Chapter 7
526 Words
The next morning, when the servants dragged Cecilia out, her limbs felt boneless. Her skin, soaked in cold water, trembled with pain at the slightest touch.
Assisted to the guest room, she hastily swallowed medicine for her fever before collapsing into a heavy sleep.
A hand gently shook her shoulder. She jolted awake to see Ethan standing by the bed.
He frowned. "You were only in the water for less than ten minutes yesterday. How did it end up like this?"
Cecilia hid her arm under the blanket, avoiding his eyes.
Ethan reached to touch her forehead.
Serena's voice came from outside: "Ethan, the bridal shop delivered tomorrow's dresses. Let's go downstairs and choose together?"
Ethan paused, then explained quickly, placating Cecilia. "Serena and I are just going through the formalities for tomorrow's wedding. It's all for Alina's sake."
Serena pushed the door open. "Cecilia, since you've been married before, why not advise us?"
Ethan frowned at Cecilia's pale face. "She doesn't seem well. Let's not bother her."
"But that's exactly why she should get some fresh air," Serena coaxed, holding his arm.
"I'm nervous and wanted Cecilia's advice. If anything goes wrong tomorrow, Alina will worry again. Don't you agree?"
Ethan hesitated. "Then… come down? Just for a while."
After a moment, Cecilia nodded.
In the living room, the wedding dresses had already been tried on.
Serena tried on necklaces, but none satisfied her.
Suddenly, she remembered something. "Cecilia, I remember your pearl necklace from when you married Ethan. It was exquisite. Let me try it?"
"No."
Cecilia looked up sharply, wary.
Serena turned to Ethan. "Ethan, I just want to try it."
Ethan said quietly, "Let her try it. It's just a necklace."
"Ethan, you know what this necklace means to me!"
Cecilia trembled.
But he ordered a servant, "Bring that pearl necklace."
"Ethan!"
Cecilia tried to stop them, but her fever weakened her. "You can't do this!"
His voice grew impatient. "Enough. It's just a necklace. I'll buy you a better one."
The servant returned with the necklace. Serena admired it in the mirror. "Lovely. More elegant than any from the shop."
Cecilia said nothing, staring.
Serena pretended to sigh regretfully. "I know it's important to you. I won't keep what you cherish."
She removed the necklace, extending it to Cecilia.
Before Cecilia could take it, it slipped from Serena's fingers, hitting the floor with a sharp clink, scattering pearls.
Cecilia lunged forward, seizing Serena's arm. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Serena collapsed to the ground, tears welling. "You didn't catch it. Why blame me?"
Ethan rushed forward. "Enough! Serena handed it to you. It's your fault for not holding on."
Cecilia stared at him, voice breaking. "This is the only thing my parents left me!"
Ethan hesitated, but Serena suddenly slumped against him. "Ethan… my foot… it hurts…"
He swept her into his arms, coldly saying, "Stop this. I know you don't want the wedding, but it's happening tomorrow."
Cecilia crouched on the floor, silently weeping, gathering the scattered pearls one by one.
And at that moment, she understood: love, like a shattered necklace, could never be pieced back together.
- Writer
