Chapter 73 The Malicious Trap by the Bitch
"No, no, this can't be true." Emily's voice broke, unable to accept the harsh reality before her.
Her legs gave way, and she swayed unsteadily, her face ashen. She looked as if the very act of breathing was a Herculean task, and she might collapse at any moment.
Panic-stricken, Arabella cradled her. "Emily, please don’t scare me. I swear, I'll get you another cat, just like Pamela, okay?" Arabella's voice was a soothing whisper, as if even a decibel louder would shatter Emily.
But Emily was inconsolable, her tears flowing unabated. "No, there will never be another cat like Pamela." Her voice was tinged with the desolate tone of someone lost in their own torment, impervious to the outside world.
All around, a tense silence held. No one dared utter a word, fearful that any noise might further unhinge Emily. They stood rooted in concern, unable to look away as Emily's demeanor shifted.Suddenly, she snapped back to reality, her eyes bloodshot and blazing with a fierce accusation. "Was it you? Did you kill Pamela because she scratched you yesterday?" she shrieked, directing her fury at Cecilia.
Cecilia’s eyes momentarily betrayed her shock. This was the turn of events she had braced herself for upon seeing Emily's fragile state this morning.
In the following moments, the scrutiny of the Whitaker family weighed heavy on her. Every eye was on Cecilia, some filled with skepticism, others with outright distrust. Despite their doubts, no one opposed Emily's accusation; they didn't dare risk agitating her further.
Cecilia pressed her lips together, preparing to speak. Yet before she could utter a word, Emily's body crumpled. Arabella tightened her hold, her terror palpable.
"Is the ambulance here yet?" Caspian’s voice shook with urgency.
A maid dashed up the stairs, breathless. "The ambulance is at the gate!"
"Hurry! Get Emily to the hospital!"
Christopher scooped Emily into his arms, racing downstairs to the waiting ambulance. The household followed in a cacophony of hurried footsteps, some piling into the ambulance, others scrambling for their cars.
Cecilia remained by the door with Alaric and Rebecca, awaiting Jasper to lead the car around.. Rebecca sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "I thought you were more capable than this."
Cecilia shot her a glance but said nothing. Despite the tension, she felt a reassuring hand squeeze hers, Alaric offering silent comfort. Surprisingly, she found herself strangely calm. She had anticipated this, preparing herself mentally, and now she was ready to face it.
Jasper arrived promptly with the car. Everyone clambered in, their destination clear. They sped to the hospital where the Whitaker family crowded the emergency room corridor, a collective breath held in anxious anticipation.
Arabella’s tears had swollen her eyes, her fear for Emily's wellbeing all-consuming. Caspian stood by her, offering solace despite his own anxiety. Around them, the others stayed silent, the air thick with tension.
After about half an hour, the emergency room doors swung open. Arabella rushed forward, her body trembling. "How is my daughter?" she implored the doctor.
The doctor's expression was one of reassurance. "Don’t worry, your daughter fainted from excessive grief. Her heart is temporarily stable. However, given her condition, I recommend she remain in the hospital for observation to ensure her heart isn’t compromised."
Arabella sighed with palpable relief. "Thank you. We’ll do whatever you advise. Just make sure she’s okay."
"Mrs. Whitaker, could you come with me for a moment? There's something we need to discuss," the doctor murmured privately to Arabella.
Arabella tensed up again.
The doctor, sensing her unease, added softly, "Don't worry, it's just a small matter. Ms. Emily Whitaker asked me to pass on a message to you."
Arabella exhaled a shaky sigh of relief and followed the doctor to a quieter corner. From a distance, the family watched as the doctor's words gradually made Arabella's expression grow somber. Their conversation was brief, punctuated by the doctor's nod before he walked away.
Meanwhile, a team of doctors and nurses wheeled Emily out of the emergency room. Instantly, everyone crowded around, their concern palpable.
"Emily, how are you? Are you feeling better?"
"Emily, are you OK? Is there any discomfort?"
"Emily..."
Their anxious questions poured out as they accompanied her to her room.
Just then, Arabella, who had been moving to Emily's side, called out, "Cecilia."
Cecilia stopped in her tracks.
"I need to speak with you. Alone," Arabella said firmly.
"Of course." Cecilia agreed without hesitation.
Alaric, standing close by, looked unsettled by Arabella's request. His protective instincts flared, and he hesitated to leave Cecilia’s side.
"You go ahead with Emily. I'll join you soon," Cecilia reassured him.
Alaric's brows knitted together in a frown. He seemed reluctant but nodded eventually.
"Go on." Cecilia urged him.
With a reluctant glance, Alaric departed with the others, leaving Cecilia and Arabella alone in the antiseptic-lit hallway.
Cecilia broke the silence first. "What is it you need to tell me?"
Arabella sighed deeply. "If I didn't have such a fragile daughter, I wouldn't be saying this to you...”
"You are her mother. I understand," Cecilia replied with a gentle smile, though her eyes hinted she already knew what was coming.
"I believe Pamela's death has nothing to do with you. But the doctor told me something..." Arabella's voice wavered. "Emily doesn't want to see you. It's not that she blames you or thinks you killed Pamela; it's just that seeing you reminds her of Pamela, and it makes her grief unbearable..."
Arabella's voice trailed off, the words hanging heavily in the air.
Cecilia nodded. "I understand. I won’t see Emily."
Arabella nodded, a mix of gratitude and helplessness etched on her face. She reached out and took Cecilia's hand, squeezing it as if searching for words.
"I'll leave the hospital soon, so Emily won't have to see me. But I need to get some of my belongings from the house," Cecilia said.
"Alaric can take you," Arabella quickly offered, eager to show her appreciation.
Cecilia shook her head. "No, let Alaric stay with Emily. He’s probably worried about her. I can manage on my own."
Without waiting for a response, Cecilia turned and walked away, a resolute air about her. As she exited the hallway, her lips curled into a cold, determined smile.
She wasn't going back just to collect her things. She was going back to uncover the truth.
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