"It's no wonder you look so alike!" Ralph exclaimed, his understanding dawning alongside a fresh wave of puzzlement. "Why imitate her? Just because you resemble her?"

The glow in Hannah's eyes dimmed. "Because I want to live," she whispered.

"To live?"

"Yes." She nodded, her gaze dropping. "There's a generational curse among the Riggs family. We can live peacefully if we have only one child. But more than one brings disaster. No matter how many children, only one survives—if any survive at all."

"So, as twins, only one of you can live," Ralph realized.

Ralph's eyes widened. "What kind of absurd curse is that?" he blurted.

Hannah didn't respond, though she shared his skepticism. She, too, found the curse ludicrous; however, her parents believed it fervently. Her mother's siblings had died, leaving her the sole survivor of a peaceful life. Her mother, initially wanting a single child, was unprepared for twins. She'd considered killing one at birth, but her husband intervened, suggesting a competition; the more competent would inherit the family fortune and live.

Heather proved far more competent. She excelled, was stronger than Hannah, and, crucially, was a skilled kickboxer and fiercely competitive, while Hannah craved a simple life. Hannah only learned of the curse when she nearly died. From then on, her purpose was to serve as her sister's cover, performing tasks for Heather. She was no longer Hannah, but Heather's shadow.

Her parents struck this compromise—avoiding infanticide while appeasing the supposed curse. To the outside world, they had only one daughter, Heather. This is how Hannah survived, her existence unknown beyond the family.

Ralph found the situation preposterous. What kind of parents would consider killing their child over a ridiculous curse? They're incredibly cruel, he thought.

"So you've been kind to me, while Heather is the one who injured my arm?" The pieces clicked into place. Now it makes sense. I've been treated differently because Heather and Hannah are two separate people.

"She hurt you? Where? Is it serious?" Hannah asked anxiously.

"I'm fine!" Ralph grinned, taking her hand. "It doesn't hurt anymore now that you're here. Annie, you're the only one who's truly kind to me." She was the only one who hadn't scorned him in his misfortune; she'd offered him shelter, becoming a kind of saint.

"I..." Hannah blushed, her heart racing at his gentle words.

Seeing her rosy cheeks and luminous eyes, Ralph felt a surge of desire and kissed her.