Chapter 1007

Although Hannah hid in a corner, how could Heather, with years of kickboxing experience, miss her? "Come out!" Heather yelled sharply. A thin body staggered from the corner.

"H-Heather, I..." Hannah flinched. Heather felt annoyance wash over her. How could someone so like her be so weak? Hannah's existence felt shameful.

"Come here!" Heather ordered, taking two deep breaths to calm herself. Hannah obeyed, walking towards her sister before stopping, shrugging, and lowering her head, unable to meet Heather's gaze. She stood, allowing Heather to scrutinize her.

Heather's eyes lingered on the gauze around Hannah's earlobe. She remembered the earring incident two days prior and felt a pang of discomfort. "Are your ears better?"

Though blunt, Heather's tone held a hint of concern, surprising Hannah. She raised her head, her eyes like those of a frightened rabbit before quickly dropping them.

"B-Better," she stammered.

"That's good. Don't make your own decisions next time!"

"Okay," Hannah replied softly.

Heather's thoughts drifted to the future. Hannah, according to her plan, would marry Ralph, taking her place. However, Heather hadn't considered the long-term implications. The secret handbook consumed her thoughts; men were of little concern. She'd even considered using Hannah as a replacement, marrying and sleeping with Ralph to save herself trouble, freeing her to focus on her family. But a few days at the Russell Estate had shifted her perspective.

Heather recalled Ralph, finding him less irritating than she'd anticipated. She even subconsciously replayed their kiss. 'Ralph Russell, huh?' she mused, turning to her "copy." Had Hannah kissed him? Had she gone further?

Hannah's anxiety intensified as her sister approached. Her heart pounded when Heather stood before her. "H-Heather, I..." Hannah stammered, trembling.

Heather grabbed Hannah's chin, tilting her head up to force eye contact. "Has he ever kissed you?" Heather asked, lightly stroking Hannah's lips with her thumb. Hannah was stunned by the question. Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her voice was barely audible, but her eyes were sharp.

"I-I..."

"Hmph, I see," Heather snorted, understanding Hannah's unspoken answer. 'Jerk!' she thought.