Chapter 9

Cecily hadn't expected to be alive. When she opened her eyes, she saw the same sight—Evelyn, her eyes red from crying. "Cece, thank goodness you're okay. I'd never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you. Does it hurt? Don't worry. I've already called the best doctors. They'll make sure you don't have any scars." "It's just a minor injury. I'm fine, Evie. You don't need to feel guilty or worry about me." Waves of unbearable burning pain shot through her hands, but Cecily gritted her teeth and pulled Evelyn into a hug anyway. "Actually, there's something I meant to tell you yesterday," Cecily said. "It might be too late now, but promise you won't be mad. I've decided to go back to Harlport this evening. "My family arranged a marriage for me when I was a child, and they're insisting I go through with it. I've already bought my ticket. Will you see me off?" Evelyn hadn't expected her to leave so suddenly. The tears she had barely held back spilled over once more. "What? You're leaving just like that? And getting married? Does this mean you're never coming back? What am I supposed to do when I miss you?" She sobbed uncontrollably. Cecily sighed and spent a long time gently comforting Evelyn until she finally calmed down. They shared a heartfelt goodbye, lingering in their farewell, before Evelyn reluctantly left to finish Cecily's discharge paperwork. Just as Cecily finished changing, wincing in pain, Clyde pushed open the hospital room door. His face was grim, and his eyes were cold. "You hit Isabel and started the fire to kill her, didn't you?" Cecily felt nothing when she saw him again. Her voice was flat. "So, you just believe her? Without even bothering to check the evidence?" "Yes. No matter what Isabel says, I'll always believe her. I don't need evidence!" Clyde refused to give her a chance to explain. He didn't even bother to listen to her. As Cecily met his icy stare, she knew there was nothing she could say that would make him believe her. Rather than waste time with pointless explanations, she gave him a quiet smile. "So, why are you here, then?" "To make you apologize to Isabel, of course!" Without another word, Clyde grabbed her injured arm and yanked her forward. The rough motion reopened the wound, sending a sharp pain through her arm as blood started to seep out. Tears stung Cecily's eyes, but she gritted her teeth, determined not to let them fall. She fought back fiercely, twisting to break free. At that moment, Evelyn returned and immediately stepped between them, shielding Cecily. Clyde's glare burned into both of them, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Move! She's apologizing to Isabel today!" "I'm not moving! I know Cece didn't do anything wrong. You're taking Isabel's side, but my room has a surveillance camera. Everything from yesterday is recorded. If you're going to make Cece apologize, the least you can do is wait until we've seen the footage!" Evelyn stood her ground, her voice hoarse but defiant. Clyde's temple throbbed with anger. He was about to respond when Isabel's message suddenly lit up his phone. He glanced at the screen, swallowed his rage, and fired off one last remark before turning away. "Fine. We'll check the footage tonight. Let's see what excuses you've left when the evidence is right before you." The door slammed behind him, leaving the room in silence. Evelyn kept apologizing as she tended to Cecily's injuries. Cecily softly shook her head and wiped the tears from Evelyn's cheeks. "Evie, don't apologize. We didn't do anything wrong. I'll be leaving soon. Promise me you'll take care of yourself once I'm gone." Evelyn gave a firm nod. She brought Cecily home from the hospital, helped with her luggage, and drove her to the airport. The boarding call for the flight to Harlport had just started. Cecily gave Evelyn one last hug before walking toward the gate without looking back. Once on the plane, she deleted every one of Clyde's contacts. Right then, Evelyn's final message came through. "Cece, be happy when you get home. Don't worry. I'll figure everything out tonight. I'll make sure you get justice." Cecily gave a faint smile as the screen slowly faded to black, then turned to gaze out the window at the clouds. To her, the truth didn't matter anymore. Neither did justice. After all, Clyde—and all the pain he had brought into her life—had already faded from memory. She was leaving it all behind, completely and for good.