The elevator doors slid shut.Liam pressed the button before turning to her quietly. "Why the rush?"Cecilia repeatedly pressed the close button, checking to make sure no reporters had followed them, then finally let out a relieved sigh, lightly patting her chest."Did you expect me to just stand there and wait for your lie to fall apart?" She turned to him, a hint of helpless amusement in her eyes. "Do you realize what you just said? The Robehod Medical Group! That's Robin Sinclair's medical empire. Their experts—are you really able to just call them in?"She deliberately drew out her words, mimicking his earlier steady tone. "Senior —surgeons""You think I was joking?" Liam couldn't help a soft laugh, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair.Cecilia instinctively tilted her head away, but the ice in her eyes had melted. "Weren't you?""Of course I was," Liam admitted frankly, though a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "But I had to. It was a test. Luckily, even an empty boast was enou
In the hospital's garden behind the building, people hurriedly passed by—family members visiting patients, medical staff heading home after their shifts, and patients slowly walking with the assistance of wheelchairs.Cecilia wasn't sure how long she had been sitting on this bench—whether it was from the morning until noon, or maybe longer.Countless unfamiliar faces had passed her by, yet she hadn't moved, nor had she gone inside.Her phone vibrated in her pocket again and again, the name "Margaret" flashing on the screen until the battery finally died, and the screen went black.From the emergency room, cries echoed sharply, each one piercing her heart.With every scream, her fingers unconsciously tightened, her nails digging deep into her palm.At last, she took a deep breath, her movements stiff, and stood up slowly, making her way to the emergency room.The air was thick with the mingling scents of blood and antiseptic, lingering and refusing to dissipate.She pushed through the
Sinclair ManorA black helicopter cut a sharp arc across the blue sky, circling over the mountaintop villa before its heavy rotor blades shattered the peaceful silence. It descended slowly onto a private helipad.The cabin door opened. Murphy stepped out.His posture was straight, his movements efficient and panther-like as he crossed the meticulously manicured gardens toward the manor's heavy, carved doors."Master Murphy, Master Liam is waiting for you in the third-floor study," the steward greeted him respectfully, taking his coat with familiar deference.Murphy gave an almost imperceptible nod and silently ascended the thickly carpeted stairs.In the third-floor study, a tall figure stood quietly before the floor-to-ceiling window.The afternoon sun cast a long shadow behind him.One hand rested lightly on the window frame, his deep eyes gazing outward.In under a minute, the closed door opened from the outside.
Cecilia's pupils constricted, her gaze locked on the dark red stain spreading across Ronald's calf.Blood trailed down his pale skin, pooling on the floor in a glaring, vivid mark."ARE YOU INSANE?"Her voice caught in her throat, trembling as she forced out the words.Ronald didn't even flinch, as if he truly felt nothing.He just kept staring at her, his hand already reaching for another glass on the side table.Just as his fingertips brushed the cool surface, Cecilia lunged forward and grabbed his wrist."ENOUGH!"she nearly shouted, hurling the glass away.It shattered against the wall, fracturing into countless pieces—like their relationship.Ronald twisted his grip, capturing her hand. "I need you to know… I would never lie to you."Then—He yanked her into his arms, holding her tightly despite her struggles and punches."CICI, I LOVE YOU. It's always been you…"&nbs
The next morning, Cecilia slowly opened her eyes.The familiar scent still lingered in the air, but the enormous bed was empty except for her.Rubbing her sore wrist, she sat up drowsily and looked around. No one.Her phone, silenced the night before, lit up and dimmed repeatedly on the nightstand.She picked it up indifferently—over fifty missed calls, all from the same number.She frowned almost imperceptibly.That number… her father?The first call came around midnight. Why was he calling so late?After a moment's hesitation, she called back.The line connected almost instantly. A weak, nearly broken voice answered: "Cecilia.""What is it?" she asked warily.Walking into the living room, she saw breakfast laid out, still faintly steaming. A note on the table read: Eat your breakfast.She sat down, waiting silently for a response.Margaret's voice trembled, thick with unshed tears. "Your father… he's been in an accident. Can you come see him?"Clink.The spoon slipped from Cecilia's
In front of the apartment complex in the northern district, silence blanketed the entire neighborhood.Under the glow of the streetlights, Cecilia's shadow stretched long. She had been pacing the same path over and over.Finally, the familiar silver Ferrari rolled slowly into the complex."Dammit!"Cecilia's breath hitched. Instinctively, she ducked behind the hedges lining the sidewalk.What am I even doing? she cursed herself.Why was she waiting for him here? And now, hiding in the bushes like some fool…Lost in her thoughts, a low voice sounded unexpectedly from behind her."What are you doing there?"Cecilia froze, her blood running cold. She slowly stood and turned, forcing a smile. "Just… taking a walk."Liam raised a brow, his gaze lingering on her face. "Oh?"She avoided his eyes, looking down and kicking a small pebble. "Walking helps with digestion and sleep."He watched her silently for a moment, a trace of unmistakable concern in his eyes.Then—He reached out, his finger