Without thinking, Hannah dropped to her knees, almost reflexively. Heather approached and stopped beside her, staring down without a word.

Hannah kept her head down, her lips pursed tightly. She felt Heather's glare, anticipating punishment for her meal with Ralph. Yet, a strange calm settled over her.

"You think you're a full-fledged bird now, don't you?" Heather said casually, resting a hand on Hannah's shoulder. "Ready to fly solo?"

Pain shot through Hannah's shoulder. Despite their resemblance, she was no match for Heather's strength. Hannah had learned kickboxing as a child, but lacked her sister's powerful build and natural aptitude. Weakened by her long confinement in the basement, she could only venture out for brief respites at night.

Hannah felt her sister's grip tighten, wondering if Heather intended to crush her shoulder. 'If she wants to crush my shoulder, then so be it,' she thought. 'Unwanted by my family, I shouldn't have existed. There's nothing to miss here, except...'

Reluctance lingered. She had just accepted Ralph's proposal and hadn't yet lived their life together. Her lips paled, her face contorted with pain. She remained silent, gritting her teeth, sweat streaming down her face, neither groaning nor begging for mercy.

Heather's anger intensified. "Well, well, not so tough now, are you? Why the disobedience? Is it because of that man?" She tightened her grip, speaking wildly. 'This girl has always obeyed me. My words were law. She never defied me, never overstepped bounds until today. She always returned promptly, never lingering. When I was in a good mood, I'd buy her new clothes, let her have a feast, enjoy some freedom. But she pushed her luck.' Heather, though reclusive, had spies everywhere. She knew everything: Hannah's movements, her meetings, her meals, everything.

Heather had slept longer than usual due to her injury. By the time she awoke, night had fallen, and Hannah hadn't returned. 'That chump told me she left work early with Ralph, dined at a five-star hotel, and he proposed! Outrageous! Who does she think she is?' Heather's anger surged, her grip crushing Hannah's shoulder; a crack sounded.

"Argh!" Hannah moaned, paling before collapsing. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.