Through her studio's tall windows, Cecelia saw something absurd.

A dozen bodyguards in matching black suits and white gloves lined up neatly outside her studio door, each of them carefully holding a dust-cloth-covered item in their hands, obviously valuable.

The lead bodyguard knocked politely. Under Cecelia's cold gaze, he directed his team to place each item in the reception area. They lifted the cloths, revealing a collection of antiques from elite auction houses.

"Madam, Mr. Rivera asked us to bring these for you. He said he knows you didn't sleep well and have been in a bad mood, so he hopes these little trinkets will cheer you up," the bodyguard said, his tone stiff and formal.

The commotion drew everyone working on the same floor to come and watch.

"Oh my god! Isn't that the record-breaking porcelain bowl from Sotheby's last month? Mr. Rivera is going all out!"

"He's really spoiling her! All of this just because his wife's upset? What a perfect man!"

"Cecelia is so lucky! Mr. Rivera is handsome, rich, devoted, and romantic!"

"I'm so jealous! If my husband cared even a tenth as much…"

Standing among all these antiques, Cecelia felt nothing but bitter irony as she listened to the admiration and envy outside. Her face showed no emotion, and her eyes were as empty as the void.

Finally, she walked straight back to the door. With a bang, she shut it in front of all the stunned bodyguards and onlookers, locked it, and pulled the blinds.

The world fell instantly quiet.

Outside, the bodyguards hesitated before calling Francis.

As soon as Francis got the call, he cleared his schedule for the next few days and came home early.

Cecelia was sitting by the window, her figure so thin that she looked like she might be scattered by the wind.

"Celia." Francis softened his voice and walked over, trying to hug her from behind.

However, Cecelia quietly moved away.

His hand froze in the air before he sat on the single sofa next to her. "Are you still angry about last night? I just…"

"I miss my dad." Cecelia suddenly said, her voice was light as air.

Francis gulped, his voice unconsciously tight. "Your father… If he's watching from above, he would only want you to be happy. Don't overthink things."

Eager to change the subject, he quickly said, "Right, I booked a three-day trip on the Starocean Cruise, top-deck suite. Let's go together, get some fresh air, watch the sunrise, and leave all the bad memories behind."

He looked at her with expectation, almost a plea, though he didn't realize it himself. Cecelia turned to stare into the sky again, silent.

Francis took that as agreement.

-

The cruise ship sounded its horn and cut through the blue sea.

On the top deck, Francis's friends were already waiting.

When they saw Cecelia, they all put on exaggeratedly warm smiles.

"Celia! You finally made it! Fran's been so worried about you, his hair's about to go gray!"

One friend directed the staff to bring over several beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

"We heard you cleared out some things from home, and Fran was really upset. He had us search the city for the latest and best. Why don't you give it a look and see if there's anything else you need?"

The boxes glittered in the sunlight, so bright they strained Cecelia's eyes.

Cecelia simply looked at the gifts presented to her by Francis's friends, her face expressionless.

"You're so lucky!" A sweet voice cut in.

Melody strode over, showing off in a sparkling, skin-tight mini dress. She wrapped her arm around Francis's arm, her eyes full of hidden jealousy and hate, but her smile was very sweet.

"Fran treats you so well! I'm so jealous! If my future boyfriend is even half as thoughtful as him, I'll count my blessings!" Melody said, deliberately emphasizing the word "boyfriend."

Everyone around them burst into laughter.

The salty ocean wind blew by. After a moment, all Cecelia could feel was suffocation. She turned to head back to her cabin for some air. As she rounded the corner, she saw Melody pulling Francis into a lounge.

Cecelia quietly followed.

Through the crack in the door, she saw Melody clinging to Francis, arms around his neck and red lips almost kissing his ear.

"Fran, I'm scared," Melody said, a sob in her voice. "Cecelia looked at me so coldly… Does she know it was me who…ran over her dad that year? Is she going to have her revenge on me?"

Cecelia's nails dug deep into her palms, but she didn't feel a thing.

Francis stiffened, then raised his hand to pat Melody's back, his voice low and steady. "Don't worry, Melody. As long as I'm here, she'll never know the truth. I swore I'd protect you, and I will. She can't hurt you."

Melody broke into a smile and nestled closer in his arms, her voice even sweeter. "You're the best, Fran. I have a surprise for you…"

She looked up at him with flirtatious eyes, gently placing a hand on her own belly. "Congratulations, you're going to be a dad!"

Francis froze completely, his eyes narrowed in shock.

Melody saw his reaction and instantly pouted, looking aggrieved. "Does our baby have to be hidden away like some dirty secret? It makes me so sad…"

After a few seconds, he seemed to have made up his mind. He held Melody's face, his voice both comforting and cold.

"Don't worry, Melody. You can have the baby. If Cecelia really can't accept it, if she won't raise the child… I'll give her enough money and divorce her. I'll take care of you and the baby. I won't let you suffer."

"You're the best, Fran!" Melody hiked up her skirt and tangled herself with Francis.

The room quickly filled with a steamy heat.

Every word they said was like stakes shooting right into Cecelia's heart and twisting it.

The truth about her father's death.

Francis's promises to protect Melody.

Melody's pregnancy.

And how easily he tossed his wife aside…

It was like one poisoned stake after another, reducing her already shattered heart to dust.

So, in Francis's game, she was just an obstacle that could be swept away with money.

All her years of love and even her father's life… She now wondered, what did they mean to him?

A sharp pain ripped through her chest as she clamped a hand over her mouth, just barely keeping her sob of despair inside.

So…

This was how utter despair felt.

Cecelia rushed to the deck and by the railing. The icy sea breeze cut through her, chilling her to the bone. She didn't know how long she stood there.

"Isn't it lonely watching the sea by yourself, Celia?"

Melody's vomit-inducing sweet voice sounded behind her, full of smug triumph.

Cecelia didn't turn around.

Melody walked over, deliberately pressing close, her voice low and laced with malice. "Don't be stupid. I'm the only one he ever truly loves. As for your short-lived old man…"

She sneered, full of disdain.

"He only has himself to blame. He didn't see my car coming. Doesn't he know how to get out of the way when such a beautiful car is coming his way? He deserved what he got, so he won't be in my way anymore!"

Every word she spouted scorched the deepest wounds inside of Cecelia. She remembered the moment her father pushed her away in his final moment. The numbness shattered, replaced by overwhelming grief and hate.

"Melody!" Cecelia's eyes were bloodshot as she whipped around. "You murderer!"

Fury took over. She raised her hand and slapped with all her strength toward Melody's cruel face.

A flash of cold satisfaction crossed Melody's eyes. Instead of dodging, she caught Cecelia's wrist. Then she suddenly flung herself backward, screaming in terror.

"Ah! Don't push me! Help!"

Everything happened in an instant.

Melody pulled Cecelia off balance, and the momentum pulled both of them toward the rail. Cecelia went over the edge, the cold scent of seawater rushing up to meet her.

"Melody!" Francis's voice shouted in panic as he shot across the deck.

His arms reached out, grabbing…

Melody.

He pulled Melody back with all his strength, shielding her protectively.

And Cecelia, losing her last grip, plunged straight down toward the freezing sea, torn apart by the cold wind.

Splash!

A huge splash echoed out, and the cold water swallowed Cecelia whole. The icy sea stabbed into her skin and bones like thousands of needles. The impact knocked the air from her lungs, setting her chest on fire.

Then, the worst happened. A sharp, tearing pain shot through her belly. A rush of warmth spread from deep inside her, blood quickly coloring the water around her…

She struggled, her mind going hazy.

The last thing she saw was Francis clinging tightly to Melody on the deck, his eyes filled with worry and fear.

He never once looked Cecelia's way, even as she fell into the sea.

The cold, the darkness, and the pain swallowed her completely.