Chapter 1214

When Heather awoke, darkness had fallen. She found herself in a stark white hospital ward, her arm attached to an IV drip. Lily sat beside her, slowly peeling an orange. Its refreshing scent filled the small room. Lily looked up and offered a slight smile. "You're awake?"

"Why are you here?" Heather asked, her voice low.

"Someone needed to keep you company, and I was free," Lily replied. After a pause, she added softly, "I'm sorry for your loss."

Heather offered a wry smile, a flicker of remembrance crossing her face. "Sorry? What's to be sorry about? I knew since childhood that she was going to die. It was always either her or me. I'm better off now that the curse came true; I don't have to worry anymore."

Though she attempted to sound casual, her grief was evident in her expression.

Lily was silent for a moment before speaking. "Have you ever considered that the so-called curse wasn't a curse at all? Perhaps it only existed because of people's fear, their nature, and self-interest."

Heather stared at her in bewilderment.

"If you hadn't both worried so much about this 'curse,' you and your sister could have grown up together happily, as ordinary people," Lily continued. "The curse might have broken without anyone dying. Everyone might have been happier."

Lily believed that, despite their competitive upbringing, the twins shared a deep bond. Hannah had strived to emulate Heather, exerting a significant influence on her sister. Despite their hatred and resentment, an unwitting connection had formed between them.

"Perhaps," Heather murmured, sighing softly as she gazed out the window.

Lily continued, recalling the doctor's words, "He said it will take three to five years to recover from the poisoning. You need to take care of yourself and avoid kickboxing as much as possible."

"Practicing for what?" Heather asked listlessly, raising a hand to examine it. "I trained for years, believing I'd be undefeated. And this is what I get?"

Lily rose, placing the peeled orange on the nightstand. "It's late, and I should go. I hope you recover soon."

As she walked toward the exit, a thought occurred to her, causing her to glance back. "Oh, the Russell family hopes you won't take your anger out on Ralph." The mention of the Russell family served as a warning; they wouldn't stand idly by if she sought revenge on Ralph.

Heather snorted, averting her gaze. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to him. That wretched girl always put him first, even until she died," she mumbled almost inaudibly. "What a fool."

Whether Hannah was a fool was debatable, but Lily knew the younger sister held a special place in Heather's heart. Still, Lily reflected, second chances are rare.