At that moment, Teresa finally understood everything. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. Her elder sister had been right by her side, yet she had been oblivious, like a fool.

“Hannah, my dear sister, you won’t die. I’ll wait for you right outside the door. Let’s have a proper talk about everything from these past years,” she said.

She could only watch as Jennifer was wheeled into the operating room. The red light above the door turned on. Teresa crouched on the ground, pressing her hands against the door, sobbing in despair. She hadn’t even reconciled with Jennifer yet, or told her how much she and Evelyn missed her. There were so many things she wanted to say.

A clean handkerchief was handed to her. Donald said gently, “Teresa, please don’t cry. Jennifer will be fine. I promise I won’t let anything happen to her!”

Through her tear-blurred eyes, Teresa looked up and noticed that even Donald’s eyes glistened with tears.

He began, “I was with Jennifer after work today. It started snowing again, and the roads were slippery. I told her to drive carefully, but she wanted to stop by the supermarket to buy some short ribs for stew. As she was making a U-turn, I saw her collide with an out-of-control truck. I pulled her out of the driver’s seat—her arms and legs were covered in blood from the shattered glass. She told me to call you. At first, I didn’t understand that you two were sisters. But just now, she told me she was your elder sister. That’s when it hit me.”

Hearing that, Teresa broke down completely. She exclaimed, “It’s all my fault! I’m such a failure! Hannah was right here with me all along, and I was too clueless to realize! She even bought short ribs for me because I mentioned yesterday that I was craving lamb ribs. She said she’d make it for me today because I don’t know how to cook. She moved in with me, kept everything hidden from me, and took care of me!”

Teresa’s face was soaked with tears, and nothing Donald said could console her. She couldn’t stop crying as memories of Jennifer filled her mind. Her elder sister, originally named Hannah, was now known as Jennifer. Teresa wondered why she changed her name and what she had been through all these years. She wanted to know everything and protect Hannah, to shield her from harm—as long as Jennifer survived.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Evelyn: [How’s your friend? Is she okay?]

Teresa sobbed even harder when she saw the message. She replied: [She’s fine. Safe and sound.]

Evelyn responded: [It’s snowing again. Drive carefully and come home early. You don’t need to stop by my place.]

Teresa replied, [Got it.]

She couldn’t tell Evelyn about Hannah just yet. She was afraid Evelyn might break down even more than she had.

The red light outside the operating room turned off in the early hours of the morning.

“Doctor, how is she? How’s my sister?” Teresa asked as she rushed forward, with Donald close behind.

“Dr. Nelson is out of danger now. Thanks to Donald’s prompt actions, her head and internal organs were unharmed. It’s a real blessing,” the doctor replied.

“Thank you,” Teresa choked out, tears streaming down her face as she clasped the doctor’s hand and bowed deeply. “Thank you so much!” she repeated.

Jennifer was transferred to a ward. Donald went to check on her, and Teresa followed. Jennifer was still unconscious. Seeing her pale, thin face, Teresa felt another wave of guilt. It was all her fault. Jennifer only had her as family, so she needed to go home and bring Michael over to care for Jennifer. But first, she…

“Teresa, don’t drive. Take a cab instead. The roads are slippery in this weather, and you’re not in the right state of mind to drive,” Donald said.

“I’ll drive slowly. Take care of Hannah for me. I’ll be back soon,” Teresa replied.

She got into the parked Maybach. The faint scent of Jonathan still lingered in the car. Leaning back in the seat, she let out a bitter laugh. Right now, she desperately needed a shoulder to lean on. But he wasn’t here. Just like when her grandparents passed away—he wasn’t there then either. Every time she broke down and cried, he was never by her side.

At Rosary Estates, Michael had been waiting by the window for Teresa to come home. He tossed aside his plush toy and ran to her as soon as she walked in. He said, “Mommy, why are you so late? Ms. Doctor hasn’t come home either.”

Teresa crouched down, and Michael noticed her red, swollen eyes. “Mommy, were you crying?” he asked.

Teresa held his hand, though her hands were icy cold. She choked out the truth. “Ms. Doctor is actually Mommy’s elder sister, your aunt. She’s very sick now, and no one’s there to take care of her. We need to go and look after her.”

Michael tilted his head, thinking for a moment. “So I should call her Aunt Hannah from now on, right?” he asked.

“Yes, you should call her Aunt Hannah. She’s your real aunt,” Teresa said, pinching his cheek.

After packing a few clothes, she took Michael to the hospital, not wanting Jennifer to wake up without anyone by her side.

On the way, Michael excitedly fiddled with the controls in Jonathan’s car. His eyes sparkled as he asked, “Mommy, is this Mr. Lime’s car?”

“He lent it to me for a couple of days. Sit tight,” Teresa said.

“Humph, Mr. Lime is still on his business trip, isn’t he?” Michael said.

“He should be back soon, but I don’t know,” Teresa replied. She wasn’t in the mood to ask Jonathan when he would return. Her mind was entirely preoccupied with family matters.

Teresa had just parked the car when she caught a glimpse of Donald disappearing down the corridor. It suddenly dawned on her, and she turned to look at Michael behind her. She was exasperated. How much longer were they going to keep the secret from Michael? But if they revealed his identity now, it would be complete chaos. She had no energy to engage in a tug-of-war with Jonathan and Irene over the child. The matters at home were already overwhelming.

“Michael, promise me one thing. While we’re in the hospital, don’t call me ‘Mommy,’ don’t leave my sight, and don’t talk to strangers,” Teresa said.

“What if I don’t promise you that?” Michael asked.

“Then I’ll cry right here!” Teresa said, word by word.

Michael helplessly spread his hands. “A woman’s tears, the ultimate weapon. Fine, I’ll agree. Satisfied?” he replied.

Not bothering to banter further, Teresa scooped up Michael and got out of the car. Meanwhile, Donald was busy running up and down the hospital, arranging a bed and admission for Jennifer. Then he spotted Teresa holding Michael’s hand, walking toward him. Michael wore a scarf and a white mask, revealing only a pair of bright, spirited eyes. Donald glanced at him once, then couldn’t help but look several more times.