His Regret Missed the Deadline

After she was intimate with her husband, Derrick Gladwin, Celine Clarkson headed to the bathroom to clean up. Then the closet door swung open. Jenny Dlay—Celine's best friend—popped out, laughing like crazy. "Wow, Cece. You act all innocent, but you still make that face when things get good? I'm dead." Jenny rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, mocking the way Celine had bitten her lip and trembled. Celine went pale and froze. Jenny didn't care. She strutted over, went up on her toes, and hooked an arm around Derrick's neck, her nails brushing through his Adam's apple. "Okay, Ricky. Didn't know you had that in you. You seriously wore her out." She smirked. "Almost feel bad for her." Derrick laughed and flicked her forehead. "Told you. You just didn't believe me." "Can you blame me? I thought you were all talk." Jenny grinned and tugged at his robe. "Guess I'll have to check for myself..." Chapter 1 Like always, whenever Derrick Gladwin and Jenny Dlay were together, they went from grown adults to a couple of eight-year-olds. Jenny and Celine had grown up together. Jenny was gorgeous, outgoing, and way easier to like. Even someone as cold, distant as Derrick had warmed up to her after only three meetings. He'd even bent the rules and hired Jenny as his personal assistant at the law firm, despite her only having a high school diploma. Sometimes Celine wondered if Derrick would've married her if he'd met Jenny first. One night, she finally asked. Derrick paused, then pulled her trembling body closer. "She's your friend. That's the only reason I put up with her." His eyes stayed on Celine. "No one can replace you. You're one of a kind." Her heart had gone crazy. After that, she forced herself to accept how close they were. But now, their teasing sounded almost like flirting, and the tension between them kept building. Celine alone stood frozen, shaking with humiliation. She finally snapped and swung at Jenny. "Jenny! Are you freaking insane? Why were you hiding in my closet?!" Derrick caught her wrist. He chuckled. "Still got that much energy? Guess I didn't wear you out enough." He gave a helpless sigh. "JenJen's just a little freak. She got curious. "She wouldn't stop bugging me, so I let her watch for a minute. I knew you'd freak out, so I didn't tell you." Celine's heart clenched. "You let her?" Her voice came out hoarse. "Derrick, that was private. That was ours... How could you—" "What's the big deal? Why are you being so uptight?" Jenny casually threw an arm around Celine's shoulders. "Cece, are you seriously mad? "I only took a pic of your face. Nothing else showed." Celine's eyes went red. She lunged for the phone. "You took pictures too?!" Jenny ducked behind Derrick, laughing as she held the phone out of reach. "Your face was way too funny! I couldn't help it, so I sent it to everyone!" Derrick lowered his gaze and stepped in front of Jenny. Celine kept reaching for the phone, her knees slamming into the floor again and again. But the glowing screen stayed out of reach behind Derrick's broad chest. Her chest hurt so badly that tears burned her eyes. Finally, Jenny ran out of breath from laughing and slumped against Derrick's back, breathless. "Okay, okay, I'm done..." Derrick easily caught Celine's wrist when she reached again. "Enough. Don't be so petty." Ignoring the sharp pain in her wrist, Celine yanked the phone away. A group chat she'd never seen before popped up. Owner: Derrick. Admin: Jenny. Everyone from the law firm was in it—even the janitors. Everyone except her. The hundred-person chat was flooded with her picture. [Holy crap! Celine Clarkson acts like such an ice queen, but she's this wild in private?] [I went through a whole box of tissues. That's insanely hot!] Celine's fingers shook as she scrolled up. Jenny showed off in the group chat every day. She posted pics of the diamond necklace Derrick had put on her himself and bragged about the huge case he'd turned down just to go to a concert with her. Everyone joked that Jenny was [the boss's girlfriend.] Derrick had even replied: [Only call her that in private. Don't let Celine find out. She takes everything personally. She'll cause a scene.] Every word stung. When tears slid down Celine's cheeks, Derrick frowned and wiped them away. "You know you're way too sensitive. We kept it from you just fine, but you had to snoop. "Now you can't handle what you saw. So who are you putting on this whole show for?" Jenny came over and clung to Celine's other arm. "Cece, don't cry. Ricky and I are just messing around. "You and me? Best friends forever." They each held one of her hands like they'd done it a thousand times. Celine only felt cold. With those two, she'd always be the third wheel. "Let's get divorced. Then you two can do whatever you want. I'm done being part of this." Chapter 2 Celine spoke softly, but Derrick's brows drew together. "Knock it off. I'm tired." He lazily rested his chin on her head, clearly not taking her seriously. "I don't have time for these empty threats. "See? This is exactly why we didn't add you to the group. You take everything way too seriously. Maybe learn from JenJen for once. She doesn't freak out over stupid little stuff like this." Stupid little stuff. The words rang in Celine's ears. Jenny leaned into Derrick, practically hanging off his arm. "Hear that, Cece? Quit being so petty!" Celine suddenly looked up and laughed. "Derrick Gladwin, so being generous means not caring when someone shares private pics of your wife so everyone can laugh at her? That it? "Well, I care!" Before either could react, she raised the phone, aimed at Jenny's grinning face, and snapped a pic. Derrick scowled. He smacked Celine's hand away. The phone went flying. Celine stumbled back and cracked her head against the corner of the vanity. She braced herself on one arm and tried to get up. Her fingers touched the back of her head. Blood. But Derrick didn't even look at her. He was too busy. Busy comforting Jenny, pulling out his phone, and tapping away. Messages deleted. Group chat gone. Just like that. Celine laughed until tears ran down her face. He said Jenny had a good attitude. Of course she did. No matter what happened, Jenny never had to lift a finger. Derrick fixed everything for her. What did she have to be upset about? But the second Celine called out how unfair it was, she was petty. "Ricky..." Jenny sniffled, holding up her arm. "My arm..." It was barely a scratch. Derrick immediately took Jenny's hand and gently blew on it. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to the hospital." Then he got up and walked right past Celine without even looking at her. Celine sat on the floor, blood running down her neck and soaking her collar. It was so ridiculous, she almost laughed. Her head was split open, but her husband only cared about Jenny's tiny scratch. She gave a bitter smile as she reached for the first-aid kit. Without a mirror, she had to feel around, pressing alcohol-soaked cotton to the cut on the back of her head. One cotton ball after another came away red. Eventually, even the pain went numb. She opened her laptop, the cold screen lighting up her pale face. She started a new document and typed the title— Divorce Agreement. As a lawyer, she'd handled more divorces than she could count. She knew the process by heart. She just never thought she'd be writing one for herself. The room was pitch-black. She remembered how scared of the dark she'd been when they first got married. Derrick used to leave a warm night-light on for her every night. Once, she'd woken up in the middle of the night and found him frowning, his eyes struggling with the light. But the second he realized she was awake, he pulled her close and asked in a rough voice if she'd had a nightmare. Every memory of him patiently putting up with her sensitivity now felt like glass in her chest. She kept typing until her numb fingers hurt. By the time gray light crept through the window, she was staring at one line: [Both parties voluntarily agree to dissolve their marriage.] Celine let out a long breath, then fell asleep in her clothes. ... The next morning, Celine had barely opened the door when Jenny wandered in, yawning. "Morning, Cece." She rubbed her eyes. "We stayed out way too late, so we got a hotel room. "Your husband snores like crazy. Seriously, how much do you love him to put up with that?" Derrick hooked a finger under her shoulder strap. "You drooled all over the pillow, and I didn't say a word..." Jenny giggled and dodged him. "Relax, Cece! Ricky and I are basically bros. I don't even see him as a guy, so don't make it weird..." Derrick smirked. "You're flat front and back. Who are you calling a guy?" Celine's face stayed blank. She walked over and held out the bound papers. "Divorce papers. Look them over. If everything's fine, sign them. Then I'll be out of your way." Chapter 3 Derrick scoffed. Without even reading the papers, he took them from her and ripped them to shreds. "Celine, can you stop assuming the worst about everyone?" His voice stayed calm, but every word cut. "There's nothing going on between JenJen and me. "And you're really going to brand her a homewrecker over some stupid papers? I won't let that happen." Celine stared at him. Even the raw ache in her chest was gone now. Just numbness. "Derrick, I told you I want a divorce, and your first thought wasn't how badly I'd been hurt or why I'd finally had enough. "It was Jenny's reputation?" She stepped closer, shaking with anger. "You keep saying there's nothing between you. You spent the whole night in the same bed with her. Fine, maybe nothing happened, but it still disgusts me. Am I seriously not allowed to feel that way?!" "Cece, stop..." Jenny suddenly burst into tears and slapped herself twice. "This is all my fault! I'm horrible! You're my best friend, and Derrick means so much to me too. "Please don't fight because of me..." She rushed in to hug Celine, but Celine shoved her away. "If you actually cared about me, you wouldn't keep throwing yourself at my husband!" Jenny froze. She clearly hadn't expected that from usually soft-spoken Celine. "Celine, how could you say that about me?!" Covering her face, Jenny stumbled out. Derrick's voice turned cold. "Celine, you're the one with a dirty mind. That's why everything looks dirty to you." Derrick stared at her for a long moment, disappointment written all over his face. Then he turned and ran after Jenny. "JenJen!" The front door slammed shut. Celine was alone in the apartment again. She slowly crouched and picked up the shredded divorce papers, piece by piece. 'Whatever. I'll print another copy.' Sooner or later, Derrick would get it. This wasn't some threat. She really wanted out. ... Celine got to the law firm half an hour late. She stopped outside, suddenly unable to move. Last night's photos flashed through her head. Her private expressions, blasted across a hundred-person group chat. For the first time, she was scared to face her coworkers. She sucked in a breath and forced herself toward the door. Then a hoarse shout came from the lobby. Her dad. George Clarkson. Celine froze as last night's call flashed through her mind. George had sounded cheerful. "Celine, I made those homemade pickles you love. Want me to bring you some?" She'd been signing the divorce papers, completely drained. "Dad, don't bother. Soon... I'll take some time off and come see you." There was a pause. Then her dad asked awkwardly, worry thick in his voice, "Celine, you don't sound right. Are you sick? Did you and Derrick fight...?" "I'm fine!" She cut him off fast, choking back a sob. "Dad, don't worry about me. I have to go." He'd known something was wrong. Her dad barely ever traveled, but after that call, he'd rushed over that same night. ... Celine's heart tightened as she ran inside. Then she saw him. Her blood ran cold. Her father was pinned to the floor like an animal. His cheek was smashed against the floor, his face streaked with tears and snot. Derrick stood nearby, frowning. "Strip him. Search everything." Her coworkers just watched. Not one of them stepped in. "Get off my dad!" Celine rushed forward. Someone stuck out a foot. She tripped and slammed into the reception desk, pain shooting through her elbow. A female lawyer who'd always hated her leaned in with a nasty smirk. "Wow, Celine. Last night wear you out that bad? You can't even walk straight? Legs still weak?" The woman grabbed her. Celine fought like crazy, digging her nails into the woman's arm. "Let go of my dad!" Her voice shook. "What the hell happened?! Tell me!" Chapter 4 Several coworkers traded knowing looks, but no one answered. They just held her tighter. "Stay out of it. Mr. Gladwin's dead set on pressing charges against his own father-in-law. Cops'll be here any minute." Celine's stomach dropped. 'The cops? How the hell did this happen?!' All she could do was watch as two security guards ripped open her dad's shirt. She'd bought him that shirt during her first year as a lawyer, skipping meals for two weeks just to afford it. George treasured that shirt. He only wore it on holidays, special occasions, or important trips into the city. Even in the heat, he'd buttoned it all the way up, sweat soaking the collar. Now, the one nice thing he'd put on was ripped apart. His chest was exposed, and he shook with humiliation. Still, he forced a smile at Celine. Somehow, it was more heartbreaking than tears. "Celine... I'm fine. Don't worry. "There's probably been some misunderstanding with Derrick. We'll clear it up..." Celine's tears spilled instantly. Then someone yanked out a diamond necklace and held it up. "Found it! He really did steal it!" Jenny peeked out from behind Derrick, tear tracks still streaking her face. "Yes! That's mine!" Her voice turned sugary. "Ricky gave it to me for my birthday. It cost twenty grand! "I thought it was way too flashy, so I barely wore it. Who knew..." She snuggled against Derrick, rose on her toes, and planted a loud kiss on his jaw. "You're such a real one! I seriously thought you'd cover for Celine's father and refuse to believe me." Derrick slipped an arm around her waist, amusement in his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I believe every word you say. "And I won't let anyone mess with you." George crumpled on the floor, his eyes going wide. His own son-in-law was standing there, holding another woman like she was the one who mattered. George snapped. He struggled to his feet and shouted, "Derrick! Did you betray Celine?! Are you... Are you cheating on her?" "Mr. Clarkson! How could you say that?!" Jenny jerked out of Derrick's arms, her face falling. "Ricky and I are just friends! Don't make it sound so disgusting!" The smile vanished from Derrick's face. "George, keep making accusations without proof and you could be looking at a defamation case." Celine watched her dad shake with anger and humiliation. She swallowed her own rage. "Dad, calm down. This isn't the time." Her mouth twisted bitterly. "Those two... don't matter to me anymore." She turned to Derrick and forced herself to stand tall. "My dad would never do this. Derrick, you're a lawyer. You know better than anyone that finding something on him doesn't prove he stole it—" Sirens cut her off. Two cops walked in and restrained George. He panicked, tears spilling down his face. "Celine... I didn't steal it!" Every desperate "I didn't steal it" tore at her heart. But she couldn't stop this now. Holding back tears, she said, "Dad, don't be scared. Just cooperate for now. "Trust me. I'll prove you didn't do it." Chapter 5 George was taken away. Behind Celine, Derrick's cold voice cut through the room. "I'll represent Jenny in your father's case. "And I'll personally make sure she gets justice." Celine went pale. Derrick was the best lawyer in Nordica City. He'd never lost a case. If he wanted her dad behind bars, George didn't stand a chance. Celine swallowed her pride. "How much does Jenny want? I'll pay it. "Just don't press charges, okay?" Derrick looked down at Celine's pale face, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. He reached out to steady her, but whatever hesitation he had quickly turned cold. "Celine, don't do this. I'm a lawyer. If I let my feelings get in the way, I'd only hurt the victim again." Celine shook, and the tears finally fell. She stared at him like she didn't know him at all. Derrick brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Don't make this harder. Find another way if you want, but I won't help you. That's my line. "You're my wife. If I helped you, it wouldn't be fair to JenJen." 'Fair. That word again.' Jenny had obviously framed her dad. The setup was so obvious. And somehow, Derrick still believed her without question. If he wanted to take Jenny's side, fine. But calling it fair? That somehow made Celine look like the unreasonable one. She shoved him away, wiped her tears, and stumbled out. 'If Derrick won't help me, I'll do it myself.' ... For the next few days, Celine barely stopped moving. She sat through one dinner after another, forcing smiles and knocking back glass after glass of liquor. Her stomach burned. Once, in the restroom, she even saw bright red streaks in her vomit. She gripped the sink, about to rinse her mouth, when a hand appeared beside her. Long fingers held out a neatly folded handkerchief. "Do you need me to call a doctor?" Celine looked up fast. She found a striking man watching her. The man wore a sharp charcoal suit and watched her quietly. Celine looked at the handkerchief, her grip tightening on the sink. Him again. For the past six months, whenever Derrick and Jenny left her sitting alone somewhere, this guy always seemed to show up. Never too close. Never too far. Just a few tables away, watching her. She'd always thought it was weird, but never gave it much thought. Now, when she didn't take the handkerchief and only looked at him warily, disappointment flickered across his face. He pulled his hand back and set the handkerchief on the dry counter. "I'm sorry." He gave a small nod. "I crossed a line." He handed her a business card, concern still in his eyes. "If you ever need help, call me. "Don't worry. I'm not some creep." With a polite nod, he left. Celine stared at the card for a long moment before picking it up with shaky fingers. [Hank Harrison] [CEO, Ventura Corp] She pulled out her phone and looked up the company. Ventura Corp had been a major player in Nordica City for decades, with influence way beyond Derrick's reach. Celine stared at the card, her fingertips cold. Nobody offered help for free. Especially not someone as powerful as Hank. His kindness had to come with a price she couldn't even guess. Celine tucked the card into the deepest pocket of her purse. She quickly wiped her mouth, fixed her makeup, and went back to the private dining room. But the second everyone heard Derrick was opposing counsel, they backed out. "Celine, you're married to Derrick. Why come to us? Go home, be a little nicer, and talk to your husband. Wouldn't that work better?" A bitter smile tugged at her lips. 'Be a little nicer?' She'd already begged him. She'd swallowed every ounce of pride she had, only for him to say, "The law doesn't make exceptions for personal feelings." What else was she supposed to do?! Then yesterday's visit with George hit her all over again. Through the glass, she'd seen small cuts all over her dad's aging face. His hands were bruised and swollen, so bad he could barely hold the phone right. But the second he saw her, he still forced a smile and awkwardly waved. "Celine, don't worry... I'm eating fine. I'm warm. I'm doing great in here. "Don't worry about me..." That fake smile hurt worse than if he'd broken down crying. Celine bit her lip until she tasted blood, forcing the sob back down. 'I can't wait anymore. Dad can't take much more of this.' Dead tired, she dragged herself home. The second she opened the door, she froze. Chapter 6 In the living room, Jenny lounged on the couch eating fruit while her mom, Fiona Klutz, walked out of the guest room with a yawn. Celine's chest tightened. Whenever George visited, even with the guest room sitting empty, Derrick always frowned. "Celine, have George head home after dinner. I don't like sleeping in a bed after someone else has used it." Even when Celine begged, eyes red, and promised to replace the bedding and clean the room afterward, he'd still shake his head. "No. The smell sticks around." George always brushed it off with a smile. "It's fine. City beds are too soft anyway. I sleep better at home." But Fiona was staying there now. Celine gripped the doorknob until her knuckles went white. So that was it. Derrick favored Jenny. And anyone connected to Jenny got special treatment. "Ugh, what a crappy day!" Fiona crunched on chips, dropping crumbs all over the floor. "The grocery store had eggs on sale this morning, and some woman in front of me was taking forever. "I barely shoved her a couple times, and somehow she broke her arm! Now she's blaming me. Total scam." She turned to Derrick. "Derrick, you're a lawyer. She says she's gonna sue me. Can you make it go away?" Derrick didn't even blink. "It's just a civil dispute. I already sent my secretary to deal with it. "I'll handle the case myself later. Don't worry. Make yourself at home." Then he smiled. "I studied law to solve problems." Celine went still. So much for all those principles Derrick loved preaching about. The second Jenny or Fiona was involved, none of them mattered. The hypocrisy was almost funny. Almost. Fiona sighed in relief and rubbed her feet. "Derrick, I walked so much today. My feet are killing me..." That was when Derrick finally noticed Celine. "Celine, perfect timing. Come massage Mrs. Klutz's feet." Celine shook with humiliation. 'What am I to Derrick? His freaking servant?' "No!" she said. Derrick's eyes darkened. He grabbed her and yanked her over. "Don't forget your dad's case. Cooperate, and maybe I'll help him. "Otherwise..." Celine went cold. She couldn't risk finding out what he meant. In the end, she nodded and sat on the floor in front of Fiona. She reluctantly picked up Fiona's sweaty foot. Her stomach turned. Digging her nails into her palm, Celine started massaging it, stiff and robotic. "Ow! Easy! Are you trying to crush my foot?" Fiona kicked Celine hard in the face, then smirked. "I heard you graduated from some fancy university. And look at you now, still waiting on an old woman like me." Celine's eyes burned red, but she stayed quiet. 'I'll take anything if it keeps Dad out of prison...' Like a robot, Celine kept going until the massage was over, then let go numbly. She struggled to her feet and found Derrick. "My dad's case..." Her voice was hoarse. "You promised. Can you drop the charges now?" Derrick turned to her and casually ruffled her hair. "Don't be ridiculous. When did I say I'd drop the charges? "When I said I'd help, I meant I could shave a few years off your dad's sentence. He is my father-in-law, after all. "I don't want you stressing too much." Celine stared at him. Then she snapped. "You lied to me?!" She lunged at him, pounding his chest. "Derrick! You tricked me again! You bastard!" Derrick frowned and caught her wrists. "Are you done?" He glanced toward Fiona, then lowered his voice. "Keep it down. JenJen and her mom are staying here, so get a hotel tonight. "Don't make this harder." Before Celine could argue, he opened the front door and shoved her outside. Bang. The heavy door slammed shut, cutting her off from everything inside. That night, Celine stayed at a cheap motel nearby. But she couldn't stop thinking about her dad's upcoming trial. The next day, out of options, she swallowed her hatred and called Jenny. She needed Jenny to sign a letter asking the judge for leniency. The second Jenny answered, Celine forced her voice steady. "Jenny, I'm sorry... Would you sign a letter asking the judge to reduce my dad's sentence? He's old. He can't handle prison..." To her surprise, Jenny sounded cheerful. "Cece, you don't have to apologize. We're best friends! If Ricky hadn't made such a huge deal out of this, I would've dropped it forever ago. "Don't worry. I'll sign it behind his back. Our little secret!" Relief hit Celine so hard she laughed through her tears. "Thank you... Jenny, seriously, thank you. Can we meet at the coffee shop on the corner?" "Sure! I'll be right there!" Chapter 7 After hanging up, Celine leaned against a utility pole. 'That was way too easy. It almost doesn't feel real.' Still, it was her last shot. She had to hold on to it. After texting Jenny the address, Celine waited nervously by the road. Before long, the familiar black car appeared in the distance. She took a breath, forced a stiff smile, and waved. But the car didn't slow down. It came straight at her. Celine stumbled back, but it was too fast. She couldn't get out of the way. Bang! The impact threw her to the ground. Agony ripped through her body. The next second, the car door flew open, and Derrick rushed out. For once, all that coldness was gone. He looked panicked. He dropped to one knee and carefully lifted Celine off the ground. His hand shook when it touched the wound on her back. "Celine? Celine! Look at me!" He kept calling her name. Jenny climbed out behind him, covering her mouth. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault... Cece, are you okay? "I'm horrible at keeping secrets. I was so nervous about signing that letter behind Derrick's back, I hit the gas instead of the brake..." Through the pain, Celine went still. Jenny had promised not to tell Derrick. And now she'd just said it right in front of him. Knowing Derrick, there was no way he'd let Jenny sign that letter now. Sure enough, Derrick's arms went stiff. He looked down at Celine, and the concern in his eyes vanished. "Celine, you went behind my back and pressured JenJen into signing that letter? "Are you seriously trying to use her kindness to get your dad off? A crime is a crime. The law doesn't bend because of your little schemes." Watching him flip that fast, Celine felt the last bit of warmth inside her die. "She agreed on her own..." Her voice was weak. "This has nothing to do with you..." Derrick scoffed. "I'm Jenny's attorney. I have every right to protect her interests and stop you from guilt-tripping her." Jenny stood nearby in tears, looking helpless. "I panicked, and it just slipped out... What do I do now?" Celine stared at Jenny's innocent face, bitterness twisting inside her. No wonder she'd agreed so fast. She'd never planned to sign anything. The second Celine made that call, Jenny had already set this up. But Celine couldn't think about that now. A brutal pain suddenly ripped through her lower stomach. She doubled over, clutching her abdomen. Jenny saw it. Her eyes darkened. Then she grabbed her own stomach, her face going pale. "Ricky, my stomach hurts so bad..." Derrick frowned. He looked at Celine shaking in his arms, then at Jenny curled up on the ground. After a moment, Derrick pulled Celine's hand off him. "JenJen doesn't feel well. "And you smell like blood. It'll make her sick. Get a cab to the hospital. I'll pay you back." Then he bent down and scooped Jenny into his arms. The car sped off and disappeared down the road. Celine lay in a pool of blood, shaking as she reached for her phone and called an ambulance. Chapter 8 When Celine woke up in the hospital, pain ripped through her whole body. "You're awake?" The nurse pulled back the curtain. "Your uterus was badly damaged. We were able to save you, but you lost the baby. "And you won't be able to get pregnant again. Get plenty of rest." 'Baby?' Celine stared blankly. Her periods had always been irregular, and last month's never came. She'd taken a pregnancy test, tossed it in a drawer, then completely forgot to check it with everything going on. After three years of trying, fertility meds, and treatment after treatment... She'd finally gotten the baby she wanted. Celine closed her eyes. Then a thought hit her. 'How long was I out?' "What's the date?" "The seventeenth. One in the afternoon." The nurse put away her chart and left. Celine forced herself upright. 'Dad's hearing started half an hour ago!' Pain made her vision go black, but she pushed through it and grabbed a cab to the courthouse. She was about to rush inside when someone caught her as she swayed. "There's no point going in." Derrick spoke from behind her. Calm. Cold. Empty. "The case is over." Celine snapped her head up and met his unreadable stare. Derrick stared at her deathly pale face, giving nothing away. "Court isn't a game, Celine. No one's going to sit around waiting for you to clean up your mistakes." Jenny popped out from beside him. "Cece, you didn't even show up for your own dad's hearing? That's pretty careless, don't you think? "You should've seen him in there all alone. He looked so pathetic!" The notes Celine had spent sleepless nights preparing slipped from her hand and scattered across the floor. Every time she found a little hope, it was ripped away again. This time, she broke. "Why?! Derrick, why couldn't you just help me once...?" She jerked her head up, eyes red, and slapped him as hard as she could. "That's my dad! He didn't do it! "Why won't you believe me?!" Her words broke apart as tears streamed down her bloodshot face. She'd just lost their only baby and spent two days unconscious in the hospital. And during those same two days, her husband had been busy sending her dad to prison. What a joke. Derrick's head snapped to the side, his cheek quickly turning red. "Are you done?! Court runs on evidence and procedure. You're the one who showed up late. "How is that anyone else's fault?" Derrick shoved her away and grabbed a bottle of ice water. Then he dumped it over her head. "Calm down!" Celine shuddered from the cold, but Derrick didn't even look back. His footsteps faded, leaving her there shaking. Even through the pain, she forced herself to visit her dad at the detention center. Behind the glass, George looked worn out, but he still managed a smile. "Celine, it's okay. It's only three years. They'll be over before you know it... "Don't fight with Derrick over this. He doesn't know I was framed. "Don't wreck your own life because of me. Just live well..." Celine pressed her hand against the glass until her knuckles went white. 'After everything Derrick did, how am I supposed to stay with him?' She shook her head and swallowed her tears. "Dad, we're done. Just wait for me. I'll get your conviction overturned. I swear." Celine slowly stood and looked at the wreck staring back at her in the mirror. She had nothing left. So she'd risk everything. Even herself. Taking a breath, she reached into the hidden pocket of her purse and pulled out the gold-embossed business card with shaking fingers. She called. He answered almost immediately. "Celine?" His voice was deep and calm. Celine shoved down the hatred burning inside her and got straight to it. "It's me. Mr. Harrison, I need your help. "First, get Derrick to sign the divorce papers. "Second, help clear my dad's name and overturn his conviction." Hank gave a quiet chuckle. "Then we have a deal."