The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

was in a trance.

Enter title…

Why did everything have to come crashing down today?

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

out about their pregnancy.

Cicely’s look was nothing new to her.d2

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

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

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

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

me so many all at once.”

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

Cicely.

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

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

It was sour.

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

her favorite comfort food.

*

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

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

hand on her belly, and closed her eyes.

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

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

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

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

next to him.

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

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

the emergency room door.

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

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

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

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

didn’t know what else she could do.

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

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

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

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

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

it.

*

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

the emergency room still burning.

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

sign that the situation was dire.

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

composure also began to crumble.

*

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

until past eight.

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

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

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

and forth, signaling a critical phase in the operation.

Cicely sat motionless, her mind blank with shock.

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

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

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

…

Silence engulfed the hallway.

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

rushed to help him up.

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

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

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

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

everything we could.”

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

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

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

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

Brody staggered, supported only by Charlie’s strength.

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

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

if he was shaken to the core.

“Cicely, come on!”

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

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

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

scared alone, Issac… don’t leave me…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ma’am!” cried Charlie in alarm.

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

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

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

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

save him? If you can’t, get out!”

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

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

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

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

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

you won’t want me either?”

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

dies, I don’t want you either!”

…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

happened and stay together?

No, they couldn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

might shatter, and she winced in agony.

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

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

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

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

her eyes before he finally spoke a single word.

“Fine.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

if he wanted.d2

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

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

two would eventually brew into a profound regret.

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie was visibly shocked.

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

several Diaz Internationals.

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

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

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

advance.”

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

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

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

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

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

interest to behave and not provoke me.”

Cicely’s eyelashes trembled.

“Charlie!”

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

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

watch her finish it.”

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

With that said, Seth turned to leave.

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

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

eyes, and walked away.

Issac had been taken to the ICU.

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

streaming down his face.

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

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

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

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

before Brody.

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

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

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

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

“It’s not your fault, miss.”

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

my fault, Brody. It is all my fault.”

Brody closed his eyes in resignation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed, but she was also petulant.

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

own right.

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

her apology.

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

It’s just fate.”

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

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

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

minutes tonight.”

*

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

cypress trees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone pressed to his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll handle Diaz International myself.”

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

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

him swallow his pride and come asking for a favor?

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

“Help me save someone.”

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

“That’s right.”

“And if we fail?”

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

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

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

reaction was more relaxed than expected.

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

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

for her.

“Mr. Diaz.”

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

prepare dinner, and you serve her this?”

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

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

informed Carly. She’s on it.”

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

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

slighted.

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

sofa, tossing it over the backrest.

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

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

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

need to eat dinner.”

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

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

make me miserable?”

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

could outdo Cicely when it came to making others miserable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

agony, I won’t bother you.”

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

prepare?”

Charlie hesitated, “Enough for two.”

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

“Will do.”

Cicely’s eyes darkened.

Before long, Carly had the food delivered.

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

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

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

should be wasting energy today.”

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

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

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

Seth and Charlie were right.

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

crossing paths.

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

Charlie quickly exited the room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlie shuddered. Seth’s expression was dead serious.

“Understood.”

*

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

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

blurred, and two arms barred her way.

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

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

Charlie.

“What’s all this?”

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

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

revenge, planning to come kill me?”

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

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

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

a grudge against me.”

Charlie was at a loss for words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And what if I don’t?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to go out.”

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

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

“Take a shower and get some rest.”

“Seth!”

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

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

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

Cicely hung up without another word.

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

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

streams of traffic.

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

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

*

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

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

and headed straight for her.

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

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

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

tall and straight silhouette reflected on the glass.

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

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

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

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

want to divorce you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the glass in Seth’s face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You have quite the patience.”

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

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

into the bathroom himself.

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

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

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

Cicely looked impassive, “I want some milk.”

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

Cicely closed the door again.

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

holding a glass of milk.

“It’s for Ms. Cicely.”

Seth withdrew his gaze and remained silent.

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

the day’s events.

The issues with Diaz International.

The status of the Ellis family.

The condition of Mr. Ellis.

The latest developments of Danielle.

She followed the trending topics, one by one.

The issue of Diaz International was further investigated.

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

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

Her dad’s surgery had been a roaring success.

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

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

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

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

miraculously unharmed.

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

die young, while the wicked seem to live forever.

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

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

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

covers to slide in.

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

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

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

divorce. You find this amusing?”

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

times? Would that be amusing?”

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

fell silent.

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

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

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

different.

She had actually brought up divorce.

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

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

forehead.

*

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

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

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

“I’m going to see Issac first.”

Seth remained silent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Seth by her side, no one stopped her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dead?”

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

face.

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

know.”

Enter title…

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

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

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

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

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

persisted, “Is Issac

met her

eyes widened, holding back restraint and forbearance. “Why

go

needed to have dinner, take a shower, and get

gone.” She cut him off, her eyes shimmering

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold,

Seth’s stern face

her, she pulled out her phone

phone to her

off the moment it started to ring. She tried

After five or six attempts, she gave up and walked

director’s office was in chaos, but

her to calm down.

is he? How can someone

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

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

the point of this

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

scene. In the end, exhausted and

a zombie devoid of thought, nearly drifting

she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

result was the same. The call was disconnected as soon

began.

her hand

seemed to

and sorrow were palpable.

her and gently pulled her into

and gentle voice emanating

go have lunch.”

him hold her, making no

after about a minute of

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

restaurants outside.”

Her current calm and compliance,

hysteria, seemed far too out

her eyes,

her up. Cicely did not refuse, her body showing

she leaned on him, her eyes

instructed Charlie

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

drank, she

later, Charlie brought

a slow, distinctive elegance. Eventually, she

with a napkin, and looked

you not want

on his

was leaning on the couch, her tone as cold and

by taking Issac away,

that he’s dead, and

divorce you over him?”

glass down, he

might be right.”

else

Or is it because I

you a feeling of being dumped, and you feel that

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

tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed into

after a long while, he hooked his lips and

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

to be

curled in a sardonic smile, “Can’t

me?”

pretend? The fact is you wanted to

you for

with a cold smile,

no reason,

a knock on the door

“Mr. Diaz, the company matters are

waiting for you; it can’t be delayed

of the previous day and losing an

and executives were

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including

to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to

his wife’s side, cool and composed as

Charlie didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was unaware of how

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

his jacket from the couch. “I’ve

and you won’t gain anything from

the hospital

She could hear

detached voice at the door. “Keep a close eye on her. Don’t

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

the table and tidy up the

remnants of the meal.

Two burly

thing in

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

busy, so she waited outside for a

could enter.

doctor’s report was still not optimistic. Creighton

the critical forty-eight hours to be truly

the doctor. She then sat

hand, and rested her cheek

her eyes, pushing down the sourness and

inside her.

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

USB drive.

that drive is a bit special. It

and hides automatically. As soon as someone cracks

his team are working hard on

we retrieve the files,

I’m your daughter, after all. How could

mistreated? I agreed to go to

my innocence. If they dare to bring

I’m clear, I’ll tear the place

plenty of trouble growing up,

makes my hands itch to do it.

mess to deal with

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

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

support.”

wiped away the tears

was full of pain and tenderness.

say to someone, so very

situation, her

might be pregnant. But everyone who should

died, it was just a

excitement for them.

person’s tragedy becomes another’s

is infuriating.

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

why she couldn’t bring herself to tell

these issues.

Issac meant to

ill-timed a pregnancy would be now. Creighton must

too, so she couldn’t tell him any of

to Creighton about trivial things, carefully avoiding any

the Diaz

ICU doctor came in to ask

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

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

was hoping for Creighton to wake

anything beyond that.

stared blankly at the distant parking lot, watching

bags and happy faces, others rushing

she recognized a familiar figure carrying things from

At that moment, her

asked about her dad

his

to side, disbelief etched on her face

accept

around, her eyes

dead?”

the cruel, ruthless reality she

face.

eyes flickered slightly as he replied, his

know.”

Enter title…

up close,

unmistakable. She pushed against his chest with both

thought she might

but instead she pushed him, and caught off guard,

swayed almost imperceptibly.d2

“Is Issac

met her

holding back restraint

me go out

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

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

unshed tears.

voice suddenly turning cold, “He wasn’t

stern face in silence.

struck her, she pulled out her phone and

phone

the moment it started to ring. She tried again,

five or six attempts, she

chaos, but the director could only

her to calm down.

How can someone

patient was taken by his

can’t save a life, and you can’t

the point of

only let her vent her

the end, exhausted and without

director’s office, like a zombie

the hallway wall, she mechanically dialed Brody’s number

result was the same.

began.

hand

a ball. She seemed to

and sorrow were palpable.

pulled her into

and gentle voice emanating from

go have lunch.”

no attempt to struggle or resist. She

minute of silence, she

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

restaurants outside.”

paused, surprised. Her current calm and

far too out of

her

up. Cicely did not refuse,

as she leaned on him, her eyes closed,

Charlie

Seth handed her a

drank, she

hour later, Charlie brought

slow, distinctive elegance.

with a napkin, and looked

you not want to

on his cup

couch, her tone as cold and

by taking Issac away, making me unable

not that he’s dead, and that I

divorce you over him?”

silent. After setting the glass

might be right.”

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

good enough? Or is it because I was

feeling of being dumped, and

and you can’t get

tightly clenched, his thin lips pressed

long while, he

him. “So no

to be

smile,

me?”

pretend? The fact is you wanted to dump

you for no

with a cold smile, grew chillier

no

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

“Mr. Diaz, the company

you; it

the previous day and losing an entire building,

and executives

work phone had been bombarded with calls, including the one

off to him. Mr. Diaz had first gone to

his wife’s side,

didn’t believe Mr. Diaz was

situation truly was.

“Okay.”

gaze and slowly closed her eyes against

couch.

his jacket from the couch. “I’ve got

out there, and you won’t

the hospital to avoid

hear Seth’s footsteps

door. “Keep a

anywhere but the hospital.”

“Understood.”

*

table and

remnants of the meal.

and left the ward. Two burly men

natural thing

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

outside for a good

could enter.

report was still not optimistic. Creighton

forty-eight hours to be truly out

and thanked the doctor. She then sat beside the

hand, and rested her cheek against its

pushing down the sourness and fear welling

inside her.

in those

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

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

automatically.

team

ready and we retrieve the

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

go to the justice

they dare to bring

clear, I’ll tear the

growing up,

it makes my hands itch to do

with later, and I’ll definitely need your

since you don’t want me to get arrested, I

up. Dad, you’ve got to recover quickly

support.”

up and wiped away the tears

Her heart was full of pain and tenderness.

much to say to

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

that she might be pregnant. But everyone who

detached bystanders. Even if someone died, it was just

excitement for them.

tragedy becomes another’s entertainment,

is infuriating.

for her would react the most, and offer her

couldn’t

these issues.

how much Issac meant to

pregnancy would be now. Creighton must

Seth too, so she couldn’t tell

to Creighton about trivial things, carefully

the

hour passed quickly, and the ICU

the hospital’s park

the parking lot. Her mind was a blur.

for Creighton to wake up; she

anything beyond that.

the distant parking lot,

large bags and happy

familiar figure carrying things from

that

was Grandpa calling. He asked about her

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

as he

It was a familiar face, one that had clashed

debates before.

Another assistant

care

a calamity befalling the family, Erik was bedridden. There

house, and she had not even returned

fine. Just go see how Danielle is doing, I heard she’s in a bad

Enter title…

Cicely got up and walked over to the railing and watched

and going in the parking

other end of the phone was long

the rusted railing tightly as

and Danielle hadn’t dilly-dallied and just gotten

much, maybe just a

seconds, or even ten might have been enough. We

and Issac wouldn’t have left

voice filled with helplessness and a choke of

from the phone, “Cicely…”

what Issac meant to me? He was like the

when around, but

the old man’s granddaughter. So was

wasn’t for Patty wasting so much time for the

wouldn’t have died.

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

for you.”

her phone and turned, expressionless, towards

hospital.

hadn’t been in Danielle’s room for long before Cicely arrived.

bag of fruit and some lunch. The

stood to either side of the hospital room

her.

room,

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

she heard a knock

doorway.

react, Patty had already jumped

“What are

room. These were matters

was best for him to keep out

affairs.

Patty, Danielle has Ellis blood in her

her than you are, so

that said, she

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

mouth visible.

was crusted with dry skin. Those bloodshot eyes were

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

tear Cicely apart.

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

how pitiful you are. Covered in burns,

Your legs had just healed, and

point of living like

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

really wish her

back, shaking with rage. Her voice

ear, yet Cicely remained indifferent, her gaze

peeked out from the bandages

with a fury

hatred.

at me? Seems like, Issac and I

Danielle, were you born under a cursed star? Why does

you suffer misfortune?”

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

pulling at her wounds, causing tears to well

eyes.

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

happened. I wouldn’t have

to me than if you were stray

beside her, “Do you

Danielle and Seth are like stray dogs to

Have you forgotten how you used to

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

“What do you

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

or are you deliberately picking a fight? Everyone

thought I was heartless and ungrateful,

actually you who are

“You…”

you think

don’t expect gratitude,

for your

eyes intensifying.

International, trying to curry favor so I wouldn’t stand in

Otherwise, why would you bother

joke! If you hadn’t come, we would

be like this. You have the nerve to come here and

haven’t even begun to settle the

of it all. How twisted must one’s

unable to distinguish right from wrong, and to

blatantly distort the truth.

with a dangerous glint as she

along, Danielle would be nothing but

Your fate? Nothing more than two charred

at her words, her

never expected you to be

something. Your lives? They were saved by

Even if you scrape by every day from here on out, you

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

silence in the hospital room. “Dead?

temples throb with a sudden

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

the explosion that

“You think he got what

his death was

wild rage emanating from Cicely, trembled from head

she raised the

are you

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

into a cold, mocking smile. “Am I wrong? I didn’t ask you

that choice on your

doom. If you hadn’t come, how could he have possibly

Enter title…

on Cicely’s forehead stood out starkly

if I

you hadn’t stalled me for Danielle, Danielle

No one in their right

something like that.”

her bed, sensed the

seeing the sharp paring knife in

the searing pain in her body, she

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

who said you wanted to go upstairs to

had boarded the rescue helicopter right from the start,

He might have even gone

Cicely’s face stiffened suddenly.d2

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

you with his body. No matter what, you

on me and Patty.”

her reasons for wanting to go upstairs for

dress at such a time, it

had known it

owed Issac a debt of gratitude, not to

as unforgivable as his death

there be

hands clenched into fists, her body trembling with barely

in Cicely’s pain. It was evident on

and the late Millie were

nothing more than a call

and arrogantly than anyone else, always looking down on

men seemed to have

hadn’t seen her humiliated or in

She could almost

Cicely’s anguish.

with satisfaction and triumph

to hurt her, badly, by any

suddenly let out a soft laugh and

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

to gain your favor. You probably haven’t

faint smile and slowly lifted her left

hand, Cicely continued in a mocking tone,

contorted in shock, and even Danielle on the

incredulously at Cicely.

felt vindicated. No wonder Patty could confront

of realized

relieving.

Ray nearly

composure shattered,

never seen a similar ring on Seth? Or do

the drawer of the bedroom at Seth’s

froze for a few seconds, staring at

even more grotesquely. “No! I don’t believe it! He

me…”

cut her off, cool and dismissive, “Then why would he suddenly

already given up on him. Now that I think

around that time. Perhaps he’s fallen

Patty was struggling to control herself, the

never fall

understanding, “Well, so other than him loving

of why he would choose to marry me behind

for the Ellis Group shares,

that’s the case, being open about

Why lie to you?

slowly recovering from her shock, eyed the

lip. “Cicely, if you’re done, could you

out of the woods yet, and his

You should spend time with

suddenly darkened as she turned to Danielle, her

says

Patty’s gaze piercing her and

They have been keeping it a

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

Cicely frowned and as she turned, she saw

the knife

shock, instinctively shielded her stomach and stumbled

again. “It’s all your

halted by the

choice but to reach out and grasp Patty’s wrist. “What the hell

wrong with you?!”

Patty’s hands seemed to emanate from deep within

through Cicely’s taut nerves. Patty’s

cheeks as she glared at Cicely, unable to mask

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

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

go find Millie and stop

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

father’s condition this much? What was

so much, why did Patty want to kill her

never fall for

moment it

back and

look, glanced down at the

as she thought to wrestle it away, Patty suddenly tightened her grip

Cicely’s hand.

Patty gave her a cruel smile. “I told you

make sure Seth hates you for the rest of his

her words, Patty yanked Cicely’s

plunged it

in horror as Patty, clutching her hand,

Cicely’s face and

as her warm blood painted

to slide down, she clung

the blanket tightly.

expression spoke volumes. That word was alreay

blanket indescribably tight, her eyes locked

to convey a

Danielle with terror, and

“Patty, somebody… somebody help!”

as Shane and two men

The scene

beside the bed, drenched in

knife, her clothes and face

first to snap out of it

fainted. The room descended into chaos, and Cicely

avoidant glances from the medical

She might have been tough

scene, especially not this

she was ushered out of the room by the hospital staff,

washed the blood from

in a daze, she made her way

hours and stood

had been with her immediately called Seth,

they

daze, she overheard a commotion

you

need

few seconds of silence

“Cicely.”

slowly lifting her head and turning toward the

woman stood before her, well-preserved, exuding

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

fortitude softening

stared in confusion at the familiar yet somehow

murmured, “Auntie Lana…”

on her, and with a slight

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

wince and step aside.

see Cicely’s abnormal reaction.

her niece’s face.

and she shook her head slightly, but tears filled

nonetheless.

but seeing Cicely’s tears, she was

hadn’t seen her cry even when Millie

Cicely had been through, Lana took a deep breath

her into an embrace. Stroking her hair, Lana whispered softly, “It’s okay,

am here now.”

was in

had witnessed upon entering the

the blood-stained knife

passed out

words, not wanting to influence Seth’s

how it was explained, everything seemed to

Cicely.

arrived at Creighton’s ICU and

deep in conversation.

in relief

Cicely tensed.

appraising the young man before her. Handsome,

a calm and detachment beyond his

at composure,

through his façade.

man. No wonder Cicely had fallen

My niece’s husband?” Lana’s words had

confusion.

his gaze to Cicely, whose face was ghastly pale, he asked, “Your

Seth, her silence lingering for a

“Your mother might be in critical

divorce, her condition is none

need for you to worry.” Lana was

her

stuck to it tenaciously, a trait that

headaches.

words, Seth’s face darkened immediately, “Who

divorce?”

marriage is beyond saving, why not let

if nothing has happened and continue living

terms while you’re still young, so neither

Lana but kept his eyes intently

“Did you

eyes at the arrogant

the shares of

“Is Issac dead?”

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

“You’re asking

dead, which means we can’t get

“Seth, just to

to do with Issac’s disappearance?

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

“Think what you want.”

let out a chilly laugh, “I asked your mother, ‘Do you

couldn’t possibly fall for me, and I agreed

at your actions now. Could

hand in his pocket clenched slightly, his

tell my

saved her to use her to

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

brooding gaze locked onto

emotional

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

I’ll take your dad and you first, and then we’ll arrange for

bring your grandfather over.”

she said this, she was already walking away

Seth before turning to Cicely, “If

talk so much with him. If I remember

irreconcilable differences, living apart

dissolve a marriage.”

nodded, “I’ll come

Seth caught her wrist.

trace of restraint, “Do

leave just like that?”

ahead and finalize

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

provoke me.”

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

on leaving?”

“No.”

be leaving and I’ll complete other procedures two

later.”

and anger finally surfaced on Seth’s face. “Did you not

not understand what I

For a moment, she was silent. The grip

wrist tightened. He spoke again,

Cicely. Don’t

was gripped by palpitations. Painfully,

break free from his shackles. She didn’t

gave him an

at her, the darker his

instinctively as she struggled.

layer of sweat had pushed

frowned, stepped forward, and grasped

unyielding as iron claws embedded in

slightly surprised. In the end, it

to break

the moment his grip loosened, Lana quickly pulled

gaze, her heart skipping a beat at the sight

bottomless eyes.

look was that? It was

an abyss, devoid of sound, wind, breath, or

away. She

that seemed to

looked back at Cicely and wondered if she realized what kind

had provoked.

figures

provoke me.” Lana’s heart

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

more ominous in hindsight.

how severe the consequences of

could be.

the confidence came

wouldn’t choose to have her killed if she insisted on

said.

thought there was nothing more desperate and painful than death in

again,

Enter title…

doctor, and they’d managed to secure

the presence of someone to lean

Cicely feel considerably lighter.

hour, Lana did not

duration. Even for her big brother,

thirty minutes. She never liked

meaningless activities.d2

Lana glanced at the girl sitting by the hospital

hands tenderly holding her father’s, her plea for

She raised her hand to

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

grandpa.”

nodded lightly, “Then I’ll visit

grandpa’s spirit is much stronger

he lived through in

her mouth to speak, but in the end,

managed a soft “Mhm.”

took a deep breath, her hands sliding into the pockets

wait for you,

finally relaxed a little. With her aunt gone,

would do next. Especially concerning those two men

felt clueless on how to

ICU, they were met by two

eyes glanced over the

firmly on Cicely’s face. “Are you Miss

seeing the uniforms, a wave of panic

The officers noticed her reaction and shared

glance.

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

with us to the station

one of them

thinking of

it seemed anyone would suspect

do it; she went crazy on her own.” she

your cooperation

the station,” the leading officer interrupted

away.

investigation. First, it was the Department of Justice,

suddenly felt an eerie sense of inevitability, as if

anything wrong yet was still trapped by

in, placing herself between Cicely and the officers.

clear right here first. Are you

pretext to

officers’ expressions grew stern. “Ma’am, please

work,” one

I insulted you? Is that how bold

Can’t I even ask

lead officer’s face grew serious, “We’ll take

she’s not involved, she’ll be

smile dripping with sarcasm, “So you’ll keep

the investigation

deepened, “She’s

don’t let you

by up

control, or a fine.”

Lana narrowed her eyes.

pulling Lana aside, then stepped forward to face the

question. “Who reported the

hesitation, they

sharply, her whole being feeling

suffocation, numbness set in. So, when he

him, was this his way of stabbing her in

throat at the realization of

ruthlessness.

long pause, Cicely nodded slowly.

Then, after

rose gently. “Aunt

won’t let them take

right now.”

you think…” Cicely seemed not to hear Lana’s words, continuing to

as if to herself.

profile, noticing the faint, almost

smile.

really love

could confirm that it was Seth who sent Issac away,

want to

she asked Patty if Seth loved her. Patty

starting to feel

now, he didn’t want to let her leave with her aunt at any

on her wrist from gripping tightly

loved her as well.

once asked him plainly, and he never answered, never admitted

So she wasn’t sure.

this question, the last

still couldn’t understand that look, like

Grim Reaper had stayed. It’s

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

darkening.

light and life… For some reason, she

metaphor.

“He does.”

love is abnormal, and that’s

Cicely smile. “Do you think

girl in front of her was thinking.

about this right

and

arrange for dad to leave, and visit grandpa. In order

trouble anymore, I’ll just go with

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

any more incidents now. So,

them. Lana’s brow furrowed instantly as she grabbed

gentle

“No way!”

through the air, brooking

officers beside them darkened in

official duties, we are well within our rights

according to the

“You wouldn’t dare!”d2

you.” Cicely suddenly cut Lana

Enter title…

years of being spoiled rotten overseas,

a lot about the

you go check on grandpa and make sure someone looks after my

you please go first? I don’t want

away, looking like I’m being sent

thinking about such seemingly sentimental things

was just the kind of

she was.

a deep breath with her

happened these past few days,

and deal with, and I don’t understand any of

back. You

for other

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

you up as soon as

Cicely nodded, “Okay.”

*

officers approached, one lifting Cicely’s

other pulled out handcuffs.

cuffs, Cicely’s eyes suddenly shrank, and she

The indifferent compliance from just

distress. “What are you

a suspect, we need to ensure there’s

cooperate with us.”

want

family. How could she possibly wear

you and I won’t run. So there’s no

you

necessary forceful action.”

that. Without letting Cicely

a “click,” those delicate wrists were encircled

steel of the cuffs.

nose, biting her

from her eyes. Her hands clenched

relaxed.

out, at the emergency

watching

officer nodded

Seth’s gaze remained fixed on the woman

around her hands. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his

After a moment, he spoke, “Do you

to go with your

stared back at him. Despite the

she felt a coldness seeping into her from every

had just shown fear and

to anger, to detachment, to a

curve on her lips.

of provoking you? The

did actually hurt someone, my

you can make me give in this way? Let me

many days can you

eyes narrowed dangerously, as if something

of his gaze. His

veins bulging, knuckles whitening, his palm’s circulation cut

to fold, Cicely.” His voice was

choking him.

tasting his words,

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

of showing goodwill?”

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

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

Even if you’re not, I’m in a hurry

quickly

stopped again. Staring at the

softly, “Could you cover this

request, an officer borrowed a

draped it over her.

Cicely’s eyes flickered.

was ugly.

*

the police car to the

then

she pretended

with a one-way mirror opposite her,

a cheaply varnished table with a

The working conditions were less

uniformed officers, pistols at their

begin immediately. Cicely sat quietly, picking

on the

by. She thought about the cop dramas she’d

as a psychological tactic, but did they

She didn’t hurt anyone.

glass, Seth watched Cicely sitting

indifferent.

minute, the interrogator entered. The supposed ‘statement’

actual interrogation.

Liar.

so-called statement began. The interrogator asked her to

events.

cooperated fully, and she shared

Patty that she and

Seth loved her

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

herself with

me the assailant, right?”