Chapter: 4

Left alone, Kaitlin lay on the hospital bed, her heart weighed down by a chilling sorrow that spread throughout her chest.

She grappled with the painful realization that Alan didn't love her, despite trying to convince herself that perhaps he was genuinely occupied with something urgent.

Yet, as the door to her room swung open once more, she braced for the return of the assistant. Instead, it was Lilliana.

Kaitlin's eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists. "Miss Willis, to what do I owe this visit?"

Lilliana's voice was soft, tinged with a mocking sweetness. "I heard about your kidnapping and injuries, Kaitlin. I was so worried, I had to come check on you. You remind me so much of my sister. It's always made me feel a special bond with you."

The message was clear to Kaitlin.

Lilliana was subtly reminding her of her place as nothing more than a stand-in for her sister.

“If your sister could see you now, pretending to be sweet and innocent in front of her fiancé, I wonder what she'd think," Kaitlin responded icily. “We're hardly close, so there's no need to use my first name."

A flicker of surprise and annoyance passed over Lilliana's face, quickly masked by a look of sorrow. "Kaitlin, does my closeness with Alan upset you?"

She adopted an innocent expression. "We're just friends. He's just looking out for me because of my sister. Don't read too much into it."

The facade nauseated Kaitlin.

Initially, she had taken Lilliana at her word, harboring no ill will towards her.

However, as time passed, Lilliana continuously invoked Ashley's name, manipulating Alan and sowing discord with petty schemes. Kaitlin now saw through her ploys.

"I'm indifferent to whatever relationship you have with him," Kaitlin stated, her tone chilling. "I'd appreciate it if you'd leave now. Save your performances for your admirers. They do nothing for me."

Tears welled up in Lilliana's eyes, portraying a deep, aggrieved hurt.

She scrambled to her feet, and deliberately dropped her phone which landed in front of Kaitlin.

As it hit the blanket, the screen flared to life, revealing an active group chat.

An image popped up, displaying Lilliana being swept off her feet by Alan, as they entered a hotel under the cover of night.

They seemed impeccably suited for each other, far more so than Kaitlin and Alan ever appeared.

The texts that followed the image were just as shocking. "Isn't that your boyfriend, Miss Willis? He's quite the looker!"

"What? Miss Willis has a boyfriend? My heart is shattered!"

Kaitlin felt a chill run through her fingers.

So, they went to a hotel after visiting the grave last night?

While she was battling for her life, what exactly was Alan up to? He was hooking up with Lilliana?