Lily’s POV

The moment Mom stepped out of the hospital room to speak with the nurse, the air changed.

It grew heavier. Sharper. The polite masks we had both been wearing in front of her slipped away at the same time, leaving only the raw, ugly truth between us. Mia sat up straighter on the bed, her bandaged ankle forgotten, eyes burning with pure fury as she stared at me.

“How dare you, Lily?” Her voice came out low and venomous. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

I didn’t flinch. I didn’t look away. I simply tilted my head slightly and answered in the same calm tone I...