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,

holding back restraint and forbearance.

go

to have dinner, take a

him off, her eyes

unshed tears.

face darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold, “He

stern face in silence. Then,

struck her, she pulled out her phone and dialed

the phone

off the moment it started to ring. She

six attempts, she gave up and

in chaos, but the director could only plead

her to calm down.

is he? How can

taken by his

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

point

vent her frustration. Seth stood

end, exhausted and without any answers, she

the director’s office, like a zombie

the hallway wall, she

result was the same. The call

began.

her phone, her hand resting on her eyes, her slender

into a ball. She seemed to be crying,

and sorrow were palpable.

gently pulled her into

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

go have lunch.”

making no attempt to struggle or

after about a minute of silence, she

soup. I don’t want meat or

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared

far too

her

her up. Cicely

she leaned on him,

Charlie to prepare

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

drank, she nestled into the

later, Charlie brought

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually,

a napkin, and looked at Seth

you not want to

his cup tightened

her tone

taking Issac away,

he’s left, not that he’s dead, and

divorce you over him?”

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

might be right.”

her lip, “Why? What else do you want?

enough? Or is it because I was the

of being dumped, and you feel that

been trampled on, and you can’t get

thin lips pressed into

a long while, he hooked his lips and

“So no matter what, this marriage… might not

to be ended for

sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

you wanted to dump me. Why would

you for no

cold

“For no

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

Diaz, the company matters

waiting for you; it can’t

the previous day and losing an entire building,

and executives were

been bombarded with calls, including the one Mr.

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

side, cool

But Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against the back of

couch.

up and grabbed his jacket from the couch.

and you won’t gain anything

put in the hospital to avoid

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

a close eye

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table and tidy

remnants of the meal.

stood and left the ward. Two burly

thing in the

to Creighton’s intensive

she waited outside for

could enter.

still not optimistic. Creighton

hours

nodded and thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

hand, and rested

eyes, pushing down the sourness

inside her.

about what was said in those recordings. Yes, I

that USB

a bit special. It can fry a computer,

automatically.

issue. Joel and his team are working hard on the decryption

ready and we retrieve the files,

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

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department because

they dare to bring me in for questioning,

prove I’m clear, I’ll

up, but

it makes my hands itch to

to be a mess to deal with later,

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

Dad, you’ve got to recover

support.”

and wiped away the tears at the corner of

was full of pain and

to say to someone, so

wanted to talk about Issac’s situation,

be pregnant. But everyone

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it

excitement for them.

becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

for her would react the most, and offer

couldn’t bring herself to tell Creighton

these issues.

meant to

pregnancy

she couldn’t tell him any

about trivial

of the

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

leaving the unit, Cicely went to the

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

about was hoping for Creighton

anything beyond that.

the distant parking lot, watching people come and

bags and happy faces, others rushing in with

she recognized a familiar figure carrying

At that moment, her phone

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her

Danielle.Seth stood behind her, his expression

from side to side, disbelief etched on her face

unable to accept what had happened. After

spun around, her eyes bloodshot with

dead?”

spoke directly, confronting the cruel,

face.

he replied, his voice

know.”

Enter title…

and up

She pushed against his

isn’t much. Seth thought she might slap him in fury, as

she pushed

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac really

her

holding back restraint and forbearance.

me go

take

off, her eyes

unshed tears.

suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

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

her, she pulled out her phone and dialed

the phone to her

the moment it started to ring. She

six attempts,

director’s office was in chaos, but the director could only

her to calm down.

he? How

was taken by his father.

save a life, and you can’t stop

What’s the point of

vent her frustration.

exhausted and without any

office, like a zombie devoid of thought, nearly

wall, she

but the result was the same. The call was disconnected

began.

away her phone, her hand resting on her

ball. She seemed to be

and sorrow were palpable.

approached her and gently pulled her into his

and

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no

but after about a minute of silence,

Tom Yum soup. I don’t want meat

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared

hysteria, seemed far too out of

her eyes,

down and picked her up. Cicely

as she leaned on him, her

instructed Charlie to

and Seth handed her a glass of water, which

After she drank, she nestled into the

later, Charlie brought

distinctive

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

you not want to divorce

grip on his cup tightened

was leaning on the couch, her

taking Issac away, making me unable

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

divorce you over him?”

the glass down,

might be right.”

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

enough? Or is it because I was the one

feeling of being

and you can’t

was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. He

a long while, he hooked his lips and piled

front of him. “So no matter

be ended

smile, “Can’t you just pretend you

me?”

you wanted to dump me. Why would I want

for

with a cold smile, grew chillier as

“For no reason,

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

stepped in, “Mr. Diaz, the company matters

for you; it can’t be delayed any

day and losing an entire building,

and

bombarded with calls,

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

hospital, staying by his wife’s side,

Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

her gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

up and grabbed his jacket from the

mess out there, and you won’t gain anything

in the hospital to

silent. She could hear

a close eye on her.

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

to clear the table and tidy up the

remnants of the meal.

slowly stood and left the ward. Two burly men

most natural thing

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

outside for a

could enter.

still not optimistic. Creighton needed

forty-eight hours to

doctor. She then sat beside

and rested

eyes, pushing down the sourness

inside her.

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

USB drive. He’s part of a computer

bit special. It can fry a

and hides automatically. As

no issue. Joel and his team are working hard

that’s ready and we retrieve

really don’t need to worry. I’m your

go to

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

clear, I’ll

up, but I’ve never actually

my

to be a mess to deal with later,

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

got to recover quickly

support.”

the tears at the corner

Her heart was full of pain and tenderness.

had so much to say to someone, so

Issac’s situation, her desire to

might be pregnant. But everyone who should

if someone died, it was

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes

is infuriating.

people who truly cared for her would react the most,

support. That was why she couldn’t

these issues.

much Issac meant to her, how

ill-timed a pregnancy would be now. Creighton

Seth too, so she couldn’t

to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding

aftermath of the Diaz International

quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask

unit, Cicely went to the hospital’s park and

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

hoping for Creighton to wake

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking

happy faces, others

she recognized a familiar figure carrying

At that moment, her

calling. He asked about her dad

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

gaze followed the man as he disappeared, then

face, one that had clashed with

debates before.

Another assistant

care

the family, Erik was bedridden. There was

and she had not even returned

is doing,

Enter title…

Cicely got up and walked over to the railing and watched

the parking lot,

the other end of the

hands gripped the rusted railing tightly as she spoke in a

Patty and Danielle hadn’t dilly-dallied

It wouldn’t have taken much, maybe just

seconds, or even ten

Issac wouldn’t

with helplessness

from the phone, “Cicely…”

do you know what Issac meant to me? He was like

noticeable when around, but

man’s granddaughter. So

wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

deep

for you.”

up, Cicely put away her

hospital.

in Danielle’s room for long before Cicely

of fruit and some lunch. The two following behind

either side of the hospital room door, not entering

her.

there in Danielle’s room, looking haggard with sunken,

edge of the bed, peeling an

the top, when she heard a knock and turned to

doorway.

could react, Patty had already jumped to her

warily. “What are you

left the room. These were matters among women,

It was best

affairs.

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

her than you are, so why wouldn’t

said, she approached

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

mouth visible.

with dry skin. Those bloodshot eyes

her strength were focused there,

tear Cicely apart.

well, and he asked me

I came to see just how pitiful you are. Covered in burns,

had just healed, and now you’re back

of living like

humanity? That’s

wish

back, shaking with rage. Her

yet Cicely remained indifferent, her gaze fixed on

bandages looked both comical

glared at her with a fury

hatred.

Seems like, Issac and

under a cursed star? Why

you suffer misfortune?”

cursed one.”

speaking was pulling at her wounds, causing tears to well up in

eyes.

smile slowly cooled. “Danielle, if you hadn’t

I wouldn’t have met

no more difference to me than if you were

shouted beside her, “Do you not

are like stray dogs

Have you forgotten how you used to cling to

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

back. “What

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

picking a fight? Everyone

He always thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but somehow

that it’s actually you

“You…”

we hadn’t come to save you, do you think you’d still

gratitude, but is a simple ‘thank you’

your oh-so-superior

anger in her eyes intensifying. “You saving us?

Diaz International, trying to curry favor so

why would you

a joke! If you hadn’t come, we would have missed

wouldn’t be like this. You have the nerve to come

I haven’t even begun to settle

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

be unable to distinguish right

blatantly distort the truth.

narrowing with a

come along, Danielle would be

would you. Your fate? Nothing more than

at her words, her shoulders tensing

to be falling over yourselves with gratitude, but

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

every day from here

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

a brief silence in the

temples throb with a sudden

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

if the

head. “You

his death was

shaken by the wild rage emanating from Cicely,

raised the paring

you trying to

figure rigid as a statue. Patty’s heart steadied,

mocking smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t ask you

on your own, dragging

his doom. If you hadn’t come, how could

Enter title…

forehead stood out starkly

she felt. “Even if

you hadn’t stalled me for

have died. No one in their right mind

something like that.”

sensed the dangerous mood that

sharp paring knife in

the searing pain in her body, she propped herself

out each word with her raspy

you wanted to go upstairs to fetch your wedding dress.

rescue helicopter right from the

He might have even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

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

shielded you with his body. No

on me and Patty.”

reasons for wanting to go

a time, it

She had known it from the

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

as unforgivable as his death

be

into fists, her body trembling with

gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain. It was

and the late Millie were so similar, not just

temperament. Millie was a nothing more than a

anyone else, always looking

seemed to have

when Millie had died, Patty hadn’t seen her

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

Cicely’s anguish.

smile tinged with satisfaction and triumph flickered in

to hurt her, badly,

suddenly let out a soft laugh and

why I came to save

and trying to gain your favor. You

and slowly lifted her left hand. As

a mocking

and even Danielle on

incredulously at Cicely.

felt vindicated. No wonder Patty could

Now she kind of realized it. It

relieving.

nearly forced himself on me, Seth

already fragile composure shattered, “You’re

ring on Seth? Or do you want

It’s in the drawer of the bedroom

staring at

“No! I

me…”

dismissive,

on him. Now that I think about

another man around that

Patty was struggling to control herself, the knife

fall for you. He

understanding, “Well, so other

think of why he would choose

for the Ellis Group

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

Why lie to you?

slowly recovering from her shock, eyed the

and bit her lip. “Cicely, if you’re

of the woods

spend time with

darkened as she turned to Danielle, her eyes icy,

you talking about? Who says my dad’s time

piercing her

have been keeping it

is dying?!” Patty’s shrill

she turned, she saw Patty’s

the knife

instinctively shielded her stomach

“It’s all your fault!

stumbled backward, her retreat halted

out and grasp Patty’s wrist. “What the

wrong with you?!”

Patty’s hands seemed to

through Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s

as she glared at Cicely, unable to mask

of you! If

be fine. Everyone would be fine. You’re

dead, go find Millie and

still reeling from Patty’s emotional outburst.

father’s condition this much? What was going through

why did Patty want to

fall for you.” Patty’s

moment

back and

down at the knife in

as she thought to wrestle it away, Patty

Cicely’s hand.

then Patty gave her a cruel smile. “I told

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

words, Patty yanked Cicely’s hand, turned

handle, and plunged it into her own

widened in horror as Patty, clutching her

onto Cicely’s face and clothes.

warm blood painted Cicely’s

slide down, she clung to Danielle’s hospital

the blanket tightly.

volumes. That word was alreay her limit.

on the blanket indescribably tight, her eyes locked

to convey

filled Danielle with terror, and she finally let

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

open as Shane and two men who had been

The scene

bed, drenched in blood, while Cicely stood with

a bloodstained knife, her clothes

was the first to snap out of it and called for a doctor

room descended into

avoidant

have been tough and

scene, especially not

she was ushered out of the room by the

washed the blood from her hands,

made her way to Creighton’s

before visiting hours and stood outside the

been with her immediately called

they stood by

overheard a commotion behind

are you guys? Step

need to

seconds of silence

“Cicely.”

blinked, slowly lifting her head and turning toward the

woman stood before her, well-preserved, exuding

grace of a young lady, an air of graceful

softening her

in confusion at the familiar yet somehow

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

fixed on her, and with a slight frown,

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

wince and step aside.

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

niece’s face. “What’s

flickered, and she shook her head slightly,

nonetheless.

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

seen her cry even when Millie had

everything Cicely had been through, Lana

into an embrace. Stroking her

am here now.”

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

scene they had witnessed upon entering the

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

lay passed out in the

words, not wanting to

how it was explained,

Cicely.

at Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely standing with another

deep in conversation.

black sighed in relief

Cicely tensed.

turned, appraising the young man before her. Handsome, young

a calm and detachment beyond his years.

attempts at composure, Lana’s

through his façade.

No wonder

Seth? My niece’s husband?” Lana’s words

confusion.

gaze to Cicely, whose face was ghastly pale,

Seth, her silence lingering for

mother might be

on a divorce, her condition is

no need for you to worry.” Lana was always

her mind

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that had often

headaches.

words, Seth’s face darkened immediately,

divorce?”

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

continue living together? It’s

you’re still young, so neither of you

to Lana but kept his eyes intently on Cicely,

emotionless. “Did you say

eyes at

you the shares

“Is Issac dead?”

Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked up

stare, “You’re asking

he’s not dead, which means we can’t get

heart, “Seth, just to avoid a divorce, you would

you have something to do

with my own eyes, or hear of his death,

“Think what you want.”

“I

you couldn’t possibly fall

Could it be that you’ve truly fallen for

hand in his pocket clenched slightly,

you tell my

sneered, “She suggested I saved her to use

married, at your proposal. And I asked her if

onto her, sharp

emotional entanglement. Glancing at the

go talk to the doctor,

first, and then we’ll

bring your grandfather over.”

said this, she was already walking away but

Cicely, “If he refuses to divorce,

much with him. If I remember correctly, the marriage

differences, living apart

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come

follow Lana, Seth caught

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

leave just like that?”

you go ahead

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

provoke me.”

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

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and I’ll

later.”

and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s face. “Did

understand what

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

wrist tightened. He spoke again, his gentle voice marked

Cicely. Don’t

palpitations. Painfully, she twisted

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

gave him

the darker his gaze was,

instinctively as she struggled.

of sweat had

forward, and grasped

grip as unyielding as

In the end, it was with all her

to break

loosened, Lana quickly pulled Cicely behind

a wary gaze, her heart skipping a

bottomless eyes.

of look was that? It was deep, unfathomable,

an abyss, devoid

tightly and hurried away. She had never seen such a

one that seemed to live

Cicely and wondered if

had provoked.

stood watching their retreating figures emotionlessly. His lips

heart raced as she recalled Seth’s recently chilling gaze. She

said. “Don’t provoke me,” the

more ominous in hindsight.

never considered how severe the consequences of

could be.

the confidence came from, but she’d

to have her killed if she insisted on

said.

there was nothing more desperate and painful than death in

again,

Enter title…

with the doctor, and they’d managed to secure

the presence of someone to lean on that

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

was half an hour, Lana did not stay in

brother, she couldn’t

thirty minutes. She

meaningless activities.d2

minutes, Lana glanced at the girl sitting by

her plea

pursed her lips. She

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

grandpa.”

lightly, “Then I’ll

much. Your grandpa’s spirit

After all, what hadn’t he

up at Lana, opened her mouth to

managed a soft “Mhm.”

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

I’ll wait for you, and we’ll

little. With her aunt

concerning those two

felt clueless on how to

ICU, they were met by two police officers

path. Their eyes glanced over the documents in their hands

on Cicely’s face. “Are you

of panic

officers noticed her reaction and

glance.

there’s been an allegation against

We need you to come with us to the station to assist

of them

eyes flickered, immediately thinking

would suspect her of injuring

went crazy on her own.” she

asking for your cooperation at this

the station,” the leading officer interrupted firmly, intent

away.

it was the Department of Justice, and now

an eerie sense

anything wrong yet was

herself between Cicely

first. Are you taking her for

a pretext to

“Ma’am, please watch your language

work,” one

insulted you? Is that how bold and sensitive

are these days? Can’t

face grew serious, “We’ll take her statement, investigate,

evidence. If she’s not involved, she’ll

nodded, her smile dripping with sarcasm, “So

investigation

deepened, “She’s a suspect

don’t let you take

of justice is punishable by up to three

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

blinked, pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to face the

“Who

they answered,

whole being feeling like it

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

his way of stabbing her

hitched in Lana’s throat at the realization of the depth of the

ruthlessness.

slowly. She stood still, her

in thought. Then, after

any disturbance, rose gently. “Aunt

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

right now.”

seemed not to hear Lana’s words,

as if to herself.

her niece’s profile, noticing

smile.

really

that it was Seth who

to divorce

Seth loved her. Patty was

starting to feel

her leave with her aunt at any cost.

her wrist from gripping tightly

loved her as well.

asked him plainly, and he

So she wasn’t sure.

when Cicely asked this question,

this moment, she still couldn’t understand

where the Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s

or a twilit night that just lost light

darkening.

some reason,

metaphor.

“He does.”

love is abnormal,

answer made Cicely smile. “Do you think so

know what the young girl in front of her was

think about this right

and nodded

to leave, and visit grandpa. In order not to

I’ll just go with

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

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

furrowed instantly as

her a gentle smile, “Just going in

“No way!”

the air, brooking no

beside them darkened in demeanor. “Ma’am,

duties, we are well within our rights to deal

to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

with you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana

Enter title…

eyes narrowed. After years of being spoiled

about the situation back

on grandpa and make

please go first? I

taken away, looking like I’m being sent off to

about such seemingly sentimental things at

was just the kind

she was.

with her eyes closed. “I’ll go with

everything that’s happened these past few days,

and I don’t understand any of it. I’m relying

when you get back. You don’t need

time for other important

two seconds. “Alright, I’ll take

pick you up as

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s hands

other pulled out handcuffs.

Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and

The indifferent compliance from just moments ago was replaced

distress. “What are

we need to ensure there’s no

cooperate with us.”

don’t want to

Ellis family. How could she possibly wear such

won’t run.

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

necessary forceful action.”

did just that. Without

a “click,” those delicate wrists were encircled by

steel of the cuffs.

sudden tingle in her nose, biting her lip hard to keep

Her hands

relaxed.

the emergency exit,

deep-set eyes calmly watching her. She

Diaz.” The officer nodded at

Seth’s gaze remained fixed on the woman between

hands. His eyes

trouser pocket clenched tightly. After a moment,

go with

chilled to the bone, stared back at him.

felt a coldness seeping into her from every

which had just shown fear and panic, was

to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

consequence of provoking you? The Ellis

actually hurt someone, my family

me give in this

days can you keep

as if something feral was struggling to

the abyss of his gaze. His

whitening, his palm’s

His voice was

choking him.

tasting his words,

cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands, “Is this

of showing goodwill?”

Seth’s reaction or hear what he might

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

if you’re not, I’m in a hurry to

The officers quickly

the hospital, Cicely stopped again.

you cover this up

borrowed a lab coat from the front

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

ugly. Really

*

was whisked away in the police car to the

room, she went. She was then directed to

unease, she pretended to casually

a one-way

cheaply varnished table with a recorder on it.

working conditions were less

pistols at their

Cicely sat quietly, picking

spot on the

ticked by. She thought about the cop dramas she’d

the interrogation as a psychological tactic, but

She didn’t hurt anyone.

the one-way glass, Seth watched Cicely

indifferent.

minute, the interrogator entered. The supposed

actual interrogation.

Liar.

statement began. The interrogator asked her

events.

she shared every detail she thought was

and

loved

loon.” Cicely’s

hand and stabbed herself with

me the assailant, right?”

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