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

back restraint and

go out

to have dinner, take a shower,

off, her

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly

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

she pulled out her phone and

the phone

the moment it started

or six attempts, she gave

in chaos, but

her to calm down.

How can someone just

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

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

point of

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

exhausted and without any answers, she

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

wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

again, but the result was the same. The call

began.

hand

She seemed to be crying, soundlessly, but her

and sorrow were palpable.

pulled her into his arms, his hand cradling

head, his deep and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

hold her, making no attempt to struggle

but after about a minute of silence,

Yum soup. I don’t want meat or

restaurants outside.”

current calm and compliance,

seemed far too

closed her eyes, “I’m

and picked her up. Cicely did not refuse,

fatigue as she leaned on him, her eyes

instructed Charlie to

bed, and Seth handed her a

After she drank,

hour later, Charlie

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she set

with a napkin, and looked at Seth

“Do you not

grip on his

couch, her tone as cold and indifferent

Issac away, making me unable to see

that he’s dead, and that I won’t

divorce you over him?”

setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

lip, “Why? What else

it because I was the one who spoke

being dumped, and you

you can’t get over it, so you

was tightly clenched, his thin lips

while, he hooked his lips and

“So no matter what,

be

sardonic smile,

me?”

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

you for no

with a cold

no

sound of a knock on the door interrupted

Charlie stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company

for you; it can’t be delayed any

events of the previous day and

shareholders and executives were

been bombarded with

to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone

his wife’s side, cool and composed as

believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how bad

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her eyes against the back of

couch.

jacket from

It’s a mess out there, and you won’t

put in the hospital to

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

door. “Keep a close eye

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table

remnants of the meal.

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

natural thing in the

up to Creighton’s intensive care unit.

waited outside for a good

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton

past the critical forty-eight hours to be

She then sat beside the

hand, and rested

down the sourness

inside her.

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

me that USB drive. He’s part of a computer

bit special. It

drive and hides automatically.

and his team are working hard on the

ready and we retrieve

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

I agreed to go

dare to bring me in

I’m clear,

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

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

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

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

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

support.”

up and wiped away the tears at the corner

heart was full of pain and

say to someone, so very

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

be pregnant.

if someone died, it

excitement for them.

becomes another’s

is infuriating.

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

That was why she couldn’t

these issues.

knew how much Issac meant to her, how

pregnancy would be now. Creighton

she couldn’t tell him

to Creighton about trivial things,

aftermath of the

the ICU

Cicely went to the hospital’s park and sat on

the fence was the parking lot. Her

hoping for Creighton to wake

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking lot, watching

and happy faces, others rushing in

familiar figure carrying

At that moment,

He asked

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

turned slowly from side to side, disbelief etched on her

her surroundings, unable to accept what

around, her eyes bloodshot with

dead?”

directly, confronting the cruel, ruthless

face.

flickered slightly as he

know.”

Enter title…

toward him, and up close,

unmistakable. She pushed against his chest with

isn’t much. Seth thought she might

but instead she pushed him, and caught

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac

her

widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why didn’t

go

needed to have dinner, take a shower,

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

unshed tears.

suddenly turning cold, “He

studying Seth’s stern face in

out

the phone to her

cut off the moment it started to ring. She tried

five or six attempts, she gave up and

director’s office was in chaos, but the

her to calm down.

he? How can

by his father. We couldn’t stop

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

What’s the point of this

vent her frustration. Seth stood by,

the end, exhausted and without any answers,

office, like a

wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

but the result was the same.

began.

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

to

and sorrow were palpable.

and gently pulled her into

of her head, his deep and

go have lunch.”

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

a minute of silence,

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

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared to

hysteria, seemed far too out

her eyes,

and picked her up. Cicely did not

on him, her

Charlie to

bed, and Seth handed her a glass

she drank, she nestled

later,

slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

her mouth with a napkin, and looked at

you not

his cup

was leaning on the couch, her tone as

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

just think he’s left, not that

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he said,

might be right.”

“Why? What else do you want? Aren’t

hands good enough? Or is it because

a feeling of being dumped, and you feel

and you can’t get over it, so

thin lips pressed

long while, he hooked

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

to be ended

smile,

me?”

fact is you wanted

for

tinged with a cold smile, grew chillier as she

no

the door interrupted them, and Seth turned to open

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

you; it can’t be

events of the previous day and

shareholders and executives were

with calls, including

Mr. Diaz had first gone

side, cool and composed as if

Diaz was unaware

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

slowly closed her eyes against the

couch.

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

there, and

hospital

hear Seth’s

a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table

remnants of the meal.

Two burly men

natural thing in the

elevator up to Creighton’s intensive

she waited outside for a

could enter.

was still not optimistic.

critical forty-eight hours to be truly out of

and thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

and rested her cheek against its

her eyes, pushing down the sourness and fear

inside her.

in those recordings.

gave me that USB drive. He’s part of

is a bit special. It can fry a computer, but

hides automatically. As

no issue. Joel and his team are working

that’s ready and we retrieve the

your daughter,

to go

dare

prove I’m clear,

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

makes my hands itch to do it.

with later, and I’ll definitely

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

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

support.”

wiped away the tears at the corner of

was full of pain and tenderness.

to say to someone, so

talk about Issac’s situation, her desire to divorce

that she might be pregnant. But

someone died, it was just a bit

excitement for them.

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

is infuriating.

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

That was why she couldn’t bring herself to

these issues.

much Issac meant to

how ill-timed a pregnancy

she couldn’t tell

trivial things, carefully avoiding any mention

of the

and the ICU doctor came in to ask

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

parking lot. Her mind

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

anything beyond that.

at the distant

large bags and happy faces, others rushing in

a familiar figure carrying things

hospital. At that moment, her

was Grandpa calling. He asked

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

gaze followed the man as he disappeared, then

face, one that had clashed with Seth in

debates before.

Another assistant working

care of

befalling the family, Erik was

and she had not even returned

is doing, I heard she’s in a bad

Enter title…

got up and walked over to the railing

in the parking

the other end of the phone

hands gripped the rusted railing tightly as she spoke

only Patty and Danielle hadn’t

taken much, maybe just a

ten might have been enough. We

blast, and Issac wouldn’t have

filled with helplessness and a choke

from the phone, “Cicely…”

do you know what Issac meant to me? He

noticeable when around, but now that

man’s granddaughter. So was

for Patty wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

put away her phone and turned, expressionless,

hospital.

in Danielle’s room for

fruit and some lunch. The two following behind

to either side of the hospital

her.

Danielle’s room, looking haggard with sunken,

sat at the edge of the bed, peeling an apple Shane

a

doorway.

already jumped

“What are

left the room. These were matters among women,

love and hate. It was best for him to

affairs.

Patty,

to her than

said, she approached

up so tightly

mouth visible.

crusted with dry

hatred, as if all her strength were focused there, wishing

tear Cicely apart.

laughed, “Grandpa’s not well, and he asked

I came to see just how pitiful

healed, and now you’re back in

point of living like

no humanity? That’s your cousin

really wish her

could no longer hold back, shaking with rage. Her voice

yet Cicely remained indifferent,

the bandages looked both

with a fury that

hatred.

you glaring at me? Seems like, Issac and I

a cursed

you suffer misfortune?”

are the cursed one.” Her

pulling at her wounds, causing tears to well up

eyes.

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

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

make no more difference to me

Patty suddenly shouted beside her, “Do you not hear

like stray dogs to you? And what

Have you forgotten how you used

turned her head, her detached

back. “What do

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

a fight? Everyone knows how

I was heartless and ungrateful, but

actually you who are the most

“You…”

you think you’d still be alive to argue

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

for your oh-so-superior

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

ruined Diaz International, trying to curry favor

would you bother to risk your lives to

If you hadn’t come, we would

like this. You have the nerve to

even begun to settle

the absurdity of it all. How twisted must one’s

to be unable

blatantly distort the truth.

eyes narrowing with a

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

so would you. Your fate? Nothing more

her words, her shoulders

never expected you to be falling over yourselves with gratitude,

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

you scrape by every day from here on out,

for you

a brief silence in the

sneer made Cicely’s temples

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

she felt as if the explosion that had rocked her world

head. “You think he got

his death

wild rage emanating from Cicely,

panic, she raised the paring knife she’d

are you

as a statue. Patty’s heart

mocking smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t

made that choice on your own, dragging

come, how could

Enter title…

stood out starkly against her skin,

she felt. “Even if I did come up because

stalled me for Danielle, Danielle would have

wouldn’t have died. No one in their right mind would

something like that.”

sensed the dangerous mood that Cicely was

paring knife in Patty’s

pain in her body,

word with her raspy voice. “Cicely, don’t forget, you

go upstairs to fetch your

right from

even gone back for

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

now interspersed with painful gasps,

with his body. No matter

on me and Patty.”

her reasons

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

She had known it from the

owed Issac a debt of gratitude,

as unforgivable as

there be such shameless

into fists, her body trembling with

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

and the late Millie were so similar, not just

but in temperament. Millie was a nothing more

and arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down on

men seemed to

Patty hadn’t seen her humiliated or in pain.

her daughter. She could almost see Millie’s pain

Cicely’s anguish.

tinged with satisfaction and triumph flickered in Patty’s

to hurt her, badly, by

suddenly let out a soft laugh and

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

to gain your favor.

and slowly lifted

Cicely continued in a

and even Danielle on

incredulously at Cicely.

No wonder Patty could confront her with

she kind of realized it. It was indeed quite

relieving.

days after Ray nearly forced himself on me,

fragile composure shattered, “You’re

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

in the drawer of the bedroom

seconds, staring at the ring

grotesquely. “No! I don’t

me…”

dismissive, “Then why would he suddenly

Especially when I had already given up on

around that time. Perhaps he’s fallen

struggling to control herself, the knife

would never fall for

“Well, so other than him loving

think of why he would choose to marry me behind

for the Ellis Group shares,

that’s the case, being open about it would have

to you?

shock, eyed the trembling knife in

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

out of the woods yet, and his time might

You should spend time with

she turned to Danielle, her eyes icy,

about? Who says

noticed Patty’s gaze piercing her and continued despite

told me. They have been keeping it a secret because of

Creighton is dying?!” Patty’s shrill voice

she turned, she saw Patty’s crazed gaze

knife lunging toward

shielded her stomach

“It’s all your fault! You are

retreat halted by the hutch behind her.

reach out

wrong with you?!”

trembling in Patty’s hands seemed to emanate from

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

as she glared at

“It’s all because of you! If it

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

go find Millie and

still reeling from Patty’s emotional outburst. Did

much? What was

why did Patty want

promised me, he would never fall for

Cicely. One moment it was

back

look, glanced down

wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened

Cicely’s hand.

frowned, but then Patty gave her a cruel smile.

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

her words,

plunged it into her own

in horror as Patty, clutching her hand, yanked

onto Cicely’s face and clothes.

her warm blood

Patty’s body began to slide down, she clung

blanket tightly.

expression spoke volumes. That

indescribably tight, her

to convey

sight filled Danielle with terror, and

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

door burst open as Shane and

The scene stunned them into

the bed, drenched in

a bloodstained knife, her clothes and face

the first to snap out of it and called

room descended into chaos, and Cicely stood frozen

receiving suspicious and avoidant glances

might have been tough and brash,

scene, especially

out of the room by the

restroom where she shakily washed the

she made her way to Creighton’s

visiting hours and stood outside the unit, lost

men who had been with her immediately called Seth,

do as they stood by

daze, she overheard

are you

but you need to

seconds of silence

“Cicely.”

head and turning

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

young lady, an

fortitude softening

confusion at the familiar

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

on her, and with

you, such a mess.” The tap was firm, enough to

wince and step aside.

abnormal reaction. With a

cradling her niece’s face. “What’s

her head slightly, but tears

nonetheless.

seeing Cicely’s tears, she was

seen her cry even

everything Cicely had been through, Lana took a

an embrace. Stroking her hair, Lana

am here now.”

Patty was

witnessed upon

was stabbed in the chest, the

lay passed out in the

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

events, but no matter how it was explained, everything

Cicely.

ICU and saw Cicely standing with another

deep in conversation.

in relief

Cicely tensed.

the young man before her. Handsome, young

a calm and detachment beyond his years. But still, he was

attempts at composure, Lana’s

through his façade.

No wonder Cicely had fallen for

Seth? My niece’s husband?” Lana’s

confusion.

face was ghastly pale, he asked, “Your

lingering for a few seconds before she

might

on a divorce, her condition is none of

and there’s no need for you to worry.” Lana was

Once she had made up her mind about right and

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that had

headaches.

words, Seth’s face darkened immediately, “Who said

divorce?”

beyond saving, why not let it go?

happened and continue

terms while you’re still young, so neither of

respond to Lana but kept his eyes intently on

emotionless. “Did you say

her eyes at

give you the shares of the

“Is Issac dead?”

mention of Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked

“You’re asking

not dead, which means we can’t get

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

to do with Issac’s disappearance?

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

“Think what you want.”

chilly laugh, “I asked your

possibly fall for

actions now. Could it be that you’ve truly fallen for

pocket clenched slightly,

tell my

to use her to capture your heart.

married, at your proposal. And I asked her if you

gaze locked onto her, sharp and

emotional

up, “I’ll go talk to the

your dad and you first,

bring your grandfather over.”

this, she was already walking away but paused mid-way, casting

before turning to Cicely, “If he refuses

much with him. If I remember correctly, the marriage

living apart for two years will

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

Lana, Seth caught

finally revealing a trace of restraint,

leave just like that?”

you go ahead and finalize

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

provoke me.”

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

on leaving?”

“No.”

good. So, I’ll be leaving and I’ll complete other procedures

later.”

finally surfaced on Seth’s face.

not understand

his low growl. For

again, his

Cicely.

palpitations. Painfully, she

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

gave him

her, the darker his gaze

instinctively as she struggled.

winced. A thin layer of

grasped his hand, intending to help

grip as unyielding as iron claws

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

to break his

the moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled

skipping a beat at the sight

bottomless eyes.

kind of look was that? It was deep,

bones at the bottom of an abyss, devoid of sound, wind, breath, or

Cicely tightly and hurried away.

one that seemed to live

back at Cicely and wondered if she realized what kind of man

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures emotionlessly. His

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

word he had said. “Don’t provoke

more ominous in hindsight.

had never considered how severe

could be.

confidence came

wouldn’t choose to have her killed if she insisted on leaving, as she’d

said.

there was nothing more desperate and painful than death in

but again, she

Enter title…

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

presence of someone

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

visiting time was half an hour, Lana did not stay in the room for

her big brother, she

small talk for thirty minutes. She never liked

meaningless activities.d2

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

holding her father’s, her

sad. Lana pursed her lips. She raised her hand to gently

hair, “You stay here with your dad for now. I’ll go

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then I’ll visit grandpa

grandpa’s spirit

After all, what hadn’t he lived through

looked up at Lana, opened her mouth

managed a soft “Mhm.”

sliding into the pockets

for you, and

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

do next. Especially concerning those two men

side, she felt clueless on

ICU, they

in their path. Their eyes glanced over the

firmly on Cicely’s face.

wave of panic washed over Cicely, and

officers noticed

glance.

against you for intentional assault

need you to come with us to the station to

of them

thinking of

anyone would suspect

didn’t do it; she went crazy

asking for your cooperation at this

officer interrupted firmly, intent on taking

away.

it was the

suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability, as if she

wrong yet was

herself between Cicely and the officers. “Hold

right here first. Are you taking her for questioning

a pretext to

stern. “Ma’am, please

our work,”

“Have I insulted you? Is that

these days? Can’t I even ask a

officer’s face grew serious, “We’ll

she’s not involved, she’ll be free

with sarcasm, “So you’ll keep her

the investigation is

frown deepened, “She’s a suspect in

don’t let

is punishable by up

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to face the officers

“Who reported the

they answered,

her whole being

moment of suffocation, numbness set in. So, when he

to provoke him, was this his way of

the realization of

ruthlessness.

long pause, Cicely nodded slowly. She stood still, her gaze fixed

Then, after

disturbance, rose

I won’t let them take you. I’ll go

right now.”

seemed not to hear Lana’s words,

as if to herself.

on her niece’s profile, noticing

smile.

he really

confirm that it was Seth who sent Issac

want to

she asked Patty if Seth

starting to feel maybe

he didn’t want to let her leave with her

fingers on her wrist from gripping

loved her as well.

him plainly, and he never

So she wasn’t sure.

mind, when Cicely asked this

still couldn’t

the Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s like a twilit night that neither

night that just lost light and life and

darkening.

life… For some reason,

metaphor.

“He does.”

love is abnormal, and

Cicely smile. “Do you think

in front of her was thinking.

about this

and nodded faintly.

to arrange for dad to leave, and visit grandpa. In order not to

anymore, I’ll just go with

come back; she felt like she just had a little bit

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

Lana’s brow furrowed instantly as she grabbed

turned and gave her a gentle smile, “Just going in for

“No way!”

through the air,

officers beside them darkened in

are

according to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

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

Enter title…

narrowed. After years of being spoiled rotten overseas,

about the

and make

could you please go first?

taken away, looking like I’m being sent off

such seemingly sentimental

that was

she was.

breath with her

happened these

with, and I don’t understand

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

for other

seconds. “Alright, I’ll take

you up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

left, two officers approached, one lifting

other pulled out handcuffs.

Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and she quickly

The indifferent compliance from just moments ago was replaced

and distress. “What are

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

cooperate with us.”

don’t want

a lady of the Ellis family.

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

you

necessary forceful action.”

And they did just that. Without letting Cicely argue,

with a “click,” those delicate wrists

steel of the cuffs.

tingle in her nose, biting her

Her hands clenched into fists, shaking, then

relaxed.

few steps out, at the emergency exit,

deep-set eyes calmly watching her. She

The officer nodded at

remained fixed on the

His eyes

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

to go

chilled to the bone, stared back at him. Despite

coldness seeping

pretty face, which had just shown fear and

indifference, to anger, to detachment, to a

curve on her lips.

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

if I did actually hurt someone, my family would

you can make me give in this way?

can you keep

as if something feral

his gaze. His hand in his pocket clenched

whitening, his

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

choking him.

laughed, tasting his words,

silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is

of showing goodwill?”

she didn’t wait to see Seth’s reaction

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

anymore? Even if you’re not, I’m

The officers quickly followed

Cicely stopped again. Staring

cover this up for

borrowed a

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

was whisked away in the police car to the

she went. She was then directed

pretended to

was small, with a one-way mirror opposite her,

varnished table with a recorder

working conditions

their hips, stood stoically

begin immediately. Cicely sat quietly, picking at

spot on the

She thought about the cop

the interrogation as a psychological tactic, but did they need

She didn’t hurt anyone.

watched Cicely sitting

indifferent.

minute, the interrogator entered. The supposed

actual interrogation.

Liar.

statement began. The interrogator

events.

cooperated fully, and she shared

Patty that she and Seth had

loved her

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

my hand and stabbed herself with the

me the assailant, right?”