The hospital was bustling with activity, but a stern reminder from a passing nurse brought a hush to the chaos.
"Let's try to keep it down. There are other patients here who want to rest."
Victoria, quick to feel contrite, mumbled an apology to the nurse while simultaneously reaching out to shield Mara. She hadn't expected Mara to lash out, shoving her aside and bolting for the exit.
Alone on the rooftop of the hospital, Mara let the tears flow. "Oh, for heaven's sake, why are you doing this to me? Why did you give me a sister I can't stand? I don't need her! Can't you just take her away? If it's possible, just let me be an only child!"
Her plea was met with a crack of thunder, as if the sky itself was responding. Rain poured down on her, but Mara felt a twisted sense of relief amid the downpour and made no move to seek shelter.
At that moment, Mara's resolve hardened. If the heavens couldn't hear her plea, couldn't grant her the outcome she desired, then she'd take matters into her own hands. Life was too long to live in someone else's shadow, to be overlooked when Victoria was around. Would Balfour even spare her a glance with Victoria in the picture?
She knew the answer without asking, and she was determined to change the narrative with her own two hands.
Victoria took a few steps after Mara, her heart torn between the chase and the concern for her father. Reluctantly, she stopped and turned back.
Resting a hand on her forehead, she sighed deeply before addressing Balfour, "Thanks, Balfour, but this is a sister thing. You getting involved will just complicate matters."
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