost

Cicely’s anguish.

smile tinged with satisfaction and triumph

hurt her, badly, by any

silence, Cicely suddenly let out

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

your favor. You probably haven’t

a faint smile and slowly lifted her

Cicely continued in a mocking tone,

contorted in shock, and

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty could

of realized it. It was indeed quite pleasant

relieving.

few days after Ray nearly forced himself on me,

already fragile composure shattered, “You’re

a similar ring on Seth? Or do

drawer of the bedroom at

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

even more grotesquely. “No! I

me…”

and dismissive, “Then why

when I had already given up on

around that time.

was struggling to control herself, the knife in her

fall for you. He

understanding, “Well, so other than

can’t think of why he would choose to marry me

for the Ellis Group shares,

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

to you? I can’t

shock,

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

out of the woods yet, and his time might be

spend time

turned to Danielle, her eyes icy,

you talking about? Who says my dad’s time is

piercing her

“Seth told me. They have been

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

as she turned, she saw Patty’s crazed gaze

the knife lunging toward her

in shock, instinctively shielded her

“It’s all your fault! You are

her retreat halted by the hutch behind

no choice but to reach out

wrong with you?!”

seemed to emanate from deep

nerves.

she glared at Cicely, unable to

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

You’re like a curse. You might as

go find Millie and stop tormenting

from Patty’s emotional outburst.

What was going through

much, why did Patty want to

would never fall for you.” Patty’s vision

One moment it was Millie’s face, the next it

back and

look, glanced down at the knife in her

to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened

Cicely’s hand.

a cruel smile. “I told you once

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

process her words, Patty

it into her

as Patty, clutching

blood spraying onto Cicely’s face and

her warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a vivid

slide down, she clung to Danielle’s hospital

blanket tightly.

That word was

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

to convey

terror, and she finally let out a

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

open as Shane and two men who had been

The scene stunned them

drenched in blood,

bloodstained knife, her clothes

to snap out of it and

descended into

and avoidant

terrified. She might have been tough and brash,

gory scene, especially

ushered out of the room

washed the blood from her hands,

a daze, she made her way to

visiting hours and stood outside the

been with her immediately called

to do as they

overheard a commotion behind

are you

but you need to leave

seconds of

“Cicely.”

lifting her head and

stood before her, well-preserved,

from the youthful grace of a young lady, an air of graceful

fortitude softening her

stared in confusion at the familiar

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

her, and with a slight frown,

you, such a mess.” The tap was

wince and step aside.

Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With a

niece’s face. “What’s

she shook her head

nonetheless.

braced herself, but seeing Cicely’s tears,

seen her cry even

Cicely had been through, Lana took a deep

her hair, Lana whispered softly,

am here now.”

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

scene they had witnessed upon entering the

the blood-stained knife was in Cicely’s

out in the hospital

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

how it was explained, everything seemed

Cicely.

ICU and saw Cicely standing

deep in conversation.

in black sighed in relief when they saw

Cicely tensed.

man before her. Handsome,

his years.

at composure, Lana’s experienced

through his façade.

good man. No wonder Cicely

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

confusion.

whose face was ghastly pale, he asked,

Seth, her silence lingering for a few seconds

“Your mother might be in critical

a divorce, her condition

for you to worry.” Lana was

made up her mind

a trait that had often

headaches.

Seth’s face darkened immediately,

divorce?”

beyond saving, why not let it go?

as if nothing has happened and continue living together?

you’re still young, so neither of

didn’t respond to Lana but kept his

emotionless. “Did you

narrowed her eyes at the arrogant

“I’ll give you the shares of

“Is Issac dead?”

shook, and she looked up at Seth with

stare, “You’re

which means

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

you have something to do with

or hear of his death, we’re bound

“Think what you want.”

out a chilly laugh, “I

fall for me, and I agreed it

But look at your actions now. Could it be that you’ve truly fallen for

clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing, “What

tell my

her to use her to capture your

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

onto her,

wasn’t interested in their emotional entanglement. Glancing at

to the doctor,

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

bring your grandfather over.”

she was already walking away but paused mid-way,

Seth before turning to Cicely, “If he refuses to divorce, you don’t

I remember correctly,

living apart for two years will

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll come with

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

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

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize

silently, his voice subdued and

provoke me.”

sounds like you’re planning on killing me if I

on leaving?”

“No.”

leaving and I’ll complete other procedures two

later.”

anger finally surfaced on

not understand

For a moment, she was silent. The

again, his

“Behave, Cicely. Don’t push

by palpitations. Painfully, she twisted her

to break free from his shackles.

him

his gaze was, the tighter his

instinctively as she struggled.

A thin layer of sweat had pushed through

and grasped his hand, intending to help

but found his grip as unyielding as iron

end, it was with all her strength

to break his

moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely behind

skipping a beat at the

bottomless eyes.

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

bones at the bottom of an abyss, devoid

and hurried away. She had never seen

to live in eternal

if she

had provoked.

stood watching their retreating figures emotionlessly.

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

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

more ominous in hindsight.

never considered how severe the

could be.

came from, but she’d known all

her killed if she insisted

said.

thought there was nothing more desperate and painful

but again, she

Enter title…

the doctor, and they’d managed to secure

it was the presence of

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

half an hour, Lana did not stay in the

for her big brother, she couldn’t

thirty minutes. She never

meaningless activities.d2

Lana glanced at the girl sitting

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

her lips. She raised her

girl’s hair, “You stay here with your dad

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then I’ll visit

don’t worry too much. Your grandpa’s spirit is

what hadn’t he lived

Lana, opened her mouth to

managed a soft “Mhm.”

took a deep breath, her hands sliding into the

I’ll wait for you,

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

concerning those two

his side, she felt clueless

ICU, they were met

eyes glanced over the documents in their hands

on Cicely’s face. “Are you

of panic washed over

back. The officers noticed her

glance.

Cicely, there’s been an allegation against you for intentional assault

you to come with us to the station to

one of

eyes flickered, immediately thinking

would suspect her of injuring

she went crazy on her own.”

for your cooperation at this

leading officer interrupted firmly,

away.

First, it was the Department

Cicely suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability, as if

anything wrong yet was

herself between

clear right here first. Are you taking her for questioning or

a pretext to lock her

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

our work,”

you? Is

these days? Can’t I even ask a

face grew serious, “We’ll

involved, she’ll

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

the investigation

frown deepened, “She’s a

I don’t let

up to three years

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

blinked, pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward

“Who reported the

they answered,

being feeling like it had

moment of suffocation,

him, was this his way of stabbing her in the

Lana’s throat at the realization of the depth

ruthlessness.

slowly. She stood still,

in particular, lost in thought. Then, after several seconds,

any disturbance, rose gently. “Aunt

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

right now.”

not to hear Lana’s words, continuing to

as if to herself.

profile, noticing the faint, almost

smile.

really love

it was Seth who sent

to

if Seth loved her. Patty was mad,

to feel

leave with her aunt

of his fingers on her wrist

loved her as well.

him plainly, and

So she wasn’t sure.

Cicely asked this question, the last look

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

the Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s like a

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

darkening.

light and life… For some reason, she inclined more towards

metaphor.

“He does.”

people’s love is abnormal, and that’s

smile. “Do you think

young girl in front of her was thinking.

think about this right

smile and nodded faintly. “You

and

anymore, I’ll just

felt like she just had a little bit of

any more incidents

furrowed

her a gentle smile, “Just going in for

“No way!”

voice sliced through the air, brooking no

them darkened in demeanor. “Ma’am,

obstruct official duties, we are well within our

to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

Cicely suddenly cut Lana off. “Auntie, this isn’t

Enter title…

eyes narrowed. After years of being spoiled rotten

about

and make sure someone

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

I’m being sent off to do

such seemingly sentimental

somewhat ridiculous, but that was

she was.

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

With everything that’s happened these

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

to sort things out when you get back. You don’t

for other

two seconds. “Alright, I’ll take care

pick you up as

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

two officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s hands while

other pulled out handcuffs.

those cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and

from just moments ago

and distress. “What are

suspect, we need to ensure there’s no

cooperate with us.”

want

a lady of the Ellis family. How

go with you and I won’t run.

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

necessary forceful action.”

that. Without letting Cicely

and with a “click,” those delicate wrists were encircled by the

steel of the cuffs.

her nose,

from her eyes. Her hands clenched into

relaxed.

emergency exit,

watching her. She slowed her

officer nodded at

gaze remained fixed on the woman between

hands. His eyes narrowed

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

go with

back at him. Despite the sweltering

seeping into her from

which had just shown fear and panic, was now facing him.

anger, to

curve on her lips.

of provoking you? The Ellis family hasn’t

if I did actually hurt someone, my family would

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

many days can you keep

if something feral was struggling

his gaze. His hand in his

whitening, his palm’s circulation

Cicely.” His voice was tense, as

choking him.

his words, “Know when to

looked down at the cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is this your

of showing goodwill?”

Seth’s reaction

forward. “Weren’t you in a hurry

Even if

officers quickly followed

leaving the hospital, Cicely stopped

softly, “Could you cover this

officer borrowed a lab coat from the

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

ugly. Really

*

was whisked away in the police car

she went. She was then directed to sit

unease, she pretended to casually

one-way mirror

varnished table with a recorder

conditions were less than

at their

interrogation didn’t begin immediately. Cicely sat

on the

ticked by. She thought about the

as a psychological tactic, but did

She didn’t hurt anyone.

Seth watched Cicely sitting there,

indifferent.

the interrogator entered. The

actual interrogation.

Liar.

interrogator asked her to

events.

fully, and she shared

and Seth

if Seth loved her

a total loon.” Cicely’s voice

herself with the knife.

me the assailant, right?”