The Long Way Home

Chapter 5

Alina froze for a moment before clapping excitedly.

"You said it yourself! Don't go crying to Ethan later if you regret it!"

Cecilia rose calmly. "I won't," she replied, then turned toward the stairs.

As she reached the second-floor landing, someone suddenly seized her wrist.

"Cecilia, do you realize what you're saying?"

"Wasn't this Alina's idea?"

She met Ethan's slightly agitated gaze. "If you all want to have it, then have it."

"That was purely for Alina's benefit!"

Ethan rushed to explain. "It's all just a show. If I refuse, she'll make another scene, I—"

Cecilia nodded slightly, offering no argument.

"Yeah, so I don't have a problem with it."

Seeing her composure, Ethan grew uneasy, though he couldn't say why.

His grip remained firm. After a silent moment, he softened his tone with a promise. "Cecilia, just wait a little longer. When Alina gets better, we'll handle the remarriage paperwork, alright?"

Cecilia smiled faintly. "Alright…"

Only then did Ethan relax, unconsciously squeezing her hand. But Cecilia quietly withdrew and headed for the guest room.

Ethan slowly lowered his hand, a vine-like unease coiling in his chest. Yet he suppressed it.

After lunch, Ethan left for work.

Around noon, Cecilia stepped out to fetch water.

Alina lounged on the sofa, glued to her phone, with Serena beside her.

Not bothering to look up, Alina demanded, "Cecilia, make me an iced coffee and bring a sliced apple."

Previously, Cecilia would always comply. Today, however, she remained silent.

Alina's face darkened instantly. "Are you deaf?"

Serena quickly interceded. "Don't be upset, Alina. I'll handle it."

She prepared instant coffee in the kitchen.

Cecilia recalled meticulously grinding fresh beans for two years, only to be accused of carelessness.

Alina accepted the cup cheerfully. "See? Serena knows just how I like it."

As Cecilia turned to leave, Alina called out again, "I'm walking in the garden. Fetch my parasol and clean yesterday's white sneakers."

"Since you prefer Ms. Brown, have her do it," Cecilia replied flatly.

When Alina flared up, Serena intervened. "I'll get the parasol. Don't let it bother you."

Alina glared at Cecilia. "You're coming with us! No hiding in your room to slack off."

Cecilia wanted to refuse, but seeing Alina's expression—that "try refusing, and I'll throw a fit" look—she finally nodded.

The three went outside, Serena holding an umbrella over Alina while Cecilia followed behind.

On the garden's arched bridge, Serena suddenly lost her footing and stumbled toward Alina.

Reacting instinctively, Cecilia rushed forward and grabbed Alina's arm to pull her to safety.

But Alina spun and shoved her hard. "What's wrong with you? Trying to take me down with you?"

Off-balance, Cecilia toppled over the railing and fell into the river with a splash.

Unable to swim, she thrashed helplessly, choking on river water.

Struggling to keep her head above water, she saw Alina and Serena standing by the bridge, showing no intention of helping.

As her consciousness faded, the two turned away laughing, their steps light with glee.