For Her Sake, He Married Me

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.