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Chapter 2

Outside, it was pouring rain. The icy rain pelted Cecily, chilling her to the bone.

She endured wave after wave of abdominal pain, continuing to walk forward. The darkness ahead seemed endless.

Suddenly, she slipped, her heavy body unable to support her, and fell hard! Her vision went black, and she quickly sank into complete darkness.

Before losing consciousness, Cecily had only one thought in her mind: She needed to save her child!

...

Many years later, at a hospital in Dorde.

Cecily sat in her office, meticulously studying a patient file before presenting her treatment strategy.

Word had it that the patient was a big shot, prompting the hospital to handle the case with utmost care.

In front of her sat a panel of medical experts, all nodding in approval after hearing Cecily's treatment plan.

Edward, who had been listening intently beside her, asked, "Astrid, given the patient's intricate background and his specific request for you, are you confident about your treatment?"

With the file in her hand, Cecily looked at Edward with a confident and firm smile. "Based on the medical record, the patient has no other illnesses apart from the sleep disorder caused by excessive emotional tension. This is not a complicated case, so I am confident."

These words eased Edward's worry.

Three years ago, at just 25 years old with a toddler at home, Cecily was introduced to the hospital personally by Edward, a decision that initially sparked skepticism among many doctors about her ability.

However, in just three years, she had proven herself through her expertise, earning everyone's admiration and dispelling all doubts.

"Well, the patient is waiting in the examination room. He's requested further tests, so come with me," Edward said.

Cecily glanced at her wristwatch, finding it was time to fetch her son Griffin from school. But she couldn't leave with the patient here. Quickly, she made a call to apologize to Griffin and asked Blaise to pick Griffin up instead.

After the call, Cecily's beautiful face resumed its usual coldness. She put on her mask and joined Edward in the examination room.

Inside, a man sat gracefully on the sofa, his long legs crossed despite an evident discomfort reflected in his handsome yet unwell face. His eyes were closed in repose.

Accompanying him in the room were two young nurses.

They barely dared to breathe under the man's formidable aura.

As the door opened, Cecily followed Edward in.

The nurses beamed a smile and greeted them.

Edward acknowledged the nurses with a nod, while Cecily responded softly.

Waken by the noise, the man slowly opened his captivating eyes.

Cecily raised her eyes and glanced over the man on the sofa. Instantly, a chill ran through her veins.

The man was clad in a lavish dark suit, his chiseled features accentuated by a high-bridged nose and tightly pressed thin lips, exuding an innate arrogance and nobility.

There was no warmth in his deep eyes.

The distinguished patient Edward had mentioned was actually Darian—her ex-husband!

With a smile, Edward approached. "Mr. Fitzgerald, allow me to introduce Dr. Astrid, a member of our hospital. Astrid, this is Mr. Fitzgerald."

Darian's gaze fell on Cecily, whose long hair was tied up neatly and face was covered with a mask. Cecily looked down and remained silent.

Studying her refined features, Darian narrowed his eyes and felt a strange sense of familiarity.

Her fists clenched, Cecily strived to appear calm and greeted with her head down, "Hello, Mr. Fitzgerald."

Darian fixed her with a piercing stare tinged with danger.

Tension filled the air, Edward looked at Darian and then at Cecily, puzzled.

Meanwhile, Cecily was overwhelmed by a tumult of feelings.

Five years apart, she never expected to see Darian in such a situation.

The memories of that night remained vivid in her mind, for which she instinctively wanted to stay away from Darian.

Yet, leaving abruptly would seem overly deliberate and arouse suspicion. Thus, Cecily stood still, praying inwardly not to be recognized.

Finally, Darian broke the silence and extended his hand toward Cecily. "Come here."

Cecily's heart raced as she walked over under Darian's scrutinizing gaze. Before Darian could say anything, she initiated her examination.

The moment her warm fingers touched his head, Darian sensed an inexplicable familiarity.

Squinting his deep eyes, he seized Cecily up and asked, "Have we met before?"

Cecily's hand paused for a moment. "No."

After the examination, she swiftly stepped aside and said, "I'm sorry, Edward. I just checked on him and found I can't handle it. I'll call another doctor here."

With that, Cecily walked out with fake composure.

Edward was taken aback. "What?"

Darian's gaze lingered on Cecily until she disappeared from sight, and then he suddenly stood up.

He felt Cecily looked like someone.

Like who?

Cecily! The woman was presumed dead!

Just as he was about to pursue, his assistant Larkin rushed in. "Boss, Mr. Rowan Fitzgerald is missing!"

Darian's expression changed, his sharp eyes fixed on Larkin. "What do you mean?"

Larkin was trembling all over. "I was with Mr. Rowan Fitzgerald in the restroom just now. When I was washing my hands, he was gone. I've searched around several times, but there is no sign of him."

Darkness clouded Darian's face.

Larkin was fraught with anxiety. Although Rowan was not Darian's biological son, Rowan held a place in his heart after so many years together. Now that Rowan was missing, Larkin felt he was in deep trouble.

Frustrated and helpless, Darian roared, "Why are you still here? Go find him!"

"Yes, I'll go right now." Larkin hastened away.

Edward was trembling with worry too. If Darian's son went missing in their hospital, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Mr. Fitzgerald, let's check the security footage. It will be faster," suggested Edward.

Darian nodded. "Lead the way."

"This way, please."

After leaving the examination room, Cecily went to the restroom and tremblingly stood in front of the mirror, hands resting on the sink, her eyes closed deeply.

Although five years passed by, she would still think of everything that happened on the rainy night at the sight of Darian, which ignited an urge in her heart to flee.

Darian hated her. Because of Ophelia, her child, and all those trumped-up accusations, Darian hated her guts.

Cecily knew she should avoid Darian, or he would never let her go!

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