The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2062

Lana returned to Cicely with Seth’s proposition. “He says if you agree to appeal, he’ll sign the divorce papers.”

Cicely stared at the photo of Creighton, chuckled faintly, “Alright, I agree.”

Lana paused, watching Cicely’s silhouette in silence.

Cicely looked down at the ring she had been caressing on her finger, scrutinized it for a long while, then, with a deliberate movement, she slid it off. Lifting her hand, the simple platinum band, devoid of even a single diamond, glinted coldly under the light.

She gazed at the ring for a few more seconds, then, lowering her lashes, spoke with an undisturbed calm, “Lana, could you please return this to him for me?”

Lana stepped forward, hesitated slightly upon seeing the ring, then took it from Cicely’s hand. Lips pursed, she looked at Cicely, “Cicely, did you...?”d2

“Hmm?”

“Did you know that this was the only way he’d sign the divorce papers? Is that why you decided to plead guilty in court?”

Cicely smiled again, closing her eyes and shaking her head, her voice indifferent. “No.”

Lana didn't say anything, glancing at Creighton's picture on the hearth in disbelief.

No one knew how much Creighton loved Cicely better than Cicely herself. So how could she possibly choose to defy his wishes and ruin her life under a false accusation of murder?

Maybe everyone had been fooled by this girl.

*

The next day was Creighton’s burial. Cicely had vigil at the wake all night. As dawn broke, the burial preparations began.

There were many customs to observe at a funeral, and by the time they finished at the graveside, it was broad daylight.

The weather had been gloomy these past days, and finally, this morning, it started to rain. It’s a gentle patter, as though reluctant to disturb a world that seemed a shade too dim.

Cicely stood at Creighton’s gravestone, holding a black umbrella, with Lana by her side and two uniformed officers behind her. “Ms. Cicely, it’s about time.”

As a convicted criminal, it was only through connections that she was allowed out, and her 24-hour respite was nearly up.

Cicely blinked slowly and stepped forward, her hand reaching out to touch the gravestone. Her fingers trembled minutely as she leaned in, resting her forehead against the cold stone.

Tears fell silently.

“Dad, goodbye”

Her calm, soft call made Lana, who had been stoic for days, nearly break down crying. The day before, Cicely had knelt in the chapel, tearless and silent, her composure reminiscent of when her mother had passed away.

Lana thought Cicely would weep alone upon returning to her cell, just as she had cried alone in her room back then, but it wasn’t the same. Back then, Cicely still had her father; now, she had only herself.

After a long time, she slowly straightened up and stood in silence for a moment longer with her umbrella before turning and walking over to Lana. “I need to go.”

Lana, noting Cicely’s nonchalant demeanor, nodded softly, “The appeal is in two days. You’ll—”

“I know.”

Cicely cut her off gently and then hugged Lana, “Thank you.”

Lana patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry.”

“Yeah.”

Then Cicely let go, walked away with the officers.

Lana watched them leave, feeling unease. Something seemed off.

Outside the cemetery, across from the patrol car with its flashing lights, a black sedan was parked quietly, the rain washing it even darker. Beside it, a tall figure stood under a black umbrella, his handsome features blurred through the rain.

But how could she not recognize him? For her, it was too easy. Even in a vast crowd, she’d spot him in an instant.

She stood there, watching him beyond the patrol car, then, with detached poise, got into the car, folded her umbrella, and threw it to the roadside.

Seth watched the patrol car drive away, then his gaze fell on the umbrella she'd discarded.

Classic Cicely. One moment, it shielded her from the storm, the next, discarded like worn-out shoes.

Lana came down from the cemetery, noticing the extra umbrella in his hands, her brows furrowing slightly. “She said she didn’t want to see you. Why bother?”

Seth spoke evenly, “But she can’t avoid me forever.”

Lana narrowed her eyes, “What do you mean?”

Seth smiled faintly and walked away without a word. Lana hurried after him, “Don’t tell me you still can’t let her go.”

Seth folded the umbrella neatly and secured it. “I never planned to let go from the very beginning.”

Lana stood frozen, recalling a comment from Seth. “Do you think I waited all this time just to drop the case?”

Now it could be rephrased as— “Do you think I waited all this time just to give up?”

Lana started to feel pained. One wouldn’t compromise. The other wouldn’t let go. But the more Seth persisted, the more Lana found Cicely’s reactions peculiar. She couldn’t pinpoint why seeing Seth made her uneasy about Cicely, but a sense of foreboding lingered.

*

It wasn’t until the day of the second appeal that Lana finally understood. Cicely was still found guilty, but the case indeed was turned over.

From premeditated murder to manslaughter.

Cicely was sentenced to three to seven years in prison.

At the moment of sentencing, Seth stood abruptly from the plaintiff's bench, his gaze dark and stormy, his expression grim. “You lied to me?!”

Cicely smiled faintly, “As if you ever really believed me. Is the case overturned?”

Seth’s arms tensed from clenching his hands.

“It is.” Cicely answered herself, “And I didn’t promise you anything else.”

“Besides, we have Danielle's testimony.”

Today’s appeal was essentially a continuation of the first trial. If she hadn't confessed herself back then, even with Danielle's testimony at the end of the first trial, she'd most likely be facing the same outcome as today—a conviction for manslaughter.

Seth's eyes were roiling with towering fury. She had deceived him; it was all a ruse to make him sign the divorce papers.

Watching him seethe with anger, Cicely let out a soft chuckle. "Alright, so I tricked you. But did you ever really plan to let me go?"

Seth's jaw clenched tightly. The answer was obvious. Of course not.

Lana, heartbroken and anguished, suddenly came to a realization upon hearing Cicely's words. "Cicely, you..." She knew then that Seth wasn't going to let her off easily.

"Lana, this is the end of the line. Everything's over. Take Grandpa and leave. Don't worry about me, don't sort things out for me, and don't look for any news about me. Just pretend I'm dead for three years."

"Cicely!"

Cicely's gaze slowly shifted back to Seth, "If anyone tries to pry into my affairs, I'd rather die in there right away."

Seth's brow twitched violently, his bloodshot eyes glaring at her. "Are you threatening me?"

"Hopefully."

She turned and walked away, the slight smile of her lips carrying a cruel edge.