The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2051-2060

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

…

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac really

her gaze,

widened, holding back restraint

me go

have dinner, take a

off, her eyes

unshed tears.

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

gaze drifted upward, studying Seth’s stern face

she pulled out her phone

phone

it started to ring. She tried again, with the

five or six attempts, she gave up and walked

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

her to calm down.

is he? How can someone just

taken by his father. We

can’t save

point of this

only let her vent her frustration. Seth stood

a scene. In the end, exhausted and without any

office, like a zombie devoid of

the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed

the result was the same. The call was disconnected as soon as

began.

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

ball. She seemed to be crying, soundlessly, but

and sorrow were palpable.

her into his arms, his hand

head, his deep and gentle voice

go have lunch.”

let him hold her, making no attempt

after about a minute of silence, she

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

restaurants outside.”

surprised. Her current calm and compliance, compared

hysteria, seemed far too out

her eyes, “I’m

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

on him, her

instructed Charlie

on the bed, and Seth handed her a glass

she drank, she

hour later,

always ate with a slow, distinctive elegance.

with a napkin,

you not want to divorce

his cup

on the couch, her tone as cold

you think, by taking Issac away,

I’ll just think he’s left, not that

divorce you over him?”

After setting the glass down, he

might be right.”

at her lip, “Why? What else do you

it because I

of being dumped, and you feel that your

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

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

while, he hooked his lips

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

be

a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

you wanted to dump me. Why would I want

you for

cold smile, grew chillier as

no

door interrupted them, and

“Mr. Diaz, the company

you; it can’t be

of the previous day and losing

shareholders and executives

bombarded with calls, including the one

Diaz had first gone to the Ellis Group,

side, cool

Mr. Diaz

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

closed her eyes against the

couch.

and grabbed his jacket from the couch.

mess out there, and you won’t gain

hospital to avoid

silent. She could hear

“Keep a close eye on her. Don’t

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table and tidy up the room,

remnants of the meal.

the ward. Two burly men followed her

thing in the

to Creighton’s intensive care unit.

busy, so she waited outside for

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton

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

She then

and rested her cheek

down

inside her.

about what was said in those

Joel gave me that USB drive. He’s

that drive is a bit special. It can fry a

drive and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

his team

that’s ready and we retrieve

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

mistreated? I agreed to go to the justice department because I

innocence. If they dare to bring me

prove I’m clear, I’ll tear the

caused plenty of trouble growing up,

it makes my hands itch to do it. But

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

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

you’ve got to recover

support.”

wiped away the tears

Her heart was full

to say to someone, so

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

pregnant. But

someone died, it was

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

truly cared for her would

couldn’t bring herself to tell Creighton

these issues.

how much Issac meant to

how ill-timed a pregnancy would

so she couldn’t

trivial

of the Diaz International

passed quickly, and the ICU

went to the hospital’s park

Beyond the fence was the parking

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

anything beyond that.

distant parking

bags and happy faces,

figure carrying things

that moment,

He asked about her dad and

stood behind her, his expression somber as he watched her

side, disbelief etched on her face

surroundings, unable to accept what had happened. After what

spun around, her eyes

dead?”

cruel, ruthless reality she least

face.

as he replied, his voice cool, “I

know.”

Enter title…

him, and up close, the resentment

against his chest with

isn’t much. Seth thought she might

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac really

her

widened, holding back restraint and

go out

needed to have dinner, take

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

unshed tears.

darkened, his voice suddenly turning cold, “He

stern face

pulled out

the phone to

started to

attempts, she gave up

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

her to calm down.

How can someone just

by his father.

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

the point of this

her frustration. Seth

scene. In the end, exhausted and without

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

against the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s

result was the same. The call was

began.

phone, her hand resting on her eyes, her

She seemed to be crying, soundlessly,

and sorrow were palpable.

gently pulled her

and gentle

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no attempt to

a minute

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

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and compliance,

far too

closed her

down and picked her up. Cicely did not

leaned on him, her

Charlie to prepare

laid on the bed, and Seth

drank,

hour later, Charlie

slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

a napkin,

“Do you not want

grip on his cup

was leaning on the couch, her tone as cold and

taking Issac away, making

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

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he

might be right.”

her lip, “Why? What else do you

in my hands good enough? Or is it because I

giving you a feeling of being dumped, and you feel

you can’t

was tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into a

and after a long while,

him. “So no

be

a sardonic smile,

me?”

fact is you wanted

for

cold smile,

no reason,

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

“Mr. Diaz, the company matters are

for you; it can’t be

of the previous day and

and executives

bombarded with calls, including the one

had first gone to the

his wife’s side, cool and composed

didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

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

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

in the hospital to avoid unnecessary

hear Seth’s footsteps fading away,

voice at the door. “Keep a close

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

clear the table and tidy up

remnants of the meal.

ward. Two burly men followed her

natural thing

up to Creighton’s intensive care unit. The medical

outside for a good fifteen

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton

the critical forty-eight hours to

nodded and thanked the doctor. She then sat

and rested her cheek against

pushing down the sourness and fear welling

inside her.

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

me that USB drive. He’s part

is a bit special. It

automatically. As soon

issue. Joel and his team are working hard on

retrieve

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

I agreed to go

my innocence. If they dare

I’m clear, I’ll tear the

of trouble growing up, but I’ve never

department. The thought of it makes my

be a mess to deal with later,

to get arrested, I won’t. However, I

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

support.”

tears

full of pain and

say to someone,

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

might be pregnant.

someone died, it was just a

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s entertainment, the

is infuriating.

truly cared for her would

she couldn’t bring herself

these issues.

meant to her,

and how ill-timed a pregnancy

too, so she

talked to Creighton about trivial

the

quickly, and the ICU doctor came in to ask

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

fence was the parking lot. Her

hoping for Creighton to wake up; she

anything beyond that.

the distant

bags and happy faces,

recognized a familiar figure

At that moment,

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her

Erik said, “Go check

gaze followed the man as

a familiar face, one that

debates before.

Another assistant

take care of

family, Erik

and she had not

fine. Just go see how Danielle is

Enter title…

walked over to the railing and

in the parking

the other end of the

gripped the rusted railing tightly as

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

taken much, maybe

even ten might have

and Issac wouldn’t have

voice filled with helplessness and a choke

from the phone, “Cicely…”

do you know what Issac meant to me? He

around, but now that

the old man’s granddaughter. So

wasting so much time

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

away her phone and turned, expressionless, towards

hospital.

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

fruit and some lunch. The two

to either side of the

her.

in Danielle’s room,

of the bed, peeling an

a knock and

doorway.

had already jumped to her feet, looking

are you doing

room. These were matters

to love and hate. It was best for him to

affairs.

wry smile, “Ms. Patty, Danielle has

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

said, she

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

mouth visible.

mouth was crusted with dry skin. Those bloodshot

if all her strength were focused

tear Cicely apart.

Cicely laughed, “Grandpa’s not well, and he asked me to come

see just how pitiful

healed, and

of living like

got no humanity? That’s your

wish her

shaking with

ear, yet Cicely remained indifferent,

peeked out from the bandages looked both comical

a fury that seemed desperate to

hatred.

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

under a

you suffer misfortune?”

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

pulling at her wounds, causing tears to well up

eyes.

smile slowly cooled. “Danielle, if you

I wouldn’t have met you or

no more difference to me

her, “Do you not hear

Danielle and Seth are like stray dogs to you? And

you? Have you forgotten how you used to cling to

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

back. “What do you

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

you deliberately picking a fight?

thought I was heartless and ungrateful, but somehow

that it’s actually you who are the most

“You…”

you, do you think you’d still be

these petty things? I don’t expect gratitude, but

your oh-so-superior

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

favor so I wouldn’t stand in

you bother

If you hadn’t come, we would have missed

You have the nerve to come

haven’t even begun to settle the score with

absurdity of it all. How twisted must

be unable to distinguish right from wrong,

blatantly distort the truth.

narrowing with a dangerous glint

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

fate? Nothing more than two charred

at her words, her

never expected you to be falling over yourselves with

Your lives? They were saved

scrape by every day

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

silence in

made Cicely’s temples throb with a

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

the explosion that had

once again inside her head. “You

say his

wild rage emanating

the paring knife she’d been

you

as a statue.

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

that choice on your own, dragging that

doom. If you hadn’t come,

Enter title…

on Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly

“Even if I did come up because I was

but if you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle, Danielle would have been

have died. No one in

something like that.”

bed, sensed the dangerous

seeing the sharp paring knife in Patty’s

the searing pain in her body, she propped

with her raspy

upstairs to

rescue helicopter right from the start,

He might have even

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

with painful gasps, “Besides, it

body. No matter

on me and Patty.”

her reasons for wanting to go

a time, it didn’t matter anymore. Patty

known it

owed Issac a debt of

as unforgivable as

be

her

gloating, reveling in Cicely’s pain.

and the late Millie were so

nothing more than a call girl, lived

arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down

to have a soft

when Millie had died, Patty hadn’t seen her humiliated or in

daughter. She could almost see Millie’s pain

Cicely’s anguish.

with satisfaction and triumph flickered in Patty’s eyes.

badly, by any

a long silence, Cicely suddenly let out a soft laugh and

came to save you? It wasn’t because

gain your

slowly lifted her left hand. As Patty’s

hand, Cicely continued in a

shock, and even Danielle on the

incredulously at Cicely.

vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront her with such

she kind of realized it.

relieving.

Ray nearly

fragile composure

you really never seen a similar ring on Seth? Or

certificate? It’s in the drawer of the bedroom at

staring at the ring

even more grotesquely. “No!

me…”

dismissive, “Then why would

up on him. Now that I think about it,

around that

struggling to control herself, the knife in her

“He would never fall for you. He

understanding, “Well, so other than him loving

he would choose to

was for the Ellis Group shares,

case, being open about it would have

lie to you? I

shock, eyed the

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

out of the woods yet, and his

should spend time with

she turned to Danielle, her

says my dad’s time is running

Patty’s gaze piercing her and continued despite

“Seth told me. They have been keeping

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

she turned, she saw Patty’s crazed

knife

shock, instinctively shielded her

lunged again. “It’s all your fault!

stumbled backward, her retreat halted by the

had no choice but to reach out and grasp

wrong with you?!”

hands seemed to

through Cicely’s taut nerves.

she glared at Cicely, unable to

all because of you!

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

find Millie and stop

emotional outburst. Did she really care

much? What was going

much, why did Patty want

fall

Cicely. One moment it was Millie’s face,

back

down

thought to wrestle it away,

Cicely’s hand.

but then Patty gave her a

I’ll make sure Seth hates you

process her words, Patty yanked

it

Patty, clutching

Cicely’s face and clothes. Patty

as her warm blood painted Cicely’s hands a

body began to slide down, she clung to

blanket tightly.

expression spoke volumes. That word was

tight, her eyes locked onto Danielle’s,

convey

Danielle with terror, and she finally let out

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

burst open as Shane and two

in. The scene

lay beside the bed, drenched in blood, while Cicely stood

knife, her clothes and face

to snap out of

fainted. The room descended into chaos, and Cicely stood

receiving suspicious and avoidant glances

was terrified. She might have been tough and brash, but she

a gory scene, especially not this

ushered out of the room by the hospital staff,

she shakily washed the blood from

daze, she made her

hours and stood outside

been with

as they stood by

she overheard a commotion

you guys?

you need to leave

few seconds

“Cicely.”

her head

woman stood before her, well-preserved,

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

fortitude softening

stared in confusion at the familiar yet somehow distant

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

on her, and with a

The tap

wince and step aside.

see Cicely’s abnormal reaction. With

her niece’s

and she shook her head

nonetheless.

herself, but seeing Cicely’s tears,

her cry even when

through,

her hair, Lana whispered softly, “It’s

am here now.”

the hospital. Patty was in

they had witnessed

the chest, the blood-stained knife was in

out in the hospital

his words, not wanting to influence

matter how it was explained, everything seemed

Cicely.

arrived at Creighton’s ICU and saw Cicely standing with another

deep in conversation.

sighed in relief when they saw

Cicely tensed.

young man before

detachment beyond his

his attempts at composure, Lana’s

through his façade.

a good man. No wonder Cicely had

My niece’s

confusion.

face was ghastly pale, he asked,

for a few seconds before

mother might be in

a divorce, her

for you to worry.” Lana was always decisive

up her mind about right

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that

headaches.

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

divorce?”

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

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

you’re still young, so neither of you

respond to Lana but kept his eyes intently

emotionless. “Did

eyes

the

“Is Issac dead?”

Issac, Cicely’s eyes shook, and she looked up at Seth with

“You’re asking

he’s not dead, which means

just to avoid a divorce, you would

Did you have something to do with

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

“Think what you want.”

out a chilly laugh, “I

possibly fall for me, and

at your actions now. Could it

pocket clenched slightly, his eyes narrowing,

you tell my

sneered, “She suggested I saved her to use her to capture your

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

brooding gaze locked onto her, sharp and

in their emotional entanglement. Glancing at the

to the doctor, arrange for a

dad and you first,

bring your grandfather over.”

she was already walking away

Cicely, “If he refuses to

so much with him. If I remember correctly, the marriage

differences, living apart for two

dissolve a marriage.”

“I’ll come with

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

trace of restraint, “Do you really think

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize our

stared at her silently, his voice

provoke me.”

a little. “It sounds like you’re

on leaving?”

“No.”

I’ll be leaving and I’ll complete

later.”

on Seth’s

not understand

For a moment, she was

He spoke again, his gentle voice marked

Cicely.

by palpitations. Painfully, she twisted her

free from his shackles.

gave him

darker his

instinctively as she struggled.

A thin layer of sweat had

forward, and grasped his

unyielding as iron claws embedded

surprised. In the end, it was with

to break his

moment his grip loosened, Lana

gaze, her heart skipping a beat at the

bottomless eyes.

was deep, unfathomable, as if stacking dry

bottom of an abyss, devoid of

held Cicely tightly and hurried away. She had

that seemed to

Cicely and wondered if

had provoked.

watching their retreating figures emotionlessly.

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

“Don’t provoke me,” the

more ominous in hindsight.

had never considered how severe the

could be.

came from, but she’d

have her killed if she insisted on leaving, as

said.

more desperate and painful than death

again, she was

Enter title…

doctor, and they’d managed to

presence of someone to

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

hour, Lana did not stay in the room

her big brother,

for thirty minutes. She never

meaningless activities.d2

at the girl

her plea for comfort both calm

She raised

stay here with your dad for now. I’ll

grandpa.”

nodded lightly, “Then I’ll visit

worry too much. Your grandpa’s

he lived through in his

opened her mouth to speak, but in

managed a soft “Mhm.”

sliding into the pockets of

you, and we’ll

little. With her aunt gone, she didn’t

do next. Especially concerning those two men in

his side, she felt clueless on how to

the ICU, they

glanced over the documents in their hands

Cicely’s face. “Are you Miss

of panic

stepped back. The officers noticed her reaction

glance.

against you for

come with us to

one of them

immediately thinking of Patty. Under

anyone would suspect her of

didn’t do it; she went crazy on her own.”

for your cooperation at this stage. Please discuss

officer interrupted

away.

First, it was the Department of

an eerie

yet was

placing herself between Cicely and the

clear right here first. Are you taking

a pretext to

“Ma’am, please

work,” one

I insulted you? Is that how bold and

Can’t I even ask

serious, “We’ll take her statement,

If she’s not involved, she’ll be free to

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

investigation is

deepened, “She’s a suspect in

I don’t let you take

of justice is punishable by up

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward

different question. “Who reported

they answered, “Mr.

sharply, her whole being feeling like it had been

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

provoke him, was this his way of

at the realization of the depth of

ruthlessness.

slowly. She stood

Then, after several seconds, her voice,

any disturbance, rose gently.

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

right now.”

not to hear Lana’s words, continuing to

as if to herself.

niece’s profile, noticing the

smile.

really

that it was Seth who sent

to

Patty if Seth loved

to feel

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

fingers on her wrist from gripping tightly

loved her as well.

asked him plainly, and he

So she wasn’t sure.

when Cicely asked this question, the last look in

still couldn’t understand that

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

or a twilit night that just lost light

darkening.

light and life… For some reason,

metaphor.

“He does.”

is abnormal,

made Cicely smile. “Do you think

know what the young girl in front of her was thinking. “Cicely,

to think about this

tapered off her smile and nodded faintly. “You just got back,

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

I’ll just

like she just had

now bear any more incidents now. So, she

furrowed instantly as she grabbed Cicely’s

gentle smile, “Just going in

“No way!”

the air, brooking no

law enforcement officers beside them darkened in demeanor. “Ma’am,

duties, we are well within our rights to

according to

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

suddenly cut Lana off. “Auntie,

Enter title…

eyes narrowed. After years of

lot about

and make sure someone looks after

you please go first? I

like I’m being sent off to

admitted that thinking about such

that was just the kind

she was.

breath with her eyes closed. “I’ll go with

happened these

with, and I don’t understand any of

out when you get back.

time for

was silent for two seconds. “Alright, I’ll take care of everything

up

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

left, two officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s hands while

other pulled out handcuffs.

suddenly

indifferent compliance from just moments ago was replaced

and distress. “What are

a suspect, we need

cooperate with us.”

don’t want

the Ellis family.

and I won’t

you don’t cooperate, don’t

necessary forceful action.”

they did just that. Without

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

steel of the cuffs.

in her nose, biting her lip hard to keep

hands clenched

relaxed.

the emergency

his deep-set eyes calmly watching her.

officer nodded

on the

around her hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly,

clenched tightly. After a moment, he spoke, “Do

to go with your

to the bone, stared back at him. Despite the sweltering

coldness seeping

pretty face, which had just shown fear and

to anger, to detachment, to

curve on her lips.

you? The

did actually hurt someone, my family would ensure my

can make me give in this way? Let

days can

as if something feral was

of his gaze. His hand in his

knuckles whitening,

when to fold, Cicely.” His voice was tense, as if something was

choking him.

his words, “Know

cold, silvery handcuffs on her hands,

of showing goodwill?”

Seth’s reaction or

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

anymore? Even if you’re not, I’m in a

officers quickly followed

stopped again. Staring at the

softly, “Could you cover this up for

an officer borrowed a lab coat from the front desk

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly. Really

*

car to the nearest precinct. Straight

She was then directed to sit

unease, she pretended

room was small, with a one-way mirror opposite

with a recorder

working conditions were less

their hips, stood stoically beside

begin immediately. Cicely

on the

thought about the cop dramas she’d

as a psychological tactic, but did they need

She didn’t hurt anyone.

watched Cicely sitting there,

indifferent.

interrogator entered. The

actual interrogation.

Liar.

The interrogator asked her

events.

fully, and she shared every detail

that she and Seth had gotten married

loved her like

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

hand and stabbed herself with the knife. That doesn’t

me the assailant, right?”

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