Chapter 9

Edmund froze, his movements coming to a halt as he stared silently and intently at the frail, lifeless body. He stood there, motionless, like a statue. In the distance, the rescuers carried Cecilia's body toward Edmund, their steps heavy and solemn. They carefully placed the stretcher in front of him. "Mr. Stone, please accept our condolences…" The rain grew heavier, blurring Edmund's vision. He fell to his knees with a thud, and his eyes were bloodshot and swollen. His trembling hands reached out, but he couldn't bring himself to lift the body in front of him. After several attempts, he finally managed to hold Cecilia's body tightly with the help of the rescuers. Just hours ago, Cecilia had been sitting in the passenger seat, smiling. Her eyes were bright as she spoke of her feelings for him. Yet now, she lay lifeless and silent in his arms. Her cold body temperature seeped into him, wrapping his heart in an icy grip. "Cecilia, stop joking around, okay? Wake up, please," he pl